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PUBLISHER'S NOTE
Books on the theme of Seerah are plentiful in every major language of
the world, Urdu included. Among the outstanding, that by Qazi Muhammad
Sulaiman, Salman, Mansurpuri, Rahmatul-lil-'Alamin has some peculiar
features and distinctions of its own. Lie other tall scholars such as
his name-sake, contemporary, an intimate friend, helpful to him even
after his death, Allamah Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, he has particularly
The book in hand, Mercy for Mankind, the brief selective English version of the well-known urdu original, by the above mentioned learned author, is a condensed form of the three volumes (the last, two devoted entirely to research) leaving nothing of real importance to the average reader, save these details, of little interest, even barring, to the average reader. If at all, they have been touched casually. However, he has taken great pains in bringing out the peculiarities of the last Apostle of Allah, highly praised by the Quran, and its semblance to his predecessors, in some respect, even his superiority but with due regard to thier positions that they are not denigrated for every one of them was exclusively gifted in this behalf, over and above all others.
For the non-Urdu-knowing lovers of seerah we have made an attempt to present a useful compendium with the above features, helpful in moulding their characters on the ideal pattern, the "Khulq-e-Azim" of the Quran, together with other vital Quranic teachings.
This much from us. It ultimately rests with the readers to judge it for themselves. We pray to Allah to make it beneficial, serving the useful purpose in view, and bless with His Mercy all those involved in making the publication of "Mercy for Mankind" possible. And Peace and blessings of Allah be showered on His Apostle.
Syed Sajid I Ali
AUTHOR'S PREFACEIn the name of Allah, the Beneficent, Most Merciful
Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the entire Universe And Peace be on
all the Messengers of Allah, Peace and blessings on His servant and
Apostle, Muhammad, The chosen, the leader of the prophets and the Last
of them, and on all his family and Companions, the
Since long it has been my earnest desire to write three books on the life history ofthe leader of (P.B.U.H.) under the following scheme:
1. A brief biography with the simple authentic events. 2. A medium volume with same greater details 3. A comprehensive life history in much greater detail covering all aspect of his life and mission for which material from authentic sources can be collected. The first brief book was written out and published in 1899 under the little 'Muhr-e-nubuwat' (seal of prophethood). The medium one, in hand, has been named 'Rahmat-al-Alameen' (Mercy for Mankind) in three separate volumes. The second volume, extension of the 1st and in greater detail came out in 1921 and the third will follow soon. (But the another could not see it in print in his life and it came with the preface by another great scholar, Maulana Syed Sulaiman Nadvi, in thirties Tr.) After these I intend to take up the third book on "Seerah' more comprehensive than these two in much greater detail covering all about the life, mission and other matters concerning Islam in keeping with my limited scope of knowledge. (That however, remained a dream since he did not live long enough to see the third volume, of his second attempt in the series as stated above. However, we believe on good authority that 'Allah Willing' he will be rewarded for his good intentions and plans. Tr.)
I have no pretensions to be able to do justice to this vast subject (unlimited as the attributes and acts of the 'Perfect Man' and Leader of the Prophets' are, I am taking this liberty with the idea that this humble effort of mine if it benefits even one individual it would not be considered to have been washed. As for the reading material in this book. I have done my best to present only the authentic. I pray to Allah to accept this humble offer of mine and reward my worthy father Qazi Ahmad Shah of late lamented memory.
Qazi Muhammad Sulaiman Salman Mansurpuri,
Patiala.
INTRODUCTIONAbout 2,000 B.C. Babylonian empire was at its zenith. The financial
condition was stable and military might superb. The abundance of wealth
and perfect peace had made the ruler so arrogant and self involved and
conceited that he ordered a gold image of him to be installed in the
biggest and most important temple of the empire with orders
The Lord of the universe raised Abraham for the guidance of his servants. Noah (P.B.U.H.) had much earlier been commisioned for guidance in this region but his efforts of a life time extending over centuries had resulted in saving a few soul from eternal harm' and the rest of the contending lot had been drowned in the deluge. And so it was so long after him. The Babylonian ruler was displeased with this new voice of the unity of Allah, the Lord, Creator and Sustainer of the worlds, since that was a direct attack on his sovereignty in the name of the real Supreme Sovereign, Allah, before whom he also had to bow. So Abraham's family which had been in favour with the royal family and the court did not take it easy and were annoyed with their son. After a prolonged struggle with his father and under threat from him, he gave up his reform and left his land of birth with Sairah or Sarah his consort and Lot bin faran, his nephew, both agreeing with his teachings.
Abraham (P.B.U.H.) had with him flocks of goat and sheep which multiplied with the blessings of Allah, becoming big flocks enough for sustenance.
Due to droughts the green pastures on which his flocks susbsisted become arid wastes and he had to move on and gradually entered Egypt. The ruler, 'Riqium' also called by some as Totase was originally a citizen of Babylonia. (It is possible Abraham (P.B.U.H.) in opting for Egypt had, it's ruler's origin and hence a reason for introduction and preference.
The Egyptian king in taking Sairah (Sarah) as a lady from his former homeland liked her for himself. But Allah soon enough made him understand that she was the wife of a selected great prophet of his. He gave due respect to Abraham (P.B.U.S.) and when leaving Egypt, he sent with him his own daughter, Hajirah (Hagger of Bible) so that she may receive proper training in 'good company' and may get married in her ancestral land in some high placed ancient family. And Allah gave him his first born, Isma'il (P.B.U.H.) by this happy union
Sarah gave birth to a second son Isac (Ishaq), although she was old
and barren, was yet blessed by Allah in old age. Allah had given glad
tidings to Abraham (P.B.U.H.) that these two sons of his will be full of
blessings and shall be the ancestors of great nations and communities
and their progeny shall be innumerable. So the wise and worthy father
had assigned to them separate territories under Allah's commands and
also at the
Syria was assigned to Isac since Babylonia lay to its eastern side and he could contact his maternal relations easily. Arabia was assigned to Ismail being nearer to Egypt, his maternal relations country. And with all those advantages, the two brothers were close to each other, no alien country intercepted them. They could come to each other and if need arose for it.
Ismail (P.B.U.H.) was married to the daughter of Madad of Banu Jarham tribe. Banu Jarham was an old ruling tribe of Arabia and Madad was the independent ruler, of his territory. Ishaq (P.B.U.H.) got married in the family of his mother. In this way physically the children of the same family got distanced from one another. But due to providential management they came close to one another also on so many occasions.
Moses (P.B.U.H.) flew for asylum to Arabia to escape pharaoh's rage and revenge (after an unintentional murder). And when he departed from egypt with the Israelites after crossing the Red sea on foot, had taken refuge in the Arabian wilderness and spent forty years due to their transgression against Allah.
David the prophet-king (P.B.U.H.) when he flew from his country for fear of king Samuel, he too had found safety in Arabia.
When the Israelites were destroyed by Bukhte-Nasr (Nebuchadnezar) they had been offered asylum in Arabia by Ma'add bin Adnan and lived there comfortably and honourably. Now comming to our subject directly, let us take up the episode of Ismail (P.B.U.H.), our Prophet's direct ancestor.
Ibrahim (P.B.U.H.) had brought him, yet a suckling, with his mother
to a place in Arabia where Makkah Stands today. It was wilderness then.
Though he had left them alone with the unflinching trust in Allah that
only a Prophet is capable of, Banu Jarham had come and settled close by
when water (Zamzam) had become available in that perfectly dry
neighbourhood. Ibrahim, on his prophetic mission, always on the move,
used to visit his wife Hajirah and son Ismail from time to time. When
the son had come of age, both father and son by joint efforts raised a
house of Allah, close to Ismails' residence. This was a mosque (cubical
in shape). Ibrahim and Ismail had also prayed to Allah, not only to
accept and recognize their humble service (raising Ka'bah) but also that
he should provide sustenance for them (those in habiting the
wilderness) in the form of fresh fruits of all kinds and other eatables,
as also should raise a great messenger from him for their
Ismail (P.B.U.H.) had twelve sons. They divided Arabia of that time among themselves. On the western side they went on spreading as far as Egypt, their maternal country and to the south they touched Yemen where their father had lodged their brethren Banu Qaturah. And northward they approached Syria, the home land of their brethren Banu Ishaq.
In this way the sons of the same father became the inheritors of the two ancient cultured civilizations those of Baylonia and Egypt. They also got command of parts of Red sea and Indian ocean from where they could take hold of the trade and commerce of the then civilized world. The central part Arabia too they came to possess which had been invincible for the outsiders thus offering protection to Arabs.
Isma'ils (P.B.U.H.) second son Qeedar enjoyed a very outstanding position. His offspring lived mostly in Makkah. Like their illustrious father they always met the needs and rights of the mosque in Makkah, the first ever centre for "education of the unity of Allah.
Among the offspring of Qeedar, after 37 generations, there came one, known as 'Adnan. His younger brother Malik too had established a kingdom in Yemen.
After 'Adnan Bani Jarham came to have sway over these people, although they were their maternal uncles, (their mother, Isma'ils wife came from Bani Jarham). But in spite of this old relationship Bani Jarham) had ousted their nephews, Isma'il's offspring from Makkah in 207 C.E. since Banu Ismail had not so far followed Banu Jarham in idolatry.
But Qusa'y in the fifteenth generation after Adnan II regained pessession of Makkah. And establishing a Coalition government in Makkah in 440 C.E, established the following offices.
I. Rifadah 2. Saqayah 3. Hijabah 4. Qayadah 5. He also gave shape to a national mark known as Lava' 6. A national assembly was another institution established (National Flag) by him known as Nadwah or Dar-al-Nadwah. After Qusa'y came his son Abd Munaf, his son Hashim, his son Abd-al-Muttalib (born 497 C.E.) and his son Abu Talib became chief of Makkah in succession. Our leader, Muhammad (P.B.U.H), whose biography we are writing (reading) was the grand son of Abd-alMuttalib.
The statements made above must have brought home to you the facts who were the
Arabian Peninsula is surrounded by the Red Sea in the west, Indian ocean in the south, Persian Gulf in the East and Syria in the north. A mountain range separates it from Syria, and the Suez Canal separates it from Egypt. Between India and Arabia there is the Arabian Sea.
Arabia is twice the size of France, and different regions have their own outstanding peculiarities. The Yemen valley and and the hills of Ta'if are so prominent in their verdure as to be an envy for the most fertile regions of the Indian sub continent. The rocky region of AI-Hijr and the vast sandy desert of the Central Arabia is an arid waste without a blade of grass to be seen anywhere, Comparable to the Sahara Desert of north Africa. Of the period of the birth of the celebrated personality, we are going to begin an account, the social and moral conditions were the worst that can be imagined about any society in the world.
Politically, the southern Arabia was in the possession of the Abyssinian Christian kingdom, the eastern portion occupied by the Persian empire and the northern region was totally under the sway of the eastern wing of the Roman empire with its centre at constantinople. The interior though self presentively independent, but each of the big powers that surrounded it had a covetous eye set on possessing it somehow.
The internal autonomy of the interior had had a very much corrupting influence on its inhabitants. The autonomy had created head-strongness in them, for want of any authority to check their wilfulness and arrogance. They had targeted their own brethren to demonstrate their value and temerity. Indolence and idleness had habituated them to gambling and drinking which became their second nature. Due to their lack of mixing with other nations and communities intimately, their language and racial characteristics had remained in a state of purity, but they exploited their power of eloquence either in self-praise or in denigration of others, or else to propagate their shameful deeds they spent their power of speech to the last limits and the disgrace of it that they did not spare even their female partners in debauchery from dragging into mire. Isolation or forced segregation had set in their minds the giving of their daughters into marriage as a disgraceful act and those self styled claimants to nobility very boldy and proudly buried their daughters alive.
The inertness of years rather generations and centuries had it deeply impressed on their minds that no condition better than theirs, no culture better than their own and no religiosity superior to theirs was possible.
In the various parts of Arabia due to the rule of different countries and kingdoms and relationships of the Arabs with them, there were other religions too to be met with everywhere. Judaism, christianity and Zoroastrianism were such religions, mere mention of which can convey to an uninitiated person the wrong impression that among these people there must have been models of the goodness of these religions. But the pertinent fact is that the followers of these religions instead of rectifying themselves had corrupted religions in turn, because of their own black deeds. If Moses, Jesus and Shoaib (P.B.U.H) had an occasion to see these followers of their feelings. They would not have recognized and owned them as their own.
Christians in general call Jesus Christ the son of God, but the christians of Arabia believe Mary, mother of Jesus to be the wife of God and the angels the daughters ofGod. And the idolators called Lat and 'Uzza the female gods. (Lat is the feminine form of ilah and 'Uzza the feminine form of A'az). The Jews of that period called their prophet 'Uzair the son of god because they had witnessed his remarkable deeds of recouping the entire Torch from memory after the original had been destroyed in a synagogue by the great invaders in an all out destructive invasion. But the Jews of Arabia called every male and female of their community sons and daughters of God, and darling son and darling daughter.
The Zoroastrians took their daughters and sisters as their wives or mistresses. (Since like wealth under their ideology woman was also the common property, there was no discrimination and incest was the common practice).
Due to all these Arabia, so to say, was the aggregate of the evils of false religions and unhealthy concepts.
A glance at the map of Arabia brings to light the fact that its situation is peculiar in as much as it falls in the centre of Asia, Europe and Africa. And both land and sea routes join the continents to its right and left. So in such a country, approach of various religions and their corruption under the influence of an ignorant society is plausible. And similarly it too can be easily understood that if for the guidance of the whole world a single centre were to be established any where that could be Arabia alone. Specially when considering that particular period, we can say that since Arabia had easy approach to Africa. Europe and various countries of Asia geographically, the chances of a clarion call from Arabia reaching these continents were sure enough.
It was for this reason, as I understand it, the Lord of the Worlds had in His Initial Plan that Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) should be born in Arabia and laid upon him the responsibility of the guidance of his own bilih place, country but gradually the entire world. Those studying the conditions under which the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) had to canyon his prophetic mission, Can very well appreciate how difficult it was and has decently with persevering patience and great toleration he started with it, and how he, spreading among them, culture and civilization, knowledge and morals brought together the communities and countries, so to say a house divided upon itself, how he raised the status of man, how the unity of Allah was propagated, and making an indelible impression of the Greatness and Majesty of the Lord, he proved all that existed and also the causes subservient to man.
How the Apostle of Allah over looking the racial, national
characteristics, local conditions, distinctions of wealth and poverty,
the differences of the conqueror and the conquered, the varieties and
distinctions of languages and complexions, joining all these elements
together under one single faith, he made them united, in complete
agreement
And when he had finished this difficult task and brought His servants close to Allah and also close to each other, and replaced hatred and animosity with victory and power removing darkness and ignorance filled their minds with knowledge and light of Truth, And finishing this job most satisfactorily, judging by human standards and making the Lord of all the created beings witness over it along with his fellow creatures, how happily and open countenance, he left this temporary earthly abode to meet the Lord-the Supreme Companion.
To have an idea of the magnificent work of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) we must cast a glance at the fine model's of humanity, the man in whose heart the seed of Islam had been sown, which bore excellent fruit Najashi of Abyssinia. Jaffer of Oman, Akeedar, the king of Daumat-al-Jundal.
The wild tribes of Najd, bedouins of Tohamah, and the indigenous of Yemen are proud of standing in the same rank Abdullah bin Salam of Judaic community, Warqah bin Naufol of the Christian community and 'Uthman bin Talhah the leader of the Ibrahim's following, leaving their elevated positions are proud of becoming the servants of Islam.
The slave of the Jews, Salman Farisi, attains the high position of being honoured by the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) "He is one of my family”. And the slave of the idolators Bilal of Abyssinia is addressed by Faruq A'zam (Umar) (R) as 'our leader'. He is the second rightly guided caliph whose name sends a shiver in the bodies of Caesor and Kisra. The distinctions of color, the bars of nationality, the characteristics of the geographical entities have all disappeared. Any casual reference even to pride of ancestry is regarded as a sign of baseness. The single faith of the unity of Allah has brought together all the most diverse elements to one 'millat', with the same passion, the same idea pervading the minds (exaltation of the Religion of Allah) and tongues busy with the same call for the reputation of the faith. The enemies have become friends and sworn enemies have changed into most faithful companions. That 'Amr bin 'As who had gone to Najashi to represent the Quraysh for the extradition of Muslims that had migrated to Abyssinia as a result of persecution only after a few years goes to the king of Oman as a da'i (preacher) of Islam and brings back the pleasing news of large number of men of that country embracing Islam to the Prophet in Makkah.
That same hero of the infidels, Khalid bin Waleed commanding a contingent of the
That same Abu Sufyan bin Harith Abd-al-Muttalib, who inspite of being a first paternal cousin had been satiring and lampooning the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) by the Grace of God comes to the Prophet and in the battle field of Hunain, he alone is seen holding the stirrup of the Prophet all along.
That leader of Quraysh in every encounter for seven years Abu Sufyan bin Harb, creating all sorts of mischief in the land against the Muslims, embraces Islam on the occasion of the conquest of Makkah and is sent as governor to the christian land of Najran. That Tufail Dausi (Yemeni) who went about Makkah with his ears plugged with cotton to keep away the voice of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) at last came to a stage where he went about in his own country and conveyed the Message of Islam to every house he could find his way to. That Abd Yaleel Thaqafi who had set his slaves and street urchin's to throw brickbats on Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), at last came to Madinah and it was from there that he had brought the costliest jewels, those of faith and Belief to his people in Ta'if. That same Baridah bin -Alhasib Aslami who on a promise of a hundred red camels, had marched at the head of seventy cavalry men for the arrest of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), after a few hours became the standard bearer of the Apostle ofAllah. These striking examples are too many to be quoted here.
But the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), may our parents be sacrificed to him, showed the marvel of marvels in his changing the hearts of men by the Grace of Allah and making the stained souls clean and pure. The difference between man and club, snake and stone is the same as the difference between this marvel and other miracles.
And this is that difference which has been the cause of the amazement and absorption of those who have inspite of their antagonism, tried to say or write on this subject.
If only the believers appreciate the value of these teachings, and get fully acquainted with the blessed aim of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). If only they come to regard protection of Islam their sacred duty. If only they come to value the survival of Islam most important than their own lives, thoes of their children, their parents, their religious guides (pirs) and other venerable personalities. And that is not at all difficult for Allah.
It is an amazing characteristic of the Seerah of the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) that there is room for every one to which ever social class he may belong, to carve a nich for himself taking a pattern according to his own capability, thus receiving the needed guidance from the blessed life.
The Apostle of Allah had become an orphan before birth. So indigence and poverty were well known to him. The first few years of his life in infancy he had spent with his wet nurse in rural simplest atmosphere. So simplicity and informality had found on lasting place in his life. When he was a young boy his community was engaged in long drawn wars like Harb-al-Fujjar. Therefore, the value of general atmosphere of peace and sympathy (with the weak and oppressed and those suffering in war) was deep seated in his heart from a very early age.
He lived a bachelor's life upto the age of 25, the entire period of adolescence and youth, passed with perfect modesty and chastity and due regard for decorum. The evidence of those who were witnesses to that period of his life, is on record that he was more modest than any purdah observing modest virgin.
The Prophet had made the choice of trade as the means of subsistence. And in the way
In handsomeness and ideal of perfection, high placed in the matters of ancestry, he quietly accepted the marriage offer of a woman fifteen years his senior and a widow twice married earlier. And in this decision of his lay a precept for the remarriage of the widows (generally in disfavour in the ignorant societies then as now). And now he also proved in his marital life, a model of temperance demonstrating how even in wedlock one can abstain from slavery to passion.
This first consort of his, was a wealthy lady in her own right. But the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) due to his life pattern of contentment and abstention proved himself independent of his wife's and his family's financial assistance. And in this way he set another example for the guidance of those who believe only in self-help.
In a short span of time the Prophet influenced the fierce blood thirsty Arabia with his life based on truth and sympathy, and in every heart he had made a place for himself with love and respect, thus establishing a model of righteous living for those thus inclined. He had only demonstrated has goodness and truth can subdue oppression, iniquity and ignorance.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) fully understood the blessings and power of cooperation and close association under cultural demands, and with the establishment of the association known as Halaf-al-Fuzul he paved a road for establishment of peace and protection of human beings, and provided a lesson for all times for all those who are honestly desirous of promoting their country, by offering the citizens of the country a share in its organization and administration.
In settling the dispute of fixation of Hajar Aswad (the sacred black stone) in the most amiable and lovable manner he had tactfully demonstrated how people of diverse opinions and interests come together by chance, can be easily placed and brought to a common point of agreement. And in achieving this and successfully he had also amply demonstrated that evasion of an impending war and to strengthen the cause of peace it is not always the military might but so often a tactical move, that come of a high order of mental capability does the job in the most satisfactory manner.
In the prophethood and its mission is reflected the eminence, glory and grandeur of that of all the prophets of Allah.
Like Yahya (P.B.U.H), John the Baphist as he is known to the christians and the rest of the un Islamic world, he too at great pains conveyed the Divine Message to human dwellings and people in the wilderness.
He cleansed the House of Allah of the pollution of polytheism and idolatory with other corrupt practices, restoring it to its past purity and glory before polytheism like 'Isa (P.B.U.H.) who turned tables upon his corrupt community, the Judaic order of the day who had changed their synagogues into houses of money landing and pawn shops in their stage of worst degradation.
Like Job (Ayyub PB.U.H.) he also spent three years in a shale of siege with his family (Banu Hashim) in a mountain gorge, Sha'b-e-Abi Talib, without loud protests, complaints and patience all this while in the face of untold sufferings of hunger and other hardships due to total boycott. Instead his heart was full of the praise of Allah and his tongue by with His Remembrance.
Following the example of Nuh (P.B.U.H.) Noah, he also preached Islam to his unfortunate, rather wretched community, openly and in secret, privately and publicly, in public meetings and fairs, in the public streets and crossings on high ways, in hills and plains alike, making people ashamed of their loathsome deeds.
Like his ancestor Ibrahim (Abraham, P.B.U.H.) he had to leave his home and hearth leaving his birth place and community behind, and in search of a clean spot favourable for the plantation of the seedling of Islam he visited and tried other places after disappointment from Makkah for the success of his mission.
And like David (Da'ud, P. B.U.H.) he succeeded in getting out safely from his highly besieged resting place on the night of migration to Madinah.
And like Janah (Yunus, P.B.U.H.) who had lived for three days in the stomach of a giant fish, (probably a whale), had resumed his mission of conveying the message of Islam to his community, he too had spent three days and mights in the seclussion of the Thaur Cave of Makkah before raising his voice in proclamation of the word of Allah in Madinah.
Like Solomon who had built a House of Allah in Palestine, he did it in Madinah which has ever been a glow with the brilliance of the unity of Allah and filled with those remembering Allah, which unlike that of Solomon's temple, no Bukht-Nasr (Nebuchadnezar) could ever touch.
Like Yusuf (Joseph, P.B.U.H.) supplied food grains to his tormentors and persecutors of Makkah (through Thamamah bin Athal of Najd) when they were dying of hunger due to a severe drought. And it was these hard hearted blood thirsty enemies of his, whom he forgave so graciously and setting them free after the conquest of Makkah, made them obliged.
He was simultaneously the ruler like Moses and their leader like Harun (P.B.U.H.), Aoren.
The blessed Apostle of Allah had all the brisk activity of Nooh, (P.B.U.H.), the kind heartedness of Abraham, the letting off and forgiveness of Joseph, conquests like those of David, (P.B.U .H.) the patience (in suffering) of Jacob (P.B.U.H.) the humility like that of Jesus, the abstinence of John the Baphist (P.B. U.H.) and like his direct ancestor Isma'il, (Ishmael P.B.U.H.), his selflessness and unflinching devotion and obedience to Allah in its most perfect (ideal) form.
What others had individually, he had in his all together.
Although the Apostle of Allah as the leader of the prophets had the peculiarities of almost all of them at once, yet he had that one peculiarity of being 'Mercy for Mankind': We sent not thee but as a mercy for all creatures. (Q. XXI: 107) was overwhelming and together with other excellent traits has illumined the world with a chosen huminosity not met with else where.
(It is impossible for mortals like us to bring this luminousness into full prominence and glory of one whom Allah Himself magnified and praised in the Quran-to say the least whose morals was the Quran:
Ka-an Zat-e-Pak Martaba Dan-e-Muhammad ast.
Being incompetent we leave the praise of our leader to Allah Who alone knows the real worth of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.)
Allah that is possible is to relate his pious, pure and perfect life in simple language very briefly. (That is what the author claims for himself). May Allah looking only to my sincerity of intent, forgive my brethren in the Islamic Faith, in view of my incapabilities and unworthiness otherwise, in the field of learning and knowledge, overlook and forgive my short comings in this write-up of mine
The humble servant of Allah
And a Devoted follower of His Apostle
Mohammad Sulaiman
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, Most Merciful and His Blessings on His Noble and Munificent Apostle
Our leader Mohammad bin Abdullah bin Abd-alMuttalib bin Hashim bin Abd. Munaf bin Qusay is our prophet. The grandfather (Abd-al-Muttalib) gave him the name Muhammad and his mother named him Ahmad as suggested to her in a dream by an angel.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) is among the progeny of Ibrahim (the prophet befriended by Allah and the father of a large number of prophets (p.b.u.h.), borne by his consort, Hajrah, said to be daughter of the then Egyptian ruler. Ibrahim (Abraham of Bible p.b.u.h.) enjoyed such a priviledged position that angels used to come to him with messages from Allah.
Isma'il (P.B.U.H.) was the first born son of Ibrahim (P.B.U.H.) borne
by Hajrah, and the mother with her suckling baby boy. Isma'il were left
to fend for themselves in a dry wilderness where the sacred city,
Makkah stands today. It was under the definite command of Allah and He,
the Beneficent Lord of mankind and the entire creation, made a spring of
water (Zam-Zam) to gush forth close to their dwelling as a marvel of
Aminah, the daughter of Wahab, the leader of the Banu Zohrah tribe, he and Abdullah having a common ancestor in Fahr, entitled Quraish, whose tribe was held in great esteem in Arabia that makes it evident enough that the Prophet comes of the noblest nation, tribes and their best offshoots in Arabia, both on the paternal and maternal sides.
Our Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was born in the sacred city of Makkah in the spring season on Monday early morning before sun-rise, the 9th of Rabi-I the third month ofthe Lunar Calendar, Aam-aI-Feel which accords with 22nd April 571 C.E. He was the only son of his parents, his father having died before his birth.
The grand personage of Makkah, Abd-al-Muttalib, his grand-father, on learning of the birth of a son to his 24 years old dead son, Abdullah, came to see the new born, took him to Ka'bah, the sanctum sanctorum, and prayed that this beloved living token of his dead son may be blessed. On the seventh day after his birth, he offered sacrifice and invited the Quraysh to a feast. On learning the name of the new-born, some of them wondering on this novelty in nomenclature in the familial and tribal Arab tradition, were told that he wished this grand child of his to come to enjoy universal honour and praise.
As customary with the then Arab nobility, the child was entrusted to the care ofa wet-nurse from wilderness, Halimah Sa'diyah, for suckling and care of the babe in the free open air atmosphere far from the thickly populated towns. She used to visit the parents or guardians every six months with their child under her care. After two years he was weaned, and was brought to his mother Aminah, who sent him back with her wet-nurse for consideration of the healthier climatic condition of his abode so far.
However, on attaining the age of four years, the mother called her child back from Halima's custody and upkeep, but only two years later, she died entrusting him to the loving care of the grandfather, Abd-al-Muttalib. At the age of eight years, he was left alone, once again, on the death of this guardian, and was taken over by his uncle, Abu Talib, for upbringing.
On this journey, Khadijah's slave had accompanied him and returning home related in detail to his mistress all the fine qualities of his (the prophet's p.b.u.h.) character and his generous behaviour in this journey. She was so pleased with what she learnt now (as if by personal experience), that, in preference to several other, apparently better offers of wedlock, she, through proper channel offered herself to him in marriage. He accepted it and entered wedlock at the early age of twenty-five while Khadijah was forty.
As a devoted and loving partner in life she lived for twenty-five years, sacrificing every thing for his noble cause. Even after her passing away, he used to praise her and treated her female companions with kind regards.
After this conjugal relationship, the Prophet used most of his time in devotion to Allah in solitude and service to fellow beings and working for their welfare.
And it was during this period that he met the tribal chiefs and other sensible persons and invited their attention to total lack of safety of life and property in the land, at home and abroad, highway robberies and tyranny and oppression of the mighty meted out to the weak and oppressed. After deliberations on association came into existence, comprising Banu Hashim, Banu AI Muttalib, Banu Asad, Banu Zohra and Banu Tamim tribes.
The members of this association used to observe the following:
1. They will do all in their power to ensure safety of life and property of people in their homes and on highways.
2. They will provide safety to the travelers.
3. They would go on helping the poor in every possible manner.
4. They would hold the hand of the oppressor and tyrant thus safeguarding the under
This successful mission of maintaining peace and protection and preservation of human rights and many such other acts of goodness to humanity at large in a thorougly corrupt society given to all sorts of worst evils found a soft corner in the hearts of the people and the Prophet as the moving spirit in this campaign, endeared himself to those coming in close contact with him and he came to be called the truthful', the trustworthy' instead of his proper name.
When the Quraysh decided upon renovating the old and dilapidated building of Ka'bah due to age and a devastating flood, the Prophet was thirty-five years old. They, one and all, worked together in the construction in perfect co-operation. But when it came to fixation of 'Hajar Aswad', the sacred black stone, rivalry and competion was awakened and they started quarreling for the unique honour and distinction of putting it in its proper place. When this tug of war had continued for four days, the seniour most person among them, Abu Umayyah bin Mughirah suggested that they should agree to his solution to this contentious issue that the first person entering Ka'bah would be taken as the arbitrator. As it had to happen, the Prophet was that first person and was loudly acclaimed with slogans of 'the Truthful', the Trust worthy' is here and we all cheerfully agree to abide by his decision. And he with his well known wisdom and discretion ended the contention in such a beautiful manner which pleased every one without exception. He spread out his sheet on the ground and placing the stone on it asked the tribal chiefs to lift it up together (holding the sheet on all sides) and when it had been brought to the proper site, he himself lifted it and fixed it in its place.
It was no ordinary feat. The success that he had thus obtained had put an end to a bloody inter-tribal war that would have taken a heavy toll of life and property. They were given to unsheath their swords on most petty pretexts like watering their flocks and herds, in horse racing, in poetic competitions and such other paltry quarrels, causing bloodshed and total extinction of tribes.
THE APPROACH OF THE COMMISSION OF PROPHETHOODSeven years ahead of his being raised as the Prophet an illumination, sort of a hight
At this juncture dreams started coming to him that came true in real life (as an early sign and a fore-runner of prophethood).
COMMISSION OF PROPHETHOODAt the age of forty and a day, on Monday the 9th of Rabi I, (Lunar Calendar) 41st year of the Prophet's birth according with 12th February 610 C.E. the trustworthy spirit, Jibril angel Gabriel of Bible, came to him with the Grace of Allah to raise him as His Last Prophet and the leader of the prophets raised so far, while he was in Hira cave engaged in meditation.
The messenger of Allah said, '0 Muhammad (p.b.u.h.), receive the glad tidings that you are to be raised as Prophet of Allah, and I am Jibril, at your service under the Command of Our Lord.
The first few verses of Surah Alaq (Q. XCVI: 1-5) were also revealed to him, the first awe-inspiring experience of revelation. He immediately left Hira for home, lay down and asked his wife to wrap him. When he regained his peace of mind, he said to her. 'I have been through an unusual experience which are frightening, jeopardizing my life itself.
KHADIJAH'S ASSURANCE TO HIM AS EVIDENCE OF HIS HIGH QUALITY OF HIS CHARACTERKhadijah assuring him of the fine traits of his character said, "You need have no fear of any hazards to you. I witness your affecton for your relations, the varacity of your spoken word, your staunch support of widows, orphans and helpless destitutes, your hospitality and sympathy for the deprived and the distressed. I hope Allah shall never bring you to grief."
Now for her own peace of mind, she needed some other source of assurance in this behalf, and she took him to a cousin of hers, Warqa son of Naufal.
Zaid bin 'Amr, the uncle of 'Umar Faruq (R) the second rightly guided caliph, is that distinguished person who had travelled extensively in quest of the promised messiah and finally learning that he would be born in Makkah, had settled here and die waiting for him.
EVIDENCE OF WARQA BIN NAUFAL ON THE PROPHET'S PROPHETHOODAt the request of his consort, Khadijah, he related to Warqa the incident of Jibril's visit in Hira cave. Warqa at once assured him that the visitor was no other than the messenger of Allah who had earlier visited the Prophet Moses (p.b.u.h.). If onJy I was younger and had lived up to the time when your community will drive you out of this town of your birth.
The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) asked him, 'Would they be so cruel?" Warqa explained to him that whoever came forward with such teachings anywhere was meted out such antagonism and persecution (in the beginning). "How I wish I could live up to the time of your expulsion (migration and may be of outstanding co-operation and support to you," he sadly concluded.
After some time, the angel from Allah visited again. He brought him to mountain side, himself performed 'Wuzoo' (ablutions) and the Prophet (p.b.u.h.) followed him and then both prayed together. Jibril leading the prayer.
THE BEGINNING OF PREACHING THE ISLAMIC FAITHOn getting home the Prophet started preaching. Khadijah (his
consort), 'Ali (8 years old cousin), Abu Bakr (friend) and Zaid bin
Harith (a freed slave under his patronage)
Bilal bin Ribah, 'Amr bin 'Aubasa and Khalid bin Sa'd bin 'As also embraced Islam soon after. Allah be pleased with all of them.
Abu Bakr was a wealthy trader, dealing in fabrics. He was a sociable person with wide contacts and through his preaching 'Uthman (R) 'Amir bin Abd-Allah bin –al Jarah, (who later came to be called 'Amee-al-Ummah' (trustworthy of the community), Abd-al-Asad (R) bin Bilal, 'Uthman (R) bin Maz'un, 'Amir (R) bin Faheerah Azdi, Abu Huzaifah (R) bin 'Utbah, Sa'd bin 'Uthman Maz'un and Arqam became believers.
Among the ladies, after Khadijah (R) Um-al-Fazl
(R) the wife of Abbas (R), the uncle of the Prophet, Asma (R) bint 'Umais (R), Asma' (R), bint-e-Abu Bakr (R) and Fatimah (R) sister of 'Umar (R) had the grace and good fortune of embracing Islam. For purposes of strict secrecy and fear of interference by the pagans of Quraish, these early Muslims prayed in a narrow gorge in the mountains.
During the first three years of his mission, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) also preached quietly, leading to the worship of the One and only true God, Allah from their Polytheistic worship of so many other false deities, the sun, the moon and other inanimate objects around them.
THE DIVINE COMMAND OF OVERT PREACHINGNow time was ripe for preaching openly and at this juncture Allah revealed the following verses:
O thou wrapped up (in a mantle)! Arise and deliver thy warning! And thy Lord do thou magnify! And thy garments keep free from stain! And all abomination shun! Nor expect in giving any increase (for thyself)! But, for thy Lord's (cause) be patient and constant! - Al Quran LXXIV: 1-7
THE PURPOSE OF THE PROPHETHOOD OF THE PROPHET (P.B.U.H.)
1. Warning the transgressors of their dangerous position due to their evil deeds and consequences thereof.
3. To teach people how to keep away from both the overt and covert filth and stains of their creed, deeds and morals.
4. To teach and train them to keep themselves clean and chaste.
5. To impart religious instruction utterly oblivious of any material gain, even expecting show of gratitude.
6. To put up patiently persevering with any
calamities and hardships coming in their way in the discharge of this duty.
Whoever contemplates the life style of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in detail will come to the conclusion how beautifully he met these ends in their entirety. The preaching mission of the Prophet gradually progressed through the following stages:
1. The closest relations and particular companions and friends
2. The entire community including the citizens of Makkah.
3. The tribes around and in close vicinity to Makkah. 4. All the Arabian tribes ofevery part of the country. 5. All the civilized and cultured nations of the then known world and all the major religions of the three continents. Asia, Africa and Europe. During the twenty-three years of this life consuming and baneful preaching mission of his, the Prophet put up with all sorts of difficulties, hardsrups and hazards with patient perseverance and cheerfully with due regard to firmness, perfection and large-heartedness. He had made his teachings attractive and convincing, backed as they were with most manifest arguments and firm practical demonstrations from human thought and experience.
We shall see more and more of these five stages of missionary work and in much greater detail as we proceed with his life mission covered in this book.
THE CONDITION OF THE WORLD AT THE TIME OF HIS BEING RAISINGIt would be in the fitness of things to keep in mind the glaring fact
of history that at the time of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) being raised to
put the affairs of mankind in order, this
A. The Israelites had come to deserve the reputation of being declared vipers and their offspring long before 'Isa (P.B.U.H.), (Jesus Christ of the Gospels) formally conferred that title on them. Barring their physical resemblance to human beings, there was nothing humane in them after bieng cursed by Christ as evidenced by the Quran alone:
Curses were pronounced on those among the Children of Israel who rejected Faith, by the tongue of David and of Jesus the son of Mary because they disobeyed and persisted in excesses. - Al Quran V: 78
And iconolatry had gained finn ground in their lands under the evil influence oftheir pagan neighbours.
B. Ignorance and barbarism reigned supreme in Europe. Briton and Saxon wild tribes inhabited British Ishes.
In Northumberland, Midland counties, Norfolk, Sofakk, Sussex districts of England, they worshipped the idol Wordon. France was no better in the matter of civilization and culture. Many evil practices were in vogue connived at even by the priests. It remained engaged in a deadly struggle with the saxons on the river Elbe and continued even after 782 C. E. when over four thousand saxon prisoners were killed mercilessly in Wordon town. Hungary was occupied by an extremely wild, uncivilized wandering people. They had been converted to christianity cruelly compelled to it by use of brute force.
C. Iran was entirely under the influence of Muzdak Movement who, much in the likeness of the present day communists had made woman, wealth and land common property and created corruption and chaos that knew no bounds. Thus putting an end to morality and human progress.
D. This was the period of Puran culture of Hinduism in India and Bam
Margi community held the reins of power and influence, leading the
people in a state of helplessness to their own debasing and demoralizing
principles. Their places of worship were over crowded with nude figures
of males and females in stone which were worshipped. Dev Dasis or nuns,
unmarried daughters donated to the temples by their
E. The Chinese, taking their country as the kingdom of the heavenly son, had turned away from their real Creator, Lord and Sustainer. Different departments of life and their multifarious jobs were assigned to as many gods, rain god, god granting progeny, war and peace gods, all under the supreme sovereignty of the King who could punish them for misbehaviour. Confucious is regarded the great reformer of China, but he was yet to arrive at this scene of sad affairs.
F. Christianity was at its height of power and influence in Egypt. Contentios arose on the most ordinary and unimportant issues like praises of the identity of Christ and his position as son of God (Christian creed) unity of God and partners, involving never ending discussions, giving rise to ever increasing new, fangled creeds and new sects on that basis. These mutuals conflicting sects declared one another apostates and mercilessly killed their antagonists and burnt them on pyres. This was the state of affairs in the countries that were under powerful rulers and influence of religious orders of some sort and each and every one of them claimed to great advancements in the realm of learning and culture.
G. Arabia can be considered and judged in this light, with due regard here in particular, to the fact that this was a country where for centuries there had been neither any monarchial order nor any system of law gained currently and popularity among the people. No religious leader or reformer had been born here who could make them civil and law abiding. Over and above this beastly freedom, lack of knowledge and learning, ignorance and seclusion and estrangement from all the cultured people of the countries around had made them all the more spoilt and thoroughly corrupted.
It was this most deplorable condition that made them deserving of Divine Mercy and the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds most mercifully pleased to start the mission of universal reformation from their desert land mostly devoid of natural resources as the hub of activity and making them the model to be emulated by the rest of the world once they were convinced and went out determined to make the earth a paradise.
The Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) with his devoted companions took up his missionary
And admonish thy nearest kinsmen- Al Quran XXVI: 214 was revealed, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) invited all of them to a feast. The assembly of guests comprised exclusively Bani Hashim, forty or there about in number. That might the Prophet got no opportunity to speak due to the loquacity of Abu Lahab. So he called them again the next night to dinner. When the dinner was over and the guests had taken milk as the last item, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) addressing them said:
THE HARAGUEGentlemen,
I have come to you (commissioned by Allah) for the well-being of all you Here and Hereafter. And I do not know if there ever come to you anyone, in entire Arabia, with better 'provisions.' Allah has commanded that I should invite you to it. Tell me, who among you is going to stand by me on giving me a helping hand in this work?
On hearing this from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) there was no response from the audience save 'Ali, his cousin (not even in teens) "I am here at your command, O Apostle of Allah!"
The Prophet addressing Abu Talib asked him to listen to him (his son, 'Ali) and have regard for his words. At this suggestion of the Prophet, the assembly indulged in a hearty laugh and began to chide Abu Talib saying, "Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) has instructed you to obey the commands ofyour son."
THE SERMON OF THE MOUNT AND CALLING MAKKANS TO FAITHOne day the Apostle of Allah mounted the Safa hill-top and called out the Makkans. And when they had gathered together around him, he put a question to them: "Do you know me as a truthful person or a liar?"
They said aloud with one voice: "We never heard a foul word from your mouth or one against fact. We have trust in you as 'Truthful and Trustworthy.'
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) then went on to add: "Here, I am standing at the top and you
They said in reply. "Of course. We have no ground to falsify a person of your integrity. Moreover, you have had the advantage of your present position commanding both the frontal and back view.
The Prophet then went on to say: "All this was a prelude to what I am to tell you now. Now once again bring to mind that death is going to take you any moment, and you will return to your Lord for reckoning of your deeds. And here as I stand before you, I am clearly in sight of the scene of the Day of Judgement, as you see things around you here in the life of this world."
He thus brought home to them by an example that a prophet could see both this world and the one coming after death.
THE PROPHET'S PREACHING EFFORTSFrom now onward he preached Faith openly to one and all without exception. He used to visit every fair, market place, meeting places of the citizens, streets and narrow lanes, sermonizing them on the themes of the Unity of Allah, futility and evils of idol worship, forbade female infanticide, fornication and gambling.
He used to warn them against uncleanliness and befouling of tongue with falsehood and unbecoming language, their clothes with filth and dirt, their hearts with false (debasing) creeds, Allah with faults or short comings and taint, to live upto the pledged word and make good promises made as also to strictly abstain from betrayal of trust, were also emphasized. To make it a firm conviction that the sky, this planet, earth and other celestial bodies, the sun, the moon, the stars and men and every thing big and small are the creation of Allah alone and the entire creation is indebted to Him for existence and sustanance. He alone listens to the call of those who earnestly petition and pray to Him in perfect humility. To restore the sick to health and fulfil the longings of His slaves rests with Allah alone. Without His Will and permission no one can do anything. The angels and Prophets too are just as helpless.
