Prophetic Gatherings

The Companions used to listen to the Prophet (SWAS) with rapt attention. They used to sit still leaning in to absorb all that the Prophet (SWAS) said as if birds were perched on their heads.

They did not interject while the Prophet (SWAS) spoke but waited till he was done to seek permission to speak. Thus, they saved all the questions and comments till their turn. Similarly, they did not disturb others who were speaking to the Prophet (SWAS) but waited for their turn.


The Prophet (SWAS) created an egalitarian culture around him in which the Companions were equal with respect to their turns no matter what their age, status, gender, and family. 


What was amusing to them was amusing to the Prophet (SWAS). What was fascinating to them was fascinating to the Prophet (SWAS). 


He did not create an artificial air of authority in a strict suffocating environment. In fact, when outsiders saw them, they could not recognize who among them was Muhammad (SWAS).

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