crescent february 2012

the path-breaking unique Islamic journal

Safar-Rabi-ul-Awwal 1433AH

January 2012

Vol : 04 No : 01

In the name of Allah, The Most Gracious,The Dispenser of Grace

UNDERSTANDING THE QURAN

SPOTLIGHT

POINT OF VIEW

APOSTASY

HISTORY OF ISLAM

EXPLORING AL-QURAN

PEARLS FROM PROPHET

HAYYAT-E-SAHABAH

EDITALK

FEEDBACK

ASK A QUESTION

LOVE YOUR LORD

SEERAT-E-TAYYIBAH

MY JOURNEY TO ISLAM

Al-A'La (The All-Highest)

BLESSINGS ON EARTH

INTEGRATION OF UMMAH - III

Apostasy - A Crime or an Exercise in Free Will

Islam in Various Countries

Quranic Verses including the word 'Traveller'

Sayings of Prophet

Dubious and Objectionable

Your Letters

Your Questions -Our Answers

Ways to Attain Forgiveness

THE BATTLE OF BADR

Keith Ellison, from Catholic to Muslim

11

27

51

56

23

30

14

21

09

07

41

33

16

38

WORLD OF ISLAM & MUSLIMSIraq Invasion

48

Hadhrat AbuBaqar'sIman

(R.A)

End of an Illegal war

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Assalaam-o-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatahu

All praises belong to Allah- the Creator, Sustainer, Cherisher, Evolver of this whole universe, in Whose blessed Hands lies the system of each and every affair whether in the heavens or in the earth. It is by His Grace that CRESCENT is fast emerging as a multipurpose reference guide for reliable and practical Islamic knowledge. We try to focus on the call to Islam (Dawah), purity of belief in Allah (Aqeedah), various aspects of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), and other issues, striving to give knowledge in a practical and useful way. Every month, CRESCENT features articles on topics pertinent to Muslim living today, especially for the younger generation.

In addition to monthly features, CRESCENT has regular sections for Fiqh, Islamic History, Women's Issues, Parenting, the Prophetic Seerah, Muslim Character, Latest book reviews, Readers' forum, and much more. One of our most popular features is the 'Ask a Question' section, where prominent scholars of today give answers and advice to contemporary questions and problems.

In an effort t

Aameen Quddusi

o continue providing you with quality content we want to know your views. Please take a few minutes to let us know your comments. Your opinion will be truly valued.

May Allah increase our bond of relationship in the noble cause of spreading the light of Islam through CRESCENT.

PATRONProf. Dr. S. M. Iqbal

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFKaleemullah Khan

Dr. Jauhar Quddusi

EXE. EDITOR(Hon.)

Dr. A. M. Pandit

JOINT EDITOREr. Rafeek Ahmad

ASSOCIATE EDITORSDr A Rasheed

A A Jawad Khurshid

STAFF WRITERSShahzada BismilYusuf ul Azam

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBasheer TalibAabid Salahi

GRAPHICS & DESIGNEhsan ul HaqueIrshad ul Islam

GENERAL MANAGERA.G. Quddusi

MANAGERPeer Sahib

ASSTT. MANAGER Aasif Masood

DISTRIBUTORJanta Agencies

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from New Colony, PulwamaEditor : Ehsan Quddusi

EDITOR [ in-charge ]

Publisher’s Note



from the publishers of

Kindly do not send hand-written write-ups. Only mail your error-free typed articles at :

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editor’s discretion. Crescent does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited publication material. Cell : 9419403126

Attention Please!



EDITALK

SEERAT-E-TAYYIBA

NUMBER

Why to study Seerat-e-Tayyiba?

Prophet Muhammad

Prophet - An easy introduction

Khatam un Nabiyeen

Prophet’s model of simplicity

Prophet’s home life

Prophet’s personal habit

Prophet’s human feelings

Prophet’s special traits

Prophet’s undaunted firmness

Prophet faces boycott

Prophet’s experience at Taif

Prophet’s treaty of Hudaibiya

Prophet’s miracle - Miraj

Prophet’s address at Arafat

What they say about the Prophet

Prophet’s forgiveness of his enemies

Importance of following the Prophet’s Sunnah

Prophet’s obedience is obedience to God

05091518232427283132353739465053565962

Rabi-ul- Awwal -Rabi-us-Sani 1433AH

February 2012

Vol : 04 No : 02

is a reader-supported journal. Its survival is at stake. Please

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Dear Readers!

Assalaam-o-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatahu

It is a globally acknowledged fact that Prophet of Islam (S.A.W) was the supremely sucsessful man in the entire human history. He was not just a hero, but he was also the best example for all mankind. He has shown entire mankind the way of achieving supreme success in this world and the hereafter.

Our relationship to the Prophet (S.A.W) is at the core of our entire religion. He is human, not divine, but he is our connection to the deity. He relays to us the word of Allah and he explains what the word means. He sets a personal example that we look at not just for admiration but emulation. Our relationship to him is legal as well as personal; moral as well as spiritual; intellectual as well as emotional. Allah chose him to guide us, educate us, inspire us and purify us – and we remain indebted forever.

In the current issue of Crescent, we have tried to present a unique collection of thought-provoking and faith-strengthening articles on Seerat-Un-Nabi (S.A.W). Different aspects of the life and teachings of our beloved Prophet (S.A.W) have been focused. Hope all of us are enlightened.

Quddusi

PATRONProf. Dr. S. M. Iqbal

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFKaleemullah Khan

EDITOR [ in-charge ]Dr. Jauhar Quddusi

EXE. EDITOR(Hon.)

Dr. A. M. Pandit

JOINT EDITOREr. Rafeek Ahmad

ASSOCIATE EDITORSDr A Rasheed

A A Jawad Khurshid

STAFF WRITERSShahzada BismilYusuf ul Azam

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSBasheer TalibAabid Salahi

GRAPHICS & DESIGNEhsan ul HaqueIrshad ul Islam

GENERAL MANAGERA.G. Quddusi

MANAGERPeer Sahib

ASSTT. MANAGER Aasif Masood

DISTRIBUTORJanta Agencies

Opp. Women College, MA Road,Srinagar Tel: 2474755

HEAD OFFICEKhan Complex, Madeena Chowk,

Gaw Kadal, Srinagar - 190001, J&KTel : +91 194 2473818

SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULATION For subscription & circulation queries & address changes,

Please Call 9906662404, 9596080492

or E-mail us at : [email protected]

Printed & Published by N QuddusiPrinted by Al-Hayat Printographers, Gawkadal, Srinagar and published

from New Colony, PulwamaEditor : Ehsan Quddusi

Publisher’s Note



from the publishers of

Kindly mail your articles at :[email protected]

Submitted articles will be published at editor’s discretion. Crescent does not take

responsibility for returning unsolicited publication material.

For details please contact : 9419403126

Attention Please!

Subscribe today!Single Copy : Rs 10

1 Year : Rs 120, 1 Year Special : Rs 2005 Year : Rs 500, Lifetime (20 yrs) : Rs 3000For subscription & circulation queries &

address changes, call please2473828, 9419403126, 9596080492

Or email us - [email protected]


EDITALKEDITALK

While studying the life within and without in his history of the Holy Prophet individual and social aspects Muhammad (PBUH) we must was unique in history and no have a clear idea of the mission such example can be found for which he worked all his life, elsewhere. The transformation its true nature and scope and its was such that human society main features. If we scan the from mosque to market, from wide range of history we come school to court and from home a c r o s s g r e a t r e f o r m e r s , to public field – the entire gamut founders of religions and of human life- was changed, and philosophic systems and great as a result of this change, there rulers and revolutionaries who was goodness and virtue changed the course of history. without the least tinge of evil. In But the common feature of all of fact, human life received a new them is that whi le they base and the foundation was laid influenced only one part of for all round progress and a human life they left loopholes virtuous life on an international open for evils creeping into scale.others aspects. We do not find The main object of studying any movement or ideology the Prophet’s life is that the light which has transformed the of his message becomes again whole nature of man, his entire fresh before us and before being from within and without humanity, and in the midst of and his individual as well as his

prevailing darkness life again community life. This is what

finds the path of felicity just as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

the way was found in the crisis-accomplished as we will see in

ridden sixth centuries of the following pages. This

Christian era. Unfortunately, we transformation of man from

do not study the Prophet’s life in

Why to study Seerat-e-Tayyiba?The main object of studying the Prophet’s life is that the light of his message becomes again fresh before us and before humanity, and in the midst of prevailing darkness life again finds the path of felicity just as the way was found in the crisis-ridden sixth centuries of Christian era,

February 2012 05

EDITALKEDITALK

appropriate spirit with the mystery. It is not denied that the understanding that we have to Prophet’s spiritual and moral adopt him as our model and level is supreme among the mould our lives accordingly. On h u m a n b e i n g s . M a n y the other hand, some other superhuman factors can be seen considerations have come in the as also miracles and the way and are multiplying. presence of angels. But in any Muslims take interest in the case the holy life was that of a Prophet’s life just for the sake of human being and this is the very heavenly reward. It is true that basis of its greatness because a every attempt to get access to the life with no parallels was Prophet is a virtue in the sight of presented by a man. Every God and we expect reward for it, activity of his is carried on under but should not the foremost aim t h e l a w s o f n a t u r e a n d of such an effort be to reform our conventions of history and lives? We hold gatherings on the culture, and sacrifices are made Prophet’s birthday in the belief at every stage of success. His life that the Prophet’s soul is present can be a model for us to emulate at these gatherings and is only as a man and only as a man pleased to see the devotion of his can we take lessons from him, followers. Trays of sweets, learn adherence to principles garlands of flowers, qawwalis and recognition of duties, and poems in praise of the acquire courage determination Prophet, burning incense, and from him, cultivate the spirit of illuminations are all mere service to the humanity from his ostensible indications of this example and create in ourselves devotion. But the picture of the an urge to fight against the Prophet’s life which is presented forces of evil. If you make the to us in such gatherings is not Prophet’s life all miracles and the picture of a man- a man of give it the colour of the life of a f lesh and blood. We are superman, where will then be introduced to a superhuman the model for this earthly man? being whose body has a halo of We can feel dreaded for such a light, whose shadow does not person but cannot imbibe any of fall on the ground, whose entire his attributes. We can adore him life is full or miracles and all his but cannot follow him. Of late, a d u t i e s a n d p r a y e r s a r e tendency has crept in from the performed by angels and West which is called hero everything and about his is a worship under which great

February 201206

personalities of history are civilised life and that some of the adored and idolized and their most complex and difficult birthdays are celebrated with all problems can be satisfactorily pomp. But such demonstrations solved through him. This had are hollow and although a led a curtain being drawn before particular kind of sermonising is the Prophet’s l i fe. These common in all such celebrations erroneous conceptions flourish they have the least effect on our only because the atmosphere is lives. Another tendency is to congenial to them. The political regard the Prophet’s message and social system which is not as a code of conduct of life, before us and the kind of life we but just as a religion only for lived need a particular type of reverence. Those who think like man and want to see a particular this feel that the Prophet came type of character in him. In other to teach a few beliefs, some rites words the practical life here does and prayers, some recitations, not at all need the type of man some moral principles and some which is presented by the religious laws and his object was Prophet’s life, and the mind and just to produce people who character which can be acquired would call themselves Muslims. from the Prophet’s life has no For them the Prophet’s life is relevance. The fact is that we n o t h i n g m o r e t h a n t h e have completely missed the combination of some rules of correct concept of the Prophet’s cleanliness, prayers, recitations life because other extraneous and individual moralities. But in viewpoints are at work. Thus the wider field of social life they despite the presence of all the serve every evil purpose with spectacles of devotion and love p e r f e c t e a s e a n d l e a g u e and the minds devoted to the themselves with any mischief. study of the Prophet’s life, the Such people have missed the man whose model the Prophet brightest chapters of the has presented never appears. P r o p h e t ’ s l i f e a n d g o t The Prophet’s life cannot enter themselves lost itself in its into us in any other way except preface alone. This picture of the by our determination to work for Prophet’s life cannot have any the ideal to which he dedicated effect on other nations of the himself.modern age, even the Muslim youths cannot conceive that the Prophet can also be a leader of

Naeem Siddiqui

EDITALKEDITALK

February 2012 07

Janta AgenciesM A Road (Opp Women College), Srinagar

Tel: 0194 2474755

Thus Spoke the Blessed Prophet of Mercy

— Sahih Muslim : 1017

Space donated by

Narrated on the authority of Jarir bin Abdullah(R.A)

that the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W) said : “Whoever institutes a good

way into Islam, and it is practiced after him,

the same reward of those who act on it

will be recorded for him, not detracting from

their reward in the least. And whoever institutes an

evil way into Islam and it is practiced after him,

the same sin of those who act on it

will be recorded against him, not detracting from

their sins in the least.

Quraish fear spread of Islam dominion, we shall make you our king; and if the demon which

One day the Qur aish tried to possesses you cannot be subdued,

induce the Prophet(S.A.W) to we will bring you doctors and give

discontinue his teachings of the them riches until they cure you."

new religion, which had sown When 'Utba had finished his

discord among their people. 'Utba discourse, the Prophet said: "Now

Ibn Rabi'a, was delegated to see listen to me, O father of Walid." "I

the Prophet(S.A.W) and speak to listen", he replied. The Prophet,

him. 'Utba said: "O son of my recited to him the first thirteen

brother, you are distinguished by v e r s e s o f S u r a h

your qualities; yet you have sown Fussilat(Chapter41:1-13), which

discord among our people and start as:

cast dissension in our families; "Ha Mim (These letters are you denounced our gods and

one of the miracles of the Quran, goddesses and you charge our and none but Allah Alone knows ancestors with impiety. Now their meanings). A revelation we’ve come to make a proposition from Allah the Most Beneficent, to you, and I ask you to think well the Most Merciful. A Book before you reject it." "I am whereof the Verses are explained listening to you, O father of in detail; - a Quran in Arabic for Walid," said the Prophet(S.A.W). people who know. Giving glad "O son of my brother, if by this tidings (of Paradise to the one affair you intend to acquire who believes in the Oneness of riches, honors, and dignity, we Allah, Islamic Monotheism) and are willing to collect for you a fears Allah much (abstains from fortune larger than is possessed all kinds of sins and evil deeds) by any one of us; we shall make a n d l o v e s A l l a h m u c h you our chief and will do nothing (performing all kinds of good without you. If you desire

Prophet Muhammad

To know the greatest prophet of all times Syedna Muhammad (pbuh) ; to present him as the prophet of mercy for the whole universe and also as the last messenger of Allah (pbuh) we put a humble effort in the shape of following series of articles on Seerat-e-Tayyiba. Hope all of us are enlightened.

Part - IIIPart - III

Seerat-e-Tayyiba NUMBER

09 February 2012

deeds which He has ordained), of Islam and occurred in the fifth and warning (of punishment in y e a r o f t h e P r o p h e t the Hellfire to be the one who Muhammad's(S.A.W) mission, disbelieves in the Oneness of A.D. 615. These emigrants were Allah), but most of them turn soon followed by many of their away, so they listen not”……[and fellow sufferers, until the number ended as:]….. “Such is the Decree reached eighty-three men and of Him the All Mighty, The All eighteen women.Knower. But if they turn away, The hostile Quraish, furious at then say (O Muhammad): "I have the escape of their victims, sent warned you of a Sa'iqa (a deputes to the king of Abyssinia destruction awful cry, torment, to request him to deliver up the hit, a thunder bolt) like the Sa'iqa refugees, so that they might be which overtook 'Ad and Thamud put to death for adjuring their old (people)." (Ch 41:1-13 Quran). religion and embracing a new

When the Prophet(S.A.W) had one. The king summoned the finished his recitation, he said to poor fugitives and inquired of 'Utba: "This is my reply to your them what was the religion, proposition; now take what which they had adopted in course you find best." preference to their old faith.

