All The Prophets of Islam PDF

Encyclopaedia of Islam Series
ALL THE PROPHETS

OF ISLAM
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. (Mufti) M. Mukarram Ahmed
Prophets are those blessed
persons who supposedly speak by
divine inspiration, especially one
through whom a divinity
expresses his will.
This volume imparts
authoritative information on all
the Prophets of Islam. An
elaborate discussion is given of
The Last Prophet.
This work consists of die
following chapters—Early
Prophets; Middle Ages; Later
Age-1; Later Age-2; The Last
Prophet (PBUH); Muhammad's
Mission; Life at Medina; Era of
Peace; and Other Holy Lives; etc.
Hopefully, diis will serve as an
authoritative reference work to
scholars and laymen alike.
CONTENTS
Preface
1. Early Prophets
• Prophet Adam (Pbuh)
. Prophets Shith and Idris (Pbut)
• Prophet Nuh (Pbuh)
• Prophet Hud (Pbuh)
2. Middle Ages
• Prophet Salih (Pbuh)
• Prophet Ibrahim (Pbuh)
• Prophet Lut (Pbuh)
• Prophet Shuaib (Pbuh)
• Prophets Ismail, Ishaq and Yaqub’(Pbut)
• Prophet Yusuf (Pbuh)
• Prophets Ayub and Yunus (Pbut)
Later A
• Prophet Musa (Pbuh)
• Prophets Yusha, Ilyas and Hizqail (Pbut)
• Prophet Shamuil (Pbuh)
• Prophet Daud (Pbuh)
383
4. Later Age-2
9. Other Holy Lives
• Prophet Sulayman (Pbuh) . Hadrat Al-Khidhr (Pbuh)
• Prophets Uzair, Zakariya and Yahya (Pbut) . Hadrat Zuk-Kifl (Pbuh)
• Prophet Isa (Pbuh) 387
Bibliography
5. The Last Prophet (Pbuh) 407
• Great Dawn References

411
• First Marriage
Index
• First Revelation
Muhammad's Mission
The Preaching
The Ascension
The Emigration
Phase of Hegira
. Life at Medina
• Battle of Badr
• Battle of Uhud
• A Moral Victory
• Treaty of Hudaibiya
• Conquest of Khaibar
Era of Peace
Missions for Preaching
• Conquest of Mecca
• Hunain, Autas and Taif Conqured
• Tabuk under the Banner
• Diplomatic Missions
• Last Journey
glam stands for peace—peace for all, not for the Muslims, alone. In fact, Islam,
I when defined, incorporates in its fold, safety and security for the whole mankind.
Holy Quran, the divine scripture addresses all humanbeings, not only the Muslims.
Prophet of Islam, Hadrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) is known as the benefactor
of mankind. Thus, Islam's message is for the whole universe and Allah (God) is the Lord
of all the worlds. Islam is universal in its nature, essence, belief, philosophy, ideology
approach and practice.
Surprisingly, Islam—despite being the most progressive, logical and scientific religion,
on this planet—is also the most misunderstood religion. This confusion about Islam has
recently increased, due to certain eventual reasons. Militant struggles by groups of staunch
followers of Islam, against oppressive regimes in their respective lands—Palestine, Iraq,
Russia, China, Philippines and an ongoing conflict in Sudan, to name a few-and to top
aU of these, the attack on World Trade Centre of New York, and inspite of subsequent
fall of the Taliban, the still existing resistance in Afghanistan-have collectively contributed
m deteriorating the situation, further. But, there is always a blessing in disguise. Resultantly,
*e said misunderstandings have instantly diverted the minds of people towards it and
Zuthm TP jntereSt blam‘ N°W' m°re m°re pe°P'e Want to
about is! the religion, which has once again stirred the world community. Islam
*
ver, from its early days, advocates non-violence, peace and fraternity, but ironically.
(xii)
today it has been made known merely for militancy and terrorism. Islam which, on the
upon the scriptures, original interpretations and old authentic classics. We have simply
very first day had raised the banner of reasoning and enlightenment in a dark age, on
reproduced the authenticated texts, with introductory and linking notes and paragraphs,
the one hand and humanity, equality and fundamental rights on the other, is today termed
in order to make the text-matter easier to understand. We have not tempered with any
as an orthodox and autocratic faith. But, again, it has increased the anxiety and quest for
material, it is either reproduced or presented in compact form. That's all. To support the
awareness about this wonderful religion, among educated people, from all walks of life,
matter, authentic extracts have been taken from Holy Quran and certified Traditions only.
the world over, in general and the West in particular.
All efforts for maintaining utmost objectivity, have been made. In order to evade any
Ironically, one prefers to ignore millions of Muslims, living in harmonious and peaceful possible controversy, all disputed matters have been avoided.
(multi-racial) societies like India, Malaysia, Lebanon, South Africa and Mauritius and on
The honest intention of the Editors and Compilers is focused on projecting Islam in
the contrary, he or she loves to frequently talk about Muslim militant forces at war with
totality and in nutshell—bringing the whole world of Islam in the fold of one voluminous
various regimes. They symbolise Islam with dogmatism and terrorism.
book. Peculiarly, every volume of this vast study is a comprehensive book in itself and
The need of the hour is to correct the situation and to eradicate this feeling and covers a particular aspect or dimension of Islam. To make it straight, all the 101 volume
tendency, prevailing all over and to depict the true picture of Islam. Hence, this bold and make one exhaustive huge book on one hand and each volume is a separate book on the
courageous endeavour, to bind the whole world of Islam in the form of a series, spanning other. Hopefully, this research-based work would fill the vacuum, for a book of knowledge
over 101 books and titled as Encyclopaedia of Islam. This study also explores the on Islam and prove to be a source of information and reference for all scholars, researchers
relevance of Islam in the contemporary world. and general readers, coming from amongst the Muslims, Non-Muslims, orientalists and
of course those Western scholars and researchers, who may require a good source in an
One may believe it or not, today Islam is the fastest developing religion, which is
international language. For knowing Islam in totality and for discovering the treasures
spreading—through voluntary preaching and invitation in the whole world and in
of Islamic wisdom and knowledge, they may easily refer to this multi-volume.
West, including USA at a faster pace, than ever. Over the past few years, the popularity
of Holy Quran and other authentic Islamic books has touched new heights. Islam is
perhaps seen as the last bastion of spirituality, morality tradition and religious values,
Editors
leading to real salvation.
For a comprehensive study of Islam, one intelligent reader requires exclusive, authentic
and exhaustive books to satisfy their urge, answer their quest and convince them on all
counts. This voluminous study is aimed at the same goal. These 101 books are in fact a
grand treasure of knowledge and awareness about Islam and as well as a window, leading
to Islamic wisdom. Further, it ascertains the honourable status of Islam as a perfect social
and political system in the new world order.
No doubt, interpretations and explanations are essential for making any subject
comprehensive for the readers—students and scholars alike. But original sources always
form the best material to quench the thirst of a seeker of knowledge and convince a
questioning brain. That's why, the Compilers and Editors of these volumes have banked
One
EARLY PROPHETS
Prophet Adam (PBUH)
First Creation
"Allah Almighty said:
Behold, thy Lord said to the angels; "I will create a vi If 5f- on earth/' They
said: Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed
blood? Whilst we do celebrate Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said:
"I know what ye know not". And He taught Adam the names of all things; then
He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell Me the names of these if ye are
right". They said: "Glory to Thee of knowledge we have none, save what Thou
hast taught us: in truth it is Thou who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom."
He said: "O Adam! tell them their names." When he had told them their names,
Allah said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and
I know what ye reveal. And what ye conceal?". And behold We said to the angels;
Bow down to Adam:" and they bowed down: not so Iblis: he refused and was
haughty: he was of those who reject Faith. And We said:" O Adam! dwell thou
and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things therein as (where and
when) ye will; but approach not thi&.tree, or ye run into harm and transgression."
Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them out of the state
(of felicity) in which they had been. And we said: "Get ye down, all (ye people),
with enmity between yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling place and your
means of livelihood - for a time." Then learnt Adam from his Lord certain words
2 All the Prophets Early Prophets 3
and his Lord turned towards him; for He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. We said: He will say: "O my Lord! Why hast thou raised me up blind, while 1 had sight
1
(before)?"
"Get ye down all from here; and if, as is sure, there comes to you Guidance from (Allah) will say: "Thus didst thou, when Our Signs came unto thee, forgot them: so wilt
Me, whosoever follow My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they thou, this day, be forgotten.
grieve. But those who reject Faith and belie Our Signs, they shall be companions Mention of the Story : This is the mention of the story in many verses of the Holy Quran,
of the Fire; they shall abide therein." hence we will explain its meanings and also some traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(The similitude of Jesus before Allah is that of Adam; He created him from dust, then (PBUH) which deals with subject.
said to him: "Be" and he was.) Allah Almighty informed the angels that He wants to create from Adam (PBUH) and his
O' mankind! fear your Guardian Lord, who created you from a single Person, created, descendants a successors on the earth, as He use to tell about the Great Tidings before its
out of it, his male, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; happening.
- fear Allah through Whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and be heedful of the wombs Behold, thy Lord said to the angels; "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said; "Wilt
(that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you. Thou place therein one who will make mischief and shed blood? - Whilst we do celebrate
From the (earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall Thy praises and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said:" I know what ye know not."
We bring you out once again. The Angels asked wisely and not as a covetousness to Adam and his descendants, not
Behold! We said to the angels: "Prostrate unto Adam": They prostrated except Iblis: he as some of the ignorant commentators had told. And may be the angels said this according
said, "Shall I prostrate to one whom Thou didst create from day?". He said, "Seest Thou? to what happened before from the Jinns, as Abdullah bin Umar narrated: "The Jinns were
This is the one whom Thou hast honoured above me! If Thou wilt but respite me to the Day before Adam in 2000 years and they shed the blood; therefore Allah Almighty sent His soldiers
of Judgement, I will surely bring his descendants under my sway-all but a few!". (Allah) said: of the angels and they threw them out of the earth".
"Go thy way; if any of them follow thee, verily Hell will be the recompense of you (all) - Almighty the All Knower : Allah Almighty knows better than the angels because He is
an ample recompense. And Arouse those whom thou canst among them, with thy (seductive) the All-knower and because from this creation will be the Prophets, Messengers
a and the
voice; make assaults on them with thy cavalry and thy infantry; mutually share with them Believers. Then Allah Almighty showed the angels the honour of Adam (PBUH) And He
wealth and children; and make promises to them." But Satan promises them nothing but taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: Tell
deceit. "As for My servants, no authority shall thou have over them:" Enough is thy Lord Me the names of these if ye are right.
for a Disposer of affairs."
As Ibn Abbas said:
We had already, before hand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot: and We
found on his part no firm resolve. When We said to the angels, "Prostrate yourselves "Those are the names which the people will become acquainted with one another
to Adam", they prostrated themselves, but not Iblis: he refused. Then We said: "O Adam! by it Human, Animal, Earth, Valley, Ocean, Mountain....
• • • • etc." and Mujahid said:
Verily, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife: So let him not get you both out of the "He (Allah Almighty) taught Adam (PBUH) all the names", Al-Rabi said: "Allah
Garden, so that thou art landed in misery. There is therein (enough provision) for thee Almighty learned him the names of the angels". While the true is that Allah
not to go hungry nor to go naked. Nor to suffer from thirst, nor from the sun's heat." Almighty learned Adam the names and it's derivations, as it had been mentioned
But Satan whispered evil to him: he said, "O Adam! Shall I lead thee to the Tree of by Ibn Abbas.
Eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?". In the result, they both ate of the tree, Al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated on the authority of Hadrat Anas that the Messenger of
and so their nakedness appeared to them: then began to sew together, for their covering Allah (PBUH) said:
leaves from the Garden: thus did Adam-disobey his Lord, and fell into error. But his Lord
chose him (for His Grace). He turned to him, and gave him guidance. He said: "Get ye "On the Day of Resurrection the Believers will assemble and say: 'Let us ask
down, both of you, all together, from the Garden, with enemity one to another: but if. somebody to intercede for us with our Lord'. So they will go to Adam and say:
As is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, will You are the father of all the people, and Allah created you with His Own Hands,
not lose his way, nor fall into misery. But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily and ordered the angels to prostrate to you, and taught you the names of all the
for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgement." things".
4 All the Prophets
Early Prophets 5
According to what Al-Hassan Al-Basri said:
Allah Almighty ordered Adam and his wife to reside in the Paradise, as He said And
"When Allah Almighty wanted to create Adam (PBUH), the angels said:" The We said: "O Adam! dwell thou and thy wife in the Garden; and eat of the bountiful things
Cherisher and Sustainer will not create any creatures more knowledgeable than therein as (where and when) ye will; but approach not this tree, or ye run into harm and
us', therefore they had been afflicted with what they said". And this is clear from transgression."
the verse Then We said: "O Adam! verily, this is an enemy to thee and thy wife: so let him not
They said: "Glory to Thee of knowledge we have none, save what Thou hast taught us: get you both out of the Garden, so that thou art landed in misery.
in the truth it is Thou who art perfect in Knowledge and Wisdom." Eve's Birth: The context of those verses means that the creation of Hawa (Eve) was before
the entering of Adam into the Paradise. Also the commentators had narrated about the
He said: "O Adam! Tell them their names." When he had told them their names, Allah
creation of Hawa; Muhammad bin Ishaq told on the authority of Ibn Abbas: "Hawa had been
said: "Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of heaven and earth, and I know what ye
created from Adam's left rib while he was sleeping". In the two Sahihs on the authority of
reveal and what ye conceal?"
Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had said: "Act kindly towards women, for
Order to Prostrate: Afterwards Allah Almighty ordered the angels to prostrate themselves the woman is created from a rib, and the most crooked part of the rib is its top. If you attempt
before Adam, and the angels all prostrated except Iblis refused because of his haughtiness. to straighten it, you will break it, and if you leave it, its crookedness will remain there. So
And Allah's order to the angels shows the Great Generosity from Allah to Adam. act kindly towards women."
It is We Who created you and gave you shape: then We bade the angels prostrate to Adam, The commentators disagreed in the kind of the tree which had been mentioned in the
and they prostrated, not so Iblis; he refused to be cf those who prostrate. (Allah) said: "What Verses, some of them said that the tree was "The grapes", while some of the companions
prevented thee from prostrating when I commanded thee?" He said: "I am better than he: said: "The Jews said: Tt is the wheat" and this had been narrated by Ibn- Abbas and Al-Hassan
Thou didst create me from fire, and him from clay". Al-Basri. Al-Thawri told on the authority of Abi-Hasin and Abi Malik: "The tree was a date
Iblis' egotism became clear when he put himself above man, and his falsehood in ignoring prim"?
the fact that Allah had not merely made man's body from clay, but had given him spiritual These differences are near, and Allah Almighty did not mention anything about this
form, - in other words, had taught him the nature of things and raised him above the angels. matter because He knows better than us by His Divine Knowledge.
Muhammad bin Sirin said: "The first one who measured was Iblis, and the sun and the But the commentators disagree about the Paradise which Adam (PBUH) had entered if
moon were worshipped by the measurement". it was in the Heaven or in the earth.
Ibn Masud, Ibn Abbas and others said that:" Iblis was the chief of the angels," and Mansion Paradise: In the tradition of intercession Abu Huraira narrated on the authority
Ibn Abbas added:" Iblis name was Azazil". Also Ibn "Abbas said: "Iblis was one of the of Huzaifa that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, would
most honourable, knowledgeable and worshipper among the angels, and he was from gather people. The believers would stand till Paradise would be brought near them. They
the fourth wings angels but Allah Almighty punished him and made him (Satan)". But would come to Adam and say: 'O our father, open for us the Paradise'. He would say: What
Iblis didn't give up and he will try all his means to seduce the man, as Allah Almighty turned you out from Paradise was the sin of your father Adam". From the given tradition
said: in Surat Al-Araf. He said: "Because thou hast thrown me out (Of the way), lo! I we see a good proof that it is the Mansion Paradise, while others said it is not the Paradise
will lie in wait for them on Thy Straight Way: "Then will I assault them from before them of Eternity because: Allah Almighty forbade Adam to eat from the tree; and Adam slept in
and behind them, from their right and their left: nor wilt Thou find, in most of them, it and he had been ordered to leave it; also Iblis entered it; all these reasons mean that this
gratitude (for Thy mercies)." place is not the Mansion Paradise.
Some of the commentators were in doubt about which one of the angels had been ordered Some of the commentators said that the mention of the coming down does not mean to
to prostrate to Adam (PBUH), perhaps the most important angels as it seems from the verses, fall down from the Heaven according to the saying of Allah Almighty.
24
or maybe the earth angels as Ibn Abbas, but the sayings of Allah Almighty Get thee down
The word came: "O Nuh! Come down (from the Ark) with peace from Us, and Blessing
from it and Get out from this are a proof that Iblis was in the Paradise, then Allah Almighty
on thee and on some of the peoples (who will spring) from those with thee: but (there will
ordered him to go down leaving his position which he got by worship and obedience because
be other) Peoples to whom We shall grant their pleasures (for a time), but in the end will
of his rebelliousness bom of arrogance.
6 All the Prophets
Early Prophets 7
grievous chastisement reach them from Us." Because according to the commentators Nuh was
Ibn- Asakir narrated on the authority of lbn Kab that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
in the ship which settled on Al-Judi (A name of a Mount Ararat) and the water dried from
"Your father Adam was long as a palm tree, sixty cubits tall, hairy, his private parts are
the earth and he had been ordered to come down with who was with him on the ship blessed
hidden, when he committed the sin in the Paradise he saw his nakedness, so he left the
by Allah Almighty, and also as Allah Almighty said:
Paradise and he met with a tree on his way and his private parts in it, whereupon Allah
Go ye down to any town, and ye shall find what ye want!. From this point the Almighty said to him: Adam are your running away from Me?' Adam said: 'Because I am
commentators said that verily the Heaven where Adam lived in was higher than ashamed from what I have done?".
the other parts of the earth and contains trees, fruits, shadows, happiness, brightness They said: "Our Lord we have wronged our own souls: if Thou forgive us not and bestow
and joy, as Allah Almighty said: There is therein enough provision for thee not not upon us Thy Mercy, we shall certainly be lost."
to go hungry nor to go e
naked. Nor to suffer from thirst, nor from the sun's heat.
This is confession and return to Allah, submission and the need to Allah in that hour,
After Adam (PBUH) ate from the forbidden tree, Allah Almighty sent him down to the therefore this secret when will move inside anyone from Adam's descendant it's result will
earth of the tiredness, disturb, calamity, test, and the people who are different in religion, be the good in this life and the Hereafter.
ethics, works, aims, desires, sayings and deeds, as Allah Almighty said: Order to Leave Paradise : Allah Almighty ordered Adam, Hawa and Iblis, (and it is said
Then did Satan make them slip from the (Garden), and get them out of the state (of felicity) that the snake also) to leave the Paradise and they will be an enemy one to another. As the
in which they had been. And We said: "Get ye down, all (ye people), with enemity between Prophet (PBUH) mentioned the snake and ordered to kill it, he said: We did not have peace
yourselves. On earth will be your dwelling place and your means of livelihood for a time." with them (the snake) since we fought them.
Allah Almighty said: Ai-Awzai narrated on the authority of Ibn Atya: "Adam remained in the Paradise for one
hundred years (and in another story sixty years) and he cried for the Paradise seventy years,
And he swore to them both, that he was their sincere adviser, as it has been and cried for his sin seventy years, and cried for the killing of his son forty years".
mentioned in the Verse, Iblis claimed that he is sincere well- wisher to Adam and
After Allah Almighty ordered (Adam, Hawa and Satan, etc.) to go out of the Paradise,
Hawa, and he swore to them on this, then he told them that he is going to show
they had been sent down to earth, and the commentators mentioned many stories about the
them the tree which if they will eat from it they will be eternal and their kingdom
place which Adam (PBUH) had been descended on; Ibn Abbas said: "Adam had been descended
will not finish. But when Adam and Hawa ate from the tree, Allah punished them
to a place called Dahna between Mecca and At-Taif," while Al-Saadi said: "Adam (PBUH)
as it had been mentioned in the Verse, and then they realised the evil.
came down to India with the Black Stone and with a hold of leaves from the Paradise, he
The meaning of the Eternity Tree is may be the one who spoke about it Imam Ahmad diffused it in India therefore the tree of At-Tib grew there". But Ibn' Umar said: "Adam had
on the authority of Ibn Adh-Dhahak who said: "I heard Abu Huraira saying that Allah's been sent down on Al-Saffa and Hawa on Al-Marwa," reported by Ibn Abi Hatim also.
Prophet (PBUH) said: 'In Paradise, there is a tree under its shadow a rider which can travel Abi Musa Al-Ashari said: "When Allah sent down Adam from the paradise to the earth.
for a hundred years without covering (the distance) completely: it is the Eternity Tree". He learned him how to make everything and gave him from the fruits of the Paradise" then
Allah Almighty said: Abi Musa said (to the people): "Your fruits are from the Paradise also, but this one would
spoil and that one not". Al-Hakim told in his Mustadrak on the authority of Ibn Abbas that:
So by deceit he brought about their fall: when they tasted of the tree, their "Adam (PBUH) inhabited the Paradise between the afternoon prayer and the sunset prayer".
shameful part became manifest to them, and they began to sew together the leaves Also Muslim said in his Sahih on the authority of Abu Huraira that Allah's Messenger (PBUH)
of the Garden over their bodies. And their Lord called unto him: "Did I not forbid said: "The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday. On it Adam was created. On it he
you that tree, and tell you that Satan was an avowed enemy unto you?". The was made to enter Paradise. On it he was expelled from it".
commentators narrated that Hawa ate from the tree before Adam and she made
him eat from it, depending on what Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet of Then learnt Adam from his Lord certain words and his Lord turned towards him; for
Allah (PBUH) said: "Had it not been for the Children of Israel, food would not He is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.
have become stale, and meal would not have gone bad; and had it not been for Al-Hakim reported on the authority of Ibn' Abbas: " Adam said: O Lord! Was it not You
Hawa, a woman would never have acted unfaithfully toward her husband. " who created me with Your hands?' Allah said: 'Yes', Adam said: And breathed into me from
8 All the Prophets
Early Prophets 9
Your spirit?' Allah said: 'Yes', Adam said: And You destined on me to do this?' Allah said:
'Yes', Adam said: 'If I repent, will You send me back to the Paradise?' Allah said: 'Yes". Al-Saadi reported on the authority of lbn Masud and on the authority of some of the
companions of the Prophet (PBUH): "Allah Almighty sent Jibril to the earth for bringing some
Al-Hakim narrated on the authority of "Umar bin al-Khattab that the Messenger of Allah clay from it. The earth said: 'I seek refuge from you to Allah to decrease or disgrace me,'
(PBUH) said, "When Adam (PBUH) committed the sin he said: 'O Lord! I ask You in the name therefore he came back without bringing the clay, and he said to Allah: 'O Lord, the earth
of Muhammad to forgive me'. Allah Almighty said: sought refuge from me to You, therefore I left it'.
'How come you know him and I did not create him yet?' Adam said: 'O Lord! Then Allah Almighty sent Mikail, but the earth sought refuge from him to Allah, therefore
When You had created me with Your hands and breathed into me from Your he left it, and said like Jibril, whereupon Allah sent the Angel of Death, also the earth sought
spirit. I looked up and I saw on the Pillars of the Throne had been written: refuge from him to Allah, but he said: 'I seek refuge with Allah from going back without
doing His command,' and he took from the surface of the earth and he mixed, and he did
There is no God save Allah, Muhammad the Messenger of Allah, therefore I knew not take from one place, he took from white, red and black sand, (hence the children of Adam
you put Your name with the name of the Most beloved one of the creatures to became different). Then he went up with the sand and wet it till it became clay."
You'. Allah said: 'O Adam, you said the truth, he (Muhammad) is the most
Behold, thy Lord said to the angels: "I am about to create man from a clay. When I have
beloved one of the creatures to Me, you asked Me by his name, so I forgave you,
fashioned him and breathed into him of My spirit, fall ye down in prostration unto him."
because had it not been for Muhammad, I would not have created you".
Allah had created Adam with His Own hand in order that Iblis will not be supercilious
Exchange ofArguments: Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) had said: with Adam. He created him as a human, and remained as a clay for forty years. Then
"There was argument between Adam and Musa. Musa said to Adam: 'You are our father. the angels passed by him and they got afraid when they saw him. Iblis was the most
You did us harm and caused us to get out of Paradise'. Adam said to him: 'You are Musa.
afraid one among the angels and he was beating him (Adam's body) everytime he passed
Allah selected you (for direct conversation with you) and wrote with His Own Hand the Book
by him therefore the body was making a sound like the sound of the potter, as Allah
(Torah) for you. Despite this you blame me for an act which Allah had ordained for me forty
Almighty said He created man from sounding clay like unto pottery 'and Iblis was
years before He created me'. Allah's Apostle (PBUH) said: This is how Adam came the better
saying: 'For a matter you had been created', then Iblis entered from the body's mouth
of Musa. Ishaq bin Musa narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that Allah's Messenger
and got out from the body's backside, and said to the angels: 'Do not be afraid from this
(PBUH) said: "There was argument between Adam and Musa, in the presence of their Lord.
(Adam's body) because your Lord is Everlasting and this is empty, if I have the empower
Adam came the better of Musa. Musa said: Are you that Adam whom Allah created with
I would destroy it'.
His Hand and breathed into him His spirit, and commanded angels to fall in prostration before
him and He made you live in Paradise with comfort and ease. Then you caused the people When the time drew near and Allah Almighty wanted to breath into the body He (Allah)
to get down to the earth because of your lapse.' Adam said: Are you that Musa whom Allah said: 'If I breathed into him from My spirit, you bow down to him,', then when He Breathed
selected for His Messengership and for His conversation with him and conferred upon you into him, the spirit entered his head therefore he (Adam) sneezed, the angels said: "Say Al-
the tablets, in which everything was clearly explained and granted you the audience in order Hamdu lillah" (Praise be to Allah) therefore Adam said: "Al-Hamdu lillah" Allah said to
to have confidential talk with you. What is your opinion, how long Torah would have been Adam:
written before I was created?' Musa said:' Forty years before.' Adam said: 'Did not you see
"Rahamaka Rabbuka (Your Lord has Mercy upon you)". When the spirit entered
these words: Adam committed an error and he was enticed to (do so).' He (Musa) said: 'Yes'.
Thereupon, he (Adam) said: 'Do you then blame me for an act which Allah had ordained his (Adam's) eyes, he looked to the fruits of the Paradise, and when the spirit
for me forty years before He created Me?'. Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: This is how Adam entered his inside, he wished the food, therefore he jumped (before the spirit
came the better of Musa". reaches his legs) fastly to the fruits of the Paradise, hence Allah Almighty said:
Traditions about the Creation of Adam (PBUH): Imam Ahmad narrated on the authority Man is a creature of haste.
of Abi Musa that the prophet (PBUH) said: "Allah created Adam (PBUH) from a handful held Imam Ahmad reported on the authority of Anas that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:
it from all the earth therefore the children of Adam came as much as the size of the earth, "When Allah shaped Adam in Paradise, He left him as He wished him to be in. Then Iblis
came from them the white, the red, the black and among them, the bad and the good, the roamed round him to see what actually that was and when he found him hollow from within.
simple and the rugged and the between."
10 All the Prophets
Early Prophets 11
he recognised that he (Adam) had been created with a disposition, that he would have no
a party of angels sitting there, and listen to the answer they would give him, for it would
control over himself". form his greeting and that of his offspring. He (Adam) then went away and said: 'Peace
Ibn Habban said in his Sahih on the authority of Malik that the Prophet (PBUH) said: be upon you!' They (the angels) said: 'May there be peace upon you and the Mercy of
"When Allah breathed into Adam, the spirit reached his head therefore he sneezed, he (Adam) Allah,' and they added: 'Mercy of Allah'. So he who would get into the Paradise would
said: 'Al-Hamdu Lillah Rabbil-Alamin' Allah said to him: zYarhamukallah". get in the form of Adam, then the people who followed him continued to diminish in
size up to this day".
Umar bin "Abdul-Aziz said: /When Allah ordered the angels to prostrate to Adam, Israfil
was the first one who prostrated therefore Allah wrote on his forehead the Quran. Imam Malik said on the authority of Muslim that "Umar bin al-Khattab had been asked
about this Verse:
Narrated Al-Tirmizi on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"When Allah created Adam He wiped his back, therefore fell down from his back every spirit When thy Lord drew forth from the children of Adam-from their Loins - their
Allah will create from his children till the Day of Judgement, and he made between the eyes descendants, and made them testify concernin;54 themselves, (saying): "Am I not
of every human a light and He showed them to Adam, whereupon Adam asked: 'O Lord, your Lord (Who cherishes and sustains you)?" They said: "Yea! We do testify!"
who are those?' Allah Almighty said: (This), lest ye should say on the day of Judgement: "Of this we were never
Those are your children', then Adam saw a man, and he liked the light between his eyes, mindful".
therefore Adam said: 'O Lord, who is he?' Allah said: 'This is a man from the last nations Umar said:
of your children, his name is Daud'. Adam said: 'O Lord, how many years You will make
him live?' Allah said: 'Sixty years.' Adam said: 'O Lord, increase his age from mine forty I heard the Prophet (PBUH) had been asked about it and he the Prophet (PBUH)
vears'. said: "Allah created Adam then He wiped Adam's back with His right hand, and
Afterwards when the age of Adam finished, the Angel of Death came to him. Adam said: took out a descendant, then Allah said: 'I created those for the Paradise and they
There are forty years more to me!' The Angel said: 'But you gave it to your son Daud!'. would do as the inhabitants of Paradise are doing'. Then He wiped Adam's back,
and took out a descendant and He (Allah) said: 'I created those to the Hell-Fire,
Adam (PBUH) rejected, therefore his children rejected. Adam forgot, therefore his children and they would do as the inhabitants of the Hell-Fire are doing'. Whereupon the
forgot. Adam committed the sin, therefore his children committed the sin". Prophet (PBUH) said: "If Allah created the servant to the Paradise, He would use
Ibn Abi Hatim narrated on the authority of Abi Huraira that the Messenger of Allah him in the work of the inhabitants of the Paradise till the servant dies while he
(PBUH) said: "Then He (Allah) showed them (Adam's children) to Adam, and Allah said: is working in the works of the inhabitants of the Paradise and he would enter
'O Adam, those are your children'. There were among Adam's children the mutilated, the the Paradise, and if Allah created the servant to the Hell-Fire, He would use him
leper, the blind and all the kinds of sickness. Adam said: 'O Lord, why You had done this in the work of the inhabitants of the Hell-Fire till he dies while he is working in
in my children?' Allah Almighty said: the works of the inhabitants of the Hell-Fire".
To thank Me for My prosperity". It is said when Allah Almighty ordered the angels to bow down to Adam, all of them
Imam Ahmad said in his Musnad on the authority of Abi Ad-Dardaa that the Prophet submitted to Allah's order except Iblis who refused to bow down due to, jealousy and enmity
(PBUH) said: "Allah created Adam, and when He created him. He hit Adam's right shoulder to Adam, therefore Allah Almighty
94 dismissed him (Iblis) from the Divine Presence, and sent
and took out white descendants like the jewel, then He hit Adam's left shoulder and took him down to the earth accursed satan.
out black descendants like the coal, then Allah said to the descendants on His right side: 'To Imam Ahmad narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
the Paradise and I do not care,' and to the descendants on His left side: To the Hell-Fire and
I do not care". "If the son of Adam recited As-Sajda then he prostrated, the Satan would withdraw
Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) crying and saying: 'Woe to me, Adam's son had been ordered to prostrate and
said: "Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, created Adam in His own image with his length he did, therefore he would go
54 to the Paradise, and I had been ordered to prostrate
of sixty cubits, and as He created him, He told him to greet that group, and that was but I refused therefore I would go to the Hell-Fire".
12 All the Prophets
Early Prophets 13
When Adam (PBUH) inhabited the Paradise (if it was in the Heaven or in the earth), he Said the latter: "Be sure I will slay thee." "Surely" said the former, "Allah doth
lived with his wife peacefully, eating easily from anywhere they liked, but when they ate from accept of the sacrifice of those who are righteous." If thou dost stretch thy hand
the forbidden tree, their clothes disappeared and they had been sent down to the earth. (We against me, to slay me, it is not for me to stretch my hand against thee to slay
mentioned the differences about the places which they came down on it). thee: for I do fear Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. For me, I intend to let thee
Adam (PBUH) spent some of the time in the Paradise which the commentators had draw on thyself my sin as well as thine, for thou wilt be among the Companions
mentioned many traditions about it. Muslim narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira of the Fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong." The (Selfish) soul of
that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Allah Almighty created Adam (PBUH) after' the other led him to the murder of his brother: he murdered him, and became
Asr (afternoon) on Friday; the last creation at the last hour of the hours of Friday, between (himself) one of the lost ones. Then Allah sent a raven, who scratched the ground,
afternoon and night", also Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "On to show him how to hide the naked body of his brother. "Woe is me!" said he;
Friday Adam was created and on it he was made to enter Paradise. On it he was expelled "Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the naked body of my
from Paradise". While Ibn Jarir said: "Adam was created in the last hour of Friday, and brother?" Then he became full of regrets.
its hour is equal to 83 years and four months, and he remained shaped as a clay without The two sons of Adam were Qabil and Habil. Qabil was the elder, and Habil the younger,
spirit for 40 years, and he abode in the Paradise before coming down for 43 years and the righteous and innocent one. Presuming on the right of the elder, Qabil was puffed up
four months'. with arrogance and jealousy which led him to commit the crime of murder.
Ibn Jarir told on the authority of Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: We shall mention the abstract sayings of the Imams in this story.
"Allah said to Adam: 'O Adam! I have a Holy Place like My Throne, go and build for Me
As-Sadi narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas and some of the companions: "Adam
in it a House, and go around it like My angels when they are going around My Throne. Then
(PBUH) was arranging the marriage of every boy from one birth to the girl from the other
Allah sent to him an angel and he (the angel) showed him the place and learned him the rites".
birth. Habil wanted to marry Qabil's sister but Qabil wanted to marry her also and he refused
Also Ibn Jarir said: "The first food Adam ate on earth was the wheat, which Jibril had Adam's order to let his brother Habil marry her. Therefore Adam ordered both of them to
brought it, Adam said: 'What is this?' Jibril said: 'This is from the tree which you had been present a sacrifice (to Allah), and Adam went to Mecca for pilgrimage.
forbidden from it, but you ate/ Adam said: 'What I do with it?' Jibril said: 'Sow it into the
When the two brothers’went to present the sacrifices, Habil offered a fat ram because
earth. Therefore Adam did as Jibril told him, then the wheat grew and Adam reaped it, then
he was a shepherd, while Qabil offered sheaf of bad plants he had sowed it before, then a
he thrashed it and sprinkled it, whereupon he ground it and kneaded it, then he baked it fire came down from the sky and burned Habil's sacrifice and left Qabil's sacrifice. Qabil
and ate it after great strain, as Allah Almighty said: became angry and he said: 'I will kill you, so you can not marry my sister' Habil said to him:
So let him not get you both out of the Garden so that thou art landed in misery. "Allah accepts the sacrifice of the pious people'. Ibn' Abbas said that: 'The one who had been
killed was stronger than the killer, but his fear from Allah because he was righteous prevented
The first clothes which they wore it were from the sheeps' wool, they sheared it then they him to do so (killing his brother Qabil or hurt him."
spun it.
Abu Jafar al-Baqir said:" Adam knew that the sacrifice of Habil will be accepted, therefore
There are differences about if there was a child born to them in the Paradise, some of Qabil said to Adam: 'Allah accepted his (Habil's) sacrifice because you prayed for him not
the commentator said: "Their children were bom on the earth only," while others said: "They for me', and he threatened his brother in his self.'
had children in Paradise, and they were Qabil and his sister". Also the commentators said
One night Habil got late with his flock, therefore Adam sent Qabil to see what made his
that in every birth there were one male and one female, and Adam had been ordered to marry
brother late, when Qabil went to search for Habil he found him, and then said to Habil:' He
every son with the sister of his brother which she had been bom with him, and conversely,
(Allah) accepted your sacrifice and did not accept my sacrifice.' Habil said: 'Allah accepts
and it was illegal for brother to marry his sister which she had born with him.
sacrifices from the righteous people.' Qabil became angry and he hit Habil with a peace of
Story of the Two Sons : Allah Almighty said: iron was with him and he killed his brother,' while others said that Qabil killed Habil with
a rock he threw it on his head while he (Habil) was sleeping, still others said that Qabil
Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! they each
strangled Habil hardly and bit him like the lion, therefore he died."
presented a sacrifice (to Allah): it was accepted from one, but not from the other.
Allah Almighty said: Imam Abu Jafar bin Jarir said in his book of history that: "Hawa gave birth to forty
children in twenty times, "related by Ibn Ishaq and he mentioned their names, While others
If thou dost stretch thy hand against me, to slay me, it is not for me to stretch
said: "One hundred and twenty births, in every time one boy and one girl. First ones of them
my hand against thee to slay thee: for I do fear Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds.
were Qabil and his sister Qalima, and the last ones were Abdul-Mugith and his sister Umm-
When Qabil threatened Habil with killing, Habil's answer was full of meanings; He ul-Mugith".
is innocent and Allah-fearing. To the threat of death held out by his brother, he returns Then the people spread after that in the earth and became more and grew as Allah
a calm reply aimed at reforming of his brother and he refused to return evil for evil. And Almighty said:
it had been proved in the two Sahihs that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "When two Muslims
confront one another with swords (in hands) both the slayer and the slain would be in O mankind! fear Your Guardian Lord, who created you from a single Person,
Fire." The companions said:" O Allah's Messenger, it maybe the case of one who kills, created out of it, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless
but what about the slain (why he would be put in Hell-Fire)? "There upon he said: "He men and women.
also intended to kill his companion."
The historians related that Adam does not die till he saw from his descendants, the sons
As Allah Almighty said in Surat Al-Maidah: 29 what was the answer of Habil to Qabil, of the sons of his children became 400,000.
and its meaning that: "I am not going to retaliate, though there is as much power in me against
How Many Prophets? Ibn Habban narrated in his Sahih that Abi Zarr said: "I asked the
you as you have against me. I fear my Maker, for I know He cherishes all His Creation. Let
Prophet (PBUH):' O Prophet of Allah, how many the Prophets are?' The Prophet (PBUH) said:
me warn you that you are doing wrong. I do not intend even to resist, but do you know what
'124,000' Then I said: 'O Prophet of Allah, how many Messengers of them?' The Prophet
the consequences will be to you? You will be in torment."
(PBUH) said: Three hundred and thirteen.' Then I said: 'Which one of them is the first?' The
Imam Ahmad said on the authority of Abdullah bin Masud that Allah's Apostle (PBUH) Prophet (PBUH) said: Adam.' Then I said: 'O Prophet of Allah, is he (Adam) a legate Prophet?'
said: "No person who is killed unjustly, but the share of (this offence of his also) falls upon The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'Yes, Allah had created him by His hand, and breathen into him
the first son of Adam, for he was the first to introduce killing." from His spirit".
Allah Almighty said: At-Tabari narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said:
"The best one of the angels is Jibril, the best one of the Prophets is Adam, the best one of
Then Allah sent a raven, who scratched the ground, to show him how to hide
the days is Friday, the best one of the months is Ramadan, the best one of the nights is Layla t-
the naked body of his brother. "Woe is me!" said he; "Was I not even able to be
ul-Qadr (the Night of Power) and the best one of the women is Maryam the daughter of
as this raven, and to hide the naked body of my brother?" Then he became full
Imran".
of regrets.
In the tradition of the Night Journey the Prophet (PBUH) said: "When we ascended the
When Qabil killed Habil he carried him on his shoulders for one year, while other
lowest heaven (I saw) a man seated with parties on his right side and parties on his left side.
narrators said that he carried him for a hundred years till Allah Almighty sent two ravens.
When he looked up to his right,
4 he laughed and when he looked to his left, he wept. He said:
As Sadi said on the authority of some of the companions: 'Welcome to the righteous Apostle and the righteous son' I asked Jibril: 'Who he was' and
he (Jibril) replied: 'He is Adam and these parties on his right and on his left are the souls
"Then they fought one another (the ravens), one of them killed the other, then of his descendants. Those of them on his right are the inmates of the Paradise and the parties
the killer scratched the ground and made a hole and threw the killed raven in which are on his left side are the inmates of Hell; so when he looked towards his right side,
it and buried it. When Qabil saw the raven, Woe is me! said he; "Was I not even
he laughed, and when he looked towards his left side, he wept".
able to be as this raven, and to hide the naked body of my brother?". Therefore
he did like the raven and he (Qabil) buried his brother". Abdullah bin Umar narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "When Allah Almighty
created the Paradise, the angels said: 'O our Lord, make this (the Paradise) for us, You had
There is a mountain in the north of Damascus that contains a cave called magarat Ad-
created for Adam's children the earth to eat and drink in it' Allah Almighty said:
Dam. (The cave of blood) is very famous, for being the place where Qabil killed Habil,
according to what the people heard from Ahl-al-Kitab (the people of the Book). 'I made it for My righteous servants from Adam's children".
Prophets Shith and Idris (PBUT) the tradition narrated by Ibn Habban in his Sahih that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: "Fifty
leafs (page of a book) had been sent down to Shith.
Prophet Shith (PBUH): The meaning of Shith is the Gift (of Allah) and Adam called him
with this name because he (Shith) was bom after the killing of Habil. When Shith was dying he directed his son Anush to continue the mission after him, then
Anush directed his son Qinan, then Qinan directed his son Mahlayil: and he is the one (as
Abu Zarr narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Allah sent down one hundred and four
the Persians saying) who was the king of the seven regions, and he is the first one who cut
leafs (page of a book), fifty leaf to Shith." the trees, also he who built the big cities; the big forts and Babylon, and he (Mahlayil) defeated
When Adam (PBUH) was dying he committed his son Shith and taught him the hours Iblis and his soldiers and he had a great kingdom which remained for forty years.
of the night and the day, and he taught him how to worship in these hours, also Adam When Mahlayil died, his son Yarad continued till the time of his death came, therefore
informed Shith about the happening of the Deluge. Muhammad bin Ishaq said: "The genealogy he directed his son Idris.
of Adam's children all ended to Shith, while all the other children of Adam had exterminated".
Prophet Idris (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said:
When Adam died on Friday the angels arrived with a shroud and scent from the Paradise
and they consoled his son Shith. Ibn ishaq said: "The sun and the moon eclipsed for seven Also mention in die Book Idris: he was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a
days with its nights*. Prophet: and We raised him to a lofty station.
Abdullah bin Imam Ahmad said on the authority of Hadbah bin Khalid that Ibn Allah Almighty had praised Idris and described him with the Prophecy and the
Dhmra As-Saadi said: I saw an old margin the city speaking, 1 asked about him and they righteousness, and Allah's Messenger (PBUH) is from the lineage of Idris (PBUH) as it had
told me that he is Abi bin Kab, the old man was saying: "When Adam was dying, he been mentioned by some of the commentators. He was the third Prophet after Adam and
said to his sons: 'O my sons, I wish from the fruits of Paradise". Therefore his sons went Shith ("Alyhimus-Salam).
to ask for it but the angels met them and they were carrying Adam's shroud and Ibn Ishaq said: "Idris was the first one who wrote by pen, and had been contemporary
instruments of digging the ground and they said: 'O Adam's sons, what you want?' They with Adam (PBUH) for three hundred and eighty years".
said: 'Our father is ill and he wished from the fruits of the Paradise. ' The angels said:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said in the tradition of the Night Journey: "Then he Jibril)
'Go back, your father's time is over'. When the angels came, Hawa knew them and she
ascended with us to the fourth heaven. Jibril asked for the (gate) to be opened, and it was
resorted to Adam. Therefore Adam said to her: 'Leave me with the angels of my Lord'.
said: 'Who is he?' He replied: Jibril'. It was (again) said: 'Who is with you?' He said:
After he (Adam) died the angels washed him, shrouded him and perfumed him. Then
'Muhammad'. iLwas said: 'Has he been sent for?' He replied: 'He has indeed been sent for'.
they dug for him, prayed for him, put him in the grave, and they made ablution to him
The (gate) was opened for us, and lo! Idris was there. He welcomed me and prayed for my
in his grave, buried him and they (the angels) said: 'O Adam's children, this is your
well-being. (About Idris) Allah the Exalted and the Glorious, has said: And We raised him
Sunnat (law)".
to a lofty station".
There are differences about the place which Adam (PBUH) was buried in it, some
of the narrators said that Adam had been buried in the same mountain which he had Prophet Nuh (PBUH)
been sent down on it and this mountain is in India, while others said that he was buried Hadrat Nuh was born after the death of Adam (PBUH) in one hundred and twenty six
in the mountain of Abi Qabis in Mecca, and also it is said that Nuh (PBUH) in the time years, and this on the authority of Ibn Jarir and others.
of the Deluge carried Adam's and Hawa's bodies in a coffin and buried them in Bayt-
uI-Maqdis (Jerusalem). In Sahih Al-Bukhari Ibn 'Abbas said:" Between Adam and Nuh ten centuries all were in
Islam", so if the meaning of century is one hundred years, in this case there will be one
Ibn "Asakir narrated on the authority of some people: "Adam's head at Ibrahim's Mosque thousand years between them, but it maybe more.
and his legs at the rock of Bayt-al-Maqdis, and Hawa dies after him in one year".
If the meaning of century is a whole generation as Allah Almighty said:
The commentators said many stories about Adam's age, but as Ibn Abbas and Abu
Huraira told that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: "Adam's age had been written in the How many generations have We destroyed after Nuh? And as it is known the
Lawhi-Mahfuz (the Guarded Plank) one thousand years". generations before Nuh (Alayhimus-Salam) were living for a long time, in this case
it will be thousands of years between Nuh and Adam (Alayhimus-Salam).
After the death of Adam, his son Shith continued the mission as a Prophet according to
Allah Almighty sent Nuh as a Mercy to the people because they became idolaters and and that He Hath sent Mercy unto me from Him, but that the Mercy hath been obscured
blasphemers, and his people had been called the children of Rasib (Banu Rasib). from your sight? Shall we compel you to accept it when ye are overse to it? "And O my
Prophet's Mission : Nuh's mission started when his age was fifty years old, also it was People! I ask you for no wealth I return: my reward is from none but Allah: but I will
said that his age was three hundred and fifty years old when he started his mission, while not drive away (in contempt) those who believe: for verily they are to meet their Lord,
others said his age was four hundred and eighty years old when he started his mission. and ye I see are the ignorant ones! "And O my People! Who would help me against Allah
if I drove them away? Will you not then take heed? "I tell you not that with me are the
Allah Almighty mentioned Nuh's story in many Surats in the Holy Quran, and how he Treasures of Allah, nor do I know what is hidden, nor claim I to be an angel. Nor yet
attacked the wickedness of his people, and he preached them, but he was laughed at for a do I say, of those whom your eyes do despite that Allah will not grant them (all) that
madman, for he mentioned the Great Day to come in the Hereafter. Therefore Allah Almighty is good: Allah know the best what is in their souls: I should, if I did, indeed be a wrong
punished the unbelievers by the deluge, but Nuh and those who believed in him were saved doer."
by the Ark.
They said: "O Nuh! Thou hast disputed with us, and (much) has thou prolonged the
Allah Almighty said: dispute with us: now bring upon us what thou threatend us with, if thou speakest the
truth!?" He said: "Truly, Allah will bring it on you if He wills, - and then, ye will not
We sent Nuh to his people. He said: "O my people worship Allah! ye have no be able to frustrate it! "Of no profit will be my counsel to you, much as I desire to give
other god but him. I fear for you the Punishment of a dreadful Day!" The leaders you (good) counsel, if it be that Allah willeth to leave you astray: He is your Lord! And
of his people said: "Ah! we see there in evident error." He said: "O my people! to Him will ye return!" Or do they say, "He has forged it"? Say: "If I had forged it, on
there is no error in me; on the contrary I am a messenger from the Lord and me were my sin! And I am free of the sins of which ye are guilty!tl It was revealed to
Cherisher of the Worlds!" "I but convey to you the message of my Lord. Sincere Nuh: "None of thy People will believe except those who have believed already! So grieve
in my advice to you, and I know from Allah something that ye know not. "Do no longer over their (evil) deeds. "But Construct an Ark under Our eyes and Our
ye wonder that there hath come to you a reminder from your Lord, through a inspiration, and address Me no (further) on behalf of those who are in sin: for they are
man of your own people, to warn you, so that ye may fear Allah and happily about to be overwhelmed (in the Flood). " Forth with he (starts) constructing the Ark:
receive His Mercy?" But they rejected him, and We delivered him, and those with everytime that the Chiefs of his People passed by him, they threw ridicule on him. He
him, in the Ark: but We overwhelmed in the Flood those who rejected Our Signs, said: "If ye ridicule us now, we (in our turn) can look down on you with ridicule likewise!
they were indeed a blind people! "But soon will ye know who it is on whom will descend a Chastisement that will cover
them with shame, on whom will be unloosened a chastisement lasting." At length behold!
Relate to them the story of Nuh. Behold! he said to his People: "O my People, if it be
There came Our Command, and the fountains of the earth gushed forth! We said:
hard on your (mind) that I should stay (with you) and remind (you) the Signs of Allah, -yet
"Embark therein, of each kind two, male and female, and your family - except those
I put my trust in Allah get ye then an agreement about your plan and among your Partners,
against whom the Word has already gone forth, - and the Believers." But only a few
so your plan be not to you dark and dubious. Then pass sentence on me, and give me no
believed with him. So he said: "Embark ye on the Ark in the name of Allah, whether
respite. But if ye turn back, (consider): no reward have I asked of you: my reward is only it move or be at rest! For my Lord is, be sure, of forgiving, Most Merciful!" So the Ark
due from Allah, and I have been commanded to be of those who submit to Allah's Will (in sailed with them on the waves (towering) like mountains. And Nuh called out to his son,
Islam)." They rejected him, but We delivered him, and those with him in the Ark, and We who had separated himself (from the rest): "O my son! embark with us, and be not with
made them inherit (the earth), while We drowned in the Flood those who rejected Our Signs. the unbelievers!" The son replied: "I will betake myself to some mountain: it will save
Then see what was the end of those who were warned but heeded not)! me from the water." Nuh said: "This day nothing can save, from the Command of Allah,
We sent Nuh to his People (with a mission); "I have come to you as a clear warner. any but those on whom He hath mercy ." And the waves came between them, and the
"That ye serve none but Allah: verily I do fear for you the punishment of a Grievous son was among those who were drowned. Then the word went forth: "O earth! swallow
Day." But the Chiefs of the Unbelievers among his People said: "We see (in) thee nothing up thy water, and O sky! withhold (thy rain)!" And the water abated, and the matter
but a man like ourselves: nor do we see that any follow thee but the meanest among was ended. The Ark rested on Mount Judi, and the word went forth: "Away with those
us, apparently nor do we see in you (all) any merit above us: in fact we think ye are who do wrong!" And Nuh called upon his Lord and said: "O my Lord! surely my son
liars!" He said: "O my People! see ye if (it be that) I have a Clear Sign from my Lord is of my family and Thy promise is true, and Thou art the Justice of Judges!" He said:
"O Nuh! he is not of thy family: for his conduct is unrighteous. So ask not of Me that Believers who are with me. So We delivered him and those with him. In the Ark filled
of which thou hast no knowledge! I give thee counsel, lest thou become one of the (with all creatures). There after We drowned those who remained behind. Verily in this
ignorants?" Nuh said: "O my Lord! I do seek refuge with Thee, from asking Thee for that is a Sign:
a but most of them do not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might,
of which I have no knowledge and unless Thou forgive me and have Mercy on me, I Most Merciful.
should indeed be among the losers! The word came: "O Nuh come down (from the Ark) We did send Nuh to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand years less fifty:
with Peace from Us, and Blessing on thee and on some of the Peoples (who will spring) but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin. But We saved him and the
from those with thee: but (there will be other) Peoples to whom We shall grant their Companions of the Ark, and We made the (Ark) a Sign for all Peoples!
pleasures (for a time) but in the end will a grievous Chastisement reach them from Us."
Such are some of the stories of the Unseen, which We have revealed unto thee before Sent with Command : In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. We sent Nuh
this, neither thou nor thy People knew them. So preserve patiently: for the End is for to his People (with the Command): "Do thou warn thy People before there comes to them
those who are righteous. a grievous Chastisement." He said: "O my People I am to you a Warner, clear and open: "That
ye should worship Allah, fear Him, and obey me: "So He may forgive you your sins and give
Remember Nuh, when he cried (to Us) aforetime: We listened to his (prayer) and delivered
you respite for a stated Term: for when the Term given by Allah is accomplished, it cannot
him and his family from great distress. We helped him against people who rejected Our Signs:
be put forward: if ye only knew. "He said: O my Lord! I have called to my People night and
truly they were a people given to Evil: so We drowned them (in the Flood) all together.
day: "But my call only increases (their) flight (from the Right). "And every time I have called
And certainly We sent Nuh to his people: he said, "O my people! Worship Allah! Ye to them, that Thou Mightest forgive
•J them, they have (only) thrust their fingers into their ears,
have no other god but him. Will ye not fear (Him)?" The chiefs of the Unbelievers among covered themselves up with their garments, grown obstinate, and given themselves up to
his people said: "He is no more than a man like yourselves: his wish is to assert his arrogance. "So I have called to them aloud; "Further I have spoken to them in public and
superiority over you: if Allah had wished (to send messengers). He could have sent down secretly in private, "Saying, 'ask forgiveness from you Lord, for He is Oft-Forgiving;"
•J 'He
angels: never did we hear such a thing (as he says), among our ancestors of old." (And will send rain to you in abundance;" 'Give you increase in wealth and sons: and bestow on
some said): "He is only a man possessed: wait (and have patience) with him for a time." you gardens and bestow on you rivers (or flowing water)."
(Nuh) said: "O my Lord! help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood!" So We inspired
him (with this message); "Construct the Ark within Our sight and under Our guidance: 'What is the matter with you, that ye are not conscious of Allah's majesty," 'Seeing that
then when comes Our command, and the oven gushes forth, take thou on board pairs it is He that has created you in diverse stage?" 'See ye not how Allah has created the seven
of every species, male and female, and thy family - except those of them against whom heavens one above another, " And made the moon a light in their midst, and made the sun
the Word has already gone forth: and address Me not in favour of the wrong-doers: for as a (Glorious) Lamp?" 'And Allah has produced you from the earth, growing (gradually),"
they shall be drowned (in the Flood). And when thou hast embarked on the Ark-thou And in the End He will return you into the (earth), and raise you forth (again at the
and those with thee, — Say: "Praise be to Allah, Who has saved us from the people who Resurrection)? " And Allah has made the earth for you as a carpet (spread out), "That ye
do wrong." And say: "O my Lord! enable me to disembark with Thy blessing: for Thou may go about therein, in spacious roads." Nuh said: " O my Lord, they have disobeyed me,
art the Best to enable (us) to disembark." Verily in this there are Signs (for men to but they follow (men) whose wealth and children give them no increase but only Loss. "And
understand); Lo! We put (men) to test they have devised a tremendous Plot. "And they have said (to each other), Abandon not your
The people of Nuh rejected the messengers. Behold, their brother Nuh said to them: gods: abandon neither Wadd nor Suwa', neither Yaguth nor Yauq, nor Nasr;-"They have
"Will ye not fear (Allah)? "I am to you a trust worthy messenger. "So fear Allah, and already misled many; and grant Thou no increase to the wrong-doers but in straying (from
obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only form the Lord of the Worlds: their mark)." Because of their sins they were drowned (in the flood), and were made to enter
"So fear Allah, and obey me." They said: "Shall we believe in thee when it is the meanest the Fire and they found in lieu of Allah- none to help them. And Nuh said: "O my Lord?
that follow thee?" He said: "And what do I know as to what they do? "Their account Leave not of the Unbelievers, a single one on earth! "For, if Thou dost leave (any of)
is only with my Lord, if ye could (but) understand. "I am not one to drive away those them, they will but mislead Thy devotees, and they will breed none but wicked
who believe. "I am sent only as a plain water". They said: "If thou desist not, O Nuh! ungrateful
24 ones, "O my Lord! Forgive me, my parents, all who enter my house in Faith, and
thou shall be stoned (to death). He said:" O my Lord! truly my people have rejected me. (all) believing men and believing women: and to the wrong-doers grant Thou no increase but
"Judge thou, then, between me and them openly, and deliver me and those of the in Perdition!"
22 All the Prophets
Early Prophets 23
Nuh (PBUH) had been mentioned in other Surats in the Holy Quran and Allah Almighty
praised him and condemned those, who were against him. Rass, the Thamud, the "Ad, Pharaoh, the Brethren of Lut, the Companions of the Wood/ and
We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Null and the Messengers after him: We the People of Tubba'; each one (of them) rejected the messengers, and My warning was duly
fulfilled (in them).
sent inspiration to Ibrahim. Ismail, Isaac Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron,
and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms. Of some messengers We have already told And before them, the people of Nuh, for that they were (all) most unjust and most insolent
thee the story; of others we have not;- and to Moses Allah spoke direct; Messengers who gave transgressors.
good news as well as Warning, that mankind, after (the coming) of the messengers, should And We sent Nuh and Ibrahim, and established in their line Prophethood
IM and Revelation:
have no plea against Allah : For Allah is Exalted in Power. and some of them were on right guidance, but many of them became rebellious transgressors.
That was Our argument which We gave to Ibrahim (to use) against his people: We raise Allah sets forth, for an example to the Unbelievers, the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut:
whom We will, degree after degree: for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge. We gave they were (respectively) under two of our righteous servants but they betrayed their (husbands),
him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided and before him, We guided Nuh, And among his and they profited nothing before Allah on their account, but were told: "Enter ye the Fire
progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron: thus do We reward those who do along with (others) that enter!"
good: And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias : all in the ranks of the Righteous: And
Ismail and Elisha, and Jonas, and Lot: and to all We gave favour above the nations: (to them) After the Righteous Centuries : After the righteous centuries finished the people of that
time became idolaters, and the reason is according to what Al-Bukhari told on the authority
and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and We guided them to a
straight Way. of Ibn Jarir in his commentary to the saying of Allah Almighty:
And they have said (to each other), abandon not your gods: abandon neither Wadd nor
Hath not the story reached them of those before them? The people of Nuh, and Ad, and
Suwa, neither Yaguth nor Yauq, nor Nasr.
Thamud: the people of Ibrahim, the men of Madain, and the Cities overthrown. To them came
their messengers with Clear Signs. It is not Allah Who wrongs them, but they wrong their "The names (of the idols) formerly belonged to some pious men of the people of
own souls. Nuh, and when they died, Satan inspired their people to (prepare) and place idols
Has not the story reached you, (O people!), of those who (went) before you?- of the people at the places where they used to sit, and to call those idols by their names. The
of Nuh, and Ad, and Thamud?- and of those who (came) after them? None knows them but people did so, but the idols were not worshipped till those people (who initiated
Allah To them came messengers with Clear (Signs); but they put their hands up to their them) had died and the origin of the idols had become obscure, whereupon people
mouths, and said"" We do deny (the mission) on which ye have been sent, and we are really began worshipping them."
in suspicious (disquieting) doubt as to that to which ye invite us." While Ibn Jarir said in his commentary," The people were righteous in the period between
But there were people before them, who denied (the Sign) the People of Nuh, and the Adam and Nuh, and they had good leaders to follow them, but after the death of those leaders,
Confederates after them: and every People plotted against their prophet, to seize him, and the people said: 'If we make images like them (the leaders), our worship will be better because
disputed by means of vanities, therewith to obliterate the Truth: but it was I that seized them! we will remember them'. Therefore they started to worship the images".
and how (terrible) was My Requital! Thus was the Word of thy Lord proved true against the Ibn Hatam told that Ahmad bin Mansur said: "Some people mentioned the name of Yazid
Unbelievers; that truly they are Companions of the Fire! bin al-Muhallab, while Abi Jafar was praying, after he finished his prayer he said: 'You
The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Nuh - mentioned Yazid, he had been killed in the first place where Allah Almighty was not
which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Ibrahim, worshipped". Then he mentioned Wadd and said: "He was a righteous man and his people
Moses, and Jesus: namely, that ye should remain steadfast in Religion, and make no loved him so much. When he died his people remained around his grave in Babylon, therefore
divisions there in: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the way to which • Iblis came to them in the shape of a human and spoke to them: As I see, you are very sad
thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to for him, I will make image like him so you can always remember him'. The people agreed
Himself those who turn (to Him). on Iblis' offer. Whereupon Iblis said: T will make image of him in every house so you can
remember him'. Afterwards that image became as a god to them and to their children instead
Before them was denied (the Hereafter) by the People of Nuh, the Companions of the of Allah.
All the Prophets Early Prophets 25
Hence after those long times the people made their own images and started to worship to you, I but convey to you the Message of my Lord. Sincere is my advice to you, and I know
it instead of Allah Almighty. from Allah something ye know not.
For Saving the People : Allah Almighty sent His Messenger Nuh (PBUH) to the region The people also said to Nuh: "We see (in) thee nothing but a man like ourselves: nor do
in order to save the people from the affliction of the idolatry and to tell the people to worship we see that any follow thee but the .meanest among us, apparently nor do we see in you (all)
Allah Almighty alone without associating anything with Him. any merit above us: in fact we think ye are liars!"
Nuh (PBUH) was the first of the Messenger (sent) on the earth, and this is proved by The unbelievers were surprised to see a normal man like them, as a Prophet, and they
the two Sahihs in the tradition of the intercession where Abu Huraira narrated that the disrespected Nuh and his followers by describing them as a low and weak, then they said
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Some would say to the others: 'Go to Adam'. And they that they can not believe or do what these fellows, and accept what Nuh's followers accepted
would go to Adam and say: 'O Adam, thou art the father of mankind. Allah created thee because they thought that they are better than Nuh's followers.
by His Own Hand and breathed in thee of His spirit and ordered the angels to prostrate before But what they said is wrong because accepting the truth and following it, is the right way
thee. Intercede for us with thy Lord don't you see in what (trouble) we are? Don't you see to get Allah's satisfaction.
what (misfortune) has overtaken us?' Adam would say: 'Verily, my Lord is angry to an extent
He said: "O my people! see ye if (it be that) I have a Clear Sign from my Lord and that
to which he had never been angry before nor would He be angry afterward. Verily, He had
He hath sent Mercy unto me from Him, but that the Mercy hath been obscured from your
forbidden me (to go near) that tree and I disobeyed Him. I am concerned with my own self.
sight? Shall we compel you to accept it when ye are averse to it?"
Go to someone else; go to Nuh'. They would come to Nuh and would say: 'O Nuh, thou art
the first of the Messenger (sent) on the earth, and Allah named thee as a (Grateful Servant) As Allah Almighty mentioned Nuh (PBUH) spoke with the unbelievers gently calling
intercede for us with thy Lord. Don't you see in what (trouble) we are? Don't you see what them to accept with goodwill what is for their own benefit and as Allah Almighty said:
(misfortune) has overtaken us?' He (Nuh). would say: 'Verily, my Lord is angry today as he Invite (all) to Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them
had never been angry before, and would never be angry afterwards. There had emanated in ways that are best.
a curse from me with which I cursed my people. I am concerned with only myself, I am
No Reward Desired : Whereupon Nuh (PBUH) addressed the unbelievers by saying that
concerned only with myself'..... etc.
he seeks no reward from them but will bear any insults they heap on him, for he looks to
When Allah Almighty sent Nuh (PBUH) to the people, he asked them to worship Allah Allah rather men. But if they insult the poor and needy who come to him in Faith, and think
alone without partner and to leave the idolatry because there is no god save Allah and no that he would send them away in order to attract the great ones of the land, he tells them
Lord save Him, and that was the message
54 of the Messengers who came after Nuh whom they plainly that they are mistaken. Infact, he has no hesitation in telling the blunt truth that they
were from his lineage also, as Allah Almighty said: (the unbelievers) are the ignorant ones, and he said to them:
And We made his progeny O endure (on this earth). And O my People! who would help me against Allah if I drove them away? Will
It means that every Prophet after Nuh (PBUH) is from his lineage even Ibrahim (PBUH), ye not then take heed?
as Allah Almighty said: Therefore when the unbelievers of Quraish asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to
And We sent Nuh and Ibrahim, and established in their line Prophethood and send the poor believers away like Ammar, Suhaib, Bilal and others, Allah Almighty
Revelation. prevented the Prophet (PBUH) to do so, and this is clear in (Surat Al-Anam) and (Surat
Al-Kahf)..
Therefore Nuh said to his people: O my people! worship Allah! ye have no other god
but Him. I fear for you the punishment of the dreadful Day!, and he called them to worship Then Nuh said to the unbeliever:
Allah night and day, secretly and openly because none has the right to be worshipped but I tell you not that with me are the Treasures of Allah nor do I know what is hidden,
Allah, and he frightened them from Allah's punishment but all this was in vain and his people
nor claim I to be an angel.
did not believe in him and accused him of being in plain error.
Hence Nuh (PBUH) said to them: "I am not wrong as you pretended, but I am on the "I am just a servant for Allah Almighty and I don't have the knowledge that Allah
right path of Allah the Lord of (mankind, jinns and all that exists) a Messenger from Him Has, not even I can do anything24 except what Allah had destined for me, and I
do not say to those whom your eyes look down upon that Allah will not bestow would be one-eyed and he would bring along with him an image of Paradise and Hell-
any good on them because Allah perhaps sees in them something which you (the Fire and what he would call as Paradise that would be Hell-Fire and I warn you as Nuh
arrogant chiefs of the unbelievers) are lacking". warned his people."
For a long time the argument continued between Nuh (PBUH) and the unbelievers as Allah Almighty said:
Allah Almighty said: We did send Nuh to his people, and he tarried among them a thousand
Nuh said: "O my Lord! help me for that they accuse me of falsehood!". So We
years less fifty: but the Deluge overwhelmed them while they (persisted in) sin, and in spite
inspired him (with this message);
of this long period, his contemporaries from the unbelievers failed to listen and they refused
to go on the right way and to follow the truth. "Construct the Ark within Our sight and Our guidance.
They said: "O Nuh! thou hast disputed with us, and (much) hast thou prolonged the Allah Almighty ordered Nuh to construct a big ship (which the commentators described
dispute with us: now bring upon us what thou threatenest us with, if thou speakest the it with different descriptions) but it was constructed under the instruction of Allah Almighty.
truth!?"
Then Allah Almighty said:
To the blasphemous challenge addressed to Nuh his only answer could be: "I never
claimed that I could punish you. All punishment is in the hands of Allah, and He knows best When comes Our command, and the oven gushes forth, take thou on board pairs
when His punishment will descend. But this I can tell you! His punishment is sure if you of every species, male and female, and thy family except those of them against
do not repent, and when it comes, you will not be able to ward it of". whom the Word has already gone forth: and address Me not in favour of the
wrongdoers: for they shall be drowned (in the Flood)."
*When Nuh (PBUH) despaired from the unbelievers and after what they had done to him
and to his followers, he invoked Allah Almighty to take revenge from them and Allah Allah Almighty ordered Nuh (PBUH) to take on board a pair of opposite sexes from
accepted his invoke, as Allah Almighty said: every kind of species, and his family except his son Yam who was disobedient and
recalcitrant.
In the days of old, Nuh cried to Us, and We are the Best to hear prayer. And We delivered
him and his people from the Great Calamity. The commentators disagreed about the number of the people who were with Nuh on
board, Ibn "Abbas said they were eighty, while others said they were less than eighty."
An Ark for Deluge : Then Allah Almighty ordered Nuh (PBUH) to build an ark under
special instructions of Allah and whenever the unbelievers saw him or passed by him, they The Deluge: Allah Almighty: "And when thou hast embarked on the Ark-thou and those
made a mockery of him and of what he was doing, and for the time being the worldly ones with thee, - say: "Praise be to Allah, Who has saved us from the people who do wrong." And
looked down on Nuh and the Believers as they always do but Nuh (PBUH) and his followers say: "O my Lord! enable me to disembark with Thy blessing: for Thou art the Best to enable
relied on Allah, and pitied their critics for knowing no better. (us) to disembark."
Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of Abu Said Al-Khudri that Allah's Messenger Allah Almighty ordered Nuh (PBUH) to thank Him for His Grace by saving him and his
(PBUH) said: "Nuh will be called on the Day of Resurrection and he will say: "Labbaik and followers from the unbelievers as Allah Almighty said: That has created pairs in all things,
Sadaik, O my Lord! Allah will say: 'Did you convey the Message?' Nuh will say: 'Yes'. His and has made for you ships and cattle on which ye ride, in order that ye may sit firm and
square on their backs, and when so seated, ye may remember the (kind) favour of your Lord,
nation will then be asked: 'Did he convey the Message to you?' They will say: 'No warner
and say, "Glory to Him Who Has subjected these to our (use), for we could never be able
came to us'. Then Allah will say to Nuh: 'Who will bear witness in your favour?' He will
to do it. "And to our Lord, surely, must we turnback!"
say: 'Muhammad and his followers'. So they (i.e. Muslims) will testify that he conveyed the
Message. And the. Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) will be a witness over yourselves, and that Therefore the supplication to Allah Almighty is an ordinance in the beginning of the
is what is meant by the statement of Allah Almighty: matters and in its end as Allah Almighty said to His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he
immigrated:
Thus have We made of you An Ummat justly balanced. That ye might be witnesses over
the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves. "O my Lord! let my entry be by the Gate of Truth and Honour; and likewise my
Also Abu-Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) had said: "May not I exit by the Gate of Truth and Honour; and grant me from Thee an authority to
inform you about the antichrist what no Apostle of Allah narrated to his people? He aid (me).
28 AU the Prophets
Early Prophets 29
Hence Nuh (PBUH) submitted to Allah's commandment So he said: "Embark ye on the
no compromise with evil, and his son is unbeliever therefore he would be punished as a result
Ark in the name of Allah, whether it move or be at rest! for my Lord is, be sure, oft-Forgiving,
for his disobedience.
Most Merciful!" Allah Almighty said: So the Ark sailed with them on the waves (towering)
like mountains and He sent heavy rain on the earth like the waves, also the water like
fountains gushed from the earth, as Allah Almighty said: on thee and on some of the peoples (who will spring) from those with thee: but (there will
be other) peoples to whom We shall grant their pleasures (for a time), but in the end will
Then he called on his Lord: "I am one overcome: do Thou then help (me)!" So We opened
grievous Chastisement reach them from Us."
the gates of heaven, with water pouring forth. And We caused the earth to gush forth with
springs. So the waters met (and rose) to the extent decreed. But We bore him on the (Ark) Believers Saved : When the water dried and the Ark rested on Al-Judi (one famous
made of broad planks and caulked with palm-fibre: she floats under Our eyes (and care): a mountain), Allah Almighty ordered Nuh to leave the Ark with peace and blessing from Allah
recompense to one who had been rejected (with scorn)!" on him and on his family, and on all the righteous people who were saved with him. And
their descendants were also promised those blessings on condition of righteousness.
The commentators said: "The torrents of rain from the sky combined with the gush of
waters from underground springs, and caused a huge Flood which inundated the earth and The commentators said that all the humankinds in these days are from the lineage of
everything alive became dead". Nuh's sons: Sam, Ham and Yafith according to Allah's saying: And made his progeny to
endure (on this earth).
And Nuh called out to his son, who had separated himself (from the rest): "O my son!
embark with us, and be not with the unbelievers!" The son replied:" I will betake myself to Imam Ahmad told that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Sam is the father of the Arabs, Ham
some mountain: it will save me from the water." Nuh said: "This day nothing can save, from is the father of the Abyssinians and Yafith is the father of the Romans," related by At-Tirmizi.
the Command of Allah, any but those on whom He hath mercy!" and the waves came between Other commentators related that: "Sam, Ham and Yafith were born after the Deluge, but
them, and the son was among those who were drowned. before the Deluge their was Qanan who drowned afterwards and Abir who died before the
Although Nuh called his son Yam to embark with them but he refused to listen to his Deluge".
father's calling because he did not believe in Allah and he thought that the mountain peaks Albaabin Ahmad told on the authority of 'Ikrima that Ibn Abbas said: "There were
will save him, not knowing that the peaks were themselves being submerged, and as a result on the ship with Nuh (PBUH) eighty men with their families. They remained on the ship
he died with the unbelievers. for one hundred and fifty days, whereupon Allah Almighty sent the ship to Mecca and
Then the word went forth: "O earth! swallow up thy water, and O sky! with hold (thy it perambulated over the Old House for forty days, then Allah sent it to Al-Judi and it
rain)!" And the water abated and the matter was ended. The Ark rested on Mount Judi, and tested on the mountain. Afterwards Nuh sent the crow to bring for him the news, but
the word went forth: "Away with those who do wrong!" it remained and got busy with eating. Then he sent the pigeon and it came back with
olive's leaf and its legs stained with clay, hence Nuh knew that the water dried and, he
When all the unbelievers died Allah Almighty ordered the earth to swallow the water
came down to the base of Al-Judi, there he built a village and called it Thamanin (eighty).
and He stopped the sky from raining, and as Nuh (PBUH) prayed to Allah (to cutoff all the
roots of sin) Allah Almighty answered his prayer by drowning all the blasphemers. From that day they (the people) started to speak with eighty languages; one of it was
the Arabic, and some of them couldn't understand the speaking of the others therefore
Some of the commentators narrated that the unbeliever giant Awj bin Anaq (Ibn Anaq) Nuh was expressing for them".
remained alive since the time of Nuh (PBUH) till the time of Musa (PBUH), and this is not
acceptable because Allah Almighty drowned all the unbelievers even Nuh's son. Then the Ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) arrived in Medina and found
commentators said that the length of Ibn Anaq was 3333 cubits and this is also wrong the Jews fasting•J on the day of Ashuraa. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to them:
according to the tradition of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH): " Allah created Adam with his "What is the (significance) of this day that you fast on?' "They said:" It is the day of great
length of sixty cubits, then the people who followed him (Adam) continued to diminish in (significance) when Allah delivered Musa and his people, and drowned the Pharaoh and
. size up to this day ". his people (and it is the day when the ship settled down in Al-Judi), Nuh and Musa
observed fast out of gratitude and we also observe it "Upon this the Messenger of Allahj
I Nuh (PBUH) asked Allah Almighty about his son because Allah promised him to save (PBUH) said: "We have more right, and we have a closer connection with Musa than vojl
his family, and his son (Yam) is a part of the family, but Allah told him that there can he have; "so Allah's Messenger (PBUH) observed fast (on the day of Ashuraa), and ga|e
.1
1
Early Prophets 31
30 AU the Prophets
Prophet Hud (PBUH)
orders that it should be observed. And this tradition is a good proof to the Flood, narrated
by non-Muslim people and against the saying of some of the unbelievers whom denied Hud (PBUH) was from a tribe called Ad bin Ahws bin Sam bin Nuh. This tribe settled
the Deluge's happening. down in the sand's mountains situated in Yemen between Umman and Hadramut, and the
name of their valley is Mugith. They were living in tents with big pillars as Allah Almighty
Allah Almighty said: said:
"Verily he was a devotee most grateful". "Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Ad (people), of the (city of) Iram,
Nuh (PBUH) was grateful to Allah Almighty in everything he was doing like eating, with lofty pillars, and they are the first Ad according to Allah Almighty's saying:
drinking and wearing because he was a thankful servant working with sincerely to his Lord. Of the (city of) Iram, with lofty pillars, the like of which were not produced in
(all) the land".
Anas bin Malik reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:" Allah is pleased with
His servant who thanks Him (Al-Hamdu Lillah) while taking a morsel of food and while In Sahih Ibn Habban on the authority of Abu Zarr in his long tradition in mentioning
drinking". the Prophets and the Messengers: "Of them four are Arabs-Hud, Salih, Shuaib and the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH)", and Hud (PBUH) was the first one who spoke Arabic according to
Abdullah bin Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:" Nuh (Alay-his- some narrators.
Salam) fasted all the age except 'Eid-ul-Fitr and 'Eid-ul-Adha, Daud fasted half of the age,
Ad people were the first who worshipped the idols after the Deluge and their idols were
and Ibrahim fasted three days from every month for all the age".
Samadan, Samudan and Haran.
Pilgrimage of Nuh (PBUH): Al-Hafiz Abu Yala told on the authority of Ibn Abbas that
Allah Almighty sent to Ad people, Hud (PBUH) who asked them to worship Allah and
the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) went for pilgrimage and when he reached Asian's valley he
to leave the idols' worship.
said: "O Abu Bakr, which valley is this one? which valley is this one?" Abu Bakr said: "This
is Asian's valley ".The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Nuh, Hud and Ibrahim all passed from this "To the Ad people, (We sent) Hud, one of their (own) brethern: he said: "O my people!
valley". worship Allah! ye have no other god but Him. Will ye not fear (Allah)?" The leaders of the
unbelievers among his people said: "Ah: We see thou art in folly!" and "We think thou art
Nuh's Commandment: Imam Ahmad narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Amr who a liar!" He said: "O my people! there is no folly in me" but (I am) a messenger from the Lord
said; " We were with the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and came one man wearing very and Cherisher of the Worlds! "I but convey to you the messages of my Lord: I am to you
expensive Juba (oriental outer open robe). Whereupon the Prophet (PBUH) said: 'Your friend a sincere and trustworthy adviser". "Do ye wonder that there hath come to you a message
put (wore) the most expensive dress on his body'. Then the Prophet (PBUH) caught the man's from your Lord through a man of your own people, to warn you? Call in remembrance that
Juba and said: 'I see on you the dress of who don't think! "Then the Prophet (PBUH) said: He made you inheritors after the people of Nuh, and gave you a stature tall among the nations.
When Null (PBUH) was dyinga he said to his son: 'I order you with two things and prohibit Call in remembrance the benefits (ye have received) from Allah: that so ye may prosper."
you from two things. They said: "Comest thou to us, that we may worship Allah alone, and give up that which
I order you with Lailaha illallah (There is no god save Allah) and with Subhan dur fathers used to worship bring us what thou threatenest us with, if so be that thou tellest
Allah wa bihamdihi (Hallowed be Allah, and all praise is due to Him); and I prohibit the truth!" He said: "Punishment and wrath have already come upon you from your Lord:
you from the polytheism and the arrogancy'. Whereupon the messenger of Allah (PBUH) dispute ye with me over names which ye have devised- ye and your fathers, without
authority from Allah? Then wait: I am amongst you, also waiting." We saved him and those
said: 'He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter
who adhered to him, by Our Mercy and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our Signs
Paradise".
and did not believe."
Ibn 'Abbas said: "Nuh started his mission when his age was four hundred and eighty
"Then We raised after them another generation. And We sent to them a messenger from
years, and he lived after the Deluge three hundred and fifty years, so as a result he lived
among themselves, (Saying), "Worship Allah! ye have no other god but Him. Will ye not Fear
for one thousand and seven hundred and eighty years."
(Him)?" And the chiefs of his people, who disbelieved and denied the Meeting in the Here
Ibn Jarir and Al-Arzaqi told on the authority of Abdur Rahman Ibn Sabit and others that after, and on whom We had bestowed the good things of this life, said: "He is no more than
the grave of Nuh (PBUH) is in Al-Masjid Al-Haram.
a man like yourselves: he eats and drinks of what ye drink. "If ye obey a man like yourselves, ill-luck, plucking out men as if they were roots of palm-trees torn up (from the
behold, it is certain ye will be lost. "Does he promise that when ye die and become dust and ground). Yea, how (terrible) Was My Chastisement and My Warning! But We have
bones, ye shall be brought forth (again)? "Far, very far is that which ye are promised! "There indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember: then is there any that
is nothing but our life in this world! We shall die and we live! but we shall never be raised will receive admonition?"
up again! "He is only a man who invents a lie against Allah, but we are not the ones to believe
in him! (The prophet) said: "O my Lord help me: for that they accuse me of falsehood. "(Allah) "Seest thou not how thy Lord dealt with the Ad (people), - of the (city of) Iram,
said: "In but a little while, they are sure to be sorry!" Then the Blast overtook them with justice, with lofty pillars, the like of which were not produced in (all) the land? And with
and We made them as rubbish of dead leaves so away with the people who do wrong!" the Thamud (People), who cut out (huge) rocks in the valley?- And with Pharaoh
Disobeying People: "The Ad (people) rejected the messengers. Behold, their brother Hud Lord of Stakes? (All) these transgressed beyond bounds in the lands. And heaped
said to them: "Will ye not fear (Allah)? "I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust: "So therein mischief (on mischief). Therefore did thy Lord pour on them a scourge
fear Allah and obey me. "No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of diverse chastisements: For thy Lord is Watchful."
of the Worlds. "Do ye build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves? "And do The Idol Worshippers : We mentioned before that Ad people were the first whom
ye get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein (forever)? "And when ye worshipped the idols after the Deluge and that is clear in the saying of Allah Almighty: "Call
strike you strike like tyrants. "Now fear Allah, and obey me. "Yea, fear Him Who has in remembrance that He made you inheritors after the people of Nuh, and gave you a stature
bestowed on you freely all that ye know. "Freely has He bestowed on you cattle and sons, tall among the nations", also Allah Almighty said: Then We raised after them another
"And Gardens and Springs. "Truly I fear for you the Chastisement of a Great Day." They generation, and mostly Allah meant in this Verse the' Ad people, while other commentators
said: "It is the same to us whether thou admonish us or he not among (our) admonishers! said that they are the Thamud people whom Allah meant in the Verse according to Allah's
"This is no other than a customary device of the ancients, "And we are not the ones to receive saying "Then the Blast overtook them with justice, and We made them as rubbish of dead
Pains and Chastisement!" So they rejected him, and We destroyed them. Verily in this is a leaves" and the commentators said that Salih's people were destroyed by the Blast. And the
Sign: but most of them do not believe. And verily thy Lord is he, the Exalted in Might, Most Ad, they were destroyed by a furious wind, exceedingly violent and what they said make
Merciful". no difference because it may be the Blast and the Storm both of them had been sent as a
Now the Ad behaved arrogantly through the land, against (all) truth and reason, and said: punishment of the Ad people and there is no doubt that 'Ad people were before Thamud
"Who is superior to us in strength?" What! Did they not see that Allah, Who created them, people.
was superior to them in strength? But they continued to reject Our Signs!. So We sent against
The Ad people were unbelievers insisting on worshipping the Idols therefore Allah sent
them a furious Wind through days of disaster, that We might give them a taste of a chastisement
to them Hud (PBUH) calling them to worship Allah alone, but they opposed to him hence
of humiliation in this Life; but the Penalty of the Hereafter will be more humiliating still: and
Allah Almighty sent His punishment on them.
they will find no help."
