Ways of The Prophet (S.A.W)

His bedding

It has been narrated by Hadrat Imam Baqir (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anhu) that on being asked what sort of bedding the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had in his house, Hadrat Aishah (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anha) replied, It consisted of a leather mattress filled with the bark of date palm.’ On being asked the same question, Hadrat Hafsa (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anha) replied, It consisted of a piece of canvas which we folded into two before spreading it for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) to sleep on. Once I thought that if I folded it into four it would be more comfortable. So I did that. Next morning, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa SaIIam) asked me, what was it that you spread for my bed last night? I replied, ‘It was the usual piece of canvas, only I had folded it fourfold to make it softer. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, ‘Let it be as it was before. Its softness prevented my saying the Tahajjud (midnight) prayer last night.” [Shama’il-e-Tirmizi]

It is related in a number of traditions that his bed was sometimes a piece of canvas and sometimes only a mat made of palm leaves.

In a number of traditions it has been reported that whenever the noble companions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) requested him to have soft bed, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa SaIlam) used to say, What have I to do with worldly ease and comfort. I am like a wayfarer who treading his path sits in the shade of a tree for a little rest and after a short while sets out again.” [Khasail-e-Nabawi]

Hadrat Aishah (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anha) narrated: Once a woman of the Ansar saw that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) had spread his mantle for bedding. She made a bedding filled with wool and sent it to me for the use of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam). When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) came and noticed, it, he asked what it was. I told him that it had been sent for him by a certain woman of the Ansar. He directed it to be returned to her at once. As I liked it, I was not willing to return it, but the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) insisted and said, “If I so desire, ALLAH (magnified be His glory) can move mountains of gold and silver for me. So I returned the bed.”

Hadrat Abdullah lbn Mas’d (Radi Allaahu Ta’ala Anhu) narrated: “I once came to the Holy Prophet (SallaIIahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) when he was resting on a mat made of palm leaves. Marks of the leaves were noticeable on his noble body. Seeing this I began to weep. Seeing this Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) asked me what it was that made me cry. I said, ‘O Apostle of ALLAH! The Caesar and Kisra rest on beds of velvet and silk and yourself on this mat!’ The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said, there is nothing to lament. For them is the comfort of this world and for us that of the Hereafter. [Khasa’il-e-Nabawi]

It has been narrated by Hadrat Aishah (Radi AIlaahu Ta’ala Anha) that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to perform his Salaah on a mat of palm leaves. (lbn-e-Sad)