There is not a civilization that has loved and celebrated its leader as Islamic civilization has loved and celebrated its Prophet, our master Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace). Love is the strongest of all human attachments, and is the greatest thing that distinguishes the relationship of Muslims with their Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), who said, “None of you [truly] believes until I am more beloved to him than his very self, wealth, and all people.”
Imam Qastalani and Imam Salihi, a student of Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti, both mention that Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, may Allah be pleased with them all, served as a khaadim of the Messenger of Allah, and would carry the blessed sandals. When the Prophet stood up, Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud would put the blessed sandals on his sacred feet, and when the Prophet sat down, Sayyidina ‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud would carry the blessed sandals in his arms until he rose again. [Imam Qastalani’s Mawahib al-Laduniyya; Imam Salihi’s Subul al-Huda wal Rashad]
Also reported by Imam Qastalani: Sayyidina Abu Ishaq al-Zuhri was one of the tabi’een who reports that Sayyidina Qasim ibn Muhammad (ibn Abu Bakr Siddiq) said, “Of the proven blessing of the likeness of the Prophet’s sandal is that, whoever has it in his possession for tabarruk will be safeguarded by it from the sedition of rebels and the mastery of enemies, and it will be a barrier against every devil and the evil eye of the envious. If a pregnant woman holds it in her right hand during labour, her delivery will be easier by Allah’s Power.”
Mullah Ali Qari mentions in his commentary on Shama’il Tirmidhi, that the great Shaykh, Imam Muhyuddin ibn Arabi states the sandals are part of the attire of Prophets. He also mentioned that one of the names of the Beloved Prophet in the ancient books is Sahib al-Naalayn or “The Wearer of the Sandals.”
Imam Jazuli, the author of the famous Dala’il al-Khayrat, includes the image of the blessed sandal in his Dala’il al-Khayrat as a means of seeking Allah’s blessings.
Imam al-Zarqani states, “If possible, kiss the dust that has been touched by the sandals, otherwise, kiss an image of the sandals.” [Sharh al-Zarqani ‘ala’l Mawahib, 5:48]
Imam Qastalani narrates a beautiful verse honouring the blessed sandals, written by Imam Qurtubi: “I concentrated on the waves of light that emanated from the blessed sandals and as long as we bow down before them*, we will be honoured. Hence, keep it above the head as it is in reality a crown, though apparently a sandal.” [al-Mawahib al-Ladunniya, 2:470]
* This ‘bowing’ does not refer to the act of sajda/sujood. It is simply the lowering of one’s head in a state of humility.
The great mujaddid, Imam Ala Hadhrat Ahmad Raza Khan, wrote the following couplet:
“Jisey teri Saf-e-Niyal se miley do niwaley nawal se, wo bana ke uske ugaal se bhari saltanat ka udhaar hai.”
Meaning: “The one who received two morsels from where you (O Prophet) leave your sandals,
Becomes so great, that an entire Kingdom would survive on his mere saliva!”
And the incredible beacon of truth of his era, Imam Yusuf al Nabhani states:
“Verily I serve the image of the Sandal of Mustafa
So that I may live in both worlds under its protection.”
Finally, food for thought: Islam teaches us that Jannah lies under the feet of our mothers, so what then of the blessed sandals of the Beloved Messenger of Allah? The same Beloved who instructed us, “None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind.” [Bukhari]
Peace and Blessings upon the Prophet, his Family, and his Companions