As if I am looking at the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was speaking about one of the prophets whose people have beaten and wounded him, and he was wiping the blood off his face and saying, "O Lord! Forgive my, people as they do not know."
The Hadith of the Bleeding Prophet
Narrated by Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him): "As if I am looking at the Prophet (ﷺ) while he was speaking about one of the prophets whose people have beaten and wounded him, and he was wiping the blood off his face and saying, 'O Lord! Forgive my people as they do not know.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6929)
Commentary on the Prophet's Patience
This profound narration demonstrates the ultimate character of prophethood - enduring harm while maintaining compassion for the oppressors. The prophets, despite facing physical violence and rejection, responded not with curses but with prayers for divine forgiveness.
The phrase "they do not know" indicates that ignorance, not pure malice, often drives people to oppose truth. This understanding should shape our approach to da'wah and dealing with opposition.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
Scholars derive from this hadith the virtue of patience in the face of persecution and the importance of making du'a for those who wrong us. It establishes that responding to harm with goodness is the prophetic way.
The wiping of blood while praying shows that physical pain should not prevent one from turning to Allah. This exemplifies complete reliance upon the Creator amidst worldly suffering.
Contemporary Application
Muslims today should emulate this prophetic model when facing religious persecution or personal harm. Rather than seeking revenge, we should pray for guidance and forgiveness for those who oppose truth out of ignorance.
This teaching is particularly relevant in our times where Muslims often face misunderstanding and prejudice. The prophetic response remains the highest standard of conduct.