Understanding the Hadith

Gratitude to Allah, the Most High, takes many forms – through words, actions, and the state of the heart. The pious and God-conscious servant increases in gratitude as blessings multiply upon them. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the perfect example of gratitude and worship, even though he knew with certainty that Allah had forgiven him all his sins, past and future.

The Exchange About Visiting

‘Ubaid responded with a well-known saying: “I say, O mother, as the first one said: ‘Visit occasionally and you will increase in love.'” The word “ghiban” (occasionally) originally refers to watering camels one day and leaving them without water the next. The meaning here is: visit your brother from time to time, not constantly, and love will increase. This is because excessive visiting can lead to boredom, while too little visiting is neglectful.

‘Aisha responded, “Leave us from this eloquent speech of yours,” referring to the rhymed speech. However, it should be noted that visiting is encouraged in Islam because it strengthens bonds of love and affection. A true, kind friend will only increase in love through frequent visits, unlike others. As for reducing visits, some scholars say this applies specifically to those who visit for material gain, and that the prohibition against excessive mixing with people applies to those who fear temptation or harm.

The Request for the Most Amazing Thing

Ibn ‘Umair then asked: “Tell us about the most amazing thing you saw from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.” This question was asked for the purpose of learning and following the Prophet’s example. ‘Aisha fell silent, thinking about the states of the Prophet ﷺ – all of which were amazing and worthy of emulation. She contemplated the most amazing thing from her perspective.

The Night of Profound Worship

Then she said: “One night when he was with me, he said: ‘O ‘Aisha, let me worship my Lord tonight’ – meaning through prayer and standing in worship.” This demonstrates the etiquette of marriage – that each spouse should seek permission from the other when intending to engage in something important for worship, remembrance, or other matters.

‘Aisha replied: “By Allah, I love your closeness and I love what pleases you.” Her response beautifully balanced two loves – she loved his physical presence beside her, and she loved whatever brought him joy and pleasure. This is the essence of spousal love and consideration.

‘Aisha narrated: “So he stood up and purified himself (performed wudu), then stood to pray during the night. He continued to weep until his lap (the edge of his garment) became wet. Then he wept until his beard became wet with tears. Then he wept until the ground beneath him became wet.” This is a metaphor for the abundance of tears, profound humility, and fear of Allah.

Bilal’s Question

Then Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) came to inform him of the prayer time – the Fajr prayer – to seek permission to begin the congregational prayer. When Bilal saw him weeping, he asked: “O Messenger of Allah, why do you weep when Allah has forgiven you what has passed of your sins and what is to come?”

It seemed that Bilal thought the reason for enduring such hardship in worship was fear of sins and seeking forgiveness and mercy. So he reminded the Prophet ﷺ that Allah had already guaranteed his forgiveness. But the Prophet’s response taught them a different path to worship.

The one upon whom Allah’s blessings are great must receive them with great gratitude. This is especially true for His prophets and chosen servants, whom He has selected from His creation. The fear that servants have of Allah is according to their knowledge of Him – the more one knows Allah, the more one fears Him and the more one worships Him.

The Verse That Was Revealed

Then the Prophet ﷺ said: “Tonight a verse was revealed to me, and woe to the one who reads it and does not reflect upon it” – and he recited the following verse:

This verse contains clear signs of Allah’s power and majesty that can be understood by those of sound intellect. The creation of the heavens and earth, the alternation of night and day, the precise systems that govern the universe – all of these are proofs that demand reflection and contemplation. The one who reads these verses without pondering their meaning has missed their purpose.

Lessons and Reflections

This beautiful hadith teaches us profound lessons about worship, gratitude, and the character of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ:

May Allah make us among those who are grateful servants, who reflect deeply upon His signs, and who follow the beautiful example of His Messenger Muhammad ﷺ in worship, character, and devotion.