Companion replied, ہُوَ ذٰاکَ - “That is all I want.”^[1]

Dear Islamic brothers! RabīꜤa رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ was saying, “O Messenger of Allah! My only wish is to be your neighbour in Paradise.” In response, the final Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم declared, فَاَعِنِّي عَلَى نَفْسِكَ بِكَثْرَةِ السُّجُود – “Then, assist me in an endeavour against your nafs with an abundance of prostration!”^[2]

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                     صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Our Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has complete authority

Dear Islamic brothers! This amazing narration teaches us numerous lessons. We learn that our Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم was granted complete authority by Allah. He has been granted authority to bestow whatever he wills, to whomever he wills, whenever he wills, and in whichever way he wills.

This is why he said to RabīꜤa رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ: سَلْ - “Ask.” He did this openly and without restriction. In other words, it is like he announced:

O RabīꜤa! There are no constraints. Ask me regarding worldly matters, the Hereafter, wealth, prosperity, a long life, happiness, honour, rank, Paradise, or for closeness to Allah. Whatever you ask shall be granted.

Certainly, only someone with boundless authority can make such an open offer. Since our Prophet صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم presented this offer to RabīꜤa, it is evidence that Allah has blessed him with this authority and power. He has the discretion to grant anything to anyone, at any time, and in