The Essence of Islam – Volume III — Page 157
Prophethood in Islam 157 are not found in those who come after <mark>the</mark>m. It is clear that <mark>the</mark> kind of sincerity and devotion with which <mark>the</mark> companions of <mark>the</mark> Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of. Allah be upon him) sacrificed <mark>the</mark>ir wealth, lives, and honour in <mark>the</mark> cause of Islām were not to be found even among <mark>the</mark> second century Muslims, let alone Muslims of subsequent centuries. Why was this so? It was because <mark>the</mark> companions, may Allah be pleased with <mark>the</mark>m, had beheld <mark>the</mark> countenance of <mark>the</mark> true one, whose love for. Allah was so spontaneously testified even by <mark>the</mark> disbelieving Quraish. <mark>The</mark>se people, observing his daily supplications, his loving prostrations, his condition of complete obedience, <mark>the</mark> bright signs of perfect love and devotion on his countenance, and <mark>the</mark> rain of Divine light on his face, were compelled to affirm: عَشِقَ مُحَمَّدٌ عَلَى رَبِّهِ 'Muḥammad has fallen in love with his Lord. '. <mark>The</mark> companions not only observed <mark>the</mark> devotion, love and sincerity which surged up in <mark>the</mark> heart of our lord and master Muḥammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) like a raging ocean, <mark>the</mark>y also observed God. Almighty's love for him, in <mark>the</mark> guise of extraordinary support and help. <mark>The</mark>n <mark>the</mark>y realized that God exists and <mark>the</mark>ir hearts testified that He stood by <mark>the</mark> Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. ) <mark>The</mark>y had witnessed so many Divine wonders and so many heavenly signs that <mark>the</mark>y were left in no doubt about <mark>the</mark> existence of a Supreme Being Who is God, Who controls everything and for Whom nothing is impossible. That is why <mark>the</mark>y exhibited such devotion and made such sacrifices as are not possible for anyone until all his doubts have been resolved. <mark>The</mark>y realized that to win His pleas-