Prophet's Eternal Rest.

The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wassalam) Eternal Rest

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-‘ālamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu `alayhi wa sallam is His Messenger.

Description: It was during his sermon to the pilgrims at the Valley of ‘Uranah, Mount Arafah, Makkah that Allāh sent a revelation to the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) indicated that his religion been perfected, completed His favors to Muhammad, and declared Islam as his Religion. As the Eminent Companions felt that their days with the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) were numbered.  The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) passed away on Monday, 12th Rabia ‘ul-Awwal 11th Hijrah; three months, after that revelation.

The Completion of Islam

When the religion of Islam had been completed, Allāh sent the revelation to notify the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) during the Sermon of his farewell Hajj on Friday Dzul-Hijjah 9, 10 A.H.or March 3, 632 A.C. at the valley of ‘Uranah, Mount Arafah, Makkah. It took place three month before his death. Allāh States to the Prophet (Sallāhu ’alayhi wassalam):

“This day I have perfected your religion, completed my favors upon you, and declared Islam as your Religion”[Surah Al-Maidah: 3]

The Prophet of Allāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) had delivered the message truthfully. He had spared no pains. He had not let any hardship shake him. He had built up the people who could be trusted to uphold the spiritual heritage of the Prophets who could shoulder the heavy responsibility of carrying the banner of Faith and Truth and to guard the message of Allāh against every interpolation and mutation. Allāh had even affirmed that they were capable of the obligation. Allāh said about them in the Qur’ān : “Ye are the best community that hath been raised-up for mankind, ye enjoin right conduct and forbid indecency; and ye believe in Allāh.” [Surah Aali-'Imran 110]

The Qur’an contains Allāh’s pure and holy truth, the source of inspiration and conviction to these people, which enjoyed the assurance of Allāh from being eclipsed or from undergoing any corruption in its text. Allāh says: Verily We reveal the Reminder, and verily We are its Guardian.” [Surah Al-Hijr 9]

Allāh’s help and triumph came to invigorate the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) who (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) the people entering the religion of Allāh in large numbers. Delegations from Arab tribes followed one after another in rapid succession to pledge their allegiance to him. The lightning speed or the geometric growth, with which Islam gained converts, promised its victory over all religions of the world. Allāh makes a reference to the rapid success of Islam:

“When Allāh’s succor and the triumph cometh And You seest mankind entering the religion of Allāh in troops. Then hymn the praises of Your Lord, and seek forgiveness of Him. Lo! He is ever ready to show mercy.” [Surah An-Nasr 1-3]

Private Devotions and Recitation of Qur’an

The Prophet(Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) used to retreat into his mosque for private devotions during the last ten days of Ramadhān, but during the last Ramadhān [before the Farewell Hajj] of his life he had secluded himself for twenty days. [Al-Bukhari, Kitab ul-A'itika]

The Qur’an used to be reviewed by the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) with Jibril [Gabriel] once annually during Ramadhān, but this was done twice in the year which he died. The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) at such a time told his companions that he had some strong feelings that the time of his departure from the world was drawing near. [Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Manaqib]

No man has ever had the glowing desire to meet the Lord as possessed by the Prophet (Sallāhu ’alayhi wassalam), and Allāh gave him permission to quit the transitory world.

The companions held him dear like the apple of one’s eye. His death was thus a shock more terrible than what they could be expected to endure. But Allāh had in His infinite wisdom prepared them beforehand for that unprecedented sorrow. The rumor about the Prophet's death had been circulated around in the battle of Uhud, but later on it came out that Allāh had still not deprived them of the blessed companionship of His Prophet (Sallāhu ’alayhi wassalam). Yet none of them had regarded the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) as immortal for they knew that he would have to leave this world sooner or later. It was on that occasion that the revelation was sent down by Allāh to forewarn Muslims. As the Qur'an says:

“Muhammed is but a messenger, messengers [he likes of whom] have passed away before him. Will it be that when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels? He who turneth back doth not hurt Allāh, and Allāh will reward the thankful.” [Surah Ali-'Imran 144]

The earliest Muslims were the Sahabah that had been personally guided, trained and set right by the Prophet (Sallāhu ’alayhi wassalam). Their hearts were harmonized with Allāh and they were in harness at the great task of spreading the message of Islam to the farthest corners of the world. And they never had any doubt that the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) would one day be summoned by the Lord in order to be recompensed for the greatest service rendered by him in humanity.

The verse: “When Allāh’s succor and the triumph cometh,” had convinced the companions that it was but the first announcement of the Prophet's approaching departure from their midst. They were fully conscious of the fact that reference to the help and victory coming from Allāh signified completion of the Prophet’s (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) mission. When the revelation came, “This day have I perfected your religion…” a number of eminent companions of the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) were led to believe that the time for his final summons was drawing near. [Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 427]

The Desire for Proximity to Allāh

After his return from the farewell pilgrimage, a number of things which done by the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) indicated that he was approaching the journey’s end and he was now making preparations for meeting the ‘Companion Most High'. Eight years after the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) prayed over those who were slain there like one who was bidding farewell to the living and the dead. He then mounted the pulpit and said:

“I am one who goes before you and I shall be a witness to you. Your appointed place is at the Haud-I-Kauthar where I find myself standing. I have been given the keys of the treasure of the earth, and I do not fear for you that you would become polytheists after I am gone, but I fear lest you should long for worldly things and strike each other's necks.”

The Illness

The sickness of the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) began shortly before the end of Safar. On 29th Safar 11th Hijrah, the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) went to the cemetery of Madinah, known as Jannatul Baqi, where he prayed for the dead and returned to his house. The next morning his ailment began.

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) relates that when the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) returned from the Jannatul Baqi he was suffering from a headache and was muttering: “O my head.” The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) said, “Nay, O my head! ‘Aishah, O my head!” His pain increased.

Then, in the house of Maimunah (radiyallāhu’anha), the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) called his wives and asked their permission to be nursed in the house of ‘Aishah. All of them agreed and the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) came out walking supported by Fadl bin A-‘Abbas and ‘Ali bin Abi Talib. He had a cloth bound on his head and his feet were dragging as he came to the house of ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha). [Al-Bukhari, Chap. Mard-un-Nabi]

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) narrated that that during the illness from which the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) never recovered. He told her: “Aishah, I still feel pain from the food I took at Khaibar, now I feel my aorta being severed because of it."

He led the prayer for eleven days although he was sick. He was sick for about 13 days.

Concerned For the Welfare of Muslims

Some of the Prophet’s companions came to see him during his illness in the house of ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha). He welcomed them and invoked for them that they be guided on the right path and blessings of Allāh. Thereafter he said:

“I enjoin you to fear Allāh and assign you to His care after me. I am a warner unto you from Allāh. Behold! Never give yourselves to arrogance and vainglory in the habitations of Allāh’s servants for Allāh has told you and me: ‘As for the Abode of the Hereafter We assign it unto those who seek not oppression in the earth, nor yet corruption. The sequel is for those who ward off [evil].” [Surah Al-Qasas, 28:83]

Then he recited another verse: “Is not the home of the scorners in Hell?” [Surah Az-Zumur, 39:60]

Apathy to the World and Wealth

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) narrated that during his illness, the Messenger of Allāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) asked her: “Aishah, what has happened to those pieces of gold?” When she brought five or seven or nine dirhams, he took them in his hands and said: “How shall I face Allāh with these in my possession? Give these away in charity.”

Concerned For the Solah

While the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) was caught in a debilitating sickness, he inquired: “Has everybody offered the Solat?” Those attending him replied: “No, O Prophet of Allāh, they are waiting for you.”He asked someone to bring water in a pot. After being served with his request, he took a bath and tried to get up, but fell unconscious. On regaining consciousness after a short while, he again asked: “Has everybody offered the Solat?” They replied: “No, O Prophet of Allāh, they are waiting for you.” All the people were then sitting silently in the Prophet’s Mosque for the Solat ‘Ishā’. Now Abu Bakar As-Siddiq was considerate enough and concerned with the prevailing situation that he asked ‘Umar Al-Khattab to lead the solat. ‘Umar, however, declined saying that he (Abu Bakar As-Siddiq) was more qualified than he was.

