The Prophet’s Foresight

The Prophet’s Foresight

Mawlana Asif Jahanzaib Attari Madani

When the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم fell ill and his condition became critical, he said, “Tell Abū Bakr to lead the prayer.” Lady Āʿisha رَضِیَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهَا said, “When Abū Bakr stands in your place, he will cry and the people will be unable to hear him.” The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said again, “Tell Abū Bakr to lead the people in prayer.” Lady A’isha and Lady Hafsah رَضِیَ الـلّٰـهُ عَنْهُمَا repeated their concern and the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “You are like the women during the time of Yusuf. Tell Abū Bakr to lead the prayer.”^[1]

Sayyidunā Abū Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was chosen by the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, even in the presence of other esteemed Companions, including Sayyidunā ꜤAlī رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. This serves as a powerful testament to the exalted rank of Sayyidunā Abū Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ and unequivocally establishes him as the most worthy leader and guide for the Ummah after the departure of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. Throughout their time together, Sayyidunā Abū Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ faithfully shadowed the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, never leaving his side, whether they were in the cave of Thawr, embarking on a journey, or facing the perils of the battlefield. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم recognized his tender-heartedness and unwavering commitment to Islam. This close companionship and the Prophet’s deep appreciation for his virtues undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his nomination as the most deserving successor to lead and guide the Ummah. Sayyidunā ꜤAlī رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ states:

The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was neither killed nor died suddenly, but he spent many days and nights in severe illness. The azan would be given and the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم ordered Abū Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ to lead the prayer, even though I was present with the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. The azan [for the next prayer] was given and the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم ordered Abū Bakr to lead the prayer again although I was with the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.

Sayyidunā ꜤAlī رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ adds:

When the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم passed away, we decided to make our caliph the same person who the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم designated to lead the prayer. Prayer is the greatness of Islam and thus we pledged our allegiance to Abū Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. He was worthy of this position and none of us objected to it. I fulfilled the rights Abū Bakr had over me, obeyed his every word and partook in expeditions alongside him. When he gave me something from the treasury, I accepted it, when he sent me to fight, I fought, and I would implement legal punishments with my whip in front of him.^[2]

Islam was Honoured through ꜤUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb

Who does not know about Sayyidunā ꜤUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ? His presence exuded an aura of immense power, causing even the emperors of Rome and Persia to tremble at the mere mention of his name. This reputation preceded his acceptance of Islam as well. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم recognised these qualities and, through his foresight, knew that Islam would flourish because of Sayyidunā ꜤUmar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. He saw that Sayyidunā ꜤUmar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ would become a great leader of the Muslims, so he made dua for him: ‘Dear Allah, honour Islam through ʿUmar’.^[3]

Then the world witnessed the strength Islam received through Sayyidunā ꜤUmar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. During his reign as caliph, the flag of Islam covered 2.2 million square miles of land.

Leave Him

Likewise, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم saw the hidden qualities of Thumamah bin Uthaal, the chief of the Banu Hanifah tribe. The chief was in opposition to Islam before he accepted it. On one occasion, the noble Companions عَـلَيْهِمُ الرِّضْوَانْ captured him and took him to the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم.  The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم ordered for him to be tied to the pillar of the masjid and he remained there for three days before he was released. He left the masjid, bathed and returned to the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and accepted Islam. He said, I swear by Allah! There was no face on the surface of the earth more disliked by me than your face, but now your face has become the most beloved to me. There was no religion more despised by me than yours, but now it is the most beloved religion to me. There was no city more hated by me than your city, but now it is the most beloved city to me.^[4]

The Valiant Champion of Khaybar

The army of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم camped in Raji’ and prepared to attack the fort of Khaybar. According to narrations, the name of this fort was “Nāʾim” or “Qamūs”. The Muslims attacked the fort for days but they were unsuccessful. Upon witnessing this, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “Tomorrow, I will give this flag to a man through whose hands Allah will give us victory. He loves Allah and His Messenger, and he is loved by Allah and His Messenger.”^[5]

The next day, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم chose Sayyidunā ꜤAlī رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ to lead the army. Everyone saw how the foresight of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was true, as the Jews could not withstand the relentless attacks and the fort of Khaybar was conquered.^[6]

The Ummah’s Trustworthy Man (Amīn al-Ummah)

The Christians of Najran went to the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and asked him to send a trustworthy person to collect jizya and to deal with other matters. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “I will send an person who is honest and trustworthy.” Then the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم told Abu ʿUbayda b. Al-Jarrah to stand up. When he got up, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “This is Amīn al-Ummah.” i.e. The trustworthy man of the Ummah.^[7]

Dear readers! All the Companions of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم were upright and honest, but the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم chose someone who was famous for these qualities. When Sayyidunā ꜤUmar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was near death, he said, “I would have chosen Abu ʿUbayda as my successor if he was alive. If Allah asked me about making him caliph, I would have said I heard the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم say he is the Amīn of this Ummah.”^[8]

Be a Just Ruler

The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said to Muʿāwiyah رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, “If you are given a responsibility, be mindful of and be just.”^[9]

Sayyidunā Muʿāwiyah رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was young and accepted Islam much later but, by the will of Allah, the knower of the unseen صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم knew that he would become a leader. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم knew of his impeccable leadership qualities and did not stop him, but advised him instead. He was advised to be mindful of Allah and just in his dealings.

