Summary prepared by The Review of Religions
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said that he would continue mentioning the Holy Prophet’s (sa) trust in Allah the Almighty.
A Display of Courage After Plot to Kill the Holy Prophet (sa)
His Holiness (aba) said that when the Holy Prophet (sa) was migrating from Makkah to Madinah, Suraqah bin Malik sought to pursue him and win the bounty that had been placed upon the Holy Prophet (sa). Suraqah, who later became a Muslim, himself narrates that a bounty had been placed upon the capture or killing of both the Holy Prophet (sa) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). Someone told Suraqah that he had seen three people travelling and wondered if it was the Holy Prophet’s (sa) party. And so, Suraqah manoeuvred in a way that he would be able to set out on his own to follow this group, so that he would not have to share in the bounty with anyone else. He took his fastest horse and was about to set out. Before doing so, he drew a lot, which came out against his trip, but he set out anyways.
Suraqah relates that he came upon the Holy Prophet (sa) at a distance and pursued him. But as he did, Suraqah’s horse stumbled and fell. But determined to win the bounty of a hundred camels, Suraqah got back up and drew closer. In fact, Suraqah drew so close that he could hear the Holy Prophet (sa) reciting the Holy Qur’an. He noticed that the Holy Prophet (sa) was not looking around, while Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was, likely to make sure there were no threats to the Holy Prophet (sa). Just as Suraqah was drawing closer, his horse fell again, and its legs became lodged in the desert sand. Suraqah scolded the horse, and when it finally freed itself from the sand, Suraqah drew a lot again and once again it was not in his favour.
At that point, Suraqah called out to the Holy Prophet (sa) and said that they faced no harm from him any longer. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) instructed Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to ask what this man wanted. Suraqah replied that he only wanted to speak with them. He then explained that he had set out to secure the bounty, but realised that it was not meant to be. Suraqah then even offered the Holy Prophet (sa) some provisions for his continued journey; however, the Holy Prophet (sa) refused. The Holy Prophet (sa) only asked that he not tell anyone of their whereabouts. Suraqah agreed, and also asked for a written agreement that he would remain safe when the Holy Prophet (sa) became victorious. The Holy Prophet (sa) agreed to this, and Suraqah was given written assurance.
His Holiness (aba) said that such was the Holy Prophet’s (sa) trust in God that he had absolutely no fear. He was going about his journey as he recited verses of the Holy Qur’an. He was so sure that no harm would come to him that he even granted peace and security to Suraqah, having full trust that he would ultimately become victorious. As Suraqah was leaving, the Holy Prophet (sa) said to him, ‘How will you feel, O Suraqah, when the bangles of the Chosroes will be on your wrists?” Suraqah was astonished upon hearing this. Ultimately, during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (ra), when the Muslims came into the possession of the Chosroes’ bangles, Hazrat Umar (ra) summoned Suraqah and granted him the bangles, as foretold by the Holy Prophet (sa).
Putting His Trust into Practice
His Holiness (aba) quoted Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra), Second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who wrote that the conduct of the Holy Prophet (sa) was the result of his faith in One God. The Holy Prophet’s (sa) trust in God was an expression of his faith in God and his fulfilment of the purpose for which God sent him. Similarly, the Holy Prophet (sa) did not express his faith in such a manner that he said he would remain idle while God granted him victory. Instead, the Holy Prophet (sa) employed the necessary means available to him. He would arrange training for his armies, he would arrange riding animals, he would gather armoury, and he would arrange for the food and drink of his army. Then, when his armies would be faced with an enemy greater in number, at that time, after having made all possible efforts and arrangements, the Holy Prophet (sa) would proceed forth, placing his trust in God. Thus, the Holy Prophet (sa) exhibited both practical action and trust in God, showing that both go hand in hand.
His Holiness (aba) quoted the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), who writes:
‘During the period of trials in Mecca, which extended over thirteen years, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, demonstrated in practice all the high qualities which a perfectly righteous person should exhibit at such a time, such as trust in God, perfect serenity under sufferings, steady and eager carrying out of duties and fearless courage. Observing his steadfastness, many of the disbelievers believed in him and thus testified that it is only the one who has complete trust in God who can display such steadfastness and endurance of suffering.’ (The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, p. 205)
His Holiness (aba) said that when the Holy Prophet (sa) arrived in Madinah, the Muslims pledged that they would face all of Arabia if they had to. At the time, the state of the Muslims was such that they would not spend the night without their weapons by their sides. Not only did they place their trust in God, but they also took measures to protect themselves in the event of an attack at any time.