Hazrat Ja'far bin Abu Talib acted Quraish increase Persecution as spokesman for the exiles. He

Persecution by the Quraish spoke thus: "O king, we were grew fiercer every day and the plunged in the depth of ignorance sufferings of the Prophet's and barbarism, we adored idols, disciples became unbearable. He we lived in unchastity, and we ate had heard of the righteousness, dead bodies, and we spoke tolerance, and hospitality of the abomination, we disregarded neighboring Christian king of every feeling of humanity and Abyssinia. He recommended sense of duty towards our such of his companions who were neighbors, and we knew no law without protection to seek refuge but that of the strong, when Allah in the kingdom of that pious king, raised among us a man, of whose Al Najashi (Negus). Some fifteen birth, truthfulness, honesty, and of the unprotected adherents of purity we were aware. He called I s l a m p r o m p t l y a v a i l e d us to profess the Unity of Allah themselves of the advice and and taught us to associate sailed to Abyssinia. Here they met nothing with Him; he forbade us with a very kind reception from the worship of idols and enjoined the Negus. This is called the first us to speak the truth, to be faithful hijrah (migration) in the history to our trusts, to be merciful, to

10 February 2012


regard the rights of neighbors; him for miracles to prove his and not to return to the worship mission. He used to answer: of idols of wood and stone and to "Allah has not sent me to work abstain from evil, to offer prayers, wonders; He has sent me to to give alms, to observe the fast. preach to you." Thus disclaiming We have believed in him, we have all power of wonder working, the accepted his teachings and his Prophet(S.A.W) ever rested the injunctions to worship Allah truth of his divine mission upon alone and to associate nothing his wise teachings. He addressed with Him. Hence our people have h i m s e l f t o t h e i n n e r persecuted us, trying to make us consciousness of man, to his forego the worship of Allah and common sense and to his own return to the worship of idols of better judgement:wood and stone and other "Say (O Muhammad): "I am a b o m i n a t i o n s . T h e y h a v e only a human being like you. It is tortured us and injured us until, inspired in me that your Ilah finding no safety among them, we (God) is One Ilah (God- Allah), have come to your kingdom therefore take the Straight Path to trust ing you wi l l g ive us Him (with true Faith - Islamic p r o t e c t i o n a g a i n s t t h e i r Monotheism) and obedience to persecution." Him and seek forgiveness of Him. Al-Najashi (Negus), protects And woe to Al Mushrikeen;

(polytheists, pagans, idolaters, Muslims and disbelievers in the Oneness of

After hearing the above Allah etc., those who worship

speech, the hospitable king others along with Allah or set up

ordered the deputies to return to rivals or partners to Allah etc. (Ch

their people in safety and not to 41:6 Quran) Despite all the

interfere with their fugitives. e x h o r t a t i o n o f t h e

Thus the emigrants passed the Prophet(S.A.W), the Quraish

period of exile in peace and persisted in asking him for a sign.

comfort. While the followers of They insisted that unless some

the Prophet sought safety in sign be sent down to him from his

foreign lands against the Lord, they would not believe. The

persecution of their people, he disbelievers used to ask: "Why

continued his warnings to the has Muhammad(S.A.W) not been

Quraish more strenuously than sent with miracles like previous

ever. Again they came to him with prophets?" The Prophet(S.A.W)

offers of riches and honor, which replied: "Because miracles had

he firmly and utterly refused. But proved inadequate to convince.

they mocked at him and urged Noah was sent with signs, and

11 February 2012


with what effect? Where was the "They are but names which lost tribe of Thamud? They had you have named - you and your refused to receive the preaching fathers - for which Allah has sent of the Prophet Salih, unless he down no authority." (CH 53:23 showed them a sign and caused Quran)the rock to bring forth a living When the Prophet(S.A.W) camel. He did what they asked. In thus spoke reproachfully of the scorn they cut the camel's feet and gods of the Quraish, the latter then daring the prophet to fulfill redoubled their persecution. But his threats of judgment, were t h e P r o p h e t ( S . A . W ) , found dead in their beds the next nevertheless, continued his morning, stricken by the angel of preaching undaunted but the the Lord." hostility of his enemies or by their The Holy Quran is a Miracle bitter persecution of him. And

despite all opposition and There are some seventeen

increased persecution, the new places in the Quran, in which the

faith gained ground. The national Prophet Muhammad(S.A.W) is

fair at Okadh near Mecca challenged to work a sign, and he

attracted many desert Bedouins answered them all to the same or

and trading citizen of distant similar effect: Allah has the power

towns. They listened to the of working miracles, there were

teachings of the Prophet(S.A.W), greater miracles in nature than

to his admonitions, and to his any which could be wrought

denunciations of their sacred outside of it; and the Quran itself

idols and of their superstitions. was a great, everlasting miracle.

They carried back all that they The Quran, the Prophet(S.A.W)

had heard to their distant homes, used to assert to the disbelievers,

and thus the advent of the is a book of blessings which is a

Prophet(S.A.W) was made know warning for the whole world; it is

to almost all parts of the a complete guidance and explains

peninsula.everything necessary; it is a

Makkans plea to Abu Talib to reminder of what is imprinted on human nature and is free from stop the Prophetevery discrepancy and from error The Makkans, however, were and falsehood. It is a book of true more than ever furious at the guidance and a light to all. Prophet's(S.A.W) increasing

As to the sacred idols, so much preaching against their religion. honored and esteemed by the They asked his uncle Abu Talib to pagan Arabs, the Prophet(S.A.W) stop him, but he could not do openly recited: anything. At last , as the

12 February 2012


Prophet(S.A.W) persisted in his not desert you ever."ardent denunciations against Abu Talib protects his their ungodliness and impiety,

Nephew, the Prophetthey turned him out from the

The Quraish again attempted Ka'ba where he used to sit and in vain to cause Abu Talib to preach, and subsequently went in abandon his nephew. The a body to Abu Talib. They urged venerable chief declared his the venerable chief to prevent his intention to protect his nephew nephew from abusing their gods against any menace or violence. any longer or uttering any ill He appealed to the sense of honor words against their ancestors. of the two families of the Bani They warned Abu Talib that if he Hashim and the Bani Muttalib, would not do that, he would be both families being kinsmen of excluded from the communion of the Prophet(S.A.W), to protect his people and driven to side with their member from falling a Muhammad; the matter would victim to the hatred of rival then be settled by fight until one parties. All the members of the o f t h e t w o p a r t i e s w e r e two families nobly responded to exterminated. Abu Talib neither the appeal of Abu Talib except wished to separate himself from Abu Lahab, one of the Prophet's his people, nor forsake his uncles, who took part with the nephew for the idolaters to persecutors.revenge themselves upon. He

spoke to the Prophet very softly Umar Al-Khattab submits to and begged him to abandon his Islamaffair. To this suggestion the

During this period, 'Umar Al-Prophet firmly replied: "O my Khattab adopted Islam. In him uncle, if they placed the sun in my the new faith gained a valuable right hand and the moon in my adherent and an important factor left hand to cause me to renounce in the future development and my task, verily I would not desist propagation of Islam. Hitherto he there from until Allah made had been a violent opposer of the manifest His cause or I perished Prophet(S.A.W) and a bitter i n t h e a t t e m p t . " T h e enemy of Islam. His conversion is Prophet(S.A.W), overcome by the said to have been worked by the thought that his uncle and miraculous effect on his mind of a protector was willing to desert Surah of the Quran which his him, turned to depart. But Abu sister was reading in her house, Talib called him loudly to come where he had gone with the back, and he came. "Say whatever intention of killing her for you please; for by the Lord I shall

13 February 2012


adopting Islam. doctrine, went over to the opposite party, whose chief was T h u s t h e p a r t y o f t h e Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb, of the Prophet(S .A.W) had been f a m i l y o f U m a y y a . T h e strengthened by the conversation persecuted party, Muslims as well by his uncle Hamza, a man of as idolaters betook themselves to great valor and merit; and of Abu a defile on the eastern skirts of Bakr and 'Umar, both men of Mecca. They lived in this great energy and reputation. The defensive position for three years. Muslims now ventured to The provisions, which they had perform their devotions in public.carried with them, were soon

Quraish divided into two exhausted. Probably they would factions have entirely perished but for the

sympathy and occasional help Alarmed at the bold part received from less bigoted which the Prophet(S.A.W) and compatriots.his followers were not able to

assume, and roused by the return Reconciliation of the Quraishof the deputies from Abyssinia

Towards the beginning of the and the announcement of their tenth year of the mission, unsuccessful mission, the reconciliation was concluded Quraish determined to check by a between the Quraish and the two decisive blow any further families of Hashim and Abdul progress of Islam. Towards this M u t t a l i b t h r o u g h t h e end, in the seventh year of the intermediation of Hisham, Ibn mission, they made a solemn Umar, and Zobeir, Ibn Abu covenant against the descendants Umayya. Thus, the alliance o f Hashim and Mutta l ib , against the two families was engaging themselves to contract abolished, and they were able to no marriage with any of them and return to Mecca.to have no communication with

D u r i n g t h e p e r i o d t h e them. Upon this, the Quraish Prophet(S.A.W) and his kins became divided into two factions, people passed in their defensive and the two families of Hashim position, Islam made no progress and Muttalib all repaired to Abu outside; but in the sacred months, Talib as their chief.when violence was considered

Abu Lahab's hatred of Islamsacrilege, the Prophet(S.A.W)

A b u L a h a b , t h e used to come out of his temporary P r o p h e t ' s ( S . A . W ) u n c l e , prison to preach Islam to the however, out of his inveterate pilgrims.hatred of his nephew and his

(to be concluded.)

14 February 2012


Many people in the West and in other "gods" beside Him. He held the East today are discussing the Name of God in the highest of Prophet Muhammad, may Allah reverence and never took God's exalt his mention. Who was he Name in vain or for any vain glorious exactly? What did he teach? Why purpose.was he loved so much by some? Did He said Jesus, may Allah exalt he live up to his claims? Was he a his mention, did many miracles by prophet of God? What is the truth the permission of Almighty God, about this man? Here are the facts as curing the lepers, restoring sight to narrated by thousands of people, the blind and even bringing a dead m a n y o f w h o m k n e w h i m man back to life. He stated clearly personally. that Jesus, may Allah exalt his

He was born to a noble tribe to mention, was not dead, rather the lineage of the leaders of Makkah. Almighty God had raised him up. He His name comes from the Arabic foretold that Jesus, may Allah exalt root "hamd" and literally means his mention, is going to return again "praised one." People at his time and in the Last Days to lead the true until this very moment, praise him believers in a victory over the evil many times per day, may Allah exalt and unrighteous people, and he will his mention. He never fell into the destroy the Anti-Christ . He common practice of his tribesmen to commanded the payment of charity worship statues, idols or man-made to the poor and he was the defender "gods." and protector of widows, orphans

and the wayfarers. He ordered What he said ?people to unite with their families

He believed that God was truly and honor the ties of kinship and he One God, and as such, He was to be restored relationships between worshipped alone, without any family members. He required his

Prophet Muhammad :An easy introduction

Muhammad(S.A.W) taught his followers to believe in the God of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus, peace be upon them all, and to believe in them as true prophets, messengers and slaves of Almighty Allah, writes Yusuf Estes, Former Christian Preacher

15 February 2012


followers to engage only in lawful knew him had to admit to these marriage relationships with women, virtues. He never lied, never broke a and forbade sex outside of Almighty trust, never bore false witness, and God's Ordinance. He insisted on he was famous with all the tribes in giving women their proper rights, Makkah and was known as: "The dowries, inheritance and property. Truthful" (Al-Ameen). He forbade

any killing until the orders came What he did ?from Allah. Even then the limits

He despised false worship and all were clearly spelled out and only of the complexities and degradation those engaged in active combat to which it leads. He adhered to the against the Muslims or Islam were to Commandments of Almighty God, be fought in combat. Killing any just as prophets of old had done in innocent life was forbidden. There the past. He never committed was no genocide of Jews. He offered adultery, and he forbade others from mutual protection and forgiveness doing it. He forbade usury and to the Jews even after they broke interest on money lending, as Jesus, their covenants with him many may Allah exalt his mention, had times. They were not attacked until done centuries before him. He never it was clearly proven they were gambled and did not allow it. He traitors during time of war and tried never drank alcohol or strong drink; to bring down the prophet(S.A.W) even though it was a very normal and the Muslims at any cost. thing for people of his time and Retaliation was only to those Jews place. He did not engage in gossip who had turned traitor and not and used to turn away from hearing others. Slaves were common in anything related to it. those days for all nations and tribes.

It was Islam that encouraged freeing He fasted for days at a time to be of the slaves and the great reward closer to Almighty God and away from Allah for those who did so. from the narrowness of worldly Prophet, may Allah exalt his attractions. He taught that Jesus, mention, gave the example of this by may Allah exalt his mention, was the freeing slaves and encouraging all of immaculate conception and miracle his followers to do the same. birth of Mary, and that she was Examples include his own servant among the best creation of Almighty (who was actually considered like a God. He insisted even to the Jews of son to him) Zaid ibn Al Haritha and Medina, that Jesus, may Allah exalt Bilal the slave who was bought by his mention, was the Messiah, the Abu Bakr only for the purpose of Christ, the one predicted to come in freeing him.their Torah (Old Testament).

His Acts of ForgivenessWhat he did’nt do ?

While there were many attempts His patience and humble o f a s s a s s i n a t i o n m a d e o n attitude were exemplary and all who

Seerat-un-NabiSPECIAL

16 February 2012

Muhammad, may Allah exalt his G o d ' s W i l l a n d o b e y s H i s mention, (most famous was the Commandments). Then as they night that Ali took his place in bed grow older they begin to distort their while he and Abu Bakr escaped to faith according to the influence of Madinah), he did not allow his the prevailing society and their own companions to slaughter any of prejudices.those who had been involved in Muhammad, may Allah exalt his these attempts. Proof for this is mention, taught his followers to when they entered Makkah believe in the God of Adam, Noah, triumphantly and his first words Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, were to command his followers not Solomon and Jesus, peace be upon to harm such and such tribes and so them all, and to believe in them as and so families. This was one of the true prophets, messengers and most famous of his acts of slaves of Almighty Allah. He insisted forgiveness and humbleness. on ranking all the prophets up at the

Military combat was forbidden highest level without any distinction for the first thirteen years of between them.prophethood. The desert Arabs did He also taught the Torah (Old not need anyone to tell them how to Testament), Zaboor (Psalms) and fight or do combat. They were Injeel (Gospel or New Testament) experts in this area and held feuds were originally from the very same amongst tribes that lasted for source as the Quran, from Allah.decades. It was not until the proper

He prophesied and foretold of method of warfare was instituted by events to come and they happened Allah in the Quran, with proper as he had said. He even predicted rights and limitations, that any something from the past that would r e t a l i a t i o n o r c o m b a t w a s come true in the future, and it has. sanctioned. Orders from Allah made The Quran states pharaoh was it clear who was to be attacked, how drowned in the Red Sea while and when and to what extent chasing after Moses and Allah said fighting could take place?He would preserve Pharaoh as a sign

Destruction of infrastructures is for the future. Dr. Maurice Bucaille absolutely forbidden except when it in his book, "Bible, Quran and is ordained by Allah in certain Science" makes it clear this has instances and then only according to happened and the very person of His Commands. Pharaoh has been discovered in

Prophet Muhammad, may Allah Egypt and is now on display for all to exalt his mention, claimed every see. This event took place thousands person who is born is born in a state of years before Muhammad, may of ISLAM (submission to God), as a Allah exalt his mention, and it came Muslim (MU-Islam means; "one true in the last few decades, many who does ISLAM" i.e.; submits to centuries after his death.

17 February 2012


"Muhammad is not the father a Shariah is called a Rasool).There of any of your men, but (he is) the exists a continuous and unbroken Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of chain of recitations of Ahadith from the Prophets: and Allah has full a large number of venerable knowledge of all things." (Qur'aan, sahabah or Companions of the 33:40) Prophet (Allah be pleased with

them), that there shall be no Nabi or All the interpreters of the Holy Rasool after Muhammad(Sall Qur'aan agree on the meaning of Allaho alaihe wasallam)". (Tafseer Khatam--un--Nabieen that our Ibn-e-Khateer, Vol 3, p 453)Prophet (Sal l Al laho alaihe

wasallam) was the last of all Hujjat-ul-Islam, Imam Ghazali prophets and none shall be exalted said, "No doubt the Ummah (all to the lofty position of prophethood M u s l i m s ) h a s u n a n i m o u s l y after him. Here are a few examples: understood f rom this word

(Khatam--un--Nabieen) and its Imam Hafiz Ibn-e-Katheer circumstantial reference to mean (Rahmatullah alaihe) said, "This non--existence of a Nabi or Rasool verse is conclusive of the precept ever after Muhammad (Sall Allaho that our Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe alaihe wasallam) and that (this word wasallam) is the last and that there calls for) no reservation or tacit shall be no Nabi (Prophet) after him. interpretation in it; hence its When there shall be no Nabi to dissident is certainly the one who follow him, the ordainment of a rejects the Ummah's unanimity". Rasool (Messenger) cannot arise by (Al--Iqtisad fil--Etiqad, p 123)logic of anteriority because the

status of a Rasool is more exclusive The Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe then that of a Nabi. Every Nabi is not wasallam) unequivocally declared a Rasool, but every Rasool is a that he was the final Prophet. There Nabi(Every prophet is called a Nabi are a large number of Ahadith to whether he was given Shariah or sustain this article of Islamic faith. not; and the prophet who was given Not only that but the Prophet(Sall

Khaatam-un-NabieenMuhammad

All the interpreters of the Holy Qur'aan agree on the meaning of Khatam--un--Nabieen that our Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) was the last of all prophets and none shall be exalted to the lofty position of prophethood after him, writes QHA Rabbani

18 February 2012


Allaho alaihe wasallam) was also contrary will be (determined as) an pleased to bring forth such unbeliever."expositions of this word (Khatam-- To conclude, f inality of un--Nabieen) that all doubts prophethood is an article of faith by r e l a t i n g t o h i s f i n a l i t y i n the Qur'aan and Mutawatir Ahadith. prophethood stand void and Some Ahadith are reproduced misinterpretations exposed. Many below:p e o p l e h a v i n g t h e o l o g i c a l

The last brickdistinctions to their credit have stressed upon the unbroken and From Abu Hurairah (Allah be consecutive nature of those Ahadith, p l e a s e d w i t h h i m ) : A l l a h ' s w h i c h c o n c e r n f i n a l i t y o f Messenger (Sall Allaho alaihe prophethood. Opinions of some of wasallam) said: "Certainly my them are quoted below: example and the example of

prophets earlier than me is like the Hafiz Ibn--e--Hazam says on example of a palace most elegant page 77 of his Kitab--ul--Fasl: "All and most beautiful constructed by a those personages who have dwelt person except (that he left in it) a upon the subject of Muhammad's blank space for a brick in one of its (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) corners and that made the people prophethood, his miracles and (who were) going around it wonder expounded the holy Qur'aan, have (at i ts marvel lousness) and stated that he (the Holy Prophet) exclaimed (in perplexion): Why not had informed that there would be no is this brick inlaid in here. The prophet after him".Prophet (Sal l Al laho alaihe

Hafiz Ibne--Khateer writes wasallam) said, I am that (corner's

under the caption, "finality of last) brick and I am the last of the

prophethood": "And on this prophets." (Sahih Bukhari, vol 1, p

(Finality of Prophethood) there have 501 & Sahih Muslim, vol 2, p 248)

come from Allah's Messenger (Sall The above Hadith is also A l l a h o a l a i h e w a s a l l a m )

related by Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah "mutawatir" (absolutely certain and (Allah be pleased with him,) and is numerous) Ahadith, which have by included in Musnad Ahmad, Sahih a n u n b r o k e n c h a i n o f h i s Muslim and Jama--e--Tirmizi. companions (Allah be pleased with Sahih Muslim's narration ends with them)".t h e s e s w o r d s : S a i d A l l a h ' s

Allama Syed Mahmood Aloosi Messenger (Sall Allaho alaihe

writes in 'Tafseer Roohul--Ma'ani': wasallam): So I am in place of this

"That he (Prophet Muhammad [Sall brick; I came and so I completed the

Allaho alaihe wasallam]) was the chain of the prophets.

final prophet, is ordained by the The above Hadith is also Holy Qur'aan, acknowledged by the

related by Hazrat Abi bin Kaab Sunnah and agreed upon by the (Allah be pleased with him,) as Ummah. Hence, a claimant to the

19 February 2012


recorded in Musnad Ahmed and been gifted with five qualities not Tirmizi. bestowed upon anybody before me.

At the end of this Hadith are the "My example among the following words: Former prophets prophets has a likeness (in the were sent to their people alone, sense) that a man constructed a whereas I have been sent as the palace most lovely and perfect and Prophet to all mankind. (Mishkat, p extremely elegant but left the place 513)of one brick incomplete in it (for

subsequent inlaying); then people From Saad bin Abi Waqqas went around the palace and (Allah be pleased with him): said wondered (on its excellence) and Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Sall said, "Would that space for one brick Allaho alaihe wasallam) to Hadhrat be also filled up!" The holy Prophet Ali (Allah be pleased with him): You (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said, "I have the same relation with me as am in place of this brick among the Haroon had with Musa (peace be prophets." (Musnad Ahmed, vol 1, p upon them) except that there shall 137 & Tirmizi, vol 2, p 201) be no prophet after me. (Sahih

Bukhari vol 2, p 633)Line of prophethood terminatedAbu Hurairah (Allah be From Abu Hurairah, (Allah be

pleased with him) relates from p l e a s e d w i t h h i m ) : A l l a h ' s Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho Messenger Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) that the Bani Isreal alaihe wasallam) said: I have been were led by their own prophets, bestowed with excellence over when one prophet died, another (other) prophets in six respects:prophet took his place but there

(1) I have been gifted with shall be no prophet after me that comprehensive words,(2) I have there shall be Caliphs and they will been helped through awe (being put be many. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitab--ul-in the hearts of enemies)(3) Spoils -Manaqib)have been made lawful to me(4) the

In the case of our Prophet (Sall whole earth turned into a mosque Allaho alaihe wasallam) even such f o r m e a n d a m e a n s o f prophets will not come, except that purification(5)I have been ordained there shall be religious reformers of as the Prophet for all humanity, the Ummah.and(6) the line of the prophets has

been terminated with me. (Sahih Verily, Allah the Exalted will Muslim, vol 1, p 199, Mishkat, p 512) send down to this Ummah such men

at the head of every century who will One Hadith containing similar revive the religion for it (the subject matter is narrated in Ummah). (Abu Dawood vol 2, p Sahihain from Hadhrat Jabir (Allah 233)be pleased with him) that the

Prophet (Sal l Al laho alaihe Thirty liars in the Ummahwasallam) said: “I have

20 February 2012


It is related by Hadhrat shoulders was the signet of Thauban, (Allah be pleased with prophethood and he (Prophet him) that our Prophet (Sall Allaho Muhammad) was Khatam--un--alaihe wasallam) said, "In my Nabieen. (Shamail--e--Tirmizi, p 3)Ummah there shall be born thirty It is narrated by Uqba bin Amir liars, each of them will pretend that (Allah be pleased with him) that he is a prophet but I am the last of Allah's Messenger Muhammad (Sall the prophets, there shall be no Allaho alaihe wasallam) said, "If prophet after me. (Abu Dawood and there could ever be a prophet after Tirmizi) me, indeed Umar bin Khattab would

No Nabi, no Rasool after me have been such." (Tirmizi, vol 2, p 209)

From Anas bin Malik (Allah be Hazrat Jubair bin Mut'am pleased with him) Allah's Messenger

(Allah be pleased with him) says: I Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe heard the Prophet saying, "Certainly wasallam) said: Verily, risalat and there are some names for me, I am nubuwwat are terminated, so there Muhammad, I am Ahmad, I am shall be neither a rasool nor a nabi Mahi the obliterator as Allah shall after me. (Tirmidhi, Kitab--ur--blot out kufr through me and I am R o o ' y a B a b u Z a h a b - - u n - - Hashir, the gatherer of people who N u b u w w a , M u s n a d A h m a d , shall be resurrected at my feet and I Marwiyat--Anas bin Malik)am Aaqib; the last to come as there

Last Prophet, last Ummahshall be no prophet after me.

From Abu Huraira (Allah be (Mishkat, p 515)pleased with him): I heard the

ConclusionProphet (Sal l Al laho alaihe

It stands proved in the above wasallam) saying, "We are the last written lines that the Holy Qur'aan, (Ummah) but will precede all on the unbroken chain of "Mutawatir" Day of Resurrection except that the Ahadith, and Consensus of the Book was given to them before us. Muslim Ummah vouch that Prophet (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe

From Hazrat Aisha (Allah be wasallam) was the terminator of the

pleased with her): The Prophet (Sall entire chain of venerable prophets

Allaho alaihe wasallam) said I am with no exception (peace be upon

the last Prophet and my mosque is them). Therefore, no person after

the last mosque among the mosques him (Prophet Muhammad) can be

of all the prophets. (Kanzul Ummal, called a prophet in any meaning or

vol 12, p 270, Hadith No 34999)sense and nobody can fix for himself

Hadhrat Ali (Allah be pleased a prophetic stance by his guile or with him) describing virtues of the guise. Consequently, he who does so Prophet (Sal l Al laho alaihe or tries to do so or if anybody wasallam) says: Between his believes in the prophethood of that

21 February 2012


claimant, then such a person is a cast Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe off from the fold of Islam. wasallam),

And this finality of the Holy 2. insinuating that the Holy Prophet (Sal l Al laho alaihe Qur'aan lacks completeness, andwasallam) is a status, which is most 3. hinting at the imperfection d i g n i f i e d , a n h o n o u r m o s t of the Islamic faith, thereby distinguished and an esteem most disbelieving in the Qur'aanic verse high. It is, therefore, a grave insult to (Holy Qur'aan, 5:3): "This day I have the holy Prophet (Sall Allaho alaihe perfected your religion". Such wasallam), if somebody is so thoughts and actions heap worst insolent as to lay a claim to the line of indignity upon the holy Prophet prophethood. (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam), the

Moreover, even if one stretches Qur'aan and the religion of Islam. ones human imagination to the Moreover, if just for the sake of furthest end and presumes there is argument, it is supposed that there some prophet who has come in the is a prophet after our holy Prophet world, he should seek for a proof to (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam), then substantiate his hypothesis, ie as a natural corollary it will become whether or not this new comer has incumbent upon all to express been indoctrinated with some fresh allegiance to him and believe in disciplines. If it is said that no new whatever he says or does; and learnings were given to the new conversely disbelief in him will be prophet; rather the same learnings deemed infidelity and Kufr! were again revealed to him as had Otherwise , what e lse could already been revealed to Prophet p r o p h e t h o o d s i g n i f y ? S u c h Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe supposition in effect amounts to wasallam) that would be an insulting the holy Prophet (Sall inexplicable repetition. With the Allaho alaihe wasallam) and finding existing prophetic learnings and the fault with him to the extent that one indiminishing Qur'aanic reservoir who believes in him and his entire of knowledge, such repetition by the religion is deemed an unbeliever "new prophet" should turn into a (Kaffir) deserving hell forever. It divine exercise in futility, whereas would mean that even belief in Allah the exalted is absolutely above Prophet Muhammad (Sall Allaho anything futile. And if the plea is that alaihe wasallam) would (Allah this later claimant to prophethood forbid) not be adequate to protect was specifically bestowed with such him from disbelief (Kufr) and the learnings as were not conferred hell. May Allah the Exalted grant all upon the holy Prophet (Sall Allaho the Muslims His Graciousness to alaihe wasallam), then this would remain attached to Prophet (Allah forbid) tantamount to: Muhammad (Sall Allaho alaihe

1. belittling doctrinal learnings wasallam)!sent by Allah through Prophet

22 February 2012


If we compare the life of Sahl Ibn Sa'ad, one of Prophet Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] before Muhammad's [pbuh] companions, his mission as a prophet and his life said:“The Prophet of God [pbuh] did after he began his mission as a not see bread made from fine flour prophet, we will conclude that it is from the time God sent him (as a beyond reason to think that Prophet prophet) until he died.”M u h a m m a d [ p b u h ] c l a i m e d Hazrat Aa'isha(R.A) said: “The prophethood to attain material m a t t r e s s o f t h e P r o p h e t gains, greatness, glory, or power. Muhammad[pbuh] , on which he Before his mission as a prophet, slept, was made of leather stuffed Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] had no with the fiber of the date-palm tree.”financial worries. As a successful

Amr Ibn Al-Hareth, one of and reputed merchant, Prophet Prophet Muhammad's [pbuh] M u h a m m a d [ p b u h ] d r e w a companions, said that when the satisfactory and comfortable Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] died, he income. After his mission as a left neither money nor anything else p r o p h e t h e s a w h a r d s h i p s except his white riding mule, his materially. To clarify this more, let arms, and a piece of land which he us browse the following sayings on left to charity.his life:

Hard Life Hazrat Aa'isha(R.A) said: “O my nephew, we would sight three Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] new moons in two months without lived this hard life till he left this lighting a fire (to cook a meal) in the world although the Muslim treasury Prophet's _ houses.” Her nephew was at his disposal, the greater part asked: “O Aunt, what sustained of the Arabian Peninsula was you?” She said: “The two black Muslim before he left, and the things, dates and water, but the Muslims were victorious after Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] had eighteen years of his mission. Is it some Ansar neighbors who had p o s s i b l e t h a t P r o p h e t milk-giving she-camels and they Muhammad[pbuh] might have u s e d t o s e n d t h e P r o p h e t claimed prophethood in order to Muhammad[pbuh] some of its attain status, greatness, and power? milk.” The desire to enjoy status and power

Prophet’s model of simplicity

Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] used to milk his goat, mend his clothes, repair his shoes, help with the household work, and visit poor people when they got sick. His life was an amazing model of simplicity and humbleness…

23 February 2012


is usually associated with good food, they loved more than Prophet fancy clothing, monumental Muhammad[pbuh] yet when he palaces, colorful guards, and came to them, they did not stand up indisputable authority. Do any of for him because he hated their these indicators apply to Prophet standing up for him, as other people Muhammad[pbuh]? A few glimpses do with their great people. of his life that may help answer this Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] question follow. Despite his and his few followers did not only responsibilities as a prophet, a suffer from persecution for thirteen teacher, a statesman, and a judge, years but the unbelievers even tried Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] used to to kill Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] milk his goat, mend his clothes, several times. On one occasion they repair his shoes, help with the attempted to kill him by dropping a household work, and visit poor large boulder, which could barely be people when they got sick. He also lifted, on his head. Another time helped his companions in digging a they tried to kill him by poisoning trench by moving sand with them. his food. What could justify such a His life was an amazing model of life of suffering and sacrifice even simplicity and humbleness. after he was fully triumphant over

Prophet Muhammad's [pbuh] his adversaries? What could explain followers loved him, respected him, the humbleness and nobility which and trusted him to an amazing he demonstrated in his most extent. Yet he continued to glorious moments when he insisted emphasize that deification should that success is due only to God's help be directed to God and not to him and not to his own genius? Are these personally. Anas, one of Prophet the characteristics of a power-Muhammad's[pbuh] companions, hungry or a self-centered man?said that there was no person whom

The Prophet's public and his tore apparels and mended his private life was governed by one shoes and leather buckets. He common principle. Replying to a carried loads, gave fodder to question Hazrat Ayesha is reported animals. If there was a servant he to have said, “He was just like other also worked with him and shared men. He himself took care of his his labour. He himself brought clothes, milked his goats, stitched provisions from the market and

Prophet’s home life

The Prophet(S.A.W)was the most lenient man at home, smiling and cordial. In fact, there was no one more affectionate to his people than the Prophet(S.A.W)…

24 February 2012


carried them in a sheet of cloth.” Tahajjud prayers and recited the Qur'an very peacefully. Sometimes Smiling and Cordialhe stood in the prayers for such a

Hazrat Ayesha also said, “The long time that his feet became Prophet was the most lenient man swollen and when his companions at home, smiling and cordial. In said where was the need of his fact, there was no one more putting himself to so much trouble affectionate to his people than the when God had promised him Prophet(S.A.W).” According to forgiveness of all his lapses of the Hazrat Ali, the Prophet was past and future, the Prophet occupied at home in three kinds of replied, “Shall I not become a activities: he spent some time in grateful servant of God?” prayers and some time on his

Idea about the House dependents and some time in rest. At the same time he spent some The Prophet's idea about the time for general meetings at the house and its furnishing was that mosque and for friends and guests, man should pass his life as a and to receive people who came to traveller who takes a little rest him for their personal needs. In under a shade and then continues fact, he found very little time for his journey. It meant that those who rest. He had to arrange provisions make the next life as their goal for his consorts and for their should live in this world just to do training and the work of reforming their duties and to live on women was also carried on through probation. And how could those them. Many women came to him who have to struggle here for a high with their problems which they ideal think of building mansions conveyed on him through his and equipping them with costly consorts. But despite that, his furniture and enjoying life in domestic life was never artificial or blissful comfort? So neither the onerous. It was a man's home in Prophet nor his companions built which there were natural feelings. large houses or furnished them. There were smiles and also tears/ Their houses were just like rest-affections. There were worries and houses where there was provision also enjoyments and whenever the for protection from heat and cold Prophet(S.A.W) arrived at once the and preventive measures against home was bright and glowing. wild animals and for privacy in There was conversation on general regard to hygienic necessities. The topics and sometimes there was Prophet had built small rooms by story-telling and interesting titbits. the mosque for his consorts in

which the only decoration was Throughout his l ife the cleanliness. The Prophet(S.A.W) Prophet(S.A.W) woke up in the was so keen on cleanliness that he latter half of the night, cleansed his always exhorted his companions to teeth, did ablution and offered keep their courtyards quite clean.

25 February 2012


Very few utensils were kept in the from it till the evening and then Prophet's house. There was a threw away as keeping it longer wooden bowl covered with iron would ferment it. While drinking he which was mostly used for eating. never made a noise and raised the There could be no question of cup from his lips three times, each stocking provisions as daily time thanking God. He liked people necessities were often hardly sitting together to eat. Use of table available. His bedding was of and chair was contrary to ascetice leather filled with straw. His cot was life. Also he did not like food served strung with jute ropes which he in small dishes. Silver and gold often used without the bedding and utensils were prohibited and the marks of the rope were found on generally glass, earthen, zinc and his body over which Hazrat Umar wooden vessels were used. Before once shed tears and said that while sitting on the dinner mat, he emperors of Rome and Iran lived in removed his shoes and washed his all luxury the Prophet was in that hands. He used only right hand condition. The Prophet asked him if while eating and always took from he was not pleased to find that while his side of the vessels, never dipping those people gained this world, the his fingers in the middle. He did not Prophet gained the next. Gunny bag like to lean while eating. Generally sheets were also used as bedding he sat cross-legged or on folded legs and once when they were four- with the feet put behind like in folded and the Prophet(S.A.W) got prayers. If he disliked anything he such a sound sleep that he could not quietly left it and did not criticize. wake up for his? Tahajjud prayer, He avoided very hot food. he resented i t and str ict ly Sometimes he cut the meat with prohibited making for him such eating he used only three fingers 'comfortable' bedding. and did not soil them.

Taste of Food About Fruits

His taste of food and drink was Sometimes he also ate a fruit very refined. He liked meat in while standing and sometimes took particular and preferred shank, two fruits together like melon and neck and lion of animals and also dates. Sweet dish was his favourite. bones of ribs. A special Arab dish He also used fried barley powdered prepared with soup and bread was and mixed with water. Once when also relished by him. Honey, almond powder was substituted he vinegar, melon, cucumber, gourd, rejected it saying that it was a rich butter and rice cooked with pulses man's food. When soup was were particularly liked by him. He prepared he asked to increase its also liked dates mixed with milk or quantity so that the neighbours with butter. He also ate cucumber could also have it. At every morsel with salt and melon with sugar. He he used to thank God. He was very also put dates into water and drank particular in washing his hands

26 February 2012


after eating. If there was a guest he any food was sent to him, he urged him again and again to eat insisted on those present to partake freely and well. He never refused of it, and set apart the share of the invitation and if someone else went friends who were absent. Ever since with him he always asked the the attempt made to poison him he permission of the host to include always enquired of the name of the him. In offering thanks to God after food brought from elsewhere and dinner he also blessed the host. He insisted on the person who brought got up only when others of the it to take at least a morsel from it. In company had risen. If others had spite of this refinement of taste the finished before him he rose along Prophet had often to go without with the rest. He disliked blowing food and used to say, “I eat and over hot food or drink or smelling drink as a servant of God should them. Since he disliked bad breath do.” he never used onions or garlic. If

He usually rested on his left easing himself or passing urine he arm. While deeply thinking he was generally washed his hands and found digging the earth with some face on return. A separate long cloth stick. When sleeping he lay on the was kept for using at bed time when right side and put the palm of his he usually removed his shirt. Since right hand under his cheek. there were no latrines in the houses Sometime he also slept on his back, those days the Prophet used to go sometime putting one leg over the out upto two miles out of the city so other but always careful to see that as to be completely out of sight and no part of his body was uncovered. he selected soft earth to avoid water He very much disliked lying with spilling over the body. He also took the face downward and forbade care to take the cover of some rock others also to do so. He did not like or raised ground. He always took sleeping in a dark room or an open his bath behind a curtain or used a r o o f w i t h o u t p a r a p e t s . H e long cloth when bathing in a shower performed ablutions before retiring of rain. When sneezing he always to bed and recited prayers till he fell put some cloth to his nose. He asleep. He snored softly in sleep. usually liked to begin his journey on When he woke up in the night for Thursday and herd his conveyance

Prophet’s personal habit

The Prophet(S.A.W) often sat on his haunches and sometimes put his arms round his legs, sometimes covering his legs with some cloth….

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at a fast speed. While taking rest spite of others desiring to spare him during the journey he would start he insisted on doing it and did it afresh the next stage early in the cheerfully. He always took some morning and while camping he pedestrian fellow-traveller on his worked with others on different conveyance. When he returned chores. On one occasion when his from a journey he first prayed in the fellow travelers divided the work of mosque and when the household various items of cooking the was informed he went in without Prophet took upon himself the task any fuss. of collecting wood for fuel and in

He(S.A.W) used to eat and Prophet(S .A.W) went there drink in the same utensil with covering long distance and despite Hazrat Ayesha. He invited Ansar suffocating smoke he sat by the girls to play with Ayesha and once child and fondled and kissed him. while showing her the acrobatic When his daughter, Fatimah, came feats of the Abyssnians, her chin to him he stood up to receive her. was resting on the Prophet's Her sons, Hasan and Husain, were shoulders, and he repeatedly asked v e r y m u c h l o v e d b y t h e her if she was satisfied but Hazrat Prophet(S.A.W) who used to carry Ayesha continued her interest and them on his shoulders and played this lasted for a long time. For with them. Even at the time of Hazrat Safiah the Prophet(S.A.W) prayers they were permitted to sit bent his knees to let her step over on his shoulders. To a person who them to mount the camel for was surprised on seeing the conveyance. On one occasion the Prophet(S.A.W) kissing Hussain, camel stumbled and both the he said, “One who does not feel Prophet(S.A.W) and Hazrat Safiah compassion for others should not fell down and when people rushed expect for himself.” When his son, to help them, the Prophet(S.A.W) Ibrahim, died his eyes were filled cried that the lady should be with tears. Again when one of his attended first. His son, Ibrahim, daughters died before his eyes and was put on the second floor of an the maidservant Umm-e-Aiman iron-monger's house during the began loud lamentation, the n u r s i n g p e r i o d a n d t h e Prophet stopped her and on her

Prophet’s human feelingsThe Prophet(S.A.W) like any other human being was moved by feelings, shared in the joys as well as in the sorrows of others. He had great affection for his consorts…

28 February 2012


retort that the Prophet himself was As mentioned above the weeping, he said that such weeping Prophet(S.A.W) had a cheerful comes from a feeling which is a disposition and used to say “Your Divine blessing. At the grave of his meeting a friend with a smiling face daughter, Umm-e-Kulsoom also, is also a virtuous act.” The the Prophet(S.A.W) was in tears. Prophet(S.A.W) said that a smiling Before the dead body of his foster and cheerful disposition of a person brother, Usman bin Mazoon, the who intended to accomplish Prophet(S.A.W) was in tears and stupendous tasks helped to win the kissed the forehead of the corpse. hearts of the people. He has been The Prophet(S.A.W) himself described as: explained his weeping in the Cordial Cheerfulness following words: “The eyes are full

He met people with such of tears and the heart is sad but we cordial cheerfulness that his can say nothing except that affection became rooted in the whatever is the Will of God must hearts of his companions. His prevail.” Often in grief he uttered interesting and cheerful talks the following verse: enlivened those around him,

“For us God is sufficient and although he never lost balance and He is the best dispenser of affairs.” modesty. The portion of jest was (III:173) mild like salt in the bread and there,

Sensitive Heart too, never anything against truth could be found nor anyone's He never raised his voice in feelings were hurt, nor did he weeping but sighed like a boiling indulge in boisterous laughter. His kettle. His sensitive heart was also laughter was a smile like the moved while praying to God and opening of flower-buds in which pearls shone in his eyes. On one only teeth were visible and never occasion he asked Abdullah ibn the gullet. Hazrat Abu Huraira once Masud to recite the Qur'an and asked in surprise, “Do you joke with when he came to the verse: us also?” The Prophet(S.A.W)

“How then if We brought each replied, “Yes, but I never say people a witness and We brought anything contrary to truth.” Some thee as a witness against these examples of the Prophet's sense of people” (IV : 41) a flood of tears humour will not be out of place rolled down his eyes. It is a matter of here. g r e a t s u r p r i s e h o w t h e

Once a man asked the P r o p h e t ( S . A . W ) w i t h s u c h Prophet(S.A.W) to give him a delicately sensitive heart could conveyance and the Prophet said “I demonstrate such patience and will give you a camel calf .” The man fortitude in times of distress and said, “What shall I do with a calf?” difficulties!

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And the Prophet said “Every camel B a t t l e o f t h e D i t c h t h e is born of a she-camel as a calf.” Prophet(S.A.W) found an occasion

to laugh. It so happened that Sa'ad, An old woman came to him the father of Amir, was aiming his and requested that he may pray for arrows against an enemy who was her to be given a place in Paradise. promptly warding them off with his The Prophet humorously said, “No shield. Sa'ad then put the arrow in old woman can enter Paradise.” the bow and waited till the enemy When the woman was leaving in put his face out of the shield and tears, the Prophet asked those then threw the arrow with such present to recall her and inform her precision that it struck the enemy's that God does not send to Paradise forehead and he swirled and fell in a anyone in the state of senility but way that his legs were lifted above, has promised: creating a ludicrous situation.

“We have created (their The figure of religious and companions) of special creation

godly men as generally conceived is and made them virgins pure (and identified with a wry face and undefiled).” (LVI : 35-37) It means morose disposition, and it is that those entering Paradise will be difficult to understand as to how the given the bloom of youth. Prophet with his devotion in

A beduin fr iend of the prayers, his God-fearing nature, his Prophet(S.A.W) who was on stupendous responsibilities and friendly terms with him was usually overhanging worries could find sent by him to market on business. time for such relaxation in the Once when the beduin was selling scheme of life. something in market the Prophet

But in this scheme, faith and went quietly to him and put his godliness do not mean abstention hands over his eyes and asked him from relaxation. In reply to a to recognize who he was. At first the question Ibn Umar said that the beduin was flabbergasted and when companions of the Prophet(S.A.W) he recognized he began to rub his used to laugh although faith was shoulders against the Prophet's firmly rooted in their hearts like a chest. The Prophet then called out, rock. They used to compete in “Who is going to purchase this archery exercises and heartily slave?” The beduin said in humility, laughed together. There was a “Whosoever purchases th is general assembly after the morning worthless slave be at a loss.” The prayer at which pre-Islamic stories Prophet then remarked, “You are were also told and the Prophet not worthless in the sight of God.” laugh along with his companions.

Occasion to Laugh With the children and with his household he was always full of Once in the thickness of the cheer.

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The Prophet(S.A.W) was free A d e s c r i p t i o n o f t h e from all superstitions and never Prophet's(S.A.W) good manners consulted omens. Nevertheless, he needs a separate volume as his whole appreciated good names and life was a portrayal of elegance in disliked bad ones. While camping on manners. Hazrat Ayesha said, “His the way during a journey, he selected etiquette is the Qur'an.” What Anas places whose names indicated bin Malik said about him was most happiness or blessing or success. comprehensive. He said, “He was Similarly he did not entrust any the best of men, most generous of work to a person whose name men and the bravest of men.” Never smacked of quarrel or loss. He gave in his life did he hurt anyone except work to such men whose names under the Divine law and never took meant joy or success. He also revenge for any injury from others. changed some names for better He forgave everyone to the extent ones. In the use of conveyance he that he even forgave his most cruel preferred the horse and used to say persecutors of Makkah and Taif. He that in the hair of the horse's neck never refused anyone's request for there was blessing till the Day of help and even borrowed to help Judgement. He cleaned the eyes, others if he could not arrange it nose and mouth of the horse with his himself or asked the person to come own hands. He did not like noise and some other time or kept silent. The turmoil and preferred calm, dignity proof of his courage is that he stood and order in everything. Even for up single-handedly to proclaim the going to prayers he prohibited truth and bravely faced all troubles running and undue haste. He used to and tribulations, never giving way to say “Calmness and dignity is for fear even in the most dangerous you.” Once at the time of Hajj there situations nor did he ever show any was much noise and confusion and weakness. In the most critical times the Prophet(S.A.W) restored order of his stay at the cave of Thaur and in by raising his whip and said, “Undue the Battles of Uhad and Hunain, his hurry is no virtue.” faith remained unflinching and his

steadfastness unparalleled. His Etiquette

Prophet’s special traitsThe Prophet(S.A.W) used his right hand in taking or giving anything. In dictating letters he asked the writer to begin with the name of Allah and then put the names of sender and of the addressee. The text then followed and the seal was affixed at the end….

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As soon as his message was Khabbab ibn-ul-Irs Tamimi publicly declared, violence was sold as a slave in pre-Islamic against the Prophet(S.A.W) and days to Umm-e-Numar. He his followers began but after the accepted Islam when the house of failure of peace missions and Arqam was the centre of the attempts at bargaining and more movement from where the so after the death of Hazrat Prophet used to organize it. The Khadija and Hazrat Abu Talib, the hooligans of the Quraish threw lava of violence erupted with Khabbab on live cinders and a g r e a t e r f o r c e ; i n s t e a d o f man stood over him to prevent weakening the mission, those who him from turning sides. The fire joined the movement emerged as cooled under him. Later he once sterling gold. The biggest target of showed his back to Hazrat Umar violence was, of course, the which was all white due to this Prophet(S.A.W) himself. What his atrocity. He was an iron-smith by other companions and followers profession and when after s u f f e r e d h a s n o t b e e n accepting Islam he demanded his remembered fully, but whatever dues from the people, they said has been recorded by historians, is that he would not get a single shell most heart-rending. Some until he had forsaken Islam. This instances are briefly quoted was economic strangulation but hereunder. his reply was: “Even if you die and

rise again I will not recant.” It is obvious that apart from t h e p e r s e c u t i o n t h e Thrown on the Burning Sand Prophet(S.A.W) himself had Hazrat Bilal was a slave of suffered his sensitive heart was Umayya bin Khalaf and when he immensely pained and bruised by accepted Islam was thrown on the the sufferings of the poor people burning sand at noon time and a who had joined his movement. heavy stone was placed over him.

Prophet’s undaunted firmnessHere are just a few examples of the great sufferings and undaunted firmness of Prophet(S.A.W) and all those who joined the Prophet’s camp and none who did so escaped the furnace of tortures in extreme outrage unleashed by Quraish.

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When Umayya said he would die Ammar and he was beaten so like this if he did not forsake severely that he lost his mental Islam, his reply was only “One, balance. At the time of migration One god”. Umayya got further the Quraish permitted him to go enraged and tightening a rope to Medina on the condition that he round his neck asked children to leave all his belongings in d r a g h i m i n t h e s t r e e t s . Makkah. Suhaib agreed and left Sometimes he was wrapped in without taking anything with him. cow-hide and sometimes he was Abu Fakih Juhani was a slave forced to put on steel armour and of Safwan bin Umayya and seated in the hot sun. At last accepted Islam at the same time as Hazrat Abu Bakr purchased him Hazrat Bilal. When Umayya heard in return for another slave and of it he tied his legs with a rope and freed him. dragged him on the burning sand.