THE PROPHET'S PREACHING IN FAIRS AND MARKETSUkaz, Yu'inah and Zil Mojaz were three great fairs held in Arabia. People from long
Quraysh, the noblest, mightiest, wealthiest and most influential tribe in Arabia, holding charge of most of the offices relating to the Sanctum sanctorum of Ka'bah as well as temporal affairs of the city of Makkah, were regarded superior to others as Brahmins in Hindu in India, both pagans and atheists were proud of their supremacy, enjoying certain privileges exclusively which others were denied to make their own distinction more prominent.
There were other reasons too for their opposition to Islam:
1. They were unable to understand the institution of prophethood. A human being like them coming to preach and teach them religion, with heavenly commission was something they found impossible to swallow.
2. They had no concept of and refused to believe in the retribution of deeds and so the Islamic teachings to the effect that there is going to be accountability in the life after death was a ridiculous idea to them.
3. They were very proud of noble ancestry and the great deeds of their forefathers whom they praised in their poetry to the degree of veneration and worship. How could such puffed up people come down to accept the Islamic equality and fraternity. They, like Brahmins, deemed much below their dignity to put up with this disgraceful and contemptible position.
4. Most of their sub-tribes were antagonistic to Banu Hashim, and to embrace Islam and take it, teaching from and obey an individual of the enemy clan, most abhorrent and degrading to them.
5. They were perfectly satisfied and content with their idolatory, and could not even imagine a creed superior to their own.
6. Given as they were to fornication, gambling, highway robbery,
murder, betrayal of trust, profligacy, free from every bond of law,
pledge and keeping any number of women
The first antagonistic measure adotped was strong persecution of those embracing Islam so that they may be compelled to revert to their former paganism and others may be discouraged. The oppression, tyranny and excesses perpetrated by the Quraysh on the fresh entrants to the Islamic fold, it is difficult to relate it in detail. We shall take up here the distress caused to some of them here.
1. Bilal (R) bin Ribah was an Abyssinian and slave of Umayyah bin Khalaf. When Umayyah learnt of Bilal's conversion to Islam, all sorts of torture were invented:
(a) A rope was tied to his neck and the free and handed over to street urchins and they dragged him in hilly tract of Makkah. The rope left a deep mark on his neck.
(b) He was made to lie on the burning sand of Makkah and a heavy hot stone was placed on his chest so that he could not rise thus causing severe burn injuries to his back and chest.
(c) His hands tied behind his back, he was given a severe beating with sticks.
(d) He was made to sit for hours under the scorching sun,
(e) He was kept without food for days together.
Under all these trying tortures Bilal kept calling Ahad! Ahad! (Allah is one and only without partners). Abu Bakr was very much moved by the anguish caused to a helpless slave and came to his rescue, purchased him from his heartless master, Umayya bin Khalaf and freed Bilal from bondage for Allah's pleasure alone.
2. 'Ammar (R), his father, Yasir (R) and his mother Summayyah (R), had embraced Islam. Abu Jahl tortured them in a variety of ways. One of those days of their trial the Prophet happened to witness this heart-rending torture was much perturbed and pronounced by way of consolation of these oppressed and distressed souls: o ye family of Yasir! Take it easy, patiently persevering in the way of your Lord and Cherisher. Your abode is heaven. Abu Jahl (the damned one) struck poor helpless Sumayya with his spear, penetrating her stomach through her private parts and killing her.
4. Khabbab (R) bin Arat was tortured by pulling at the hair of his head and his neck was twisted. He was also forcibly laid down on hot stones and also on live cinders.
5. Ya'eenah, Zuneerah and Umme Ubays were slave girls and were tortured generally by their godless masters. This beastly cruel treamtment of their opponents was not limited to slaves, poor and down-trodden but their own misguided ('apostle') sons and nearest relatives were tortured just as heartlessly, even worse.
6. 'Uthman (R) bin 'Affan's uncle when he came to know about his nephew's Islam, he used to wrap him in a mat of date-palm leaved, bound highly with a rope and smoked him from the opening below to suffocate him.
7. Mus'ab (R) bin 'Umair's mother had turned him out of her house for the 'heinous crime' of Islamising himself.
8. Some of the Prophet's companions were wrapped in raw animal hides securely tied and left lying in the scorching sun. Some others were enclosed in steel armour and thrown on the hot stones. In short such barbarous and unbearable chastisement was meted out to these staunch, sincere believers that the Truth of Islam only put up with them. The followers of the earlier prophets, it is reported, got them arrested and even killed for bribes with false coins from the enemies of Islam. Islam and Jahiliyah (un-Islam) must clash, diametrically opposed mutually as they are.
MALTREATMENT OF THE PROPHET (P.B.U.H.) BY THE QURAYSHMost often the paths taken by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) were strewn with thorns so that on dark nights his feet may be wounded and filth of all sorts was thrown at his doorstep to cause trouble and hazard to health. He, however, was too gentle to react ill humouredly, and remarked a little sarcastically, "O ye sons of Abd Munaf! How nicely you are rendering neighbours' due."
Ibn 'Amr bin -al -'As relates, as eye-witness, "One day the Prophet
was praying in Ka'bah when 'Uqaba bin Abi Mu'ait came and, winding his
street ripe like, he put it round his neck in the prostrating posture
started twining and tightening it like a rope, he
Will ye slay a man because he says, 'My Lord is Allah?" When he has indeed come to you with clear signs from your Lord? - Al Quran XL: 28
A couple of mischievous persons fell on Abu Bakr and gave him a good beating.
On another occasion when the Prophet was praying in Ka'bah Abu Jahl pointing out that a camel has been slaughtered at such and such place in the town and its offal is still lying there. Some one of you (from the audience) should go and fetch it, to be cast on this person (the Prophet P.B.U.H.) 'Uqabah, complying, got up and brought the offal full of filth and put it on his back when he prostrated. Absorbed as he was in devotion to and concentration on his Lord, he made no sign of uneasiness. The unbelievers gathered there laughed at him heartily.
The young companion Ibn-e-Masood (R) was there but he dared not interfere in the presence of so many evil persons, but (probably on hearing of it) the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) daughter Fatimah (R) had rushed to Ka'bah and lifting the entrails from her father's back relieved him of this disgracefuly mischief wrought by the enemies. She did rebuke them also though they deserved much more for the distress caused to the Apostle of Allah.
Not content with these occasional individual incidents of causing vexation and harassment to the Messenger of Allah and advancing further they organized the task of Muslim bashing and causing distress, regular persecution committees were set after careful deliberations to be move effective in their unholy war against Truth.
THE PARTY FOR MOCKERY AND DENIGRATION OF THE PROPHETA committee was formed headed by Abu Lahab comprising twenty-five members.
In the deliberations of this committee, among others, there was this question also as the most important item of their strategy, as to how to misinform even disinform the visitors about the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), those who come to see him, so that they may not be enamoured of his greatness sweet nature and enchanting words that charm them immediately.
Waleed bin Mughirah, an old experienced person retorted:
"I have seen many soothsayers. Just think of their ridiculous attempts at rhyming and mysticising and mystifying words hardly intelligible to anyone, since it is all a farewell show. And on the otherside is the simple and noble rhetoric, going direct to the heart of the listener and having a magical effect. We shall be making damned lying foots of ourselves to the tribes."
Someone else suggested introducing him to the people from distant places as one out of his wits Waleed refuted him saying: What has he to do with witlessness, lunacy or being out of one's wits.
Suggested yet another: Let us tell them he is a poet. Waleed remonstrated: We are well acquainted with poetry and poets and various types of their verses. And Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), as every body can see has not the least resemblance to poetry.
Can we not give his mission the publicity as the business of a magician, a sorcerer?
Waleed repudiating the suggestion said: The cleanliness, fineness and refinement of Muhammad's life have no trace in the life and dirty habits of the sorcerers. Their abominable faces, speak volumes about their reprehensible mode of life.
At this stage when there was nothing left to suggest, the audience asked him to himself suggest something reasonable.
Waleed brought the discussion to an end saying: "Truth to tell Muhammad's words have a sweetness of their own. His talk is most tasteful and alluring, which is capable of winning over the addressee, thus making him oblivious to others, creating chasms between a father and his son, real brothers and husband and wife. So we must be on our guard in this behalf and avoid coming in contact with him.
So the above mentioned committee unanimously passed the following resolution:
"Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) should be vexed in every possible manner. He
should be mocked in every conversation on any issue, and should be
harassed through Buffoonary and distress. Those having faith in him as a
true apostle of Allah should be victimised
When the persecution of Muslims by the pagans crossed all limits making life unbearable for them, the Apostle of Allah permitted them to migrate to Abyssinia. Thus permitted a small caravan of 12 men and 4 women left their houses under cover of the night, and boarding a ship at Shoaibah port of Red sea set sail for Abyssinia.
'Uthman (R) bin 'Affan was the leader of this small caravan. His wife Ruqayyah (R) the daughter of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had accompanied him. The Prophet (P.B. U.H.) had remarked about the unique distinction of 'Uthman saying: "After Lot and Ibrahim (P.B.U.H.), this is the first pair to migrate in the way of Allah." In the wake of this first small caravan, another much larger comprising 83 men and 18 women started from Makkah for Abyssinia in quest of peace and safety of their Faith. The Prophet's cousin Ja'far 'Tayyar' (the winged companion) was also among them. The pagan Quraysh on learning about migration gave them a hot chase upto the sea shore, but failed to detain them since the caravan had already boarded the ship sailing for Abyssinia.
A Christian king ruled over Abyssinia. The representatives of the pagan Quraysh followed the Muslim migrants to Abyssinia with presents for the ruler and managed to find a access to him in his court. They requested him for the extradition of their country men who had entered Abyssinia as emigrants. They would like to take them back to their homeland. The Muslim party was called to the court and questioned about the cause of their migration. Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) cousin, Ja'far Tayyar as the representative of the migrant body delivered the following speech:
O thou king (your Majesty)! We had been victims of Jahiliyah
(ignorance and Un-Islam), worshipping idols, thoroughly immersed in
filth (physical and spiritual), eating carrion and talked nonsense (foul
tongues). There was hardly any trace of humanity and hospitality in us.
There was no regard for the neighbour and no respect for any law in our
lives. Under these deplorable conditions Allah raised a prophet amongst
us, with whom we were, as regards his ancestIy, veracity and integrity,
piety and cleanliness, well conversant. He called us to the creed of
the unity of Allah and gave us to understand that no partners were to be
associated with that One and Only deity. He forbade us polytheism and
idolatory. He bade us to always speak the truth, fulfil our
After listening to this speech, the king asked the speaker to let him listen also some portion of the Quran, and Ja'far Tayyar (R) recited a portion of Surah Maryam (Q. XIX) where the line position of ' Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus son of Mary not son of God according to the Christian belief) which moved him (the king) to tears and he said, "Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) is celtainly the apostle ofAllah who had been mentioned by Jesus Christ and I thank Allah that I happen to be his contemporary." And after this much of clarification of the real situation with respect to the request for extradition of the Muslims, the party of the unbelievers from Makkah was driven out from the court. Failing in their mission of extradition of Muslims from Abyssinia, they hit upon another plan. "Let us try to tempt Mohammad (with promises of material gains of wealth and honour and threatening him at the same time with dire consequences (of loss of life and end of his mission). Either of them may succeed.
As the first move of their agreed plan, their wealthiest and most prominent tribal chief of Makkah, ‘Utbah, came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and said:
My nephew, Muhammad! If through this mission of yours you are after amassing wealth, we can manage it by giving you enough to make you the richest person in Makkah. And in case you are aspiring in a position of honour we can make you our chief, even ruler of this region or Arabian Peninsula which can meet your ambition of becoming a ruler. We are ready to meet any demand from you if only you give up your present behaviour (of condemnation of our ancestral ways). And if it is all due to some mental aberration we are prepared to get you treated and cured of this malaise.
The Prophet said in reply: "There is not an idea of truth in what you have said about me. I have no amibitions to wealth, honour or rule. And I am perfectly sound in mind. The reality about me and my position will be revealed to you by the following Quranic verses:
After listening these verses recited by the Prophet, 'Utbah appeared to have been fascinated. And absorbed in contemplation while listening attentively with head bent backwards. After sometime he left quietly:
Returning to the Quraysh waiting eagerly for him, enquired of him the result of the talk. He said in reply, 'O ye my brethren, Quraysh! I have been listening to a discourse which is neither sooth saying, nor poetry, nor magic or incantation; listen to me and do as I tell you. Leave Mohammad alone, having nothing to do with him. On learning this unexpectedly from him they said: "Look here! 'Utbah too has been charmed by the magic of Muhammad(P.B.U.H.)". When their first plan of tempting and winning over their adversary failed. The next step was the meeting of all the tribal chiefs together with the Prophet's loving uncle and his guardian of early life, Abu Talib. They put up their case against their 'enemy' thus:
We have great regard for you, your nephew is engaged in vilification of our gods. Our idols worshipped by our ancestors which is beyond the limits of toleration for us. Counsel him to hold his tongue in this regard or else. We will put him out of our way, and you alone can do us no harm.
Noticing the general opinion against his dear nephew, he was filled with love and anxiety for him. So he called him and gave him to understand that he should refrain from finding faults with idolatory, or else he (Abu Talib) too would be unable to support him against the community.
The Prophet said to him in response to his warnings: "Dear uncle!
Even if they were to put the sun on my right hand and the moon on my
left, I will not abandon my job, not
After this second failure, the Quraysh of Makkah put their heads together once again and decided upon calling Muhammad before a representative assembly of the community and to remonstrate and make clear to him the gravity of the situation. And accordingly they invited him to appear before the assembly of the tribal chiefs at Ka'bah.
The Prophet was well pleased with this appointment since he was thirsting for their softening, held high hopes of their submission to his call to the Islamic Faith. On his arrival they began the conversation like this:
"O Muhammad! We have called you here for a talk with you. By God! We do not know of anyone who tormented his community more than you. There is no trouble or evil that has not confronted us only because of you. Now tell us clearly what is that you want to gain through this campaign against us? If you want to earn wealth through this mission of yours, we can do it for you so that you can boast of your superiority in wealth. If you are after honour and dignity, we are ready to make you our leader. And in case you aspire to rule, we agree to make you our ruler, King of Arabia. And lastly, if it is some spirit, a genie that has got the better of you, we can spend on you spiritual (magical) so that you may be restored to your normal health or else may be declared excusable."
The Apostle of Allah in response addressed them thus:
"Whatever you have said does not at all accord with position (as a prophet commissioned by Allah for the guidance of mankind). With the teachings that have come to me, is neither meant for amassing wealth nor to attain a position of honour, nor coming in power to rule over a territory. Allah has sent me as His messenger, revealed a Book of Guidance and felicity here and Hereafter. He has made me His agent to give you glad tidings and warning. I have delivered the message of your Lord to you, giving you a clear understanding of your position. If you accept my teachings, it will be an asset for you in this world and the next. And in case you reject them. I shall wait for Allah's decision in this behalf."
The Quraysh said to him: 'Very well, Muhammad! If you do not agree to
our proposals, there is another problem which we would like to be
solved. You know it well enough that we do existence at the verge of
poverty even below that, at starvation level. There is scarcity of water
and our livelihood is problematic. Can you pray to your Lord to remove
The apostle of Allah said in reply to their (non sensical) demands: “I have not been sent as a prophet for this purpose. I have come to you with teachings of Truth and I have conveyed them to you. It is now upto you to accept and prosper or reject and be damned.
The Quraysh, bent as they were on vexation, went further, ‘Alright, if you can do nothing for us, request God for favours to yourself:
1. He (Allah) should appoint an angel to accompany you declaring that this person (Muhammad) is truthful and also stop us from persecuting you.
2. Well, you should also request Him that beautiful gardens should come into existence for you with lofty mansions around and a vast treasure of silver and gold be provided for you, which you also need badly. So far you are given to seek your sustenance with personal effort and visit the market to meet your needs. Only thus armed with material advantage, you can be regarded as a man of honor and prestige, and also recognize you as the apostle of Allah.
The Prophet said: "I will never come down to do what you propose, requesting Allah for all that. And I have not been raised for such lowly aims in life. Allah has sent me to you as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. If you are your own well-wisher and accept my message, it will be beneficial in both the worlds, otherwise I shall patiently wait for Allah's decree in relation to you. "
"Well, then do one thing," said they, make a piece of the sky come down upon his, since you maintain that Allah, if He is so pleased can do it. So until you have performed this miracle we will not believe (in the Islamic Faith). The apostle of Allah replied: "It lies in Allah's power alone. If He wants He may do it."
The Qurash said: " Tell us, O Muhammad! Why did your God not inform
you that we were going to call you to put much and much questions to you
and demand such and
Since your God did nothing like that, we take it for granted that what we have come to know is a fact that there is a person, named Rahman, who teaches you all that you put up as revelation from God. We shall never believe in Rahman. Look here, Mohammad! This day we have put up all our objections to your message of Islam (and hence our opposition to you. And not we also stake firmly, on oath, that we shall never allow you to propagate this new tangled creed of yours, and shall persevere with our stand until we perish in this struggle or you are gone.
Things had come to this stage in their talk when one of the Quraysh staked: "We worship the angels, whom we take as daughters of God." Another added: "0 Mohammad! We shall not believe in what you say until and unless God and His angels come down here before us."
On hearing this last blasphemous out burst of the pagans, he got up and so did Abdullah bin Abu Umayyah bin Mughirah, the Prophet's cousin, born of 'Ahkah daughter of Abd-al-Muttalib. He said the Prophet: "Mohammad! Listen to me. Your community made certain requests to you which you rejected out right. Then they asked you to show signs of self-elevation as proof of your esteem, but that too you refused. Then they sought your help in inviting God's wrath on themselves with which you have been threatening them but you were not positive about that either. So I shall never believe in your prophethood even if you ascend to the heights of the firmament and come down with four angels in attendance, confirming your statements and claims (about the unknown).
Even after this confrontation and their rejection of Faith, the Prophet kept reminding them, pointing out the fact that their well-being depended on the acceptance of his teachings. The discreet among them that came to believe and lived up to the demands of the Faith were gifted by Allah with much higher perception and cognition of what they (the un-believers) had asked for and much greater benefits occured to them.
At this juncture we are reminded of the questions put to 'Isa
(P.B.U.H.) Christ by Satan and his (Christ's) refusal to oblige him. The
fact is that the chosen apostles of Allah have invariably put forth
their teachings in face of un-belief and not miracles to silence or
convince them . For in that case belief in the unknown loses its
quality. 'Seeing is believing' is not the measure of sincere heartfelt
recognition of Truth. Conviction through inner light has the real worth.
Miracles as the workings of Allah at their hands
In the sick year of his being raised as a Prophet, the apostle of Allah was sitting on the Safa hill in close vicinity of Ka'bah, when Abu Jahl got there and injured him first with his foul tongue and in the absence of any reaction, hit him with a stone causing head injury and bleeding. His uncle, Hamza, who had not yet accepted Islam, in his zeal of love of kinderd, he rushed to Abu Jahl and hit him so violently with a bow on the head, thus causing serious injury. Then he went to the Prophet and told him that he had avenged him. The Prophet said in reply that with such incidents he is not pleased. However, his (uncle Hamza's) embracing Islam would bring him real pleasure. Hamzah entered the fold of Islam then and there.
'UMAR FARUQ'S (R) ISLAMThree days after Hamza (R), 'Umar bin Khattab embraced Islam. He was one of the most valiant men among the Quraysh and peformed ambassadorial service to the Makkans. One day he came out fully armed with the evil intent of murdering the Prophet. On the way he learnt from an acquaintance that his own sister and her husband both have become Muslims. He went to his sister's house, gave a good beating to both of them. 'Umar was however moved when he saw her sister bleeding, but taking it easy without reaction. He had heard recital of Quran when he entered, and desired to read it himself A third person, a companion of the Prophet who had gone into hiding out of fear of'Umar now came out and recited the first Ruku' of Surah Ta-ha (Q.XX) to him which brought tears to his eyes. He went straight to Dar-Arqam, where the Prophet used some time with his companions, Hamzah among them, and embraced Islam and a loud cry of Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), was heard the first time on this occasion, as a mark of joy and thanks giving to Allah for 'Umar's Islam. One who had come
out, sword in hand, to murder, became a devoted and most faithful ally and Mujahid (a crusader) of Islam of the highest rank. He received a title of great distinction Al-Faruq' from the Prophet. He deserved it, distinguishing full well Islam from Jahiliyah and Truth from Falsehood.
Upto this time the Believers went to a gorge in the hills of Makkah for prayers or prayed
When the unbelieving Quraish found the Prophet firm on his stand in relation in his teachings of persecution of the worst type, and busy with his programme with great courage and untiring effort. In the month of Muharram of the 7th year of the era of Prophet's raising, gave their decision against the believers that although Banu Hashim the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) tribe has not accepted Islam, fully supports him on all occasions when he is in distress. Let us boycott them totally, strictly restricting their movements in the town and refuse to sell anything to them. A contract to this effect was made and in writing was kept in Ka'bah.
The Prophet with his tribe per force confined themselves in a mountain gorge known as Sh'ab-e-Abi Talib. The Quraysh put a strict ban on the sale of grains and other articles of food to the besieged. The loud crying of Banu Hashim's hungry children could be heard outside.
For three long years of distress and agony in this prison passed somehow and the believers too were passing their days in the getting confirment of their homes. During the Haij season when quarrels and fighting even against deadly enemies was strictly prohibited, the . Prophet (P.B.U.H.) used to come out of the gorge and delivered the divine message to the Makkans and outside visitors (pilgrims). Abu Lahab,'the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) uncle used to follow him (Prophet (P.B.U.H.») wherever he went for preaching, loudly warning the people against listening to him (this insane preacher as he used to call him). Whoever listens to him (pays heed to him and acts accordingly) will crack himself. For three years the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) put up patiently persevering with this hardship. When their contract preserved in Ka'bah became moth-eaten and under pressure from some of their own sensible prominent men, they lifted the ban, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) came out of the gorge, and most ordantly resumed the work so long interrupted.
One day when he entered the sacred mosque (Ka'bah), he found some pagan elite sitting there. Abu Jahl cast a glance at him and said in a mocking tone: "Look, you Abd Munaf! Your prophet has come back."
Then he said to Abu jahl: Time is fast approaching when you will weep more than you have been laughing."
The addressing the Quraish in general he pronounced: "The moment is fast approaching when you with ultimately enter the Faith that you reject now."
Every word of this prediction came true as the reader shall find in the coming pages of this book.
ABU TALIB'S DEATHIn the tenth year of the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) raising, his uncle and father of 'Ali (R) died. He had brought up and imparted instruction and training (not education) from an early age (of 8 years). And from the time he started his missionary work, Abu Talib had been standing by him and strongly supporting him in the hour of his need (opposition by the Quraysh. So the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was much grieved by this sad event of his passing away. He did his best to persuade him just to pronounce in his last moment, but the satans gathered around him dissuaded him, and appealing to his pride of ancestry reminded him repeatedly to stick to Abdul Muttalib's creed opting for which he breathed his last. It grieved the Prophet very much, though he was consoled by Allah in the Quran that he could not guide anyone he liked. It is Allah's decree that decides it.
THE SAD DEMISE OF KHADIJAH-AL-KUBRA (R)Three days after Abu Talib the loving consort of the Prophet
(P.B.U.H.), Khadijah-al-Kubra (R) expired. This pious lady had devoted
herself to the service and pleasure of her husband, the apostJe of Allah
and spent all her wealth in the way of Allah to promote the cause of
His Message. She was among those few persons who embraced Islam at the
earliest. The archangel Gabriel (Jibril) had once conveyed to her,
through the Prophet, the salam or mess'age of peace from Allah Himself.
She was not only the most loving wife but gave birth to most of his
children. So the grief in the event of her sad demise can be
well-imagined. The two great supporters Abu Talib and
Thus left alone, the Prophet was made the target of added of persecution by the Quraysh. Once some devil's disciple from Quraysh, flung mud to the head of the Prophet and he entered the house with his head soiled, when his daughter rushed to wash and clean it. She wept as she washed. The Prophet consoled her saying: "My dear child, don't weep: Allah Himself will protect your father. "
THE PROPHET'S (P.B.U.H.) PREACHING MISSION TO THE TRIBES OUTSIDE MAKKAHAs stated above, the two great sympathisers and supporters of the Prophet, Abu Talib and Khadijah-alKubra had departed leaving him alone, yet he was not discouraged due to his reposing trust in Allah entirely and started his mission of Islamization with greater enthusiasm than before.
So 'soon after these incidents he left makkah for other places outside. Zaid bin Harithah accompanied him on this mission. He conveyed his message to all the tribes between Makkah and Ta'if. On this mission of the unity of Allah he covered this distance on foot. Just imagine, he had not the means to provide him even a mule or a donkey to ride.' Banu Thaqeef held sway over Ta'if. They were a proud lot living as they were in a fertile tract in the desert land of Arabia, and enjoyed its rich produce particularly fruits of all sorts, something unimaginable in the sandy desert and parched hills of Makkah as against fine cold climate of Ta'if. Abd Yaleel, Mas'ood and Habib, all the three brothers were their chiefs. The Prophet, to begin with, visited these chiefs and invited them to the Islamic Faith. One of them blurted out: 'I would get my beard shaved in front of Ka'bah if Allah made you His apostle." The second brother added : "Did Allah not get hold of anyone other than you who cannot afford an animal to ride. If at all he wanted to make an apostle he could have selected for this job some, ruler or a chief."
The third said: I will not speak to thee at all. For, if thou art the apostle of Allah as thou claims, it would be dangerous to refute thy words (thy claim and message). And in case thou art putting a false claim involving Allah, it would be below my dignity to speak to such a person."
The apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) said to them: Now, all I want from you is this that you keep your ideas expressed here to yourselves lest these nations may become the cause of misguidance of others."
Addas looked at the Prophet in amazement saying that he had uttered words before eating which the people: in that country were not given to say.
The Prophet asked him: "Where do you belong and what is your religious creed?"
Addas said in reply: I am a christian and hail from Nineveh."
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) further questioned him: "Do you come from the country where Yunus bin Matta (Jonah son of Matta) lived?" Addas in tum asked him: "Do you know who was Yunus bin Matta and what was he?
The Prophet replied: "He was my brother, he was a prophet and so am I (prophet)."
On hearing these words Addas bowed down, kissing the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) head, hands and feet.
'Uqabah bin Shaibah saw his slave Addas, doing homage to the Prophet, from a distance and said to each other:
"The slave is lost to us. He is no more ours." When Addas returned to his masters, they rebuked him saying: "Thou wretched one! What befell thee that made thee kiss the hands and feet of that person"
Addas told them respectfully that there was no one on this earth superior to that man. He told me something that only a prophet could tell."
And it was here on one occasion during the course of sermons for people at large, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was so badly injured that he fell unconcious and Zaid had to lift him on his back, taking him out of the inhabited area. He was restored to consciousness by sprinkling water over his head and face.
In spite of the fact that he had not succeeded in the Islamization of a single person in his entire tedious tour and severe physical injuries over and above the mental distress due to extremely harsh, most ill-mannered barbaric behaviour of Banu Thaqif, the common man and the elite alike, he was not morose and heart-broken. Rather his pure and noble heart was full of the Grandeur and love of His servants he looked to Allah alone for Mercy, caring little for them, if it was not His wrath, and seeking asylum with Him, More Merciful than all others showing mercy.
While returning from this most perilous journey from Ta'if he had also said: "Why should I curse them? What, if they do not believe. I have strong hopes that their progeny will certainly come to believe in the unity of Allah, the One and Only without partners.
THE PROPHET'S (P.B.U.H.) VISITS TO DIFFERENT PLACES ON HIS PREACIDNG MISSIONBack in Makkah, the Prophet used to go to the habitations of various tribes or went out of the town and presented the message of Islam to the casual way farers. It was during this campaign that He visited Banu Kaida tribe. A person, Malih by name, was their tribal chief. He also went to Banu Abdullah tribe and said to them that their ancestor was Abdullah (the slave of Allah), so why do they not all become slaves of Allah. Visiting Banu Hanifah tribe he experienced the worst type of rejection he had met. Then he went to Banu 'Amir bin Sa'sa'ah. Their chief Buherah bin Faras, on hearing his message asked him: "Suppose we accept your message and you get the upper hand, do you promise to make me your successor?" The Prophet said to him: All that is in the hands of Allah. He will make whom He chooses as my successor. The chief blurted out: Well said! In the hour of your need it is we who are called to stand by you. And when you succeed in your plan. Some one else may derive all the benefits (of his elevated position)! Be gone! We have nothing to do with your business. In this entourage among the tribes, Abu Bakr Siddiq (R) was in attendance on him.
During this period Suwaid bin Samit came his way. His community called him 'Kamil' (the perfect). The Prophet gave him the message of Islam. He said, "Perhaps you have the same (to say) that I (already) have with me. The Prophet enquired: "What have you?" He said: "It is the Wisdom of Luqman." The Prophet asked him to come out with it. He recited some of his fine lyrics. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said to him: "This is quite good. But I have the Quran which is far superior to it and is guidance and light." Then the Prophet recited portions from the Quran and he embraced Islam instantly. When he returned to Yathrib, the Khazrajites killed him.
CALLING THE MESSENGERS FROM YATHRIB TO FAITHAbout this time Abu-al-Haishar Anas bin Rafi' came to Makkah. Some young men from Bani Abd-al-Ashhal had also come with them. Ayas bin Mu'az was one of them. They had come for a contract on behalf of their people, Khazrajites, with the Quraysh. The Prophet came to them and said:
I have with me something which will benefit one and all. Would you like to listen to me? They enquired: What is that? He said: "I am an apostle of Allah and have been raised for humanity. I invite the servants of Allah that they should worship Allah alone and join no partners with Him. He has revealed a Book to me." Then he elucidated the Islamic principles to them and recited a portion of the Quran also. Ayas bin Mu'az who was a young man, immediately, on listening the Quran, said to his companions: 0 my community! By Allah! This is much better for you than the purpose that brought you here."
Anas bin Rafi' picked up a handful of pebbles and threw them in the face of Ayas, saying: "Hold your tongue. We did not come here for this purpose." The Prophet left them. This is an incident relating to the time before the (deadly) war of Bu'ath fought between Aus and Khazraj tribes of Yathrib. Ayas died sometime after his return to Yathrib. It is reported that at the time of his death his tongue was busy with the remembrance of Allah-His Glorification. Praise, Exultation, and Magnification. The seed of Islam had taken root in his heart from the sermon of the Prophet and had blossomed at the time of his death.
And it was also in the same period that Zamad Azdi came to Makkah, a
citizen of Yemen and a well known magician of Arabia. When he was told
that Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is
It was 27th Rajab of the 10th year after his being raised to Prophethood that the apostle of Allah ascended the unknown heights in the company of Jibril and Allah provided an occasion for him to see the hidden realities of the heavens and the earth.
In the first stage of this journey he was taken to the Bait-al-Maqdis (in Jerusalem) from Masjid-ul-Haram (Ka'bah) and there led the congregational prayer of all the prophets. Then he was taken to heavens and meeting the prophets in their own particular abodes, attained the heights of the Sidrah-al-Muntahe and Bait-e-Ma'moor from where he proceeded alone to heights to which no one had ever had access, not even the Arch angel Jibril, upto the limit of Brilliance of Anwar (Lights) whereof is bearable for mortals, receiving many revelations direct (without the normal intermediacy of the Arch angel Jibril). This was a unique honour of nearness not usually afforded.
Among other experiences, the Prophet, during ascension, was offered two cups of fluids. One of milk and the other full of wine. He opted for milk and Jibril told him that he had opted for the real (unsullied) nature. If he had gone for the other container (of wine) his ummah would have gone awry. It is evident from this symbolic demonstration that the Prophet was destined to bring together the Muslim Ummah to true nature of man. Milk represents pure (unsullied) nature while wine indicated the indiscriminate pursuit of lusts.
There is almost consensus on it that in the beginning of the Prophet's mission only Fajr and 'Asr prayers become obligatory. And it was only on the occasion of his ascension that prayers five times a day were made binding on the Muslim Ummah, with the benefit of fifty in the matter of reward in the Hereafter. It was under the nature and prudent advice of Moses (P.B.U.H.) that encouraged the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to plead with Allah to make it easy for his Ummah and bring fifty prayers to five.
TUFAIL BIN 'AMR DAUSI EMBRACES ISLAMAnd it was again about this time that Tufail bin 'Amr Dausi came to
Makkah. He was the chief of the Daus tribe ruling in a region in close
vicinity of Yemen. Tufail was a poet and
"So cleverly they infused all that nonsensical stuff in me that I was careful to plug my ears with cotton when going to Ka'bah." says, Tufail bin 'Amr Dausi. One day I happened to go to Ka'bah early in the morning. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was praying. Since it was the Will of Allah that I should hear him, I heard him reciting a unique type of 'Kalam' (words). It was at this moment that I reproached myself for all that extra care to keep out of his way in spite of the fact that I was a poet, a learned person and discreet enough to know good from evil. What then holds me back from listening to what he says? The option of accepting good things and rejecting evil was mine. So with the intention of meeting and speaking to him I waited for him to end his prayer. When he was returning home I followed him. And when with him at his house I related to him everything about my coming to Makkah, beguiling of Makkans, plugging my ears to keep out his voice and of hearing his strange marvellous recital of this morning, requesting him to let me hear something (of his message). The Prophet recited a portion of the Quran. By Allah! I had never heard anything like that before. Words marvellous enough and inviting to such piety and justice.
In short, Tufail Dausi embraced Islam itnmediately. The person who was held in such esteem as their Lord and patron by the Makkans had become the humble servant of Allah and submissive follower of the apostle of Allah on hearing a few words from him.
ABU ZARR (R) EMBRACES ISLAMAbu Zarr (R) while in his own town, Yathrib, was attracted by some rumours about the Prophet (P.B.U.H). He asked his brother to go to Makkah and see this man.
Anees, his brother, was a well known poet, eloquent in speech. Coming to Makkah, met the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and on returning home informed Abu Zarr (R) that he found Muhammad a nice person who enjoins good and forbids evil.
Subsisting on zamzam water he stayed in Ka'bah itself. 'Ali Murtaza (R) happened to come to Ka'bah while Abu Zarr was staying there and standing by him threw a casual remark, "Appears to be a stranger?" Abu Zarr said in reply: "Yes, you are right." 'Ali (R) invited him to his own house and Abu Zarr accepting his hospitality accompanied him. But neither the host made any enquiry about the purpose of his visit, nor Abu Zarr (R) himself disclosed his mission during his stay there for the night. Next morning, he returned to his temporary sojourn, Ka'bah He was anxious to seek the Prophet (P.B.U.H) but was careful not to put any question to anybody in this behalf
'Ali (R) came to him once again at Ka'bah and remarked, "Perhaps you have not succeeded finding your destination?" Abu Zarr affirmed his suspicion. Once again 'Ali (R) took him home, and at this stage enquired about his identity as also the purpose of his visit to Makkah. Abu Zarr said in reply, "Ifyou promise to keep it to yourself, I can tell you." 'Ali (R) assented promisinng secrecy. Abu Zarr (R) began, " I came to know that there is a person in this town who claims to be a prophet. I sent my brother here for enquiries and confirmation, but the information furnished by him failed to satisfy me. That brings me here."
'Ali (R) replied that his arrival there was a most auspicious and his chance meeting with him ('Ali (R)) appeared to be a good augury. He was going to him (the Prophet (PB.u.H.) right then and would try to find out if an immediate meeting was possible.
'Ali (R) took him in and after introduction Abu Zarr (R) requested the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to enlighten him about the nature of the new faith, and was briefly introduced to Islam in principle. And Abu Zarr made no delay in entering the fold of Islam.
The Prophet, however, instructed him: "Abu Zarr, keep the event to yourself for such time as is appropriate for publicising it. Get back home for the present. You are welcome here when you hear of our open declaration of our mission and its activities."
Abu Zarr was, however bursting with the passion to declare the truth
and said in a determined tone. "By Allah! I shall return home only after
I have declared my embracing
Once, during the Hajj season of the 11th year of the raising of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) that at 'Uqabah, a few miles from Makkah, in the darkness of the night the Prophet (P.B. U.H.) heard people talking together. Guided by the sound the apostle of Allah approached them. There were six of them, all hailing from Yathrib (latter came to be called Madinah-al-Nabi or simply Madinah). To this small company he expounded the Grandeur and Sublimity of Allah. He made their loved of Allah fervid, rousing at the same time their disgust for the idols and idolatry. Instructing them in piety and purity and forbidding sins and evil deeds. With them mentioning the arrival of an apostle of Allah. Prompted by the idea of priority in belief in this promised messiah, they embraced Islam at once and when they returned home became true heralds of the True Faith. They proclaimed the glad tidings of the arrival of that promised messiah for whom the entire humanity was waiting, to every one they came across or could easily reach. Our ears are familiar with his words, our eyes saw him, and he has so introduced us to that Eternal God which has rendered life and death immaterial to us.
THE BAI'AH 'UQABAH THE FIRSTThe result of the glad tidings borne by these people was that in every family of Madinah the Prophet came for mention, and the next year, the twelveth of the Prophet's raising, 12 persons from Yathrib presented themselves in Makkah and were gifted with the wealth of Belief in Islam due to the effort of the apostle of Allah.
The terms for the Bai'ah or pledge of loyalty of these people with the Prophet was on the following terms:
2. We shall abstain totally from theft and fornication.
3. We shall not kill our (female) offspring.
4. We shall not calumniate (bring false accusation against) anybody nor shall we slander.
5; We shall obey the Prophet in all good things.
MUS'AB BIN 'UMAIR (R)When these people from Yathrib were returning home, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) sent Mus'ab bin 'Umair with them for their education and training. Mus'ah bin 'Umair was the Scion of a wealthy family. When riding out he had slaves in attendance and never put on a dress worthless than two hundred dirhams. But when due to the blessings of Islam he attained spiritual richness, he abandoned for good these physical trappings and exhibition of wealth. During the days when he was proclaiming the True Faith and conveying the message of Islam to Madinites, he was clad only in a small blanket held together in front with thorns.
BAI'AH UQABAH THE SECONDMus'ab bin 'Umair (R) on his arrival in Madinah became the guest of As'ad bin Dararah (R). And the Medinites, called him AI-Qura (the teacher). One day Mus'ab, Asa'd and some other Muslims came together at Bi'r Maraq (the well of Maraq) to think over and devise means to convey Islam to Bani Abd-al-Ashhal and Bani Zafar.
Sa'd bin Mu'az and Usaid bin Huzair were the chiefs of these two clans, and had not yet embraced Islam. They also learnt about the plan and Sa'd bin Mu'az said to Usaid:
"How negligent you have been all this time. Just see how these two persons, coming and staying in our houses have been making fools of our simple folk. Go and tell them snappishly never to come again towards our habitations. I would have done it myself but because of As'ad being my maternal cousin.
Usaid bin Hudair started armed, As'ad said to Mus'ab; "Look here! A tribal chief is coming this way. May Allah grant it that he accepts your offer. "
Mus'ab said to him: How I wish you had taken your seat and listened to me: you can do it now and if it pleases you, have the goodness to accept it, or else reject it. Usaid relented saying: "Let it be as you say, I have no objection." Mus'ab expounded the nature of Islam and then recited portions of the Quran. Usaid listened quietly. At last he said: "Tell me what is your procedure of allowing entry to your Faith? Mus'ab (R) said in reply: "We ask him to take bath and put on clean clothes. And then we make him recite the Kalimah (the epitome of Islam) helping him with two rak'ats of prayer also. "
Usaid got up, washed his clothes, took bath and pronounced the Kalimah (as evidence of his belief in Allah, His Apostle and the Last Day). Then he offered two rak'ats of supererogatory prayer. And departing he said to Mus'ab (R): "There is another person I have left behind, I shall send him to you. If he listens to you and follows also, there will be no more opposition to you in this work."
And on the other side S'ad bin Mu'az had been waiting for his (Usaid's) return and observing his face at some distance said to himself: "This is not the face that I saw before he left me." When Usaid came and sat down, Mu'az asked him: "What happened in your encounter?" Usaid replied that he had admonished then and they had promised not to go against our advice. But a totally different accident marred the whole situation. Banu Harithah came up and were bent on killing As'ad bin Dararah since he happened to be your cousin.
On hearing this (innovated) report Sa'd was not himself, and making his grip on his weapon firmer, he stood up fearing that Banu Harithah may kill his cousin. Departing he also added: "Usaid! I am so sorry you went there but did nothing worth while."
Sa'd got there and found both Mus'ab and As'ad sitting . comfortably.
He thought to himself that probably Usaid had sent him here to listen
to what they used to say. And with this nation in his head he started
abusing them. And to As'ad he said also this that if he was not his
(Sa'd's) cousin, they could not have come to his locality. As'ad said to
Mus'ab said to Sa'd: "Please be seated and let us talk together. If you agree with what I say, have the goodness to accept it also. If it is otherwise, the option to refuse to oblige remains open to you." Sa'd put down his weapon and took his seat. Mus'ab as usual explained to him the facts of the Islamic faith and recited the Quran also. And consequently Sa'd also put the same question to Mus'ab which Usaid had and on getting the same answer, he too got up, washed his clothes, bathed and pronounced the Kalimah and said two raka'ts of supererogatory prayer. Lifting his weapon, he went back to his assembly and immediately calling his tribes men said to them: "0 Bani Abd-al-Ashhal! What opinion do you hold about me?" They all replied with one voice: "You are our chief, your opinion and your findings are superior." Sa'd said to them: Hark ye, men and women alike, I would not speak to you until and unless you have come to believe in Allah and His Apostle."
THE ENTIRE TRIBE OF SA'D BIN MU'AZ BECAME MUSLIM IN ONE DAYThe result of Sa'd's warning was really dramatic. There was no one in the tribe of banu Abd-al-Ashhal that had not embraced Islam. In this way through Mus'ab's teachings Islam become the talk of the Yathrib town and their main concern, spreading to all the tribes. And it was the result of this vast propagation of Islam that the next year, the 12th of the Prophet's raising a caravan comprising 73 men and 2 women came to Makkah. They had been sent by the believers of Yathrib to invite the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to their town, taking assurance of it from him.
