Burial of the Prophet

The Amazement of Muslims at the News of Death and Omar Denies the News

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, chose the highest chamber in Aisha's house for his final moments. His head lay in her lap, and she wept and struck her face along with the women who hurried to her upon hearing the news.

The Muslims in the mosque were astonished by the commotion because they had seen the Prophet in the morning, and everything indicated he was in good health. This led Abu Bakr to leave his daughter's house with his face veiled. Omar rushed to where the Prophet's body lay, unable to believe that he had passed away. He approached and uncovered the Prophet's face, which showed no signs of life. He thought the Prophet was in a deep coma and would eventually awaken from it. In vain, Mugheerah tried to convince him of the painful truth. Omar, remaining steadfast in his belief that Muhammad had not died, said, "You are lying". He left with Omar to the mosque, shouting, "Some hypocrites claim that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, has passed away. By Allah, he has not died; rather, he has gone to his Lord as Moses, son of Imran, went. He was absent from his people for forty nights and then returned to them after it was said that he had died. By Allah, the Messenger of Allah will return just as Moses did. They will cut off the hands and legs of those who claim that he has died". The Muslims in the mosque heard these cries from Omar, one after another, leaving them in a state of bewilderment. Was it possible that Muhammad had truly passed away? O Allah, protect those who had seen and heard him and believed in Allah, the One who sent him with guidance and the true religion. Their hearts were filled with amazement, and their minds were baffled. If Muhammad had indeed gone to his Lord, as Omar claimed, that would be even more astonishing. Waiting for his return, as Moses had returned, intensified their sense of wonder.

Therefore, a crowd surrounded Omar, getting closer to believing him and having faith that the Messenger of Allah had not died. How could he die when he had been with them just hours ago, with his voice echoing, and they had heard his supplications and prayers? How could he die when he was Allah's chosen friend, selected to deliver His message, respected by all the Arabs, and awaited by both Khosrow and Heraclius for Islam? How could he die when he possessed this strength that had shaken the world for twenty consecutive years, igniting the most profound spiritual revolution in history? But the women continued to weep and strike their faces, a sign that he had indeed passed away. Yet, Omar persisted in the mosque, repeatedly declaring that he had not died and had gone to his Lord, just as Moses, son of Imran, had gone. Those who claimed his death were hypocrites, and they would face severe consequences upon his return. Which of these two beliefs would the Muslims ultimately accept? At first, fear gripped their hearts, but Omar's words continued to instill hope in them, and they almost believed in their wishes, forming for themselves almost comforting truths.

Arrival of Abu Bakr from the Veranda

Indeed, when Abu Bakr returned from the veranda, he received shocking news. He looked at the Muslims and at Omar, who was addressing them. He did not pause for long, nor did he pay attention to anything else. Instead, he headed toward Aisha's house and sought permission to enter. However, he was told, "There is no need for anyone to enter today". Nevertheless, he entered and found the Prophet lying on a mat in one part of the house, covered with a cloth.

Abu Bakr approached the Prophet, uncovered his face, and then bent down to kiss him. He said, "How sweet you are, whether alive or deceased!" He took the Prophet's head in his hands and gazed at the features of his face, which death had not altered. He said, "By my father and mother, you have tasted the death that Allah decreed for you, and you shall never experience death again". He then placed the head back on the pillow, covered it, and left.

Omar continued to speak to the people, trying to convince them that Muhammad had not died. The people made way for Abu Bakr. When he approached Omar and called him, "O Omar, listen!" But Omar refused to be silent and continued to speak.

Abu Bakr turned to the people and signaled to them that he wanted to address them. Who could be more suitable for this role than Abu Bakr, the truthful, the chosen companion of the Prophet, the one whom the Prophet would have chosen as a close friend? Therefore, the people hurried to respond to his call and turned away from Omar. Abu Bakr praised Allah and then said, "O people, whoever worships Muhammad, then Muhammad has died, but whoever worships Allah, Allah is alive and does not die". He then recited the following verse: "Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful" (Quran 3:144).

