www.rasulallah.info
Home
Messenger of Allah
Ash-Shamaa-il Muhammadiyyah
Muhammad - The Most Praised
Prophet's (saw) Genealogy
Light of the Prophet (saw)
Praise of the Prophet (saw)
Miracles of the Prophet (saw)
Living Miracles of the Messenger (SAW)
Sacred Gallery
Descendants of the Prophet (saw)
About us

CHAPTER ON THE SEAL OF PROPHETHOOD OF SAYYIDINA RASULULLAH SALLA LAHU ALAYHI WA’ALE HI WASALLAM

Hazrat Sheikh-ul Hadeeth Maulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhelwi (R.A.) explains; 

This chapter also being relevant to the noble features of Sayyedina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) should have been part of the previous chapter. Because of it's great importance, it being a miracle and a sign of Nabuwwah (Prophethood), it is being discussed separately.  The seal was on the mubaarak – blessed body of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) since birth, as is stated in the 'Fathul Bari', wherein Sayyidina Yakub ibn Hasan (Radiallahu anhu) relates a Hadith from Sayyidina Ayesha (Radiallahu anha). At the time of the passing away of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) when some of the Sahabah - Companions (Radiallahu anhum) doubted this, Sayyidina Asmaa (Radiallahu anha) proved that because the Seal was not there anymore, Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) had departed. Imaam Munnaawi has mentioned this incident in detail.

There is a difference of opinion as to what was written on this Seal, or if anything was written on it at all. Sayyidina ibn Hibbaan (Radiallahu anhu) and other Sahabah (Radiallahu anhum) have corrected this and said that 'Muhammadur Rasulullah' was written on this Seal. In some other narrations we find that 'Sier fa antal mansur' (Go wherever you wish, you shall be successful) was written on the Seal. Some of the Ulama say that these narrations do not comply with the principles of authenticity.


In this chapter Imam Tirmidhi quotes eight Ahaadith.  


(15) Hadith Number 1


Saa-ib bin Yazid (Radiallahu anhu) said: "My (maternal) aunt took to me to Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) and said to him, this nephew of mine is ill. Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) wiped his blessed hand over my head and made dua - supplication for barakah - blessing for me. (According to some Ulama, Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) wiped his blessed hand over the head, meant that he Sayyidina Saa-ib bin Yazid (Radiallahu anhu) had a pain in the head. The opinion of this weak and humble servant is that it is better if this is taken to mean that Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) wiped their blessed hand in kindness on the head of Sayyidina Saa-ib bin Yazid (Radiallahu anhu). Sayyidina Saa-ib bin Yazid (Radiallahu anhu) was born in the second year Hijri, and at the time of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam)'s departing from this world, his age was not more than 8 or 9 years. That is why Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) wiped his blessed hand in kindness, as is the customs of great personalities. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) also gave him the water of wudu - ablution to drink as a cure, as will be stated further, or he may have prescribed another remedy, especially when we learn also in a narration in Bukhari that he Sayyidina Saa-ib bin Yazid (Radiallahu anhu)was suffering from pain in his leg. When Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) performed Wudu, I drank the water of that wudu. Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) may have performed wudu for some reason, but here it is clear that Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) performed wudu so that the water could be used as a remedy and medicine. I happened to stand behind Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) and saw the ‘Seal of Prophethood’, which was like the knot on a mosquito net or bedstead." (Which is the size of a pigeon's egg in roundness). The Ulama differ in the translation of this word. Some have translated it in another manner. Imam Nawawi, the famous commentator of Sahih Muslim, preferred the translation I have chosen).  


Commentary

If in this Hadith the left over water of wudu is meant, then there is no difficulty or difference of opinion. If that water is meant which falls after washing the limbs etc., which in Arabic is known as 'Maa Musta'amal', then too there is no complication or difficulty, because even the excrements of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) is paak - pure. So how can there be a complaint regarding the 'Maa Musta'amal' (Used water).  


(16) Hadith Number 2

Jaabir bin Samurah (Radhiallahu Anhu) reports that: "I saw the Seal of Prophethood of Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) between his two shoulders, which was like a red tumour (protruding flesh), the size of which was like that of a pigeon's egg".  


