Question

Was it the common practice of Nabi (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) 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 wasallam).

He (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) 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 wasallam) advising an individual is the famous incident when Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) chose Sayyiduna ‘Ali (radiyallahu’anhu) at the time of the battle of Khaybar. Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam) 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 wasallam) 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 wasallam) advised Sayyiduna Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari amd 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: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar