Life of the Promised Messiah — Page 54
54 upon him, that his contemporaries, intimate friends and blessed wives believed in him with sincerity of heart. During his life and after his demise, they remained firm and loyal in their belief. The companions were bestowed with such perception and remarkable sagac- ity that they were able to clearly distinguish between the Muhammad sa who stated: ْ ُم ک بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُ اَنَا (I am but a man like you) and the Muhammad sa who proclaimed: ْعًا ی ُمْ جَمِ ک ْ ی َ ِ اِل ہّٰلل رَسُوْلُ ا اِنِّي (Verily, I am a Messenger of Allah, sent to you all). On certain occasions, these discerning and sincere companions, and the wives of the Holy Prophet sa , would speak to that Muhammad sa who was a mere man, in a cheerful and informal manner. At times, in their general dealings, they would disagree with him and even dispute with him. Sometimes, his wives would speak to him in such an affectionate and intimate man- ner that the grandeur and awe of the Holy Prophet sa would not prove a hindrance, nor would any formal- ity stand between them. However, on other occasions, when in the presence of Muhammad sa , the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, they would sit before him with their heads bowed so respectfully, as if they were branches upon which birds could make their nests without a care in the world. In this realm, they believed that all their deeds would be in vain if they spoke first or raised their voice in the presence of the Holy Prophet sa. They were so obedient and submis-