Commentary

There are various and different narrations regarding the size and colour of the Seal of Prophethood of Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). Qurtubi has reconciled these by saying that the size changed from time to time, as did the colour. According to this humble servant, this reconciliation may also be possible, that in reality all these are similarities, and every similarity is according to a person's understanding, which is an approximate state. There is no disagreement in explaining approximates. This is a more appropriate explanation.  


(17) Hadith Number 3

Rumaythah (Radhiallahu Anha) said: "I heard this subject from Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) and at that time I was so near him, that if I wanted to, I could have kissed the Seal of Prophethood. That subject is: `Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was talking about Sa'd bin Mu'aadh (Radhiallahu anhu), that because of Sa'd's death, the `Arsh (Throne) of Allah also started to sway in happiness'".  


Commentary

There is a disagreement regarding the swinging of the Arsh. What is the reason and what does it mean? The above translation is in accordance with well-known sayings. Some are of the opinion that this refers to the People of the Arsh. Some are of the opinion that it is the Takht (Throne) of Sayyidina Sa'd (Radhiallahu Anhu), etc.

Sayyidina Sa'd bin Mu'aadh is from among the great Sahabah (Ra) - companions. In the books of hadith many of his merits have been mentioned. Before the Hijra – emigration to Medina, Sayyidina Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) sent Sayyidina Mu'aadh bin Umayr (Radhiallahu Anhu) to Madina to teach and propagate Islaam. Sayyidina Sa'd (Radhiallahu anhu) accepted Islaam at his hands. He was leader of his community and as a result, his whole family accepted Islaam on the same day. This was the first family in Madinah to accept Islaam. He passed away at the age of 37 in the fifth year Hijri. Seventy thousand (70,000) malaa'ikha (angels) attended his janaazah salaah – burial prayer. With all this, it appears from hadith that he also went through hardship for a while in the grave. We should all take heed. A person should not be lax in this matter, and should always remember Allah, repent and fear the punishment of the grave. Whenever Sayyidina Uthmaan (Radhiallahu anhu) passed a grave, he used to weep till his beard became wet. Someone asked him, `Jannah and Jahanam are also discussed, but at that time you do not weep?' He replied: `I heard Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) say: "The grave is the first stage of the aakhirah (hereafter); whoever goes through this easily, all the other stages become easy. And for whom this stage is difficult, all the other stages become more difficult'". He says I also heard Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) say: "Of all the scenes of the aakhirah that I have seen, the one of Qabr (grave) is the most difficult".  -Mishkaat.  

May Allah Ta'aala save us all from it. Imaam Tirmidhi (Rh) did not intend to relate this incident here, but because the Seal of Prophethood is mentioned, therefore it is included here. Also Rumaythah (Radhiallahu Anha) by mentioning her experience of being near Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) and seeing the Seal of Prophethood, and by hearing this subject conclusively proves that there remains no place for errors.     


(18) Hadith Number 4

Ebrahim bin Muhammad (Radhiallahu Anhu), who is the granson of Sayyidina Ali (Radhiallahu anhu) said: "Whenever Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) used to describe the noble attributes of Rasullullah (Salla lahu Alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam), he used to mentioned the complete hadith. He also used to say that the Seal of Prophethood was between his shoulders, and Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was the Seal of all Prophets (As)".  


Commentary

This hadith has been explained in the first chapter (hadith number eight). Here it is referred to briefly. Because of the ‘Seal of Prophethood’, this hadith is mentioned specifically here.  


(19) Hadith Number 5

`Ilbaa bin Ahmar Al-yashkari says that the Sahaabi, Abu Zayd `Amr bin Akhtab Al-Ansaari Radhiallahu Anhu said to me: "Rasullullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) once asked me to massage his waist. When I began massaging the back, accidentally (by chance) my fingers touched the Seal of Prophethood. `Ilbaa (Radhiallahu anhu) says: `I asked Amr (Radhiallahu anhu), what is the Seal of Prophethood?' He replied: `It was a collection of few hair'".  


Commentary

This is not contrary to the first hadith, because there was hair around the Seal of Prophethood. He only mentioned the hair.  


