Considered one of the earliest Muslims, Abu Barza al-Aslami dismounted from his horse and stood for prayer when the time for prayer took place during a journey. Since he had not tied his horse to anything, the horse began to wander away while he was praying. Upon witnessing this incident, Abu Barza promptly interrupted his prayer, pursued his steed, and successfully retrieved his horse. He subsequently returned and resumed his prayer. One of the witnesses to this incident, upon observing Abu Barza’s actions, remarked, “Look at this old man! He abandoned his prayer for his horse!” Upon hearing these remarks, Abu Barza turned to him after completing his prayer and said, “Since the time I left the Prophet (saw), no one has ever treated me with such disrespect. My destination lies far ahead. If I had disregarded my horse’s departure and completed the prayer, I would not have reached my family until nightfall.” Following these remarks, Abu Barza declared that he was one of the Prophet’s companions and had always been granted leniency by him (Bukhari, Adab, 80).
Abu Barza’s remarks constitute a significant incident that corroborates and contributes to the comprehension of the aforementioned hadith. Although this hadith of the Prophet is considered as a “last advice” to those he appointed as rulers, Abu Barza’s narration clearly shows that the ruling of the hadith is valid in all times and places. Consequently, this hadith stands as one of those encapsulating the essence of the Islamic faith, providing guidance for the practice, sustaining, and propagation of Islam.
Be tolerant; facilitate
Human nature inclines towards favoring the easy and shying away from the difficult. Islam, the religion chosen by Allah the Almighty for the salvation of humanity in this world and the Hereafter, is a religion that aligns with human nature in its ease and practicability. These verses clearly demonstrate the simplicity and practicality of Islam: “He (Who) has chosen you, and laid upon you no hardship in the religion.” (Hajj, 22:78), “Allah intends ease for you, not hardship.” (Baqarah, 2:185), “So, surely with hardship comes ease.” (Sharh, 94:5). Similarly, the Prophet (saw) said, “Indeed, this religion is easy, and no one will ever overburden himself in religion, except that it will overcome him...” (Nasa’i, Iman, 28) and (as reported by ‘A’isha) when he had to choose between two options, he preferred the easiest one if it was not a sin. (Bukhari, Adab, 80) Even while leading prayers, for the sake of convenience, he asked that the prayers should not be long, and he had to warn those who violated this order (Bukhari, Ilm, 29). The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings and practices regarding facilitation extend beyond matters of faith and worship. For example, he (saw) wanted his ummah to adopt a facilitative attitude in all aspects of life by praying, “May Allah have mercy on a person who is lenient when he sells, lenient when he buys, and lenient when he asks for payment.” (Ibn Majah, Tijarat, 28) In line with this principle, all Muslims, particularly those in positions of guidance and propagation of the faith, should be tolerant and understanding in the application of religious precepts and in all aspects of life, extending the necessary leniency to others. Accordingly, it is a prophetic methodology that all individuals, including merchants engaged in commerce, prospective spouses and their families, public servants, administrators, and indeed everyone, should adopt a facilitative approach towards those they interact with, both in religious and worldly matters.
Be merciful; do not make it difficult
The hadith goes beyond merely commanding “facilitate”; it specifically emphasizes “do not make it difficult.” An individual who generally adopts a facilitative approach in most matters of life yet introduces difficulties in specific circumstances would be acting in contravention of the principles enshrined in this hadith. Those who park their cars on the sidewalks cause difficulties for all pedestrians, especially for disabled people; those who occupy the safety lane in traffic cause difficulties for public vehicles such as ambulances, fire engines, and police; and those who impose excessive expenses upon couples on the eve of marriage cause difficulties for young people getting married. This and similar attitudes should never be found in the ummah of the Prophet, who said, “... Allah did not send me to be harsh or cause harm, but He has sent me to teach and make things easy.” (Muslim, Talaq, 29). Therefore, it is incumbent upon every Muslim to exert their utmost effort to avoid making life difficult for those they live with, particularly their family members.
Perceive and present matters positively; give good tidings
The Arabic word “abshiru” encompasses a rich spectrum of meanings, ranging from conveying good tidings, fostering affection, and inducing joy to executing tasks with excellence and elegance, perceiving and presenting matters in a positive light, and adopting an optimistic outlook. Accordingly, it is not an overstatement to declare that a true Muslim is an individual who radiates positive energy, whose presence and words bring joy to others, and who adds value to both their own life and the lives of those around them. In this contemporary era, where some individuals’ connection to faith hangs by a thread, it is imperative to diligently emphasize Islam’s essence of love, compassion, and mercy with utmost wisdom, kindness, and a warm smile.
Do not be rude and try to disincline others; do not make people run away
Islam is a religion of peace and mercy. The prophet of this religion was sent as a mercy to the worlds. While presenting such a perfect religion that will ensure the salvation of humankind both in this world and in the Hereafter, behaviours that will overshadow this perfection should be abstained; all kinds of words and behaviours that will distance people from Islam should be avoided.
