Need for respect in the religion of Islam

In our religion, respect (Adab) is very necessary.  As long as respect and reverence was present in Muslims in an as perfect a manner as possible, they progressed by leaps and bounds.  Thus, it is mentioned in a Sahih (rigorously-authenticated) Hadith, which is present in Mishkaat Ul Masabeeh:

 

Translation of Hadith:  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  A time will come when a group will perform Jihad.  It will be asked:  Is there any companion (Sahabi) of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) among you.  The reply will be in affirmative and they will then win.

 

Then a time will come that a group will perform Jihad.  It will be asked:  Is there anyone among you who has lived with the Sahabah?  The reply will be in the affirmative and they will win.

 

Then a time will come that a group will perform Jihad.  It will be asked: Is there anyone among you who has seen those who have seen the Sahabah?  The reply will be in the affirmative.  Then they will win.

 

This shows that people would win through the blessings of the Sahabah who were absolutely respectful and reverent.  On the contrary, in these times, disrespect has come into many people.  For this reason, instead of progress, there is regress.

 

If we set our condition right, then it would not be a wonder if the blessings of Allah Ta'ala descended upon us.  However, in these times, it is not possible that everyone should follow this way.  On such an occasion, it is better if a person thinks of his own self and stops worrying about others.

 

This is obvious with the Hadith narrated on the authority of Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Amr bin A'as (May Allah be well pleased with him), the substance of which is that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  When differences crop up between people, you act upon what you know and leave those which you don’t know and worry about yourself.  Leave the populace to themselves.

 

Thus, whatever anyone says, in this matter we need to learn from the Sahabah because our Islam started with them.  It is a rule that the starting point of a thing is taken as authority. 

 

This is given in this Sahih Hadith of Mishkaat Ul Masabeeh:

 

Translation of Hadith: The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Bani Israil split into 72 sects and my Ummah will split into 73.  All of them will go to hell except one.  The Sahabah asked:  Which sect is that?  He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  Those who will be on my path and the path of my Sahabah.

 

Thus, we should learn how the Sahabah respected the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and act upon it.  


[Excerpted from Maqasid Ul Islam by Hadhrat Shaykh Ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwarullah Farooqui, 11th volume]