Ammar bin Yasir was from On the way they saw a beetle the clan of Qahtan. His father and Umayya asked Abu Fakih if Yasir went to Makkah with his two that was his God. Abu Fakih said, brothers in search of a missing “My God is Allah, Who is also your brother. His two brothers God.” On this Umayya strangled r e t u r n e d h o m e b u t Y a s i r with such force that he seemed to remained in Makkah and married have died. But he survived. Once a there. His entire family accepted very heavy stone was put on his I s l a m a n d s u f f e r e d c r u e l chest which brought his tongue persecution. Ammar was thrown out. Sometimes he was chained on burning sand and severely and thrown on hot sand. He was b e a t e n t i l l h e b e c a m e also purchased and freed by unconscious. His parents also Hazrat Abu Bakr. suffered untold oppression. They

Hazrat Usman who deserved were thrown in the water and respect for his age and status was forced to lie on live cinders. The bound and beaten by his own Prophet(S.A.W) used to console uncle Hakam Ibn-ul-Aas on his them and raised their morale with accepting Islam. assurance of better end.

Hazrat Abu Zarr on accepting Summaiyya, the mother of Islam rushed to the Kaabah and Ammar, on accepting Islam was proclaimed his conversion cruelly stabbed to death by Abu whereupon the Quraish fell upon Jehl. Yasir, the father of Ammar, him and beat him so severely that died as a result of most cruel he fell down unconscious. oppression. Suhaib had also Prophet's uncle, Hazrat Abbas, accepted Islam at the same time as

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rescued him. But next day he severely beaten that he lost one again went to Kaabah and eye. Walid came to him and said reiterated his conversion and that he would not have lost his eye suffered severe beating. if he continued to be under his

protection, upon which Usman Wrapped in a Mat said that he was now under the

When Hazrat Zubair ibn-ul- protection of One Who is much Awwam accepted Islam his uncle superior in respectability and wrapped him in a mat and passed honour than Walid and so he smoke through his nose but he would not mind even if he had to continued to declare firmly, “Now sacrifice his other eye also. I will never return to idol

W h e n H a z r a t U m m - e -worship.” Shareek accepted Islam her

Saeed ibn Zaid was a cousin relatives forced her to stand under of Hazrat Umar. Who bound him the hot sun and did not give her with ropes on his accepting Islam. water after food. For three days

she was kept under this torture Sa'ad ibn Waqqas also and then she was asked to suffered cruel oppression on his renounce Islam. Her mind had accepting Islam. been so upset that at first she did

Abdullah ibn Masud on not understand what was wanted

accepting Islam for the first time and when she understood it she

loudly recited the Qur'an in the declared: “By God, I am firm in my

Kaabah. The Quraish ruffians fell conviction.”

on him and mercilessly beat him, K h a l i d i b n - u l - A a s o n but he continued to recite and

accepting Islam was so severely returned home with a wounded beaten by his father that his head face. was fractured. He was also starved

Usman bin Mazoon was not but stood firm.

molested in the beginning Besides these Hazrat Abu because he was under the

Bakr and Talha, Walid bin Walid, protection of Walid bin Moghira. Ayash bin Abi Rabia and Slama But when he saw his fellow bin Hisham suffered extremely c o n v e r t s s u f f e r i n g c r u e l cruel oppression. Hazrath Omar's persecution he thought that it did barbarous treatment of his sister not befit him to remain under the and her husband is another protection of a non-believer and example of the rage of the non-he released himself and when he bel ievers against the new made public announcement and converts.demonstrated firmness he was so

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In the seventh year of the from some others he challenged the Prophet's preaching, all the clans of boycott agreement but Abu Jehl the Quraish joined in an agreement opposed him. But the supporters of to boycott Banu Hashim nature of Hisham stood by him and it was which is beyond description. The resolved by majority that the entire clan moved to Sha'ab Abi boycott agreement be annulled Talib and suffered confinement for despite the chagrin of Abu Jehl. the sake of the Prophet's call to When they went to remove the truth. The confinement lasted for document from the gate of the three years during which they Kaabah it was found that its text was suffered indescribable miseries. eaten away by white ants leaving They ate leaves of trees, boiled and only the words: “In the name of God drank the juice of dried skins, and our Lord”. when their children cried in hunger Year of Sorrow their cries reached far and wide, the

The tenth year of the Prophet's Quraish heartlessly gloated over it. mission was a year of sorrow. His Once Hakim bin Hazam secretly first bereavement was the death of sent some wheat to the imprisoned his uncle Abu Talib, whose people but the surveillance was so protection was like a fortress strict that Abu Jehl saw it and tried against the hostility of the entire to snatch it away, but incidentally Quraish. The loss of this protector Abul Bakhtari intervened and left the Prophet without any allowed the wheat to be delivered. material support in the midst of his Also Hisham bin Amr used to send enemies. The same year his wife occasionally some provisions Hazrat Khadija died. Her moral secretly. At last the move to end the support and mature advice was a boycott was initiated by Hisham bin solace to the Prophet(S.A.W) in the Amr and when he secured support

Prophet faces boycottWhen every kind of oppression failed to stop the spread of Islam and when all efforts to remove the protection of Abu Talib from the Prophet(S.A.W) were unsuccessful, the Quraish hatched another plot to socially boycott the entire clan of Banu Hashim, to have no relations with them, to stop all provisions reaching them and to have no dealings with them till Banu Hashim handed over the Prophet(S.A.W) to them with permission to kill him….

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most critical times. She used to (PBUH) as mutilation of name was conduct business in foreign trade considered worst degradation and the Prophet(S.A.W) looked among the Quraish. But when the after her interests which after their Prophet(S.A.W) heard of it, he said marriage became more intimate. that her abuses did not affect his as She wholeheartedly cooperated she abused Muzammam while he with the Prophet(S.A.W) in all his was Muhammad. One Abu Jehl also endeavours and helped his cause swore to kill the Prophet(S.A.W) financially and when the call came with the blow of a heavy stone but she gave away all her wealth in the w a s s o o v e r a w e d b y t h e service of Islam and lived a poor life. prophet(S.A.W) that he could not Her death disrupted his home life as do it. his outside life was shattered by the Moral Courage death of his uncle.

Once a mob fell upon the How the Prophet(S.A.W) Prophet(S.A.W) and severely

w o u l d h a v e f e l t a t t h e s e assaulted him. While his enemies b e r e a v e m e n t s c a n w e l l b e were sitting together and talking imagined, but at the same time the about the Prophet, declaring that fire of hostility of the Quraish his activities had now become quite against the Prophet(S.A.W) rose intolerable, the Prophet happened with greater fury. Mischievous to pass that way and they asked him children were asked to follow the if he had said such and such things. Prophet(S.A.W) and clap and The Prophet(S.A.W) with his usual shout. Dirt was occasionally thrown moral courage affirmed that what over his head on his way and thorns he said was nothing but truth, were strewn before his door. whereupon the mob pounced upon Sometimes he was smothered to him from all sides and he was suffocation and often publicly brutally manhandled. When the assaulted and filthy abuses were a t t a c k e r s g o t t i r e d t h e hurled at him. Dust was thrown on Prophet(S.A.W) again boldly his face and some people even spat warned, “I have brought this at him. On one occasion Umm-e- message to you that you are about to Jamil, wife of Abu Lahab came with be butchered” - meaning thereby the dubious aim to kill the that their atrocities were soon to Prophet(S.A.W) but could not spot recoil on them. him and eased her heart by using

Hazrat Usman relates an hot words before Hazrat Abu Bakr. incident that Aqaba bin Mueet, Abu She also recited the following Jehl and Umayya bin Khalaf used to verses: sit inside the Kaabah and whenever

“I have disobeyed Muzammam the Prophet(S.A.W) passed by and hated his religion.” She used them, they abused him. When it Muzammam for Muhammad

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happened for the third time, the One day the Prophet(S.A.W) Prophet(S.A.W) became angry and got up early in the morning and he declared, “By God, you will not made a round of the city visiting give up your ways until Divine curse every street and lane proclaiming falls on you,” Everyone present his mission but he did not find a there was overawed and shivered. single person to listen to him or talk The Prophet(S.A.W) then left for his to him. In fact, the Quraish who had home followed by Hazrat Usman failed in all their efforts to suppress and others. On the way the the Prophet(S.A.W) by violence had Prophet(S.A.W) spoke as follows: now decided to discredit him by

completely ignoring him: so any “Glad tidings for you. God will person who saw him coming certainly make his rel igion hurried away, while some evil victorious and propagate His word persons ridiculed him and jeered at and help the faith and these people him. The Prophet(S.A.W) returned whom you see before you, will son home with a heavy heart and with a be cut down by your hands.” feeling of dejection. The day's

This declaration at this time of experience convinced him that the d e s p e r a t i o n i n d i c a t e d t h e soil of Makkah had become quite indomitable courage of the barren and it was no use any longer P r o p h e t ( S . A . W ) a n d h o w to sow any seed of enlightenment magnificently the prophecy was there. fulfilled in such a short time!

The Prophet(S.A.W) resolved on the way he reached Taif and first to go out and work in the met the chiefs of Saqif clan. They neighbouring areas. The first of were three brothers, viz. Abd Yalil, these places was Taif which was a Masud and Habib, and explained fertile town with gardens of fruits to them his mission and sought and green fields and where the their cooperation and help, but people were prosperous and their replies were like poisoned happy. So the Prophet taking Zaid arrows: bin Harisa with him left on foot for One said, “If really God had Taif and preaching at all the places sent you then He wants the cover of

Prophet’s experience at TaifThe experience of Taif was such that it touched the most excruciating torture that human beings could endure, physically as well as mentally, and it was usually on such occasions that Divine help came to the prophets….

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the Kaabah to be torn away.” Sustainer of the weak and helpless. Thou art my Lord To whom art The second said, “Could not Thou going to entrust me to an God find some other suitable unknown enemy who is bitter with person than you to make him His me or to an enemy who has Prophet?” dominance over my affairs? But if

The third said, “By God, I will Thine curse is not on me I do not not talk to you at all. For if as you care for anything. Thy Protection is say you're a Prophet, then it is a great shield for me. In place of disrespectful to exchange words Thy curse or anger descending on with you and i f you have me I seek the refulgence of Thy face misrepresented God then you are which dispels all darkness, and not fit to talk to.” which sets right all worldly affairs.

I seek Thy will and pleasure. No These replies greatly annoyed force or strength can come except the Prophet but he endured it from Thee.” patiently and asked them not to say

to others what they had said to him. In the meantime, the owners But these men, on the other hand, of the garden who had witnessed incited the street urchins, servants the whole episode arrived and they and slaves to drive the Prophet out called their Christian slave named of the city. And they did more. They Addas and sent through him a abused the Prophet and pelted him bunch of grapes to the Prophet. with stones mostly on his legs and Addas presented the grapes to the hurled abuses. The Prophet bled Prophet who took them, “In the profusely but when he was too name of God.” Addas who had sat weak to walk and sat down they before the Prophet asked him what raised him up by his shoulders and was the creed that he had preached pelted again. His feet and footwear to the people his city. The Prophet were smeared with blood. A large asked him where was his native city crowd gathered to witness this and what was his religion to which spectacle and the crowd of he replied that he belonged to miscreants drove him up to the Nineva and he was a Christian. The gate of the garden belonging to Prophet then said, “You belong to Utbah and Shaiba, sons of Rabia. the sacred city of Jonah, son of The Prophet took the support of a Matta,” and Addas asked in vine creeper and after offering surprise how he knew Jonah, son of prayers called to his God as follows: Matta and the Prophet said, “He

was my brother. He was a Prophet “O God, I come to Thee alone, and I am also a Prophet.” On this helpless and without resources. Addas touched the Prophet's feet Thou art the most Merciful of all and rubbed his eyes on them and the merciful. Thou art the

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when on his return he was snubbed shoulders when he had become by his masters of defiling his unconscious due to loss of blood, religion, Addas said, “O my master, asked the Prophet on the way to there is nothing better than this on curse those people to which the the earth. He told me something Prophet replied, “Why should I which no one but a prophet could curse them?” If they have not know.” accepted Islam, future generations

will certainly accept it.” From Taif the Prophet(S.A.W) came to Nakhla and stayed there The experience of Taif was for some time and then came to the such that it touched the most cave of Hira and sent word to excruciating torture that human Mut'im bin Adi seeking his beings could endure, physically as protection. Under the Arab custom well as mentally, and it was usually no one seeking protection could be on such occasions that Divine help refused even if he was an enemy came to the prophets. The Qur'an and so Mut'im accepted and sent says. “They encountered suffering his sons to go armed and bring the and adversity and were so shaken Prophet to the Kaabah and then inspirit that even the Apostle and announced from the back of a those with him cried. When (will camel that he had given protection come) the help of God? Ah! Verily, to the Prophet. the help of God is (always) near.”

(II 214) Zaid bin Harisa, who carried the Prophet(S.A.W) on his

But before dealing with this The Jews exiled for treason event it would be worthwhile to and revolt had established assess the political situation at the themselves in Khyber, Taima and time and the position of parties in Wadiul Qura and Medina was now the field. wedge in between two hostile

fronts which had marshaled a vast

Treaty of HudaibiyaThe most important event of the period was the Treaty of Hudaibiya in the sixth year of Hijra. While the Muslims in general did not comprehend the implications of this apparently humiliating treaty, the Prophet (S.A.W) had foreseen its great benefits and the soundness of his strategy…..

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force against Medina in the Battle forward to the opportunity of of the Ditch. Now the problem entering the Kabaah. Then it was facing the Prophet(S.A.W), before revealed to the Prophet(S.A.W) in settling scores with the Quraish a dream to go for Hajj and he began which had become inevitable, was immediate preparations to that if he marched towards perform Umrah in the prohibited Makkah, the Jews of Khyber and month. Fourteen hundred people Bani Ghatfan would attack voluntarily accompanied him. He Medina, if he turned towards appointed Nomaila ibn Abdullah Khyber, the Quraish might do the Laisi as his deputy to look after the same from the opposite side. Yet administration in Medina, leaving the latter course alone was left for with him and adequate number of the Prophet(S.A.W) to curb and Muslims to guard the city. He also contain the hostile elements and took with him 70 camels for then to make a final assault on the sacrifices and marched towards enemy stronghold of Makkah. Makkah unarmed. Besides, the time was opportune. Dilemma for QuraishThe leadership of the Quraish was

The Quraish now faced a in confusion and their fighting dilemma, for if they attacked the strength was crushed in the three Prophet's party they would be Battles of Badr, Uhad and the violating the sanctity of the Ditch, in which they had lost most prohibited month, especially when of their top warriors, while their the Prophet(S.A.W) had declared economy was badly shattered and his peaceful intentions and was most of their Jewish adherents unarmed and the presence of were subdues. Although they were sacrificial animals with the party making a show of strength they further confirmed the peaceful had lost their power of resistance, nature of the march. And if they while around Medina were clans made no resistance it would be which were supporters of the said that they became afraid of the Prophet(S.A.W) whose tactical Prophet's strength and had given m e a s u r e s h a d f u r t h e r him way due to this fear and at this strengthened them. The Muslims crucial time their chief Abu Sufian had been refuses for the last six was out of Makkah on tour. The years; they longed to return home. Prophet's foresight had given him Simultaneously, they wanted to assurance that the Quraish had no establish their right of reviving the other alternative than to come to mission of Abraham which they terms. Nevertheless, they began had taken upon themselves and to preparations for war and collected pray in the House of God built by their allied clans together with a him. So they restlessly looked

