How Do We Understand the Unique Distinctions Granted to the Prophet (Peace and Blessings Be upon Him) by Allah?
Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch
Question
Imam Suyuti mentioned that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had unique permissions, like taking food or clothing without consent and looking at unrelated women. How should we understand these distinctions?
Answer
Imam Suyuti, in his book of Prophetic distinctions (Khasa’is), lists many of the distinctions that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) has that the rest of his community does not.
It is important to recognize that Imam Suyuti assumes that the reader understands that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace), although human, is not like other humans in the sight of Allah Most High. He is the greatest of Allah’s creations and the most beloved of them to Allah.
In this light, Allah Most High has blessed the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) with specific rights and responsibilities above and beyond what others are given.
The Prophet’s Status to Us
Allah Most High says, “The Prophet has a stronger affinity to the believers than they do themselves. And his wives are their mothers…” [Quran; 33:6]
Additionally, it is a requirement for true faith that one love no other amongst creation as much as they love the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace).
In this light, we see the following statements of the companions:
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “No one’s wealth benefitted me more than that of Abu Bakr.” Abu Bakr replied, “Has Allah benefitted me by anyone other than you? Has Allah benefitted me by anyone other than you? Has Allah benefitted me by anyone other than you?” [Ahmad]
In another narration:
Abu Bakr wept and said, “O Messenger of Allah, am I and my wealth for any other purpose but to serve you, O Messenger of Allah!.” [Ibn Maja]
Sinless and Flawless Nature of the Prophet
The companions understood that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and give him peace) did not do anything except that it was pleasing to Allah Most High. Thus if he were to ask them for all their wealth, they would not object seeing that this is what Allah Most High wants from them.
The distinctions that Imam Suyuti lists must be understood in this vein.
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies in Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen. There he completed the memorization of the Qur’an and his study of the Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: al-Habib Umar bin Hafiz, al-Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, al-Shaykh Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others. Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.
