The Holy Prophet’s treatment of his relatives and near and dear ones was also very different from worldly kings. Worldly kings adopt all variety of schemes and plans for their relations, children, and near relatives, both at the legislative level and otherwise. They spend every effort in ensuring that after their death, their children should also continue to enjoy the life of delight and luxury, that they be endowed with all worldly comforts and wealth just as they themselves are. But the practice and example of the Holy Prophet of Islam were quite different. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had many children. He had several daughters and had grandchildren. He had several uncles, nephews and nieces also. All were obedient and fully devoted to him. Just as he enjoyed the life of contentment, he preferred the same for all of them. The Holy Quran established the foundation for the method of selecting his successor:
“Verily, the most honorable amongst you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous amongst you“, (Holy Quran 49;14),
and this rule was implemented by the prophet. He had already forbidden his descendants to accept alms. He made sure that none of them would inherit anything from him upon his death. He instructed that no relative shall inherit from whatever I leave behind. It is written: Whatever I leave behind, no one shall inherit, rather, all of it should be given to the poor and needy (Muslim, Vol. 11, p. 243).
His daughter, Hazrat Fatima tuz Zuhra was very dear to him. Whenever she would come to him, he would stand up out of overflowing love and would seat her in his place. Such a beloved daughter came to her father arid opened her heart to him. She talked of all the chores of the house: the grinding of the grain and the need to go herself and bring water to the house with great difficulty. Then she requested that she be provided a servant to help her with the execution of these chores. He responded that no arrangements had yet been made for the Ashab-e-suffa (residents of the mosque). Till they were taken care of, he could not pay attention to any other matter. (Abu Daud, Vol. ll, p. 343). In another collection of his saying is also stated that the Holy Prophet said: The orphans of Badar have priority over you. (Abu Daud, Vol. 11, p.343). At last, he gave this advice to his daughter. Before going to sleep, you should recite 33 times SubhanAllah-a wa be hamde hee 33 times: Alhamdolillah; and 34 times Allaho-Akbar. Having a servant or slave cannot compare to this remembrance of Allah. He said: For you this remembrance of Allah shall he much better than a servant (Abu Daud, Vol. ll, p. 340).
This was the character of the king of the Here and the Hereafter. Can any king of the worlds be presented who bestowed upon his children and upon his near relations this type of devotion, and resignation as an inheritance? Who bestowed upon them the like of these spiritual material?