(20) Hadith Number 6

Buraydah bin Radiyallahu 'Anhu reports: "When Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ ale Hi Wasallam came to Medinah, Salmaan Faarisi Radiyallahu 'Anhu brought a tray which had fresh dates on it, and presented it to Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam, who asked: "O Salmaan, what dates are these?"
He replied: "This is sadaqah for you and your companions"  Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam replied: "We do not eat Sadaqah. Remove it from me."
( The 'ulama differ in their opinions as to the meaning of the word "we". Some say it is Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale hi Wasallam himself, and the plural is used as a mark of respect. Others explain that it is the ambiyaa(As) (Prophets). According to some it is Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale hi Wasallam and his relatives, for whom it is not permissible to accept zakaah. According to this humble servant the third ihtimaal (supposition) is superior and more acceptable. Allaamah Munaawi's criticism of the third explanations not forceful and weighty). On the next day this happened again. Hasrat Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu brought a tray of fresh dates, and in reply to the question of Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam, he replied: "O’ Messenger of Allah, it is a present for you".
Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam said to the Sahaabah Radiyallahu 'Anhum "Help yourselves". (Sayyidina Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam himself ate from it. Bayjuri explains this thus: Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu bringing the dates on both days in this manner was to investigate, and to make Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam his master. Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu was an 'Aalim (learned) of the old days. He lived for a hundred and fifty years and according to some, he lived three hundred years. He had seen the signs of Sayyidina Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam in the kitaabs -books of previous Prophets that he will not accept sadaqah, but shall accept presents and gifts, and the seal of Prophethood will be between his two shoulders after witnessing the first two signs). He then saw the ‘Seal of Prophethood’ on the back of Sayyidina Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam and embraced Islam. (At that time Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu was a slave of a Jew from the tribe of Banu Qurayzah).
Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ ale Hi Wasallam purchased him(this is figuratively speaking. The fact is that Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam made him a Mukaatab - One who buys One's freedom for an agreed sum.) and paid Dirhams for him to become a Mukaatab, and also agreed that he(Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu should plant for the Jew date palms,(the amount of three hundred palms) and until these bore fruit to tend them. Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam planted the palms with his mubaarak -blessed hands and it was his mu'jizah (miracle) that all the palms bore fruit in the same year.
One tree among these did not bear fruit. Upon investigating it was found that Hasrat Umar Radiyallahu 'Anhu had planted this tree, and that it was not planted by Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam. Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam removed this palm and replanted it. Another mu'jizah, is that Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam planted the palms out of season and they bore fruit the same year.  

Commentary

The Ulama have made thorough research on this Hadith. For example Sayyidina Salmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu was a slave, was his sadaqah and hadiyyah (gift) permissible or not?
Also what was the difference between Hadiyyah and Sadaqah etc?

Due to the discussion being lengthy, it has been omitted to keep the subject short.
From this hadith we learn some of the special habits of Sayyidina
Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam that he included the servants and those present, in the gifts he received. This was one of the special habits of Sayyidina Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam. There are thousands of similar instances mentioned in the Ahadith. In this hadith Sayyidina Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam also enjoined us to share presents. Those who are present should also be included.

According to the Muhadditheen – Scholars of Ahadith there is a variation in the words of this hadith and that this hadith is weak, but according to the subject matter, the incidents strengthen it. What type of presents are meant and what is meant by those that are sitting together? (near). These need an explanation. Mullah Ali Qaari writes that person brought a present to a pious Shaykh of that time. A person sitting in his assembly said : "Presents are shared". The Shaykh replied :"We do not make shirk (ascribe partners onto Allah) and believe in One Creator. All these (presents) are for you". The presents were so many that that person could not carry all of them. The Shaykh instructed his servant to deliver it to that person’s home. In the same manner, this happened in the assembly of Imam Abu Yusuf Rahmatullahi alayih. A person presented him a monetary gift. One from among those present said "Presents are shared". The Imam replied that those are special types of presents and instructed his servant to put away the present. The Ulama say that both instances are correct and well balanced. What the pious Sufi did was proper and befitting, and what the Faqih(Jurist) did was also proper and befitting, and this is true.
Imam Abu Yusuf Rahmatullahi alayih was a celebrated and famous Imam. If he did not do as he had done, it might have become Shar'ee Mas-alah that presents should be shared, and this would have made it difficult for the Ummah.

