The Prophet’s (PBUH) Tears of Prayer for His Ummah
One day, the Messenger of Allah –peace and blessings be upon him– recited Ibrahim’s (AS):
THE PROPHET’S PRAYER FOR HIS UMMAH
“Indeed, the idols have led many people astray. So whoever follows me, then he is of me…” (Ibrahim, 36).
And Isa’s (AS):
“If You punish them, indeed they are Your servants; and if You forgive them, indeed You are the Exalted and the Wise.” (Al-Ma’idah, 118).
Then he raised his hands and wept, imploring Allah:
“O Allah, protect my Ummah, have mercy on my Ummah!”
Thereafter, Almighty Allah said:
“–O Jibril! –Since your Lord knows best (so that people may know), go and ask Muhammad why he wept.”
Jibril (AS) came. The Messenger of Allah –peace and blessings be upon him– informed him that he wept due to the concern he felt for his Ummah. (Upon Jibril’s return and reporting the situation, Allah Almighty said):
“–O Jibril! Go to Muhammad and give him the glad tidings: ‘We will be pleased with you concerning your Ummah, and We shall never disappoint you.’” (Muslim, Iman, 346)
Indeed, the Prophet –peace and blessings be upon him– was so affectionate and merciful towards his Ummah. We must carefully contemplate this honorable hadith, reflecting on how much love we bear for him and to what extent we have reflected his Sunnah in our actions, and how closely we have approached his character.