One day Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said to his companions: Would that I can see my brothers coming toward me to the pool and welcome them with bowls filled with sweet juices. Before entering the paradise, I wish I can offer them from my Pool of Kawthar. Upon these words, the companions said: O Messenger of God! Are we not your brothers? He replied: You are my companions. And my brothers are the believers who believe in me without seeing me. Surely, I ask of my Lord to illuminate my eyes with you and the believers who believe without seeing me.
In the above Prophetic tradition, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ clearly indicated that he is yearning and looking forward to meet the band of believers that will come after him, whom he called as his brothers. They accept and believe in the religion of Islam, and love Prophet Muhammad as the Final Messenger of Allah, without ever meeting or seeing him. While the Prophet’s companions continue to hold a special place in his heart, indeed Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is deeply pleased to know the future will manifest a band of Muslim believers, who deeply love him, his family and companions, despite them being in an environment of vast ignorance, corruption and unbelief. Shaykh Hisham Kabbani shall elucidate the abovementioned Prophetic traditions and will also discuss the prerequisites to be considered as the Prophet’s ﷺ “brothers”.
