BEGINNING OF THE ILLNESS
The sickness of the Prophet (r) began shortly before the end of Safar. Late in one night,
the Prophet (r) went to the cemetery of Madinah, known as Jannatul Baqi, where he
prayed for the dead and returned to his house. The next morning his ailment began.
‘Aisha relates that when the Prophet (r) returned from the Jannatul Baqi he was suffering
from a headache and was muttering, “O my head.” The Prophet (r) said, “Nay, O my head!
‘Aisha, O my head!” His pain increased. Then, in the house of Maymuna the Prophet (r)
called his wives and asked their permission to be nursed in the house of ‘Aisha. All of them
agreed and the Prophet (r) came out walking supported by Fad b. ‘Abbas and ‘Ali. He had a
cloth bound on his head and his feet were dragging as he came to the house of ‘Aisha (may
Allah be pleased with her). (Al-Bukhaari, Chap. Mard-un-Nabi)
‘Aisha tells that during the illness from which the Prophet (r) never recovered he told her,
“Aisha, I still feel pain from the food I took at Khaybar, now I feel my aorta being cut be-
cause of it."
SOLICITUDE FOR THE WELFARE OF MUSLIMS
Some of the Prophet’s companions came to see him during his illness in the house of ‘Ai-
sha. He welcomed them and prayed for their guidance on the right path and invoked the
help and blessings of Allah for them. Thereafter he said, “I enjoin you to fear Allah and
assign you to His care after me. I am a warner unto you from Allah. Behold! Never give
yourselves to arrogance and vainglory in the habitations of Allah’s servants for Allah has told
you and me: ‘As for the Abode of the Hereafter We assign it unto those who seek not op-
pression in the earth, nor yet corruption. The sequel is for those who ward off (evil).”
[Qur'an 28:83]
Then he recited another verse: “Is not the home of the scorners in Hell?” [Qur'an 39:60]INDIFFERENCE TO THE WORLD AND WEALTH
‘Aisha relates that during his illness, the Messenger of Allah (r) asked her, “Aisha, what
has happened to those pieces of gold?” When she brought five or seven or nine dirhams, he
took them in his hands and said, “How shall I face Allah with these in my possession? Give
these away in charity.”