When the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) felt a bit better he came out taking the help of Al-‘Abbas and ‘Alifor the Solah Dzuhur. As soon as Abu Bakar came to know of the Prophet's arrival, he tried to step back, but the Prophet(Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) directed him not to leave his place and asked the two who were supporting him to let him take the seat by the side of Abu Bakar. Thus, the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) performed the prayer sitting while Abu Bakar kept standing in the prayer.

Umm Al-Fadl bint Al-Harith (radiyallāhu’anha) says that she had heard Allāh’s Messenger reciting Surah Al-Mursalat at the Solat Maghrib. Thereafter he did not lead any prayer until Allāh summoned him to His presence. [Al-Bukhari, Kitab us-Salat]

An Address

Of the few occasions when the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) made for the pulpit during his illness, he once said while a cloth was tied around his head: “Behold, Allāh gave to His bondmen the choice between this world and that which is with Him, so he chose that which is with Allāh.”

Abu Bakar (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) knew the significance of the Prophet’s word, for he knew that it was the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) himself who had been given that choice. He broke into tears and exclaimed: “Nay, may our own lives and our children be your rescue’

The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) then replied: “Abu Bakar, have patience and don’t be hasty. Indeed, of all the people, the most generous toward me in regard to his life and property was Abu Bakar. And, were I to choose anyone to be my dearest friend, indeed I would choose Abu Bakar. But the love and concern for Islam takes precedence above all others.” The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) also said in this occasion: “There shall be left open no door of the mosque save Abu Bakar’s”. [Al-Bukhari, Kitab Us-Salat]

Directives for Kindliness to the Ansar

Al-‘Abbas (radiyallāhu’anhu) and company happened to pass by a group of Ansar. They saw them weeping and asked, “What makes you weep?” They answered, “We have been recalling our meetings with the Prophet of Allāh (Sallāhu ’alayhi wassalam).” When the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) was informed of the incident, he came out; the end of his mantle wound round his head, and mounted the pulpit. He did not mount the pulpit again after that day when he praised Allāh and extolled Him. Rasūlullāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) said: “I commend the Ansar to you, for, behold, they are my intimates and bosom friends. They have fulfilled their duty, and now whatever claims they have on others remain to be requited. Therefore, you shall welcome whatever is done by the good among them, and forgive those that do wrong.” [Al-Bukhari, Fada'il Ashab]

The Last Day

Abu Bakar continued to lead the prayer. In a narration by Anas bin Malik (radiyallāhu’anhu), he said: "While the Muslims were performing the dawn prayer on Monday led by Abu Bakar, they were surprised to see the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) raising the curtain of ‘Aishah’s room. He looked at them while they were praying aligned properly and smiled cheerfully. Seeing him, Abu Bakar withdrew to join the lines and give way to him to lead the prayer. For he thought that the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) wanted to come out and pray." Anas (radiyallāhu’anha) said: "The Muslims, who were praying, were so delighted that they were almost too enthralled at their prayers. The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) made them a gesture to continue their prayer, went into the room and drew down the curtain."

The Prophet Did Not Live For The Next Prayer.

In the morning, the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) called her daughter Fatimah (radiyallāhu’anha) and whispered her something that made her cry. Then he again whispered to her something else which made her laugh. ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) enquired from her after the Prophet’s death, as to the weeping and laughing to which Fatimah (radiyallāhu’anha) replied: "The first time he disclosed to me that he would not recover from his illness and I wept. Then he told me that I would be the first of his family to join him, so I laughed."

He gave Fatimah glad tidings that she would become the lady of all women of the world.

Fatimah (radiyallāhu’anha) witnessed the great pain that afflicted her father. So she said: "What great pain my father is in!” To these words, the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) remarked:

"He will not suffer any more when today is over."

