Then help me in your request by multiplying your prostrations
Rabi'ah bin Ka'b Al-Aslami, May Allah be pleased with him, a servant of the Messenger of Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and also one of the people of As-Suffah, said:
I used to spend my night in the company of Messenger of Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and used to put up water for his ablution. One day he said to me, "Ask something of me." I said: "I request for your companionship in Paradise". He inquired, "Is there anything else?" I said, "That is all." He said, "Then help me in your request by multiplying your prostrations".
The Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to reward his servant, give him abundantly, pay special attention to him, draw him close to him, forgive his faults and to commend his good deeds. He, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to do all of this not only because he serves him but also to assist him in devoting his good deeds for the sake of Allah as well as his good behavior with the Prophet`s household. This companion has characteristics that made him exceed the other companions who embraced Islam with him.
In his public policy the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used to estimate people, to put the right man in the right place, and to give everyone his due rights. So that no one feels that he is degraded.
This is his servant Rabia bin Ka'b, may Allah be pleased with him, spent the night with him so as to serve him. One day the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, let Rabia sit near him and said to him: (ask whatever you want from me). He is sure that the Almighty will achieve his demand and respond to his expectations..
The Messenger of Allah, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, knows that his servant will not wish for worldly matters since he is ascetic, even if he asks for these very matters, it would be for the sake of worshipping Allah. The servant had a noble mind therefore he requested one of the greatest demands at all; it is accompanying the Messenger of Allah in the Paradise.
Why would not he ask for it whereas it is the abode of mercy, no one enters it but those whom Allah love. Is there a better request than that.