His Holiness (aba) said that one night after arriving in Madinah, the Holy Prophet (sa) expressed that if only there was someone who would stand guard outside. Just then, he heard the clamouring of weapons outside. The Holy Prophet (sa) inquired who it was. It turned out that one of his companions had come to stand guard. He said that something in his heart told him that he should go and stand guard for the Holy Prophet (sa). It is also recorded that at this time, the following was revealed to the Holy Prophet (sa):
‘And Allah will protect thee from men.’ (The Holy Qur’an, 5:68)
Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) told those outside his tent that they could return to their own dwellings, as God had informed that He Himself would render protection. Until this was revealed to the Holy Prophet (sa), he still employed the means around him.
Fearlessness in the Face of Death
His Holiness (aba) said that it is recorded that upon departing for battles, the Holy Prophet (sa) would pray to God, saying, ‘O Allah, You are my strength and my Helper, and it is through You that I fight.’
His Holiness (aba) said that there is a famous incident of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) trust in God. Once, a disbeliever found the Holy Prophet (sa) alone under a tree. He drew his sword and asked the Holy Prophet (sa) Who will save him now? Without hesitation, the Holy Prophet (sa) replied, ‘Allah’. This response had such a profound impact on the disbeliever’s heart that the sword in his hand fell to the ground.
His Complete Trust Even When Outnumbered
His Holiness (aba) said that at the time of the Battle of the Ditch, the Muslims were facing very strained circumstances. It was decided that the Muslims would remain in Madinah and face the opponent. This was not out of fear, but military strategy. A trench was dug around Madinah to protect against any immediate attack. The Muslims were mostly poor and hardly had enough food to eat. Yet, those same Muslims joined forces to dig the trench. It is recorded that the enemy army numbered ten thousand at the very least, heavily outnumbering the Muslims. Still, despite being poor and outnumbered, the Muslims stood ready to face the enemy. God had already informed them of victory in this battle, which only further strengthened the resolve and faith of the Muslims. Then, despite seeing the large enemy numbers, the Muslims’ trust in God did not waver, but they remained resolute. The result of this trust was that God caused a storm which frightened the enemy, who ultimately fled, leaving much of their weaponry and other provisions behind, to the benefit of the Muslims.
His Holiness (aba) said that as the Muslims were digging the trench, they came upon a large stone that they could not break, and so they informed the Holy Prophet (sa). He said that he would go down into the trench and try to break it himself. The Holy Prophet (sa) was himself in a state of such hunger that he had tied two stones to his stomach. Regardless, the Holy Prophet (sa) went down into the trench and broke the large stone. Upon this, one of his companions went home, having seen the state of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) hunger and asked his wife to prepare whatever little food there was in the home. He then invited the Holy Prophet (sa) to eat. The Holy Prophet (sa) asked him how much food there was, and the companion replied that there was only some barley and one small goat. The Holy Prophet (sa) said that this was more than enough. He then instructed the companion to tell his wife not to take the pot off the stove until the Holy Prophet (sa) arrived. Then, the Holy Prophet (sa) told all of the companions there to come with him. The companion whose wife was preparing the food was astonished at the number of people who had arrived when there was only a small amount of food. The Holy Prophet (sa) then began breaking pieces of bread and placed some meat in the pieces and distributed it among the companions. He continued doing so until all the companions had eaten to their fill while there was even food leftover. This was the result of the Holy Prophet’s (sa) trust in God.
His Holiness (aba) said that in the Battle of Hunain, when four thousand enemy archers were firing arrows and defeat seemed imminent for the Muslims, the Holy Prophet (sa) marched forward saying, “I am the Prophet; this is no lie; I am the son of Abdul Muttalib.’ The Holy Prophet’s (sa) resolve came from his trust in God, Who had promised victory. Thus, even when defeat seemed to be on the horizon, the Holy Prophet (sa) never lost trust in God, and this proved fruitful as the Muslims were ultimately victorious.
His Holiness (aba) quoted the Promised Messiah (as) who writes:
‘‘According to the wise people of this age, it is a mistake to make someone your enemy, but if you ask for the truth, this is also proof of godliness. The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not worry about anyone; indeed, he made everyone his enemy. According to these people, he made – God forbid – a mistake, but to make enemies simply for the sake of God is manifest evidence of his veracity, by which the strength of his faith can be seen. On the one hand, look at [ Jesus] the Messiah (as); from his teaching, which is found in the Gospels, it is clear that his intention was never to offend anyone.
The Jews were told that I have not come to change even an iota of the Torah. From this phrase, it is evident that he wanted to make them happy. Contrary to this, if the teachings of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, are seen, it will be found that no sect or religion on the face of the earth was left that was not invited [to embrace Islam] and whose errors he did not point out (and then he also made the claim that he would be victorious and triumphant). Please tell me how someone can do this unless he has complete trust and faith in God?’ (Malfuzat, English Translation, Vol. 7, pp. 59-60)
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