A Letter to a Dear One — Page 57
Muhammad Zafrulla Khan 57 self had some rights on him, his wife had some rights on him and his guest had some rights on him. There is no Monasticism in Islam The Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) forbade monastery. He said, Our way is to lead a married and family life, and a believer should adopt this way of life. It was his own way and he also taught that one must not isolate oneself from the world. On the contrary one should carry out one’s obligations and duties to the world in a most desirable manner. However, one should not be committed to this world either. While one’s actions pertain to this world, one’s heart should be in remembrance of God. The Holy Prophet’s ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) own life was a perfect example of this. He once explained to © a ñ rat ‘ Ā ’isha (ra ñ iyall ā hu ‘anh ā ) that each person had a Satan within and should beware of it. © a ñ rat ‘ Ā ’isha (ra ñ iyall ā hu ‘anh ā ) asked if the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) had a Satan within him as well. The Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) replied in the affirmative. However, he said his Satan had become a Muslim. This was meant to purport that the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) had no remaining wish or desire of his own and that all he did was with the Will of Allah. Rights of Mankind The Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) cared deeply about rights and about discharging of one’s obligations. In his last days when he was very ill, the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) inquired if anyone had any outstanding obligations towards him, they should settle it then, so that he could go to His Lord free of all responsibilities. In response, one man told of a meager amount that was outstanding towards the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam). The Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) immediately repaid it. Once during a battle the Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) accidentally hit someone with his arrow. The man said, “O Prophet of God, I want retaliation. ” The Holy Prophet ( ” allall ā hu ‘alaihi wa sallam) offered to be hit with an arrow likewise. His Companions felt