Question

Was it the common practice of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) to give Hidayat (Guidelines) to anyone going in the Path of Allah Ta’ala, from individuals to jamats?

 

Answer

Yes this was indeed the noble habit of Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).

He (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would generally advise those departing in Allah’s way before their departure.

There are several examples in the Hadith books.

1. An example of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) advising an individual is the famous incident when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) chose Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu) at the time of the battle of Khaybar. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had advised Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu ‘anhu):

“Proceed till you stop at their courtyard. Then invite them towards Islam and inform them of its obligations. For Allah Ta’ala to guide a single person through you, is better for you than red she-camels,”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 2942)

2. Similarly, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) advised Sayyiduna Mu’adh Ibn Jabal (radiyallahu ‘anhu) before dispatching him to Yemen.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 1395 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 121-123)

3. An example of advising two people is the Hadith in Sahih Bukhari:

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) advised Sayyiduna Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari and Sayyiduna Mu’adh (radiyallahu ‘anhu) before dispatching them to Yemen:

“Create ease and not difficulty, give glad tidings, do not create hatred, and be cordial and do not differ.”

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3038)

For more such examples, refer to Hayatus Sahabah, vol. 1, pg. 141 (Millat edition)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar