Correcting Belief about the Prophet (s.a.w.)

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following is adapted from On Correcting Belief about the Prophet (s.a.w.), and was answered by Habib ‘Umar ibn Muhammad ibn al-Hafizh.  A student said that when he first learnt about Islam, he was taught that the Prophet (s.a.w.) was merely a man and that we should not be excessive in praising him.  He asked, “How do I correct this belief?” 

Habib ‘Umar replied, “You should heal yourself with the Qur’an, as this is one of the best sources of healing.  You should read and reflect upon the verses which praise the Prophet (s.a.w.) and mention his greatness and also read the commentaries on these verses.” 

He was told to reflect, for example, upon Allah’s (s.a.w.) Statement: 

سُوۡرَةُ الطُّور

وَٱصۡبِرۡ لِحُكۡمِ رَبِّكَ فَإِنَّكَ بِأَعۡيُنِنَا‌ۖ وَسَبِّحۡ بِحَمۡدِ رَبِّكَ حِينَ تَقُومُ (٤٨) 

So, wait patiently (O Muhammad) for your Lord’s Decree, for surely, you are in Our Sight; and hymn the praise of your Lord when you rise. (Surah ath-Thur:48) 

One meaning of this is that the Prophet (s.a.w.) constantly receives Immense Care from Allah (s.a.w.). 

Habib ‘Umar also said, “You should also realise that Allah Chose him out of all mankind and the greatness of the Chosen One is according to the Greatness of the One Who Chose Him.  Allah (s.w.t.) only Magnifies people or things which are great in His Sight.” 

Finally, he was told to reflect upon the Prophet’s (s.a.w.) unique attributes.  Did any other human being ascend beyond the Lote Tree of the Utmost Boundary, Sidrat al-Muntaha?  Will any other human say on the Day of Judgement at the point of intercession, “I am the one for this”?  Did any other human being say that if all the prophets were alive, they would have to follow him?  So, the Prophet (s.a.w.) is a human, but not like any other.