This group of the righteousness people of Yathrib during the darkness of the night came to stay at every spot where two earlier groups had stayed. And the apostle of Allah (R) too, in the company of his uncle, Abbas (R) got there. Abbas (R) who had not embraced Islam yet, raised a very pertinent question. He said: "O ye people from Yathrib! You know it very well that the Quraysh of Makkah are the sworn enemies, of Muhammad (P. B.U.H.) thirsting for his blood. If you intend to enter any agreement with him keep the delicacy of such a relationship in mind carefully. Any contract of alliance with Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) inviting red and black (terrible, bloody) wars. Give a serious thought to what you are going to do. Or else it would be better not to venture at all.
These pious people said nothing in reply to the point raised by Abbas (R). They, however, requested the Prophet to say something on that point.
The apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) recited to them the Word of Allah, His Message to mankind, which filled them with the light of Belief. After this all of them requested the apostle of Allah to go to Yathrib to live and benefit them directly all the time. He however said to them:
1. Will you stand by me with all your resources in the propagation of Islam, offering un stinted help and cooperation at every step?
2. And when I got settled in your town, will you support me and my companions like that ofyour families? The believers asked him: What shall we get as reward for that service (with all the involved perils).
The Apostle ofAllah replied: "Paradise (the abode of Salvation and Divine Pleasure-eternal felicity)
The party of Muslims again asked the apostle of AUah:(P.B.U.H.) "O Apostle of Allah! We, also want assurance from you that you will not leave us at any later stage."
And he said in reply: "No, Never, my life and death will be with you. "
No sooner had they heard these words from him that they, lovers of Truth in a state of ecstasy come forward for Bai'ah (pledge of allegiance) on Islam with him. Bara' bin Ma'roor (R) was the first person to make this pledge.
Some devil incarnate had been watching all these goings-on here from a hill-top and loudly called out: "Come O ye people (of Makkah)! See for yourselves that Muhammad and his party men are having consultations to fight against you."
The apostle of Allah (P.S.U.H.) said to them! "Do not mind this call." Abbas (R) bin Ubadah said to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.): "With your permission we can show the Makkans our swordsmanship. The Prophet (P.S.U.H.) however pointed out to them saying: "I have not yet been permitted by Allah to wage war against them yet."
THE TWELVE HERALDS OF THE APOSTLE OF ALLAHAfter this ceremony of Bai'ah, the Prophet selected twelve persons
from among the men of Yathrib and called them Naqeeb (a represntative
proclaimer) and also explain to
Those twelve heralds of the Prophet (P.B. U.H.) were:
1. As'ad bin Darareh 2. Rafi' bin Malik 3. 'Ubadah bin Samit. And these three had participated in 'Uqbah I also. 4. Sa'd bin Rabi' 5. Manzar bin 'Amr 6. Abd-Allah bin Rawahah, 7. Bara' bin Ma'roor 8. Abd-Allah bin 'Amr bin Haram, 9. Sa'd bin 'Ubadah. They belonged to Khazraj tribe. The three persons selected from Aus tribe were the following:
10. Usaid bin Hudair 11. Sa'd bin Khathimah 12. Abu-AI Hasheem bin Taihan. Allah be pleased with all of them.
THE QURAYSH CAUGHT HOLD OF TWO PERSONS FROM YATHRlBAll this activity continued during the night. When the day dawned the Quraysh got the wind of it and they set out in search of the Yathribites. They found only two perosns. Sa'd bin 'Ubadah (R) and Manzar bin 'Amr on the scene. The latter of these two took to his heels and the pursuers could not catch up with him, but Sa'd bin 'Ubadah was in their grip and they disabled him by tying his hands behind his back. He received a good beating at their hands while in Makkah. He was one of the heralds. He was tormented but at last rescued by Jubair bin Mut'im and Harith bin Umayyah due to relations of the past.
THE MUSLIMS PERMITTED TO MIGRATEAfte the Bai'ah of Uqbah II, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) permitted the Muslims, who had not yet moved out of Makkah and were being badly persecuted, to leave for Yathrib. These true believers were not at all grieved on parting with their homes and hearths and near and dear ones, but were glad at heart that once at Yathrib, they would be perfectly at liberty to worship Allah, the One and Only.
HINDRANCE IN MIGRATION -RESISTANCE BY QURAYSHThose migrating to Yathrib had to put up with untold hindrances and hardships of all sorts at the hands of Makkans:
2. Umme-Salmah (R) relates her woeful tale that when my husband, myself and my child Salmah started on our journey, we were forcibly separated and my husband alone leaving me in the charge of Banu Mughirah and our very young child taken away by Bani Abd-al Asad. After one long year's grief for my husband and child, due to the clemency of a cousin, I was freed, my child restored to me and I travelled all alone for reunion with my husband at Yathrib three hundred miles away on a camel's back.
Almost every one of the Prophet's companions had to face such obstacles, loss of home and hearth and everything material, they were compelled to leave behind.
3. 'Umar Faruq (R) relates that Aeyash (R) and Hisham (R) had also intended to accompany him in migration to Yathrib. The former could come at the time of departure but the latter was detained by the pagans and incarcerated.
Aeyash was in Madinah when Abu Jahl, his brother by the same mother with the third brother warth came in hot pursuit and on the pretext of her grief for him and in every bad shape, wanted to take him with them to the grieving mother. Inspite of 'Umar's (R) remonstrance with him that he was being duped, he decided to see his mother and return, but was deceitfully overpowered on the way back made captive and brought to Makkah to be cast into prison, with Hisham bin Asi Both of them languished in Captivity and it was only after the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) reaching Madinah that for his (Prophet's (P.B.U.H.)) pleasure Waleed bin Mughirah came to Makkah and through strategem got them out of prison during the night and left with them for Madinah. Migration was not simply leaving home and property but much more hardship and suffering.
MIGRATION OF THE PROPHETNow a few Muslims were left in Makkah and among the high ranking companions only Abu Bakr (R) and 'Ali (R). And so the Quraysh deemed it a golden chance to kill the Prophet.
THE MEETING OF THE CHIEFS OF QURAYSH FOR PLANNING OF THE MURDER OF MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H.)
The old man from Najd disagreeing said: "No this is not right. The news of Muhammad's incarceration is sure to find its way to his followers and these Muslims will as surely take him cut and when in power are most likely to annihilate you as well.
Another suggestion was that he should be put on a camel’s back and this driver less animal left alone. Let him go anywhere, settle where he likes, he may live or die should be none of our concern: The old fellow from Najd: "This suggestion too is unsound. Have you forgotten the charming words of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) Do you not observe that he charms every one he talks to? How easily he wins the hearts of men? Wherever he goes the residents thereof shall get attracted to him and follow him. And they are sure to avenge their Prophet (P.B.U.H.) at your cast.
THE APPROVED PLAN OF PROPHET'S MURDER AND SELECTION OF MURDERERSFinally, Abu Jahl put up a plan that was unanimously uphold.
1. A brave strong man should be selected from every well-known tribe of Arabia.
2. And all of them should surround the house of Muhammad (P.B. U.H.) on all sides.
3. When Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) comes out for the early morning prayer, all these murderers should follow him with their swords. The advantage of this ingenious plan was pointed out that since all the tribes of Arabia shall be involved in the murder, neither his own tribe nor yet his followers can create any trouble.
DIVINE DECREE AGAINST HUMAN PLANSUtter shameful failure of the best human plans where Divine Decree
starts working can be witnessed when we find that on Muhammad's
(P.B.U.H.) bouse being surrounded by the murderers, he said to his
cousin 'Ali (R): Occupy my bed and covering yourself with my sheet and
need have no wony, for nobody can do you any harm. And while 'Ali (R)
The apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) went to the house of his closest friend among men, Abu Bakr (R). They hastily made necessary arrangements for the impending journey. Asma (R) the daughters of Abu Bakr (R) closed the open end of the bag of parched and ground barley with a part of the string binding her drivers out off for this emergency need. In the darkness of the night both of them started on their journey. About four or five miles from Makkah, there is mount Thaur which makes journey toilsome due to ascent on a rocky path. Pointed rough stones were wounding the feet of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and stumbling also was causing him trouble and pain. Abu Bakr (R) lifted him on his shoulders and finally approached a mountain cave (where they decided to stay during the day light, considering pursuit by the enemy. Abu Bakr (R) asked him to rest outside and himself went into the cave, dusted and cleaned it and with pieces’ tom from the clothes on his body, he plugged the holes in the cave. And then he requested the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to enter.
When the day dawned, 'Ali (R) got up from his bed and the Quraysh recognized him at close quarters and enquired about Mohammad (P.B.U.H.). 'Ali (R) replied: "What do I know about him. I had not been keeping watch over him. You yourself let him get out and he left. Their repentance for their negligence infuriated them and they fell upon 'Ali and beating him they brought him to Ka'bah, kept him in custody and freed after some time.
Then they came to Abu Bakr's (R) house, knocked at his door. Asma (R), his daughter, responded and came out. Abu Jabl asked her about her father to which she showed her total ignorance. Evil natured as he was, he slapped her so violently that her ear ring fell on the ground.
A small incident is worth mentioning here. Asma (R) says that her
father, departing, had taken all the money he found in the house for the
use of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). At her grandfather's remark that Abu
Bakr had left, leaving them penniless, she managed to put something
where money was kept and leading her blind old grandfather to make
Abu Bakr (R) was rewarded for his loving care and devotion by Allah in his (Abu Bakr's) mention in the Quran, "Allah is surely with us." where the word "us" includes the Prophet's most devoted companion Abu Bakr(R).
On the fourth night, two she-camels came to the cave from Abu Bakr's house that had been carefully pampered for this long journey. The Prophet and Abu Bakr mounted one and the other was used by 'Amir bin Fahirah and Abdullah bin Ariqat, hired for guidance or route. They started on this journey on Rabi I, Monday which accords with September 16, 622 C.E.
Migration for the sake of Allah alone and the unhampered propagation of His Faith was the sunnah (way) of the earlier prophets like Ibrahim, Moses and Da'ud (P.B.U.T.) as borne out by both the Quran and the Bible and Allah's aid came his and their rescue (earlier) after migration.
Their guide had now taken to a change in the route, by the sea now (as a measure of safety against pursuit). However, Suraqah bin Jaysham, helmeted and fully armed on horse back was in hot pursuit, tempted by the reward announced by the Quraysh for the Prophet (alive or dead), and on seeing him was glad at heart for his success. But the divine plan of rescue came to the aid of the Prophet and Suraqah's mount was on its knees. In another attempt by him the mare under him sank in the sand of the desert and falling down he became alive to the divine protection and his failure. The Prophet who had all the time in communion with Allah, entreating Him for His Allah was informed about the pursuer and Suraqah also very humbly requested to be spared. He was given assurance of safety of life and the pursuer sincerely promised to guard them against other pursuer if any. Then at his own request and the Prophet's bidding, 'Amir bin Fahirah gave him a letter of immunity for future use.
The first day after coming out of the Thaur cave, this blessed caravan came upon the camp of Umme Ma'bad. She came from Khuza'ah and well known for the care and feeding of the travellers. She offered water to the passers by and those who need rest were offered that facility too for a while.
When the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and his companions (R) came to her camp they enquired if she had something to eat. She expressed her regrets saying that if she had any she would have offered before their asking for it. On entering the tent, the Prophet saw a goat in a corner and enquired why was standing there. Umme-Mabad told him that it was too weak to go out for grazing with the flock. At this he sought her permission to milk the goat and the old woman permitted adding that if you expect milk from it do as you please.
The Prophet touched the teat of the goat invoking Allah's name and taking a milk pot started milking. Soon the pot was brimming over with milk. This was taken by him and his companions. Repeating the operation, they took it together. A third operation too gave as much milk and this was handed over to Umme-Ma'bad, the owner of the goat, and started once again on their journey.
After sometime Umm-e-Ma'bad's husband came home and seeing the milk enquired about it. UmmeMa'bad explained to him how a blessed person came here and it is the miracle that he performed. He said, this person you mention appears to be the same Qurayshite I have been looking for. Let me hear from you something about his appearance. Umm-e-Ma'bad described the features of the Prophet thus:
Attractive face, open courtenance, good natured, neither with a pot
belly nor a bald head, handsome to look at, big bright black eyes, and
black long thick hair, commanding tone, high neck, fine and joint eye
brows. Curly hair sparing in speech and speaking with dignity and
confidence, so as to touch the heart, looked from a distance fascinating
in appearance, and at close quarters sweet and perfect in charms, sweet
of speech, clear words in a clear tone, neither sparing in words nor
verbose, neither shorts statured nor unusualy talk, companions always at
his serviced command, who likes to his words
On hearing so much about him from his wife he said that he is certainly that 'Sahib-e-Quraysh' (the Qurash supremo). I must go and see him.
THIRTEEN YEARS OF PROPHETHOOD IN MAKKAHWe have given a brief account of the thirteen years’ activity of the Prophet in Makkah. Although the number of Muslims did not exceed a couple of hundred but it was a unique success since it had won over men.
1. like 'Ali, Abu Bakr, 'Uthman and 'Umar (R) to him as companions, whole excellence of knowledge, practical charm, power, mental vision and traits of the best capabilities which made them the leaders and guides of the then known world.
2. Or they were men of such talents and competency as Mus'ab bin 'Umair, Ja'far Tayyar and Abu 'Ubaidah bin-al-Jarah(R). They converted the entire populations of Yathrib, Abyssinia and Najran through their magical sermons.
3. Or there were people of the high grade like AbdAllah bin Mas'ood and Abd-al-Rahman whose traditions of learning and knowledge are the store house of innumerable fine points of religious instruction.
4. Or those of the rank of Zubair, Talhah and 'Ammar Yasir (R) whose devotion and love of Truth are unparalled in the world history.
5. Or the type of Bilal, Sumayyah, Yasir and Ka'b, Khabbab (R) who had, with their patient perseverance and firmness of stand, tired the Pharaohs (tyrants) of the times in the exercise of tyranny and future.
6. Or yet those with courage and resolution of Sakran, Shamoos, Umm-e-Habibah and Khanees who had, for the sake of the Faith of Truth, left their country of birth, near and dear ones, to go to a strange country, Abyssinia, and settled there.
7. Or eloquent, learned and fluent in speech like labeed and Swaid bin Samil, called Kamil (the Prophet) and Anees brother of Abu Zarr (R) who got the better of several tribes with one speech or another and were unique in the world of their own times, at least to themselves. And it was during this period that Islam had spread outside Makkah also. A few examples from that lot of Muslim:
2. Abu Zarr Ghifari (R) his brother Anees (R) and his mother and half his tribe Banu Ghifar had become Muslims.
3. Twenty persons from the Christians of Najran.
4. Zamad-al-Azdi, the famous soothsayers of Yemen.
5. The bani Abd-al-Ashhal tribe.
6. Tamim and Na'im and a few citizens of Syria.
7. Many people in Abyssinia and so on.
ISLAM OF BARIDAH AND SEVENTY OTHERS EN-ROUTE TO YATHRIBOn his way to Yathrib the Prophet came across Baridah Aslami, the chief of his tribe. The Quraysh had announced a reward of hundred camels for the arrest of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and baridah had come out looking for him to win this reward. But when he came face to face with the Prophet and had an occasion to speak to him, Baridah (R) along with seventy companions of his embraced Islam. Taking off his turban he tied to his, lance and thus unfurling the white flag of peace and amity he went forward, conveying the glad tidings to all those who could hear, that the king of peace, supporter of concord and friendship and to make justice and equity reign supreme in the world is coming,
On his way the Prophet met Zubair (R) bin-al' Awam met him, coming from Syria with the Muslim traders of Makkah, He presented white cloth to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and Abu Sakr (R).
PROPHET'S ARRIVAL AT QUBAOn 8th Rab I, 13th year of the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) raising, Monday
the 23rd of September 622 C.E. the apostle of Allah reached Quba (the
entrance to yathrib). The Yathribites having heard of the Prophets
leaving Makkah had made it their daily program of waiting at the entry
to Yathrib from morning to midday. One of these days they had hardly
left their places of waiting (only a few minutes earlier) that the
Prophet
The apostle of Allah stayed here until Thursday. And during the three days of his stay here the first thing that he took in hand was to lay the foundation of a mosque here for the worship of Allah the One and Only, without any partners. And it was here that 'Ali (R) having travelled all the way from Makkah to Yathrib, (a distance of 300 miles) on foot, joined the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). He had stayed back in Makkah, under orders from the apostle of Allah, to return the Trusts (articles entrusted to the care of the Prophet in Makkah) to their rightful owners.
12th Rabi I of the finest year of the Prophet's migration to Madinah (12.3.1 A.H) was Friday. The Prophet mounted his camel had reached the habitations of Bani Salim when it was time for Friday congregation, and he got down and led the prayer with a hundred persons following him. This was the first Friday congregational prayer in Islam fifteen hundred years back, (during the prophethood of the Final Prophet of Islam, though it had continued earlier under all other prophets also).
THE FIRST KHUTBA FRIDAY (HARANGUE) OF THE PROPHET DELIVERED AT BANI SALIM BIN 'AUF AT MADINAHAll praise is due to Allah. I praise him and seek Help, forgiveness and guidance from Him. I repose my faith in Him, I do not transgress against him and have feelings of hostility towards those who are transgressors. I bear witness that there is no one worthy of worship save Allah. He is Unique (unparalleled). He has no partners. Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) his servant and Apostle. He sent Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) with guidance, light and exhortation, at a time when for centuries no apostle came to humanity for guidance. (True knowledge had become deficient and ignorance had pervaded (mankind). He was sent very close to the Doomsday and death. Whoever obeys Allah and His apostle is on the right path and whoever disobeyed then went on the wrong track, and degraded himself and is entangled in serious misguidance.
O ye Muslims! I command you to fear (displeasure of) Allah. The best injunction from a
But if somebody does not act in that manner, he has come for mention in the verse: "It will wish there were a great distance between it and its evil, but Allah cautious you (to fear) Him and Allah is full of kindness to those that serve Him. (Q.l: 30 And whoever took Allah's command as true and fulfilled its conditions, he has been commented upon in the following words of Allah: "The word changes not with Me and I do not the least injustice to My servants. (Q.L:29)
O ye believers! Keep in view in your present and future and overt and covert deeds, fear of Allah since the evil deeds of the God-fearing are passed over cursorily (or overlooked). The pious are those who will attain great felicity. It is taqwa (piety) that takes away Allah's displeasure. His chastisement and His wrath. It is piety that turns darkness into luminosity, invites Allah's pleasure and elevates the position. o ye Muslim! Do derive pleasure but do not neglect the divine rights. Allah has taught you His Book and shown you His Way, the righteous and those given to falsehood may be kept distinctly apart. Allah has treated you kindly so you too be kindly and generously disposed towards His servants (the people). And take the enemies of Allah as your enemies. And strive in the way of Allah as you ought to strive (with sincerity and under discipline) .... and has named you Muslim." (Q. XXII: 78). That those who died might die under a clear Sign (had been given), and all those who lived might live under a clear sign (had been given), (Q. VIII: 42). And all good deeds come into existence with Allah's Help. O ye people! Remember Allah and work for the life Hereafter. For, whoever sets right his relationship with Allah, Allah set right his relationship with other people. And Allah exercises His Authority and rule and governs men's affairs. And nobody can have any say in His Affairs. Allah is the Lord and Master of His servants and they have no authority where Allah comes in. Allah is the Greatest and we derive our will and power for good deeds solely from that Lord of all Greatness.
Having done with Friday congregation the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) entered Yathrib proper from the southern side and it was from that day that Yathrib came to be called Madinah-al-Nabi (the town of the Prophet) or Madinah in short.
His entry was grand indeed the streets of the town were resounding with the slogans of praise and sanctification, and men, women and children were all eyes for a glance at the luminary from Allah. Watching this grandeur and sanctity of his reception it was disclosed to the learned men of the people of the Books what the following statement in Habakkuk Prophet's Book chapter III. V 3:
God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Paran. Selah, His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.
1. Faran or Makkah, since Faran bin 'Auf bin Himyar had once occupied it.
The innocent little girls of Ansar were singing the following couplets in an enchanting tone and unsullied tongues:
The full moon has risen upon us from the southern mountains.
We owe thanks to Allah for the Superb Faith and its teachings,
We are duty bound to obey thy commands for thou hast been sent by Allah the Patron Lord the Obeyed One.
These girls belonged to the fresh converts to Islam knowing pledged allegiance to Islam at the hands of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in Makkah or those whom Mus'ab bin 'Umair and Ibn Maktoom had converted in Yathrib.
The Ansar of Madinah were not in an enviable position where material wealth was concerned but so large-hearted, great lovers of Islam that they kept nothing back from sharing with their migrant brothers with whom they had been formally fraternized by the Prophet, prepared to divorce an extra wife for a muhajir brother. They fed the hungry mouths often on a hungry stomach themselves as evidenced by the Quran also:
And those who before them, had homes (in Madinah) and had adopted the
Faith, show their affection to such as come to them for refuge, and
entertain no desire in their hearts
Makkah was populated by Quraysh alone who were dominant and ruled over it. They had also a common creed iconolatry. Madinah was a mixture of various commuriities and religions, including idolaters and Judaic race and religion, a sprinkling of Christians. The Jewish tribes Banu Nadeer, Banu Qaninqa', and banu Quraiza, lived in separate fortresses and due to their trade and usury were rich and had sway over other communities.
According to the prediction of Moses, the Jews had been expecting the promised messiah (that prophet) to be born among Banu Isma'il of Arabia, who would restore the demi grated Jewish community to its former glory and had staged so long in Madinah, particularly after expulsion from Syria.
Now the news of the arrival of the prophet ofBanu Isma'il had gladdened their hearts. But once they learnt that he supports Jesus Christ as a true apostle of Allah and believing in him is an inseparable part of his faith, Islam, and thus acknowledging his true exalted position brings the Judaic people to the dock for their grave injustice in rejecting, insulting and handing him over to the pagan roman governor, they one and all became deadly enemies of their "0ne time expected redeemer."
The Christian citizens of Madinah too were longing for the promised messiah the comforter, whose arrivaI had been foretold by 'Isa in his last sermon. he had ordered his followers, Muslims, who, latter in their misguidance, came to call their faith Christianity (as if it was a faith founded by Christ, and themselves Christians) to follow him. From that time (for six centuries) they had waited for him, who would avenge them against the Jews, raise the Christians to a higher position in the world, bring out the true position of Christ lowered by the Jews. But when they found him rejecting their self-invented (innovative) elements of Faith like making 'Isa ibn Maryam, 'Isa ibn-Allah (the son of God), trinity, atonement, asceticism and the almost divine right of Pope, they too became sworn enemies of ‘that prophet.'
It would be worthwhile casting a glance at Abdallah bin Ubai bin
Salool to grasp the true position of Madinah of this period. Besides the
sway of the Jews, he too enjoyed a position of great influence over
Madinites and he had been nursing hopes of becoming
The Prophet once in Madinah in the very first year of Hijrah considered in the fitness of things to enter a contract with all the ethnic and religious parties around him so that despite differences racial and cultural unity may be maintained and in civilization and culture there may be spirit of cooperation.
Some select terms of this contract are as under:
1. This is a document from Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) the apostle of Allah among the Muslims, Quraysh or citizens of Yathrib, with those who are associated with them (Muslim) and their partners in day to day affairs (of the administration and maintenance of peace.
2. In spite of the differences in their identities they will be regarded one nation (people of a country).
3. The Judaic people of Bani 'Auf are one nation with the Muslims.
4. And whoever starts hostilities with these entrants of contract, one and all will oppose him en masse. The
5. The relations of the contracting units shall be based on mutual well-wishing and benefiting and not harming and sinning against.
6. During the wars the Jews will be contributors in expenditure of war.
7. The rights of the nation’s friendly to the Jews shall be on a par with the Jews.
8. No one will start any move hostile to his ally of contract.
9. The oppressed shall be supported and helped.
10. Bloodshed on the soil of Madinah shall be strictly prohibited to all the partners of the contract.
11. The neighbors too will be deemed on a par with the partners of contract.
12. If something happens among the partners threatening violence, the decision will rest with Allah and His apostle Muhammad (P.B.U.H.).
EXTENSION OF THE CHARTER TO THE TRIBES AROUNDWhen signatures of all the Madinite communities were taken on this charter of rights, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) wanted to include the tribes of the neighboring areas also in this agreement, having in view two advantages:
1. To put an end to the tribal mutual clashes and unnecessary bloodshed (of the guilty and innocent alike).
2. The Quraysh of Makkah shall not be able to instigate the tribes that have entered the contract against the Muslims.
(a) With this intention the Prophet, in the first year after migration from Makkah travelled up to Waddan (between Makkah and Madinah) and included Bani Hamzah, bin Bakr bin Abd Munaf of tribe in the agreement mentioned above. It was signed by 'Amr bin Fehshi Al-Sakhri.
(b) And for the same purpose the apostle of Allah went to Razwi in the month of Rabi I, 2 A. H and brought into the agreement the people of bawat mountain.
The Quraysh of Makkah in their animosity to the Prophet and the Muslims had gone so far that even after their migration to Madinah 300 miles from their town they were not at ease and did not let them live in peace. Earlier on the migration to Abyssinia they had tried to detain them and on the second occasion went in pursuit of them to Abyssinia in an attempt for their extradition. And as we have seen earlier miserably failed in these attempts. And now when they had come to Madinah, they followed them there too and intended to attack them.
As a preliminary they had written to Abd-Allah bin Ubai that they had given protection to their man (the Prophet). So they were duty bound to fight against him or compel him to leave their town. Or else they have resolved under an oath to attack Madinah, murdering your young men and taking your women as slave girls.
THE FIRST CONSPIRACY OF THE QURAYSH AGAINST THE MUSLIMSOn receiving this letter Abd-Allah bin Uba'i decided in favor of giving the Prophet and his Muslim followers a fight. The Prophet got scent of this conspiracy and personally going to the hostile group to talk to them directly.
The Prophet said to them: "The Quraish have played this trick upon you so that if you are taken in by them you will come to much greater harm than in violation of their terms. For, if you were to fight against the Muslims you will be slaughtering your own sons. In case you are confronted by Quraysh, it will be waging war against aliens. "
This brief talk of the Prophet had such an effect on their minds that the entire gathering got immediately dispersed.
THE SECOND CONSPIRACYAfter failure in the first attempt, the Quraysh secretly started their conspiratorial moves
"Do not be proud of your safe arrival from Makkah, and do not gloat over your success against us. We are capable of your ruin even there-your safe refuge, your asylum. After this challenging message they started vexing them.
FIRST ATTACK OF QURAYSH ON MUSLIMS OF MADlNAHIn Rabi I, 2 A.H. one of the tribal chiefs from Quraish, Kurz bin Jabir, Al fahri came to Madinah and drove away the cattle of Madinites grazing out of the town and made his escape good, as if to impress upon them that they could strike at them from a distance of 300 miles whenever they were pleased.
Then in the month of Ramadan 2 A.H., Abu Jahl gave it out falsely that the Muslims are going to way lay our caravan laden with rich goods. This baseless propaganda against the Muslims was aimed at instigating all those who had a share in trade or their men formed the trade caravan or all those nursing hatred against the Muslims, may come together ready to fight against Muslims en masse. And they succeeded in this mischievous plan of theirs.
THE VAST ARMY OF QURAYSH AND SURETY OF THEIR ATTACKSWith a vast army of one thousand venture some, valiant, fierce fighters with seven hundred camels and those hundred horses as mounts, Abu Jahl came out of Makkah. The caravan (had not been engaged in attach on its way by the Muslim army and it had reached Makkah safely, but Abu Jahl continued his movement towards Madinah and the Muslims were now dead sure of his evil design to attack them.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had consulted the companions in this behalf.
The muhajirs (migrants) came out with a satisfactory answer (to lay down
their lives against the invading army). He repeated his query and they
firmly assured him of their faithful obedience. When he put the same
question a third time, the Ansar (old residents of Madinah) took it that
he was waiting for their response. Sa’d bin Mu'az said, "Perhaps you
have taken it on principle that Ansars do not regard it their duty to
stand by you and
The Muslims were not in a state of perfect readiness (most of them had come out to intercept a caravan of a few highly armed guards of Quraysh and not fierce fighting forces). There were 313 persons in all, muhajirs and Ansars combined.
SO FAR THE MUSLIMS HAD NOT BEEN PERMITTED TO FIGHTMuslims had so far not permitted to enter wars even in the face of strong opposition and persecution, for Islam is the religion of peace avoiding armed struggle if peace can be maintained without it. That is why they put up with oppression quietly and moved out of Madinah, leaving behind their birth place, houses and where withal to abstain from contention. And they overlooked vexation even after getting out of the way of their opponents. But now things had come to such a pass that clash was inevitable, for even survival of Islam dearer to Muslims than even their lives. After annihilation of this handful of devotees engaged in Allah's clarification and propagation of Divine Faith, none would have been left to take it up. 'Isa (P.B.U.H.) had also, at the end of his brief mission of less than three years, compelled by necessity, had ordered his disciples to purchase arms even if they had to part with their clothes, cash and other belongings:
Then set he unto them, but now he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrap and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garments, and buy one. Luke 22: 36. So it was this pressing need of self-defense and protection of their Faith that Allah in His Infinite Mercy, permitted them to take to arms in emergencies like the present, after they had very patiently preserved with oppression and tyranny, excesses, loss of life and property, insults and difficulties in living up to the dictates of Faith.
Below is given the first permission as revealed in the Quran :
To those against whom war is made permission is given (to fight) because they are
The Quran, as everybody can see for himself, points out the reasons behind this permission, which also brings out clearly the nature of this war-defensive and not aggressive as the wars of the ungodly."
1. The first reason given here is oppressed condition of those fighting in defense of self and their Faith, which the people of our age have termed right of self-determination justifying even armed struggle in its defense.
2. The second reason is their expulsion from their homes and hearths, deprivation from their wherewithal and that too on the basis of difference of creed. The so-called peace-loving King Edward VII, in his message to his Indian subjects on the occasion of 50th anniversary of the British rule in India in a tone of great pride among other things, that "during these fifty years’ no one has ever been harmed on grounds of the difference of creed, when it is no secret that all these Muslims were those who had been tortured, deprived of rights, jailed, exiled, hanged and shot for their only crime that they asserted strongly. "Our Lord is Allah."
3. The third reason pointed out by the Quran is not of exclusive advantage to the Muslims but very wide in its scope, almost universal, covering the two major faiths of the world, Judaism and Christianity, whose protection has also been thus ensured, Mosques of Islam and Muslims finding the last place on this list, (probably out of courtesy shown to even these enemies of Allah. Moreover, Muslims had entered an agreement with these two religious communities in Madinah and this was out of regard for maintaining friendly relations with them. However, the Muslim community was of the greatest importance, since it was they who pledged and actually laid down their lives in defense of the right of self-determination for humanity at large. Without their waging wars through the ages, there would have been no party of selfless, righteous justice-loving party in the world for the defense of the charter of human rights and the world would have never heard of them.
During the month of Ramadan 2 A. H. the apostle of Allah as the head of the Muslims started from Madinah. An idea of their military equipment can be had from the fact that they had only two horses and sixty camels.
Shall we call it a matter of chance that the participants in the battle of Badr were just the same in number as those of the army of Taloot (saul) against Jaloot (Goliath).
On arriving at the battle field of Badr the Muslim witnessed the enemy's fighting force three times their own number and in the matter of equipment they stood no comparison with the enemy.
A day ahead of the battle, the Prophet inspected the battle field, pointing out with precision that Allah Willing such and such men of the opposing force will fall dead at such and such places on the battle ground.
On Friday, the 17th Ramadan the two fighting forces confronted each other. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) entreated Allah for success in the battle against the enemy, saying that if these handful of Muslims get killed, there will be no one left to proclaim the message of Thy Unity. The Muslims also prayed earnestly.
With the aid of Allah, the enemy was defeated at the hands of the Muslims. Seventy of their fighters were killed and another seventy taken prisoners. Abu Jahl was killed exactly at the site pointed out by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had pointed out to his companions the previous day. It was he who had brought the hosts (to wipe out the Muslims). Out of the fourteen tribal chiefs who had come together at Dar-al-Nadwah for deliberations on the theme of the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) murder, eleven lay dead on the battle field. The three survivors had at last embraced Islam.
In keeping with (a) the accepted law of war (b) the passion of the oppressed Muslims for revenge (c) the need of over awing the other tribes of Arabia with horror of war, the situation demanded the killing of the prisoners of war, but the Prophet of Mercy freed them all on payment of ransom. The ransom for the freedom of the literate prisoners was literacy of the children of Ansar.
"Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause), for verily Allah is full of Strength, Exalted in Might (able to enforce His Will." - Al Quran XXII: 40.
That is why this battle has been termed Yaum-alFurqan (the day of evidence or proof), since the Muslims and the people of the Book had been provided with evidence on the true nature of the Islamic Faith. Allah has elsewhere mentioned this incident, the Battle of Badr, in the following words:
Allah had helped you at Badr when ye were helpless: then fear Allah: thus may ye show your gratitude. - Al Quran 111:123.
THE THIRD CONSPIRACY OF THE QURAYSH AND THE PLAN TO MURDER THE PROPHET (P.B.U.H.)A few days after the battle of Badr, Safwan bin Umayyah, whose father was killed in Badr and 'Umair bin Wahab whose son was a prisoner in the hands of Muslims, came together in a desolate spot outside Makkah and asked about the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
Umair said to his associate: "If I was not indebted irredeemably, and I had not been worried about the helplessness of my family in my absence (death) I would have myself gone to Madinah and would have made short shrift of Mohammad (killed him)."
Safwan blurted out: "I shall clear thy debts and support thy family during my own life-time. "
'Umair, assenting, said to him: Settled. But this secret of ours should not be allowed to leak out." Then he got his sword sharpened and poisoned and started off on his mission.
On arrival in Madinah, he was making his camel sit in front of the
Prophet's mosque when the camel started gurgling. 'Umar Faruq (R) saw
and recognizing him, it occurred to him that this devil has come with an
evil intent. And so he approached the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) informing him
that 'Umair bin Wahab was coming and was fully armed. The Prophet said:
"Let him come to me." 'Umar (R) got hold of the hilt of his sword and
holding his neck took him to the Prophet who asked 'Umar (R) to free
him, and asked 'Umair to come to him. 'Umair coming before him greeted
him formally. The Prophet
On hearing this much from the Prophet he was confounded. He submitted: "Now I am satisfied that you are certainly the Prophet and a Messenger of Allah." It was easy for us to falsify you about heavenly realities and revelations and were engaged in it with impunity. But I have no explanation for this secret that was strictly between Safwan and me. No third person could have got wind of it. I must be grateful to Allah Who made it (the disclosure to you of our well-guarded secret through super natural means) the cause of my embracing Islam.
The Prophet said to the companions: "Teach your brother his Faith, make him memorize the Quran and free his son." Umair said: "O Apostle of Allah! Kindly be so good as to permit me to go to Makkah and call people to Islam. And now I intend to vex and torment the idolaters in the same way as I did to the Muslims before this.
After 'Umair had left for Madinah, Safwan used to say to the elite among the Quraysh: "Just wait. Shortly there is going to be good news from Madinah which will relieve you of the shock of Badr."
But when Safwan learnt that 'Umair had embraced Islam, he was shocked and he viewed not to speak to him for the rest of his life, nor allow any benefit to go to him if it can be helped.
'Umair came to Makkah. He used to proclaim the message of Islam and many people embraced Islam through his efforts.
THE THIRD ATTACK OF THE QURAYSH GHAZWAH AL-SAWEEQAfter the disgraceful defeat at Badr, Abu Sufyan, now the outstanding
leader of Quraysh, had under an oath denied himself a change of clean
clothes and bathing his body, until
On receiving information, he and his retinue of two hundred men were given a hot pursuit up to Qarqarah-alkadar. So this pursuit of the invaders has come to be called 'Ghazwah' (Expedition) of Qarqarah-al-Kadar. On the return journey the contingent of the Abu Sufyan dropped their tiny bags of parched, ground barley and therefore this is also known as Ghazwah-al-Saweeq.
THE FOURTH ATTACK OF THE QURAYSH OR THE BATTLE OF UHUDNext year the Quraysh of Makkah attacked Madinah once again. This time they had collected funds from the citizens in general. The poet Abu 'Uzzah in his campaign in Tahawah had reconciled Banu Kananah to come to the aid of Makkans in their strife against Madinite Muslims. Fifty thousand Mithqal of gold (about 225 kilogram) and a thousand camels from Syria the collective property of Makkan traders, was also donated by common consent generously to war fund. In Short an army of five thousand blood thirsty fighters of various tribes, comprising three thousand camerlry and two hundred strong cavalry and seven hundred armored infantry men, came to attack Madinah. The Prophet was in favor of the defense of Madinah from inside. But the young zealots (who had remained deprived of participation at Badr insisted on confrontation with the enemy outside in the open. And the issue was decided in favour of the majority. With true democratic spirit the Prophet did not insist on his own and that of older men's nature and wiser opinion nor the decision once taken was changed (when on second though the younger lot repented and requested revision). So the Muslims came out to the mount Uhud, about three miles from Madinah and confronted the enemy from Makkah.
The Muslim fighting force comprised one thousand men. But at the nick
of the moment and most critical juncture the arch-hypocrite, Abd-Allah
bin Uba'i bin Salul played foul and betraying the Muslims left with his
three hundred misguided and hypocritic companions. The burden of facing
the enemy hordes, five thousand strong (furious with passion of revenge)
came to the shoulders of the remaining seven hundred. The
Among the companions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) the following 12 were with him: Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Ali, Abd-al-Rahman bin 'Auf, sa'd bin waqas, Talha bin Abdullah, Zubair bin-awam, Abu'Ubaidah bin Jarah, and four other, Allah be pleased with all of them, never left him alone (to fend for himself). The enemies threw stones at him. That thrown by Ibn Qumayyah wounded his forehead and that by Ibn Hisham his arm. Utbah's stone broke four of his teeth. Again, he had fallen into a deep pit and it was erroneously given out that he has been killed. Honourable woman from Madinah rushed to Uhud. Once in the battle field, Fatimah (R) washed her father's wounds, and stopped haemorrhage with burnt mat (ash). 'Ali Murtaza (R) brought water in his shield and 'Ayeshah Siddiqah (R) and Umm-e-Sulaim (R) took up small leather water bags and brought water to the wounded lying on the battle field. Seventy companions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) were war casualties.
The heaviest loss in this battle field was the fall of Mus'ab bin 'Umair who had come to Madinah as an ambassador of Islam, a connecting link between Makkah and Madinah and whose sermons converted the tribes of Aus and Khazraj to Islam, was martyred here. His wife, Hamnah bint Jahash had received news of the martyrdom of her brother and maternal uncle and had quietly recited the Quranic words of resignation to the Will of Almighty Allah. "Verily to Allah do we belong and it is to Him that we are destined to return" and prayed for their forgiveness. After that she was told of her husband's martyrdom, on hearing which still gave out a loud cry of anguish and grief. The Prophet remarked: "See, how much she loved her husband. "
In this battle, the prophet's uncle, Hamzah (R) (lion of Allah and
His Apostle) also got martyred. His dead body was desecrated by the
unbelieving lady Hindah. After the war
Anas bin Nadhar too had been martyred in this battle. This valiant soul noticed certain brave and courageous Muslims who, throwing away their arms were sitting crest fallen and in great grief. He asked them: "What is wrong with you?" They said to him "The Apostle of Allah has passed away. Anas said to them passionately: Where the Apostle of Allah laid down his life, we too should sacrifice ourselves for the same noble cause.
What use is living after him." And entering the thick of the battle he fell on the enemy in a rage, received seventy wounds of deadly weapons and entered heaven.
Sa'd bin Rabi' was another martyr in this battle of Uhud. After the battle was over. The Prophet sent out his men to search his dead body. One of them saw him in pangs of death lying among the wounded and dying. When asked about his condition, he replied: "Take me for dead now. But have the goodness to convey my respects to the Prophet of Allah. And also say to him pray to Allah that He may reward him with a reward greater than any given to any prophet for his guidance to his people. And convey from me this message to the Muslim community that so long as there is a single eye among them that winks if the enemy is allowed to get to him, they will have no excuse to offer to their Lord for that negligence. "
A companion of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) has stated that he went to see Abu Bakr (R). Sitting on his chest I found a small girl whom he was kissing and fondling. I asked him about that child and was told that she was the daughter of Sa'd bin Rabi'. He was superior to me and on the Day of Reckoning he will be among the heralds of the Apostle of Allah.
'Amarah bin Ziyad too was one of the martyrs of this battle. When in the pangs of death, he had dragged himself somehow to bring his cheeks in contact with the feet of the Prophet, dying the most peaceful death.
THE VALOUR OF ABU DUJANAH, HANZILAN, 'ALI MURTAZA AND TALHAH (R)
A lady of Banu Dinar tribe had lost her father, a brother and husband (having probably heard the false rumor about the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) Madinah) came to the scene of action and enquired about him. People told her that by the Grace of Allah he was all right. But she wanted to make sure and he was pointed out to her at a distance. Thus assured she exclaimed showing her satisfaction:" Now that the Apostle of Allah is among us, any grief, however tormenting has become bearable."
OVER LOOKING FAULTS AND FORGIVENESS BY THE PROPHET (P.B.U.H.) AND HIS PRAYER FOR THE PAGAN OPPRESSORSSome companions of his suggested to him to curse the pagans (when he himself was badly wounded by them). the Prophet, however, said to them in his usual mild tone: "I have not been sent to curse but to call (mankind to Allah and His Faith) and as Mercy to them. '0 my Lord, guide them (to the right path) for they know me not. "
THE FOURTH BATTLE BY THE QURAYSH AND DEATH OF TEN PREACHERSAfter the battle of Uhud the enemies of Islam and Muslims, adopted various methods of harming Muslims. So in the 4th year after Hijrah:
1. Seven persons of Adal and Qarah communities were instructed by the Quraysh and sent to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) with the request that since their tribes were ready to embrace Islam some preachers should be sent with them to teach Islam to them. The Apostle of Allah sent with them ten companions of his as preachers of Faith with 'Asim bin Thakit leading this party. When these companions (on a mission of preaching) with their treacherous guides had come in their range to become easy targets, two hundred armed men came out and wanted to arrest them alive. But the companions confronted them and eight of them fell fighting. Two of the party Khubaib bin 'Adi and Zaid bin Wathnah (Allah be pleased with all the ten of them), were however arrested by these barbarian, and sold out to the Quraysh of Makkah.
The Quraysh kept them confined without food and water for a few days in the house of Harith bin 'Amir. One day a child of Harith playing with a household knife approached Khubaib. Out of love with little children Khubaib lifting him up placed him on his thigh and taking the knife from his hand put it aside. The child's mother noticing that her child with a knife was with the prisoner who had been starved by them. So out of fear of safety to the child a loud scream left her lips. Khubaib, however assuring remarked: "she mistakenly is under the impression that I can kill her child, not knowing that a Muslim is not guilty of perfidy. And they are very kind to everyone, particularly children.
