The Story of the Holy Prophetsa

During a period, in which the Holy Prophet sa was living separate from his family, Hazrat Umar ra visited him and was amazed by what he saw. The Holy Prophet sa was sitting in a small room with a mere cloth wrapped loosely around his body; there was a bare bed with a pillow stuffed with date leaves. In one corner, some barley was placed and in another corner was a piece of animal skin storing water. Seeing the simplicity of the place where the King of kings was residing, Hazrat Umar ra was overwhelmed and full of tears.

The Holy Prophet sa inquired “ O Umar, why are you crying?” Hazrat Umar ra replied:

“Why

should I not cry?

I can see the marks of weaves of the bed on your body. On one side I look at your humble belong - ings and on the other, I imagine the luxury of the Kings of Egypt and Persia. They are enjoying such an easy life and you are living in such hardship.”

To this the Holy Prophet sa replied:

“O Umar, would you not like that they take this world and I get the hereafter?” (Sahih Muslim)

This narration shows that among the Holy Prophet’s sa numerous good attributes, humility and simplicity acquired a high and distinguished position. Despite his great status, Prophet Muhammad sa never acted as if he was greater or better than other people and he urged his followers to follow in his footsteps and live a meek and humble life.