Omar had remained silent when he saw the people turning to Abu Bakr. However, when he heard Abu Bakr reciting this verse, he collapsed to the ground, his legs unable to support him, fully convinced that the Messenger of Allah had indeed passed away. As for the people, they had been influenced by Omar's words earlier, to the extent that when they heard Abu Bakr recite this verse, it was as if they had never known that it had been revealed. Likewise, any doubts in their hearts regarding Muhammad's choice to be near the highest companion and Allah's acceptance of him had now disappeared.

Was Omar wrong when he became convinced that Muhammad had not died, and when he called people to share his conviction? No, for even today, scholars inform us that the sun will continue to scatter its light across the epochs until there comes a day when it will cease to exist. Can anyone believe this without harboring doubts about its feasibility? How can this sun, which sends forth its light and heat to give life to the world, fade away and extinguish while the world continues to exist afterward? Muhammad was no less than the sun in radiance, warmth, and power.

Just as the sun bestows its favors, Muhammad was a benefactor. Just as the sun connects with all things, the spirit of Muhammad was connected to all beings, and his remembrance continues to fragrance the entire universe. It is no wonder that Omar was convinced that Muhammad could not die. Indeed, he had not died and would never die.

Return of the Army to Medina

Osama bin Zaid ibn Haritha had seen the Prophet in the morning of that day when he went to the mosque and, like all the Muslims, thought that he had recovered. He went to inform those who had returned to Medina from the army that had set out for the Levant and had joined the camp at Jurf. He ordered the army to prepare for the march. As he was doing so, a bearer of bad news reached him about the death of the Prophet Muhammad. He reversed his orders and instructed the entire army to return to Medina. Then he himself went and stationed himself near Aisha's door, awaiting the reaction of the Muslims.

In truth, the Muslims were in a state of confusion. When they heard Abu Bakr and realized that Muhammad had indeed passed away, they began to disperse. Some of the Ansar rallied around Saad bin Ubadah in the Saqifah of Bani Sa'ida, while Ali ibn Abi Talib, Zubair bin Al-Awwam, and Talha bin Ubaidullah sequestered themselves in Fatimah's house. The Muhajireen, along with Asaid bin Hudair, joined Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr and Omar were informed of the decision of the Ansar, who had gathered around Saad bin Ubadah. The bearer of this news added that if they had any intention of intervening in the matter, they should do so before the situation escalated, as the Prophet was in his house with his family, and the door was closed.

Omar, directing his speech to Abu Bakr, said, "Let's go to our brothers, the Ansar, and see what they are up to". While they were on their way, they met two righteous men from the Ansar, who had been among those that the Ansar had sent to Ali and his companions to ask where they were headed. When they learned that Ali and his companions were going to the Saqifah of Bani Sa'ida, they told them, "You don't need to get close to them. O Muhajireen, go and settle your matter".

Omar said, "By Allah, we will go to them". So they continued until they reached the Ansar in the Saqifah of Bani Sa'ida. There, they found Saad bin Ubadah sitting with an expression of grief on his face. Omar asked, "Who is this?" They replied, "It's Saad bin Ubadah. He is ill". When the Muhajireen sat down, the spokesman of the Ansar praised Allah and commended Him. Then he said, "As for us, we are the supporters of Allah and the battalion of Islam. You, O Muhajireen, are a branch of us, and you have come to prevail over us and seize our authority".

Abu Bakr's Address to the Ansar

This was the spirit of the Ansar during the lifetime of the Prophet. Therefore, as soon as Umar heard this talk, he wanted to intervene. However, Abu Bakr held him back out of fear of his strong reaction. Abu Bakr then addressed the Ansar, saying, "O people! We, the Muhajireen, were the first to embrace Islam, and our accounts are more virtuous. We occupied the most honorable positions, and we are known for our noble character. We have the most lineage among the Arabs, and we have a close relationship with the Prophet. We embraced Islam before you and were mentioned first in the Quran. Allah, the Most Blessed and Exalted, says:

'And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct...' (Quran, 9:100).

So, we are the Muhajireen, and you are the Ansar. We are brothers in religion and partners in rewards. You have supported us against our enemies. As for the good qualities you mentioned among yourselves, they are indeed present in you, and you deserve all the praise from the people of the earth. The Arabs will only recognize this distinction because of the living member of the Quraysh. We have princes among us, and you have ministers".

