The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 12
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 12 and accept him so that he may serve you. ” The Holy Prophet sa supplicated for his prosperity, and accepted him in his service. After this, Anas bin Mālik ra began to live in service of the Holy Prophet sa , and did not depart from this service until the demise of the Holy Prophet sa. This is the same Anas ra on whose authority many narrations have been related in the books of Aḥādīth. He was from among the distinct Companions of the Holy Prophet sa. Anas ra was blessed with a long life and passed away in 91 A. H. , or 93 A. H. , at Baṣrah, when there was perhaps only one or two other Companions alive at the time. In his last days, he would often say that, “Due to the prayer of the Holy Prophet sa , my wealth and progeny were blessed more than I could imagine. Now I am only waiting for his prayer regarding paradise to be fulfilled in my favour. ” Shortly after reaching Madīnah, the Holy Prophet sa sent Zaid bin Ḥārithah ra to Makkah with some money. In a few days, he returned safely to Madīnah with the family of the Holy Prophet sa , and his own. Along with him, ‘Abdullāh bin Abī Bakr also brought the family of Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakr ra to Madīnah as well. Construction of Masjid-e-Nabawī Upon arriving in Madīnah, the first task was the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawī. The place where the camel of the Holy Prophet sa chose to rest, was the property of two children from Madīnah named Sahl and Suhail, who lived in the guardianship of Ḥaḍrat As‘ad bin Zurārah ra. This was a vacant land, on which a few date palms had been planted in one area. In another area, there were ruins, etc. The Holy Prophet sa selected this plot to construct the Masjid-e-Nabawī , and his own livings quarters. This plot of land was purchased for 10 Dinar, or approximately 90 Rupees. The surface was levelled and cleared of trees, after which the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawī began. The Holy Prophet sa supplicated to Allāh, and laid the foundation stone himself. Just as in the construction of the mosque at Qubā’, the Companions worked as builders and labourers. The Holy Prophet sa would also participate at times. Occasionally, while lifting bricks, the Companions would recite the following couplet of ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāhah ra : ٗ َھٰذَا اَبَر ُّ رَبَّنَا وَاَطْھَر ھٰذَا الْحِمَال ُ لَا حِمَال َ خَیْبَر