Using double meaning words for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

Shaykh Ul Islam Imam Muhammad Anwarullah Farooqui writes:   The summary is that even though the Sahabah used the word “Ra’ina” with a virtuous intention and with proper respect, just because the same word was an abuse in another language, Allah Ta’ala prohibited its use.  Everybody can understand here that a word which did not even hint at any kind of disrespect was prohibited because of the way it was used in another language.  So how can those words which really intend disrespect be allowed?  If someone says that the prohibition was only for the Jews that they should not use the said word, then I would say that it might be so, but it cannot be denied that the prohibition was for the believers, who used this word as a form of respect.  The Jews and their language are not mentioned here.  If that was what was intended, then like the Jews’ other mischief, it would have been mentioned here.  Addressing Muslims about this shows that use of such words even with a virtuous intention is not allowed.  Then the punishment for it was decided as execution, irrespective of whether the accused is a Muslim or non-Muslim.  If any Muslim had used that word, he would have been executed.  Nobody would have asked that Muslim what he meant by that word.  (Anwar-e-Ahmadi, Pg. No. 222)   After describing some secrets of this verse, Shaykh Ul Islam writes in a thought provoking manner about the direct and indirect disrespect of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) which is being done nowadays:   Translation: We should think that how much worse it is to use such words for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) which mean only disrespect regardless of whether they express it or intend it?  Would the Sahabah, if before them these words were said, even think whether the one who said it would be worthy of being executed or delay the execution of such people?  Would their useless explanations be of any use?  No.  Never.  But what can happen now?  What can we do now except to recall those times and cry on our helplessness?  Where will those firm people be found whose fervor fixed the flags of Islam in the east and the west?  This age and time cannot see those beacons of guidance.  Thus, whoever sees that the stage is vacant says whatever comes to his mind with terrific courage.  Then have a look at their courage, that Iman is being based on those acts which would make a person liable to be executed.  If this is Iman, then we need to think carefully what lack of Iman would be. (Anwaar-e-Ahmadi, Pg No: 222-224)   The Holy Quran and the Hadith prove beyond doubt that even a hinted disrespect to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) destroys the faith and the person does not even realize it.   O Believers! Do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him) and (also) do not speak to him so loud as you are loud when you speak to one another (lest) all your actions should come to nothing (including your faith), and you are not even aware (that your faith and all pious works have been wrecked).   Allah Ta’ala has give instructions that only those words which show proper respect and reverence to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) should be used.  Surah Hujuraat (49:2)    (O Muslims!) Do not regard the calling of the Prophet among you like your calling of one another. (When calling the Holy Prophet is not like your mutual calling among you, then how can the Holy Personality of the Prophet be like yours?) Surely Allah knows those from among you (well) who slip away quietly (from the presence of the Holy Prophet) under the shelter of one another. So let those who go against the Messenger’s command (of veneration and devotion) feel afraid lest some trial should overtake them (here in the world) or a painful torment seize them in the Hereafter.  Surah Noor (24:63)   Even a slight raising of the voice has been declared as the reason for the rejection of a life’s toil and all virtuous acts and the destruction of faith (Iman).  This also has been made plain that Jibreel (May peace be upon him) was a follower, servant and vizier of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  That’s why he came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) as a personification of respect.  He sent Durood and salaam to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and requested his permission to enter his presence.  There is an agreed-upon Hadith in both Bukhari and Muslim:   Translation of Hadith: Once Jibreel (May peace be upon him) came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), he put both his hands on his thighs and sat down in front of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Then he asked questions about Iman, Islam and Ihsan and about Qiyamah and the signs of Qiyamah.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) rewarded him with answers.  After he went away, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) told the Sahabah:  It was Jibreel (May peace be upon him).  He came to teach your religion to you.   The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said that he came to teach your religion to you.  The question is what is meant here by teaching religion?  Jibreel (May peace be upon him) did not teach the Sahabah anything from the rules and regulations of Islam.  It was the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) who explained these things through his answers.  Then what did Jibreel (May peace be upon him) teach?  The answer is obvious.  Jibreel (May peace be upon him) came to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) with utmost respect and only placed his requests before the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  He taught the entire Ummah how to come to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and how to request Him for something.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) declared this respect and reverence as Deen and told the Sahabah:  It was Jibreel (May peace be upon him) who came to teach your deen to you.

Dr. Mufti Syed Ziauddin Naqshbandi Mujaddidi Qadri

Shaykh Ul Fiqh, Jamia Nizamia; Founder - Director

Mufti Maulana Syed Zia Uddin Naqshbandi Quadri

Shaik-ul-Fiqh - Jamia Nizamia

Scholarly Articles

Using double meaning words for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)