At this, one of the Ansar became angry and stood up, saying, "I am the youngest of them (i.e., the Muhajireen) in age, and I am their 'Muhakkak' and their 'Marjub.' From among us and you, there is an Amir". Abu Bakr replied, "No, we have princes, and you have ministers. I am satisfied with both of them. So, choose whomever you wish, and let them give their allegiance".

Abu Bakr held the hand of Umar bin Al-Khattab and the hand of Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah, who were sitting on either side of him. There was commotion, raised voices, and fear of discord. Umar raised his voice and said, "Extend your hand, Abu Bakr!" Abu Bakr extended his hand, and Umar gave him the pledge of allegiance, saying, "Didn't the Prophet order you to lead the prayer? You are his successor, and we pledge allegiance to you willingly, choosing you over the one the Messenger of Allah loved the most".

These words touched the hearts of the Muslims present there, as they truly expressed what had been hidden in the hearts of the Prophet and his companions. It put an end to the differences among them, and both the Muhajireen and the Ansar gave their pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr.

The following day, Abu Bakr sat on the pulpit, and Umar bin Al-Khattab spoke before him. Umar praised Allah and then said, "Yesterday, I said something to you that was not found in the Book of Allah nor was it a covenant made by the Messenger of Allah. However, I believed that the Messenger of Allah would deal with our affairs and remain with us as the last among us. Allah has preserved His guidance for you through His Book, and if you hold fast to it, Allah will guide you as He guided His Messenger.

Allah has combined your matter upon the best of you, the Companion of the Messenger of Allah, the second of the two [in the cave]. So, stand up and pledge allegiance to him".

The people pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr, establishing the general pledge of allegiance after the one in the Saqifah.

The Inaugural Address of the First Caliph

After the pledge of allegiance was completed, Abu Bakr stood before the people and delivered a speech that is considered a masterpiece of wisdom and eloquence. He began by praising Allah and thanking Him. Then he said:

"O people! I have been appointed as your leader, and I am not the best among you. If I do well, support me, and if I do wrong, correct me. Truth is a trust, and lying is treachery. The weak among you is strong in my eyes, and I will ensure that their rights are upheld, God willing. The strong among you is weak in my eyes, and I will take their rights from them if necessary, God willing.

People who abandon the path of Jihad in the cause of Allah will be humiliated by Him, and those who spread immorality among a community will incur Allah's punishment. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I disobey Allah and His Messenger, then there is no obligation to obey me.

Now, rise for your prayers, and may Allah have mercy on you".

This inaugural address by Abu Bakr reflects his humility, wisdom, and commitment to justice. It sets the tone for his leadership as the first Caliph of Islam, emphasizing the importance of truth, justice, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.

Where Was the Prophet's Body Buried?

While Muslims initially had different opinions, they eventually reached a consensus on pledging allegiance to Abu Bakr, first through the Saqifah pledge and then through the general allegiance. Meanwhile, the Prophet Muhammad's body remained where it was, surrounded by his close family members on his deathbed.

Once Abu Bakr had been chosen as the leader, people came forward to prepare the Prophet's body for burial. There was a debate among the Muslims about where to bury him. Some among the Muhajireen suggested that he should be buried in Mecca, his birthplace, among his family. Others, however, proposed that he should be buried in Jerusalem, where previous prophets were buried. It is perplexing how anyone could have suggested this since Jerusalem was still under Roman control, and there had been hostilities between the Romans and the Muslims since the battles of Uhud and Tabuk until the Prophet Muhammad organized a military expedition led by Usama to avenge these conflicts.

The majority of Muslims did not accept either of these suggestions. They were not content with the idea of burying the Prophet in Mecca, and they believed that he should be laid to rest in Medina, where he had found refuge and where Islam had triumphed. They contemplated the location for his burial, and some proposed that he should be buried in the mosque where he used to address and guide the people and lead them in prayers. However, this suggestion was also dismissed.

The matter was settled when Abu Bakr recalled the words of the Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet had said that every prophet when he passed away, was buried where he had died. Therefore, it was decided that the Prophet Muhammad's grave should be dug at the place of his death, where he had breathed his last breath.

