Lessons from the meetings of Prophet Mohammed

Prophet Mohammed would form assemblies to have conversations with his companions and advise them on the teachings of Islam, the sermon will tell the faithful on Friday.

Getting together is an old tradition that used to be known as Dar Al Nadwa (a meeting house or club). Poets referred to this tradition among Arabs by saying: “And if you visit them, around their houses you will find gatherings, the thoughts of which may cure ignorance.”

The Prophet’s meetings were an occasion to observe many high-mannered attitudes and qualities. They were assemblies of knowledge, humbleness, modesty and tolerance.

Prophet Mohammed would give utmost care to his meetings with people by being well-prepared before going out.

He also received and welcome his guests in his majlis in a hospitable manner.

When greeted, he would return the greeting with a better or equal one, in line with what is advised in the Quran: “And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner].” (An-Nisaa: 86).

After greeting his guests, the Prophet would humbly sit among them. Describing his merits, Allah says: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Al-Qalam: 4).

His character was praised by many of his companions, such as Jabir Ibn Samura, who said: “I sat with the Messenger of Allah more than one hundred times. Meanwhile, he would be silent, listening to his companions.”

The assemblies were also occasions where young and elderly people could meet, to encourage young people to learn from their elders.

Women also attended the Prophet’s meetings. Abu Saeed Al Khudri said: “A woman came to the Messenger of Allah and said, ‘O Allah’s Messenger! Men [only] benefit by your teachings, so please devote to us from [some of] your time a day on which we may come to you so that you may teach us of what Allah has taught you’.”

The sermon will implore God to guide Muslims to follow the example of the Prophet in their homes, meetings and daily life.

Prophet Mohammed would conclude his meetings with an invocation that the angel Jibril (Gabriel) taught him, saying: “Glory is due to You, Oh Allah, and praise. I bear witness that there is no deity save You. I seek Your forgiveness and turn to You in repentance.”