When the first Islamic state had established itself and shown that it cannot be easily subdued, its enemies became aware that they needed to group their forces together and forge alliances, if they were to stand a chance of smashing its power. When they did just that, they failed miserably. They raised an army outnumbering the Muslim fighting force by ten or twenty to one, but they achieved little and had to go back in utter failure. Thus, the new Muslim state enhanced its standing and became the leading power in Arabia, which enabled it to address its message to a wider public.
It is at such times of triumph that leaders acquire great popularity. They rise in the public estimation and they are able to press their glory. The more successful they are, the higher is their rise. They celebrate their triumphs organizing public events in which they appear in full splendor. They wear all sorts of insignia and decorations to give an air of awe whenever they are seen by the public. If they are to address a function or a public gathering, or even a press conference, they are keen to maintain their awesome appearance. Since we discussed over the last couple of weeks how simple the life the Prophet (peace be upon him) led was, it is pertinent to ask how he addressed the public.
The Prophet addressed his companions before Friday prayers every week. He stood on the pulpit and gave a sermon. When we see today splendidly decorated pulpits in mosques and chapels, we wonder what sort of pulpit the Prophet had. “Sahl ibn Saad was asked: ‘What was the pulpit made of?’ He said: ‘None remains who is better informed than me. It was made of the wood of the tamarisk tree, carved by this man who was a servant of this woman. When it was finished and placed in the mosque, the Prophet stood on it, turning his face toward the qiblah (i.e. the directions Muslims face in prayer) and started his prayer. The people stood in rows behind him. He recited the Qur’an then said Allah-u akbar, (i.e. God is supreme), bowed and did likewise. He then stood up, moved backward and prostrated himself. He then rose, stood on the pulpit, recited the Qur’an, bowed, raised himself again, then moved backward and prostrated himself. Thus he used to do.” (Related by Ahmad, Al-Bukhari, Muslim and Ibn Majah.)
What sort of image does this description draw? We note first that the Prophet’s companion who has the best information has forgotten the name of the carpenter who made the pulpit and the name of the woman whom he served. Had either of them had any special distinction, he would not have forgotten their names. This gives us the impression that it was a very simple piece of carpentry, with no special feature to distinguish it. Moreover, it was not high, barely three steps. The Prophet stood on the first step and then began to stand on the higher ones when people increased in number, so that he would be seen by most of them. He also started his prayer standing on the first step but facing the direction of prayer. He needed to move backward for prostration, which took more space. Moreover, the Prophet did not specify any type of wood, as we choose for our furniture. He accepted what was available and cost little.
Thus was the Prophet’s life: So simple and steering away from all pretence and luxuries. He wanted to be seen as one of his community. God commands him thus: “Say: I am only a human being like you who receives revelations.” (18: 110) He looked for nothing of the luxuries of this present life. All he wanted was to fulfill his task, deliver his message and make sure that people understood it. He could sit on any chair or on the ground. Abu Rifa’ah reports: “I came to the Prophet and I found him sitting on a chair that gave me the impression that its legs were made of iron.” (Related by Muslim.) This emphasizes the austere appearance of the Prophet’s chair. Needless to say, a chair used in public is the type of article rulers and leaders are keen to be splendid in order to enhance their image. The Prophet did not wish to enhance any image of his, apart from the fact that he received revelations from on high, which he delivered to people immediately, regardless of how they might have received it.
The climate in Arabia is very hot and if you are staying in the open air for a while, you need to be in the shade. Staying in the sun for some time can easily give a person a sunstroke. This is the reason why a city of tents is built in Arafat during the pilgrimage, although the pilgrims stay there less than one full day. They need the shade. When the Prophet offered his pilgrimage, toward the end of his blessed life, he was the ruler of the whole of Arabia. His life was always very simple, free of pretence, employing no means aimed at striking awe in people’s hearts. Hence, we read that when he performed the pilgrimage, “the Prophet ordered that a canopy made of animal hair to be erected for him at Namirah.” (Related by Muslim, Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah.)
Namirah is a place just outside Arafat, and a pilgrim coming from Mina to Arafat should normally enter Arafat after Dhuhr prayer that falls due just after midday. Therefore, if one arrives early, it is preferable to stop at Namirah until the time for attendance at Arafat is due. The Prophet realized that he would have time there and he needed the shade. Therefore, he made arrangements for a makeshift canopy to be put in place. It was made of the simplest material: Animal hair.
The Prophet’s action simply cannot be compared to that of even the head of a small municipality anywhere in the world. Any such official will look for the “image” that is associated with his post. The Prophet clearly shows that the “image” is not that of the post; it is rather the one generated by the person occupying the post through his actions. The Prophet was loved by everyone in his community. Their love was genuine. His behavior served to nurture such love, without being intended to do so. He simply behaved as suited his nature, seeking no returns from anyone. Thus, when he needed something, he looked for the simplest that served the purpose, without pretence or affectation. A canopy was needed, and the simplest was the one he wanted to be erected.