Shah Waliyullah Dehlawy wrote in one of his kitaabs "Dreams and Glad Tiding". Many admirable incidents, one of which is his Father. He wrote :"In my young days I loved to fast. After seeing all the different opinions of the Ulama, I began hesitating to fast. I saw Sayyidina Rasullullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam in my dream in which he gave me a loaf of bread. Sayyidina Abu Bakr Siddique Radiyallahu 'Anhu was also sitting there and said "Presents are shared". I presented the bread to him and he ate a piece from it. There after Sayyidina Umar Radiyallahu 'Anhu said "Presents are shared" I presented the bread to him also, and he took a piece from it. Sayyidina Uthmaan Radiyallahu 'Anhu then also said: "Presents are shared". I then said "If all of you will divide this bread amongst yourselves only, what will be left for me?".

Sayyidina Salman Faarisi Radiyallahu 'Anhu is from among the great Sahaabah. It is stated in the Hadith that when this Aayah was revealed :

"If you turn away, He will substitute another people instead of you." (Surah Muhammad (38)).

The Sahaabah (Radiyallahu 'Anhum) inquired “O ' Messenger of Allah, who are those people who will take our place?" Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) then patted Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) on his back and said: "I swear by the Name of the Being in Whose Hands lie my life, if Imaan was suspended on Thurayya (Pleiades),the people of Faaris would have taken it from there also."  The ulama have written that this was a glad tiding in favour of Imaam Abu Hanifa (rahmatullahi alaihe).

Sayyidina Salaam Farisi (radiallahu anhu) stated in detail how he had accepted Islam (Imaan). This detail is given in the books of hadith. Therein are mentioned the signs which prompted Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) to investigate Islam. Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) says that he was a resident in the province of Asbahaan, at a place called Jay. Sayyidina Salmaan narrates: "My father was a headman and a leader of the locality. He loved me very much. I tried very hard to become a success in my old religion of Zorastrianism (fire worship), and thus became a caretaker of the temple. Once my father sent me on an errand for him. On the way I passed a Christian church. I went inside, and saw the Christians praying there. I liked what I saw there. I was attracted to this religion and remained in the Church till the evening. I enquired from them where their headquarters were? They replied that it was in Shaam (Syria). When I returned home in the evening, my family asked where I had been the whole day. I related to them what had happened. My father said: "That religion is not good. Your religion and the religion of your forefathers is the best." I replied : "Never, that religion (Christianity ) is the best." My father, fearing that I would leave home, fastened a chain to my leg and locked me up in the house. I sent a message to the Christians that when the merchants from Shaam, who often came to trade, arrived, I should be informed. When the merchants arrived, they sent a message to me. At the time of their departure I cut loose the chains, ran away and joined the caravan to Shaam.
When I reached Shaam I enquired who was the best and most learned in this religion of Christianity. The people showed me a certain bishop. I went to him and informed him that I would like to become a Christian and stay in his company. He agreed. I began living with him but found him to be dishonest. He persuaded the people to give charity (tithe) and whatever he collected, he put into his personal treasure. He did not give the poor anything. After his death, another bishop was appointed in his place. He was a pious man, and did not care for material things. I began living with him and started to love him. When his end came near I asked him, who should I go to after his death. He replied that there was only one person in this world following the same path, and there was no one else besides him. He said: He lives in Mosul and you must go to him. After the bishop's death I went to the person in Mosul and related my story to him. He allowed me to stay in his service. He was a very good person. When his end came near I asked him that after his death, who should I go to? He replied that I should go to a person in Naseebayn. After his death I went to Naseebayn. Where I related my story to the resident bishop who agreed to keep me in his service. He was a good man. Again, when his end came near, I asked him the same question. He replied that I should go to a certain place in Ghamurya. I went to that place and began living with the bishop there. Here I worked and earned some money too. As a result I owned some cattle and sheep. When the Bishop of Ghamurya's end came near, I asked: "Now what should I do?" He took an oath and said: "There is no learned person anymore who follows our path. The time has come near when the last of all Prophets will appear, who will follow the religion of Ibrahim (Alaihis salaam). He will be born in ` Arabia '. He will migrate to such a place where many dates
grow and on both sides of this place the soil is stony. The Prophet will accept gifts, but will not eat from Sadaqah. The Seal of Prophethood will be between his two shoulders. (This is the sign of Prophethood and for this reason Sayyidina Salmaan radiallahu anhu
looked for the seal). If you can go to this place, try to do so."
After the bishop's death a few traders from the tribe of Banu Kalb passed there. I said to them:"If you take me with you to Arabia, I will give you in return these cattle and sheep". They accepted and brought me to Wadi al Qura (Mecca Mukarramah). I gave them the cattle and sheep but they oppressed me. They said I was a slave and sold me. A jew from the tribe of Banu Qurayzah bought me and took me to Madinah. I recognised the signs that the bishop of Ghamurya had explained to me. I said to myself, ` This is that place'. I lived there till Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) migrated from Mecca Mukarramah to Madinah Munawwarah. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was in Quba at that time. When I heard of Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam, whatever I owned I took with and presented it to him and said: "This is from Sadaqah." Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) himself did not partake any of it. I said to myself that one sign has been fulfilled and I returned to Madinah and collected a few things. In the meantime Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) came to live in Madinah. I presented somethings (dates, food etc) and said: "This is a gift." Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) accepted the gift, I said to myself that the second sign has also been fulfilled. Thereafter I attended his noble assembly. Sayyidina Rasulallah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was at the Baqi (attending a Sahabi's funeral). I greeted him and made an attempt to look at his back. Sayyidina Rasulallah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) understood what I was doing and lifted his sheet. I saw the ‘Seal of the Prophethood’ and in zeal bowed towards it. I kissed it and cried. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) said:"Come in front of me." I came before him and related the whole story. After that I continued serving my Jewish master in slavery . Once Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) said:"Make an agreement with your master to make you a mukaatab (one who purchases his own freedom) ." I made an agreement with my master he made two conditions. The first was that I should pay forty uqqiyyah cash in gold. (One uqqiyyah is forty dirhams and a dirham is 3 to 4 maashaa, 3g to 4g). The second condition was that I should plant 300 date palms and tend them till they bear fruit. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) planted the date palms with his own blessed hands (as is mentioned above ). It happened that some gold arrived from somewhere for Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) gave this to Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) and told him to go and pay it his master. Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) asked:" Will this gold be enough as the amount is much more."Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) replied:"It will not be surprising if Allah Ta'aala fulfils the need with this gold."I took the gold and weighing it paid the amount of forty uqqiyyah. (Jam’ul Fawaa-id)