The tyrants of Quraysh took him to the cross offering him his freedom on condition of rejecting Islam. Both the prisoners said in reply: "What is life worth after rejection of Islam?" They then asked him: "If you have any desire, let us know." Khubaib as their spokesman said to them: "Permit us time for two raka'ats (units) of prayer if you can." They were permitted. They said the desired prayer, not taking much time and saying: "We could have spent longer time in our prayer but we did not like to be misunderstood that it was out of fear of death." They hard-hearted tyrants, put them on the cross and asked the lance bearers to keep piercing every part of their body constantly.
How firm was their belief in Islam and Pleasure of Allah and eternal bliss in life to come can be inquired by the fact that they patiently persevered with all sorts of calamites without complaint!
LOVE OF LIFE COMPARED TO THE LOVE OF THE PROPHETOne of the spear-bearing tyrants asked him after giving Khubaib a painful prick: "At this stage you too must be wishing all this for Muhammad and your own redemption." Khubaib replied in a passionate tone: "By Allah I would not like that even a thorn may prick him for my deliverance.
He also recited some lyrics of his depicting the position of a true Muslim. Last of all he prayed to Allah that he had conveyed the Message of His Faith to these people and entreat Thee that Thy Apostle may be informed of our plight and the beastly treatment of the pagan opponents.
ANOTHER CONSPIRACY AND MURDER OF SEVENTY PREACHERSAbu Bara' 'Amir also played the same trick, the same dirty game. He came to the
These words of the dying person had such a magical effect on the murderer that he went to the Prophet and embraced Islam. The ruler got the rest also killed. Ka’b bin Zaid saved his life getting behind those being killed and getting back he informed the Prophet of what had happened.
THE FIFTH ATTACK OF THE QURAYSH, VIOLATION OF TREATY OR CONQUEST OF MAKKAHIn the 8th year after Hijrah, the Muslims had to besiege Makkah during the month of Ramadan under an emergency. The reason behind it was that one of the ' terms of Hudaibiyah Treaty was that:
For ten years there will be no war. The communities wishing to ally with the Prophet's community may do so and others who prefer to join Quraysh are free to do so. So Banu Khuza'ah allied with the Prophet and Banu Kananeh went with the Quraysh. Hardly two years, had elapsed when Banu Kananah attaked Banu Khuza'ah and the Quraysh too came to their aid with arms.
'Akramah bin Abu Jahl, Suhail bin 'Amr (he had signed the treaty), Safwan bin Umayyah (the well-known elite of the Quraysh with their followers, all under cover fought against Banu Khuza'ah.
These people (Khuza'ah) requested for clemency, took refuge in Ka'bah as the safest asylum, but they were mercilessly put to the sword. When these oppressed people appealed to them for mercy in the name of Allah (For Allah's sake) they, (the Makkan pagans) most blasphemously turned on them with loud proclamations of "Allah is nobody today (-is mere nothing)."
At the instance of 'Ali (R) they came to the Prophet and asked for his forgiveness in the words of the erring brothers of Yusuf (P.B.U.H.)
By Allah! Indeed, has AlIah preferred thee above as, and we certainly been guilty of sin -Q. XII:91 The Apostle of Allah said in reply:
This day, let no reproach be (cast) on you Allah will forgive you. And He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy! - Al Quran XII: 92.
The Apostle of Allah wished to take the Makkans by surprise. (They should not get wind of his arrival. And so it did come to pass that when he with his companions had camped outside Makkah and to strike terror in their hearts he had ordered lighting of fires not only for cooking their food but also big fires to make the mountain side ablaze. The thousands of these fires gave the Makkans an idea of their helplessness and not to even think of disturbing peace by taking to arms. The Apostle of Allah, Mercy for mankind had aimed at a bloodless victory, an entirely peaceful revolution.
INSTRUCTIONS TO THE ARMY AND ORDERS FOR AMNESTYThe next morning the Apostle of Allah ordered the army to enter the town by different routes and observe strictly the following rules:
1. Whoever throws away his arms should not be killed.
2. One entering Ka'bah should also be spared.
4. Whoever chooses Ab u Sufyan's house for safety should be left alone.
5. And so also those entering the house of Hakeem bin Hizam
6. Those absconding should not be followed to be brought back.
7. The wounded and the disabled shall not be killed either, nor
8. The captives should be treated as free person for reckoning
The only contingent that entered the town under the command of Khalid bin Waleed experienced some resistance but the Makkans to their heels. The others entered without the least resistance. In the confrontation two Muslims and 28 opponents lost their lives. When on 20th Ramadan, the chosen Apostle of Allah entered Makkah, his head was bowed and he was reciting Surah Al Fatah (Q. XLVIII) and mounted on a camel was going to the House of AlIah' when riding this camel along with him was Osamah (R) son of Zaid (R) his freed slave. Once there he cleansed the house of Allah of the pollution of all sorts of idols 360 in number. He was bringing down each one of them with the end of his bow or his stick and was reciting the Quranic verses:
1. Truth has (now) arrived and falsehood perished: for falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish. -Q. XVII: 81. 2. The truth has arrived, and falsehood showeth not its face and will not return. - Al Quran XXXIV :49
After this iconoclastic activity was over, he called 'Uthman bin Abi Talha. His family had been the bearer of the keys of Ka'bah since long. During the early days of his prophethood the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had asked him (Uthman) to open the Ka'bah and he had refused to oblige. And the Apostle of Allah had prophesied: "All right, you will see on some future day that these keys will be in my hand and I shall entrust them to whomsoever I like." And 'Uthman had asked him whether all the males of the Quraysh would have been brought low and annihilated. And the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had replied: "No, they would be much more honored and dignified.
The Prophet taking the keys from him opened the door of Ka'bah and
entering made every corner of it resound with loud cries of
Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is the Greatest), and then in prayers of thanks
laid his forehead on the ground as the most devout and
During this period all those elite of Makkah had come together who:
1. Had slain many Muslims or got them killed in other ways.
2. Had expelled hundreds of Muslims from their homes and hearths.
3. To destroy the Islamic Faith and wipe out Muslims had under taken journeys to Abyssinia. Syria, Najd and Yemen.
4. Who had not let the Muslims live in peace after they had left for (Madinah) three hundred miles off. All those who had done all in their power to annihilate their Muslim adversaries with the power of money, might, strategy and deceit, and for twenty-one years had made it their only concern.
The Apostle of Allah, mercy for Mankind, when he carne out after thanks giving for Allah's Graciousness, 'Abbas (R), his uncle, submitted that the key be now entrusted to Bani Hashim. But the Prophet did not agree with his suggestion saying: This is the day of generosity and one of gifts and donations. The calling 'Uthman he handed over the keys to him, saying: "Whoever tries to snatch them from you will be an Usurping tyrant."
THE PROPHET'S SPEECH BEFORE THE CONQUERED AND THE ENEMIES
After this act of great generosity to one who, in the light of his past conduct, hardly deserved it, he turned to the crowd of those tyrants, murderers and barbarous bereft of civility and sense of justice, who could go to any length in opposition. He addressed them thus:
"O ye the community of Quraysh! This day of days Allah has brought you down for your haughtiness based on Jahiliyah and pride of ancestry when the truth is: All of us are the progeny of Adam and Adam was fashioned out of clay. Then he recited the Quranic verse:
o mankind! We created you from a single (pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other (not that you may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. (Q. XLlX: 13)
This day let no reproach be (cast) on you.
Allah will forgive you and He is the Most
Merciful of all those who show mercy. Al Quran XII: 92
THE BAI'AH WITH THE NEWLY CONVERTED AND ITS CONDITIONSThen the Apostle of Allah taking his seat at the Safa hill, took Bai'ah (oath of allegiance and fealty) from those corning to embrace Islam. On this occasion Umar Farooq (R) was presenting them one by one before the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Those entering this contract (Bai'ah) had to affirm the following terms.
1. I shall not associate anyone with AlIah in His Person, Attributes, His worthiness of being worshipped and worthiness of being invoked for aid.
2. I shall not steal, fornicate (commit adultery). Commit unauthorized murder. neither be guilty of female infanticide, nor slander anyone.
3. I shall to the best of my ability obey the Apostle of Allah in all matters relating to Truth and Justice.
The women had, in addition to the above, were to affirm:
In mourning for the dead they will not slap their faces nor pinch them (with the nails of their fingers). Neither tear the hair of their heads nor tear their garments to pieces, nor wrap themselves in black clothes (as a sign of mourning even to the extent of a black band on the arm), nor yet sit over the graves in mourning.
THE MODE OF BAI'AH OF WOMENThe procedure adopted here was that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) used to immerse his hand in a basin full of water and each pledging female individual would come and immerse her hand in the water after the Prophet had taken out his own hand. On other occasion in pledging loyalty to Islam (obedience to Allah and His Apostle (P.B.U.H.)) it was deemed sufficient to a verbal affirmation (without any symbolic formality).
The next day after the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet was circumambulating Ka'bah
Fudalah later stated: "With his hand on my chest I: had a strange experience of mind. After that no one was I so dear to me as Muhammad (P.B.U.H.)"
"From there I started for home. On the way I met my beloved girl, with whom I associated and passed my time. So she requested for a brief chat. She had an important thing to say to him.
I replied to her offer saying: "Allah and His Apostle prohibit such things." (this immediate change of heart on conversion is amazing indeed! And this is not an isolated example. The early Islamic history is replete with them).
Let us here mention briefly the incidents of forgiveness of certain specific heinous crimes of the outstanding enemies of Islam in Makkah on this occasion as an important part of Seerah.
As we have seen the fighting men had been ordered to desist from attacking and killing people (general Amnesty), except four men and two women who, due to the nature of their crimes were liable to Qisas or punishment like for like under the Divine Law.
It was proclaimed that they should be killed.
Out of the four men only Ibn Khalal was killed. He had embraced Islam but he had killed his slave for delay in preparing food for him. After this he had escaped, fleeing to Makkah. The other three, Ikramah bin Abu Jahl, Hiba bin-al-Aswad and Abd-Allah ibn Abi Sarah were left off.
I. Ikrama not only because of his alliance with his father Abu Jahl in atrocities against Islam, even armed struggles, he had recently against the allies of Muslims, banu Khuza'ah, he being the main culprit in the tribes’ annihilation.
2. Hibar had wounded Zainab, the daughter of the Prophet, with his spear causing
3. Abd-Allah ibn Sarah had given out that revelation (in fact) came to him and Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) on hearing from him get it set down in writing. Could these culprits expect mercy from any save the Mercy Mankind? Among the two women, the one guilty of intentional murder was killed under the Islamic law of 'Qisas', equal for equal.
Among those forgiven was Hindah, wife of Abu Sufyan. Mad with wild rage she had arranged murder by artifice of Hamzah the uncle of the Prophet, in a secret arrangement with Wahshi, and after his death, she came to the battle field, took out Hamza's liver, tried to chew it and mutilated his body cutting his nose and ears had made a wreath for herself to put it round her neck.
Wahshi too was forgiven who had killed Harnzah by deception and then had desecrated his dead body by mutilation together with Hindah.
So it is evident like broad day light that the army of Muhammad had not conquered Makkah but conquered the hearts of the Makkans, through the civility and unlimited mercy and forgiveness of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.).
After the bloodless conquests of Makkah and most of them embracing Islam, there was no question of taking possession of their goods as booty as customary in battles, the Muslims who had been robbed of everything they had here in Makkah had been taken by the pagans both forcibly and voluntarily (to remove the hitch in migration). It was all over now, some of them, however, claiming the houses they had left behind and now in possession of Makkans.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.), however did not agree, meaning that whatever they had left in the way of Allah, they should not even think of getting back.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE MAKKAN CONQUEST THE REASONS OF ENTRY TO ALLAH'S RELIGION IN CROWDSAccording to the revelation a little later, people entered Allah's religion in crowds after victory with the Help of Allah. (Q. CX: 1-2). There were several reasons for it:
1. Many tribes had alliances and pacts with the Quraysh and their entry to the fold of Islam would have meant violation of trust.
3. There were some others who were waiting for the Muslims to dominate Quraysh which alone would be proof of their belonging to Allah's party, since through the centuries many attempts of powerful invaders had failed, bereft as they were of Allah's Help. Abraha Ashram, conqueror of Yemen, coming for mention in the Quran (companions of the Elephant-Q. CV: 1) was annihilated sixty-years before the conquest of Makkah (8 A.H.) by Allah's own forces, the natural agencies, having come with the intent of demolishing Ka'bah. There were some persons alive having witnessed it. So to some the Prophet's getting the better of his own people was the true criterion of his being a true Prophet of Allah and they were waiting for conquest of Makkah.
Therefore after the easy bloodless, perfectly peaceful takeover of Makkah the former pacts disappeared into this aid, the influence and pressure of the Quraysh was no more of any consequence, and Muslim's position as aided by Allah was also made clear to the doubters so far.
And lastly, the resistance to the preaching of Islam had dissipated. The preachers could preach freely and the listeners (audience) listened unhindered and without fear, the charm of the True Faith drew crowds automatically.
THE DEFENCE AGAINST HAWAZIN AND THAQIF OR THE BATTLE OF HUNAIN SHAWWAL 8 A.H.After the conquest of Makkah, Hawazin and Thaqif tribes having a common border with Makkans thought to themselves that if they were to defeat the Muslims, all the groves and other properties of the Makkans in Ta'if shall become theirs without any risk. And they shall have avenged for their iconoclasm.
They brought the Bani Madar and Bani Hilal tribes also to their side as allies and with an army off our thousand strong they started for Makkah, coming down in the valley known as Hunain. Under the advice of their chief, Malik bin 'Auf, they had also brought their women, children and cattle and other goods with them. The advantage of this measure pointed out by him had been that nobody could even think of desertion of all those to save his own life.
An addition of two thousand fighting men comprising also the freshly converted to Islam aside the idolatrous allies under protection, thus making the Muslim army twelve thousand strong. They were feeling proud of their numerical strength to some extent and hence had become a little mindful of their usual alertness and precaution. It is borne out by the Quran:
And on the day of Hunain: behold! your great numbers elated you, but they awaited you naught: the land for all that it is wide, did constrain you, and you turned back in retreat. - Al Quran X: 25
The enemy lay in ambush in a narrow pass with a party of archers. When the advance guard of the Muslim army (comprising those devil-may-care-type of young men who were hardly armed or not, at least. The requisite arms) reached the enemy's range of shooting. They rained down so many arrows on them that they were forced to fly in panic. Only about a hundred on them that they were forced to fly in panic. Only about a hundred companions of the Prophet firmly held their positions in the battle field. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) when he saw the enemy advancing and his own army running away for safety, displayed unique valor and perseverance. He got down his mule and said:
"I am a Prophet, there is not a shade of doubt about it I am the son of Abd-al-Muttalib."
What he meant to convey was that success or failure in an armed conflict was not the criterion of his position as a true apostle of Allah. Rather it lay in his own identity and personality.
At this stage of confusion, Abbas (R), the uncle of the Prophet, started calling them by their distinguishing features as Muhajirs (immigrants) and Ansar (the helpers) and they responded to this call like a flight of pigeons without delay. Now the army was arranged in a totally different order, with muhajirs and Ansar in the forefront. With the renewed attack in this order, the enemy took to flight, getting divided into two groups:
1. The leader of this group, Malik bin 'Auf with this fighting men took refuge in the fort at Ta'if.
The Prophet had stayed very close to the battle field, where six chiefs of the Hawazin tribe came to him appealing for mercy. Some of these men were those who had rained stones on him when he was visiting Ta'if on a preaching mission, and Zaid (R) had lifted him unconscious to carry him to safety.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said to them: "Welcome! I had myself been waiting for you. Two weeks have elapsed and the booty has not yet been distributed. In consideration of your request I can release prisoners coming to my share and those of my family. And if there were Muhajirs and Ansar alone with me (as fighting men) I could consider their shares also. But as you can see for yourself, I have here with me even those who are yet unbelievers. So we will have to tackle this problem in this way: come to me tomorrow morning after the early morning prayer (Fajr) to present your request in the presence of the assembly of common people. Let us see if a solution can be found." He concluded saying: "choose for yourself your good or your families since the invading army cannot be reconciled to total deprivation. (They must get something as return for their (taking pains."
Next morning the same representatives presented themselves on the scene and in public gathering repeated their request for the release of their prisoners to the Prophet.
UNPARALLELED GENEROSITY AND MERCYThe Prophet of mercy said to them: I hereby release the prisoners, my own and those of Banu Abd-al-Muttalib free (without demanding any ransom for them). The Ansar and Muhajirin with one voice declared that they too were releasing those coming to their shares.
Now it came to Bani Saleem and Bani Fuzava. It was something strange
to them that the invading enemy, luckily vanquished also, should be
shown such mercy and generosity.
Among these prisoners was also Shima' bint Harith the daughter of the Prophet's wet nurse Halimah. The Prophet recognized this foster sister of his and spread out his sheet on the ground to sit on. He said to her: "It would be much better for you to stay here with me. However, you are perfectly free to go back home if you please. She wanted to return home and was sent away to her own people honorably.
A MODEL OF GENEROSITY OF THE REALLY SINCEREThe booty was distributed on the spot. The largest shares were awarded to those who had recently embraced Islam. The sincerest, Ansars, received nothing. He consoled the younger lot showing dissatisfaction saying would they not be pleased taking him with them while others take some petty goods. They were very much pleased. Some of them were moved to tears of joy on hearing these words from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). It had afforded them much greater pleasure than those receiving booty.
Some poet has expressed the Prophet's generosity in the following verse:
To me Khaiber and Hunain stand witness (to the fact), That you most generously give away what you win through conquests.
FASL (CHAPTER) MISCHIEFS, BREACH OF FAITH IN CONTRACT, ATTACKS OF THE JEWS AND THE MUSLIM DEFENSIVE MEASURES AGAINST THEMYehudi, as a matter of fact, should be the name of the offspring of
Yehuda, the third sun of Yaqub (Jacob) only. But somehow the progeny of
all the twelve sons of Jacob came to be called by this name and now the
Israelites are usually termed Yahudi or Jews a denomination which due to
their transgression and evil traits of character had become the most
detestable among the nations of the world. They, in their vain glory and
self-conceit, claim to be the chosen of God, worthy of exaltation and
rule over the rest of the world. Here and in eternal bliss Hereafter
when the rest of humanity is fit only to be the fuel of Fire of Hell,
the horrible pit. Of all that tall talk and braggadocio only this
Their own and last of the Israeli line of prophets, 'Isa (P.B.u.H.), kind-hearted as he was, but witnessing their despicable conduct, had called them (venomous) vipers and their progeny and had also prophesied that the kingdom of God (leadership and guidance of mankind) shall be taken away from them and entrusted to another community that may make it blossom, coming into full bloom.
When the appointed time for this prophecy to come true (materialize) and Muhammad the Apostle of Allah, Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) (called Ahmad in another prophecy by 'Isa the son of Mary:
'O children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you confirming the Turat (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad. - Al Quran LXI: 6),
began preaching his excellent teachings, the Jews finding them conflicting with their self-devised independent views about 'Isa whom they almost handed over to the Roman governor to be crucified, they were very much annoyed and in their rage finally decided to vex, tyrannize and get him out of their way if possible as they had earlier done with his predecessor 'Isa ibn-Maryam.
Although the Jews in the very first year of migration had entered an agreement of peace for all the communities of madinah. Yet their inherent evil nature and diseased mentality could not remain hidden for long and eighteen months after signing the contract they had entered with the Prophet and the Muslim community mischiefs one after the other were witnessed.
THE FIRST MISCHIEF OF THE JEWS TUMULT, MURDER AND EXPULSION OF BANU QAINUQA'
a mischief and stripped her in the market place. Hearing the screams of the woman, a Muslim rushed to the scene and in a rage murdered the mischief mongering culprit, Jew. The Jews gathered together on the spot of murder and they killed the Muslim creating a tumult. On his return from Badr, the Prophet called the Jews to enquire about this riot. They returned the signed copy of agreement with the Prophet to him and the Muslims and appeared bent on a war against the Muslims.
Things had now come to an insurrection and the Jews were punished in as much as forcing them to leave Madinah and go to Khaibar to settle down.
THE SECOND MISCHIEF OF THE JEWS OR BANISHMENT OF BANU NADIRAs stated earlier the Quraysh had written to the unbelievers of Madinah after migration to fight against the Prophet but due to the sagacity and clever handling of the situation it carne to naught. After defeat at Badr they again wrote, but this time to the Jews of Madinah:
"You are a powerful community, economically well off, in possessions of properties and forts. Fight against Muhammad or else we shall do such and such with you, taking off even the ornaments adorning the ankles of your women." On receipt of this letter, their Sanu Nadir tribe was determined on violation of the agreement with the Prophet as well as deceitfully harm him.
It was in 4 A.H. that the Prophet went to the locality of Banu Nadir to collect a national subscription (it was probably to pay the blood money in connection with a murder). They seated him beneath a wall and planned that (the accursed) Ibn Hajash going upon the wall would let fall a heavy stone over him and thus end his life.
After sitting there for some time he was informed by supernatural means (Allah's own special agencies) of the impending danger and left the place in time.
After sitting there for some time he was informed by super natural means (Al1ah's own special agencies) of the impending danger and left the place in time.
The outstanding feature of the 5th year A.H. is battle of Ahzab. Sanu Nadhir did not sit idle even after their banishment to Khaiber. They resolved to make a united effort for the total annihilation of the Muslims, involving all the tribes and religions of Arabia. They should participate with their select seasoned swordsmen. They selected twenty chiefs to induce all the tribes of Arabia to come together in a aggressive war against the Muslims. Their efforts were fruitful. In the month of Ziqa'dah 5 AH. a formidable army of ten thousand strong including idolaters and Jews with some others, invaded Madinah. The Quan calls it the Battle of Ahzab (the confederates).
I. Quraish, Banu Kananah, under the command of Sufyan bin Harb
2. Bani Fazarah under the command of 'Uqbah bin Husain 3. Bani Murrah under the command of Harith bin 'Auf
4. Bani Ashja' and Najdis commanded by Mas'ood bin Dakheelah When the Muslim found themselves incapable of facing them in the open, they acted at the instance of Salman Farsi's (of Persia or Iran), an outstanding companion of the Prophet, they decided to dig a trench (for the first time in Arabia) and started work on it with great enthusiasm. Each team of ten persons had dugged out forty yards. While at it the companions recited the following verse:
We are those who have taken an oath of fealty
At the hands of Muhammad to adhere to Islam forever The Prophet himself helped the companions in the digging operations, breaking hard rock and removal of earth. In this strenuous labor his chest was covered with dust. He undertook work where others failed.
The battle worthy Muslims were three thousand in all. They came to
the battle field in such a manner that the trench was in front of them
and Sala' mount at the back. Banu Quraizah the Jewish tribe, resident in
Madillah and under obligation as signatories of
After that Banu Quraizah started disturbing the peace of the town. The lives, honor and property of Muslim women and children was imperiled. In this helpless situation a detachment from this none too big a number had to be sent back to Madinah to guard it, and maintain peace if breach was wickedly created by the Jews. Banu Quraizah were under the impression that the ferocious attack of ten thousand from outside and we inside the town creating lawlessness, can make life miserable for Muslim, they will be totally wiped out leaving no trace behind.
Since the Prophet was by nature peace-loving and anti-war, he held consultation with the companions on an offer of peace on the term of payment of one third of their produce (of duties). But the Ansar preferred war. Sa'd bin Mu'az (R) and S'ad bin 'Ubadah (R) speaking on the resolution submitted: When we were polytheists and idolaters, we never gave them anything (under pressure). Now that Allah has honored us with Islam, how can we give them one third of our produce. For them we have nothing but our swords.
The invading army besieged them (Muslims) for twenty days. A few occasional single handed combats also were witnessed. 'Umar bin Abdand who boasted of equality with thousand men in combat was killed easily by 'Ali Murtza (R) in one such single combat. And Naufal bin Abd-Allah bin Mughira too was killed in an encounter. The Makkans offered ten thousand dirhams for the dead body of Naufal. The Prophet told his men to hand over the dead body. Nothing in return was needed.
When they could not confront Muslims during this period of siege, they were dejected and left one-night bag and baggage surely grieved.
THE EVIL END OF BANU QURAIZAHAfter getting rid of this troublesome affair, the Prophet called Banu
Quraizah to explain their position face to face (show cause for their
dastardly conduct). Now Banu Quraizah in a state of self-imposed siege
in their fort weefully prepared for a trial of strength. At
This role of a trouble maker was not the first instance on the part of Banu Quraizah. At the time of Badr they had strengthened the position of Quraysh with war material and arms. But then the kind hearted Prophet CP.B.U.H) forgiven them.
Now that they had taken refuge in their fort the Muslims had no other cause left open to them but to have a go at them. They were factually besieged now by an invading army in zi-al-Hiijah, which lasted 25 days. The siege now becoming intolerable and sick of it they contacted the Muslims of Aus tribe with whom they were on terms of friendship since long and reconciled the Prophet to agree to the arbitration of SaId bin Mu'az (Aus chief) in their (Banu Quraizah's) affair and his arbitration should be acceptable to him.
Banu Quraizah came out of the fort and their case was entrusted to SaId bin Mu'az. What high hopes Aus and Banu Quraizah might have been nursing after Mu'az was accepted arbiter by both the parties? But this manly arbiter and God fearing Muslim after necessary investigations gave the following verdict:
I. The combat-worthy males of Banu Quraizah be put to sword.
2. Women and children be taken as prisoner of war (slave).
3. Their goods be divided as booty. In the materialization of this arbitration what we learn from a report in Bukhari by Abu Sa'eed Khudri, that able bodied combat-worthy men were killed. But the tradition has nothing to say about the women and children being taken as prisoners (slaves). It must also be kept in mind that the arbiter of their own choice, had pronounced for them the same punishment which they inflicted on their criminals and prescribed by their Shari'ah.
We have reasons to believe and precedents to show that had Banu Quraizah left their case in the hands of the Prophet the greatest punishment that would have been pronounced could be their banishment from Madinah to settle in Khaiber. The cases of Banu Qainuqa' and Banu Nadir are two precedents before us. The Prophet had mercifully exempted some of them (Banu Quraizah) also from the pronounced punishment. For example, Zuhair (Jew) had received pardon from him with wife, children and his goods. And Rifa'ah (Jew) had also been spared his life.
CHAPTER I BATTLE WITH CHRISTIANS
With Christians too the Prophet's dealings were based on kindness. A couple of rulers of their countries nursed feelings of malice and animosity against him, but the commonality or the majority of people had nothing to do with it. Going in details in our study reveals the fact that a battle was fought against one Christian king and a long and tedious journey undertaken under the most trying condition of hot weather, scarcity of provisions and other resources, due to a rumor of invasion by a Christian monarch.
THE REVENGE OF THE MURDER OF AN AMBASSADOR OF ISLAM OR THE BATTLE OF MAUTA, JAMADI I 8 A.H.Mautah was a town in Syria. The chief of this town Sharjeel bin 'Amr Ghassani had killed the messenger of the Prophet, Harith bin 'Umair Azdi, bearing a letter calling him to Islam. This incident had endangered the lives of the ambassadors and something had to be done as deterrent to it. So the Prophet sent out an army of three thousand armed men. This petty ruler did not even apologize for his barbarity. Rather he had the audacity to confront the challenger. Heraclitus, the emperor, happened to be there on that occasion, stationed with an army of a hundred thousand men in Moab. The Arabian desert tribes Lakhim, Jazan, Bahram, Bili Qais, numbering a hundred thousand had gathered there on the occasion of the christian kings’ arrival there. So the Ghassari ruler called a large contingent to the king's army as well as the tribal force as reinforcement to that under his own command and he finally headed an army of about a hundred thousand. The Muslims had no option but to face the enemy, and Zaid bin Harithah (R) brought up under the patronage of the Prophet, at the head of the Muslim army, was killed in the first bout. Ja'far, Tayyar
(R) the Prophet's cousin and Abd-Allah bin Rawahah (R) a senior companion also fell to the sword of the enemy one after the other as commanders. Then Khalid bin Waleed (R) a military genius came forward to command his men and with rare marvelous strategic retreat for reorganization gave the enemy a wrong impression, thus compelling a much superior foe about forty times as strong to flee. It is reported that 9 swords were broken in the hand of Khalid bin Waleed. The Prophet had informed the companions of the dreadful loss of three valuable lives and the happy final of the battle in far off Madinah through divination. And it was after this battle that on Khalid (R) was conferred the title Saif-Allah (the Sword of Allah).
JAISH 'USR (MILITARY EXPEDITION OF DISTRESS) OR THE BATTLE OF TABUK RAJAB 9 A.H.
The Prophet considered it in the fitness of things to detain the invading army before its entry into Arabia to prevent internal disturbances and uprisings of the vanquished forces. This confrontation was against the armies of a kingdom ruling' over half the then known world and had recently brought and adversary of the stature of Iran to disgrace.
The Muslims were resource less. The journey was long and tedious. The well-known summer heat of Arabia was at its height. The date palm crop of Madinah was ready to be collected and enjoyed in the cool shades of the homes and groves.
The Prophet announced a general campaign for collection of war fund.
Uthman (R) donated 900 camels, 100 horses and one thousand dinars in cash as his contribution to war fund, and was honoured with the title of 'Mujahhiz laish 'Usr (Provider of the anny of distress). Abd-al-Rahman
(R) another opulent business man, came forward with forty thousand dirhams as his share of contributions. What Abu Bakr Siddiq (R) brought, though not that much in value was yet the entire wherewithal of his family. Leaving for them, as he owned on being questioned, the love ofAllah and his Apostle. Abu Aqeel Ansari donated two Sa' about four kilogram dates all that he could afford, being half of his total wages for a night hard labour of irrigation for somebody, leaving the other half for the sustenance of his family costly. The Prophet had it spread over the entire heap of costly donations. (The hypocrites had laughed at it).
In short, every companion did all in his power to be as sincere and generous as he could. About 83 Muslims (behaves only out wardly) did not tum up from their homes under various protests. Abd-Allah bin Ubai bin Sallul had assured them that Muhammad and his companions shall not come back to Madinah from this expedition Caesar will send them out as prisoners to various countries under his rule.
The Apostle of Allah started for Tabuk with thirty thousand men in his following.
Patiently persevering in putting up with all these hardships they at last arrived at Tabuk.
They were yet on the way to Tabuk when they were overtaken by 'Ali (R). The hypocrites used to chide him for being left behind. Some attributed it to his incapability, others ascribed it to merciful concession. By these insulting remarks 'Ali (R) was roused to action and cutting short the period of rest in this journey under the scorching heat, he came! o the Prophet at last, with his feet swollen and soles blistered. The Prophet said to him by way of consolation: "Ali (R)! you are not satisfied that you are to me as Haroon was to Moses (associate and helper in discharging the duties of prophetic mission) but there is no prophet to follow me. On hearing this heartening remark from the Prophet, 'Ali (R) left for Madinah cheerfully. The Prophet stayed at Tabuk for a month. The Syrians were so intimidated by this move that they gave up the idea of invading Arabia for the time being and put it off for some time after the passing away of the Apostle of Allah.
While at Tabuk, the Prophet had delivered a brief but very comprehensive sermon after prayer:
1. Most outstanding in Truth is the Book of Allah (The Quran).
2. Among words the most trustworthy is the word of Taqwa (piety).
3. The most superior among millats (religious communities) is that of Ibrahim (P.B.U.H.)
4. The way (Sunnah) of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is the best of all ways.
5. Remembrance of Allah is the most elevated and superior to all other words.
6. The best and cleanest statement, speech, information of true facts is the Quran.
8. The worst of affairs is an innovation.
9. The best instruction and practical example is that of the prophets.
10. The death of martyr is the best type of all other types of deaths.
11. The worst blindness is the misguidance after guidance.
12. Of the acts and deeds the one that is beneficial is the best.
13. The best course or practice is that people can easily follow.
14. The worst blindness is the blindness of heart.
15. The upper hand (giver) is superior to the lower (at the receiving end)
16. The little goods that suffices is better than the plentiful that leads to negligence.
17. The worst repentance is that which comes in death pangs.
18. The worst remorse is that of the Day of reckoning.
19. Some people attend Friday congregation but their hearts are elsewhere.
20. And among them there are men who remember Allah once in a, while.
21. The worst sin is a lying tongue.
22. The greatest affluence is the affluence adequacy of psyche or mind.
23. The best of provisions is that of Taqwa (piety).
24. The greatest wisdom lies in fear of God.
25. The best thing to impress upon the mind is conviction.
26. Creating or giving way to doubts is an off shoot of unbelief.
27. Weeping with wailing is an act of Jahiliyah (ignorance or un-Islam).
28. Thieving is provision (deed) for Hell.
31. And Liquor (drinking) is involvement in all other sins.
32. The worst sustenance is devouring the property of an orphan.
33. Felicitous (Lucky) is he who takes a lesson from others.
34. Most unlucky (wretched) is he who is born unlucky.
35. The best asset of deeds is their happy end.
36. The worst dream is a false one (Falsification of one's own eyes).
37. And that which is surely going to happen is close at hand (the Last Day)
38. To abuse (to revile) a believer is transgression.
39. And to murder him is unbelief
40. And to eat his flesh (back-biting) is dis-obedience to Allah.
41. The goods of a believer is prohibited to another as his brother's blood.
42. Whoever poses as independent of Allah, Allah falsifies him.
43. Whoever keeps hidden the evils to another, Allah covers his faults.
44. He who forgives is forgiven.
45. Whoever suppresses one's anger is rewarded by Allah.
46. He who patiently perseveres with a loss, is rewarded by Allah.
47. Whoever spreads slander Allah brings him to general ignominy.
49. He who disobeys Allah, He punishes him severely.
50. Then seeking Allah's forgiveness, he concluded this sermon.
DEATH OF ZU-AL-BAJADIN
His name was Abd-Allah. Orphaned in childhood was brought up by his uncle. When he grew up, this uncle of his, gifting him with camels, goats and slave had relieved him of destitution. Abd-Allah heard about Islam and felt a hidden desire and taste for unity of Allah. But he was mighty afraid of his benefactor (uncle) that he could not embrace Islam. However, when the Prophet had returned to Madinah after the conquest of Makkah, Abd-Allah said to his uncle: "My dear uncle! How long have I been waiting for your embracing Islam? But I have noticed no change in your mode of thought. I cannot trust my term of life any longer. Kindly permit me to enter the fold of Islam.
His uncle said to him in reply: "If you are bent on entering the Faith of Muhammad, I shall take away everything from you. Not a sheet or something to hide your nakedness I am going to leave on you."
Abd-Allah said respectfully: Uncle! I must become a Muslim at all costs, and shall accept obedience to the Prophet. I am sick of polytheism and idolatry. Now do as you please, and whatever I have in my possession you can take it. I am very much alive to the fact that these trappings and wherewithal must be left behind on departing from this world. So I cannot remain deprived of the True Faith for the sake of this material goods."
Abd-Allah then discarded even the clothes covering his nakedness and went to her mother in this disgraceful position. His mother was surprised and Abd-Allah told her. I have become a believer, a strict Unitarian. To cover my nakedness, I need covering. Kindly give me something for this purpose. His mother gave him a blanket. Abd Allah tore it in two parts, with one he covered the lower part of his body and the other half he used as sheet for the upper half, and started for Madinah. Early in the morning he arrived at the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) mosque and with back to the wall he sat there. When the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) came to the mosque, he enquired of him about the purpose of his arrival there. To his queries he replied that: "My name is Abd-'Uzza. I am an outsider and a destitute. I love you O Apostle of Allah! and have come here looking for Guidance."
Once 'Umar Faruq (R) irked by his loud recitation remarked: "People here are praying and this Bedouin Arab is reciting Quran so loudly (as to divert the attention of men in their prayer). The Prophet said to him: "'Umar! let him have his own way. He has come here leaving behind everything he had in the world for the sake of Allah and his Apostle."
"Hearing of the preparations for the battle of Tabuk, he too came to the Prophet and requested him to pray for him (Abd-Allah) also to be martyred in the way of Allah"
The Prophet directed him to bring a piece of bark from some tree. When he brought it, the Prophet attached it (with string) to his arm, and said: 0 Allah! forbid his blood to the unbelievers. Abdullah said: " O Apostle of Allah! I am longing for martyrdom." The Prophet explained it to him: "When you came out with the intent of fighting in the way of Allah, even if you die of fever, you are a martyr. "
On arrival at Tabuk exactly this happened in his case. He developed fever and that ended his life. Bilal bin Harith Mazanj has reported that he had witnessed the burial of Abdullah.
In the darkness of the night Bilal (R) was holding a lamp in his hand. Abu Bakr (R) and 'Umar (R) were pulling him in the grave. The Apostle of Allah too had discarded into his grave and was instructing them Abu Bakr (R) and 'Umar (R): " Have regard for (the position of) your brother." The Prophet put the bricks on his grave after burial and then prayed thus:
"O my Lord! I have been pleased with him until this evening. Please be pleased with him.
"Ibn Masood (R) had said: "Oh, how I wish I had been Laid in that grave."
The Prophet returned to Madinah safe and sound.
The hypocrites of Madinah who had taken for granted that Muhammad and his
My staying at home on this occasion was but a trial. I had neither any intention to absent myself nor any hindrance prevented me from joining the expedition a little later, overtaking at a faster pace. My financial condition was better than ever. I had also purchased two camels for this journey, when as a matter of fact I never had had two camels at a time before this. Others were making preparation as they ought to have done on a war footing, and I had no doubt in my mind about my own preparation, thinking to myself that whenever they started I shall be with them. The day the Islamic army marched out of Madinah, I had some private business to look to. I said to myself I shall overtake it soon enough. Two to three days passed in a wavering attitude and laziness I should say. By now the expeditionary force had gone so far that it was difficult to overtake it. I was really shocked at what had accidentally happened.
One day on coming out of the house, I met no man other than the hypocrites who were adepts at inventing false excuses, or some disabled person. This fact set my mind on fire. These days passed one by one finding me ill at ease until the day dawned when the Apostle of Allah returned from this expedition. I was in great confusion as to what to do, what to say and how to save myself from the righteous anger and punishment of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). People suggested to me various excuses to save my skin. But I resolved that only Truth can deliver me from harm. At last I presented myself before the Apostle of Allah. He looked at me and smiled. His smile had a shade of frown in it. This attitude of his bewildered me.
The Prophet questioned me: "Ka'b! what prevented you from joining us? Were you wanting in the means for the journey?" I submitted: "O Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.)! I had everything for it. My psyche made me negligent and laziness overcame my intent and resolve. Satan attacked me and involved me in this deprivation and lonesomeness." The Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) said to me: "Stay in your house and wait for the Divine Decree."
After some time, the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) ordered the Muslim Community to boycott us not to associate with us in any other way. Now life and the world around us appeared to be a burden, a curse. Hilal and Murarah did not come out of their houses during this period, since they were old and decrepit. I was young and daring and used to go .out of the house to the mosque of the Prophet and after the prayer was over, sat in a comer of the mosque.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) looked at me with affection but only through side glances, observing my affliction and dejection. But when I raised my eyes to look at him, he avoided it, looking the other way.
As for the Muslim brethren they neither spoke to me nor even answer my greetings. One day I crossed over the limits of the town in a very aggrieved state of mind. Abu Qatadah, my paternal cousin was on very good terms of love and intimacy with me, was in his grove, supervising some building construction. I greeted him but he did not oblige me and turned his face in the opposite direction. I said to him, Abu Qatadah! you know very well that I love Allah and His Apostle and not in the least affected with hypocrisy and polytheism. How is it then that you do not speak to me? Even then he did not answer. After I had repeated my query thrice, my cousin said only this: "Allah and His Apostle know better." I was moved to tears (on thus being slighted by one near and dear, and I wept grievously enough. I returned to Madinah town proper where a Christian met me. He had been looking for me, and people told him (pointing to me) that I was the person he was looking for. He had a letter from the king of Ghassan, addressed to me. It read:
"It has come to our knowledge that your master is annoyed with you. You have been denied his presence. And other people too are distressing you. We are well aware of your position and you are not a person who can be treated denigratingly. On reading this letter come to me and see for yourself what honors are awaiting you here with me."
Go and tell him that "My master's displeasure and indifference is much better and pleasant to me than your kindest regards and attention. "
When I got home I found a person from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) with the instructions to me to keep away from my wife. Seeking further details, I asked him whether it was an instruction to divorce her or just living apart, he said, "No, not divorce but only separate living." On hearing this order, I sent my wife to her own people. I came to know that Hilal and Murarah had received the same instructions. Hilal's wife saw the Prophet in this connection and told him that Hilal was old and debilitated and had no servant either to lookafter his needs. If he kindly permitted, she may go on looking after him. The Prophet permitting service excluded partnership in bed. She said to him: "O Apostle of Allah! Hilal has been reduced by his sorrow and grief to a state where no other notion (desire for sex) disturbs him."
Now, some people suggested to me also that I should take the Prophet's permission for that much service by my wife. But I refused on the ground that I was hale and hearty and could look after myself unaided and may not be granted permission.
In this way passed fifty days of distress and mental anguish. One night as I was lying in bed upstairs, much perturbed and lamenting over my plight, when from the mount Salah', close to my house, rose the voice of Abu Bakr (R) proclaiming: "Congratulations to Ka'b (R) that his penitence has been accepted." On hearing this proclamation, my relatives and friends rushed to congratulate me that a sincere person has been honored by Allah in the acceptance of his penitence. I brought my forehead to the ground in prostration before Allah in gratitude for His Mercy and Grace. And then immediately hastened to see the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
The Prophet was sitting in the assembly of Muhajirs and Ansar. The
former congratulated me and the latter kept quiet. Coming forward I
greeted the Prophet and
I humbly submitted that in gratitude for this honour I donate all my worldly goods in the way of Allah." The Prophet did not agree. I said how about half of it?" He said, "No", "Let it be one third I proposed." He said, "Yes." One third is good enough. And even one third is too much."
Thank God that the Mischiefs, sedition and violence which the enemies of Islam and Muslim, had created through the years and which had vitiated the atmosphere so much that all the tribes of Arabic had become poisoned with the venom of revolt, terrorism and tyranny had finally come to an end. During the course of all these confrontations, the unparalleled generosity of the Apostle of Allah and his untold large-heartedness manifested itself so frequently and in such abundance that the humanity of later days learnt all the ethical principles of gallantry and warfare (changing barbarity of former days to civility mercy and generosity).
These were the inevitable wars in which the chosen Apostle of Allah and the Muslims under constraints for about seven years, participated in them. (They were actually thrust on them).