The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) asked that Al-Hasan and Al-Husain be brought to him. He kissed them and asked that they be looked after. He asked to see his wives. They were brought to him. He preached them and told them to remember Allāh. Pain grew so much severe that the trace of poison he had at Khaibar came to light. It was so sore that he said to ‘Aishah:

"I still feel the painful effect of that food I tasted at Khaibar. I feel as if death is approaching."

Prohibition of Prayers at Tomb

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) and Ibn ‘Abbas (radiyallāhu’anhu) related that when the time for the Prophet's death drew near, he had a black striped sheet over him. Often, he pulled it over his face and then having felt restless, removed it. It was in this condition that he said: “Allāh's curse is upon the Jews and Christians for having taken their Prophets’ graves as places of worship.” He was warning the Muslims against such a practice.

The Last Guidance

When he was about to breathe his last, the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) said repeatedly said: “Lo! Be careful of prayer and of those whom you possess or have under your charge.” He continued to repeat these words until they became inaudible but it appeared that he was trying to express them. [Baihaqi and Ahmad, Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p.473]. ‘Ali bin Abi Talib (radiyallāhu’anhu)  Said: I heard the Prophet of Allāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) commanding the Muslims to be careful of solat and poor-due and to be generous to their slaves and subordinates.

Prophet’s last Moment.

When the wrench of death started, ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) leant him against her. She said: One of Allāh’s bounties upon me is that the Messenger of Allāh died in my house, while I am still alive. He died between my chest and neck while he was leaning against me. Allāh has mixed his saliva with mine at his death. For ‘Abdul Rahman , the son of Abu Bakar  came in with a Siwak [the root of a desert plant used for brushing teeth] in his hand, while I was leaning the Messenger of Allāh  against me. I noticed that he was looking at the Siwak, so I asked him for I knew that he wanted it: "Would you like me to take it for you?" He nodded in agreement. I took it and gave it to him. As it was too hard for him, I asked him "Shall I soften it for you?" He nodded in agreement. So I softened it with my saliva and he passed it [on his teeth].

In another version it is said: "So he brushed [Istanna] his teeth as nice as he could." There was a water container [Rakwa] available at his hand with some water in. He put his hand in it and wiped his face with it and said:

"There is no god but Allāh. Death is full of agonies."

As soon as he had finished his Siwak brushing, he raised his hand or his finger up, looked upwards to the ceiling and moved his lips. So ‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anhu) listened to him. She heard the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) say:

"With those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace with the Prophets and the Truthful ones, the martyrs and the good doers. O! Allāh, forgive me and have mercy upon me and join me with the most exalted Companions."

‘Aishah (radiyallāhu’anha) also narrated When the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) was about to leave she recited last two Surahs of the Qur’an over the Prophet (Sallāhu ’alayhi wassalam), his head was on her thigh, fainted and then regaining consciousness, looked up towards the ceiling, he repeated three times: ‘With the most Exalted Companion!’ until his soul departed His forefinger dropped on one side into the water.

That was the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) last words. It was in late morning on Monday 12th day of Rabia ul-Awwal in the 11th Hijrah. He was then sixty-three years of age.

How the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) Left.

When the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) left this world, he had all of Arabia well in his hand. The sovereign and rulers were worried by his rising power while his companions were ever willing to undergo any sacrifice, to lay down their own lives and to surrender up their wealth, property and children for his sake. Yet he left this world without a single dinar or dirham or a slave or a bondmaid in his possession. All that he owned at the time was one white mule, some weapons and a piece of land, which had already been given away in charity. [Al-Bukhari, Mard un-Nabi]

The Prophet’s coat of mail had been pawned to a Jew for thirty Sa’s of barley [Al-Bukhari, Mard un-Nabi] when he died and nothing was left with him to retrieve it. [Baihaqi, p. 52]

The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) secured the freedom of forty slaves during his illness. Only six or seven dinars were left with ‘Aishah, but he asked her to give away even those in charity. [Al-Siratul Halabiyah, Vol. III, p. 381]

'Aishah(radiyallāhu’anha) relates that on the day the Prophet of Allāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) died, there was nothing in her house which could be taken by a living being except for a little barley left in a cupboard. It lasted for a few days until she weighed it, and that very day it was all used.

