Lesson 1

Master the Art of Disconnecting

As humans, we have feelings and the messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) is no exception to this. We are sometimes happy, excited, moody, angry or just indifferent and the messenger of Allah is no exception to this. The difference is that the feelings of the messenger did not reflect in his attitude in dealing with people.

In Mecca the messenger spent his time preaching to different tribes and seeking protection, he would go to a tribe annually to invite them to Islam when they came to Mecca for pilgrimage or business. Imagine this, he goes to tribes and he gets rejected and called names. He waits for another 12 months and repeats the process.

During that period, three massive calamities happened in his life, he lost his wife of 25 years , Khadijah. He also lost his uncle. That year was called the year of sorrow. He and his companions were also under economic sanction in Mecca for three years, they had no food, such that some of them had to eat the leaves of trees and skins of animals. He was also under the constant threat of assassination, his uncle Abu Talib would often ask the prophet to lie in his position to trick a potential assassin.

The prophet was essentially speaking to the tribes 'fasting' not as a religious obligation but because he had nothing to eat as he could not find anything to eat. Think about this, how many husbands pick a fight with their wives because dinner is not ready. This man ate breakfast and lunch yet he picks a fight because he feels hunger at night.

The prophet would climb the mountain of Arafat, hungry and speak to the tribes about Islam, explaining, persuading, negotiating. All with an empty stomach. Hungry, thirsty, tired and grieved at the loss of his wife and uncle. He also had to deal with insults of people like Abu Lahab, calling him crazy, a magician.

But He was able to master the art of disconnecting and being professional in his prophetic mission.

As parents, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, we all need to be 'professional' in fulfilling our duties and follow this amazing sunnah of the messenger of Allah. Fulfilling your duties to each other and do not get beclouded by moments of anger or grief. Be 'professional' in the way you deal with people in whatever capacity.

The point is that your bad feelings do not spill over and affect your social relations with people. It does not mean that you will not feel sad or upset.

After the death of his Uncle, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) went to Taif to preach and seek support from the people. The elders of Taif sent their children to pelt him with rocks and stones driving him out of the city. He was bleeding so much that his feet became stuck to his shoes by the drying blood. He almost collapsed as he got outside the city walls.

Some wealthy Meccans moved by kinship saw him in distress and assisted him. A young servant wearing the cross approached the prophet in this state, asking him why he used 'in the name of Allah' before eating the grapes offered him. The prophet who was just a few moments ago battered with stones began to engage in a pleasant conversation with this young Christian boy. A new page, a new day, a new experience, a new position, a new event, a new hope, a new opportunity and a new promise.

What's your name? 'Addas where are you from and what is your faith?
‘addas replied: "i am a christian by faith and come from nineveh." the prophet [pbuh] then said: "you belong to the city of the righteous jonah, son of matta." ‘addas asked him anxiously if he knew anything about jonah. the prophet [pbuh] significantly remarked: "he is my brother. he was a prophet and so am i." thereupon ‘addas paid homage to muhammad [pbuh] and kissed his hands. He became a muslim.

In this five minutes encounter, 'Addas was looking at a wounded man who looked beyond his injuries and addressed him kindly. And while the prophet is talking, he is making the connection that this is not the face of a Liar.

A sunnah for us to practice, master the art of disconnection.

(adapted from a lecture given by Sheikh hasham)

aishaquest, sino, deols, naijababe

tbaba1234: aishaquest, sino, deols, naijababe

Hmmm...nice

Subhanallah!

There is so much to learn from the life of the Prophet(SAW), indeed, in him is the best of examples...

Jazakumullahu khayran tbaba, really helpful.

@ tbaba1234

I just read this again. You haven't added anything. Aren't you going to tell of other lessons/examples from the prophet.