even though we might have heard the story before, but the way he narrated the
story leaves an impact. Therefore, I think I should extend the reception of
the story. Yesterday's talk revolved around the image portrayed by the
Muslims with an example set by Rasulullah s.a.w. I gathered 2 stories
basically. Of course, this is my version of the story as my memory could
retain and should not be treated as authentic narration.
There was this famous Jews Rabbi by the name Zaid bin San'ah and he read from his scripture that there
will be a great Prophet and He will be the last prophet sent by God to the
people. He was not convinced that Muhammad s.a.w. is the last noble prophet
as mentioned in his scripture. Therefore, he decided to investigate the
quality of Rasulullah s.a.w.; the high level of patience as a sign of true
prophethood. He went to the Prophet's s.a.w. house to investigate. When he
was there, there came a poor man asking for some food.
"Ya Muhammad, could you spare me some food?" says the poor man
"By Allah, I will give you if I have something but I do not have anything at
the moment" says Muhammad s.a.w.
The Jews Rabbi thought that this would be a good opportunity for him to test
the true sign of Prophethood of Muhammad s.a.w. Thus he said to Muhammad
s.a.w.,
"I have an orchard and if you will you can pick the fruits there and I will
accept the payment from you later"
"If that is the case, I will accept and will pay you at the set date" said
Muhammad s.a.w and they agreed on the date of payment.
Three days before the set date of payment, the Jews Rabbi came to Muhammad
s.a.w. and asked for the money saying in a harsh way that the Prophet s.a.w.
has forgotten to pay the money owing. Even though it was before the agreed
date, the Rabbi showed his anger and rude manner. At that point, when he
turned his head, he saw Umar r.a. behind him with his eye ball rolling
showing his anger.
"If it is not because of the presence of Muhammad s.a.w., I would have
beheaded you right now. How could you talk in such a way to my Prophet?" said
Umar in an angry manner.
"Calm down Umar, this is not what I want from you. You are not making the
situation better. What you should really say is, remind me to pay the debt by
time and tell him to ask in a softer manner", said Muhammad s.a.w. and he
went off.
Look at the quality of the prophet in this instance. After the incidence,
"Do you know who I am Umar?" asked the Rabbi
"I don't know who you are and I don't want to know who you are" said Umar
angrily.
"I am Zaid b San'ah and by Allah
today I have witnessed that Muhammad is a true prophet of Allah by the
quality that he has shown. From now on, I shall recite my syahadah and will
give half of my belonging in the path of Allah", said the Rabbi after he was
moved by the manner of the prophet.
I think this is very beautiful.
Just one other point, we can see that Umar was so angry at the Rabbi for his
harsh manner to Muhammad s.a.w. The love of the sahabah to Prophet s.a.w is
unique.
At the death of Prophet s.a.w., there was this sahabah and he mentioned that,
"My eyes are no longer useful if I could not see Muhammad s.a.w again"
And he asked Allah to take away his sight so that the last object that he
sees will be Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. Allah granted his wish.
Pls pass this along to be a great example of patience of its
virtue.
-From the e mail that I wrote to a friend.
