Why Did They Become Muslims

and help them.” If there was a funeral, he would help with the
washing and shrouding of the corpse, conduct the (special prayer
performed before the burial of a Muslim and which is called the)
namâz of janâza, and walk with the procession to the grave. When
there was not a funeral to be attented, he would state, “If you have
a dream to be interpreted, I will. Let me listen to it and interpret
it!”
11– When he did not see one of his Sahâba for three days
running, he would inquire after him. If the Sahabî concerned had
gone on a journey, he would invoke a blessing on him. If the
Sahabî was said to be in town, he would pay him a visit.
12– When he met a Muslim on his way, he would anticipate him
in the salutation.
13– He would ride a camel, a horse, a mule, or an ass, and
sometimes he would have someone else sit behind him on the
animal.
14– He would serve his guests and his Sahâba, and would say,
“The master and the noblest member of a community is the one
who serves them.”
15– He was never seen in a burst of laughter. He would only
make silent smiles. And when he smiled his blessed front teeth
would be seen.
16– He would always look pensive and sad, and he would talk
little. He would begin to talk with a smile.
17– He would never say anything unnecessary or useless. He
would talk briefly, effectively, clearly, and when it was necessary.
Sometimes he would repeat the same statement three times so that
it should be understood well.
18– He would play jokes on strangers and acquaintances, on
children and old women, and on his blessed wives. Yet these jokes
would never cause him to forget about Allâhu ta’âlâ.
19– He had such an awe-inspiring appearance that no one
dared to look at him on the face. A visitor who looked at his
blessed face would sweat. Thereupon he would say, “Do not feel
worried! I am not a king, and I am not cruel at all. I am the son of
a woman who ate dried meat.” These words would expel the man’s
fears and he would say what he wished to.
20– He did not have guards or doormen. Any visitor would
– 251 –