From this incident it is evident that Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) buying Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) over from slavery meant he had paid the money so that Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) could become a mukaatab. Sayyidina Rasulullah (Salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) planted the palms with his own blessed hands and gave the gold that was stipulated in the agreement. Sayyidina Salmaan (radiallahu anhu) says:"I was a slave of ten different people”.  In the Battle of Khandaq, a trench was dug according to his advice, otherwise there was no knowledge of digging trenches.  


(21) Hadith Number 7

Abi Nadrah AI-'Awfee RA. reports: "I asked Abu Sa'eed Khudari Radiyallahu 'Anhu about the Seal of Prophethood of Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam. He said: 'It was a piece of raised flesh that was on Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam's back".   


(22) Hadith Number 8

Abdullah bin Sarjas Radiyallahu 'Anhu says: "I came to Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam while there were people sitting in his company. I went around to the back of Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam (The narrator may have done this physically). Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam understood what I was trying to do. He removed the sheet (body wrap) from his back. I saw the place of the ‘Seal of Prophethood’ between his two shoulders. It was like a cluster surrounded by til (moles) which appeared to be like a wart. I came before Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam and said to him. May Allah forgive you (or Allah has forgiven you, as is mentioned in Surah Fath, 'That Allah may forgive you, your former and your latter sins'). Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam replied: 'May Allah forgive you too'. The people said to me that Rasulullah Salla lahu'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam has made du'aa for your maghfirah (forgiveness). I replied: 'Yes, and for you too, because Allah Ta'aala has said: 'O Muhammad, seek forgiveness for yourself and the Mu'min males and females also"'. (That is why Sayyidina Rasulullah Salla lahu 'Alayhi Wa’ale Hi Wasallam asked for the forgiveness of Muslims).

