ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Perfect Role Model: The Prophet of Islam Sharing in the Difficulties of Others The Most Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) was a religious leader who shared in the life of the people in every way. He never considered himself to be separate from his community and it was never the case that his friends and followers lived in difficulty while he lived in comfort.

Rather, he was in the front line of all events and shared in their happiness and sorrow and he exerted himself with regard to difficulties.

Reference will be made to a number of examples of his custom of sharing in the difficulties of others: The Commander of the Faithful, ‘Ali, peace be upon him, has said, "When digging the ditch (known as khandaq ) I was with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) when Faṭimah (the Prophet's daughter and ‘Ali's wife, may peace be upon them all) came and brought some bread.

The Messenger of God asked, 'What is this?' Faṭimah (peace be upon her) replied, 'I made a loaf of bread for Hasan and Husayn (the two sons of ‘Ali and Faṭimah, may peace be upon them all) and I have brought some of it for you.' The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said, 'After three days of being hungry, this is the first thing your father will eat.'"[^1] A number of Arab tribes set out for Madinah in order to overthrow the newly instituted government of the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him and his family).

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family), who had become aware of the enemies' plans, gathered his companions and consulted with them concerning how to defend themselves and oppose the enemies. Salman al-Farsi suggested that they dig a trench on the outskirts of Madinah to prevent the enemy from entering the city. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) endorsed this idea.

The Most Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) appointed groups of Migrants [Muhajirin] and Helpers [Ansar] to dig a ditch every twenty to thirty steps apart. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) himself took a pick and started digging where the Migrants stood and the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him) would take the loose dirt out of the ditch.

They continued until the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) began sweating and grew tired from working so hard.