Lessons from the Prophet

Sahih Muslim 1791
It has been narrated on the authority of Anas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had his front teeth damaged on the day of the Battle of Uhud, and got a wound on his head. He was wiping the blood (from his face) and was saying: How will these people attain salvation who have wounded their Prophet and broken his tooth while he called them towards God? At this time, God, the Exalted and Glorious, revealed the Verse:” Thou hast no authority” (iii. 127).

• This hadith narrated in Sahih Muslim 1791 describes an incident from the Battle of Uhud, during which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was injured and had his front teeth damaged. Despite his wounds, the Prophet was focused on calling the people towards God and expressed his concern for the salvation of those who had harmed him. It was at this time that Allah revealed the verse “Thou hast no authority” (Quran 3:127). This hadith highlights several important lessons for Muslims. Firstly, it emphasizes the Prophet’s unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Islam and calling people towards God, even in the face of personal harm and injury. Secondly, it underscores the importance of forgiveness and compassion, even towards those who have wronged us. The Prophet’s concern for the salvation of those who had harmed him serves as a powerful reminder of the need to approach all situations with a kind and merciful heart. Thirdly, this hadith also emphasizes the significance of divine intervention and guidance in the lives of Muslims. Allah’s revelation of the verse “Thou hast no authority” serves as a reminder that ultimate authority and power rest with Allah alone, and that it is through His guidance and mercy that Muslims are able to navigate life’s challenges and overcome adversity.

Overall, this hadith serves as a powerful example of the Prophet Muhammad’s character and teachings, and offers important lessons for Muslims in terms of steadfastness, forgiveness, and reliance on Allah’s guidance.

Why Did Allah Allow the Prophet (ﷺ) to Suffer?

The suffering of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during the Battle of Uhud, as described in Sahih Muslim 1791, raises an important question: Why did Allah allow His beloved Messenger to endure pain and hardship? The Quran provides multiple references that help us understand the divine wisdom behind such trials.

1. To Test the Believers and Strengthen Their Faith

• Surah Al-Ankabut (29:2-3)
  “Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe,’ and they will not be tested? But We have certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.”
  → The trials faced by the Prophet (ﷺ) were not a sign of divine neglect but a means of strengthening his faith and the faith of his followers.

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155-157)
  “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is they who are rightly guided.”
  → Suffering is a test that purifies believers and strengthens their connection with Allah.

2. To Demonstrate the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Human Nature

• Surah Al-Kahf (18:110)
  “Say, ‘I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord—let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.'”
  → The Prophet (ﷺ) experienced pain, loss, and hardship to serve as a role model for humanity, proving that even the best of creation had to endure suffering with patience and faith.

• Surah Al-Ahzab (33:21)
  “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and who remembers Allah often.”
  → His suffering teaches Muslims how to handle difficulties with perseverance and faith.

3. To Teach the Value of Perseverance and Victory After Hardship

• Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
  “For indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
  → The trials of Uhud were followed by eventual victories, showing that patience and faith lead to success.

• Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:140-142)
  “If a wound has touched you, a similar wound has touched the opposing people. And We alternate these days [of victory and defeat] among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and may take to Himself from among you martyrs – and Allah does not like the wrongdoers. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those who fight in His cause and made evident those who are patient?”
  → The Battle of Uhud served as a lesson that trials refine the believers and expose the hypocrites.

4. To Show That Guidance is in Allah’s Hands Alone

• Surah Aal-e-Imran (3:128)
  “(O Prophet,) You have no authority in this matter, whether He turns to them in mercy or punishes them; for they are indeed wrongdoers.”
  → This verse, revealed in response to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) concern for his enemies, teaches that guidance is entirely in Allah’s control, and even the Prophet (ﷺ) cannot force anyone to believe.

Conclusion

The suffering of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was not in vain—it served multiple divine purposes. It tested the faith of believers, established him as a human role model, demonstrated the reality of divine trials, and emphasized that ultimate guidance and authority belong to Allah alone. Through these hardships, the Prophet (ﷺ) showed the highest levels of patience, reliance on Allah, and compassion, reinforcing the key message of Islam: Submission to Allah’s will, perseverance through difficulties, and ultimate reliance on His wisdom and mercy.