Studying Ash-Shaam-il 

The Seal of  Sayyidina Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) 

Sheikh Sayyid Muhammad al-Yaqoubi extensively covered how reasoning and understanding of Islam can be based upon even the smallest and most simple hadith. This type of knowledge can only be acquired by becoming a Muhaddith, meaning a scholar of hadith. Unfortunately in today’s age many people are trying to give judgments on matters of ahadith without having adequate knowledge that takes many years to acquire. Great scholars like Sayyid Sheikh Muhammad al-Yaqoubi are very few in number today; this is one of the calamities to hit the Muslim Ummah.  

Sayyidina Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) had the Seal, which is referred as Khutum in Arabic on his blessed back. The beloved Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) also wore a Khutum-ring. The seal on the back of Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) was placed between the shoulder blades as confirmed in several hadith. The seal on the blessed back of the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) has been described as shaped like a ‘bird’s egg’ or a ‘pigeon’s egg’. The other descriptions are that it was the same colour as the blessed body of Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). Hadith have also explained that the seal was like a ‘chunk of meat’ and was slightly reddish. The Seal has also been described as being condensed in size.The Seal of Prophethood is never hidden and this was confirmed by the learned Jews who had read this in the ‘Torah’. This is a sign of Prophethood. 


Blessed Touch of Sayyidina Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) 

There are incidents referred to in this chapter such as the ‘touch’ and other blessings of Sayyidina Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). The touch of the blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) is such that on one occasion the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) touched the forelock of a companion (ra) and he never cut this piece of hair again. This was not just the love of the companions (Ra) for the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) but is also because they protected the blessings that his touch brought. The blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) made dua – supplication for blessings – barakha and also used water from his wudu - ablution as a cure. This point about the water from the Wudu has also been clarified because some modern interpretation is incorrect. The modern interpretation is that this water came from the container that was being used for the wudu, but the learned scholars confirm that the ‘remaining’ water means what was actually used in the ablution of Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam).   

The Great Companions (Ra) 

The hadith narrate the many virtues and qualities of the companions of Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam).  The death of Hasrat Sa’d bin Mu’aadh (Ra) has been mentioned by the blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam), confirming that the Arsh  - Throne of Allah (swt) swayed with happiness. This hadith has been explained by Imam Nawawi (Rh) as meaning ‘The throne shook itself as the angels carrying the Throne shook in grief. The blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) prayed for his companions (Ra) and this prayer brought the mercy of Allah (swt) onto them. Hasrat Abu Zayd’ Amr bin Akhtab Al-Ansaari (Ra) lived for 120 years without even having a single white hair. Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) had prayed for Allah (swt) to ‘beautify him’.  

Hasrat Salman Faarisi (ra) has been mentioned in detail in this chapter with details of his life and how he came to Islam. Hasrat Salman Faarisi (ra) is also called ‘Salman the Persian’ and he was one of the foremost in knowledge and his Persian roots have been complimented with the following saying ‘if knowledge was in the Gemini, it would be caught by a Persian’. Some narrations state Hasrat Salman (ra) lived 300 years and he was from before the coming of Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) and Islam. Hasrat Salman (ra) lived with monks and was a follower of the true religion of the time. He followed the true teachings of Hasrat Eesa (As) – Prophet Jesus and was considered a true ‘defender of religion’. However he was always told of the coming of the ‘Promised Prophet’.
Hasrat Salman Faarisi (ra) was captured and sold as a slave to Jewish person. This was done when he was deceived by travellers who were showing him the way to Mecca. Hasrat Salman (ra) had the knowledge of the previous scripture and wanted to witness the coming of the Khutum al Ambiyaa’ – Seal of the Prophets (As). The hadith narrate that Hasrat Salman (ra) became a ‘Mukaatab’ meaning the slave who buys his freedom for an agreed sum. The agreement was to plant trees and then maintain them until they gave fruit.  Hasrat Salman (ra) knew the signs of Prophethood – Nubuwwat, which included the fact that Prophets (as) cannot accept charity – sadaqa but can accept gifts – hadiyyah. This is why Hasrat Salman (ra) offered Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) charity, which was rejected and then gifts, which the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) accepted. Hasrat Salman (ra) also knew Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) will have a seal of Prophethood between his shoulder blades and wanted to see this sign. Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) removed his garment – rida to show the seal then Hasrat Salman (ra) took the Shahaadat.

