Refuting those who say “we are not like the Prophet” when advised to follow his example in their speech, clothing and behaviour

 **Refuting those who say “we are not like the Prophet” when advised to follow his example in their speech, clothing and behaviour**

Imām al-Bukhārī (Died 256AH) narrated in his “Sahīh” (hadīth #20) on the authority of Hishām from his father from ‘Ā’ishah that;

“Whenever Allāh’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) ordered the Muslims to do something, he used to order them deeds which were easy for them to do, (according to their strength and endurance). They said, “O Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)! We are not like you. Allāh has forgiven your past and future sins.” So Allāh’s Apostle became angry and it was apparent on his face. He said, “I am the one who fears Allāh the most, and know Allāh better than all of you do.”

Imām Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalī (Died 795AH) commented upon this hadīth in “Fath al-Bārī” (1/20) by saying;

“The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would command his companions with what they’re able to do, and due to their intense urge in performing acts of obedience, they would strive very hard to perform good deeds, so perhaps they would seek an excuse for the Prophet (صلى لله عليه وسلم) with gentleness, and requesting him to work on other things with himself (i.e. instead of striving so much in ‘Ibādah), and that he doesn’t require doing so much good deeds as his forgiveness is guaranteed, while they don’t see themselves being guaranteed of forgiveness, so they require to strive so much more, which the Prophet doesn’t require to do, so the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) would get angry over that, and he would inform them that He fears Allāh the most and knows Allāh more than them.”

Then he continued to explain what fearing Allāh means, and from which angle he knows Allāh more than them.

If Rasūlullāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) got very angry due to the Sahābah informing him that his sins are forgiven, hence he doesn’t have to strive to do so much good deeds (which increases one’s shukr of Allāh), and these Sahābah would strive in performing all the good deeds and avoiding sins.

Then imagine the reaction of Rasūlullāh (صلى الله عليه وسلم) if he hears you tell him, “I am not like you” after being commanded to do an obligation! Can you imagine the Sahābah telling the Prophet (عليه السلام) using such an excuse when ordered to perform an obligation or a sunnah?!

— Abū Bakr at-Tarābulsī (فك الله أسره).