We also learn that previous Shari’ahs would permit prostration to show respect to someone. This, however, is not allowed now by any means.

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was once with some Companions of the Muhajirīn and Ansār  رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُم . In the meantime, a camel came and prostrated before him. The Companions رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُم humbly said:

يَا رَسُوْلَ اللهِ تَسْجُدُ لَكَ الْبَهَائِمُ وَالشَّجَرُ فَنَحْنُ اَحَقُّ اَنْ نَسْجُدَ لَكَ

“O Messenger of Allah  صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم ! Animals and trees prostrate to you. We are then more rightful to do this.”

The Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم responded,

“Worship your Lord and respect your brother. If I were to command anyone to prostrate before other than Allah, I certainly would have commanded women to prostrate before their husbands.”^[1]

Remember, here the word ‘brother’ is used by the Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم to refer to himself. By extension, it as though he is saying, ‘Show respect and reverence towards me.’ He used the word ‘brother’ when referring to himself in a display of humbleness and humility.

Dear Islamic brothers, observe how the honourable Companions رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُم would not miss any opportunity to show respect for the Messenger of Allah  صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم , and through various ways, they would express their admiration and veneration for him. Moreover, the Messenger of Allah صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم would not forbid them from showing