(This means to declare ‘La illaha illala Muhummadur rasulullah’ There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger).

The term ‘Shaahadat’ literally means to declare that you have witnessed or testify to the above Kalimah.  


The Sunnah – way of the blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) shows the responsibility that the Muslim community has towards those people who newly enter the fold of Islam. The Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) took care of all affairs of Hasrat Salman Farisi (ra) that included his financial and social matters. As mentioned previously, all hadith are a source of legislation which have been used to derive laws of Islamic Shariah and conduct. Prophet Muhammad (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) is a legislator and every aspect of their blessed life and approach is used as an example and precedent. Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) planted the trees for Hasrat Salman Farisi (ra) and through his miracle – mujizah bestowed on him by Allah (swt), the trees gave fruit the same year except one. The one that did not bear fruit, had been soiled by Hasrat Umar Farooq (ra) so the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) re-planted it. Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) also gave gold to free Hasrat Salman Farisi (ra), which became heavier in weight. 


People of the House 

The ‘Ahl-e-Bayt’ literally means ‘People of the House’. They are the ones who are from the lineage of the blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). This is an honour, which is commonly believed to have been bestowed on anyone who shares the blood line of Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam).The beloved Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) in one narration is quoted to have said that;

‘Salman is one of our household’.  

This hadith clearly clarifies that through Taqwa – piety, people can achieve this honour. This is the honour of being attached to the ‘Ahl-e-Bayt’. The ‘ahl-e-bayt’ are not considered to be masoom – innocent. This means that they are not beyond sin and will be accountable for their deeds. Sayyid Sheikh Muhammad al Yaqoobi is himself from the ‘ahl-e-bayt’ and this is why he has the title of ‘Sayyid’. The Sheikh confirms that the responsibility is even greater if you are from this blessed lineage. 

One verse - ayat from Al-Qur’an, which was not revealed in this world, is regarding the household of Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). The ayat is ‘All filth has been removed from your household’. This ayat is to be revealed in the aakhirah  - afterlife.   Inshallah 



The honour of Sayyidina Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) 

The honour bestowed upon the blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) by the Almighty Allah (swt) is such that if someone has wronged the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam), that person must seek forgiveness from the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) only then will Allah (swt) forgive. The blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) has the sole right to intercede for the entire creation, in front of Allah (swt).  In ancient Arabia, poetry was the medium of communication. There was a person who used this medium to slander the beloved Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam). Following the conquest of Makka, the fatwa – ruling was issued to kill this person. Some narrations confirm that this person entered the haram – sanctuary of the Kaaba and clung on. However he was still killed despite the fact that shedding blood in this sanctuary is forbidden. This narration has been discredited over time. The actual authentic narration confirms that this person requested forgiveness from Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam), and the blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) gave this wrongdoer his blessed cloak. This person declared that ‘the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) indeed is light’ and apologised for the grave sins he committed through his poetry. 


Narrations have confirmed that Allah (swt) displays all the work of the Ummah – nation of believers in front of Rasulullah (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) and the blessed Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) requests forgiveness for the evil deeds that his followers are committing. In the after-life, time is relative and the beloved Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) lives inside their resting place. In the words of the learned Sheikh;
 
‘He is fresh, even his flesh is still fresh and blood is running in his veins’. Al Hamda Lillah – All Praise belongs to Allah (swt).  

Allah (swt) is the All-Powerful and through his grace the fish live in water and they can breathe and the birds fly in the air. When Ibn Jaariyah attempted to do the same, he died but couldn’t fly as birds do. In India at one time there was a species that lived inside fire and actually fed of fire, they are now extinct. Through the Will of Allah (swt), anything is possible and is beyond our own logic and understanding.We must remember that Allah (swt) has declared that the martyrs are alive and as Hasrat Salman Farisi (ra) truthfully said ‘The Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) is above the martyrs’.

When people die, their souls do not die but stay alive and can see. Scholars have even declared that anyone who claims that the Prophet (salla lahu alayhi wa’ale hi wasallam) is no more is heading towards Kufr – non-belief.