The Muslims are nowhere witnessed as the instigators in these wars. All of them without exception were fought in self-defense or to keep aloof from their mischief (rather wickedness). During the entire period of the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) mission not a single soul was snuffed out because he was an idolater, a Christian or a Jew.
It had been very clearly brought out in the Quran that religious differences have existed before and shall go on in future also. So compulsion in the matter of religion is not permissible. The following Quranic verses bear ample testimony to this fact:
1. let there be no compulsion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error: - Al Quran II: 256
2. If it had been thy Lord Will they would have all believed, all who are on earth! Will thou then compel mankind, against their will to believe! - Al Quran X: 99
5. We know best what they say, and thou art not one to compel them by force. So admonish with the Quran such as fear My Warning. - Al Quran L: 45
6. Therefore do thou remind for thou art one to remind. Thou art not one to manage (their) affairs.
THE PRISONERS OF WARBefore we close this chapter on wars it would be in the fitness of things to mention how the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) treated prisoners of war.
Before the last and final version of Islam brought by the Last and Final Prophet of Islam, all the nations and kingdoms of the world meted out such barbaric treatment to the prisoners of war mere mention of which makes the hair stand on end.
1. The treatment of the prisoners of war at the hands of the Prophet was merely of two kinds: (a) Release on payment of ransom (b) Granting their freedom without ransom The first ever prisoners came to the Muslims in the battle of Badr. They were worst enemies of Islam and Muslims. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) first of all put it up before the companions as a consultative affair. In the Shura' (consultative body) there were two groups with conflicting opinions. In the first group Abu Bakr (R) was of the opinion that they should be released on payment of ransom. He had put forth two arguments in support of his opinion.
I. The ransom money will go to furnish us with the military equipment.
2. After obtaining freedom they may with Allah's Grace embrace Islam. The other group with 'Umar Faruq as their spokesman opined in favor of putting them to the sword. They argued like this:
1. They are the great leaders of unbelief and polytheism and deserve beheading.
Whether Abu Bakr's thinking was right or 'Umar Faruq, is a futile discussion. Both offered arguments that were reasonable save in as much as Abu Bakr (R) when opining had not in his mind, the Quranic instruction in an earlier (Pre-Badr) Surah Muhammad (Q. XLVII: 4) which says:
Therefore, when you meet the unbelievers (in fight), smite at their necks, at length when ye have thoroughly subdued them, bind (the captives) firmly: therefore (is the time for) either generosity or ransom, until the war lays down its burdens. - Al Quran XLVII:4
What with ransom and the equipment of an ill equipped Muslim army, the Prophet, Mercy for mankind, was not in favour of killing the prisoners once they had been spared on the battlefield and were helpless in the hands of Muslims. There is evidence to the effect that he had once said: If Muti'm bin 'Adi had been alive today I would have released these prisoners (from Badr) without any ransom." (In gratitude to his protection offered to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) on his return from Ta'if to Makkah and safe entry under escort of his two armed sons) He was always for mercy and in later periods it became an accepted rule that killing of prisoners was not permissible save where some of them are guilty of other crimes demanding their heads.
So with the Prophet it was neither favoring Abu Bakr (R) nor opposing 'Umar, who God only knows why, have been likened to 'Isa (P.B.U.H.) and Moses in their temperaments. A Prophet though human is far above these petty things and adopts only the right course without fear or favour.
'Umar Faruq's opinion was based on not letting the formidable enemies taken prisoners and being released to become much more formidable once they joined their group of the sworn enemies of Islam and Muslims. The Quran appeared to agree with him though with a difference when it said:
It is not fitting for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war until he had thoroughly subdued (the enemies in the) land. You look for the temporal goods of the world, but Allah looketh to the Hereafter. And Allah is Exalted in might, Wise. Had it not been for a previous ordainment from Allah, a severe punishment would have reached you for the (ransom) that ye took. But (now) enjoy what ye took in war, lawful and good. But fear Allah, for Allah is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. - Al Quran VIII: 67-69
As for the treatment meted out to the prisoners of war by the merciful and kind-hearted Prophet (P.B.U.H.), it was that reserved for guests. Many of them have left it on record that in provision of comforts, they were treated by the Muslims of Madinah like their own children. They gave us bread to eat when they and their families subsisted on dates, living as they were under straitened circumstances as borne out by the Quran: "Give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot." (Q. LIX: IX). Only two prisoners of Badr were killed ('Uqbah bin Abi Mu'ait and Nadar bin Harith), for their earlier crimes.
In Ghazwah Banu Al Mustalaq more than hundred prisoners were taken but released without any ransom. And one of them, a woman was raised to a position of rare honour of becoming the Mother of the Believers (Javeriyah (R))
In Hudaibiyah's eighty invaders from Tan'im mount were arrested but were unconditionally released.
In the battIe of Hunain six thousand men and women were granted freedom without ransom. Some takers of prisoners had been compensated for the release by the Prophet himself. Certain others (like Shimr) when released were gifted with clothes and other gifts.
There is no example in the world history of such humane, generous and merciful treatment of invaders.
There is also an instance of exchange of prisoners of war mentioned in the books of Traditions of the Prophet (P.B. U.H.).
Although these armed confrontations were great trials for Muslims (loss of life, goods and other hardships), but it appears to be the wise Plan of the Lord of the Worlds in this dispensation that Islam should demonstrate that ideal pattern of wars and warfare, full of human sympathy, mercy and generosity.
CHAPTER II SENDING OF AMBASSADORS WITH EPISTLES TO THE RULERS OF VARIOUS RELIGIONS AND COUNTRIES INVITING TO ISLAM, SOME EMBRACING ISLAM, OTHERS SHOWING RESPECT AND YET OTHERS IMPUDENCE AND ITS CONSESQUENCESA remarkable characteristic of the Da'wah (call to Faith) of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), not met with in those of other prophets, is the presentation of Islam as a universal Faith (which actually it is, and has been the Faith of all the prophets of Allah from Adam, Noah to 'Isa Ibn Maryam and they one and all preached it with this denomination as brought out by the Quran in clear terms:
1. He has chosen you and imposed no difficulties, on you in religion it is the religion of your father Abraham. It is he who has named ye Muslim, - Al Quran xxn: 78
2. The religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will). Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. - Al Quran III: 19
3. If anyone denies a religion other than Islam (submission to Allah) never will it be accepted of him, and in the Hereafter he will be in the ranks (If those who have lost (ruined themselves). - Al Quran III: 85
And it was for this reason that from those early days when even the Makkans had not become well acquainted with Islam the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had started propagating it among other nations and followers of other religions. Bilal (R) of Abyssinia. Suhaib Rumi, Salman Farsi, Addas of Nineveh are some of those who had entered the Fold of the religion of Allah as the prime representatives of Abyssinia, Greece, Iran and Central Asia.
1. We have not sent thee but as a (Messenger) to all mankind, giving them Glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men know not. - Al Quran XXXIV: 28
2. It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to make it prevail over all religion: and enough is Allah for a witness. - Al Quran XLVIII: 28 and LXI: 9
3. We sent thee not but as a mercy for all creatures - Al Quran XXI: 107
4. Say: "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He that giveth both life? and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger. The unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His Word. follow Him that (so) ye may be guided. - Al Quran VII: 158
It was to follow these Quranic verses that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had sent letters conveying the message of Islam to those managing the affairs of various nations and religions. And in these letters he had written also this to each one of them that in case of rejection of Islam, you will come to grief not only because in your personal capacity you have deprived yourself of the greatest bounty of God but as a result of it your nation too shall stop short at your instance and you shall be held responsible for their misguidance and resulting ruination and shall pay for it, since in this edict you have not been addressed in your individual capacity but as their ruler, patron, leader and guide.
In connection with the propagation of Islam this measure adopted by the Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.) is unparalleled in the history of the religions of the world and lives of religious leaders.
Since they did not resort to it, we can take it for granted that they themselves regarded their faiths as limited in scope and meant only for a particular nation in which they were raised. (Time was not ripe for a universal religion, man had not come of age and means of communication at his disposal in that distant past were not developed enough to bear the strain of this heavy service).
Now, if their followers digress from the prescribed path and go beyond the allowed limits, it is their own concern. It cannot become an authority from the religious point of view.
So far the Prophet had not used a seal of his name and identity. Now that the situation demanded that to make the letters (edicts) reliable with his seal on them, he had to get it made. Made of silver, it had three words one above the other.
Muhammad Messenger of Allah
In looking at these edicts (some have been preserved and can be seen even today in museums and elsewhere) addressed to the Christian kings had in them invariably the following Quranic verse:
Say: 0 People of the Book! Come to common terms as between us and you that we worship none but Allah. That we associate no partners with Him: that we erect not from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than Allah.
Now we shall briefly take up these ambassadorial performances and their reactions one by one:
THE EDICT ADDRESSED TO THE MONARCH OF ABYSSINIATo Asham bin Abjaz, the Christian king of Abyssinia the edict of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had been taken by 'Amr bin Umayyah AI-Dauri:
In the name of Allah, Gracious, Most Merciful
This is a letter from Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) to
Najashi Asham the king of Abyssinia. May thou rest in peace. I make a
beginning with the praise of Allah Who is the Sovereign, the Holy One,
the source of Peace (and Perfection), the Guardian of Faith, the
preserver of Safety, the Exalted in Might, the irresistible, the Justly
Proud. And I make it manifest to you that 'Isa Ibn Maryam is the created
being and Allah's
Before this, I have sent a paternal cousin of mine, Ja'far at the head of a party of Muslims. Let them rest in peace with you. Najashi, shed pride since I have called you to Allah the Most Exalted in Might. Lo! I have conveyed to you the command of Allah and explained to you everything clearly. It is now in the fitness of things that you listen to my advice. And Peace be on him who takes to the Path of Guidance.
Najashi on perusal of this edict embraced Islam, and wrote back this letter to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
In the name of Allah, Beneficent, Most Merciful
To Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, from Najashi AI-Asham bin Abjaz. 0 Prophet of Allah, Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings on you. Allah save Whom there is no one worthy of worship, and Who has guided me to the Straight Path of Islam. Now I must submit that your edict honored me greatly. Whatever you have said about 'Isa, by Allah, the Creator and Lord of the earth and the sky, he ('Isa) is not a whit more than that. His position is only that you have stated in your edict. We have learnt your teachings. Your cousin and other Muslims are quite comfortable here with me. I affirm that you are the Messenger of Allah, true yourself and bringing out the truth of other people. I enter bai'ah (take oath of loyalty) with you. I have already performed the ceremonial bai'ah at the hand of your cousin and sworn obedience to Allah and I am sending my son Arha' to you. I am only the master of myself and if you order me, I shall present myself there, at your service, since it is my firm conviction that whatever you say is True."
"O Messenger of Allah may peace be on you."
2. Munzar bin Sawi was the king of Bahrain, paying tribute to the Emperor of Iran. Ala' bin Al Hadrani had taken the Prophets edict to him. He too embraced Islam and so did the major part of his subjects. In reply to the edict he had written to the Prophet that some people have manifested great liking for Islam, while others have shown their aversion to it, some others have even opposed it. My land abounds in Jews and Magi. I may deal with them as You direct me." The Prophet wrote back to him:
(1) He who is exhorted does so for his own good.
(2) He who sticks to his Judaism or Muzdaism should pay Jizyah.
'Abd said in reply: "My brother is older than I am and also the ruler of this land. I shall take you to him. But please let me know what do you call us to?"
'Amr bin 'As said: "We call you to Allah, the One and only. God, Allah Who has no partners. Also to bear witness that Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is His servant and Messenger. "
'Abd said to 'Amr: "You are the son of the chief of his community.
Tell me what did your father do, for we can take him as a model. "
'Amr bin 'As replied: He died and had not believed in the Prophet. If only he had believed and affirmed the uprightness of the Apostle of Allah.
"I too was in agreement with my father until Allah guided me to Islam."
'Abd: "When did you come to follow Muhammad?"
'Amr bin 'As: "Recently".
'Abd: "Where was it. "
'Arnr bin 'As: "At Najashi's, court. And Najashi too embraced Islam."
'Abd: And what did his subjects do to Najashi?"
'Arnr bin 'As: "They let him remain a Muslim. And they too embraced Islam."
'Abd: (Amazed) And Bishop and other clergy too?"
'Amr bin 'As: "Yes."
'Abd: Mind your tongue. Nothing more degrading for man than lying."
'AmI bin 'As: I did not tell a lie. Islam does not permit it. "
'Amr bin 'As: Najashi used to pay tribute to Heraclitus. But from the time he has embraced Islam, he has declared that he would not pay him anything. "
Heraclitus came to know about it. His brother, Binaq said to him: Najashi, this humble servant of your majesty has the insolence to deny payment of tribute to you. And he has discarded your faith also." Heraclitus said to him: "What is wrong with it if he has chosen a new Faith for himself and entered its fold also?" What is that to me (how does it concern me)? By God, if this exalted position of emperorship had not stood in my way, I too most readily would have followed Najashi."
'Abd: Just think over what you are saying?
'Amr bin 'As: "By God, I am telling the truth."
'Abd: All right. Tell me what are those things that he enjoins and what forbids.
'Amr bin 'As: He commands you to obey Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, and forbids transgression against Him. He also forbids fornication, use of liquor and worship of stone idols and the cross."
'Abd: How excellent are the commands he invites us to.
How I wish my brother agreed with me and both of us embraced Islam at his hands! It is my considered opinion that if my brother rejected this message and remained inclined to this worldliness, he will prove deleterious to his own country as well.
'Arm bin 'As: "If he embraces Islam, the Prophet will let him rule his country. He will do only that much in your system realizing sadaqat from your haves will distribute them among the have nots in your kingdom."
'Abd: "This is very nice. But what do you mean by sadaqat?"
'Amr bin 'As explained to him the rules of Zakat. But when he told him that Zakat has also to be paid from Camels (depending on the number of animals and the period of possession, 'Abd said to him: "Would they demand sadaqah from our animals also?" A camel takes care of itself by feeding on tree leaves and can go out to quench its thirst."
'Amr bin 'As said: "Yes sadaqah is realized from your camels also."
In short, 'Amr bin 'As stayed there for a while and during this period 'Abd used to communicate to his brother whatever passed here between his and 'Amr. One day 'Amr bin 'As was called to the presence of the king. The mace bearers (ushers) presented him to the king holding his arms on either side. The king ordered release of his arms. And when 'Amr intended to take a seat, they again stopped him. The king asked him: What is your name? 'Amr handed over the letter of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to him. Jaffar broke the seal, read it and gave it to his brother. He too read it. 'Amr noticed that the younger brother was really gentle. The king asked him: "How it goes with Quraysh (where do they stand) 'Amr bin 'As told him that they had, one and all, (somehow) willy nilly submitted to his (the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)) authority. The king asked him: Who are his companions? 'Amr bin 'As: They are those who came to embrace Islam willingly, and cutting themselves off from other involvements remain attached to him, having judged and tested him in the light of thoughtful consideration, intellect and experience. The king said to him: "Do see me tomorrow."
'Amr bin 'As next day saw the king's brother first. He said to him: "If no hazard to our kingdom threatens us, the king will embrace Islam."
'Amr bin 'As then went to see the king, who said to him: "I have given serious thought to this affair. If I submit to a person whose armies have not yet entered my country, I shall be regarded the weakest person (monarch) in Arabia, whereas (I am not weak) and if his armies really come here, I can give them such a tough fight you might have never experienced before that."
'Amr bin 'As said: "Very well, I shall be going back tomorrow." The king said to him: No, stay tomorrow also.
Next day, the king called him and both the brothers (Jaffar and 'Abd) embraced Islam at his hands, and the major portion of his subjects followed suit,
5. Hanzah bin Ali, ruler of Yamamah was a Christian. Saleet bin 'Amr had taken the blessed letter to him. His arrogant reply to the ambassador was that if to help the Islamic territories his claim to rule in agreed upon. I can become a Muslim. Shortly after this ignorance and arrogance he died.
6. Juraih bin Mati, entitled Maquqas, ruler of Alexandria and Egypt was a Christian. Hatib bin Abi Balta'ah went to him as the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) ambassador., He had added to his letter the warning that if he rejected the call to Islam, he would be held responsible for the deprivation of all Egyptians (copt's) deprivation of this greatest bounty of Allah, Islam and liable to punishment for it in the Hereafter. In addition to the delivery of the letter (edict), he had enlightened him in these words:
Since, there has been a person in this country before you who raised the land paganish slogan: "I am your most exalted Lord" before his courtiers and subjects in general, and Allah brought him down in disgrace here and worse still in the Hereafter. When Allah's wrath descended on them everything was ruined. So it is imperative that he be warned and should take a lesson from others and not that others should take a lesson from you.
The king said to him (the ambassador) that he himself had subscribed to a religion and shall not discard it, before he come upon a better one.
Hatib said to him: I call you to the Islamic Faith which makes you independent of all other religions.
The Prophet has called all the communities, nations and religions to Islam. The Quraysh opposed it and the Judaic community showed animosity, but the Christians have been closest among all these in gentleness and love. By God the way Moses gave the glad tidings of the coming of Jesus after him, so did Jesus convey Glad tidings of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) to be raised after him (the Messenger of Allah with the "Kingdom of Heaven Here and Hereafter" that Jesus had prophesied. We invite you to the Quran as you invite those holding Torah to the teachings of Injil (the revelation to 'Isa Ibn Maryam). Whichever prophet was raised in any community's existence, is his community or millat and the prophet was their prophet. Therefore, it is imperative that "you should believe in and obey the prophet (P.B.U.H.) you come upon in your lifetime. You should take it that we are calling you to the Faith of Masih (Jesus Christ the Messiah).
7. Heraclitus, the well-known ruler of the eastern wing of the Roman empire (because of which Syria, Iraq and adjoining territories came to be called Rome by the Arabs was a Christian. (Pagan Romans after persecution of Christion, for a long time had adopted Christianity but corrupted it thoroughly with their Greece-roman pagan tradition according to their own taste and poor Christians, their subjects were helpless). Dahya bin Khalifah Al-Kalbi had taken the Prophet's (p.B.U.H.) edict to him. He met the monarch at Bait-al-Maqdis. Heraclitus held a grand darbar in honour of the ambassador from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and enquired of him many things about him (the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
After that for further investigation from other independent sources, he ordered that if there is any citizen of Makkah present in the town, he should be brought to his presence.
As a matter of chance, Abu Sufyan with some other traders of Makkah had come to Syria for business: He was taken to bait-al-Maqdis with his companions and brought to the royal court. He said to his companions that during my interogation of Abu Sufyan if he makes a false statement point it out to me at once.
Abu Sufyan was a sworn enemy of the Prophet these days. He is on record to have admitted that if he had no fear of being exposed by his own companions he would have said many things against fact, but under the circumstances he had no choice save sticking to truth.
The interrogation stated like this:
Caesar: "Tell me about the family and ancestry of. Muhammad."
Abu Sufyan: Traders, noble and great.
Caesar: "Has anyone claimed prophethood in his family before him?"
Abu Sufyan: "No"
At this statement of the Sufyan Caesar remarked: If it had been so I would have taken it to be emulation of the former claimant or following his tradition.
Caesar: Was he used to tell lies before his claim to prophethood or was he ever accused of slander?
Abu Sufyan: No.
Remark of Heraclitus on this answer from Abu Sufyan was: "It is not possible that a person who does not tell lies relating to men, could have the audacity to tell lies pertaining to God."
Caesar: Has anyone of his ancestors been a king?
Abu Sufyan: "No."
Heraclitus' remark on this answer was: "If it had been so I would have attributed it to his clever device to create a kingdom for himself in continuity of ancestral tradition under cover of prophethood.
Caesar: The majority of Muhammad's (P.B.U.H.) followers comprise the poor, the weak and the indigent or chiefs of tribes and the mighty?
Abu Sufyan : Meek and lowly.
Heraclitus on this answer of his gave the following remark:
"The early followers of every prophet have been the poor and the meek. (They are the first to seek support and justice honour and fraternity in society since they have long been oppressed and depressed).
Caesar: Is the number of his followers on the increase or decreasing?
Abu Sufyan: It is going up day by day.
Caesar: Has anyone getting sick of his faith, ever become apostate?
Abu Sufyan: No.
Heraclitus said: "The taste and joy of Belief is always like that. Once it has gone down to the heart and the soul has been influenced by it, it does not part."
Caesar: Has he ever been guilty of the breach of Trust.
Abu Sufyan: "No. But this year we have entered a pact with him. Nobody knows what may happen.
Abu Sufyan says that he could add only this small sentence to the true brief answer -"Anything may happen. But Caesar did not pay any attention to it, and said: "Undoubtedly the prophets are not faithless to their plighted word. Only the worldly wise are guilty of breach of faith. And the Prophets never seek worldly gains.
Caesar: Have you fought any battle with this person?
Abu SufYan: "Yes."
Caesar: What was the outcome of the battle?
Abu SufYan: At times he was the victor as in Badr and at some other time we came out as victors.
Heraclitus said: The Prophets of Allah's are like that. But finally the divine aid and victory are theirs.
Caesar: What are his teachings?
Abu Sufyan: He enjoins worship of one and only God, abandoning the ways ofthe ancestors, idol worship, having recourse to modest and chastity and kind treatment of one's blood relations.
After this the blessed letter of the Apostle of Allah was read out and listening to it incited the courtiers to raise their voices in protest and we were driven out of the darbar. From that day onward my own vileness and objectless was impressed on my heart and also the future greatness of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
8. KHUSRO PARVEZ (CHECERO) -KISRA OF IRAN'S VIOLENT REACTIONKhuro Parvez was the emperor of half the eastern world, subscribing to Zorostrian religion. Abdullah bin Khudamah had taken the edict of the Apostle of Allah to him. It ran like this:
In the name of Allah, Beneficent, Most Merciful.
"From Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) the Messenger of Allah to the great Kisra of Iran. Peace be on him who takes to the right path and believes in Allah and His Apostle (P.B.U.H.) and bears witness that there is none worthy of worship save Allah and that Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is His servant and Messenger of Allah. I have been sent to the entire progeny of Adam (PB.U.H.), so that whoever is living in this age may be warned of the Divine Retribution and in case of those rejecting these truths the word of Allah may prove true. Embrace Islam and you will come to safety or else the fault of Magi (adherents of Mazdaism will become your accountability.)"
Khusro on looking at the blessed letter tore it to pieces in a rage and blurted out that a subject of mine writes a letter to me and in it his name precedes mine (a serious presumption indeed!).
After that Khusro sent orders to Bazam, his viceroy in Yemen and the entire Arabia was regarded to be under his authority and rule or at least under his political influence, that this person should be arrested and sent to him.
Bazam sent out a military contingent under the command of Khar Khusro. Accompanying them was an administrative officer, Banoyah with instruction to study the affairs of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and take him to Kisra. In case he refuses to go, he should come back and submit a report.
When these officers presented themselves to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) at Madinah, he asked them to come the next day. When they came to him the next day he said to them: "Last night your king has been killed by Allah. Go and make it certain to yourselves. On hearing the news, they returned to Yemen. The viceroy had received this news officially, that Khusro had been murdered by his son and the claimant to the throne was Sheroyah, the murderer of his father.
Now after this incident, Bazam made thorough enquiries about the habits, morals, teachings and guidance of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and (duly satisfied) he entered the fold of Islam and so did the majority of his courtiers and the subjects, also embraced Islam.
The ambassador sent by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) came back to report that the monarch of Iran had tum his letters. At this he said: "He has torn the mandate of his nation to rule."
This brief sentence pronounced by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) proved so horrible for the Khusro dynasty ruling over half of the world from Iran for centuries (since the days of Syrus the Great 529 B.C., the founder of this empire), got wiped out completely, leaving no trace of any ruler after Muslim conquest of Iran. Amazing indeed for a supreme power that had time and again brought down Greece and Rome.
Some rulers had embraced Islam at the hands of the preachers detailed by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) on various mission.
1. Thamamah, the ruler of Najd, entered the fold of Islam in the 6th year after Hijrah.
2. Jablah bin Aayham was the king of Ghassan, the well-known kingdom of Arabia, in the 7th year after Hijrah.
3. Farwah ibn 'Amr Khuza'i, was governor of Syria of the Caesarian
empire. When he had embraced Islam, Caesar called him to his presence
and ordered him to discard it. On his refusal to do so, Caesar
incarcerated him and later killed him. This sincere slave
5. Zi-al-Kala' Himyari ruled over certain districts of Yemen and Ta'if and ruled over the great old and famous tribe of Himyar. He had himself called god by the people and compelled them to prostrate before him. After entering the fold of Islam he had freed eighteen thousand slaves in a day. During the period of caliphate of 'Umar Faruq (R) he abdicated his throne voluntarily and came to Madinah to get settled there. Here his life pattern was that of an abstinent, a hermit.
CHAPTER IIIAn idea of the fine and well-planned propagation of Islam can be had briefly by the deputations that came to the Prophet from far off places in the country.
Deputation's arrival, return and meeting different communities and tribes at every stage of their journey and conveying the voice of Islam reached one and all. They came across-how beautifully all this was conducted.
The defensive battles that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) fought under compulsion were limited to a small area. But when we look at these deputations we find that they were coming from every part of the country.
Guidance to the Right Path and Islam are the two streams that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) made to gush forth in the dry land without a blade of grass to which rushed all those thirsting for them from every comer of the country.
The other argument in favour of a general call to Faith by him is the coming of these deputations to him. The following are the tribes whose deputations came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Those coming to him for political or personal ends have not been included in this list:
Dans, Sada', Thaqif, Abd-al-Qays, Bani Hanifah, Tay, Ash'arin, Azd, Farvah Jazami, 'Am dan, Truiq bin Abd-Allah, Najib, Bani Sa'd Huzaim, Banu Asad, Babra, 'Azra, Khaulan, Maharib, Ghassan, Bani-al-Harith, Bani Eish, Chamid, Bani Fazarah, Salaman, Najran, Nakh's.
Now we shall take up briefly the account of the above deputations.
DAUS DEPUTATION
Tufail once more went to see the Prophet and confided to him that his community was given to fornication and adultery very much. Since Islam strictly forbids it, my people do not subscribe to Islam. He requested the Prophet to pray for it too. He prayed as requested: "0 Allah! Show Daus the Straight Path." Then; he said to Tufail to go home.
NECESSARY INSTRUCTIONS FOR THOSE CALLING TO ISLAMCall men to the Religion of Allah, treat them kindly. This time Tufail scored better success. In the 5th year of Hijrah he had converted 80 persons to Islam, with whom he visited madinah. On learning that the Prophet had gone to Khaiber he too made it his destination and it was there that all these companions of his saw the Prophet. Ja'far (R) the cousin of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) also reached Khaibar from Abyssinia with all those Abyssinian converts, after a long stay there since his migration from Makkah with others.
Ja'far's reaching Khaibar with his Abyssinian converts and Tufail with his own community's Muslim families was in a way a warning to the Jews that whereas the Islamic teachings had succeeded in winning over men from such far off places as Yemen and Abyssinia, they persisted witl1 their reliance on their forts of stone and bricks in opposing Islam.
DEPUTATION OF SADA'
Ziyad submitted to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) that had only one well to draw water from in their tribal habitations. During winters there was no difficulty but in summers it dried up. The tribe get dispersed to tide over the summer somehow. And they have recently taken to Islam. They need to be taught and trained in the Islamic system. Kindly pray for us that the well may not dry up i summer season.
The Prophet asked him to bring seven pebbles to him which Ziyad readily did. The Prophet kept them in his hand and returned them to him. He instructed him to drop them one by one into the well saying Allah every time a pebble was dropped. Ziyad is reported to have stated later that after the dropping of pebbles, the well remained filled with ample water for their needs.
THAQIF DEPUTATIONThe first person of Thaqif tribe who came to learn the teachings of Islam, to the Prophet (P.B. U.H.) was Urwah bin Mas'ood Thaqafi. He was the chief of his tribe. On the occasion of the treaty of Hudaibiyah he had come to the Prophet as the advocate (representative) of the Makkan pagan. After the battle of Hawazin and Thaqif with the Grace of Allah he carne to Madinah and embraced Islam. 'Urwah had ten wives. The Prophet directed him to retain four of them and divorce the rest. He complied with the orders.
When 'Urwah (R) had learnt Islamic teachings, he requested the Prophet to permit him to go and call people to Islam. The Prophet said to him that his community will murder him. 'Urwah submitted that his people loved him just as a lover has love and regard for his beloved. He came back to his people and started preaching. One day while he was offering prayer in the upper story of his house, some wretch shot an arrow which martyred him.
Although 'Urwah could not survive, the voice that he had raised, the call that he had given to his community did not fail to melt their hardened hearts. Soon after, the nation sent their representatives to the Prophet so that they may acquire adequate knowledge about Islam.
The Apostle of Allah had declared that he would not curse them. For, if they themselves do not come to believe in Islam, Allah will grace their progeny with Belief and Faith. And now the same enemies of Islam had found a place for Islam in their hearts and had come to the Prophet with longing hearts.
Mughirah bin Shaibah submitted to the Apostle of Allah that the Thaqifites were the people of his community. "Shall I take them with me as my guests and entertain them, he sought permission of the Prophet.
The Prophet said in reply: I do not disallow you to honour your own community. But let them stay at a place where they are within hearing distance of the recitation of the Quran.
So their tents were set on the open space of the mosque, where they could listen to the recitation of the Quran and watch people praying. This device was helpful in impressing upon their minds the truth of Islam and they entered Islam through Bai'ah at the hands of the Apostle of Allah. Before Bai'ah they sought exemption from prayer. The Prophet pointed out to them: "There is no goodness in any religion without prayer. Then they requested him not to be caned for Jihad and Zakat should not be realized from them. The Prophet accepted this request and explained to the companions that under the impact of Islam they would automatically observe both elements.
'Abd Yaleel, their leader, at different times, discussed the following issues as well with the Messenger of Allah.
FORNICATION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN ISLAMo Apostle of Allah! What is your opinion about fornication? The people of our station are so often away from their homes and the irresistible sexual urge of many makes fornication inevitable. The Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) said: "fornication is strictly prohibited and Allah has ordained in His book the Quran: Nor come nigh to adultery: for it is an indecent (deed) and an evil way. - Al Quran XVII: 32
The second question that he put to the Prophet was as to his opinion (edict) about interest. This is virtually our own goods. The Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) said: "You can take your principal (actual amount lent). Just think: over, Allah has warned thus:
O ye who believe! Fear Allah and give up what remains of your demand for usury, if ye are indeed believers. (Q. II: 278)
LIQUOR IS ALSO STRICTLY PROIDBITEDThe third question that he brought up was about taking liquor: "O Apostle of Allah! What do you say about liquor? It is after all our own country's juice and we cannot live without it. "
The Prophet told him: "Allah has ordained its prohibition, just listen what He has declared in the Quran:
O ye who believes! Intoxicants and gambling: sacrificing to stones, and (divination by arrows are an abomination. Eschew such (abomination) that ye may prosper. (Q. V: 90)
Next day he came and submitted: "very well, we shall abide by what you have ordained. But what is to be done to rabbah's this, rabbah is the feminine of Rab (Lord and Sustainer or chelisher). The goddess they worshipped was called 'rabbah.' The Prophet replied: It Demolish it. It
The deputationists cried out: "Ah! If 'rabbah' got news of it that you are bent upon its demolition, she is sure to destroy us."
'Umar bin Khattab (R) said to him: Alas Ibn 'Abd Yaleel! You do not realize that it is nothing but a piece of stone."
Ibn Abd yaleel said to him peevishly: "Umar! We have not come here to talk to you." Then addressing the Prophet, he submitted: "kindly take the responsibility of getting it felled by your own men." The Prophet said in reply: "All right: I shaH send somebody to do it for you."
One of them submitted, adding: "Send the man undertaking demolition after we have left. He will not accompany us. "
Departing they requested the Prophet to appoint an Imam (the leader of the congregational prayer) for them.
One of the deputationists was 'Othman bin Abu-al' As, who happened to be the youngest of the lot. He had been covertly learning the Quran and the laws of the Islamic Shari'ah. He learnt all that from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and Abu Bakr (R) by turns. So the Prophet appointed him as their Imam.
The deputation on their way home by common consent decided that keeping our Islam secret let us disappoint our community. When they got home, the people of their community asked them: "How did you fare in your journey to Madinah?"
The members of the deputation said to them: "We had to deal with a person very harsh in speech who commands us to take to things impossible to undertake, for example demolition of Lat and 'Uzza , giving up the interest on money, regarding higher and fornication they are strictly forbidden. Their community declared on oath that they would never undertake them.
The deputation said to them: "In that case get ready with your arms in perfect trim, make preparations for a war, with repairs of you forts.
For two days the Thaqifites remained firm on this resolve. But the third day they themselves softened to declare:
"How can we fight against Muhammad; the entire Arabia is at his feet. Then addressing the members of the deputation they confided to them: "Accept whatever he ordains or demands of us as Muslims.
The deputationists said to them: "Now we shall disclose the whole truth. We found Muhammad superior most in taqwa (piety), fidelity and sincerity, mercy and truth. You and we were all very much benefited by this journey of ours."
Their community said to them by way of reproach: "Why did you then keep it hidden from us and cause such grief and anxiety to us?"
The deputation explained: "Our aim in this device was simply this that you may get rid of your satanic pride in your hearts. After this they one and all entered the fold of Islam.
Mughirah bin Sho'bah said in an angry tone: "You Thaqifites! you are very simple folk indeed. What can this piece of stone do? O ye men! Take to the obedience of Allah, and worship Him alone. Then he entered the small temple and closing the door, he smashed the idol and then got up the temple walls and started demolishing them. Then other Muslims too got up and took part in demolition work until not a stone was left on another stone of that building.
The priest of the temple said to the audience: The foundation of the temple must prove their undoing. Mughirah on hearing this superstitions exclamation of his set to work and pulled out the base as well, thus strengthening the foundation of Islam in the hearts of these people.
'ABD-AL-QAlS DEPUTATIONThe deputation of the tribe of 'Abd-al-Qais came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). He asked them: To which community do you belong? "From the Rabi'ah community," they submitted. The Prophet welcomed them.
They said: Between you and us the pagan tribe Madar is a great obstacle, a great danger and we can present ourselves only in the Prohibited Months (Ze Qa'dah, Zu-al-Hi.ijah, Muharram -Ha.ij pilgrimage, and Rajab-Umrah, prohibiting violence). Therefore, we would like to clearly understand Islam and its teachings which may become our routine in life and also that of the rest of our community.
The Prophet in reply to this request of deputation said:
I command you to act on four teachings of Islam and to desist from the other four.
THINGS TO ADHERE TO
2. Prayer 3. Zakat 4. Fasting in the month of Ramadan and taking out a fifth 'of the booty for the cause of Islam and the four prohibited things are the following:
1. Tauba (teuba-a hollow gourd to brew wine or to keep it in).
2. Hantarn-basins made of lac (a dark red coloured resin) or coaled with lac.
3. Naqeer-a kind of liquor or a wooden utensil to contain it.
4. Mazaft-a vessel polluted with 'qeer' a kind of liquor2 The deputationists asked the Prophet: "O Apostle of Al1ah how do you know what is Naqeer? He said, I know. A date palm tree is tapped for serum, rather thick milky exudate collected in a vessel and dates are put into it and water added which ferments the fluid and when brewed, it is taken as an intoxicant. It is possible that one intoxicated with it may murder his cousin. How amazing that one of these deputationists had murdered his cousin while intoxicated with this particular wine 'Naqeer.'
They then asked him: "O Apostle of Allah! In which type of vessel we should keep water and drink it from?" The Prophet told them: use small leather bags for this purpose whose mouths can be tied with a string to close them." They informed the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) that theirs was a rat infested area and leather bags cannot last long. He insisted on them, intact or damaged by rats, they have to be used.
Jarud bin-al-'Ula had come with this deputation. He was a Christian. He said to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.): "O Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.)! I already subscribe to a religion If we discard our own and adopt yours, can you guarantee our safety (salvation)? The Prophet assured
2. All the four prohibited things are the names of utensils to brew, keep or drink liquor from. When drinking was prohibited in Islam, the Prophet (PB. U.H.) also prohibited the use of these utensils to detach the drunkards totally from that atmosphere. However, when drinking was abandoned he allowed their use for other purposes.
him of such a guarantee from himself, since the religion he was calling him to was superior to the one he believed in at that time.
A deputation of Banu Hanifah came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Through the efforts of Thamamah bin Aihal Islam had been introduced to the residents of this region. This deputation embraced Islam in Madinah. Musailamah 'Kazzab' (the false claim art to prophethood) was also with this deputation. When in Madinah he went on saying to Madinites that if Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) agreed to make him his successor, he would embrace Islam at his hands." The Prophet came to know about it, he said, "I do not want to take his pledge even at the cost of this branch of date palm in my hand. If he does not pledge his loyalty to Islam, Allah will destroy him. Allah has shown me his evil end. I saw in a dream that I had golden bracelets on my wrists. They appeared disgusting to me. Revelation in the dream directed me to blow them off. I blew at them and they disappeared. I think that they represented Musailamah the ruler of Yamamah and Anasi ruler of Su'aa.
Although claimant to prophethood, Musailamah recognized the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) also as the Apostle of Allah. What he probably meant by this double dealing was to keep the people of these lands in good humour.
In the 10th year of Hijrah the following correspondence also took place between Musailamah and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.):
From Musailamah the 'Apostle of Allah' to Muhammad the Apostle of Allah. It should be quite evident that half the earth belongs to us and the remaining half to the Quraish. But the Quraish are not inclined to justice and fair play. Peace be upon you.
The Prophet replied:
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, Most Merciful
From Muhammad the Apostle of Allah to Musailamah, the damned liar (the false claim art to prophethood). It should be evident the earth belongs to Allah and He makes its inheritor whomsoever He is pleased and the prosperity of the Hereafter is the share of God-fearing. Peace be on those taking to the straight Path.
The letter of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had been delivered to Musailamah by Habib bin Zaid bin 'Asim and Kazzab had both of his hands and feet chopped off.
The deputation of the Tay tribe under the leadership of Zaid-al-Khail came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). The Apostle of Allah remarked: "Whoever of the tribes of Arabia was extolled in my presence, proved much less on experience. But Zaid-al-Khail is an exception. Then his name was changed to Zaid-al-Khair. All the members of the deputation embraced Islam.
THE DEPUTATION OF ASH'ARINThe Ash'ariyah tribe of Yemen came to the Prophet (P.B. U.H.). On their arrival the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had said: The Yemenites came to me whose hearts are gentle and are easily moved. When entering Madinah, they were chanting the following couplet:
Tomorrow we are going to meet our friends (meaning Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and his companions).
THE DEPUTATION OF AZD TRIBEThis deputation comprised seven persons. When they came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) he approved of their condition, manners and conduct. "Who are you," he asked then. They replied: We are believers. The Prophet said to them: Every utterance has a reality behind it. Tell me what in the reality of your utterance about your belief?
They said: "We have fifteen characteristics, habits and customary practices. The first five is those we were instructed to repose other belief in by your preachers: Belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed Books, His Messengers and Resurrection. And the other five to act upon and live up to are:
To declare one's creed saying there is no god save Allah and establishing· five times daily regular prayers, paying Zakat, fasting during the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage to the House of Allah in case of having the requisite means.
And the remaining five that we had known earlier also: To thank Allah in times of prosperity and plenty, to persevere patiently in distress, to be resigned to the decree of Allah, to stand firm on Truth in moments of trial, not to gloat over the misfortune of our opponents.
(a) Do not store those things which you do not eat. (b) Do not make a house you do not have to live in. (c) Do not compete in things you love to abandon tomorrow. (d) Be God fearing, for to have to return and present yourself to render account. Create an affinity for those things that you will stand you in good stead in the Hereafter or life eternal. These people followed the stressed advice of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
FARWAH BIN 'AMR ALJUZAMI'S DEPUTATIONFarwah bin 'Amr was the governor of the northern territory of Arabia under the control of the eastern wing of the Roman empire. The capital of his territory was Mu'an. The adjacent region of Palestine was also under his control.
The Prophet had sent him the letter conveying the message of Islam. Farwah (R) had embraced Islam and had sent a costly white mule to the Prophet as a gift.
When the king of Constantinople came to know of his Islam, he called him back to himself.
He persuaded him to discard Islam. When he refused to oblige he was incarcerated. Finally, it was decided to crucify him and he was crucified at 'Ifre tank in Palestine. When he was taken to the cross he recited some couplets denoting the cross and crucifixion in the form of a riddle.
THE DEPUTATION OF HAMDANThis tribe came from Yemen. Khalid bin Waleed
(R) had been detailed to preach Islam to them. He stayed there long enough but without success. The Prophet then sent 'Ali Murtaza (R) for propagation of Islam there. Through his graceful efforts the entire tribe got converted to Islam. When the Prophet heard from Ali about his success, he fell in prostration as a token of thankful to Allah and pronounced: Peace be on Hamdan.
This deputation consisted of men who had earlier pledged their fealty to Islam at the hands of 'Ali (R) and had come now to see the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
Tariq bin Abd-Allah has stated that he was standing one day in the market place of Suq-al-Majaz in Makkah when there came a person who was giving a clarion cell:
"O ye people utter "there is no god but Allah" and you will prosper."
Another person came after him who threw pebbles at him and said: "O ye people! Do not believe in what he says. He is a liar."
I enquired as to the identity of those two persons.
They explained to me: This is a person from Bani Hashim who deems himself the Apostle of Allah. And this second person following him is his uncle Abd-al' Uzza (Abu Lahab's real name).
Tariq says that many years passed after this incident and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) migrated and settled in Madinah. About this time some of our people including myself went to Madinah to purchase dates. When we were approaching the town, we decided to bathe and change the travel-sodden clothes before entering the town.
On this occasion there came a person with two old sheets on him. After greetings he enquired of us: "Where from and where to?" We said in reply: "We hail from Rabza and this (Madinah) is our destination. He further enquired about the purpose of our visits. We told him that we had come for purchasing dates.
We had a red camel with a nose string. He asked us whether we would like to sell that camel to him. We assented adding: "In exchange for dates worth. this animal." On hearing our terms, we were surprised that he did not utter a word about reduction in price (bargaining) and holding the nose string of the camel he went into the town. When he had disappeared from our sight we started reproaching ourselves for we had done unwillingly. We have sold our camels to a person who was a total stranger to us and there was apparently no way of realizing the price of the camel.
We had with us a lady in a litter on the camel's back. She spoke out: I had seen the face of the person luminous like the bright side of the moon. If a person like him does not pay you, I will.
When we were refreshed after eating dates, we entered and the town and saw the same person (who had come to us) in mosque preaching. We could catch the following words:
"O ye people! Give alms. It is better for you to give alms. The upper (generous) hand is superior to the lower (at the receiving end). Spend on your mother, father, sister, brother, the next of kin and then next to him."
