Hadith #2919

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound hadith, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) reflects on the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Imam states that the Prophet left this world in a state of hunger, indicating his detachment from worldly possessions and his focus on the hereafter. Despite his immense responsibilities and the hardships he faced, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not prioritize building a comfortable home for himself. Instead, he dedicated his life to spreading the message of Islam and serving the ummah.

The phrase

He did not lay one brick upon another

emphasizes the simplicity of the Prophet's lifestyle. It signifies that he did not prioritize worldly comforts or accumulate material possessions. This highlights his selflessness and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling his mission as the Messenger of Allah.

The hadith further states that the Prophet (ﷺ) responded to the caller of his Lord, indicating his obedience and submission to Allah's command. This signifies the Prophet's unwavering faith and his readiness to answer the call of his Creator, even in the face of challenges and difficulties.

To understand the significance of this hadith, let us turn to the Quran for further guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:126):

And We made them leaders guiding by Our command. And We inspired to them the doing of good deeds, establishment of prayer, and giving of zakah; and they were worshippers of Us.

This verse highlights the role of the Prophet and his successors as leaders and guides appointed by Allah. They were commanded to perform good deeds, establish prayer, and give zakah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) fulfilled these obligations with utmost devotion and sincerity, setting an example for all Muslims to follow.

In Surah Al-A'raf (7:157), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and forbids them what is wrong and makes lawful for them the good things and prohibits for them the evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

This verse emphasizes the Prophet's role as a guide and a source of guidance for the believers. He enjoined what is right, forbade what is wrong, and relieved the burdens of the people. The Prophet's selflessness and dedication to the well-being of the ummah are evident in his actions and teachings.

Reflecting on the hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the supporting Quranic verses, we can draw several important lessons. Firstly, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) prioritized the hereafter over worldly possessions, demonstrating the importance of detachment from materialism and focusing on the eternal life. Secondly, the Prophet's simplicity and selflessness serve as a reminder for us to prioritize the needs of others and to strive for the betterment of society. Finally, the Prophet's unwavering faith and obedience to Allah's command highlight the importance of submitting to the will of Allah and answering His call.

As Muslims, we should strive to emulate the noble qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his successors, including their selflessness, simplicity, and unwavering faith. By doing so, we can lead a life that is pleasing to Allah and beneficial to ourselves and others. May Allah grant us the ability to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his noble companions.