The Sword of Allah

Sayyidunā Khālid b. Walīd رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was a bold warrior, unmatched in his military leadership and combat skills. Shortly after he accepted Islam, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم bestowed upon him the title of “Sword of Allah,” (sayf Allah) during his first battle, in recognition of his exceptional bravery and fearlessness. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم highlighted his steadfastness in upholding Islam, his unwavering opposition to the enemies of Allah, and his position as a courageous mujāhid: “He is the sword of Allah that He has imposed upon the disbelievers and hypocrites.”^[10] The title given to Khālid b. Walīd رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was in accordance with his traits. He states, “Even if I was presented with a new bride every night or given the news of a newborn son, it is not dearer to me than attacking the enemy on the battlefield on a cold night.”^[11]

The world witnessed what the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم saw in Khalid bin Walid رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ as well as the truth in the title he granted him. Khalid bin Walid رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was notorious for his success on the battlefield. He fought in over 100 battles and cleansed the land of disbelief.

Who will Inform me about the Disbelievers?

During the Battle of the Trench, the nights were severely cold and the disbelievers had surrounded Madina for a month. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم chose a person who had the ability to strive in harsh conditions to keep an eye on the disbelievers. So, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم addressed Sayyidunā Hudhayfa b. Yamān, “Bring me news about the disbelievers.” Then he went and returned with news about the plan of the disbelievers.^[12]

Taking the name of Hudhayfa b. Yamān and entrusting him with this responsibility is an indication that the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم knew about his ability to be stealthy. When the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم revealed this hidden trait to everyone, he became well known for it. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would also speak to him privately, and this is why he was known as the “Prophet’s Secret-Keeper” (ṣāḥib sir rasūl Allah).^[13]

The one who knew most about matters of halal and haram 

The name of Sayyidunā Muʿādh b. Jabal رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ comes to mind when we talk about the most knowledgeable people in matters of halal and haram. He was among the student-Companions of Suffah who learned from the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم identified his intellectual insight and his jurisprudential expertise. When the message and rulings of Islam spread to Yemen, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم intended to send someone and said, “Dear Muhajirin and Ansar! Who will go to Yemen as our representative?” Sayyidunā Abū Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ volunteered, but the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم remained silent. He asked again and Sayyidunā ꜤUmar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ volunteered but the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم remained silent. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم asked again and this time Sayyidunā Muʿādh bin Jabal رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ stood up and said, “O Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم I am present!” The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم replied, “Dear Muʿādh! You are for this.”^[14]

This was the special quality of Muʿādh b. Jabal رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ and the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم identified it and gave him a task where these skills could be used. This is why the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, “The most knowledgeable of my Ummah in matters of halal and haram is Muʿādh b. Jabal.”^[15]

Learn Syriac

Learning and mastering a new language is indeed a sign of great intelligence, but identifying those with the potential to become proficient in another language can be challenging. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم possessed profound insight into both the apparent and hidden traits of individuals. During a period of tension with the Jews, there arose a need to communicate with them effectively. In this situation, the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم saw the exceptional talent of Zayd b. Thābit رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ and instructed him to learn Syriac. Sayyidunā Zayd رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ states, “It took me less than half a month to learn the language. Whenever the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم wanted to write to the Jews, I would write the letter, and whenever they wrote to the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم, I would read the letter to him.”^[16]

All the Companions of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم are shining stars who were ready to sacrifice their lives for their beloved Messenger صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. If the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم asked another Companion to do this, he would have been successful in learning the language without a doubt. But the foresight of the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم led him to choose a very intelligent Companion who mastered the language in 15 days.

Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states regarding the previous narration:

We learn that it is not prohibited to learn the language of the disbelievers. Rather, it is permissible to learn English, French, and other languages when there is a need. The Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم knew every language; he understood animals and rocks, so how would he not comprehend human languages? This command is for the education of the Ummah that leaders should learn the languages of other nations and tell their people to do the same. Languages are not bad; they are all from Allah.^[17]

The aforementioned incidents illustrate the Prophet’s foresight and knowledge of the unseen. Just as the Prophet’s character and qualities were perfect, the attribute of foresight was another beautiful facet of his being. The nature of his foresight has never been replicated by any leader or advisor in history.