The Greatest Affliction: Lessons from the Death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
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The Greatest Affliction: The Death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
The passing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is undoubtedly the greatest calamity that ever befell the Muslim Ummah. His departure left a void that no individual or event could ever fill. It was not just the physical loss of a leader but the conclusion of divine revelation and the severance of direct guidance from the most beloved of Allah’s creation. This immense loss should lead every believer to reflect deeply on their relationship with the Prophet ﷺ and their adherence to his Sunnah.
The Calamity of His Passing
When Bilal رضي الله عنه, the beloved companion and Mu’adhin of the Prophet ﷺ, attempted to call the Adhaan after the Prophet’s passing, his emotions overwhelmed him. As he reached the words, “أشهد أن محمدًا رسول الله” (“I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”), he broke down in tears, unable to continue. His grief reflected the sorrow that gripped the hearts of the entire Ummah.
This was not just a loss of a friend, teacher, or leader; it was the loss of the final Messenger, the Seal of the Prophets, and the one whose presence was a mercy to all creation. The Prophet ﷺ himself foretold the magnitude of this calamity:
“If one of you is afflicted with a calamity, then let him remember his calamity by me (i.e., by my death); for indeed, it is the greatest of calamities.”
[Sunan Ibn Majah]
The Prophet’s Final Days
In the days leading to his passing, the Prophet ﷺ demonstrated profound patience and concern for his Ummah. Despite his physical weakness, he continued to lead the prayers and advise his companions.
A notable moment occurred during his final sermon at his farewell pilgrimage, where he ﷺ emphasized:
“I leave behind me two things: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah; and if you follow them, you will never go astray.”
[Authentic Hadith]
As his health deteriorated, the Prophet ﷺ displayed the utmost humility and devotion to Allah ﷻ. Even in his final moments, he was concerned about meeting his Lord with purity, as evidenced by his repeated use of a miswak and his heartfelt dua:
“O Allah, in the highest companionship.”
[Sahih al-Bukhari]
The Ummah’s Reaction
The news of his passing struck the companions like lightning. Umar رضي الله عنه, overwhelmed with grief, initially refused to believe it until Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه reminded him of Allah’s words:
“Muhammad is no more than a messenger; many were the messengers that passed away before him…”
[Surah Aal-e-Imran: 3:144]
Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه’s steadfastness during this pivotal moment remains a timeless example of leadership and faith in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on Our Love for Him ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ was a man of unmatched character, described by Allah ﷻ as:
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
[Surah Al-Qalam: 68:4]
To claim love for him ﷺ requires more than words; it demands action. As Allah ﷻ commands:
“Say [O Muhammad]: If you [truly] love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins.”
[Surah Aal-e-Imran: 3:31]
Ways to Express Love for the Prophet ﷺ
- Adhering to the Sunnah
True love for the Prophet ﷺ is shown through following his guidance. From the way we pray to how we interact with others, the Sunnah is a complete way of life. - Salawat (Sending Blessings Upon Him)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever sends blessings upon me once, Allah will send blessings upon him tenfold.”
[Sahih Muslim]
Make it a daily habit to frequently send Salawat upon him.
- Learning and Teaching His Seerah
To love him is to know him. Study the Seerah to understand his sacrifices, character, and the divine mission he fulfilled. Share his life story with others to inspire love and connection. - Practicing His Teachings
The Prophet ﷺ exemplified kindness, humility, and devotion. Emulate his behavior in your interactions, family life, and worship. - Upholding His Legacy
Preserve the Qur’an and Sunnah in your life and community. Advocate for justice, truth, and mercy as he ﷺ taught.
The Ultimate Reunion
Bilal رضي الله عنه’s final moments remind us of the ultimate reward for those who live and die in love with the Prophet ﷺ. As he lay on his deathbed, he expressed joyful anticipation, saying:
“Tomorrow, I shall meet the beloved ones: Muhammad and his companions.”
This aspiration is a reminder of the eternal joy awaiting the faithful in the Hereafter.
A Dua for the Ummah
We ask Allah ﷻ to instill in our hearts a deep and genuine love for the Prophet ﷺ. May He make us among those who follow his Sunnah, honor his legacy, and earn his intercession on the Day of Judgment.
“O Allah, grant us the blessing of drinking from the hands of our beloved Prophet ﷺ at Al-Kawthar. Unite us with him in the highest ranks of Jannah, and make our lives a reflection of his teachings. Ameen.”
Let this reminder be a call to action. Let us not reduce our love for the Prophet ﷺ to mere words. May our deeds, character, and devotion truly reflect our love for the one who sacrificed everything for the sake of this Ummah.
اللهم صل وسلم وبارك على نبينا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين