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26. PLAYING HOST TO THE PROPHET

The Sahaba enjoyed most playing host to the Beloved Habbeb (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam).

Once, an inhabitant of Madinatul Munawwara said to the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam): “I am an overweight person and cannot attend the Salaah in the mosque. I request you to come to my place and perform Salaah so that I may enjoy your company.” He had also arranged food for the Holy Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam). Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) responded to his request and went to his house and performed two Rakaah Salaah. 1

1 Abu Da’ood

2 Abu Da’ood

3 Tirmidi

On one ocassion, the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) went to the house of Sayyidah Umm-e-Haraam who entertained him with food and cleaned his hair. 2

One day the Holy Prophet (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) went to the house of Sayyiduna Abul Hitham Bin Al-Tabyan Ansaari accompanied by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr and Sayyiduna Omar. Sayyiduna Abul Hitham had gone out. When he returned and saw the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam), he held on to him showing utmost love and respect. Then he took them to his orchard, laid carpet and when they settled there, presented some dates to them. Then he got up and slaughtered a goat and they ate satisfactorily. 3

One day the Beloved Habbeb (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) promised to visit the house of Sayyiduna Jaabir. Sayyiduna Jaabir arranged a feast in honour of the Holy Prophet (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) and said to his wife: “Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) is visiting us today. Hide your face properly and don’t give him any trouble and don’t talk to him.” 2 www.GardensOfSunnah.co.uk

When the Beloved Habbeb (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) arrived, he prepared a bed for him. When the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) went to sleep, he said to his slave: “Before the Holy Prophet (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) gets up, slaughter that young goat and cook it, lest he gets up, washes his face and leaves without having food.” The Holy Prophet (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) woke up and washed his face. The food was immediately served. He started eating. People of Banu Salmah tribe were watching him from a distance. After food, the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) was about to leave, Sayyiduna Jaabir’s wife said to him behind the curtain: “O Allah’s Apostle! Send Darood upon my husband and me.” The Beloved Habbeb (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “May Allah bestow upon you and your husband His Mercy.” 4

4 Musnad Ibne-Hambal, Vol. 3, p.398

5 Abu Da’ood

6 Abu Da’ood

Once Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) visited the house of Sayyiduna Sa’d. He helped the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) take a bath and wrapped him in a saffron colour sheet, served food to him. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) was about to leave, Sayyiduna Sa’d brought his conveyance and asked his son to escort the Beloved Habbeb (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) up to his house. 5

Sometimes the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) wished to eat some special food. The Sahaba immediately fulfilled his wish. Once Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “If I could eat a white bread covered with butter and milk.” A companion of the Holy Prophet (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) rushed to his house and brought white bread. 6

Some lady companions used to bring special items to the Beloved Habbeb (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) on their own. Once Sayyidah Umm-e-Aiman sieved the flour and cooked breads and served to the Glorious Prophet of Islam (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam). He said: “What is this?” She said: “This is the traditional dish of my country. I thought it would be nice to prepare the dish of my country.” The Holy 3 www.GardensOfSunnah.co.uk

Prophet (Sallallhu Alaihi Wassallam) said: “Mix a little bran and knead the flour”. 7

7 Ibne-Maaja