Very rarely am I able to read the story of the Prophet's passing (May the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) without my eyes welling with tears. Here's what happened once everyone accepted what had happened and realised that they had to get on with their life:
Ibn Hisham relates from Ibn Ishaq in his renowned biography of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace), al-Sirah al-Nabawiyya:
“When the Companions (Allah be pleased with them all) finished bathing and shrouding the body of the blessed Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) on the Tuesday, they placed his body on his bed in his house. The Muslims differed as to where he (Allah bless him & give him peace) should be laid to rest. Some were of the opinion that he should be buried in the Masjid, whilst others said that he should be buried with the other Companions. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) say: “A Prophet does not pass away except that he is laid to rest where he passes away”. Thus, the bedding of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) on which he passed away was raised, and the grave was dug on that spot. Thereafter, people began to enter into the room and offered prayers in groups. First the men entered, and when they had finished praying, women entered, and upon them completing their prayers, children entered. Everyone prayed individually and no one individual lead the prayer.” (See: Ibn Hisham, al-Sirat al-Nabawiyya, 3/233).
Ya Rabb! Grant us the chance to be of his companions in the hereafter! Amin