THE DEPUTATION OF NAJEEBThirteen persons of the Najeeb tribe had come to Madinah. They had come with the Zakat of their goods and animals. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said to them: Take it back to your own people and spend on the have-nots of the tribe. They explained that this is what has remained after meeting the local needs.
Abu Bakr Siddiq (R) submitted by way of approval that that was the best deputation up to that time.
The Prophet said: Guidance is in the hands of Allah the Exalted. Whomsoever He wants to favour, he opens up his chest (heart or mind) for belief.
These deputationists had put some questions to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and he had got their answers written for them.
They were much inclined towards learning the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) so Bilal (R) was appointed to look after their needs in particulars.
These people appeared to be feeling uneasy in their stay and were looking longingly for seeking permission to leave Madinah. The companions of the Prophet enquired as to why they were perturbed by delay in leaving for home.
They said: What we gained in his blessed company and the beneficence and blessings we were the recipients at: from talking to him as also other advantages we derived in the most excellent company, all this we are very eager to convey to our community.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) asked him: "What do you want?"
He submitted that his aim was different from those of his party. Although I know that the love of Islam has brought them here and they had also brought the sadaqat with them.
The Prophet asked him: Then what do you want in particular?"
The young boy said: "I came from my house for the sale purpose of making a humble request to you to pray for me that Allah may forgive me, have mercy on me and make me independent of worldly goods."
The Prophet prayed for him as he wished. In the I0th year of Hijrah when the Apostle of Allah went to Makkah for Hajj pilgrimage, the men of this tribe again saw the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). He asked them about that young boy. They submitted: "O Apostle of Allah! A person like him has never been seen. A contended person like him was never heard of. If the wealth of the entire world were being distributed before him he would not so much as cast a glance at it."
THE DEPUTATION OF BANI SA'D HUZAIMThis tribe was an off shoot of Quza'ah, when they entered the mosque of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) they found him leading the funeral prayer.
They agreed together that before seeing the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) they should do nothing. So they sat aside doing nothing, (not joining even the funeral prayer). When the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was free, he called them and enquired if they were Muslims? And when they replied in the affirmative, he put another question: Why did you not then join the prayer for your (Muslim) brother?
They explained that they had taken it into their heads that it did not become them to do anything before taking pledge of allegiance to Islam at the hands of the Prophet. The Prophet however corrected them saying that they had become Muslims as soon as they embraced Islam (and subject to all the obligations of a Muslim).
When this deputation got home the entire tribe entered the fold of Islam.
THE DEPUTATION OF BANI ASADIt comprised ten persons including Wabisah bin Ma'bad and Talhah bin Khuwailad. The Prophet was in the mosque with his companions. One of the deputationist said: "O Apostle of Allah! We bear witness that Allah is One and Only, without any partners and you are His servant and Apostle. Just consider O Apostle of Allah! We are here of our own accord. You did not even send any person to us (to convey the Message of Islam). At this pretension claim of theirs the following Quranic verse was revealed:
They impress on thee as a favour that they have embraced Islam. Say, "Count not your Islam as a favour upon me. Nay, Allah has conferred a favour upon you. That he has guided you to the Faith, if ye be true and sincere: (Q. XLIX: 17)
Then they asked him about the permissibility of regarding the calls of birds and other auguries of auspicious and otherwise as omens and the Prophet forbade all that nonsense.
They further asked him about geomancy to which he gave only a conditional reply that some prophet had taught people as a science and those who know it as originally taught by him with certainty can adopt it otherwise not. (Doubtful is dangerous in Islam).
DEPUTATION OF BAHRA'These people came to Madinah and made their camels sit in front of the house of Miqdad (R) who said to his own family to prepare something for them and himself went out to meet them and welcoming them brought them to his house, entertaining them with Eish (a preparation with parched ground barley and dates cooked in butter or ghee or any other fat).
Miqdad said to them: "Gentlemen! This is a blessing of the Apostle of Allah, since it has been touched by his fingers.
On hearing it they all said with one voice and refreshed their belief saying that undoubtedly he is the Apostle of Allah. They stayed in Madinah for some time and after learning Quran and the Islamic Shariah, they returned home.
DEPUTATION OF 'AZRAHThis deputation had come to Madinah in 9th year of Hijrah and comprised 19 persons. Hamzah bin No'man was one of them. The Prophet asked him: "Who are you?" He replied: "We are Bani 'Azrah and brothers of Qusa'y (on the mother's side). We helped Qusa'y to progress and turned out Khuza'ah and Bani Bakr from Makkah. Therefore, we claim relationship as well as ancestry. The Prophet welcomed them, and also prophesied that Syria will be conquered in near future and Hereclitus shall flee from their region.
Then the Prophet prohibited to them putting questions to soothsayers (regarding future events), and also stop all those sacrifices they have been accustomed to so far. Now only one sacrifice, that of Eid-al-Azha abides. They stayed in Madinah for some time and departed after receiving gifts and a general assessment.
THE DEPUTATION OF KHULANThese were ten people who had come to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in the month of Sha'ban 10 A.H. They submitted that they had come as representatives of the back ward section of our Community. "We are believers in Allah and His Apostle (P.B.U.H.). We have come to you covering a long distance and we humbly affirm that we are under obligation to Allah and His Apostle (P.B.U.H.). Here we have presented ourselves to see you."
The deputationist stated: "O Apostle of Allah! We collected once a hundred bulls and they were sacrificed to 'Amm-e-Anas in one day and left for the ravenous beasts when we ourselves stood in sure need of animals and their flesh.
They also stated that out of our animals and agricultural produce too he (the idol) had a share. Whenever somebody look to forming he would keep the central part of the cultivated land reserved for 'Amm-eAnas and on the border piece of land for God. If the crop failed due to a wind storm, the portion dedicated to God was transferred to 'Amm-e-Anas, but never the vice versa.
The Apostle of Allah taught them the obligatory Acts of the Faith and in particular the following:
1. Fulfilling the pledges 2. Returning the Trust (intact) 3. Kind treatment of the neighbors 4. Not to tyrannies anyone pointing out at the same time that injustice shall be darkness on the Day of Reckoning.
THE DEPUTATION OF MAKHARIBThis deputation comprised ten persons who came to Madinah in the 10th year of Hijrah as representatives of their community. Bilal (R) had been detailed for the hospitality to be offered to them. It was he who brought the day and the evening meals for them. One day the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) devoted his time from Zuhr (midday prayer) to 'Asr (late afternoon prayer) for their instruction.
At one of them the Prophet looked intently saying that he thought, he had seen him before that also.
That person said: "O Apostle of Allah! That day there was no other person opposing you and further from Islam than myself. All others save myself met their end professing their ancestral religion. Thank God, only I have survived by his Grace, and lucky enough to believe in you and obey you."
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said: "Our hearts are all in Allah's hands (and He alone guides, whom He likes, to the right Path)."
That person said: "O Apostle of Allah! Pray for my forgiveness of earlier transgression."
The Prophet told him: "Islam wipes out all that happened during the period of unbelief.
THE DEPUTATION OF GHASSANThree persons of Ghassan tribe came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in Ramadan of 10th Hijrah and after embracing Islam went back home with the intent of the guidance of their community. It appears they could not succeed in the propagation of Islam. Two of them had died earlier and only one survivor lived when Syria was conquered by Abu 'Ubaidah bin Jarah (during the caliphate of 'Urnar Faruq (R).
DEPUTATION OF AL-HARITHThis deputation came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) in Shawwal 10 A.H. Khalid bin Waleed (R) had been deputed to preach Islam to them and people had taken to Islam. Khalid bin Waleed sent the report to his mission to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and himself tarried there for their guidance and instruction. The Prophet wrote to him to come back, taking with him some of the local community. It was in this deputation that Qais bin -Al-Husain and 'Abd-Allah bin Farad and others had come to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) put a question to them: How is it that whoever fought against you during the period of Jahiliyah (ignorance or un-Islam) was vanquished?
They submitted: "O Apostle of Allah! We never became aggressors to go and attack anyone. And once we have entered the battle array we do not allow it to be disarrayed. We never initiate injustice.
This deputation had come only four months before the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) passing away. They were residents of Najran, and had come to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) after embracing Islam. They submitted to him: "O Apostle of Allah! we have heard from the preachers of Islam as reporting your declaration:
"There is no Islam for those not undertaking migration. "
"We have worldly goods and animals on which we subsist. So if without migration our Islam is not in order, how our where-withal can avail us and what use are our cattle? So, would it not be better if we sell out everything that we have there and come to you one and all."
The Prophet said to them: "Take to piety and persevere with it where you are living and nothing will be detracted from your deeds (the rewards thereof). "
In this answer to their query the Prophet has made it clear that through their concentration in the Islamic center, making it over populated and short of space due to overcrowding is inappropriate. Muslims, on the other hand, should adopt it as their policy, to spread over the far flung lands and conveying Islam to them. Those who immigrate to Muslim countries in our own times, should call to mind that it is against the teaching of the Prophet, as also in direct contravention to the expediency of the Islamic Faith. (The great majority of Muslims all over the world have become this-worldly in their approach to life problems and turn to green or pastures totally unmindful of their duties as Muslims in their own lands of birth first and love most what to say of other lands that need them if they cannot lift them to great heights of pelf and pomp. Moreover, they utterly lack in both the passion for it and capability. They and their children take, without a qualm of conscience to the ancient and modem Jahiliyah in their strife for a better position in life.
THE DEPUTATION OF GUAMIDThis deputation with ten persons on it had come in 10 A.H. They stopped short of
When they reached their camp after seeing the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) asking the boy found everything exactly as they were told by the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) This incident alone brought them to the fold of Islam. The Prophet appointed Uba'i ibn Ka'b to teach them the Quran, teaching as well the Islamic Shariah. When departing they were given some instruction regarding the Islamic Shar'iah in writing also.
THE DEPUTATION OF BANI FAZARAHWhen the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) returned from Tabuk, a deputation of Bani Fazarah comprising ten to fifteen persons came to him. They had faith in Islam. Their mounts were emaciated and weak. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) asked them about the conditions in their localities.
One of them said: O Apostle of Allah! Our land is famine-stricken. Animals died (of starvation) and groves have been destroyed by drought and our families are starving. Kindly pray to Allah that He may have mercy on us. Recommend us to Allah and Allah may recommend us to you.
GOD DOES NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE OR TO ANYONEThe Apostle of Allah said: Allah is free from such things (acts) Woe to you! I shall certainly recommend you to Allah but whom Allah is going to recommend to? He alone is worthy of worship none else. He is most exalted and grand. His rule extends over things, the earth and the skies. He prayed for them to blessed with rains in the following words:
"O Allah! Refresh your servants and animals and extend your Mercy to them and revive your dead lands.
O Allah! let the merciful rains, the relieving, providing comfort come early, without delay-with benefit and not harm. Refresh us, O Allah! refresh us with your Mercy bountiful rains and not as a visitation devastation, drowning and not being right. O Allah! Refresh and revive us with rains and give us victory over our foes.
THE DEPUTATION OF SALAMAN
These people then request him to pray for rainfall in their region as there had been no rains. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said the following words without formally raising his hands in prayer.
"O Allah! Refresh by sending rains to their lands."
Habib submitted: "O Apostle of Allah, kindly raise your hands and pray for us." The Prophet (P.B. U.H.) smiled and raising his hands prayed again for them. When this deputation returned home, they came to know that it had rained there the same day when the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had prayed for the rains.
DEPUTATION OF NAJRANA careful consideration of all those traditions found in the various compilations of Hadith it appears that two reliable representatives of the Christians had come to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Therefore, it has been taken up in this serial order.
It has been reported that the Prophet had addressed the Christians of Najran to invite them to the Islamic Faith. When their bishop read the letter, his body began to shiver. He called at once Sharjeel bin Dawa'ah who belonged to Hamdan tribe. No important decisions were taken without consulting him.
The bishop gave him the letter and when he had read, the Biship said: Kindly let us know your opinion,
O Abu Maryam. Sharjeel said to him: You know very well that Allah has promised Abraham that in the lineage of Isma'il also there is going to be Prophethood. May be the sender of this letter is that person, a prophet in the line of Isma'il.
But what can my humble opinion about prophethood be worth? Had it
been some worldly affair I would certainly have considered it fully, and
expressed my opinion on it.
The bishop finally called a general meeting of his neighborhood and it that grand assembly of Christians it was decided that Sharjeel, Abd-Allah and Hubar should be sent to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and they should tell us in detail about the situation.
These persons reached Madinah and met the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), spending a few days with him. They discussed the identity and personality of 'Isa (Jesus son of Mary) with him. The following Quranic verses were revealed about this discussion:
The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: be and He was. The truth comes from thy Lord alone: so be not of those who doubt If anyone disputes in the matter with thee, now after full knowledge hath come to thee, say: come let us gather together, our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: Then let us earnestly pray and invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie. - Al Quran III: 59-61
After revelation of these verses, the Prophet called Hasan, Husain and their blessed mother Fatimah (Allah be pleased with all of them).
These Christians talked together in solitude. Sharjeel said to his companions: "It is not easy to come to a final opinion about this person (the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), since in the entire Arabian Peninsula we alone shall be his target. And if he is a Messenger sent by Allah, his curse shall be our undoing. So in my opinion it would be better to agree to live with him under a pledge of loyalty to the Islam in state and protection guaranteed by Allah and His Apostle, paying a nominial amount as Jizyah to the state in lieu of military service. Let us also leave the per head amount of Jizyah to him, since as far as I have experienced he is not harsh in dealings and general behaviour. Both of them agreed on this proposal and going to the Prophet (P.B. U.H.) they put it up before him saying: "Better than invoking the curse of Allah on the liar would be living as loyal subjects of the Islamic state under a pledge and paying Jizyah. So kindly let us know by tomorrow morning its annual amount that you decide upon in our case.
Next day the Prophet fixed the amount of Jizyah and an agreement or
pledge written by a companion, Mughirah (R) and signed over to them. A
particular section granting them
"The residents of Najran shall be under protection of Allah and His Apostle Muhammad. concerning life, religion and land and property, all those present or absent, tribes’ men or their followers, shall enjoy rights and no changes shall be made in them and conditions of living. And whatever more or less they have in their possession shall not be changed. On account of doubts or contentions relating to murders no charges shall be made and no suits filed against them. They will not be called for forced labour (without wages). No armies shall cross their territory."
On getting this a copy of pact they went back to Najran. The bishop and other elite came out to greet and receive them at a long distance on the road from their residences. The deputation put up the edict (agreement) before the bishop, who started reading it at once. His brother was with him and became so engrossed in reading the edict that he lost his balance and fell down from his mount. He attributed his fall to the agreement and it, another whom he cursed. The bishop tried to stop him saying that the author is a true prophet (P.B.U.H.). But he despite efforts to stop him from going to Madinah failed. He got there and embracing Islam stayed there and finally got martyred.
A monk also hearing about all this went to Madinah with some gifts, acquired knowledge of Islam and returned to Najran with Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) permission.
After sometime another deputation of 60 persons arrived in Madinah and was allowed to say their prayer in the Prophet's mosque in spite of objections. At the time of its departure comprising mostly clergy was honoured with an edict granting rights and privileges to the Christians and the priestly class. And also at their request for a trustworthy person to pay Jizyah to, Abu 'Ubaidah bin Jarah (R) as the most trustworthy person of the ummah was sent with them.
THE DEPUTATION OF NAKHA'This was the last deputation and visited the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) about the middle of Muharram 11 A.H. It comprised two hundred persons and entering the fold of Islam at the hands of Mu'az bin Jabal (R), had come to Madinah. They stayed at the Guest House and entertained.
One of them, Zararah bin 'Amr said to the Prophet that he had had some dreams which related to him and heard revealing interpretation from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
The Prophet had hardly settled comfortably in Madinah that the Makkan enemies had started harassing him and those embracing Islam at his hands with continual conspiracies, invasions and battles.
The important events of this period are being related here briefly and at least one incident of each year of Hijrah revealing many things about the blessed life of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), in whose light the Ummah can set it, house in order and individuals can succeed in their moral upliftment if they are sincerely bent on it, for that is not (at all) difficult for Allah. (Q: XXXV: 17)
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MOSQUE OF THE PROPHET (P.B.U.H.)The site where the mosque was to be built was denoted providentially by the camel sitting suddenly without human intervention, while the Prophet was on the move to Madinah.
The land belonged to two orphans under the patronage and training of As'ad bin Zararah, the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) herald. As'ad had a place here reserved for prayers by As'ad. When the Prophet approved of this piece of land for the construction of the mosque and wanted to purchase it. The orphan owners refused to take it, and the Banu AI-Najjar tribe sought permission to purchase it and present it for the mosque. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) rejected both offers. He had ten dinars, the stipulated price of land, paid by Abu Bakr (R). The ground was then levelled and construction started. In this construction work the Prophet himself gave a helping hand in the movement of building materials, stones and bricks to the construction site with these words on his lips:
"O Allah! Life is after all is that hereafter. Forgive the Ansars (the helpers) and the Muhajirs (the migrants).
The companions were also engaged in the transport of bricks and mortor for constructions chanting at the same time:
The Prophet may toil and we remain sitting comfortably. That would be the greatest misguidance.
'Abd-Allah was one of the most learned men of the Jews. His ancestry has been traced to the Israeli prophet Joseph (son of Jacob). He happened to hear the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) preaching. He was so enamored of his speech that he retained some phrases:
1. O ye people! Spread salam (prayerful greetings of invoking peace for every one acquainted or stranger.
2. Feed the hungry mouths
3. Treat your kinsmen kindly and generally.
4. And offer prayers when other people are asleep. On hearing these heart-shivering words his heart had become filled with the light of Faith and Belief. When he pondered over the life of the Prophet he found them in perfect conformation with the prophesies of the books of the former prophets. He came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and putting tough questions that a prophet only could answer and getting correct answers he announced. "O Apostle of Allah! I have come to believe in you but I would like that you should call people of my community and ask them about their opinion of me. The Prophet called the elders the Judaic community of Madinah. Abd-Allah Ibn Salam went in hiding when they came. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) asked them: What do you think of Abd-Allah Ibn Salam? All of them admitted that he was a learned man, son of a learned man and gentle man son of a gentleman, and better than all of us. At this juncture Abd-AJlah bin Salam came out of hiding, reciting Kalimah La Ilaha Ill-Allah (the epitome of Islam), before them. When they saw that he had become a Muslim, they at once changed their opinion, calling him ignorant son of the ignorant, low born son of a lowborn and worst among us all.
Allah left no plea for the Jews with the Islam of Abd-Allah bin Salam.
After 'Abd-Allah Ibn Salam, Abu Qais Sarmah bin Abi Anas also embraced Islam. This Christian monk was an eloquent poet, preacher and learned in Metaphysics.
Through the Islam of this righteous person Allah left no plea for the entire Christian community.
PRAYERIn the 1st year of Hijrah, two more units (raka'ts) were appended to the obligatory prayers. Only two rak'ats for the journeys were maintained (Qasr or halving of the moral). In this way Zuhr 'Asr and 'Isha became four rak'ats normally. During the period of stay in Makkah it was only two rak'ats.
When we consider the precarious position of a person after embracing Islam in Makkah where he became alienated in the family, relatives and friends and lonely in a crowd except for the small group of Muslims he was sick at heart and desired migration to a more congenial atmosphere, Allah in His Infinite Mercy regarded him a stranger or way-farer in the alien lord of Makkah and he became a full-fledged regular, permanent resident of Madinah.
Prayer is that element of obligatory duties to Allah which is of prime importance and after two units of supererogatory prayer immediately on embracing Islam to the call for the next prayer he must respond positively, joining the congregation. A Muslim child at the age of seven should start praying for early training (breaking to use a term of horse training or to habituate him to obedience in the ethical terminology). At ten it is obligatory though not according to Jurists who recognize the age of majority or becoming adult for all obligations. It is obligatory to the end of his days, never relinquishing under any conditions, health or illness, joy or grief, staying at home or on a journey and fear and hazards, in the torrid zone of scorching sun or in the Frigid zone of perpetual snow and ice.
1. Persistently adhering to the worship of Allah throughout one's
life is the manifestation of the perfection of patient perseverance. To
observe strict punctuality in the five times
2. The punctuality in prayer trains man in going to sleep early and waking up early, and the way its timings bring every other time table subordinate to it, also shows how unbridled lusts and longings can be appropriately curbed and kept under control decently.
3. Attending congregational prayers at the mosque with punctuality is the soul of culture and progress. It is also the cleanest and most decent way of unity, integrity and exchange of ideas. A perfectly ignorant person can propagate his knowledge of the Word of God and the Sunnah of the Prophet.
4. Those who give up praying or become careless in the punctuality of congregations, remain deprived of these moral excellences. And it is apparent enough that the condition of the individuals of a community devoid of such fine traits of character, will not be enviable. Allah, the Exalted says:
Prayer restrains from shameful and evil deeds. And remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life). - Al Quran XXIX: 45
FRATERNISATIONAllah, the Mighty and Majestic has made one Muslim another Muslim's brother. He says:
So that by His Grace ye became brethren, and ye were on the brink of the Pit of Fire and He saved you from it. - Al Quran III: 103
1. This fraternity had the effect of making the community a monolithic structure. If a member of this fraternity entered a pact with an antagonistic party or community, the entire community of that individual followed that pact. If a Muslim went to some far off land the entire nation was anxious to learn about his well-being. And if he became the victim of some tyrant's tyranny, the nation as a whole regarded it as its essential duty to take revenge.
2. Much above this brotherhood which the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) established in Makkah between the Makkans and in Madinah between the Ansar and the Muhajirs, as also between the Madinites. That between the Muhajirs and Ansar is generally known to people. The mutual relationships of this brotherhood had the effect so far that a brother was offered a share in the inheritance of his brother. And soon after the formal fraternization a richer brother used to make his brother the sharer of half of his riches, and movable and immovable property. Historians have left for us on record the names of these brothers with firmly established fraternity.
Below is a list of some of these blessed brothers:
1. Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) 'Ali Murtaza (R) 2. Abu Bakr (R) Kharijah bin Zaid Badri 3. 'Umar Farooq (R) 'Utban bin Malik (R) Badri 4. 'Uthrnan (R) Aus bin Thabit (R) 5. Ja'far bin Abi Talib(R) Mu'az (R) bin Jabal 'Uqabi Badri 6. Abu 'Ubaidah (R) Sa'd (R) bin Mu'az (R) Hashmi bin Jarah
7. Abd-a1-Rahman (R) Sa'd (R) bin Rabi' (R) bin Auf 'Uqabi Sadri 8. Zubair (R) bin-al-'Awan Salmah (R) bin Salamah 'Uqabi 9. Talhah (R) bin Abd-Allah Ka'b (R) bin Malik 'Uqabi 10. Saeed (R) bin Zaid (R) Uba'i bin Ka'b (R) 11. Mus'ab bin 'Umair (R) Abu Ayyub (R) 12. Abu Huzaifah (R) 'lbad (R) bin Basheeer bin Utbah 13. 'Ammar (R) bin Yasir (R) Hllzaifah bin-al-Yaman 14. Salman Farsi (R) Abu-al-Darda' (R) 15. Munzar (R) bin 'Amr Abu Zarr (R) Ghifari
Such an excellent system of fraternization is unique here in the Islamic tradition.
AZAN (CALL FOR PRAYER)This system, as we find it today, came into existence in 2 A.H. The necessity for it arose when it was realized that the Muslims in a locality or a section thereof should come together to pray at a given (fixed) time. What needed consultation here was the method to be adopted for calling people. Somebody was of opinion that a fire be lit at a high place (to be visible from a distance), as prevalent among the Magians. Another suggested blowing a horn (a practice of the Jews). Yet another suggestion was in favour of ringing bells the method adopted by the Christians). The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) did not approve of any of the above means of giving a call to the believers.
Azan is that simple and easy method of information which is befitting a universal Faith. It is really the propagation and declaration of Islamic principles. It was by using this instrument that the Muslims conveyed their principles to all the residents of every human settlement informing them of the only easy road to salvation. Distribution of small brochures and tracts and words of Nagar kirtans could never achieve this objective. Azan is proof of the fact that Islam rejected the idea of preferring couch shells and metals to human voice. And this too points to the prevention of idol worship and corroboration of the Unitarity of Allah.
SALMAN FARSI'S ISLAMSalman Farsi embraced Islam in 2 A.H. He was a resident of Asfahan and in his ancestral faith piebald horse was worshipped.
He came out of his homeland in search of the True Faith. During the course of his wanderings he was caught and sold as slave. After trials with ten different religions he had become a member of the Judaic community. The Jew with whom he lived often talked of the traits of an expected prophet (the promised messiah).
Salman (R) on the first sight of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) recognized him on the basis of those signs and impressions which his Jewish master often related in his presence and entered the fold of Islam as the first fruit of Persia (now Iran).
CHANGE OF QIBLAH (TURNING IN PRAYER FROM BAIT-AL-MAQDIS TO KA'BAH IN MAKKAHIt was the usual practice of the Prophet to turn to the People of the Book in those matters in which no instructions had been received up to certain time from Allah, the Exalted.
In the detailed instructions in the Quran on this issue it was also pointed out that:
1. Allah is free from all infirmities has similar association with all directions and not limited to any particular quarter or side:
To Allah belong the East and the West: withers ever you turn, there is Allah's face. - Al Quran II: 115
2. And that taking to any side has been the custom of groups of people in every age. To each is a goal to which Allah turns him, then strive together (as in a race) towards all that is good. Whosesoever ye are, Allah will bring you together. - Al Quran II 148
3. And also that turning to a particular direction has nothing to do with the worship as such.
It is not righteousness that ye turn your face towards East or West. - Al Quran II: 177
And again, that the major purpose of appointing is that for the followers of the Apostle there may be a distinct sign.
(Appointment of Qiblah was) only to those who followed the Messenger from those who would tum on their heels. (from the Faith)
That was the reason why, so long as the Prophet stayed at Makkah, Bait-al-Maqdis remained the Qiblah of the Muslims, for the pagans of Makkah had sent respect for Bait-al-Maqdis. And as for Ka'bah they had themselves desecrated it by turning it into a big center of idol worship. Therefore, while at Makkah, the sign of discarding paganism and embracing Islam was to tum to Bait-al-Maqdis when praying.
In obedience to the divine injunction this became the Qiblah of Muslims for ever-to the end of days. And the reason behind it has been stated by Allah Himself in the Quran:
The first house (of worship) appointed for men was that of Bakka: full of blessing and of guidance for all the worlds. (Q. III: 96)
Since it enjoys precedence in point of time and historical magnificence, it was in the fitness of things to make it Qibla:
And remember Abraham and Isma'il raised the foundations of the house (with this prayer): Our Lord! Accept this (service) from us: for Thou art the All-Hearing. All-Knowing: (Q. II: 127)
Secondly, Abraham who is the founder of this mosque is the common ancestor of the Jews, Christians and Muslims. Therefore, the declaration of this mosque being appointed as the Qibla of the Muslim Community was a message to all the three largest communities of the world to come together and uniting enter Islam the realm of peace whole-heartedly.
I am dead sure no one can deny the precedence and historical greatness of Ka'bah. The Jews and the Christian have con census on it that the foundation of Jerusalem was laid by Da'ud (David) (P.B.U.H.) and Sulaiman (Solomon) (P.B.U.H.) built it. So we can see that Ka'bah was built about 921 years before that of Jerusalem and one thousand nine hundred and twenty-one years before 'Isa (P.B.U.H.). Mr R.c. Dutta in his book on history "Ancient civilization of India, on the basis of several evidence has concluded that the first phase of Indian civilization, the vedic age, was l400 to 2,00O years before Christ. He has also written that there was no temple in that period of history. That virtually proves that at the time of the building of Ka'bah, there was no temple even in Arya Vasat.
A careful study of Bible shows that Allah had foretold that the mosque that will be last appointed as Qiblah will be superior to the former.
.... and the Religion of Truth, to make it prevail over all religion (Q. XLVIH: 28)
This house ought to have been the Qiblah and not that which every unbelieving victor demolished and desecrated it, by making it a place of filth, enslaving the inmates, incarcerating and banishing them.
In Psalms, verses 4 and 5 Allah has congratulated (blessed) those living close to His House, has had the benevolent effect during several millennia since it, coming into existence it has never grow into the possession of any alien nation nor the nation defending, it has ever been dominated and enslaved.
ZAKAT-THE SHARE OF HAVE-NOTS IN THE WEALTH OF HAVESThe most difficult problem facing the Economists an4 Politicians is how to strike a healthy balance between the members of a community in the matter of wealth and poverty.
From the days of the world famous Greek philosopher, Solon to our own days’ no one could solve this knotty problem.
In Europe Nihilists aimed at common equal rights of the citizens of a state over the wealth of their country without distinctions.
The Socialists demand total abolition of private ownership of the means of earning wealth and handed over to the people.
Nationalists, on the other hand, are in favor of taking away landed property, both agricultural and residential from the possession of individuals and managed and controlled by the people.
(The author belongs to an age when these concepts had not taken a
definite shape. He has a vague idea, erroneous mostly of the strong
reaction of socialism in various forms against the cursed capitalism.
Prominent among reactionaries, Marx and Engels were
To take away the right of possession of property by the individuals is impossible, being in-born in man and ineradicable, that is why the Quran had much earlier given the decision:
Allah has bestowed his gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than or others: those more favoured are not going to throw back their gifts to those whom their right hands possess so as to be equal in that respect. - Al Quran XVI: 71
1. Islam, which intends to make the Muslims the most superior cultured nation of the world, paid attention to this problem and decided it forever. And this solution of this most intricate problem is known as obligation of Zakat.
2. Payment of Zakat was made obligatory for Muslim in 2 A.H. The Prophet was by nature kind-hearted and sympathetic and mercifully inclined to the poor and the suffering humanity and from the first day the Muslims were persuaded to come to the aid of the needy and the destitute. Their sympathy was made the ally and friend of the poor, and Muslims had actually been doing a lot to ameliorate the distress of the underdog. However, there was no code of conduct and definite rules in this field, in the form of law and regulations to be strictly observed without fail. And whatever the affluent section of society did in this sphere of life was the dictate of their own conscience, generosity and kind-heartedness.
Allah, the Exalted, Most Merciful making Zakat obligatory as the third item of obligatory duties of a believer after belief and prayers. Zakat is, in fact, the promotion and regularization of the inborn trait of man's natural sympathy for his own species.
One great benefit of paying Zakat is that love of manner cannot suppress human moral sense, and he remains free from the evils of miserliness and withholding circulation of wealth, since he regards the depressed and the deprived sections of the society a part the community. And that is why even accumulation of immense wealth cannot make him laughty and puffed up in his own element of the haves.
And also there is this benefit that a large majority of the disadvantaged section of society
The community derives this great benefit, a blessing in disguise that this spending on the poor banishes the evil custom of begging, a degradation of humanity in any society.
Islam has appointed the right of the indigent in the wealth of the affluent in the name of Zakat payable in types of wealth of assured growth which is not abhorrent. Among these growing and multiplying sources of wealth are trade, agriculture, industries, animal breeding, mining and treasure froves.
Now let us see who are those entitled to receive the cash and kind realized as Zakat (by the state or any to her agency in the absence of the Islamic state). The Quran says:
Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds) for those whose hearts have been recently reconciled (to Truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah and for the way-farer; - Al Quran IX: 60
These eight items on which Zakat has been divided shows how with the Zakat made obligatory, the needs of the country, community, and the individuals (both specific and personal) have been beautifully met.
The fifth item of this division is freeing those in bondage. Those well versed in history know it well enough that stavery was in vogue in all the civilized countries of the world for millennia, China, India, Egypt. Roman empire and Iran. The kind-hearted Messiah, 'Isa (P.B.U.H.) did not say a word about it in his period of ministry. But Saint Paul has strengthened it. He says: "Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; -The Epistle of Paul to Ehesians 6:5
And there are so many examples of her Christian attitude towards slaves.
It was Islam and Islam alone that for the first time in the history of mankind that raised in voice in support of the slaves, and various stages of their Redemption.
Firstly, it pointed out and regularized a principle for the freedom of the slaves under the outlets for spending one's substance:
For those who ask and for the ransom of slaves: (Q II: 177)
But he had not made haste on the path that is sleep. And what will explain to thee the path that is steep? (It is) freeing the bondman. - Al Quran XC: 11,12,13
Thirdly, for some faults freeing slaves has been appointed as a penalty or expiation. For example, in case of unintentional murder, in its three different forms:
(a) The murdered person was a Muslim (b) The murdered a Muslim but an individual of the enemy tribe
(c) The murdered a non-Muslim but from a tribe under a pact Freeing a slave in all the three cases a, b and c.
(d) Expiation for a serious vow of penance or abstention, is freeing a slave: Give a slave his freedom (Q. V: 89)
(e) Expiation for Zihar (equating one consort with his mother or some other prohibited woman) is to free a slave. (Q. LVIII: 3)
(f) Expiation for intentional breaking of a fast in Ramadan is freeing a slave. (Tradition of the Prophet)
(g) Severe thrashing of a slave by his masters causing injury makes him liable to free a slave as expiation for his sinful act. And finally, after all these items, the eight portion of the Islamic state's income (budget) has been reserved for this purpose.
In the nineteenth century England spent hundreds of thousands pounds on the freedom, movement of the slaves which no other European power ever did, and it goes to their credit. But compared with Islam under which one eighth of the states total income was reserved for this noble work had been in vogue centuries earlier. Is there yet a person courageous enough to deny the superiority of Islam in this respect.
One should also ponder over the 6th item of the expenditure of Zakat.
In the modem age banks have been established for facilities of
borrowing. But it has resulted in this that hundreds of private
properties of poor people have gone into the possessing of these
But look at the beneficence of Islam how it has managed to save those facing destruction through borrowing.
Undoubtedly it becomes it to declare usury and interest strictly prohibited when it has provided so many outlets for those badly involved in heavy debts (become insolvent). We must try to remember this tradition about Zakat.
These sadaqahs are the dirt of people. It is not permitted to the Prophet and his kinsmen.
In this prohibitory order are also included the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) his family, uncles, paternal aunts, cousins, and their offspring, as also their slaves and slave girls, so that there may not be even a shade of doubt pertaining to the person of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
RAMADAN 2 A.HFasting in the month of Ramadan also became obligatory in 2 A.H. and fasting for one month became the fourth item of Islam.
1. Fasting corrects faults in the system and improves health.
2. They inform and awaken the opulent to the conditions under which the socially disadvantaged are doing existence.
3. Placing the well-fed and the partially starved at the same level fasting is helpful in strengthening the principle of equality in the community.
4. Fasting strengthens the spiritual power and weaken the element of animality in man.
5. The Quran has in particular stressed the point that fasting develops and firmly establishes taqwa (fear of God) in man -That ye may (learn) self-restraint. (Q. II: 183) Some of the examples of taqwa may be cited:
It is summer season. The fasting person is extremely thirsty. He is all alone in the house with cool water with him. But he restrains himself from quenching his thirst.
His loving and lovely wife is with him in the house. There is also a strong desire to enjoy beauty and youth through closeness to her even make love to her. They both are extremely fond of each other and she too inclined to have sex with him. But the fasting person keeps the irresistible passion in check with great effort. It is the fear of God that restrains him.
The reason behind so much self-control over natural desires and urges is that the respect and greatness of Divine injunction has been so firmly established in his heart and mind that no passion, however head strong, and no instinctive impulse can overcome his resolve to obey his Lord and Cherisher. He dares not displease Him. And it is fasting that has done the job of setting deep in his personality the Greatness and Majesty of Allah. And it is apparent enough that an honest believer in obedience to the Divine Command restrains himself from meeting the permitted lusts and urges and habituate himself to such a check upon himself for a life term, most likely he will, in obedience to Allah, give up his prohibited and unclean habits and lusts and never again dare go near them. This is that moral superiority which the Islamic Shariah aims at creating and strengthening. That is what the following tradition impresses upon us:
If a believer does not give up, lying, idle talk, and futile acts and absurdities, Allah is independent of his restraint on food and water.
In another tradition it has been said:
When anyone fasts he should neither give utterance to a foul word, nor indulge in idle talk, nor make a noise. And if anyone abuses him or kicks up a quarrel with him, he should say to him; "I am fasting and uttering a foul word and quarreling does not become me.
(a) Ramadan is a month of the lunar calendar, it equates the Muslims
all over the world in alternation of seasons, since when half the world
is simmering with heat the other half is comfortably enjoying cool
weather, due to inclination (12 1/2) of earth in its annual revolution
round the sun. If a month of solar calendar had been appointed for
fasting, the Muslims over half the world would have always been exposed
to the heat in
The different temperance societies of the world have tried prohibition, both, total and partia1, but miserably failed in their attempts since the driving force, the will to abstain from was lacking in the absence of the fear of an irresistible Power with its inescapable retribution belief in Almighty Lord of the universe and certain accountability of the life Hereafter -the only way to bring erring humanity to surrender to the Creator, Lord and Cherisher which in essence is Islam.
Islam has given liquor the detestable name, "the mother of all evils." Its deleterious effects on human body, ethics, on the Law and order situation of a country, the habits and behavior of tribes, the spirit of obedience and its resistance, humanity is observing and experiencing, amply demonstrate the suitability of the name-mother of all evils-given to it by Islam.
Some people in their attempt to veil the truth of the Islamic Faith, accuse it of inducing people to enter it by promoting lusts, deliberately overlook the fact of its total prohibitory principle being anyway helpful in promoting lewdness and more serious crimes like murder. And how irrelevant is people’s turning to and entering a Faith which strictly prohibits drinking.
ISLAM OF THAMAMAH BIN ATHAL, CHIEF OF NAJDIn the 5th year of Hijrah, the Prophet had sent out some cavalry men towards Najd. Returning homeward they brought Thamamah of Najd as a captive with them. They tied him to a pil1ar in the Prophet's mosque.
The Prophet (PB.U.H.) coming to the mosque asked him, "How goes it with you?
Thamamah said: "Mohammad (P.B.U.H.)! I am all right. If you order my execution, it will be the due of a murderer. And if you are generously inclined, you will be showing mercy to a thankful person. And if you want ransom, tell me, as much as you like.
The third day when the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) repeated the same question, he said that he had given answer to it already. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) ordered his release.
On obtaining freedom he went to a date palm grew close to the mosque and bathing himself returned to the mosque and immediately recited the Kalimah.
Tharnamah said: "O Apostle of Allah! By Allah, no one in the world was more detestable to me than you, but now I hold you in the greatest esteem. And by Allah! your city I hated most, but today it appears most desirable. By Allah! your Faith was most contemptible to me but today your Faith is dearest to me."
Thamamah also submitted that he was going to Makkah from his homeland for 'Umrah (a minor Hajj). Now what was his opinion about this 'Umrah of his, he asked. The Prophet congratulated him on his Islam and permitted him to perform 'Umrah as per programme. (under changed identity).
When Thamamah reached Makkah somebody asked him, "So you have become a 'Sabi' (a pagan)? Thamamah replied: "No, I have come to believe in Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) the Apostle of Al1ah, and embraced Islam. And now keep it carefully in mind that not a grain of wheat shall come to you from Yamamah , without the permission of the Apostle of Allah."
No sooner had he returned to his homeland. Thamamah stopped movement of food grains to Makkah. This caused panic. in Makkah for it meant starvation. And therefore the Makkans had to entreat the prophet (P.B.U.H.) for merciful intervention, permitting transport of wheel to Makkah. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) wrote to Thamamah that the food grains supply to Makkah should be resumed when it is known that Makkans were thirsting for the blood of the Prophet. This episode shows that the Prophet (P. B. U. H.) not only saved the life of a person, a sworn enemy of his and had conferred that he was liable to execution as a murderer. It also proves that the noble character and moral behavior had a profound effect on people with whom he came in contact, that a person like Thamamah who had nothing but hatred and enmity for Islam, its center Madinah and the Prophet CP.B.U.H.), after three days contact and impression of his generosity embraced Islam without any external move for it.
In this year the Apostle of Allah related a dream of his to his Muslim following in Madinah. He said:
"I saw that I and the Muslims have gone to Madinah and circumambulating Ka'bah." This dream of his aroused such a passion among the Muslim exiles in Madinah that they longed to be there actually compassing around Ka'bah. They persuaded him to undertake pilgrimage for 'Umrah or minor Hajj that very year. They did not fully arm themselves when starting for Ka'bah, only the sacrificial animals (camels) with them: starting on the journey in Ze Qa'dah, a prohibited month in the time-honored Arab tradition of peace and amity, and universally recognized peaceful month, in which free access to Makkah was in vogue and the roads were quite safe. At Hudaibiyah, nineteen miles from Makkah, the Prophet sent information to Makkans of their arrival for peaceful purposes and sought permission (out of courtesy) to enter Makkah for 'Umrah
'Uthman (R) was sent to Makkah with the message. When there was unusual delay in his return from the land of the enemy, there were rumors that the messenger had been killed by the enemy, although 'Uthman had support in his tribe in Makkah. Under the circumstances, avenging the blood of 'Uthman, battle was imminent for this purpose the Prophet took their oath of loyalty to Islam (Bai'ah), at Hudaibiyah under a tree to remain steady in their trial. They had not come prepared for such an emergency as stated above. They were only fourteeQ hundred in number. The Quran says: Allah's good pleasure was on the believer, when they swore fealty to thee under the tree. (Q. XLVIII: 18) In this bai'ah, the Prophet taking his left hand as the right hand of 'Uthman (R) and swore fealty on his behalf. The Quraysh of Makkah on hearing of this bai'ah were terrified, and their elite presented themselves to the Prophet at Hudaibiyah. 'Urwah bin Mas'ood, thier representative on his return to Makkah told them:
After due consideration the Quraysh agreed to a hearty, and the following terms were agreed upon:
1. For ten years’ peace will reign and there will be no restraints what-ever in the movements of the two parties.
2. The tribes were at liberty to go with either party they chose as their ally, and these tribes also would enjoy the same rights.
3. Next year the Muslims will be permitted to visit Ka'bah. They may travel armed but arms will not be allowed here. 4. If somebody from Quraysh goes to Mohammad, he will have to return him to Quraysh on their demand. But if some believer discarding belief joins the Quraysh, he will not be returned. The last condition was distressing to every one save Abu Bakr (R). 'Umar (R) was most zealous in this behalf. But the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) accepted this, apparently, unjust condition also with a smile on his face.
The treaty was written down by 'Ali Murtaza (R) and he began it with the name of Allah, Rahman.
SuhaiI, who was the attorney on behalf of the Quraysh said: "By God we do not know who this Rahman is. Write, in the name of Allah. The Prophet ordered this change to be made.