The Prophet(Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) death was the darkest hour for the Muslims, a day gloomy and lament for humanity just as his birth had signaled hope and cheerfulness for the whole world. Anas Ibn Malik and Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (radiyallāhu’anhum) said that:

“When the Messenger of Allāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) came to Madinah, everything looked better and brighter but no day was worse or darker than the day he died”.

Some of the people and Umm Aiman (radiyallāhu’anhu) weeping when the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) was bed-ridden. When they asked what had made her weep, she replied:

 “Of course, I know that the Prophet of Allāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) will quietly leave this world but I am weeping because the revelation from heaven has come to an end.” [Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, pp. 544-46]

Bafflement of the Companions

The news of the Prophet’s death fell like a thunderbolt on his companions. All were stunned because of the ardent love and esteem they had for him. Such was their reliance on his loving care as the children are assured of the protection of their parents. Their distress was not at all surprising, for Allāh speaks of the Prophet's concern for his followers: “There hath come unto you a Messenger, [one] of yourselves, unto whom aught that ye are overburdened is grievous, full of concern for you, for the believers full of pity, merciful.” [Surah At-Taubah 128]

The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) was so gracious and considerate that his every companion believed himself to be the closest to him and never had any misgivings about his love and confidence. It was the reliance born of absolute trust mingled with devotion that had made it difficult for some of them to think of the day when the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) would depart from this world leaving them alone. One of these was ‘Umar Al-Khattab, who had been one of the closest to the Prophet (Sallāhu ’alayhi wassalam), and when he was told that the Messenger of Allāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) was already dead, he protested violently. He went so far as to address the people in the Prophet’s mosque and told them that Allāh’s Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) would not quit this world until Allāh had destroyed the hypocrites. [Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, pp. 544-46]

The Proclamation of Abu Bakar

A man of determination and courage was needed at this difficult hour. And, this man was Abu Bakar As-Siddiq (radiyallāhu’anhu), the most senior of the Prophet’s companions, who had been selected by Allāh to take over the legacy of the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) with a firm hand. When the news reached him, he hurried back from his house Al-Sunna. For a moment he stopped at the door of the mosque where ‘Umar was resolutely speaking to the people. Without paying heed to anybody, he proceeded to Aishah’s room where the dead body of the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) lay covered with a mantle. Abu Bakar uncovered the Prophet's face and kissed it. Then, he proceeded to say:

 “My father and mother are your rescue. You have tasted the death Allāh had decreed for you; a second death will never overtake you.”

Replacing the mantle on the Prophet's face, he then went out to the Mosque. ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu’anhu) was still making a harangue to the people, so he said gently: “Umar, keep quiet.” But ‘Umar was too excited to listen to Abu Bakar.  Abu Bakar realized that ‘Umar was not in a mood to terminate his speech. So he stepped forward and called out to the people, whereupon they came round to him leaving ‘Umar.  Abu Bakar As-Siddiq (radiyallāhu’anhu) praised Allāh and then said:

“O Men, if any one of you worshipped Muhammed, let him know that Muhammed is dead. But if anyone worships Allāh, then Allāh is alive and He will never die.”

Then he recited the Qur’ānic verse: “Muhammed is but a messenger, messengers [the like of whom] have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dieth or is slain, ye will turn back on your heels?” He who turneth back doth no hurt to Allāh, and Allāh will reward the thankful.” [Surah Ali-'Imran 144]

'Umar Al-Khattab (radiyallāhu’anhu) acknowledged his error upon hearing this speech of Abu Bakar As-Siddiq, and the crowd was satisfied. ‘Umar said: “When I heard Abu Bakar reciting that verse, I was taken aback and fell down as if I did not have a leg to stand on. I felt as if I had then come to know of the Prophet’s death.”

