The First And Foremost — Trendsetters And Revivers:

Our Generation will never be like the Generation that was with RasulAllah (saw), For that was the best generation — For RasulAllah (saw)said, “The Best of Generations, is my Generation.”

The love of Islam that this generation had, and the clarity of it being above all other relations can be well understood by these three incidents:

Abu Ubaydah al-Jarrah (ra) was Faced with a choice between Islam and his blood relations. Abdullah bin Shawdhab said, "The Father of Abu `Ubaydah bin Al-Jarrah was repeatedly praising the idols to his son on the day of Badr, and Abu `Ubaydah kept avoiding him. When Al-Jarrah persisted, his son Abu `Ubaydah headed towards him and killed him.

Allah(swt) revealed this Ayah in his case — “You will not Find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making Friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger.” (Surah al-Mujadilah 58:22).

Similarly, the example of Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas [ra]. Sa’ad said that this Ayah was revealed regarding him — “But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you do not know, then obey them not.” (Surah Luqman 31:15).

Saad said, “I was a man who honored his mother, but when I became Muslim, she said: `O Sa`d! What is this new thing I see you doing Leave this religion of yours, or I will not eat or drink until I die, and people will say: Shame on you, For what you have done to me, and they will say that you have killed your mother.'

I said, `Do not do that, O mother, For I will not give up this religion of mine For anything.' She stayed without eating For one day and one night, and she became exhausted; then she stayed For another day and night without eating, and she became utterly exhausted.

When I saw that, I said: `O my mother, by Allah, even if you had one hundred souls and they were to depart one by one, I would not give up this religion of mine For anything, so if you want to, eat, and if you want to, do not eat.' So she ate.”

Alhamdulillah our parents are Muslims. However, if they ordain anything wrong or compel us to participate in a sin like abandoning the dawah or attending mixed gatherings, do we respond the right way or do we end up compromising on our deen?

The next example is of Suhayb ar-Rumi (ra). Allah revealed — “And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking the pleasure of Allah.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:207).

Several Scholars said that this Ayah was revealed about Suhayb Ar-Rumi. When Suhayb became a Muslim in Makkah and intended to migrate (to Al-Madinah), the people (Quraysh) prevented him From migrating with his money. It was the wealth that he accumulated over the years. They said that if he Forfeits his property, he is free to migrate. He abandoned his money and preferred to migrate, and Allah revealed this Ayah about him.

Umar bin Khattab and several other Companions met Suhayb close to the outskirts of Al-Madinah at Al-Harrah (Flat lands with black stones). They said to him, "The trade has indeed been successful.'' He answered them, "You too, may Allah never allow your trade to Fail. What is the matter'' `Umar told him that Allah has revealed this Ayah about him.

It was also reported that RasulAllah (saw)said, “The trade has been successful, O Abu Yahya (Suhayb).”

A point of reflection — Do we ensure that our urge For career growth and earning more and more do not obstruct us From performing the obligations upon us?

Allah (swt)said: “Say: If your Fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you Fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving hard and Fighting in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His decision (torment). And Allah guides not the rebellious people.” (Surah At-Tawbah 9:24)

So, whilst the Muslim indeed has obligations before Allah(swt) regarding his parents, children, brothers, wives, relatives, wealth and trade, he will never let them be a reason to abandon the command of Allah(swt) and His Messenger(saw).

So, the point is that — the principle of success of people of all ages until the Day of Judgment is to Follow the way of the Prophet(saw). Undoubtedly, the Companions succeeded in Following the way of the Messenger of Allah(saw) and our success also lies in Following the way of the Prophet(saw).

May Allah(swt) make us Follow the Footsteps of these great men. No doubt, it is a difficult path in today's times, but the reward will Insha Allah be great.

JazakAllah (May Allah Reward You [with] Goodness)For Reading.