'Ali (R) then wrote: This is a contract between Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) the apostle of Allah and Quraysh.
Suhail , once again objected and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) ordered 'Ali to write Muhammad Ibn AbdAllah.
But this condition had just been agreed upon and being written and yet to be signed by the parties when Abu Jundal came upon the scene before the Quraysh attorney SuhaiI. He had embraced Islam in Makkah. He had been incarcerated by the Quraysh and finding an opportunity to escape he had come all the way in chains to the Muslim army. Suhail claimed him as their man and returnable to Quraysh under the terms of the treaty. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) objected to his demand on the ground that the contract had not yet been completed. So it does not come under this treaty.
Suhail showing temper said that in that case they would not enter this treaty. The Prophet ordered his surrender to Quraysh and it was complied with in spite of protests from Abu Jundal.
The Quraysh tied his hand behind IUs back then and there in the Muslim camp with feet chained and dragged him along with them. At the time of their departure the Prophet had said: "Don't worry Abu Jundal! Allah shall create some means for your freedom."
At this degradation of Abu Jundal and the tyranny and injustice of Quraysh the Muslims were much perturbed, even enraged but in face of the decree of the Prophet they suppressed their emotions with patience.
The Prophet with his companions was yet at Hudaibiyah when 80 armed persons got down from Tan'eem mount close by and wanted to kill Muslims when they were busy with their prayer. They were all captured by the Muslims but the Prophet, mercy for mankind, forgave them and let them go scot free. The Quran says:
And it is He Who has restrained their hands from you and your hands from them in the valley of Makkah. After that he gave you the victory over them. - Al Quran XLVIII: 24
In short this expedition proved a great blessing. The Prophet in this treaty showed generosity, firmness of mind, far sightedness and in forgiving the invading contingent of enemies he manifested his mercy and forgiveness.
And from 'Hudaibiyah that he left for Madinah. The Quranic Surah, AI Fatah was revealed after the conclusion of the treaty. 'Umar Faruq (r) asked the Prophet: "O Apostle of Allah! Is this treaty a victory for us and the Prophet said: "yes it is?”
In short, the consequent of Abu Jundal's going back to Makkah in chains were far-reaching. Through his devotional preaching about three hundred persons entered the fold of Islam.
Now Quraysh realized their mistake of insisting on return of their men becoming believers back to them, making it a term of the treaty. So they sent some selected persons of Makkah to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) that they declare this particular term of the treaty null and void, and thee convert to Islam should be called back. But the Prophet did not like to go against the terms of the treaty. At this stage of events it came to be clearly understood even by the common people that the most unpleasant term of the treaty has proved a blessing in disguise.
Abu Jundal's episode brings to light the fact that the truth of Islam was spreading with the Divine Power and going to the hearts of the seekers of truth. It was this supernatural power that exile from the land of his birth, separation from the near and dear, imprisonment, hunger, thirst, fear and temptation, sword and cross, in fact nothing contest and in their way.
THE REAL GAIN OF THE TREATYImam Zahri has written about the first term of the treaty that lifting the barrier of free movement on either side resulted in the free mixing of people with Muslims and this provided occasions to understand the truth about Islam and people entered the fold of Islam during this year more than in anyone year so far.
MUSLIM PILGRIMAGE TO KA'BAH AND ITS CONSEQUENCES IN THE 7TH YEAR OF HIJRAHAccording to the second term of the Hudaibiyah Treaty the Muslims were entitled to a
The Apostle of Allah stayed for three days in Makkah for 'Umrah and left with his companions for Madinah as desired by the Makkans, this visit being abhorrent to them.
The true zeal and simple but very effective mode of worship and above all their highest standard of honesty and integrity in a city vacated by its citizens, had a marvelous effect on the unbelievers of Makkah, inclining hundreds of them towards the uphill now "most despicable faith...
THE FOURTH CONSPIRACY OF THE JEWS PREPARATIONS AFOOT FOR INVADING MADINAH, ISLAMIC ADVANCE ON THEM OR BATTLE OF KHAIBAR, MUHARRAM 7 A.H.Khaibar is the name of a place, three days’ journey off Madinah. This was purely Judaic locality fortified all round for its protection from outside.
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had hardly rested a month in Madinah after the expedition to Hudaibiyah when he learnt of the Judaic invasion of Madinah from Khaibar, who were fully prepared for another blood trial of strength after their failure in the battle of Trench.
They had brought an additional force of 4,000 strong of Banu Ghatfan tribe on condition that in case of conquest of Madinah they would be staring half the produce of Khaibar to these Ghatfan allies. Muslims had not yet forgotten the hardships they had to put up with only last year in the Battle of the Trench. So they all came to a consensus that this intending invader should be confronted outside and far from Madinah.
The Prophet permitted to go with him on this military expedition only those who had had Allah's pleasure to their credit at Hudaibiyah Bayah, known as Bay'ah Rizwan (Swearing fealty for the Pleasure of Allah), and had been given glad tidings of a large booty in future on this occasion. They were fourteen hundred in all, including 200 cavalries.
The vanguard of this force was 'Ukashah Muhs'in Asadi (R) and leading the right wing was 'Umar Faruq (R), while the left wing was being led by some other companion. Twenty female companions of the Prophet were also part of this expedition, who had come to look after those suddenly taken ill or wounded.
The Prophet ordered that the major camp of the army shall not be moved from here, and the invading squadrons shall start from this camp. A mosque had been put up in the camp area immediately, and along with the battle preaching had also been started. 'Uthman (r) ibn 'Affan, was the officer responsible for this camp.
The forts of Khaibar that stood right and left of the town were ten in all, in which were stationed ten thousand fighting fit men.
Mahmud bin Muslimah (R) was made the chief commander of the invading army. And he started fighting at the Natat fort. The Prophet had personally joined the invading force as had been his wont earlier. The rest of the military camp was under the supervision of 'Uthman(R).
Mahmud bin Muslimah kept invading for five days but the fort did not fall to him. On the 5th or 6th day as he lay in the shade of the fort, away from the scorching heat of the open space of the battle field, a Jew, Kananah bin-al-Haqiq hit him with a heavy stone and he was martyred. His brother Muhammad bin Muslimah took over charge of the invading army and continued fighting till that evening. He was of opinion that the date palm grove of the Jews be destroyed, since they loved a tree like their own children. This measure will affect those in the fort. Execution of the plan had started when approaching the prophet, Abu Bakr (R) submitted that this territory is certainly going to fall to the Muslims so why devastate it with our own hands. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) approved of his opinion and issued orders to Ibn Muslimah accordingly. In the evening Muhammad bin Muslimah related to the Prophet the incident of the death of his brother. The Prophet confided to him: "Tomorrow the standard shall be handed over to the person whom Allah and His apostle love and Allah will make him victorious.
This qualification was so pleasing that many brave warriors were longing to be the receiver of that honour (the command of the invading army the next day).
Early in the morning the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) called ‘Ali Murtaza (R). His companions informed him that 'Ali (R) presented himself and the Prophet rubbed his own saliva on his sore eyes and with immediate recovery to came to normal condition. Then he said to Ali "Go and fight in the way of Allah. Begin with the call to Islam and confront them in battle. 'Ali! If even one person embraces Islam at your hands, it will be better than rich booties." (red camels in another report). 'Ali (R) planned invasion of the Na'im fort. The chief of the garrison, Marhab, came out to challenge him. He was known to regard himself equal to a thousand swordsmen.
According to the custom of the times before general scuffle of the armies outstanding individuals from both sides challenged each other, both putting forth high (rather exaggerated) claims of their velour, courage and expertise in the art of war in poetic style. So here too in answer to the challenge of Marhab, 'Amir bin-al-Akwa' (R) came out from the Muslim side, also trying to daunt his challenger with his even higher claims to velour and seasoning as a swordsman. Marhab attacked him with sword from which 'Amir (R) defending himself with his shield, in turn tried to strike him (Marhab) with his sword. But it proved too short to injure him, instead it struck his own knee which ultimately martyred him. Then 'Ali (R) advanced towards Marhab now with even higher challenges and with a single powerful stroke of his sword ripped his steal helmet, going through the skull bisected his neck also.
Marhab's brother, Yasir replaced him and was killed by Zubair (R) bin-al-Awam.
Then siege was laid to the Hisn obai fort. The inmates put up great resistance. A Jew named Ghazwan came out of the Fort and challenged the Muslim army. Habab (R) advanced towards him to meet the challenge. His right hand was chopped off clean and he hastily made for the fort. Habab (R) gave, him chase and severed his jugular vein also. He fell down and was slain.
Another challenger came out of the fort and was confronted by a Muslim, who lost his life at the adversary’s hand. Now Abu Dujanah (R) came and of the Muslim ranks who in the very first attack chopped off his legs and then slew him.
The Jews were over awed and dared not come out in the open to face the Muslims in a regular battle. Abu Dujanah (R) advanced towards the fort with the Muslim following and with the Magnification of Allah, got up the fort wall. The fort was conquered and the besieged army left in panic. Larger booty in the form of goods, clothes and other goods was found in this fort.
Now it was Hism-al-Bir to face siege. Here the besieged army in the fort rained arrows and stones on the besieging Muslim army that were forced to use the catapult to bombard the fort. These instruments of destruction they had come upon in the Sa'ab fort. The fort walls were demolished and the Muslim army conquered it.
KHALID (R) BIN WALEED'S ISLAM 8, A.H
A capable person whom the Quraysh had deputed as head of the deputation sent to Abyssinian king Najashi for the extradition of the migrating Muslims from Makkah and then it was he who conquered Egypt during the caliphate of 'Umar (R) the second rightly guided caliph. A statesman and politician and a conqueror of countries of the Caliber of Amr bin 'As embracing Islam of his own accord is also no less marvelous.
And 'Uthman bin Talha was also one, who was holding the keys of Ka'bah and its grand supervisor. When these elite of outstanding nobility and high ancestry held in high esteem by the Arabs, presented themselves in all humility to the Prophet in Madinah, declared that Makkah had given its precious jewels, its assets to us at last.
'ADI BIN HATIM TA'I'S ISLAM 9 A.H.The event that became the cause of Islam this high placed chief was the revolt of Bani Tay of Yemen in 9
A.H. 'Ali Murtaza (R) was the governor of this territory. He arrested the mischief makers and sent them over to Madinah. The daughter of Hatim Ta'i the world famous generous Arab tribal chief, was also one of these prisoners. She submitted to the Prophet: "I am the daughter of the tribal chief. My father was well known for his generosity and charities. He fed the hungry and treated the poor mercifully. He died. My brother took refuge in fleeing his country and possessions. Kindly have mercy on me." The Prophet on hearing this account said to her:
"Your father had the traits of believers in him." He then freed her with her associates, obliging her with provisions for the journey and a change of clothing.
'ADI BIN HATIM'S EPISODE'Adi bin Hatim himself confessed that he detested the name of the apostle of Allah: because of his (Adi's) subscribing to Christianity. He goes on to say in his episode:
Then we arrived at his house. A leather bedding filled with date palm stalk scrapings he threw to me, asking me to sit on it. I said to him: "you take your seat on it." But he insisted on my sitting on it and so I had to sit on it, and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) sat on the floor.
Now once again I admitted to myself that he is not a king by any means. "
Now the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said: "you are a Rakusi (a sect among Christians). I said: "yes. That I am." He then said: "you take one fourth of the spoils of battles and one fourth of their produce from your community?" "I confessed, that I do". The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said: But that is not permitted by your religion." I admitted that he was right. And I said to myself. "He is a prophet and knows everything. Nothing is hidden from him."
The Prophet said once again: " 'Adi! What is keeping you back from entering that (our) Faith? It appears to be that all its followers are poor. By Allah! Riches are going to be so plentiful that there will hardly be any takers. "
"Adi! May be this fact is also a barrier in entering the fold of Islam that authority and rule just now is with other nations. By Allah! Time is not far when you will come to know that the white castle of Babylonian (Nausherwan's court room) will fall in Muslim's hands.
"Tell me Adi, what is the hesitation in pronouncing "Allah is the Greatest." Is there anyone greater than Allah?"
Adi says that after this speech of his I came to believe in Islam. My embracing Islam gladdened him which was apparent from his face.
Adi says that "only two years had elapsed over this glad tidings of the Prophet, the third was running when I saw the Babylonian castles too conquered by the Muslims. And also saw an old woman coming from Qadsiah for Hajj all alone. And I am sure the third good news (plentiful riches) will also come true."
HAJJ (PILGRIMAGE TO KA'BAH)The fifth tenet of Islam is Haij (a visit to Ka'bah).
It must be carefully borne in mind that Islam is that message of love and unity that unites the segregated, turns strange of love and unity that unites the segregated, turns strangers in to close friends and kinsmen.
The Islamic injunctions too aim at it that individuals from different origins should be brought together into one millat (community) on an agreed Kalimah (word) common to all.
(a) To get together at the locality mosque five times a day has been made compulsory, to create and make stable their mutual relations to the extent of that neighborhood.
(b) To strengthen ties of love and affection in the dwellers of a town their attendance on Fridays in the Jami' Masjid and attend the Jum'ah congregation has been made equally binding on citizens.
1. In the Islamic world to strengthen religious contacts and to bring together peoples of different nations, races, languages, colours and lands to partake in a call to the one Faith, Hajj pilgrimage once in a life time has been made obligatory for all those who can afford the cost of the return journey, expenses of stay in Makkah as well as leaving enough for the subsistence of those remaining behind during the period of their absence.
2. For the Hajj pilgrimage that simple unsewn dress of the father of humanity, Adam used to put on, has been prescribed, so that believers in the same Messenger of Allah, in the same Quran, the same Ka'bah may appear in the same form, same dress and at the same level. And even those superficial observers may not find any differences among those with real unity (not on material but spiritual bases).
3. The place selected for Hajj is that first place of worship built by the grandfather of Sabi'is, Jews, Christians and Muslims, Abraham. Since the aggregate of the communities mentioned above is greater than the other communities, the selection of this place is supported both by the majority and antiquity of the place of worship.
4. Hajj aims also at glorification and magnification of Islam. And the benefits derived by the Hajj pilgrims by lord, see and air are also meant as part of the real aim or the corroborative aims. The aim of the kings in holding magnificent darbars like coronation, a marshal's aim in military review, the aim of the conference in holding annual sessions and meetings of delegates, and the aim of a commercial house in the world exhibitions-they are all taken care of and observed in Hajj ceremonial in the finest from. Whatever the archaeologists seek, those looking for the wonders of the world, the Geologists, the Linguists, the Researchers in the history of nations and Geographers of the world are in search of, is met with in Hajj pilgrimage.
After him was sent 'Ali Murtaza (R) that he should declare the then revealed Surah Bara'ah (Q. IX). Abu Bakr Siddiq (R) led the various stages of Hajj ceremonial, and 'Ali Murtaza proclaimed the first forty verses of Surah bara'ah along with the command that after that year no polytheist can enter Bait-Allah (Ka'bah), and also that no one will be allowed to compass round Ka'bah naked.
In the 10th year of Hijrah., the Prophet himself intended to go for Hajj and message was sent everywhere that the apostle of Allah was going for Hajj pilgrimage. As a result of this information, people in large numbers gathered in Madinah, comprising every class of persons. The Prophet put on the pilgrim garb (ihram) at Zi-al Halifah and right from here he adopted the Hajj pilgrim's chant, Labbaik, Allahumma Labbaik, La Sharik Laka Labbaik -----I am here, O my Lord, I am here, there is no partner to Thee. I am here (at Thy bidding. ...) and started for Makkah in Ihram.
This sacred caravan was joined by people on the way to swell into numbers. The Prophet whenever he came upon a mound, said 'Allah is the Greatest loudly three times. Approaching Makkah, he stayed at Zi Tuwa a little while and then with his large following entered Makkah and during the day light walked round the Ka’bah, manifested the Majesty of Allah.
Having done with the visit to Ka'bah, he went to Safa and Marwah hillocks. Mounting up then peaks and turning to Ka'bah he pronounced the words of glorification and Magnificaton of Allah. And also, 'There is no god but Allah. He is one and only. There are no partners to Him. For Him is the Dominion and for Him also is the Praise. and He has Power over all things. There is no god but Allah.
On the eighth of Zi-al-Hijjah, starting from his camp in Makkah he went to Mina and stayed there said Zuhr, Asr Maghrib and Isha and Fajr prayers were offered in Mina.
On 9th Zi-al-Hijjah, the Prophet after sunrise came to Namrah valley,
on one side of which is Arafat and on the other is Muzdalfah. After
midday when the sun had declined, he started from here and carne to
Arafat. The entire vast field was occupied by the larger number of
people. A manmoth gathering of 144 or 124 thousand was there and every
I. O ye people! I believe that you and I shall never again meet in this valley.
2. O ye people! your blood, your goods and your honours are prohibited to one another as your honour this day, this town and this month. O ye people! you have to appear before Allah in near future and He will question you about your doings. I warn you! Do not become misguided after me that you come to behead one another.
3. O ye people! Everything pertaining to the days of lahiliyah (ignorance or Unlslam) is under my feet (discarded forever). All the quarrels of murders of the period of jahiliyah, I close down as null and void. The first murder of my family, that of Ibn Rabi'ah bin-al-Harith by Huzail, I disown any claim to it.
The interests of the days of jahiliyah have likewise been waived. The first case of interest of my family, that of 'Abbas (R) bin Abdul Muttalib, I write off wholly.
4. O ye people! Fear Allah's wrath in relation to your wives. In Allah's name you took them as wives and with the word of Allah you made their bodies permitted to you. Your claim to their loyalty and faithfulness is only in as much as they should not allow anyone (whom you do not like) to come to your bed. But if they do it, beat them but a beating which does not leave a mark on their bodies. And their (your wives’) right demands that you should feed them well and clothe them decently.
5. O ye people! I am leaving something among you, that if you hold fast to it you will never be misguided. And that is the Book of Allah, the Quran.
6. O ye people! After me there is neither any prophet nor a new ummah to follow you. Listen to me carefully that you should worship your Lord and Sustainer, and offer five times daily prayer. Fast during the month of Ramadan in a year. pay Zakat on your wealth and goods cheerfully. Undertake Hajj of the House of Allah. (at least once in a life time). And obey those of your own controlling your affair: (in society and state), the reward of which is entry to the heaven of your Lord.
You have conveyed to us the Divine Message
You have done what was due from you as a Prophet
You have told us clearly about the right and wrong
(At this) the Prophet raised his index finger, raising it towards the sky and lowering it towards the people.
Listen (or Thou art listening) O Allah! What these people are saying.
Be Thou witness O Allah! What they are bearing witness to.
Remain a Witness O Allah] How manifestly they are affirming (the doing of my duty).
Hark ye! Those who are present here, should keep conveying to those who are absent. May be those to whom this is conveyed may retain it better (than those receiving them (my words) first hand) and may take greater care in preserving them.
1. It is worthwhile to read this harangue of the prophet (P.B.U.H.) carefully and thoughtfully with fore sight, to note with how he has emphasized living up to the teachings of the Quran and how he has promised with certainty that misguidance can never touch those acting on it.
2. How he has tried to preserve the mutual rights and obligations of the Muslims pertaining to their lives, properties, honour and dignity.
3. How he has emphasized the rights of our wives in very strong words.
4. How about himself and his services of a life time? -to which he has made our ancestors witnesses.
5. And how he has held every Muslim responsible for preaching of Islam. These are the principles and commandments acting on which can extol the Muslims Here and Hereafter, and utter disregard and inaction makes them losers in both the worlds.
When the Prophet closed his harangue, immediately (on the same spot) the following verse of the Quran was revealed:
On the day specified for sacrifice the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) sacrificed 63 camels himself and 37 were sacrificed by Ali Murtaza (R) on behalf of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). This sacrifice was offered at Mina, which had been the sacrificial place from the time of Abraham (Ibrahim (P.B.U.H. When sacrifice was over, the Prophet came to the House of Allah he took additional rounds of Ka'bah. Both in sacrifice and circumambulation of Ka'bah his companions followed him. Thousands of camels, rams, goats and sheeps were sacrificed by them.
The aim of Hajj pilgrimage of the Prophet was, reverential attitude towards signs of Allah, revival of the Sunnahs (ways) of Ibrahim and Isma'il (P.B.U.H.), falsification of the polytheists practices of the unbelievers, proclamation of the unmixed unity of Allah and propagation of the teachings of Islam on a vast scale. Since the Prophet (P.S.U.H.) had preached to the Ummah for the last time, therefore this Hajj pilgrimage of his is also called Hajjahal-Wada'.
After this tremendous success when he had preached unity of Allah to 144 thousand chosen servants of Allah with practical example, took leave of them and came to Madinah in a happy mood.
While returning, Baridah As Lami (R) had put up some complaints against 'Ali Murtaza before the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) They pertained to the distribution of spoils of war in Yemen.
THE GHADEER HARANGUEIn fact, the basis of these complaints was misunderstandings on the part of Baridah. Therefore, he delivered a very powerful speech at Khum-Ghadeer and in that discourse he brought out the exalted position and honour and dignity of his family (Ahl-Bait) Allah be pleased with all of them. And holding the hand of 'Ali Murtaza he said: "To whomsoever I am a protector, 'Ali is also his protector. "
After this Khutbah (speech) 'Umar Faruq (R) congratulated 'Ali (R) for this superiority, and Baridah (R), during the rest of his life treated 'Ali (R) with love and followed him. And he was finally martyred in the battle of Jamal.
When comes the help of Allah, and victory, and thou dost see the people enter Allah's religion in crowds, celebrate the praises of thy Lord and pray for His forgiveness. For He is of returning (in forgiveness)-- Al Quran ex : 1-3
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) understood that it was information of his departure during the current year. During the last Ramadan in 10 A.H. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) sat in I'tikaf (seclusion in mosque exclusively for the remembrance of Allah) for 20 days instead of the normal 10 days of former years. He had explained it to her dear daughter Fatimah (R) that he expected his death shortly after. In his last harangue of the last Hajj he had told his audience that he did not expect to meet them after that.
In the early part of Safar, the second month of Lunar calendar, he had also started making preparations for the Last Journey Home ward. One day he went to mount Uhud and said prayers at the site where those martyred in the battle of Uhud were laid to rest (in peace). On his return from there he said from the pulpit in the mosque: "O ye people! I am to go earlier than you and shall bear witness in your favour. By Allah! I am looking at my Hauz-Kausar (a reservoir in heaven from which thirsty sincere believers are going to drink from the hands of the Apostle of Allah after resurrection) from 'here. I have been given the keys of the treasure houses of various countries. I have no fear of your becoming polytheists after me. Still there is fear of your starting emulation, competition and rivalry.
About midnight he visited the Baqi' graveyard and prayed for the departed ones buried there, and everywhere he stood he pronounced the words "I am coming to join you, as if giving them glad tidings of his meeting-them shortly.
Then one day he called together Muslims and said to them:
"May Allah keep you in the shade of His Mercy, remove your broken heartedness
That home of the Hereafter, We shall give to those who intend not high-handedness or mischief on earth, and the end is best for the righteous. - Al Quran XXVIII: 83
Then he recited the following verse:
Thus evil indeed is the abode of the arrogant. (Q. XVI: 29)
And lastly he said: Peace be on you all, and on all those entering my Bai'ah through Islam.
THE APPEARANCE OF THE DISEASEOn Monday, 29th of Safar, the second month of the Lunar Calendar, the Prophet was coming back after attending a funeral, that he felt headache and then followed high temperature. Abu Saeed Khudri says that I touched the cloth (a handkerchief that the Prophet had tied round his head, was emitting warmth. His body was so warm with the heat of the fever that my hand did not find it agreeable. I expressed my amazement at this extraordinary heat of his body and he said: Prophets are the worst sufferers. And that is why their reward in the Hereafter is the greatest.
During the course of illness, the first two days he led the prayers himself out of the total number of 13 or 14 days (when he was in great pain and too weak to come to the mosque for congregation.
THE LAST WEEKThe last week of his illness he stayed in the apartment of 'Ayeshah (R), the dearest consort of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).
The mother of the believers. 'Ayeshah (R) says that whenever the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) fell ill, he used to recite the following prayer and blowing over his hands he rubbed his hands over his body:
"During the course of his illness I had recited this invocation and blowing on his hands I intended to rub his hands on his body. The Prophet removed his hands and uttered the following words:
"O Allah! Forgive me and make me close to the Most Exalted Friend (and companion)."
FIVE DAYS PRIOR TO IDS DEPARTUREIt was on Wednesday that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) sat in a stone or metal tub, and had seven leather water bags from seven different wells, shed over his body. This measure gave him some relief, and as a result he came to the mosque and said to those present there:
"There has been a community before you that made the graves of their prophets and virtuous persons their places of worship. You should never do that." He further added: "May Allah curse those Jews and Christians who made the graves of their prophets places of prostration (prayers)." He also said: "After I am gone, do not make my burial place a spot to be worshipped."
He went on to say: "The community that converted the burial ground of the prophets into mosques have been struck by the great wrath of Allah. Mind you, I forbid you to do that. Do you see, I have preached and warned you? 0 Allah! Be Thou Witness to it. Be Thou witness to it"
He led the congregation and then mounted the pulpit. This was his last sitting on the pulpit.
Then after praise of Allah he said:
"I advise you in favour of Ansar. They have been my apparel and my provision. They have amply discharged their duties ~d met their obligations in other ways. And now what remains are their rights. Have regard for those of them whose performance is excellent and let go those not corning up to the mark unhampered.
He said to his audience in the mosque: A servant, of Allah was presented with the world and whatever is in it, but he stood firmly in favour of the Hereafter.
The next day, Thursday, he was unwell again and his illness progressed and his condition worsened. In this state of his health he said to those present: "Let me write something for you, may not be misguided after me." Some people were of opinion that the Prophet is in great pain due to high fever and 'headache. We should not trouble him. We have Quran with us which suffices. The companions differed on this point. Some wanted writing material to be brought to write the desired ordainment and some were against it. When the noise became troublesome, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) asked them to leave him alone.
After that on Thursday the Prophet favored them with three pieces of advice:
1. The Jews should be ousted from the Arabian Peninsula.
2. The delegations should be treated with the same with respect and hospitality as earlier (during the period of the Prophet).
3. The third advice according to the Bukhari was about the Quran.
THURSDAY EVENING: To this day up to the Maghrib (after sunset prayer) the Prophet himself led. However, due to extreme weakness in spite of three efforts he could not take himself to the mosque and instructed that Abu Bakr (R) be asked to lead the prayer which he did. Under this order Abu Bakr (R) led 17 prayers during the life-time of the Prophet.
On Saturday or Sunday, that Zuhr prayer (midday) had been started led by Abu Bakr when the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) supported on either side by 'Abbas (R) and 'Ali Murtaza (R) came to join the congregation. Abu Bakr intended to go back to the ranks vacating Imams place for him, but he (prophet) by a sign asked him to go on leading the prayer and himself sitting by him (Abu Bakr (R») entered the congregation. Now Abu Bakr (R) was following the Prophet and the congregation followed him.
JUST A DAY BEFORE DEPARTURE
On Monday at the time of Fajr prayer, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) lifted the curtain between 'Ayeshah apartment and the mosque. Congregational prayer was in progress.
For a whiIe he watched this sacred spectacle of the most important Islamic ritual, the result of his own marvelous teaching. (Muslim-Anas (R)). This spectacle brought freshness to his face and a smile to his lips. His face appeared to be a leaf from the Quran. The companions were in such a state of ecstasy as if they would become all attention to this most desirable vision dear to their hearts. Abu Bakr (R) misunderstood this to be the intention of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to join congregation also. Then the Prophet dropped the screen, and Abu Bakr alone led the congregation as he had been doing for the last few days. After that the Prophet did not live for any other prayer.
A little after sunrise the Prophet called his dear daughter Fatimah (R), and whispered something into her ear, which brought tears to her eyes. And after the repeated whisper she smiled. Later, on being questioned (by 'Ayeshah (R) probably) she disclosed that the first thing said to her was that the Prophet was leaving the world. And the second was that she (Fatimah) would be the first among his family to join him in heaven. The same day Fatimah Zahra'-al-Batool was given the glad tidings of being the leader of the women of heaven in the next world.
Fatimah observing the condition of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had said; "Ab! In what great pain my father is." The Prophet had replied: "your father after this day shall never suffer any pain whatsoever."
Then he called his grandsons Hasan and Husain (R). He kissed both of them and advised with emphasis that they should be held in love and regard. Then his consorts were called and blessed with the best counsel. After that Ali Murtaza (R) was called and brought his head down to his own lap. And he too was honored with the most useful counsel.
When the death pangs started 'Ayeshah (R) was supporting his weight sitting behind him. A cup full of water was there by his bed. He moistened his hand in the cup and rubbed it on his face. His face reddened and paled by turns. He uttered.
There is no god but Allah. Indeed, there are death pangs with death.
At this juncture there came Abd-al-Rahman bin Abu Bakr, siddiq (R). He held in his hand a fresh miswak (tooth stick) The Prophet looked at the miswak and 'Ayeshah siddiqah (R) taking that in her hand, softened by crushing with her teeth. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) used it to clean his teeth. Then raising his hand uttered the following words:
To Allah, the True Exalted Friend or companion
And with these words, his hand fell and the pupils went up.
It was 12th of Rabi 1, 11th year of Hijrah, Monday, time between sunrise and midday (chasht), that his pure soul departing from the mortal body left for its eternal abode, paradise. His age at this time was sixty-three years and four days.
Verily to Allah we belong and it is to Him that we are destined to return. (Q II: 156)
If then Thou shouldst die would they live permanently? (Q. XXI: 34)
Fatimah (R) said on this occasion:
"My dear father accepted the invitation of his Lord and Cherishes, and went to paradise. Ah! Who can convey the news of JibriI?”
Then she said: "0 Allah! take the soul of Fatimah to the soul of Muhammad. 0 Allah! Gladden my heart with the sight of the Apostle (P.B.U.H.) 0 Allah! Do not keep me deprived of the reward of this calamity and from the intercession of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) on the Day of Reckoning.
'Ayeshah Tayyibah said on this incident:
"Alas! That Prophet who preferred poverty and indigence to riches and luxury."
"Who fought a tough battle with his own self with steadiness and patient perseverance. "
"Who never so much as cast a glance of approval at things prohibited.
"Who never closed the doors of benevolence on those stricken with poverty and indigence.
"Whose conscience was never affected in the least by the distress and hurt caused by the enemies.
"Alas! One whose pearls like teeth were broken with stones
"And whose forehead was wounded.
Today -------has departed from the world."
The news of his passing away made the companions distracted, greatly distressed, confounded and stupefied with grief. Someone ran out to wilderness and another stayed dumb founded and motionless in his place.
-----'Umar Faruq (R) could not believe that the Prophet had left for his heavenly abode.
Abu Bakr Siddiq (R) went inside, cast glance at his body, touched his mouth with his lips and also kissed his forehead, shed tears and then uttered these words:
"My father and mother be sacrificed to you. By Allah! He will not cause another death to you. This one was the only death destined.
Then he came to the mosque, delivered a speech relating to the sad event of the demise of the Prophet. After praising Allah, he said:
"Whoever among you worshipped Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), he must understand that he has departed from this world. And those who worshipped Allah Exalted, Undoubtedly He lives. There is no death for Him. Allah has himself said:
Bathing the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) 'Ali MUl1aza (R) was saying:
"My father and mother be sacrificed to you, your demise has taken away from us something that which was not taken away from any other's death, meaning that the information of the Unseen and heavenly revelation have been cut off. Your death is a unique great catastrophe after which all other misfortunes have lost their gravity. And it is such an all pervading accident that joins all in common grief. If you had not ordained patience and forbidden wailing and crying, we would have rained down allow tears in grieving for you and yet our wounded hearts would have remained painful and the wound unhealed. And our (pitiable) condition too (due to suppressed grief) would have been much less serious and painful. This calamity has no remedy and this grief can never leave us. My parents be sacrificed to you, mention us to your and our Lord and Sustainer, and do not consign us to oblivion.
FUNERAL PRAYERHis clean and pure dead body lay at the site of death. The funeral prayer was first said by the kinsman, then Muhajirs and Ansars, men, women and children. In these prayers there was no imam. The apartment was small and only ten persons at a time could enter. This process continued day and night. Therefore, his burial could take place only during the night of Wednesday, nearly 32 hours after death.
Verily to Allah we belong and it is to Him that we are destined to return. Q. II: 156
CHAPTER V THE SUBLIME MORALS OF MUHAMMAD (P.B.U.H.)The facts stated above give briefly an idea of the difficulties and hardships the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had to face in the proclamation of his prophethood, propagation of his teachings and protection of all those taking to his teachings,
In connection with the events related earlier, the morals, excellence, attributes and laudable deeds outshine like pure gold in sand and dirt. And it is these events that brings to light the fact that in the totally opposites conditions of oppression and helplessness and power and majesty, doing existence with the same simplicity can be the accomplishment of one whose heart has been totally possessed by the Divine Law. When it has been purged of the worldly involvements.
The blessed events of the Prophet's (P.B. V.H.) life are a model and an exemplar for every country, every class, both for individuals and groups and parties.
Instead of the perfections of the prophethood and characteristics of the Prophet, only those simple natural good habits, good disposition, amiability and extremely good manners shall be taken up which a born fortunate person of a docile nature can take as a model of moral perfection:
Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah and excellent example. Al Quran XXXIII: 21
Our leader, Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was unlettered. And up to the time of his being raised a Prophet, had not had the company of any learned person.
Archery, horsemanship, use of lance in fighting, poetry, panegyric or laudative poetry, geneology were those arts and skj)}s of that period which every young man of a noble family did pick up for the sake of fame and prestige, and without which no one had any chance of coming to a position of honour or distinction in his community. The Prophet had not learnt or picked up any of these from anybody as a student. Nor did he ever shown any interest in learning them.
French Professor Cideo writes about the Prophet (P.B.U.H.):
He had a smiling countenance, sociable, mostly. quiet (a man of few words), remembering God most of the time, for removed from absurdity, abhorring frivolity and had the most appropriate opinion and wisest (among those around him).
Huijah-al-Islam Ghazali writes:
The Prophet offered green fodder to the cattle himself, tied the camels, cleaned the house, milked the goat, took his food with his servant or slave, gave a helping hand to the servant in his work, went to the market for purchase of the necessities of life and himself brought these things home. He was always the first to greet (say salam) to every one young or old, high or low (never allowing them precedence over himself). Whoever accompanied him, he walked hand in hand with him.
He never made distinction between master and man, Abyssinian and a Turk. He had the same attire for the day md night wear. However lowly a person invited him to dine with him, he accepted without reserve. And whatever was offered to him, he took it cheerfully. He was not given to saving for the morning from the night's viruals, nor from the day's food for the night contentment and real trust in Allah). He was good natured, of a generous disposition and cheerful countenance (smiling face) but never laughed (loudly). He was mostly full of anxiety for one reason or another but not ill-tempered. He was meek but without meanness. He was awe-inspiring but not a harsh countenance. He was generous but not prodigal. He was merciful to one and all but expected nothing from anyone. He mostly kept him head bent.
Shah Wali-al-Allah writes:
Whoever happened to confront him suddenly he became awe-inspired and whoever sat with him for a while became devoted follower and admirer.
In Sahih Bukhari it has been said:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) gave glad tidings to the obedient and warned the disobedient and transgressor. Allah's servant and His Messenger offered asylum to the uninformed. Leaving everything to Allah (after doing what was h.is own due). Neither harsh in behavior nor in speech. Never raised his voice in speaking, nor tit for tat in dealings. Those seeking forgiveness, he readily forgave (if it was not a transgression against God. The sinner also he forgave. His mission was to correct the crookedness in religio!1s. His teachings gave eyes to the blind, ears to the deaf and lifted the curtains from the hearts of the negligent. The Prophet's (PB.U.H.) character was decorated with every excellence and qualified with all the finest attributes. Peace and tranquility was attire and doing good his distinctive sign, taqwa, (piety), his conscience, wisdom his speech, justice his conduct, His Shari'ah wholly uprightness and his millat (Belief and Faith). Guidance in his guide. He removes misguidance, elevating the position of the lowly and making the little known outstanding, changing minority into majority and the want or destitution into richness.
HIS SILENCE AND SPEECHThe Prophet as a matter of habit remained silent never speaking needlessly. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was extremely sweet spoken and eloquent. His speech was not at all affected. His words were so captivating that they went to the listener's heart and soul. This quality of his speech was such as compelled even the adversaries to admit it. And again it was this marvel of his speech which the ignorant attributed to sorcery.
The continuity of his speech was such that, in word or purp0l1, there was no fault. He used words with such precision and order that if the listener liked, he could count them.
HIS SMILING AND WEEPINGThe Prophet never laughed loudly, nor did he burst into laughter on his own. His laughter was limited to a serene smile. However, in the pre-down prayer (Tahaijud) he burst into tears at times.
His infant son, Ibrahim, had died while yet a suckling. When he was put into the grave, it was too much for a loving father and mercy for mankind and brought tears to his eyes. He said:
. "The eyes manifest grief, the heart is grieved too, but we say only what our Lord and Sustainer loves to hear from us: 0 Ibrahim thou in thy parting caused us grief.
On another occasion he happened to lift on to his lap his granddaughter, Zainab's (R) dying daughter. His love for the child and in death pangs, proved too much for him and it brought tears to his eyes. Sa'd (R) asked him about this phenomenon and was told that it was due to those tender chords in the human heart that are touched. It is God-given mercy. And Allah too will be merciful only to those of his servant that are kind hearted and show mercy to fellow-beings.
Once Abdu1lah ibn Mas'ood (R) was reciting Quran before the Prophet (at his bidding). When he came to the verse:
How then if we brought from each people a witness and we brought thee as a witness against these people. (Q. IV: 41)
He said to him: "That's enough. Ibn Masood (R) lifting his eyes saw tears running down the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) eyes.
INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT DIETThe Prophet (P'S.U.H.) advised people not to go to sleep on a hungry stomach (missing the night meal) and pointed to it as a sign of senility. He also advised them against going to sleep immediately after supper.
He used to persuade people to be sparing or at least moderate in eating. He used to say to them that they should keep. one third of the stomach for food, another one third for water and the last one third for the stomach itself (meaning that the stomach should not be fully stuffed to cause it pain or at least inconvenience and hardship).
He used to take fruits and vegetable with their correctives.
To be cautious against certain diseases and the healthy to be careful were his orders.
He also forbade use of prohibited things as medicines and said: "Allah has not kept healing properties in the prohibited things for you."
VISITING THE SICKWhoever among the companions fell ill, he used to visit him. He used to sit very close to the sick person and tried to console him. He used to encourage him saying: "Allah willing you shall be all right, there is no cause for worry." He also asked the patient if he desired anything, and if it was not harmful to him, he would arrange it for him. A Jewish boy who used to wait on him, fell ill and the Prophet visited him in his sick bed and it is reported also asked him to embrace Islam and after approval of his father, he did.
TREATMENT OF DISEASESWhen suffering from any ailment he himself used medicine and advised others also to do the same saying: "O ye servants of Allah! Do take medicine, since Allah has appointed a cure for every melody, save one disease. People asked him which is that? He said: "It is extreme old age (decrepitude). (When the body reaction to inherent deterioration as well as foreign invaders
becomes minimum or totally absent).
SPEECHES (HARANGUES)He used to harangue people standing on the floor or from a pulpit or on camel’s back, beginning from bearing witness to the unity of Allah and concluded with asking Allah for forgiveness. Something from the Quran was a must as part of it and the Islamic principles were taught (preached) in it.
"All those things were explained in the speeches (of the Prophet) which were the need of the hour for the Muslim community and according to the time and its demand everything was covered in them. (Zad-al-Ma'ad Vol. I, P. 49)
At the time of speaking he held in his hand a club, a bow on which, if need be, he would temporarily support himself. But there is no instance of his ever holding a sword in his hand when speaking to an audience nor he ever used it as a body support.
Allamah Ibn-al-Qayyim says: "The ignorant are often heard saying that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) took the pulpit sword in hand, pointing to the (most erroneous) belief that Islam was propagated at 'the point of sword. " The 'Allamah goes on to say, (is of the opinion) that this common belief of the ignorant masses is totally wrong.
1. Supporting himself on a sword has no proof. 2. Harangues started in Madinah and Madinah had been conquered with the force of the Quran and not the might of the sword. Again, the
Allamah also goes on to add that the Islamic Faith was established with the Heavenly revelation.
SADAQAH AND GIFTSHe never used anything coming as Sadaqah (charity). However, he had no objection to accept gifts.
The gifts from sincere companions (R) as well as Christians and Jews he accepted and in turn sent them gifts. But those from the polytheists were rejected outright.
He rode the mule sent by Maquqas, the king of Egypt, and in the battle of Hunain that same mule was Under him. But he rejected outright the horse sent by 'Amir bin Malik and plainly stated, "We do not accept gifts from a polytheist.
The precious gifts coming to the Prophet (PB.U.H.) were usually given to his companions.
HIS OWN PRAISEAny such laudation of his that would bring any other prophet lower, he disapproved, and used to say:
Never resort a mode in relation to the prophet's attributes which lowers one than any other.
The Prophet stopped them from saying those words and asked them to continue with their songs of ancestors.
POINTING OUT THE REALITY OR CORRECTING AN ERRONEOUS BELIEFDeath occurred of the Prophet's son Ibrahim. And that also happened to be the day of solar eclipse. People started talking. The sun too is mourning the death of Ibrahim. It is eclipsed. The Prophet addressed those present there: Solar and Lunar eclipses are not due to anybody's death.
REGARD FOR THE GENERAL EXPEDIENCYWhen the Quraysh renovated Ka'bah during the pre- Islamic period it was not raised on the old foundation. They left out some covered area outside, with a plinth so high that ladder was needed to enter the enclosure and with only one door. The Prophet one day commented on it addressing 'Ayeshah (R).
"Your community (Quraysh) have embraced Islam only lately, otherwise I would have demolished their stl1lcture and made certain necessary alterations. Ka'bah needs two doors, one for entry and another for departure.
When the mischievous activities of the hypocrites crossed all limits of decency and humanity, 'Umar Faruq
(R) suggested that they should be put to the sword. The Prophet said to him: "No. People will adversely comment: "Mohammad has started killing his friends." HUMANNESS AND APOSTLESHIP
The Prophet always tried to show his commands emanating from him as an Apostle separate from those he issued as a human being:
2. He pleaded the case of Mughith and intercessed with Baridah a slave girl, his, (Mughith's) wife. She had had separation from him after freedom. Baridah asked the Prophet (P.B.U.H.): Is that your command to me?" The Prophet replied: No. It is my intercession on his behalf." To this she said: "I have no need of Mughith." The Madinites, on the basis of experience used to sprinkle the pollen dust of male date palm trees on the female tree's flowers. The Prophet once casually remarked: "Where is the need of this operation?" The owners of date palm groves gave up the practice, with the result that due to scanty pollination by natural agencies like wind alone, fruit that year was scanty too. The date palm growers brought this phenomenon to the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) notice. He owned it without reserve that they knew their worldly affairs better than he did. "Follow me unstinted with certainty only in those things I order you relating to your Faith, " he concluded.