Washing the Prophet and the Farewell to the Pure Body

The task of washing the Prophet Muhammad's body was entrusted to his closest family members, with Ali ibn Abi Talib, Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, and his sons al-Fadl, Qutham, and Usama ibn Zaid taking the lead. Usama ibn Zaid and Shuqran, a freedman of the Prophet, were responsible for pouring water over him while Ali performed the washing, leaving the Prophet's clothing on his body. They insisted on not removing the garment, and during this process, they could sense a pleasant fragrance emanating from him. Ali would exclaim, "By my father and mother, you are the most fragrant alive and in death!" Some Western scholars suggest that this pleasant scent was a result of the perfumes and scents the Prophet used throughout his life, as he had a particular fondness for fragrances in this world. Once they completed the washing and shrouded him, they used three white garments, including two Yemeni ones and a striped one, for his burial shroud.

After the preparations were completed in this manner, the Prophet's body was left in its place. The doors were opened so that the Muslims could enter from the direction of the mosque. They came to circumambulate and bid farewell to their Prophet, offering their final glances and prayers. The sorrow weighed heavily on their hearts as they left, overwhelmed by the impending separation.

When Abu Bakr and Umar entered the chamber to lead the congregational prayers for the Muslims, no one was appointed as their imam in these prayers. As the people gathered in silence, Abu Bakr began: "Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah, and may Allah's mercy and blessings be upon you. We bear witness that you conveyed the message of your Lord, strived in His cause until Allah granted His religious victory, fulfilled your promise, and ordered us not to worship anyone but Allah alone, with no partners". In response to each sentence Abu Bakr uttered, the Muslims fervently replied, "Ameen, Ameen".

After the men had completed their prayers and exited, the women entered the chamber, followed by the children. Everyone present, young and old alike, had heavy hearts, and their souls were filled with sorrow at the loss of their beloved Prophet. They were consumed by grief, knowing that they were now entrusted with safeguarding the religion of Allah and fearing the challenges that lay ahead without the guidance of the Seal of the Prophets.

From the Tremendous Moments in History

More than thirteen centuries after that day, I vividly recall the image of that awe-inspiring scene that was destined to leave a profound mark on history. The haunting image of the lifeless body lying in one corner of the chamber, which would soon become his resting place, still fills me with a sense of reverence, humility, and solemnity. This pure body belonged to the one who had invited humanity to guidance and truth, the embodiment of compassion, mercy, and enlightenment.

This lifeless body of the man who had set the highest examples of righteousness, mercy, courage, resilience, upholding justice for the oppressed, and defending the rights of every man, woman, and child. He was the man who chose to rest in the company of his Lord, leaving behind his father, brother, companion, and loyal friend. He was the Prophet of Allah and His Messenger.

What feelings must have filled those hearts, overflowing with faith, as they contemplated what the future held after the Prophet's passing? I find myself transported back to that moment, staring at the lifeless body, overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of his presence. It was an image etched in my memory, a profound moment in history that continues to resonate through the ages.

Shaking the Beliefs of the Vulnerable

It was only natural for fear to grip the hearts of the Muslims. From the moment news of the Prophet's death spread throughout the city of Medina and reached the surrounding Arab tribes, doubts began to creep in, and the beliefs of the vulnerable among the Arabs were shaken.

Even the people of Mecca contemplated renouncing Islam, and some of them indeed wanted to do so. They were so determined that Attab ibn Asid, the governor appointed by the Prophet over the people of Mecca, felt threatened and had to hide from them. If it weren't for Suhail ibn Amr, who stood firm among them, saying, after news of the Prophet's death, "This will only strengthen Islam. Whoever rebels against us, we will strike his neck". He then added, "People of Mecca, you were the last to embrace Islam, so do not be the first to apostatize. By Allah, Allah will fulfill this matter for you, just as the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, predicted when you withdrew your initial allegiance".

The Burial of the Prophet

Arabs had two different ways of digging graves: one flat for the people of Mecca and another curved for the people of Medina. Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah used to dig graves like those for the people of Mecca, while Abu Talhah Zaid bin Sahl would dig graves for the people of Medina. The relatives of the Prophet were unsure of which method to follow when burying him.

