The Best Example: Our Prophet (pbuh)

Our Prophet (pbuh)

As is well known, the primary sources of Islamic sciences are the Qur’an and Hadiths. Hadiths are reports that convey the words, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). These reports also contain principles to be followed and taken as examples. Here, we believe it will be beneficial to briefly touch upon some aspects related to the Sunnah.

a. Muslims Following the Sunnah

The verses commanding obedience to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) are fulfilled by adhering to his direct orders during his lifetime and by following his authentic Sunnah after his passing. Until the emergence of deviant movements influenced by British rule in 19th-century India, the authority of the Sunnah had never been questioned by Islamic scholars. The Sunnah has always been consulted in matters of guidance and preaching. It addresses fundamental principles concerning all of humanity. Indeed, a verse in the Qur’an states: “Say: O mankind! Verily, I am sent unto you all as the Messenger of God.” This verse emphasizes that the Prophet was sent as a messenger to all people.

b. Taking the Sunnah as an Example

The Sunnah refers to the way of life practiced by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in all aspects of life. All Muslims are required to take this way of life as an example. As another verse states: “Indeed, in the Messenger of God, you have a beautiful example.” Anyone who wishes to follow his example can observe how he acted as a family leader, how he treated his wives and children, how he interacted with other people, and how exalted his character was. Even on the battlefield, his mercy was evident.

These details can be found in books on the Prophet’s biography and physical attributes, as well as, to some extent, in Islamic jurisprudence. For instance, understanding the justice of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is only possible by learning about his fair decisions in various situations.

c. The Balanced Life Brought by the Sunnah

The words and actions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) not only reveal his way of life but also provide the most exemplary way of living. He set an example for his followers through his daily morals and conduct. In one hadith, he said: “I was sent to perfect good character.” He also demonstrated the correct way to perform acts of worship such as prayer and pilgrimage. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Pray as you have seen me pray.” “Learn from me how to perform your Hajj.”

Those who wish to follow the Prophet’s example must take his approach into account and avoid extremes. The respected Anas ibn Malik reported: Once, three men came to the houses of the Prophet’s wives to ask about his worship. When they were informed of his practices, they considered their own deeds insignificant and said:

“Where are we compared to the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him)? Indeed, God has forgiven his past and future sins.” One of them said: “I will pray all night without sleep.” Another said: “I will fast every day without breaking my fast.” The third said: “I will stay away from women and never marry.”

When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to know of this, he went to them and said: “Are you the ones who said such things? Know that I am the one who fears God the most and worships Him best. Yet, I fast and break my fast, I pray at night and also sleep, and I marry women. Whoever turns away from my Sunnah is not from me.”

2. The Example of Our Prophet and Its Nature

The Arabic equivalent of the word “example” is “uswa.” In dictionaries, this word has a general meaning of absolute conformity. In its technical sense, it refers to performing an action in the same manner and with the same intent as the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). There are other related terms that also carry this meaning, which are worth discussing.

a. Taqleed (Imitation):

The literal meaning of taqleed is “to place a necklace around one’s neck,” and it also means “to accept a ruling without evidence” or “to follow.” In this context, it refers to following an example.

b. Tashabbuh (Resemblance):

Derived from the meaning of “making oneself resemble another,” this term is used to describe outward and formal conformity to the Sunnah.

c. Uswa (Model or Example):

Uswa means to take an example. The first ones to take the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as an example were his companions. They imitated him not only outwardly but also sought to understand his intentions. In this sense, the Sunnah consists of the actions of the Prophet, who was presented by the Qur’an as a mercy to the worlds and uswa hasana (the best model). These actions represent the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) universal interpretations as God’s Messenger.

3. The Companions Following the Sunnah

Prophets lived as human beings and set an example for their communities through their way of life. As in all matters, the highest level of this was achieved by our Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). His exemplary conduct had specific characteristics.

Firstly, his actions were directly observed and learned by his companions, who began applying them while he was still alive. The companions were meticulous not only about his daytime acts of worship but also his night prayers. Indeed, a verse in the Qur’an mentions that he spent two-thirds of the night in prayer and that those who saw him tried to follow his example. Seeing such dedication, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised his companions to avoid hardship while following him and encouraged them to take advantage of the ease granted by religion. For instance, he warned those who fasted continuously without breaking their fast, saying: “I am not like you. My Lord feeds me and gives me drink at night.” On another occasion, he said: “I did not forget, but I was made to forget, so that I may show how to compensate for it through Sunnah.”

These hadiths illustrate how the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him) demonstrated ways to compensate for deficiencies in worship and how he was a role model even in this regard. The companions not only followed the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) words but also imitated his actions. For example, on one occasion, while performing prayer, he removed his shoes and placed them beside him. Seeing this, the companions also removed their shoes and placed them beside themselves.

Similarly, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) once wore an Abyssinian-style gold ring, which was among the gifts sent by the Abyssinian ruler, Negus. Later, he gave this ring to his granddaughter, Umamah (Abu Dawood). Subsequently, he declared that gold rings were not permissible for men. Upon hearing this, the companions who had been wearing gold rings immediately removed and discarded them. Later, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had a silver ring made and had his seal engraved on it. He both wore it and used it as a seal in official correspondence (Bukhari – Muslim). Following the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) during his lifetime meant obeying him, and after his passing, it means adhering to his authentic Sunnah.

4. Following the Actions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and Their Legal Implications

“Indeed, in the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him), you have an excellent example…” (Ahzab, 21).This verse, in its absolute form, encompasses all of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) actions. The only exception to this is Khasa’is, which refers to acts of worship and practices that were exclusive to him. The Qur’an commands obedience to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and numerous verses emphasize this, either explicitly or implicitly. Some of these verses include:

“Say: If you love God, follow me; then God will love you and forgive your sins. And God is Forgiving and Merciful.”

“Let those who oppose the Messenger’s command beware, lest a trial befall them or a painful punishment afflict them.”

“Indeed, in the Messenger of God, you have an excellent example for those who hope in God and the Last Day and remember God often.”

These verses make it clear that obedience to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is commanded. However, regarding the binding nature of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) transmitted commands, scholars have held different views:

Ibn Surayj, al-Juwayni, al-Tabari, and some later Shafi’i scholars considered them obligatory (wajib). Al-Zarkashi, the majority of Hanafi and Mu’tazili scholars, Sayrafi, and Kafal regarded them as recommended (mandub). Dabusi, Abu Bakr al-Razi, and the Hanbalis classified them as permissible (mubah). Al-Sam’ani and most Ash’aris remained neutral (tawaqquf), refraining from a definitive stance. These differing perspectives demonstrate the significance and legal weight of the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) actions.

Conclusion

The word Sunnah linguistically means a well-trodden path, a way of life, or a custom. In the terminology of hadith, it refers to the words, actions, and approvals attributed to the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him). In this sense, the Sunnah encompasses the entirety of the Prophet’s life. Considering his exemplary nature, every aspect of his life serves as a model for Muslims. Following his example means performing his actions with the same intention and in the same manner. The first generation to take the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as a model was the noble companions (Ashab al-Kiram). After them, nearly the entire Ummah of Muhammad has accepted the Sunnah as a source of guidance and has continued to practice it.

Prof. Dr. İbrahim Bayraktar, Issue: 69, Year: 2005