Allegiance to Abu Bakar

All Muslims then swore faithfulness to Abu Bakar As-Siddiq (radiyallāhu’anhu), in the Hall of Banu Sa’ida, as the successor of Allāh’s Messenger. The reason for making haste was due to old rivalries flaring up suddenly through machinations of the devil and selfishness of the faint-hearted hypocrites. Those who were sincere and well-meaning wanted to ensure that the Muslims remained united and strong under a leader, who could look after their affairs and give a burial to the Messenger of Allāh (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa ssalam) as his successor and head of the Muslim community.

The Burial

Normalcy returned thereafter. The initial shock and grief gave way to tranquility and confidence and the Muslims again turned to the great task for which they had been trained and prepared by the Prophet of Allāh. The Prophet's family members washed and covered him, and stationed in his house.

Al-‘Abbas Ibn Abdul Mutalib (radiyallāhu’anhu), the Prophet's uncle, presided at the preparation for the burial, and the body was duly washed and perfumed. There was some difference of opinion between the Quraish and the Ansars as to the place of burial; however, Abu Bakar As-Siddiq (radiyallāhu’anhu) settled the dispute by affirming that he had heard the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa salam)  said: “I heard Allāh Messenger (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa salam) said: ‘A prophet is buried where he dies’. The Prophet's bedding was accordingly removed from the place and Abu Talha Ansari (radiyallāhu’anhu) then dug a grave for him at the same spot within the house of ‘Aishah and under the bed on which the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa salam) died.

On Tuesday, his body was washed by Al-‘Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib, ‘Ali bin Abu Talib, Al-Fadl and Qathum, sons of Al-‘Abbas, Shaqran, prophet’s freed slave, Usamah bin Zaid and Aws bin Khauli(radiyallāhu’anhum). The body was washed three times with water and berry leaves. They shrouded him with three pieces white Yemeni cotton sheets.

Then the people came to pay their last respects to the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa salam) and to say the funeral prayer in batches of ten one after another. Women came in after the men followed by the children, all of whom prayed over him. Nobody acted as Imam in the prayers over the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa salam) . [Ibn Hisham, Vol. II, p. 663]

The body of the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa salam) was laid to rest on late Tuesday evening, 13 Rabiul Awwal 11th Hijrah before Wednesday. [Tabaqat Ibn Sa'ad; Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, p. 517]

It was a sad day for Madinah. When Bilal bin Rabah (radiyallāhu’anhu) gave the call for Morning Prayer he could not help recalling the Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa salam) in his mind and broke down in tears and sobs. His crying tore the hearts of all others who had been part of the living. But, it was quite different now, as everything seemed to be wearisome, gloomy.

Umm Salamah (radiyallāhu’anha) says, “What a tormenting affliction it was! When we recall the distress we were in, every other trouble appears to be lighter and easier to endure.’ (Ibn Kathir, Vol. IV, pp. IV, p. 517)

The Prophet (Sallāhu ‘alayhi wa salam) had once said to the believers: “O ye people! If any one of you comes to grief, he ought to console himself in his bereavement by recalling to his mind the anguish that will rend his heart on my death. For no sorrow would be greater to my followers than the agony caused to them by my death.” [Ibn Kathir Vol. IV, p. 549]

Thus ended the glorious life of that Prophet Muhammad. May the Peace and Blessings of Allāh Be upon him.

“Allāhumma salli ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala āli Muhammad kamā sallaita ‘ala āli Ibrāhīm; Wa bārik ‘ala Muhammad wa ‘ala āli Muhammad kama bārakta ‘ala āli Ibrāhīm, fil-‘ālamīn; Innaka Hamīdun Majīd”

(O Allāh! Send Prayers upon Muhammad and the members of his household as You Sent Prayers upon the members of Ibrahim's household; And Send Blessings to Muhammad and the members of his household as You  granted Blessings upon the members of the household of Ibrahim, among all the nations’ Verily You are Most Praiseworthy, Full of Glory)”.[Muslim]

And Allāh Almighty Knows best.

See: Muhammad 27

See: Muhammad 1