His uncle, Al-Abbas, sent two men, one to invite Abu Ubaidah and the other to invite Abu Talhah. The messenger sent to Abu Ubaidah did not return, but the one sent to Abu Talhah came back with him. Abu Talhah adhered to the method of the people of Medina when digging the grave. When evening came and the Muslims had performed their final farewell to the pure body of the Prophet, the Prophet's family prepared to bury him.

They waited until most of the night had passed and then spread a red garment, which the Prophet used to wear, at the bottom of the grave. They then gently lowered his blessed body into the last resting place and covered it with clay and soil. Aisha mentioned that they were not aware of the burial of the Prophet until they heard the sound of shoveling in the middle of the night. Fatimah Al Zahraa, the daughter of the Prophet, also expressed a similar sentiment.

The burial of the Prophet took place on the night of Wednesday, the 14th of Rabi' al-Awwal, two days after the appointment of the highest-ranking companion.

Aisha and the Grave Chamber

After the death of the Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his burial in the grave chamber, Aisha, the wife of the Prophet and the daughter of Abu Bakr, continued to live in her house located adjacent to the burial chamber. She lived there happily, appreciating the proximity to this revered site.

Upon the death of Abu Bakr, he was buried next to the Prophet Muhammad, and similarly, when Umar ibn al-Khattab passed away, he was buried beside them. It is reported that Aisha used to visit the burial chamber, offer prayers there, and maintain her modesty by wearing complete attire when entering.

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad and his burial, Abu Bakr decided to carry out the Prophet's command to send an expedition led by Usama bin Zaid to the region of Ash-Sham (Greater Syria). Umar ibn al-Khattab and some other Muslims opposed this decision and suggested alternative leadership for the expedition. However, Abu Bakr remained resolute in implementing the Prophet's instructions. The army was prepared, with Usama at its helm, and they departed for their mission. It wasn't long before they launched a successful campaign in the region of Al-Balqa, and Usama sought vengeance for the Muslims and his father, who had been killed at the Battle of Mu'tah. The triumphant cry during those days of conquest was, "O victorious ones, march on!"

Both Abu Bakr and Usama carried out the Prophet's orders, and the army returned to Medina, with Usama riding the steed that had belonged to his father, who had been martyred in the Battle of Mu'tah. This served as a significant reminder that the Prophets do not leave behind inheritance.

Prophets Do Not Inherit

When the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, passed away, his daughter Fatimah asked Abu Bakr to return to her the properties of Fadak and Khaybar that the Prophet had left behind. However, Abu Bakr responded to her with the words of her father, saying, "We, the Prophets, do not inherit. Whatever we leave behind is considered charity".

He then told her that if her father had gifted her that wealth, he would honor that decision and act accordingly. Fatimah replied that her father had not given her anything of that sort and that it had been conveyed to her by Umm Ayman as her father's intention. At that point, Abu Bakr insisted on retaining Fadak and Khaybar and returning them to the treasury of the Muslim community.

The Great Spiritual Legacy

Similarly, Muhammad left this worldly life, not leaving anything of its fleeting pleasures to anyone after him. He departed from it as he entered it, leaving this valuable religion for humanity. He laid the foundation for this magnificent Islamic civilization that had cast its shadows over the world before and will continue to do so in the future. He established the belief in monotheism and elevated the word of God and the word of those who disbelieved. He decisively eradicated polytheism in all its forms and manifestations and called upon people to collaborate in righteousness and piety, not in sin and aggression.

After him, he left the Book of God as a guide and a mercy for people, and he was the noblest example and the best role model.

Among the last pieces of advice he gave to people during his illness was: "O people, whoever has a claim against me regarding his blood, wealth, or honor, he should present his claim, for I will be responsible for it. No retaliation is to be taken against anyone".

He also paid off a debt of three dirhams to a man who had a claim against him.

After that, the world-renowned scholar left behind this great spiritual legacy, which continues to spread throughout the world until Allah establishes His word, and His religion prevails over all other religions, even if the disbelievers dislike it.

May peace and blessings be upon him.