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force of Ahabish clans and Because of this impertinence, immediately peace moves were set Hazrath Abu Bakr became very on foot. The first to make the move angry and rebuked him. In the was the chief of Khuza'a clan, customary familiar manner of the Budail bin Warqa, who came to the Arabs, Urwa frequently carried his P r o p h e t w i t h h i s o t h e r hand towards the Prophet's beard c o m p a n i o n s . T h e P r o p h e t and each time Hazrath Moghira explained to him his objective bin Sh'aba turned it away with the which was not hostile while the p o i n t o f h i s s w o r d . T h e Quraish who were militant would Prophet(S.A.W) again explained be themselves at a loss in case of his viewpoint to Urwa who battle. Thus there could be no returned so much impressed that harm if a temporary peace pact he told the Quraish that they could was concluded. On his return not succeed against the Prophet as Budail explained to the Quraish the devotion and love of his people that hasty action was not wise and for him was such as was not found the Prophet who was coming with even in the courts of the greatest of peaceful intentions should not be monarchs. To move further the resisted. The people of Makkah negotiations the Prophet sent listened to him and sent the leader Kharash bin Umayya to the of Ahabish, Hulais bin Alqama, to Quraish but in the confused state negotiate with the Prophet and of the leadership of the Quraish, when Hulais saw the herd of some people killed the camel on sacrificial animals moving about which Kharash was mounted and he was much impressed and on his Kharash himself saved his life with return frankly told the Quraish difficulty. Then Hazrath Usman that it was not proper to resist was sent and a party of the those who were coming on patrolling Quraish clashed with p i l g r i m a g e a n d w i s h e d t o the Muslims but they were withdraw his clan. He was, arrested and brought before the h o w e v e r , s a t i s f i e d b y t h e Prophet who set them free. assurance that they had no Hazrath Usman was detained by intentions to fight but only wanted the Quraish and when his return favourable terms of peace. Then was delayed a rumour spread that the Quraish sent Urwa bin Masud h e h a d b e e n k i l l e d . T h e Saqafi who told the Prophet that he Prophet(S.A.W) then summoned would not gain anything if he his men and accepted their pledge destroyed his own community, for that they would not return without these homeless people whom he fighting the enemy. When the had collected around him would news reached the Quraish they soon disperse leaving him alone. immediately released Hazrath

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Usman, as in fact the Quraish place of which Muhammad bin themselves were not prepared to Abdullah(S.A.W) was written. The fight. c o m p a n i o n s o f t h e

Prophet(S.A.W) were enraged at The Peace Pactthe hostility of Suhail but out of

Then the Quraish sent Mikraz respect for the Prophet(S.A.W) bin Hafs but the Prophet (S.A.W) they kept silent. did not talk to him saying that he

Terms of the Pactwas a treacherous man. Then the Quraish sent Suhail bin Amr and The following terms were the Prophet(S.A.W) saw that they settled and written in this were really ready to conclude momentous document: peace pact and after some 1) There will be no war negotiations on certain terms between the parties for two years Hazrath Ali was asked to write the and they will live at peace. draft of the treaty but the situation

2) Muslims should return was so tense that passions were this year and come for pilgrimage roused at every step. The of the Kaabah next year keeping Prophet(S.A.W) ordered to begin their swords sheathed and stay for it with “Bismillahir- Rahman-ir-just three days in Makkah. Rahim” but Suhail objected that

they did not know what is Rahman 3) Arab tribes will be free to and Rahim and the draft should conclude alliances with any of the begin with the customary “Bi- contracting parties. ismika Allahumma”. The Prophet

4) Trade caravans of the (S.A.W) agreed and then dictated

Quraish passing through Medina that the agreement was concluded

will not be attacked. between Muhammad(S.A.W), the

5) I f a n y o n e f r o m t h e Prophet of God, and Suhail bin Quraish goes to Medina without Amr to which Suhail again the consent of the party he would objected and said that if they had be returned but a Muslim coming acknowledged him as the Prophet to Makkah from Medina will not be of the God, they would not have returned. taken arms against him. The

Prophet(S.A.W) conceded this too The last item was humiliating and although Hazrat Ali had to the Muslims. It was partial already written Muhammad the towards the Quraish and this upset Prophet of God and did not want to the Muslims so much so that when scrape out these words the after the signing of the treaty the Prophet(S.A.W) himself took the Prophet(S.A.W) told them to shave document and erased the words in their heads, sacrifice the camels,

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no one moved. When his third call witness on the document, thereby remained unresponded he became indicating that the Prophet's dejected and complained to Hazrat wishes were above his personal Umm-e-Salma of the indifference feelings. of his people. She explained to him First Crucial Test that the people were dissatisfied

While the treaty was not yet with the terms of the treaty and so signed, Abu Jandal, son of the he should himself offer the Quraish representative Suhail, sacrifice and others would follow. came in chains; he had been badly The Prophet(S.A.W) did and the beaten. He appealed to the Muslims complied in anger, Prophet(S.A.W) and the Muslims irritated and perturbed. The that he should not be returned to general feelings of the Muslims Makkah to suffer oppression at the were represented by Hazrat Umar hands of non-Muslim. Suhail at w h o f r a n k l y a s k e d t h e once rose and said that he was the Prophet(S.A.W): first man who had to be returned

“O Prophet of God: are you u n d e r t h e t r e a t y . T h e not a Prophet?' Prophet(S.A.W) pleaded that since

Prophet(S.A.W): “Surely, why the treaty had not yet been signed not?” this man might be exempted, but

Suhail insisted that there would be Hazrat Umar: “Are we not no treaty unless Abu Jandal was Muslims?” returned. The Prophet appealed

Prophet(S.A.W) : “Why not?” that for his sake he might be allowed to remain. But even this Hazrat Umar: “Are these appeal had no effect and the people not unbelievers?” Prophet had to concede the

Prophet(S.A.W): “Certainly, demand on which Abu Jandal

they are.” appeald to the Muslims and said

Hazrat Umar: “Then why that they were handing him over to should we contract with them as the non-Muslims. This must have inferiors. greatly moved the Muslims but the

Prophet conclusively said that Prophet(S.A.W): “I am a having agreed to the treaty he s e r v a n t o f G o d a n d H i s could not go against it and so Abu Prophet(S.A.W). I cannot disobey Jandal should have patience and His orders. Otherwise he will God would find some way out for deprive me of His help.” him.

Hazrat Umar was not quite A n o t h e r v i c t i m t o t h e satisfied with this conversation but

stringent provision of the treaty he obediently put his signature as a

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was Abu Bakr Utbha bin Usaid cleared for migration of new who somehow fled from Makkah converts from Makkah to Medina. and reached Medina. The Quraish One important issue arose sent a deputation of two to bring when Umm-e-Kulsum, daughter him back and the Prophet(S.A.W) of Makkan chief, migrated to in compliance with the treaty sent Medina and her two brothers, him back advising him to be Amara and Walid, followed to patient and wait for the help but on secure her return. But since the the way he killed one of his guards wording of the treaty was such that and again came to Medina. Abu it did not apply specifically a Busir said to the Prophet(S.A.W), woman the Prophet refused to “You have complied with the terms return her and the Quraish had to of the treaty and handed me over to comply. the non-Muslims, but I could not

Great Benefits of the Treatyendanger my faith under the oppressions of the Quraish and so I While the Muslims in general took the action on my own and no d i d n o t c o m p r e h e n d t h e responsibility rests on you. God implications of this apparently h a s s a v e d m e ” . T h e humiliating treaty, the Prophet Prophet(S.A.W) significantly (S.A.W) had foreseen its great remarked “If this man gathers benefits and the soundness of his some men around him he will start strategy. Some of the immediate war”. Abu Busir feared that he benefits which resulted from this might be sent back again to treaty were that in the first place it Makkah and so he quietly left opened the avenue of amicable Medina and went over to Ais in the contacts between the peoples of coastal area. Abu Jandal also Makkah and Medina. Traffic was joined him there and after that opened between the two cities and whoever fled from Makkah also men separated for long from their took refuge there. In due course a family began to meet freely with group of 70 persons collected there one another. Matters were and began to plunder the trade d i s c u s s e d a n d t h e caravans of the Quraish. They were misunderstandings which the not a party to the treaty nor were people of Makkah had about the they citizens of Medina, so nothing Prophet and the Muslims came could be done to stop them and the forward and were cleared. Quraish were so harassed by the Muslims answered their questions activities that this stringent clause and explained the spiritual, moral, was removed from the treaty. intellectual and material progress Later, the Prophet called these they had made while the call of men to Medina and the path was truth and the Islamic ideology

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became a subject of conversation while the Prophet was on his way in every home and Islam spread to to Medina Sura Fatha was revealed rapidly that the number of people which reviewed past events, gave who joined the ranks of Muslims in its prophecy of future victories and the two years following the Treaty applied solace to their tense of Hudaibiya was more than the feelings. number who had accepted Islam in Strength of the Quraish the course of the last twenty years Disruptedpreceding it. It was this treaty

On the other hand, the which brought men of the caliber Quraish who had presumed that of Khalid and Amr ibn-ul-Aas to the treaty gave them the upper the fold of Islam. Secondly, hand were greatly perturbed with relieved from the worries of wars its actual consequences which Muslims found time to devote greatly expanded the circle of their energies to the constructive Muslim adherents within Makkah work of moral and intellectual disrupting the collective strength reform and strengthen the of the Quraish. The incident of Abu administration. It also opened Bakr and Abu Jandal who had ways for conveying the message of formed a group of 70 men and Islam to other countries. Thirdly, were obstructing the trade the state being at peace with caravans of the Quraish has Makkah could attend to the hostile already been related. Then Banu front of Khyber which was Bakr and Banu Khaza'a clans who subdued very soon after the peace had suspended their longstanding of Hudaibiya. Fourthly, the Arab feuds to unite in opposition to clans were now free to enter into Islam now renewed their mutual alliance with Medina or Makkah hostility and when Banu Khaza'a and this brought many new after the peace of Hudaibiya allied elements in support of Medina to themselves with the Muslims and which the Quraish could not object Banu Bakr went over to the and just at this moment Banu Quraish the latter at first killed a Khaza'a clan entered into an man of Banu Khaza'a and then alliance with the Muslim state. attacked them with full force, And lastly, only a year later committing all sorts of atrocities Muslims could enter Makkah even to the extent of attacking without any fear. Thus to conclude them inside the Kaabah and killing such a peace which brought such them while they were engaged in bitter enemies as the Quraish on prayers. The Quraish gave them the path of amity was the wisest full support and thus committed stroke of the Prophet's policy. Just the folly of going against the treaty. after conclusion of this treaty,

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On behalf of Banu Khaza'a Amr bin treaty of Hudaibiya. The Quraish Sulaim appealed to the Prophet having lost their balance of mind and then a deputation under agreed to the last alternative and Budail bin Warqa waited on the the treaty was declared null and Prophet and apprised him of all the void. But realising its grave details. Now under the treaty, the consequences frantic efforts began Prophet had to help Banu Khaza'a from the side of the Quraish to and he sent a challenge to the renew the treaty. The first person Quraish putting before them three to make a move was Abu Sufian alternatives, viz., to pay blood who rushed to Medina and tried in money for those killed or to give up every way to placate the Muslims support to Banu Kanana or lastly but received such a rebuff that he to announce annulment of the returned home disappointed.

Almighty Allah had said: them his Night Journey saying: "While I was lying in Al-Hatim or “Glorified (and Exalted) be Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came He (Allah) (above all that evil they to me and cut my body open from associate with Him), Who took His here to here." I asked Al-Jarud, slave Muhammad for a journey by who was by my side, "What does he night from AL Masjid al Haram (at mean?" He said: "It means from Makka) to the farthest mosque (in his throat to his public area," or Jerusalem), the neighborhood said, "From the top of the whereof We have blessed, order chest."The Prophet further said, t h a t W e m i g h t s h o w h i m "He then took out my heart. Then a (Muhammad) of Our Ayat (proofs, gold tray of Belief was brought to evidences, lessons, signs, etc.). me and my heart was washed and Verily, He is the All Hearer, the All was filled (with Belief) and then Seer." (Ch 17:1 Quran)returned to its original place. Then

Abbas Ibn Malik reported a white animal which was smaller that Malik Ibn Sasaa said that than a mule and bigger than a Allah's Messenger described to

Prophet’s miracle : MerajIn the twelfth year of his mission, the Prophet made his night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, and thence to heaven. His journey, known in history as Miraj (Ascension) was a real bodily one and not only a vision. It was at this time that Allah ordered the Muslims to pray the five daily prayers.

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donkey was brought to me." 'Muhammad.' It was asked: 'Has he been called?' Gabriel answered (On this Al-Jarud asked: in the affirmative. Then it was said: "Was it in the Buraq, O Abu 'He is welcomed. What an Hamza?" I (Anas) replied in the excellent visit his is!' The gate was affirmative. The Prophet said: opened. "When I went over the "The animal's step (was so wide second heaven, here I saw John that it) reached the farthest point (Yahya) and Jesus (Isa), who were within the reach of the animals' cousins of each other. Gabriel said sight. I was carried on it.to me: "These are John and Jesus;

Encounter with Adam (Hadith) pay them your greetings.' So I greeted them and both of them Gabriel set out with me till we returned my greetings to me and reached the nearest heaven.said, 'You are welcomed, O pious

"When he asked for the gate to brother and pious Prophet.'

be opened, it was asked, 'Who is Encounter with Joseph it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It

(Hadith)was asked, 'Who is to accompany y o u ? ' G a b r i e l r e p l i e d , Then Gabriel ascended with 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has me to the third heaven and asked Muhammad been called?' Gabriel for its gate to be opened. IT was replied in the affirmative. Then it asked 'Who is it?' And Gabriel was said. 'He is welcomed. What replied: 'Gabriel.' It was asked, an excellent visit his is!' The gate 'Who is to accompany you?' was opened, and when I went over Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It the first heaven, I saw Adam there. was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel said to me: 'This is your Gabriel replied in the affirmative. father, Adam; pay him your Then it was said: 'He is welcomed, greetings.' So I greeted him and he what an excellent visit his is!' The returned the greetings to me and gate was opened, and when I went said: 'You are welcomed, O pious over the third heaven there I saw son and pious Prophet.' Joseph (Yusuf), Gabriel said to me:

'This is Joseph, pay him your Encounter with John and greetings.' So I greeted him and he Jesus (Hadith)returned the greetings to me and

Then Gabriel ascended with said: 'You are welcomed, O pious

me till we reached the second brother and pious Prophet.'

heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate Encounter with Enoch (Hadith)to be opened. It was asked: 'Who is

it?' Gabriel answered: 'Gabriel.' It Then Gabriel ascended with was asked: 'Who is to accompany me to the fourth heaven and asked y o u ? ' G a b r i e l r e p l i e d ,

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for its gate to be opened. IT was for its gate to be opened. It was asked 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, asked: 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied: 'Gabriel' It was asked: 'Who is to 'Gabriel.' It was asked: 'Who is accompany you?' Gabriel replied: accompanying you?' Gabriel 'Muhammad.' It was asked: 'Has replied: 'Muhammad.' It was said: he been called?' Gabriel replied in 'Has he been called?' Gabriel the affirmative. Then it was said: replied in the affirmative. It was 'He is welcomed, what an excellent said: 'He is welcomed. What an visit his is!' "The gate was opened, excellent visit his is!' "When I went and when I went over the fourth over the sixth heaven, there I saw heaven, there I saw Enoch (Idris), Moses (Musa). Gabriel said to me: Gabriel said to me: 'This is Enoch; "This is Moses; pay him your pay him your greetings.' So I greeting. So I greeted him and he greeted him and he returned the returned the greetings to me and greetings to me and said: 'You are said: "You are welcomed, O pious welcomed O pious brother and brother and pious Prophet." When pious Prophet.' I left him (Moses) he wept.

Someone asked him: 'What makes Encounter with Aaron (Hadith)you weep?' Moses said: 'I weep

Then Gabriel ascended with because after me there has been me to the fifth heaven and asked sent (as Prophet) a young man for its gate to be opened. It was whose fol lowers wil l enter asked: 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied: Paradise in greater numbers than 'Gabriel.' It was asked: 'Who is to my followers.'accompany you?' Gabriel replied

Encounter with Abraham 'Muhammad.' It was asked: 'Has (Hadith)he been called?' Gabriel replied in

the affirmative. Then it was said: Then Gabriel ascended with 'He is welcomed, what an excellent me to the seventh heaven and visit his is!' So when I went over the asked for its gate to be opened. It fifth heaven, there I saw Aaron was asked: 'Who is it?' Gabriel (Harun), Gabriel said to me: "This replied: 'Gabriel.' It was asked: is Aaron; pay hyour greetings.' So I 'Who is accompanying you?' greeted him and he returned the Gabriel replied: 'Muhammad.' It greetings to me and said: "You are was asked: 'Has he been called?' welcomed, O pious brother and Gabriel replied in the affirmative. pious Prophet." Then it said: 'He is welcomed.

What an excellent visit his is!' "So Encounter with Moses (Hadith)when I went (over the seventh

Then Gabriel ascended with heaven), there I saw Abraham me to the sixth heaven and asked (Ibrahim). Gabriel said to me:

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'This is your father; pay your fifty prayers a day, and by Allah I greetings to him.' So I greeted him have tested people before you, and and he returned the greetings to I have tried my level best with Bani me and said: 'You are welcomed, O Israel in vain. Go back to your Lord pious son and pious Prophet.' and ask for reduction to lessen

your followers'' burden.' So I went Then I was made to ascend to back, and Allah reduced ten Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (the Lote Tree prayers for me. Then again I came of the utmost boundary).to Moses, but he repeated the same

Behold! Its fruits were like the as he had said before.jars of Hajr (a place near Medina)

Then again I went back to and its leaves were as big as the Allah, and He reduced ten more ears of elephants. Gabriel said: prayers. When I came to Moses he "This is the Lote Tree of the utmost said the same. I went back to Allah, and boundary.' Behold! There ran and He ordered m to observe ten four rivers, two were hidden and prayers a day. When I came back to two were visible, I asked: 'What are Moses, he repeated the same these two kinds of rivers, O advice, so I went back to Allah and Gabriel?' He replied: 'As for the was ordered to observe five hidden rivers, they are two rivers prayers a day.in Paradise and the visible rivers

are the Nile and the Euphrates.' "When I came back to Moses, he said: 'What have you been Mosa advises to plea to Allah ordered?' I replied: 'I have been to lessen prayersordered to observe five prayers a

"Then Al-Bait-ul-Ma'mur day.' He said: 'Your followers (the Sacred House) was shown to cannot bear fear prayers a day, and me and a container full of wine and no doubt, I have got an experience another full of milk and a third full of the people before you, and I have of honey were brought to me. I tried my level best with Bani Israel, took the milk. Gabriel remarked: so go back to your Lord and ask for 'This is the Islamic religion which reduction to lesson your followers' you and your followers are burden.'following.' Then the prayers were

I said: 'I have requested so enjoined on me: they were fifty much of my Lord that I feel prayers a day. When I returned, I ashamed, but I am satisfied now passed by Moses, who asked me; and surrender to Allah's Order.' 'What have you been ordered to When I left, I heard a voice saying: do?' I replied: 'I have been ordered 'I have passed My order and have to offer fifty prayers a day.' Moses lessened the burden of My said: 'Your followers cannot bear worshippers.'”

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Addressing the gathering at your property have been sanctified Arafat, the Prophet(S.A.W) said: to one another till you are "All praise is for God. We praise presented to your Lord, just as this Him and seek His help and ask Him month, year, this day in this city are for forgiveness of our sins and sanctified. express our repentance before "Beware that I have conveyed Him. We seek protection against the word to you. O God! Be our mischiefs of our hearts and our evil witness! actions. Whomsoever God guides

"So whosoever has anything in on the right path no one can lead the trust should return it to its him astray and whomsoever God owner. "Amounts of interest of the does not give guidance no one can days of ignorance are remitted and guide him aright. first of all I remit the claims of

"And I declare this truth that interest of my uncle Abbas bin there is no god except Allah and I Abdul Muttalib. declare this truth that Muhammad

"All claims of blood of the days is His servant and His Apostle. of ignorance are cancelled and first

"O servants of God! I advice of all I cancel the blood demand of you to worship Him and I persuade Rabia bin Haris bin Abdul you to do so. Muttalib. All titles and offices of the

"I begin with these sacred days of ignorance are abolished words. with the exception of Sadana

(caretaking of the Kaabah) and "After this, I tell you, O people! Saqaya (providing drinking water Listen to me carefully as I speak for Hajj pilgrims). clearly, for I do not think I will have

the opportunity to meet you here "Deliberate murder shall be after this year. avenged. For the death caused

unintentionally by club or stone the "O people! Your blood and compensation fixed is a hundred

Prophet’s address at ArafatLast Sermon(Khutba-e-Hajjatul Wida) is the basic Islamic proclamation to which humanity may be called and any plan of life built without regard to these words of reality will be un-Islamic and no true Muslim will be content with it. This is the last message of our beloved Apostle(S.A.W) and it is we who have been addressed. Its nature is that of the last will of the Prophet (S.A.W)and its appeal must move our hearts.

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camels. Anyone increasing it will be enter into their sleeping chambers considered as belonging to the days except you and do not let any one of ignorance. enter into your house whose entry

is not liked by you. And they should " O p e o p l e ! A f t e r t h e not commit any adultery. If they establishment of the order of truth commit it God has permitted you to the devil has lost hope that he will part with them, keep them out of be worshipped in this land. But he your sleeping chambers and give will be pleased if he is obeyed them such bodily punishment through such other sins which you which does not leave a mark on the consider light. body. If they desist and obey you

"O people! The change of t h e i r m a i n t e n a n c e i s y o u r months (i.e. sanctified months) is responsibility. an addition to the ways of apostasy

Surely, women are subject to and through it the idolaters fall into you and cannot act of their won further wrong path that a month accord You have taken them as your made permissible one year and companions as a trust form God prohibited next year so that by and have made use of their bodies manipulation they substitute the with God's permission. So fears number of the months prohibited God in respect of women an train by God. them in the right manner.

"Surely, the world has today "Beware that I have conveyed returned to the time when God

the word O God! Be Thou the created the earth and the heavens. Witness. Before God the number of months

is definitely twelve and when God "So do not, after me, go back to created heaven and earth this the ways of idolatry and slay not number was entered into His Book each other. (the charter of destiny) and is still "I am leaving with you a thing there. Of those four months are that as long as you follow it, you will sanctified. three continuous, viz. never go astray, and that is the Book Zulqada, Zilhijja and Moharram of God. and one separate, i.e. Rajab, which

"Beware that I have conveyed is between Jumada II and the word. O God! Be Thou the Sha'aban. Witness.

"Beware that I have conveyed "O people! Your God is one, the word. O God! Be Thou the

and your ancestor is also one You Witness. are all the progeny of Adam who

"O people! Your women have was created from earth. The most

been given some rights in respect of respected before God amongst you

you and you have been given some is one who is most God-fearing. No rights in respect of them. It is Arab has preference over a non-incumbent on them to let no one

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Arab or a non-Arab over an Arab. " G o d ' s p r o t e c t i o n a n d Preference, if any, is on the basis of blessings descend on you!" the fear of God. Addressing the gathering at

"Beware that I have conveyed Mina, the Prophet said: "O people! the word. O God! Be Thou the No prophet is to come after me and Witness. no community will be raised after

you. So listen carefully and devote "And you people will be asked yourself in submission to God, offer about me. Now tell me what you prayers five times daily, perform will say. pilgrimage of your Lord's Sacred

"All cried out, 'We affirm that Mosque and carry out the orders of you have conveyed the message, your chiefs and rulers that you may carried out the responsibility of find a place in Paradise." instructing the people, raised all

Human thinking cannot curtains from the face of truth and improve on these speeches and no faithfully conveyed the trust of social system has in practice been God." able to create such an order as

"O God! Be Thou the Witness! indicated in these edicts. Wherever O God! Be Thou the Witness! O and whenever Islamic movement God! Be Thou the Witness! commences and the system of truth

is established it must be founded on "Those who are present here these very firm ideologies and should convey these things to those concepts. This is the basic Islamic who are absent. Possibly those who proclamation to which humanity are absent may remember and may be called and any plan of life observe these things more carefully built without regard to these words than those present. of reality will be un-Islamic and no

"O people! God has assigned a true Muslim will be content with it. specific share of inheritance to each This is the last message of our heir. To will more than one-third of beloved Apostle and it is we who one's property is not permitted. have been addressed. Its nature is

that of the last will of the Prophet "The child belongs to one on and its appeal must move our whose bed (in marriage) it is born hearts. and the adulterer shall be stoned.

The Prophet performed all the "Whosoever calls someone rites and requirements of Hajj with else his father besides his real one ease, mingled with the people, and the slave who calls someone answered their questions and at else his master besides his real one, last after performing the last round will meet the curse of God and of the Kaabah he returned to angels and all men and no amends Medina.will be accepted from him on the

Day of Judgement.

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(1) One of the first examples and secular level." Michael H. we quote from is from the Hart, THE 100: A RANKING OF Encyclopedia Britannica, as it THE MOST INFLUENTIAL c o n f i r m s ( r e g a r d i n g PERSONS IN HISTORY, New Muhammad)” ". . . a mass of detail York: Hart Publishing Company, in the early sources shows that he Inc., 1978, page. 33.was an honest and upright man (3) While we are reviewing who had gained the respect and statements from famous non-loyalty of others who were likewise M u s l i m s a b o u t P r o p h e t honest and upright men." (Vol. Muhammad, may Allah exalt his 12). m e n t i o n , c o n s i d e r t h i s :

(2) Another impressive "Philosopher, orator, apostle, tribute to Muhammad, may Allah legislator, warrior, conqueror of exalt his mention is in the very well ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, written work of Michael H. Hart, of a cult without images; the "The 100: A Ranking of the Most founder of twenty terrestrial Influential Persons in History." He empires and of one spiritual states that the most influential empire, that is Muhammad. As person in a l l h i s tory was regards all standards by which Muhammad, may Allah exalt his h u m a n g r e a t n e s s m a y b e mention, with Jesus second. measured, we may well ask, is Examine his actual words: "My there any man greater than he? choice of Muhammad to lead the "Lamartine, HISTOIRE DE LA list of the world's most influential TURQUIE, Paris, 1854, Vol. II, pp. persons may surprise some 276-277.readers and may be questioned by (4) George Bernard Shaw, a others, but he was the only man in famous writer and non-Muslim history who was supremely says: "He must be called the Savior successful on both the religious

What they say about the Prophet of mercy ?

There has been more written about the prophet Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention, than any other person on earth. He has been praised very high even by famous non-Muslims for centuries. Here we reproduce some of the tributes paid by the World-renowned authors and thinkers…

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of Humanity. I believe that if a man over the hearts of millions of like him were to assume the mankind... I became more than dictatorship of the modern world, convinced that it was not the sword he would succeed in solving its that won a place for Islam in those problems in a way that would bring days in the scheme of life. It was it much needed peace and the rigid simplicity, the utter self-happiness." (The Genuine Islam, effacement of the Prophet, the Singapore, Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936) . scrupulous regard for his pledges,

his intense devotion to his friends (5) K.S. Ramakrishna Rao, an and followers, his intrepidity, his Indian (Hindu) professor of fearlessness, his absolute trust in Philosophy, in his booklet God and in his own mission. These "Muhammad the Prophet of and not the sword carried Islam" calls him the "perfect model everything before them and for human l i fe ." Professor surmounted every obstacle.”Ramakrishna Rao explains his

point by saying: "The personality (7) Thomas Carlyle in his of Muhammad, it is most difficult 'Heroes and Hero Worship', was to get into the whole truth of it. simply amazed as to: "How one Only a glimpse of it I can catch. man single handedly, could weld What a dramatic succession of warring tribes and wandering picturesque scenes. There is Bedouins into a most powerful and Muhammad the Prophet. There is civilized nation in less than two M u h a m m a d t h e W a r r i o r ; decades."Muhammad the Businessman; (8) Diwan Chand Sharma Muhammad the Statesman; wrote in "The Prophets of the M u h a m m a d t h e O r a t o r ; East": "Muhammad was the soul Muhammad the Reformer; of kindness, and his influence was Muhammad the Refuge of felt and never forgotten by those O r p h a n s ; M u h a m m a d t h e around him". (D.C. Sharma, The Protector of Slaves; Muhammad Prophets of the East, Calcutta, the Emancipator of Women; 1935, pp. 12).M u h a m m a d t h e J u d g e ;

Muhammad, may Allah exalt Muhammad the Saint. All in all his mention, was nothing more or these magnificent roles, in all these less than a human being, but he departments of human activities, was a man with a noble mission, he is alike a hero." which was to unite humanity on

( 6 ) M a h a t m a G a n d h i , the worship of ONE and ONLY speaking on the character of ONE GOD and to teach them the Muhammad, may Allah exalt his way to honest and upright living mention, says in 'YOUNG INDIA': based on the commands of God. "I wanted to know the best of one He always described himself as, 'A who holds today undisputed sway Slave and Messenger of God' and

54 February 2012


so indeed every action of his idol; the honor of the Prophet have proclaimed to be. never transgressed the measure of

human virtues; and his living (9) Speaking on the aspect of precepts have restrained the equality before God in Islam, the gratitude of his disciples within the famous poetess of India, Sarojini bounds of reason and religion." Naidu says: "It was the first (History of the Saracen Empires, religion that preached and London, 1870, p. 54) .practiced democracy; for, in the

mosque, when the call for prayer is ( 12) Wol fgang Goethe , sounded and worshippers are perhaps the greatest European gathered together, the democracy poet ever, wrote about Prophet of Islam is embodied five times a Muhammad, may Allah exalt his day when the peasant and king mention. He said:kneel side by side and proclaim: "He is a prophet and not a 'God Alone is Great'... I have been poet and therefore his Koran is to struck over and over again by this be seen as Divine Law and not as a indivisible unity of Islam that book of a human being, made for makes man instinctively a education or entertainment." brother."(S. Naidu, Ideals of (Noten und Abhandlungen zum Islam, vide Speeches & Writings, Weststlichen Dvan, WA I, 7, 32).Madras, 1918, p. 169).

People do not hesitate to raise (10) In the words of Professor to divinity and even make 'gods'

Hurgronje: "The league of nations out of other individuals whose founded by the prophet of Islam lives and missions have been lost put the principle of international in legend. Historically speaking, unity and human brotherhood on none of these legends achieved such universal foundations as to e v e n a f r a c t i o n o f w h a t show candle to other nations." He Muhammad, may Allah exalt his continues, "the fact is that no mention, accomplished. And all nation of the world can show a his striving was for the sole parallel to what Islam has done purpose of uniting mankind for the towards the realization of the idea worship of One God on the codes of of the League of Nations." moral excellence. Muhammad,

(11) Edward Gibbon, on the may Allah exalt his mention, or his profession of ISLAM, writes in followers never at any time "History of the Saracen Empires": claimed that he was a son of God or "I BELIEVE IN ONE GOD, AND the God-incarnate or a man with MAHOMET, AN APOSTLE OF divinity but he always was and is GOD' is the simple and invariable even today considered as only a p r o f e s s i o n o f I s l a m . T h e Messenger chosen by God.intellectual image of the Deity has Today after a lapse of fourteen never been degraded by any visible

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centuries, the life and teachings of history.Muhammad, may Allah exalt his Now it is up to you.mention, have survived without

You are a rational thinking, the slightest loss, alteration or concerned human being. As such, interpolation. They offer the same you should already be asking undying hope for treat ing yourself:mankind's many ills, which they

did when he was alive. This is not a "Could these extraordinary, claim of Muhammad's, may Allah revolutionary and amazing exalt his mention, followers, but statements, all about this one man, the inescapable conclusion forced really be true?What if this is all upon by a critical and unbiased true?

