In the Mubaarak Ahaadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that the angels were created from noor (celestial light), and the Jinn were created from fire, and man was created from soil. (Saheeh Muslim #2996)

In regard to the creation of man, it is reported that when Allah Ta‘ala intended to create Nabi Aadam (‘alaihis salaam), He commanded the Angel of Death to collect the sand from different parts of the earth. (Mirqaat 1/176)

‘Utbah bin Rabee‘ah and Shaibah bin Rabee‘ah had hearts that were harder than stone (as they were staunch enemies of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and Islam). However, when they saw Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) seated beneath the tree in their orchard, in a state of helplessness and having suffered oppression, then even their hearts became soft, and they were overcome by feelings of kinship to their relative and person of their clan, the Quraish.

On one occasion, Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) came out from the town of Firabr intending to go to an area near Bukhaara. Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) wished to build an inn for the travellers and the poor in that area. On learning of the intention of Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah), a large group of people gathered and decided to assist him in building the inn.

During the construction, Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) would carry bricks with his own hands and personally assist with the building. Observing this, his close student, Muhammed bin Abi Haatim (rahimahullah), said to him, “O Abu Abdillah (this was the filial title of Imaam Bukhaari [rahimahullah])! We are here to serve you. Hence, there is no need for you to undergo difficulty by assisting in the construction.” However, Imaam Bukhaari (rahimahullah) replied, “It is this work that will benefit us and assist us in the Hereafter (and hence we wish to personally take part in it).”

While returning from Taa’if, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) sought refuge in an orchard belonging to Utbah bin Rabee‘ah and Shaibah bin Rabee‘ah. On entering the orchard, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) sat in the shade of a tree and made the following du‘aa:

اللهم إليك أشكو ضعف قوتي وقلة حيلتي وهواني على الناس يا أرحم الراحمين أنت رب المستضعفين إلى من تكلني إلى عدو بعيد يتجهمني أم إلى صديق قريب ملكته أمري إن لم تكن غضبانا علي فلا أبالي غير أن عافيتك أوسع لي أعوذ بنور وجهك الذي أشرقت له الظلمات وصلح عليه أمر الدنيا والآخرة من أن تنزل بي غضبك أو يحل بي سخطك ولك العتبى حتى ترضى ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بك

O Allah! To You alone do I complain of the feebleness of my strength, the scarceness of my resources and my unimportance in the eyes of people. O the Most-Merciful of those who show mercy! You are the Rabb of the weak! To whom will You entrust me – to a distant enemy who will frown at me, or to a close friend to whom You have assigned my affair? O Allah! So long as You are not displeased with me then I am not concerned or worried in the least. However, ease from You will bring me relief. I seek protection in the divine radiance of Your countenance, which illuminates all darkness, and through which the affairs of this world and the Hereafter continue in harmony, (I seek protection) from You sending down Your anger upon me, or from your wrath falling upon me. You alone do I strive to please, and I will continue until You are pleased, and there is no ability (to refrain from evil) and no power (to carry out righteous actions) except through You.