AFFECTION SHOWN TO CHILDRENPassing by the children on his way, he greeted them initially with the Islamic salutation (As-Salam-u-Alailrum, peace be on you). He placed his hand on their heads and at times lifted one on to his lap.
KINDNESS TO THE AGEDAfter the conquest of Makkah Abu Bakr Siddiq (R) brought his old decrepit blind father to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) for Baiah (oath of fealty). The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said to Abu Bakr, "Why did you give all this trouble to an old man (in this state of disabilities)? I would have myself visited him.
HONOUR AND PRESTIGE OF THE EXCELENTSaId bin Mu'az (R) who (came by a severed artery of the arm at Uhud which could not be sealed and ultimately caused his death), had been named by the Banu Quraiza Jews to pronounce his decision in their case (of high treason) and called to the scene of action. When he had come to the mosque, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) asked his companions of Aus tribe to pay their respects to him by advancing to receive him, saying "Greet and receive your leader." And his tribesmen (Aus) did the Prophet's bidding. '
Anas bin Malik served the Prophet for ten years in Madinah. During this long period, he never took him to task. One day he prayed for him: "O Allah! confer on him plentiful wealth and progeny and also bless them for him."
RESPECT AND REGARD FOR OTHERS AND HOSPITALITY1. The Prophet never sat with extended feet (legs) in company.
2. Whoever met him on the way, he had precedence in greeting him.
3. He also had precedence in shake-hand.
4. He called his companions by their patronymic appellations. (This was the mode of calling people honorably in Arabia)
5. He never interrupted anybody talking.
6. If he was offering supererogatory prayer and somebody happened to come to. see him, he would shorten it and after meeting his need' continued the prayer.
7. He was smiling most of the time.
8. One of the she camels (dromedaries) of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was called 'Asba. It was swift footed and never allowed any camel to get and advance over her. A bedouin Arab coming along on his mount surpassed 'Asba and the Muslims so to say, took it ill, but the Prophet said:
The sunnah of Allah in this world is that if He exalts any, He also brings him low.
9. There came a person who called the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) the best (superior most) of the created beings. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said to him: that title befits only the Prophet Ibrahim (P.B.U.H.).
'Ayeshah siddiqah (R) says:
]. Nobody in sweet nature and politeness came close to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). Whether a companion called him or a member of his own house his usual answer as "I am here."
2. Supererogatory devotional acts he would always perform in seclusion so that the Ummah may not be overburdened in his pursuit.
3. When there appeared two alternatives before him he would resort to the simpler or easier one.
4. He entered a contract with his Lord that whomsoever he called a bad name or cursed, Allah should make it an atonement for his sins and a means of His Mercy, forgiveness and closeness.
5. He had instructed that they should not talk about one another in my presence. I want to leave this world without any ill opinion about anyone.
6. Once on the occasion of solar eclipse, in the special congregation, he wept and prayed tile this:
(A) 0 my Lord and Cherisher! Thou hast promised me that my ummah shall not be the recipient of any visitation from Thee, (1) So long I am Here with them, and (2) As long as they are beseeching Thee for their forgiveness. (B) And at present My Lord, I am among them and they are all seeking Thy forgiveness. For every prophet there was a specific prayer and they invoked that and it was blessed with response. As for the specific one for me. I have kept it for the Last Day.
JUSTICE AND COMPASSIONIf two person fell foul of each other he meted out justice to them. If, however, he had a personal complaint against anybody he would always forgive.
2. Sawad bin 'Umar relates that one day he went to the Prophet gaudily dressed. The Prophet disapproved of it and patted my abdomen with the stick he had in his hand. I said to the Prophet (P.B.UH.): "I shall avenge myself." The Prophet bared his abdomen, said to him: "You are welcome to it." (But all that he did was kissing the seal of prophethood).
CLEMENCY TO THE ENEMITES1. A severe famine struck Makkah, until the starving lot was compelled to subsist on carrion and bones. Abu Sufyan (one of the arch enemies of Islam and Muslims) came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and addressed him thus: "Muhammad! You preach kind treatment of kinsmen. Your community is at the doorstep of total annihilation. Kindly pray to God, which the Prophet most graciously did and in response brought heavy rains.
2. Thamamah bin Athal stopped supply of food grains to Makkah (after his embracing Islam) as a sign of goodwill to the Muslim community against their deadly enemies. However, the Prophet (P.B. U.H.), prevented him from persisting with it.
3. In Hudaibiah the Prophet was offering prayer with the Muslims when seventy or eighty persons quietly came down the Tan'im mount with the evil intent of taking a heavy toll of Muslim lives while they were engaged in prayers. But they could not succeed in their satanic design and were taken prisoners. But the Prophet granted them their freedom without any ransom or punishment.
GENEROSITY AND BENIGNITY1. He never turned away a beggar (anyone asking for help). Flat refusal was almost a taboo with him. If he was unable to do anything for him, he would put up an excuse as if he were requesting to be forgiven for a shortcoming.
3. Once he gave an indigent person half a 'wasaq' of grain borrowed from someone. The creditor turned up later for recovery of his loan. The Prophet ordered payment of full one wasaq of grains to this creditor, half that he had loaned and an additional half from us as a gesture of generosity and reward for a good deed (helping a destitute).
4. He used to say and had almost declared it as a matter of policy that the assets of the dead is the share of the inheritors and the debts the liability of the Islamic state if he died a destitute.
MODESTY AND BASHFULNESSI. Abu Sa'eed Khudri (R) says that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was more modest than a purdah observing bashful girl .. Whenever something disgusting carne before him in people's mutual talk, his face showed that disgust from ills facial expression.
2. 'Ayeshah Tayyibah has stated that if the Prophet "
did not like any deed or word of any person, he did not object to and forbid it pointedly but in a general way showed his disapproval of that word or deed (to avoid embarrassment of the guilty.)
3. In day today affairs and dealings, he would take upon himself the greatest burden but would not order anyone else to undertake it or offer a helping hand, out of modesty. 4. Whenever some repentant person begged to be excused ~ the Prophet (instead of scolding or lecturing him from a superior stand according to the way of people) modestly hung his head. 5. 'Ayeshah Tayyibah reports that she never saw him naked.
PATIENCE AND MEEKNESS1. Zaid bin Sa'anh was a Jew. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had to pay back his loan. He came to him and snatched his sheet wrapped around him, caught hold of him by his
2. A bedouin Arab came to the Prophet and jerked the free end of his sheet so violently that its thick border injured his neck, leaving a red mark. And then the beduin opened his foul mouth blurted out: "Mohammad! This bounty of Allah that is with thee are neither thine nor thy father's. So give me also a camel load of it. " The Prophet after a brief pause said to him: "These goods certainly belongs to Allah and I am His slave." Then he ordered that he should be given a camel load of barley and another that of dates be given to him.
3. The Prophet went to Ta'if to convey the message of Islam to the tribes of that (fertile, green and prosperous) region of Arabia. The residents of that locality threw mud on him and also taunting remarks on his return journey and flung stones and brickbats on him to make him bleed allover and causing unconsciousness. He did not however, curse them saying to his companion: "If these people do not embrace Islam, it is expected, their progeny will."
FORGIVENESS AND MERCYI. 'Ayeshah Tayyibah states that the Prophet never avenged himself on anybody.
2. In the battle of Uhud the Unbelievers hit him with stones, causing loss of several teeth, a broken forehead, and he also fell into a (cleverly covered) pit causing hurt. The companions asked him to curse the infidels for their foul deeds. The Prophet however, said to them: " I have not been raised to curse people. Allah has sent me to make people worthy of meeting their Lord worthily." And then he prayed like this: "0 Allah! Guide my people to the Right Path, for they know me not."
3. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) (on some expedition) slept under a tree, hanging his sword
4. Hiba struck the Prophet's daughter, Zainab (R) with a spear. She fell down from the litter causing miscarriage and that shock ultimately became the cause of her death. Hiba begged for mercy and forgiveness and was forgiven.
5. In his harangue after the last pilgrimage he had declared to the largest ever gathering: " I declare all those issues causing bloodshed among tribes as null and void, and as the starting point I take back the claim to avenge a murder in my own family and the interest due on the loans by my uncle· Abbas (R).
TRUTH AND TRUSTS1. Even the deadly enemies of the Prophet conceded to him these attributes. From a very early age he had come to be known as the "Truthful" and the "Trustworthy." It was for this reason that the unbeliever brought their quarrels before him for decision before prophethood. (And the trusts with him at the time of his migration were returned to their owners by his cousin and companion 'Ali, left behind in Makkah with this end in view).
2. Once Abu Jahal had said to him: "I do not mistrust you and call you a liar. But somehow I cannot bring myself to agree to and give credit to your teachings.
3. As already referred in brief above, the infidels who had hatched up the ghastliest conspiracy to kill him (the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) before his migration, he left his cousin 'Ali (R) behind (surrounded on all sides of the house by murderous wretches, only to deliver safely the trusts lying with him, (the Prophet (P.B.U.H.)) all this while.
MODESTY AND CHASTITYThe Prophet says: "I never participated in any rituals of the
Jahiliyah. Only on two occasions I just intended to attend to take part
in them but was saved by Allah from those with. Once I said to my
associate herdsman that if he agreed to mind my herd a flock also, I
would like to go to the town like other young men telling tales and
hearing
Before prophethood Zaid bin 'Arm bin Nufail invited the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) to a feast. Meat was also served on the table. The Prophet, however, remarked: I abstain strictly from meat form the altars of the seats of idols or other dedicated places of your worship. I can take only that meat over which Allah's name has been invoked at the time of slaughter.
ABSTINENCE1. The Prophet used to pray like this: "0 Allah! I may starve one day and be fed another day. With pangs of hunger I may beseech Thee humbly, imploring Thee for food and after satisfaction may be engaged in Thy Praises.
2. Siddiqah (R) says that often for a whole month over hearth remained cold without fire (nothing to cook food to eat), subsisting on water and dates.
3. 'Ayeshah (R) says that the Prophet after coming to Madinah never had had wheaten bread to eat for one whole month.
4. At the time of his (sad) demise, his armour was lying mortgaged for barley grains with a Jew.
5. During the last night of the Prophet on the earth 'Ayeshah (R) had to borrow oil for lamp from a neighbor to dispel darkness. 6. He often prayed: "0 Allah! confer on the progeny of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) just enough to satisfy their hunger. It should be carefully kept in mind· that all this cautiousness and abstention was voluntary. He was under no compulsion to take to this mode of life, nor had he any idea to regard or make any permitted thing prohibited to himself. Only once in a life time he had stopped taking a particular variety of honey and had for apparently good reasons sworn against its use. One of his consorts did not like the smell of that honey which he took at Zainab's place, visiting her often for taking it. That particular sensitive consort with others brought it to his knowledge and hence abstention. But Allah pointed it out to him that making prohibited what Allah had permitted did not become a believer, not to say a Prophet (P.B.U.H.)
1. The mother of the believers, Safiyah (R). She was once with the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) on a journey. (The Prophet's ideal justice to his consorts demanded that he should take them all by turns decided by casting lots, to which they all agreed). Safiyah covering her entire body with a sheet used to sit on the back seat of the camel with the Prophet. When she wanted to take her seat, the Prophet used to extend his knee and keeping her foot on his (bent) knee she could go up to her seat safely. (She was short statured also which necessitated this device). 'Ayeshah (R) had once in a lighter vein hinted at it in the presence of the Prophet and had faced his disapproval in a rather sharp tone.
2. Once as an accident the she camel's foot slipped and the Prophet and Safiyah both fell down from camel's back. Abu Talhah rushed to the aid of the Prophet, but he pointed out to him the principle of 'Ladies first.'
3. On a particular journey women were riding camels in litters (their usual seats). The camel driver who was on foot holding the nose strings of their camels, stated singing songs that prompt the camels to be. more swift footed. The Prophet noticing this change in camel's speed warned him (the singer) to be careful lest he injures (damages) the glassware (through negligence). In these words, of his women have been likened to delicate (easily breakable) glass apparatus. Apart from their exquisiteness and elegance comparing them with glass is due to their natural weakness which makes them deserving of comfort.
TAKING CARE OF THE PRISONERS OF WARThe Prisoners of war were treated as guests. One of these prisoners captured in the battle of Badr who lived in Madinah with the Muslims for a few days, has said:
"Allah be Merciful to the Muslims, they fed us better than and looked to our comforts before their own families." When the prisoners of war came to him the Prophet first of all arranged for their proper dress.
MAINLY PHYSICAL EXERCISES
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) induced young men to marks man ship. For this competition he divided them into two groups. Once he asked one party to start competition declaring himself with one party. On hearing it, the other party restrained themselves from shooting arrows. When asked the reason of their withdrawal, they explained that since the Prophet was with the other party, how dare we shoot against his party. The Prophet said to them: "Do continue your shooting, I am with both of you. "
HORSE RACINGHorse races were conducted under orders of the Prophet. A long race used to be a distance of 6 miles while a short race was only a matter of one mile.
CENSUSThe Prophet ordered that the names of all the believers be written down for his inspection and it was complied with. The number of believers was found to be one thousand five hundred. The Muslims rejoiced and thanked Allah for that increase in their numbers. They started saying: "We are now a thousand and a half in strength, what is there to be afraid of. We have passed through a stage when anyone of us had to offer his prayers alone, and was in mortal fear of enemies’ attack.
It is regrettable indeed that we do not know when was this census conducted. Other reports of Sahib Bukhari put it as the third census of the then Muslim world (Madinah). In the first census it was only 500, and between 700 and 1,000 in the second.
THE TEACHINGS OF THE APOSTLE OF ALLAHThe teachings of the Prophet comprising beliefs, habits, affairs of life, devotional acts, mortal sins. Salvation and Beneficence and good deeds for the sake of Allah's pleasure over and above those actuated by 'taqwa' (piety or fear of Allah). It is a limitless ocean leaving nothing out that concerns man in any way. The Prophet's (P.B. V.H.) excellence and perfection and superiority of Islam rest on them alone. Here it is being just touched upon, to be taken up in greater detail later.
Man's obligation to Allah lies in His Worship and taking no partners with Him. And man can expect to receive Allah's bounty.
ALLAH'S MERCYThe Prophet is reported to have said that Allah, in the Book that is with Him on the Throne, has written:
My Mercy surmounts My Wrath. (Sahih Bukhari)
SERVING THE PARENTSA person came to the Prophet and said that he wanted to participate in Jihad (striving in the way of Allah which may end in armed struggle). The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) asked him if his parents were alive. He said that they were alive. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) ordered him to look after them, serving with the spirit of Jihad (intense striving with all one's might and resources).
MUTUAL HELPA believer is to another believer as the foundation bricks which support and sustain one another. Then he intertwined his fingers of one hand with those of the other, demonstrating how they keep united together.
WHO IS A MUSLIMA Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand Muslims are safe.
PERFECTION OF BELIEFNone of you can be a Muslim unless and until he likes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.
THE (SWEET) TASTE OF BELIEFWhoever possesses these three qualities shall taste the sweetness of belief:
1. He must be Loving Allah and His Apostle most.
3. To fall into unbelief should be abhorrent to him like falling into fire.
DESIRABLE DEEDSPeople asked the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) which deed Allah likes most. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) replied: 'That which is perpetuated, though not weighty quantitatively.
Take up for action (devotional act) only as much as you can easily do.
PROHIBITION OF UNDERTAKING OF BURDENSOME ACTS1. The Prophet saw a rope hanging in a house. On questioning he was told that such and such a woman has put it up to prevent her from dozing off in her devotional acts. The Prophet ordered its removal adding that devotional acts (super derogatory) should be stopped when sprightliness departs. 2. The Prophet (P.S.V.H.) was informed about a woman of Bani Asad tribe that she spends the whole night in worshipful acts. He ordered them to stop that practice and take up only as much as their physique could agreeably stand.
The Prophet questioned Abd-Allah bin 'Amr bin 'As about his routine of fasting during the day and beeping up the whole night. Abd-Allah confessed the truth of the statement.
The Prophet ordered him not to do it in future. Fast for some days as give it up for some time. Keep up part of the night and sleep the remainder. Hark! You have an obligation to your physique, your eyes, as well as your wife. (Pay heed to all these obligations, having due regard for all these basic rights.
LABOUR APPROVED, BEGGING FORBIDDENThe Prophet said: "If somebody were to bring a bundle of fuel wood on his back for sale, it would be better for him than his begging and people paying something or ignoring him.
ENVIABLE PERSONSThe Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said: Two persons are enviable:
1. Who was given worldly goods and also the grace to spend it on permitted things.
1. Take to righteousness.
2. Develop mutual love
3. Give glad tidings to people from Allah. Deeds alone cannot take anyone to heaven.
FORBIDDING EVIL TRAITS AND DEVELOPING FRATERNITY"Beware! Do not make suspicion your habit. It is falsehood all over. Do not give ear to baseless talk. Do not pick holes in others. Do not nurse malice among yourselves and do not turn away from anyone. Live together like brothers (as you really are, being servants of Allah).
THE RIGHTS OF THE NEIGHBOUR AND THE GUESTWhoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not cause distress to his neighbor. And he who believes in Allah and the Day of Reckoning, should honor his guest.
SPEAKING AND SILENCE (KEEPING QUIET)Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Resurrection, should say something pleasing otherwise keep mum.
THE GUARANTEE OF SALVATION FROM THE PROPHETIf anybody gives me guarantee of that between his jaws (tongue) and also of that between his two thighs, I can guarantee heaven for him.
TEACHING PATIENCE AND GRATITUDEIf you happen to come upon one who is superior to you in worldly goods and looks, also look at him who is inferior to you in these bounties of Allah on man.
WHO IS A REAL ATHLETE?One who subdues another is not a real stout and sturdy person. The really strong man, a wrestler, is he who suppresses his anger in a moment of heat (upsurge of emotion).
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) had detailed Mu'az bin Jabal (R) and Abu Musa (R) to teach Yemenites their Faith When departing he instructed them to make things easy for them and not make them troublesome. Give them glad tidings but do not make their Faith loathsome to them. And live among them freely mixing together and on good friendly terms.
THE EFFECT OF LOVE (ATTACHMENT)A person will be with one whom he loves.
TREATMENT TO BE METED OUT TO THE PRISONERS, THE INDIGENT AND THE SICK"Manage release of the prisoners, feed the hungry, and look after the ailing (in every possible manners).
THE REWARD OF PLANTING A TREEIf somebody planted a tree whose fruit eaten by men and animals, it will be counted as sadaqah (charity) for the person planting it.
SYMPATHY AND COMPASSION TO ANIMALSThe Prophet related the story of a traveller who was on his way when he became thirsty. He happened to come to a well without a bucket or rope available anywhere. He got down the well and quenched his thirst. When he came out he saw a dog licking moist earth with its lolling tongue. He was touched and said to himself, the dog is thirsty like I was a moment earlier. So he got down into the well once again and brought water in his sack for the poor thirsty animal and quenched its thirst also. Allah was pleased with this act of kindness to animals and forgave him his sins, (thus ensuring salvation for him in the Hereafter).
The companions asked him: Shall we be rewarded for kindness shown to animals, O Apostle of Allah! The Prophet replied: "Every living being is worthy of compassion and kindness for which you shall be rewarded. "
TEACHING AND TRAINING OF SLAVE GIRLS
The following four evil traits make a man a perfect hypocrite. If any of them is traceable in him, he has hypocrisy in him to that extent:
1. Whenever he speaks it is falsehood.
2. Never fulfils a promise
3. Does not honor a pledge.
4. In quarrelling he comes down to foulness of tongue.
WHO WOULD BE ENTITLED TO SHADE FROM THE LORD ON DOOMSDAY1. A Just king
2. The young man given to devotional acts in youth.
3. The person whose eyes welled up with tears with remembrance of Allah in solitude.
4. The person whose heart remains occupied with the association of a mosque, (in it or thinking of it when out). 5. Both those persons whose mutual love is for Allah alone.
6. The person whom a beautiful, high placed girl invites to herself but he says that he fears Allah and seeks refuge in Him.
7. One who offers charity to the indigent and the needy so secretly that his left hand is unaware of what the right hand has given. (Charity not for show but Pleasure of Allah).
OBEDIENCE TO RULERS1. If somebody is displeased with the king on any issue, it is better for him to build up patiently with it. F or, even slightly moving away from obedience will entitle him to the death of the days of pre-Islamic Jahiliyah or Un-Islam. 2. You will experience, after me, deplorable conditions and thing most unpleasant to your Islamic taste. His companions asked the Prophet (P.B.U.H.): "What are your orders for us under such circumstances? He said in reply: "Go on fulfilling your obligations to
"You may go and let your outstanding men put up the case before me."
THE OUTSTANDING PERSONS MUST REPRESENT THE COMMUNITY
The elite of the community came to the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and submitted to him that the communality has agreed to be represented by us and it is with their consent that we are here.
PROTECTION TO BE OFFERED TO THE ALIEN COMMUNITY LIVING IN A MUSLIM STATE UNDER A PLEDGE OF LOYALTYIf a Muslim murders a non-Muslim living under protection of the Muslim state under a contract, he will not so much as smell the fragrance from the paradise, (said to be effective from long distance-coverable in forty years in a report.
LIFE IS VALUABLE AND DESIRE TO DIE IS ITS UNDER VALUATIONNo one (a Muslim) should nurse a death-wish. If he is righteous, he is likely to progress further in righteousness. And if he is wicked it is possible for him to repent and become virtuous (even in the last stages of life under compulsion of events).
THE TWO BLESSINGS THAT OFTEN GO UNCARED FORThere are two bounties of Allah that most people neglect. They are (1) sound health (2) Prosperity and Plenty.
EXCELLENCE OF PAYMENT OF DEBTThe Prophet had to return a camel which he had borrowed from somebody. The creditor carne to him demanding it. The Prophet purchased one better than his camel and handed it over to him, saying: "The really virtuous and superior is that person who pays back his debts beautifully (more liberally than usual).
THE TRUE DEFINITION OF WHEALTINESS
No Arab enjoys any excellence compared to an 'Ajami (non-Arab), nor a non-Arab is superior to an Arab anywise. Similarly, a fair complexioned person is not superior to a dark skinned one and vice versa. Excellence for superiority lies only in 'Taqwa' (fear of the displeasure of Allah).
MERCY ABOUNDINGWhoever does not show mercy to others shall not be the recipient of Mercy from Allah.
EXCELLENCE OF LEAVING INHERITANCE FOR THE SURVIVORSIt is better for you to leave your inheritors independent rather than leaving them penniless beggars.
EXAMPLE OF THE FINER SEX AND HUMOURING THEM FOR AGREEABLE RELATIONSHIPWoman is like a rib (curved normally) which can be broken in an attempt to straighten it out. But it is possible to make use of it curved as it is. (Cleverly handling a woman in as much as letting he have her own way according to her particular bent of mind, harmlessly, she can cooperate and help a lot in running a household and bringing up children nicely).
WOMAN'S POSITION IN A HOUSEHOLDA woman is the ruler in her husband's house and over her offspring.
THE HIGH POSITION OF ONE WITH DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF THE QURANA person who has gone deep into the Quran pondering (over) its words, meanings] the background and the broad principles about the nature of this scripture, will be with the revered chosen and virtuous messengers (angels).
MOST PLEASING WORDS IN THE SIGHT OF ALLAH
Glory to Allah and Praise for Him, Glory to Allah (who is free from all faults they ascribe to Him), (Allah), the supreme (in Glory).
THE GLORIOUS QU'RANIf a learned person were to write about the life of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) the chosen of Allah, in great detail, he will have to discuss the Quran, revealed to him. But even if somebody, like me writing in a simple and brief manner his biography, he too will find himself compelled to present a sample of the Quranic teachings, though leaving out the finer point demanding detailed discussions. To my mind, the life history of the Apostle of Allah without any mention of the Quran with samples, is incomplete, sadly tacking in this most important aspect. Somebody had asked 'Ayeshah Siddiqah (R) about the morals of the Prophet (P.B.U.H.), she had replied: "The Quran is his (sublime) morals."
It is our sacred belief that every word of the glorious Quran is the word of Allah. (It is known by the name of the Word of God). But it was the Apostle of Allah (P.B.U.H.) who introduced this word of Allah to the world.
It was revealed to Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah (P.B. U.H.) in twenty-three years. It exists in those very words in which he recited it and gave to the world. It has been preserved intact by Allah and shall remain so to the end of days. It is in our hearts and minds pervading them and on our tongues having the marvel of memorization, seen nowhere else in the world with any other scripture existing today.
This pure and clean Word of God exist everywhere in the world, even the remotest comers which Muslims have found access or non-Muslims have embraced Islam. Millions of men all over the world recite different portions of it in their five times daily prayers.
Since its revelation its propagation has been on the increase. From the moment, the mother of the believer, Kbadijah AI Kubra (R) heard from the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) the first ever revelation in Hira cave, day by day, rather every moment the number of its votaries is on the increase. No country, no particular period customs and manners, the favorable or adverse condition of its followers or antagonists, can become an impediment in its progression.
Unlike other scriptures, the Holy Quran is extant in the language it was revealed and the world has access to it everywhere. Not an iota got changed during a millennium and a half. But the other holy books like Torah (the old Testament) and Injil (The Gospels) and the epistles of the saints, Vedas and Zand and Pazand cannot claim to be the original versions and free-from tampering, so much so that it becomes difficult to believe that their greater part could be the revealed scriptures. In fact, no religious book save the Quran could escape perversion. Even the languages in which they are said to have been revealed exist today nor any copy of the original to be seen. The earliest Gospel is the Greek version of Injil and not the original Aramic.
Since the Quran itself relates all those objections levelled against it or the false accusations brought forth against the Prophet about the origin of Quran, it is its own true history, showing both sides of the picture clearly. The Glorious Quran due to its truth and unassailable position has demonstrated that boldness which no other scripture in the world can claim for itself (and for obvious reasons).
The Quranic teachings have that undeniable truth in them that those religious communities and nations that did not acknowledge it openly, yet claimed that their religious books too had those truths in them, which either preceded the Quran or followed it. How true is the word of Allah?
No falsehood can approach it from before or behind it. It is sent down by one Full of Wisdom. (Q. XLI: 42)
What have put forth as claim in the above lines will become manifest to you, reader, when you will study the conditions extant in the pre Qu'ranic period of Judaisrn, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Budhism, and Sanatan or Aryah Dharm of Hinduism (their social and political orders) and then come to study their progress in all walks of life to date, considering at the same time that long before this revolution in this country, the teachings of the Quran were in usage in most spheres of life if not all.
Those who find it repugnant to acknowledge even that much remotely derived benefit as many religious sects that have definitely though stealthily borrowed Quranic teachings, are going on borrowing as problems arise which Quran alone has solved. (Some of them openly praise Islamic laws minus the courage of adoption, like our prime minister who recently landed the Muslim Divorce Laws beside other things that appeal to him and many others of that ilk from time to time). (There is a big flow in this type of thinking of people like Gandhiji. He held the rule of Abu Bakr (R) and 'Umar Faruq (R) as his ideal but was either ignorant of or deliberately over lacking the very common principle that laws divorced from an ideology, the· driving force of action, are not effective at all or very little).
The Glorious Quran is the only scripture with the glad tidings:
This day have I perfected your religion for
you completed my favour upon you.
-A. I Quran V:3
METAPHYSICAL REALM OF ISLAM A. DISCERNMENT OF THE DIVINE ENTITY1. In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, Most Merciful.
2. No vision can grasp Him. But His grasp is over all vision. (Q. 6:103)
3. There is nothing whatsoever like unto Him. But He is the One that hears and sees. - Al Quran XLII: 11
4. Allah is the Protector of those who have faith: from the depths of darkness He leads them forth into light. (Q. II: 257)
5. Allah! There is no god but He, -the Living, the Self-Subsisting,
Supporter of all, no slumber can seize Him, nor sleep. His are all
things in the heavens and earth. Who is there can intercede in His
Presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His
creatures as) Before or After or Behind them. Nor shall they compass
7. Say: He is Allah, the One, Allah, the Eternal, Absolute, He begetteth not, nor is He begotten; and there is none like unto Him. - Al Quran CXII: 1-4
8. THE DEFINITION OF TRUE FAITH1. The nature in which Allah has made mankind. No change (there is) in the work (wrought) by Allah: that is the true Religion, but most among mankind know not. (Q. XXX: 30)
2. (Our religion) takes its true from Allah and who can give a better true than Allah. - Al Quran II: 138
3. The same religion has he established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah-the which We have sent by inspiration to thee-and that which we enjoined on Abraham Moses and Jesus, namely that you should remain steadfast in Religion, and make no divisions therein: - Al Quran XLII: 13
C. WHAT FOR DOES ALLAH WANT GOOD) DEEDS FROM MANIt is not their meat, their blood, that reaches Him: (Q. XXII: 37)
D. SHARI'AH WAS MEANT TO PERFECT MAN'S HUMANITY1. Allah doth not wish to place you in difficulty, but to make you clean, and to complete His favour to you, that ye may be grateful. - Al Quran V:6
2. -----For, prayer restrains from shameful and evil deeds; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life) without doubts. -AI Quran: XXIX: 45
E. THE DUTIES OF THE PROPHET1. A similar (favour have ye already received) in that We have sent among you a Messenger of your own, rehearsing to you Our Signs, purifying you and instroductioning you in scripture and wisdom, and in new knowledge. (Q [J: 151)
2. For he commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure); he releases them from heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. (Q. VII: 157)
1. If the people of the towns had but believed and feared Allah, we should indeed have opened out to them (all kinds of) blessings from heaven and earth, but they rejected (the truth) and We brought them to book for their misdeeds. - Al Quran VII: 96
2. If only they had stood fast by the Torah, the Gospel, and all the revelation that was sent to them from their Lord, they would have eaten both from above them and from below their feet. - Al Quran V: 66
3. Whatever misfortune happens to you is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many (a sin) He grants forgiveness. - Al Quran XLII: 30
4. Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them -as a reward for their (good) deeds.
G. THE DIVINE SUNNAH ALTERS NOT1. No change will thou find in Allah's Way (of dealing).
2. No turning off will thou find in Allah's Way (of dealing). - Al Quran XXXV: 43
3. He Who created the seven heavens one above another. No want of proportion with thou see in the creation of the Most Glorious. So turn they vision again, seest thou any flaw. Again turn they vision a secind time:(thy) vision will come back to thee dull and discomfited, in a state worn out. - Al Quran LXVII:3-4
H. ONLY PERSONAL EFFORT CAN BE FRUITFUL1. That man can have nothing but what he strives for; Q. LUI: 39
2. Verily this (the bounties in Heaven) is a reward for you. (from Allah) and your Endeavour is accepted and recognized. - Al Quran LXXVI: 22
3. That was a people that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did and ye of what ye do! - Al Quran 141
I. THE LOFTY POSITION OF PATIENCE AND PIETY
1. And he to whom wisdom is granted receive the indeed a benefit over-whelming. - Al Quran 32:24
K THE FRUIT OF PATIENCE:1. And We appointed from among them, leaders giving guidance under Our command; so long as they persevered with patience. - Al Quran 32:24
L. CUTTING ONESELF OFF FROM GREED1. Nor strain thy eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to parties of them. (Q. XX: 131)
M. NOT TO CONSIGN TO OBLIVION THE HERE AFTER IN THE LUXURIANCE OF LIFE HERE
1. Nor forget thy position in the world but do thou good. N. GUARD AGAINST SELF DESTRUCTION
1. And spend of your substance in the ca use of
Allah, and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction. - Al Quran II: 195
O. FORGING FALSEHOOD IS INIMICAL TO BELIEF1. It is those who believe not in the Signs of Allah, it is they who forge falsehood. It is they who lie. - Al Quran XVI: 105 P. ABSOLUTELY PROIDBITED THINGS l. Say: The things that my Lord hath indeed forbidden are: indecent deeds whether open or secret: sins and trespasses against truth or reason, assigning of partners to Allah for which he hath given no authority: and saying things about Allah of which ye have no knowledge. - Al Quran VII: 33
Q. WORSHIP OF ALLAH IS DIVINE BAPTISM1. (Our religion) takes its true from Allah and who can give a better hue than Allah. It is He Whom we worship. - Al Quran H: 138
1. Nun. By the Pen and by the (Record) which men write. - Al Quran LXVIII: 1
S. SIGNS OF ALLAH FOR THE WISE1. behold! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, in the alternation of the Night and the Day, in the sailing of ships through the ocean, for the profit of mankind, in the rain which Allah sends down from the skies, and the life which He gives there with, to an earth that is dead; in the beasts of all kinds that he scatters through the earth; in the change of winds and the clouds which they trail like their slaves between the sky and the earth. (Here) indeed are Signs for a people that are Wiser. - Al Quran II: 164
T. SWEARING PROHIBITED1. Obey not every mean swearer. - Al Quran LXVIII: 10
2. And make not Allah's (name)an excuse for your oaths. (Q. II: 224)
3. Keep to your oaths. - Al Quran V: 89
U. CALL TO TOTAL PEACE (ISLAM THE RELIGION OF PEACE)1. O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole heartedly; and follow not the footsteps of the satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy. - Al Quran 11:208
V. MUTUAL REFORM1. Make peace between persons. - Al Quran Il: 224
2. And keep relations straight between yourselves. (Q. VIII: 1)
W. TEACHING FORGIVENESS AND OVERLOOKING FAULTS1. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. - Al Quran XXIV: 22
X. TRUE TEACHINGS MANIFEST THEMSELVES1. Soon will We show them in the (furthest) regions (of the earth), and in their own souls, until it becomes manifest to them that this is the Truth. - Al Quran XLI: 53
And remember David and Solomon when they gave judgement in the matter of the field into which the steep of certain people had strayed by might: We did witness their judgement. To Solomon We inspired the right understanding of the matter to each (of them) - Al Quran XXI: 78-79
2. MISCHIEF PROHIBITEDDo not mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order. -- Al Quran VII: 56
3. INIQUITY BRINGS DESTRUCTIONHow many were the towns We utterly destroyed because of their iniquities and setting up in their places other peoples. - Al Quran XXI: 11
4. RIGHTEOUSNESS GIVES STABILITYNor would thy Lord be the One to destroy the towns unjustly while their people are righteous. (Q. XI: 117)
5. TO AVOID WAR PREPAREDNESS IS THE ONLY WAYAgainst them make ready your strength to the utmost of your power, including steeds of war, to strike terror (into the hearts of) the enemies of Allah and your enemies. - Al Quran VIII: 60
6. TO CONDUCT THE AFFAIRS OF THE STATE CONSULTATION IS A MUST1. And consult them in affairs (of moment). Then when thou hast taken a decision, put thy trust in Allah. (Q. III: 159)
2. Who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation: -(Quran XLII: 38)
3. She said: "ye chiefs! Advise me in (this) my affair: no affair have l decided except in your presence." (Q. XXVII:32)
TEACHING AND LEARNING 1. LISTENING TO WISDOM, PONDERING OVER THEN AND ADOPTING THE BESTSo announce the Good News to My servants
best of it: those are the ones who Allah has
guided, and those are the ones endued with
understanding. - Al Quran XXXIX: 17-18
2. ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGE FROM ALIENSSay: Have you any certain knowledge? If so produce it before us. - Al Quran VI: 148
THE SYSTEM OF PREACHING FAITH 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARTY CALLING TO FAITH A MUSTLet there arise out of you a band of people to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: they are the ones to attain felicity. (Q. III: 104)
2. SELECTED FEW FROM NEO-MUSLIM GROUPS SHOULD VISIT THE CENTRE OF FAITH AND RELIGIOUS LEARNING AND GO BACKTO TEACH THE IGNORANT LOTIt is not for the believers to go forth together: if a contingent from every expedition goes forth to devote themselves to studies in religion and admonish the people when they return to them. --that thus they may learn to guard themselves (against evil). (Q. IX: 122)
RECOMENDATION AND RECTIFICATION OF MORALS 1. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FINER SEX (FRAILTIES OF WOMEN)Is then one brought up among trinkets, and unable to give a clear account in a dispute (to be associated with Allah). - Al Quran XLIII: 18
2. THE INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP OF HUSBAND AND WIFEThey are your garments and ye are their garments. (Q. II: 187)
He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and Mercy between your hearts. - Al Quran XXX: 21
3. MUTUAL OBLIGATIONS OF HUSBAND AND WIFE1. Men are the protectors and maintainers of women. - Al Quran IV: 34
2. And women shall have rights similar to the rights against them, according to what is equitable; But men have a degree over them. - Al Quran II: 228
4. LOVE OF ALLAH IN THE IDGHEST DEGREE, THE DEMAND OF BELIEFBut those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. - Al Quran II: 165
5. FAITH AND KNOWLEDGE RAISE AND IN THE SIGHT OF ALLAHAllah will raise up to (suitable) ranks (and degree), those of you who believe and have been granted knowledge. - Al Quran LVIII:11
6. MAN SPECIALLY FAVOURED BY ALLAHWe have honored the sons of Adam, provided them transport on land and sea, given them for sustenance things good and pure, and conferred on them special favors, above a great part of our creation. (Q. XVII: 70)
7. SUPERIORITY OF MAN DEMANDS UNITARIANISM (TOTAL REJECTION OF ASCRIBING PARTNERS TO ALLAH)He (Moses) said: "Shall I seek for you a god other than Allah, when it is He Who hath favored you above (all) creatures. (pickthall) - Al Quran VII: 140
8. MAN CAN TAKE A LESSON FROM LOWLY CREATURES"Woe is me!" said he; "Was I not even abole to be even as this raven and to hide the naked body of my brother?" Then he became full of regards. -(Al Quran V: 31)
9. SIGNS EVERY WHERE FOR THOSE WITH SEEING EYESAnd how many signs in the heavens and the earth.
Do they not travel through the land, so that their hearts (and minds) may thus learn wisdom and their ear may thus learn to hear? Truly it is not the eyes that are blind but the hearts which are in their breasts - Al Quran XXII: 46
12. FORBIDDEN THINGS NOT CLEAN AND PURE AND CLEAN AND PURE THINGS NOT FORBIDDENO ye people! Eat of what is on earth lawful and good; and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is to you an avowed enemy. - Al Quran II: 168
13. AND TO GIVE UP CLEAN AND PURE THINGS IS A SATANIC ACTAnd therefore to give up pure and clean things would be to follow in the footsteps of Satan. (Q. II: 168)
14. INSIGHT AND GUIDANCE ONLY IN THE LIFE TERM GRANTED AS TRIAL AND NOT ON ITS CWSUREBut those who were blind in this world, will be blind in the Hereafter, and most astray from the Path. (Q. XVII: 72)
15. ONLY THOSE TRUE IN FAITH CAN ATIAIN HIGH POSITIONSo lose not heart nor fall into despair, for you must gain mastery if ye are true in Faith. (Q. III: 139)
CULTURE 1. ANIMALS AND BIRDS HAVE COMMUNITIES LIKE THOSE OF HUMAN BEINGS, ULTIMATELY TO BE GATHERED TO THEIR LORDThere is not an animal (that lives) on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings but (forms part of) communities like you. Nothing have We omitted from the book and they (all) shall be gathered their Lord in the end. - Al Quran VI: 38
It is He Who has created for you all things that are on earth, then He turned to the heaven and made them into seven heavens (firmaments). (Q. II: 29)
3. EVERY ONE ACTS ACCORDING TO HIS INNATE NATUREEveryone acts according to his own disposition. But your Lord knows best who it is best guided on the Way. (Q. XVIII: 84)
2. Seest thou not that to Allah prostrate all things that are in the heavens or on earth, the sum, the moon, the stars, the hills, the trees, the animals and a great number among mankind? But a great number are (also) such as unto whom the chastisement is justly due. (Q. XXII: 18)
3. So, he who gives (in charity) and fears (Allah) and (in all sincerity) testifies to the best, we will indeed make smooth for him the Path to Ease. But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient and gives the lie to the Best. We will indeed make smooth for him the Path to Misery. - Al Quran XCII: 5-10
4. DIFFERENTCLASSESOFPEOPLE OF VARIOUS GRADES NEEDED TO RUN A POLITICAL SET UP AS PART OF THE TRIAL, THE PURSPOSE OF CREATIONIt is He Who has made you the inheritors of the earth. He hath raised you in ranks, some above others, that He may try you in the gifts. He hath given you. For thy Lord is quick in punishment: yet He is indeed Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful. - Al Quran VI: 165
5. EMPHASIS ON EQUALITY IN RIGHTS AND EQUITYAnd He has set up the Balance (of Justice) in order that ye may not transgress (due) balance. So establish weight with due justice and fail not short in the balance.
6. THE MUSLIM UMMAH IS THE WELL WISHER OF HUMANITYYe are the best of people, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong, and believing in Allah. - Al Quran III: 110
7. THE BASIS OF MUSLIM FRATERNITY
To those (orphans) weak of understanding give not your (national) property which Allah has assigned to you to manage but feed and clothe them therewith and speak to them kindly and justly. - Al Quran IV: 5
9. FEAR OF IMPOVERISHMENT SATANIC SUGGESTION AND SHOULD NOT PREVENT US FROM A GENEROUS DEEDSSatan threatens you with poverty and bids you to conduct unseenly. Allah promiseth you His Forgiveness and Bounties. And Allah careth for all and knoweth all things. - Al Quran II: 268
10. COVETOUS SELFISHNESS IS NOT GOOD FOR USAnd those saved from the covetousness of their own souls-they are the one that achieve prosperity. (Q. LXIV: 16)
11. THE SERVANS OF RAHMAN ARE NEITHER STING NOT YET EXTRAVAGANTThose who, when they spend, are not extravagant and not niggardly either, but hold a just (balance) between these (extremes) - Al Quran XXV: 67
12. SEA-BORNE TRADE MORE PROFITABLE TOMANIn the sailing of Ships through the ocean for the profit of mankind (are also signs of Allah). - Al Quran II: 164
13. FOR WHOM THE ABIDING BOUNTIES OF ALLAHWhatever ye are given here is (but) the enjoyment of this life: but
that which is with Allah is better and more lasting: it is for those who
believe and put their trust in their Lord. Those who avoid the greater
sins and indecencies, and when they are angry even then forgive; Those
who respond to their Lord, and establish regular prayer, who
Glory to Allah and Praises for Him Glory to Allah, the Most Exalted, The Majestic.