Haqiqatul-Wahi (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation) — Page 43
CHAPTER III 43 Allah be pleased with them, were present in Madinah on that day. Thereafter, he ascended the pulpit and addressed them saying that I have heard that some of our friends are entertaining such and such thoughts, but the truth of the matter is that the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has indeed died, and this is not something unique to befall us. There has been no Prophet before this who has not died. Ḥaḍrat Abu Bakr™ then recited the verse: مَا مُحَمَّدُ إِلَّا رَسُولُ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ. Meaning that, Muḥammad, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was only a human Messenger; he was certainly not God. ²* Therefore, just as all Prophets before this have died, so has he also died. Then upon hearing this verse, all of the Companions were moved to tears and cried out [‘Surely, to Allah we belong, and to Him shall we return']³. This verse had such a profound impact upon their hearts, as though it was revealed that very day. Thereupon, Ḥassān bin Thabit composed this elegy in memory of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: لِنَاظِرِى السَّوَادَ كُنْتَ مَنْ شَاءَ بَعْدَكَ فَلْيَمُتْ فَعَمِنْ النَّاظِر عَلَيْكَ أحَاذِرُ كُنْتُ فَعَلَيْكَ 1. Surah Al-e-Imran, 3:145 [Publisher] 2. The person who tries to exclude Ḥaḍrat ‘Īsā as from the application of this ,Verily, all Messengers have passed away before him ] قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ verse- (Surah Al-e-Imran, 3:145). ]—would have to admit that ‘Īsāªs was not a human being. And the reasoning of Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakra would also make no sense, for how could the Companions derive any solace from the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, passing away while ‘Īsā as being alive in Heaven with his physical body? (Author) 3. A phrase from the Holy Quran which is recited by Muslims to express their deepest sorrow. [Publisher]