Anas, a close Companion of that this applies to matters of Prophet Muhammad (peace and religion only. In Islam there is no blessings be upon him) reported, differentiation between religious "A Jewish woman brought a and "worldly" matters. Everything poisoned lamb to the Prophet, and in people's lives is evaluated from he ate of it. When the woman was the Islamic viewpoint. Hence the brought to him, people suggested, Prophet's example provides 'Shall we kill her?' The Prophet guidance to us in all spheres of life.said, 'No.' I have recognized the It is needless to say that this effects of that poisoning in the applies, in perhaps greater Prophet's throat ever since." (Al- measure, to social behavior and Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood, relations with other people. It is Ahmad, and others). important to study how the

Following the Prophet's Prophet treated other people in a example in any situation is to make comprehensive range of situations sure of choosing the right course of in order to understand the Islamic action. Some people may think approach to social relations. Here,

Prophet’s forgiveness of hisenemies

While the Prophet was always prepared to pardon an offender who might try to injure or kill him, he could not pardon a murderer, because it is the responsibility of the head of the state to make sure that Allah's law is implemented, writes Adil Salahi

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we are giving a few brief notes on high treason and with making an one characteristic that manifested aggression on the state and all its itself in the Prophet's behavior in a people. Such a person hardly ever variety of s ituations. That escapes the death penalty. Yet the characteristic is forgiveness of immediate reaction of the Prophet one's enemies. was that the woman must not be

killed. Moreover, there was no Perhaps the description "a question about the identity of the personal enemy" cannot be perpetrator of that ghastly attempt attached more appropriately than on the life of the Prophet. The to one who tries to kill someone. woman herself brought the lamb When the attempt is the result of and told the Prophet that she had careful plotting, then the hostility prepared it as a present to him.is deeply rooted. During his life,

the Prophet had many enemies W h e n t h e w o m a n w a s who plotted against his life. One brought before the Prophet, he such attempt took place soon after asked her about her motives. She the Prophet won the battle of did not deny having poisoned the Khaibar that he fought against the lamb. She said, "I thought that if Jews of Madinah, resulting in the you were truly a Prophet, you destruction of the Jewish military would not be harmed. If you were a power in Arabia. Khaibar fell to the king (meaning that if his claim to Prophet after a long siege prophethood was false), then I culminating in a fierce fighting to would have rid people of you."win several of the many forts of W h e n t h a t w o m a n which this Jewish stronghold contemplated her attempt, she consisted. must have realized that if she were

Significance of the Story to be successful, she would have avenged the defeat of her people. In order to appreciate the She was certain that the Prophet significance of the story quoted in accepted any gift given to him and the hadith at hand, we have to always tried to please the person remember that the Prophet was who gave him a gift by eating from the head of the Islamic state, in it if it was food or using it if it was addition to his being a Prophet and something to be used. Moreover, a messenger from Allah to all she realized that the Prophet humankind. In any state, an would not be the only one to eat of attempt on the life of the president that lamb. Any of his Companions or monarch is always viewed very who would be attending with him seriously. Anyone caught making would be invited to join him in his or preparing to make such an meal. Quite a number of them, attempt is normally charged with

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probably some of the leading Companions that they should kill figures, would die with him. That her, is highly significant. He could very well have been the always forgave even the most outcome of her attempt. Indeed hardened of his enemies, if the one of them, Bishr ibn Al-Baraa' choice to forgive was his. In this was the first to eat. The Prophet case, it was his own life that was the himself ate one or two bites. He immediate target of that woman. i m m e d i a t e l y s i g n a l e d h i s Allah foiled her attempt and the Companions to stop. He told them, Prophet was inclined to forgive "Do not touch it. One of its organs her.is telling me that it is poisoned." Most hadiths and history Bishr ibn Al-Baraa' soon died. books give this report the same as

T h e P r o p h e t h i m s e l f it has been given in this article. complained of the effects of the They do not mention whether the poison for the rest of his blessed woman, who incidentally, was life. Anas, who continued in the called Zainab bint Al-Harith, was Prophet's service for 10 years until punished in anyway. Indeed, Al-he passed away, was able to Bukhari includes this hadith in his recognize the change that affected highly valuable compilation the Prophet as a result of this entitled Al-Adab Al-Mufrad under poisoned lamb. She must have the chapter heading "Forgiveness used a very powerful poison to of other People."produce such a lasting effect. It is It is mentioned, however, by a indeed reported that the Prophet number of scholars that the said during his illness, just before Prophet subsequently ordered that passing away, that he continued to the woman be executed. There is complain from the poisoned food no contradiction between his he ate at Khaibar. For this reason, a earlier forgiveness of her and number of scholars have argued subsequent punishment. The that the Prophet was also a martyr. Prophet first pardoned her for That means that Allah has given making an attempt on his life. Her him the honor of being a martyr in attempt failed and he survived. He addition to the honor of being a himself was the only one who had Prophet and a messenger. the authority to forgive her, since

The Prophet's Tendency the attempt was made on him personally. Her punishment was In the light of the foregoing, for killing one of his Companions the Prophet's tendency to forgive (i.e. Bishr ibn Al-Baraa') who ate of t h a t w o m a n , w h i c h w a s the poisoned lamb.manifested in his immediate

reaction to the suggestion of his It is well known in Islam that

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no one, not even the Prophet, has Prophet was always prepared to the authority to waive punishment pardon an offender who might try when one of the crimes for which a to injure or kill him, he could not p a r t i c u l a r p u n i s h m e n t i s pardon a murderer, because it is prescribed by Almighty Allah the responsibility of the head of the Himself. One of these is murder, state to make sure that Allah's law which earns capital punishment. is implemented. When it came to Once it is established beyond personal injury, harm, or insult, doubt that a certain person has the Prophet never hesitated to committed a murder, no one may pardon such offenders. The pardon or reduce such person's Prophet pardoned the Jewish punishment. This applies to all woman for plotting to assassinate similar crimes such as theft, him. She was, however, executed adultery, and highway robbery. for poisoning to death one of his

Companions.This means that while the

The Qur'an is the last divine explanation of the Qur'an. It is the book, which was revealed from creed of ahl-i Sunnah, which has Allah as a declaration and been constituted with collecting guidance to mankind. It is an true hadiths of the prophet explanation of all things and Muhammad (sallallahu ̀ alayhi wa means for men to be rightly sallam), and interpretation of guided. In many verses of the these hadiths by great scholars in Qur'an, it is commanded to obey later times.the prophet of Allah. This is quite a It's worth dwelling upon a s i g n i f i c a n t p o i n t b e c a u s e point here. The Sunnah is not a understanding the Qur'an fully can concept that can be dealt with only be possible with following the separately from the Qur'an. In the Sunnah of the prophet. Qur'an, it has been mentioned that

T h e S u n n a h i s t h e the prophet removes heavy

Importance of following theProphet’s sunnah

The Sunnah is the explanation of the Qur'an. It is the creed of ahl-i Sunnah, which has been constituted with collecting true hadiths of the prophet Muhammad (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), and interpretation of these hadiths by great scholars in later times, writes Harun Yahya

59 February 2012


burdens, makes rules, teaches the the examples of the prophet. ummah (society) the open and Indeed, the prophet has been an hidden meanings of the Qur'an. important example with His life,

where he practised the commands As a matter of fact, when we of the re l ig ion, for us to look at the practices of Sunnah, we understand the Qur'an.see that the prophet of Allah gave

H i s c o m p a n i o n s a l o t o f A Clear Example information about numerous

We can give "salat" (ritual subjects. This information was

prayers) as a clear example to then interpreted by scholars of the

understanding the commands of time, continued to be practised in

the religion. As well known, in daily lives and has passed on to us

Islam, performing salat 5 times a generations to generations.

day is an obligation and there are Allah has informed in the verses giving general information

surah Al-e Imran that the Prophet about how to perform it, how to had the characteristic of teaching perform ablution (wash).the Qur'an and purifying mankind:

As another example, we can Certainly Allah conferred a mention the suggestions of the

benefit upon the believers when prophet about Friday and the H e r a i s e d a m o n g t h e m a things He said about Friday M e s s e n g e r f r o m a m o n g prayer. Beside the subjects such as themselves, reciting to them His speaking that which is best, communications and purifying cleanness, foods, modesty, there them, and teaching them the Book are verses in the Qur'an about and the wisdom, although before obligations such as fasting, that they were surely in manifest ablution and hajj (pilgrimage). error.(Surah Al-e Imran, 164) However, there is no detailed

information about those worships It would be useful to attract in the verses. We learn the detail attention to the phrase "teaching information about how to perform the book and the wisdom". t h e s e w o r s h i p s f r o m t h e Because, It is not possible to interpretations of the scholars understand the Qur'an fully and about the words and habits of the practise its commands without prophet.following the sunnah of the

prophet of Allah. Our religion is a Sunnah has ected the lives of whole only with the Qur'an and the Muslims throughout the history, Sunnah. At that times when the of all past scholars of Islam, Qur'an was revealed, the people shaping their worships. Since the around the prophet learned and era of our prophet, which has been practised the commands of our hundreds of years, the Muslims religion as required by looking at have worshipped in compliance

60 February 2012


with the Sunnah. Worships like attention in the verses is that they praying five times a day, fasting, emphasise on the concept of giving charity and sacrificing have "obeying the Messenger". This not changed until today as they point shows us that following the have been always performed Messenger, in other words according to the Sunnah. For this following His commands and rules reason, starting discussions upon is a worship that Allah brought as the worships, which have been an obligation. When we look at the practised for hundreds of years verses, we again see that our without change, and speculating prophet has the authority to enjoin about the subjects like time of the and forbid things. For example, prayers, the number of the rakaats the verse ".... and whatever the ( u n i t s ) a r e c o m p l e t e l y Messenger gives you, accept it, and unnecessary. All of them are from whatever he forbids you, obligatory worships, whose details keep back, and be careful of (your are described in the Sunnah. As a duty to) Allah. (Surah Al-Hashr, 7) matter of fact, when we look at the shows that the prophet may forbid Qur'an, we see many verses in the certain things for His ummah, Qur'an about following the apart from those things that are Messenger. In a verse, for forbidden in the Qur'an. Besides, it example, Allah commands us to is again informed in the verses that obey the Messenger as follows: the believers took the matters that

they did not understand to the Surely We have sent you as a prophet and the prophet judged witness and as a bearer of good for them.news and as a warner, That you

may believe in Allah and His Those conducts, on the other Messenger and may aid him and hand, such as opposing the revere him; and (that) you may Messenger's being a judge, or declare His glory, morning and disrespecting His judgements are evening. Surely those who swear described in the verses as allegiance to you do but swear "transgression". The certainty of allegiance to Allah; the hand of the judgement of our prophet and Allah is above their hands. t h e n e e d f o r o b e y i n g H i s Therefore whoever breaks (his judgement is stressed in another faith), he breaks it only to the verse as follows:injury of his own soul, and It is not fitting for a Believer, whoever fulfils what he has man or woman, when a matter has covenanted with Allah, He will been decided by Allah and His grant him a mighty reward. (Surah Messenger to have any option Al-Fath, 8-10) about their decision: if any one

Obeying the Messenger disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong

The point one needs to pay

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Path. (Surah Al-Ahzab, 36) Imam Malik, one of the greatest Islam scholars, compared As seen up to here, Allah the Sunnah of the prophet to the commands in His verses a strict ark of Noah and said : The Sunnah obedience to His prophet. For this of the Prophet Mohammad reason, Islam can only be lived (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) is through practising the Sunnah like the Ark of Noah. Whoever along with the Qur'an. The embarks upon it reaches salvation explanations made in the verses and whoever refuses is drowned.". related to this subject are certain. The true salvation will be realised Therefore, putting forward a claim only when the creed of ahl-i of turning away from the sunnah of S u n n a h i s u n d e r s t o o d b y the prophet is completely opposite everybody and prevails in the to the essence of the Qur'an.society.

Prophet’s obedience isobedience to God

Obedience to the Messenger is much different from all other forms of obedience people know. As God states in the Quran, believers should obey the Messenger wholeheartedly, without harboring the slightest doubt or showing any hesitation. If one feels any doubt about the Messenger , then this essentially means he is not a true believer, writes Harun Yahya

One of the most important are the sincere and blessed people acts of worship that God who are chosen by God over the commands believers in the Qur'an rest of the people and whose acts, is obedience to His messengers. attitudes, and perfect morals are God says He has sent messengers exemplary. They are the friends of to be obeyed; and believers, in God who are drawn near to Him. every age, have been tested in Obedience to messengers is the t h e i r o b e d i e n c e t o t h e indication of one's obedience to messengers. Messengers are the God: people who convey God's message [ W h o e v e r o b e y s t h e and His commands to people and Messenger has obeyed God. If warn them of the Day of anyone turns away, we did not Reckoning and of its signs. They

62 February 2012


send you to them as their keeper.] Some of the relevant verses are (An-Nisaa' 4:80) examined below:

O n t h e o t h e r h a n d , [No, by your Lord, they are disobedience to a messenger is not believers until they make you direct disobedience to God and their judge in the disputes that His religion. God relates the state break out between them and then of those who obey the Messenger f ind no res is tance within and those who don't: themselves to what you decide

a n d s u b m i t t h e m s e l v e s (These are limits set by God. completely.] (An-Nisaa' 4:65)As for those who obey God and His

Messenger, We will admit them The Ideal Obedienceinto Gardens with rivers flowing I n t h i s v e r s e , a v e r y under them, remaining in them important principle about the timelessly, forever. That is the ideal obedience to the Messenger Great Victory. As for those who is revealed. Most people know the disobey God and His Messenger concept of obedience. However, and overstep His limits, We will obedience to the Messenger is admit them into a Fire to abide much different from all other therein. They wil l have a forms of obedience people know. humiliating punishment.)(An- As God states in the verse above, Nisaa' 4:13-14) bel ievers should obey the

God has revealed many Messenger wholeheartedly, details in the Qur'an about without harboring the slightest obedience to the messenger and doubt or showing any hesitation. m a d e c l e a r h o w t h e t r u e If one feels any doubt about what obedience and submission should the Messenger says and considers be as well as the kind of obedience his own ideas more accurate than acceptable in His sight. As also the Messenger's, then this, as the seen in these verses , the verse suggests, essentially means fulfillment of all requirements of he is not a true believer.the religion and rendering too Believers with true faith and much services for its cause is not submission know that what the adequate. If a person fails to adopt Messenger says is the best for the att i tude and moral i ty them. Even if his words are in pertaining to the obedience to the conflict with their personal messenger in the sense God interests, they accept and obey describes in the Qur'an and him eagerly and with enthusiasm. displays imperfections in his This virtuous conduct is a sign of obedience, it may well be that God true faith, and God gives the glad may render all his actions void. tidings of salvation to those who

63 February 2012


obey the Messenger with such them, and gave them knowledge submissiveness. Some of the and strength. The essence of the verses in which God gives this matter these people fail to fully good news are as follows: understand is that God chooses

whomever He wills. A sincere [Whoever obeys God and the believer wholeheartedly obeys Messenger will be with those and respects whom God has whom God has blessed: The chosen, and becomes heartily Prophets and the truthful, the devoted. He knows that each time witnesses (who testify) and the he obeys the Messenger, he in fact righteous (who do good). What obeys God. Those who are excellent company such people submissive to God and religion are!](An-Nisaa' 4:69)are completely submissive to His

[All who obey God and His Messenger too. God relates the Messenger and have awe of God situation of those who submit and fear Him, they are the ones themselves to Him as follows,who are victorious.](An-Nur

[Not so! All who submit 24:52)themselves completely to God and

[Say: "Obey God and obey the are good-doers will find their Messenger. If you should turn reward with their Lord. They will away, he is only responsible for feel no fear and will know no what he is charged with and you sorrow.] (Al-Baqarah 2:112)are responsible for what you are

In a verse, God states the charged with. If you obey him, you following,will be guided." The Messenger is

only responsible for conveying the [You who believe! Do not message clearly.](An-Nur 24:54) raise your voices above the voice

of the Prophet and do not be loud As stated above, those who when speaking to him as you are obey the Messenger will be rightly when speaking to one another, guided. Throughout history, all lest your actions should become people have been tested in their vain without your realizing it. obedience to the messengers. God Those who lower their voices h a s a l w a y s c h o s e n H i s when they are with the Messenger messengers among people. In this of God are people whose hearts context, some narrow-minded God has disposed towards God. and unwise people have not They will have forgiveness and an grasped how to obey a man from immense reward.] (Al-Hujurat among themselves or a man who 49:3)is not wealthier than themselves.

H o w e v e r , G o d c h o s e H i s Invitation to the Right Pathmessengers, provided support to

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God's Messenger always even if he works day and night in invites believers to the right path. order to spread the values of There are surely times these calls religion, could come to nothing on of messengers conflict with the account of his disobedience.interests of the people around This is a very important them. However, those who believe principle revealed in many verses and obey the Messenger do not i n t h e Q u r ' a n . G o d h a s pursue their opinion, but rather commanded people to perform yield to the words of God (the good deeds, to serve eagerly and Qur'an) and His Messenger. On firmly for the benefit of Islam, to the other hand, those with poor act in compliance with the good faith or those who cannot hold morals described in the Qur'an, to their desires under control may be generous, steadfast, tolerant, show disobedience or weakness truthful, and faithful. No doubt, upon the call of the Messenger. As all these are important forms of stated in the verse, their voices, worship that will be of help to him speeches, and words they utter in the hereafter. However, as seen may reveal the sickness in their in Surat Al-Hujurat, a single act of hearts and their weakness in disrespectful behavior towards obedience. They may be so unwise God's Messenger may render all to oppose what the Messenger that person's deeds in vain. This, says and to raise their voices undoubtedly, reminds us once above his. God informs us that again of how important it is to deeds of these people will be o b e y a n d r e s p e c t G o d ' s rendered void. God has informed messengers.that all efforts of such a person,

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