my people, for they do not know.” (Agreed upon).

Explanation

In this ḥadīth the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—relates something of what befell the prophets, upon them be peace. Allah the Exalted entrusted the prophets with the Message because they are most suited to bear it, as He says: “Allah knows best where to place His Message” (al-Anʿām 6:124). They are therefore the people most capable of carrying it, conveying it, calling others to it, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and remaining patient throughout.

The messengers, peace be upon them, were harmed both verbally and physically; indeed, matters sometimes reached the point that they were killed. Allah made this clear in His Book when He said to His Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him:

“Messengers before you were surely denied, but they patiently bore being denied and persecuted until Our help came to them. No one can alter the words of Allah, and there has already come to you some of the news of the messengers.” (al-Anʿām 6:34)

He also says:

“If you are able to seek a tunnel through the earth or a ladder into the sky in order to bring them a sign, then do so. Yet had Allah willed, He would have gathered them all upon guidance. But for a wisdom He has allowed them to reject you, so that truth may become distinct from falsehood after the struggle and debate. So do not be among the ignorant.” (al-Anʿām 6:35)

Our Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—recounted that one of the prophets was beaten by his people—beaten only because they denied him—until they caused his face to bleed. As he wiped the blood from his face he kept saying, “O Allah, forgive my people, for they do not know.” This is the pinnacle of patience, because a person