Love for Prophet pbuh & his support in religion

2. Veneration and reverence of the Holy Prophet

After believing, the most important thing is to honor and admire the beloved profoundly and respectfully. Allah says, “So that, (O people,) you may believe in Allah and His Messenger (blessings and peace be upon him) and may help his (religion), and revere and venerate him heart and soul, and (with that) glorify Allah morning and evening.” (48:9)

What is the literal meaning of reverence and veneration?

In the verse the word revere is used which means to help and support, respect and admire.

Al-Raghib al-Isfahani says, ‘Support or regard with great respect is called veneration.’

Dr Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri’s book ‘Mahabbat-e-Rasool ky taqazy awr Nusrat-e-Din’ states that according to Al-Raghib al-Isfahani, veneration refers to the majesty of the Holy Prophet that there is no limit to what you say. This is called veneration of the Prophet Mohammad. The word respect is not used here because parents, teachers and spiritual guides are also respected. Such respect for Prophet Mohammad is not permissible, but above all things, all respect, all honor, whatever will be done will be the reverence of Prophet Mohammad.

How does one practice veneration for the Beloved Prophet?

In addition to honoring the Holy Prophet, entering the battlefield for the sake of honor, integrity and greatness of the beloved Prophet, becoming the protector of his family and supporting him while honoring him is veneration. Regarding veneration Ibn Manzur states, “To help someone by sword is called veneration.” Here it is worth mentioning that instead of honoring the Holy Prophet Allah Almighty has said veneration for the Prophet.

Veneration for Prophet became a source of great success

As there was a period of ignorance or Jahiliya in Arabia. The Muslims were weak and could not go to Abyssinia or Madinah. The Holy Prophet blessed them with courage and bravery. They resisted the power of Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab, even migrated to Abyssinia and reached Madinah. They raised their voice for Islam, went to the courtyard of Kaaba, offered prayers, and even gained blessings of the company of the beloved Prophet.  Ibn Manzur made it clear that respect is what everyone does, but veneration is where one lays down everything in the love of beloved, bears the blame of everyone, supports the divine religion in every situation and reprimand those who obstruct the fulfillment of this goal.

Veneration of the Companions for the Holy Prophet

Ali ibn Abi Talib

When Allah, the Exalted, ordered the migration to Madinah, the Holy Prophet instructed Ali ibn Abi Talib to tie down on his bed. This is how Ali ibn Abi Talib laid down his life on the bed of the Prophet Mohammad. Veneration for Prophet is not just words, but it is a matter of laying down in the Prophet’s bed while there is a siege of enemies around, not caring about his life just for the sake of the Holy Prophet.

Abu Bakr

When Abu Bakr was travelling with the Holy Prophet towards the cave of Thawr, sometimes he turned to the right and sometimes to the left of the Prophet. He used to go in front and sometimes started to follow the Holy Prophet. The Prophet asked Abu Bakr, “What is the matter?” He replied, “O Messenger of Allah, when I think that the enemy will come from the right side, I will be on your right side, when I think the enemy will come from left side, then I am on the left side. When I think enemy will approach from front, I go the front and when I think enemy will come from behind, I turn and start following you.” In other words, Abu Bakr was not only respectful but one of veneration. If he was just respectful, he would just follow behind, keeping the in mind the respect involved.

Cave of Thawr

During the migration, when the Holy Prophet was resting in the cave of Thawr, his head was in the lap of Abu Bakr Siddiq. He saw a hole there and closed it with his big toe so that no animal could harm the Holy Prophet. A snake in this hole kept biting him one after the other, but he did not withdraw his feet, but he endured the pain of the snake’s bite with steadfastness and did not even move his body. So that there may be no disturbance in the peace of the Holy Prophet. This is to venerate, the passion to save the beloved from every pain. He who sacrifices his life for the sake of the Holy Prophet blesses himself.

What is reverence for Prophet Mohammad?

By reverence, its means showing utmost appreciation and respect to the Holy Prophet. The term Tawqir derives from the Arabic root waqar, which conveys the meanings of sensibility, modesty, dignity, and tolerance. One should reverently, humbly, and patiently honor the Holy Prophet. The same patience will arise in the nature of one in front of whom you are mentioning the Prophet.

Reverence of the Companions for Prophet Mohammad

The Companions used to spend their days and night in the veneration, reverence and praise of the Holy Prophet.

• A glimpse of it is described in the words of Abu Juhaifa, “I came to the Messenger of Allah in Makkah and he was at that time at al-Abtah in a red leather tent. And Bilal stepped out with ablution water for him. What was left out of that water, some of them got it and rubbed themselves with it. Whereas others who could not get any of it rubbed their hand with the fellow companion to put it on their body.” (Muslim 1119)

If this is the matter of devotion to the water used for ablution by the Beloved Prophet, then what will be the honor and regard for Prophet Mohammad himself.

• Abdullah the freed slave of Asma (the daughter of Abu Bakr) reported about the cloak of Prophet Mohammad, “Here is the cloak of Allah’s Messenger and she brought out to me that cloak made of Persian cloth with a hem of brocade, and its sleeves bordered with brocade and said: This was Allah’s Messenger’s cloak with Aisha until she died. I got possession of it. The Apostle of Allah pbuh used to wear that, we wash it and use the water for the sick and sought cure thereby. (Muslim 5409)