Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the uncle of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), had a gutter that protruded over the path which Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) would use when proceeding to the masjid.
Once, on a Friday, Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) slaughtered two chicks. Thereafter, as Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was passing by, wearing his clothing for Jumu‘ah, the blood of the chicks happened to be washed into the gutter, causing it to pour out onto Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and soil his clothing.
Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) issued instructions for the gutter to be removed, and then returned home where he removed the soiled clothing. He then donned clean clothing, proceeded to the masjid and conducted the Jumu‘ah.
Thereafter, Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came to Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and said, “By Allah! Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) himself had placed the gutter in that place!” When Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) heard this, he exclaimed, “I take an oath that you will stand on my back in order to restore the gutter to the place where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had installed it!”
Accordingly, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) made Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) stand on his back by placing his feet on his shoulders. He then lifted him until he could restore the gutter to its original place.
(Musnad Ahmad #1790 and Tabaqaat Ibni Sa’d vol. 4, pg. 20)
Lessons:
1. Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had such love and devotion for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that as soon as he heard that he had moved the gutter from where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had himself placed it, he ensured that he had it replaced to its original position. As believers, we claim to love and follow Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). However, when we hear that a certain action or practice is the sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then does it inspire us to hold onto it firmly, or – Allah Ta‘ala forbid – do we see the word ‘sunnah’ as an excuse to omit the action? When Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) could not tolerate the gutter being removed, as it was placed by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then how can we tolerate the sunnah being neglected, when it is the blessed way of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)?
2. Despite being the khaleefah of the Muslims, Sayyiduna ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) honoured Sayyiduna ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), as he was the uncle of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and bade him to stand on his own back to replace the gutter. This was on account of his extraordinary humility and sincerity.
3. The day of Friday is the most important and significant day of the week for a Muslim. Hence, we should wear our best clothing on a Friday.
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