Hadith No. 19 – Sahih al-Bukhari

Salam,

Bismillah.

Do you ever feel like you haven’t done enough good in your life? Even after doing a lot, you feel like you need to do more, and more.. even more than the Prophet (SAW)? Because he was innocent, right? But we commit so many sins every day. We should do more than him, no?

Volume 1, Book 2, Number 19:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

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

The answer is NO! No matter how guilty we feel, we cannot step ahead of the Prophet (SAW). The reason is mentioned in the Hadith above. And Qur’an indicates towards it as well:

O you who believe! Make not (a decision) in advance before Allah and His
Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم), and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing,
All-Knowing. [Al-Hujurat: 1]

One thing: this question was raised by the companions of the Prophet (SAW) and they were liable to ask it as well. They were so particular in following the Prophet (SAW) that even the style of his walking/sitting/lying down was copied. And where do we stand? Even if we try following the Prophet (SAW) totally and completely, it’ll seem impossible. Forget taking a step ahead!

Then what about that guilt we feel? Well, in my opinion, it’s good to feel it sometimes. We can turn it into positive energy and do more good. But if the guilt increases you in nothing but burden, shake it off. It’s Shaytaan troubling you. He wants you to slow down on the good that you’re already doing. So, be very careful!

‘Follow’ the Sunnah.

Wassalam.