When Hud (PBUH) ordered his people to worship Allah promising them with goodness
"And in the Ad (people) (was another Sign): Behold, We sent against them the
•1
in this life and in the Hereafter, they didn't believe him as Allah Almighty said:
devastating Wind: It left nothing whatever that it came up against, but reduced
it to ruin and rottenness." ' ■ "The leaders of the unbelievers among his people said: "Ah! we see thou art in
folly!"
"And that it is He who destroyed the (powerful) ancient "Ad (people), and the
The unbelivers said to Hud: "We think what you are calling us to is a foolishness because
Thamud, He left no trace of them. And before them, the people of Nuh, for that
we are worshipping the idols which from it comes the victory and the means of living and
they were (all) most unjust and most insolent transgressors. And He destroyed
the Overthrown Cities (of Sodom and Gomorrah), so that there covered it that we think that you are a liar in your saying that Allah had sent you".
which covered. Then which of the favours of thy Lord, (O man,) wilt thou dispute But, Hud (PBUH) answered them. He said: "O my people! there is no folly in me" but
about?" (I am) a messenger from the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds! and that he came to convey
to them Allah's Messages.
"The Ad (people) (too) rejected (Truth): then how terrible was My Chastisement
and My Warning? For We sent against them a furious wind, on a Day of bitter Hud (PBUH) was advising his people and he felt pity for them, also he didn't ask them
to give him something in the return because he was a sincere devotee to Allah Almighty and resurrection, it is just one dies; some are bom; some live and the life continues", then they
his recompense will be from his Lord Who has all the goodness in His Hands as Allah accused Hud (PBUH) of being a liar, and invents things attributes them to Allah.
Almighty said: O my people! I ask of you no reward for this (Message). My reward is from But what the unbelievers said were lies, disbelief and ignorance, and it is the speak of
none but Him who created me: will ye not then understand? people who don't has a mind to think with it, as Allah Almighty said: "To such (deceit) let
Hud said to the unbelievers: "What is the matter with you? Don't you have a mind to the hearts of those incline, who have no faith in the Hereafter: and let them delight in it, and
recognize and to think with it? I am calling you to the right path which leads to Allah Almighty let them earn from it what they may".
(like Nuh, (PBUH) when he called his people to Allah Almighty but they refused and as a Whereupon Hud (PBUH) said to the unbelievers: "Do ye build a landmark on every high
result for their refusing Allah destroyed them)", then he said to the unbelievers that he don't place to amuse yourselves? And do ye get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living
ask a reward from them, as Allah Almighty said: Obey those who ask no reward of you (for therein (for ever)? But the unbelievers refused to listen for what Hud said, also they challenged
themselves), and who are themselves guided. him to bring what he was warning them with, because they didn't believe in him, as Allah
But the unbelievers said to Hud: "We are not convinced by you: we don't want to be Almighty said:
convinced: we think you are a liar, or perhaps a fool!". Then they said: "You didn't make They said: "Comest thou to us, that we may worship Allah alone, and give up
something supernatural so we can believe what you say, also we will not leave our idols that which our fathers used to worship bring us what thou threatenest us with,
according to your speaking" Whereupon they said to Hud (PBUH): "Perhaps you have been if so be that thou tellest the truth!"
touched with imbecility because you made our gods angry therefore some of them have paid
you out, and made you crazy." Allah Almighty said: (Hud) said:" O my Lord help me: for that they accuse me of
falsehood." (Allah) said: "In but a little while, they are sure to be sorry!" Then the Blast
He said: "I call Allah to witness, and do ye bear witness, that I am free from the sin of overtook them with justice, and We made them as rubbish of dead leaves so away with the
ascribing, to Him, "Other gods as partners! so scheme (your worst) against me, all of you people who do wrong!
and give me no respite.
Also Allah Almighty said: "They said: "Hast thou come in order to turn us aside from
Hud (PBUH) challenged them by saying: "Scheme and plot against me as you may, all our gods? Then bring upon us the (calamity) with which thou dost threaten us, if thou art
of you - you and your gods! see if you have any power! I ask no quarter from you". telling the truth!" He said: "The knowledge (of when it will come) is only with Allah: I
proclaim to you the mission on which I have been sent but I see that ye are a people in
Whereupon he said to them: I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! there is
ignorance!" Then when they saw a cloud advancing towards their valleys, they said, "This
not a moving creature, but He hath grasp of its fore-lock. Verily, it is my Lord that is on a
cloud will give us rain!" "Nay, it is the (calamity) ye were asking to be hastened! A wind
straight Path. As we see this is a definite proof that Hud (PBUH) is Allah's servant and His wherein is a Grievous Chastisement! "everything will it destroy by the command of its Lords!"
Messenger going on Allah's Path the straight Path, while the unbelievers remained in the Then by the morning they - nothing was to be seen but (the ruins of) their houses! thus do
ignorance worshipping the idols and satisfied with them crooked path. We recompense those given to sin!
"And the chiefs of his people, who disbelieved and denied the Meeting in the The Punishment: The first sign of the punishment was the cloud, but when the unbelievers
Hereafter, and on whom We had bestowed the good things of this life, said: "He saw it they became very happy because they were in dearth for two years and they thought
is no more than a man like yourselves: he eats and drinks of what ye drink. If it will bring to them the water of mercy (the rain), yet indeed it was a tremendous hurricane,
i ye obey a man like yourselves, behold, it is certain ye will be lost. Does he promise carrying destruction on its wings which Allah Almighty sent it to destroy the unbelievers
I that when ye die and become dust and bones, ye shall be brought forth (again)?" as an answer to them when they said to Hud (PBUH): "Bring us what thou threatenest us <
with, if so be that thou tellest the truth". 1
’ The unbelievers regarded as improbable that Allah had sent a Messenger from them, and
Allah Almighty described the destruction of Ad in Surat Al-Haqqa ■
many ignorant unbelievers accepted this suspicion, therefore Hud (PBUH) said to them: "Do
ye wonder that there hath come to you a remainder from your Lord, through a man of your . And the Ad, they were destroyed by a furious Wind, exceedingly violent; He made it rage I
own people, to warn you?" against them seven nights and eight days in succession: so that thou couldn't see the (whole) ,
people lying overthrown in its (path), as if they had been roots of hollow palm-trees tumbled |
"Far, very far is that which ye are promised", this is what the unbelievers said because
down! j
they didn't believe in the warning of Hud (PBUH) and they said: "There is no future life nor
36 All the Prophets
The unbelievers all were lying dead like a hollow trunks of palm-trees with their roots
exposed because the Wind was carrying them high and then threw them down on their heads
therefore they were all lying dead bodies without heads.
The narrators reported many traditions said by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
mentioning in it Ad people. Utba bin Abi Rabah reported on the authority of Aishah the wife
of the Apostle of Allah (PBUH), who said: "Whenever the weather was stormy the Apostle
of Allah (PBUH) used to say: 'O Allah! I ask You for what is good in it and the good which
it contains, and the good of that which it was sent for. I seek refuge with You from what
Two
is evil in it, what evil it contains, and the evil of that what it was sent for'; and when there
was a thunder and lightening in the sky; his colour would change, and he went out and in,
backwards and forwards; and when the rain came, he felt relieved. I noticed that (the sign
of relief) on his face. ‘ Aishah asked him (about it) and he said: Tt may be as the people of
Ad said when they saw a cloud formation coming to their valley they said: This cloud will
give us rain."
MIDDLE AGES
Imam Ahmad narrated that Aishah the wife of the Prophet (PBUH) said: "I never saw
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) laughing loudly enough to enable me to see his uvula but he used
to smile only. And whenever he saw clouds or winds, signs of deep concern would appear
Prophet Salih (PBUH)
on his face. I said: 'O Allah's Messenger? when people see clouds they usually feel happy,
hoping that it would rain, while I see that when you see clouds, one could notice signs of Thamud people were a famous tribe; and they are the sons of Abir the son of Sam the
dissatisfaction on your face.' He said:' O Aishah ! what is the guarantee for me that there son of Nuh (PBUH). They came after Ad people and inhabited the area between Hijaz and
will be no punishment in it, since some people were punished with a wind? Verily some Tabuk.
people saw (received) the punishiment, but (while seeing the cloud) they said: "This cloud
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) passed by their archaeological remains when he led his
will give us rain." military expedition to Tabuk.
The narrators reported many stories about the place which Hud (PBUH) was buried in
Thamud people were idolaters like Ad, hence Allah Almighty sent to them His Servant
it, some of them said that his grave is in (Yemen) while others said in (Damascus). and Prophet Salih (PBUH) who called them to worship Allah alone without partner and to
leave the idols. Some of them believed in him but the majority blasphemed and decided to
kill Salih (PBUH), and they killed the she-camel which Allah sent her for them as a Sign. But
Allah Almighty saved Salih (PBUH) and who believed in what he said, and He sent His
punishment on the unbelievers because of what they did.
Allah Almighty said:
"To the Thamud people (We sent) Salih, one of their own brethren: he said: "O
my people! worship Allah: ye have no other god but Him. Now hath come unto
you a clear (Sign) from your Lord! this she-camel of Allah is a Sign unto you: So
leave her to graze in Allah's earth, and let her come to no harm, or ye shall be
seized with a grievous punishment. And remember how He made you inheritors
after the "Ad people and gave you habitations in the land: ye build for yourselves
palaces and castles in (open) plains, and carve out homes in the mountains; so =
bring to remembrance the benefits (ye have received) from Allah, and refrain from j
38 All the Prophets
Middle Ages 39
evil and mischief on the earth." The leaders of the arrogant party among his people
said to those who were reckoned powerless - those among them who believed: that are with thee". He said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; yea, ye are a people under
"Know ye indeed that Salih is a messenger from his Lord?" They said: "We do trial." There were in the city nine men, who made mischief in the land, and would not
indeed believe in the revelation which hath been sent through him." The arrogant reform. They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack
party said: "For our part, We reject what you believe in." Then they ham-strung on him and his people, and that we shall then say to his heir (when he seeks vengeance):
the she-camel, and insolently defied the order of their Lord, saying: "O Salih! bring 'We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are positively telling the
about thy threats, if thou art a messenger (of Allah)!" So the earthquake took them truth'." They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not.
unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes in the morning! so Salih left them, Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We destroyed them and their people,
saying: "O my people! I did indeed convey to you the message for which I was all (of them). Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they practised wrong
sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but ye love not good counsellors!" doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. And We saved those who believed
and practised righteousness."
"To the Thamud People (We sent) Salih, one of their own brethren he said: "O' my
People worship Allah: ye have no other God but Him. It is He Who hath produced you "As to the Thamud, We gave them guidance, but they preferred blindness (of heart) to
from the earth and settled you therein: then ask forgiveness of Him, and turn to Him Guidance; so the thunderbolt of the Chastisement of humiliation seized them, because of what
(in repentance): for my Lord is (always) near, ready to answer." They said: "O Salih! thou they had earned. But We delivered those who believed and practised righteousness."
hast been of us! -a centre of our hopes hitherto! Dost thou (now) forbid us the worship "The Thamud (also) rejected (their) Warners. For they said: "What! a man! a solitary one
of what our fathers worshipped? But we are really in suspicious (disquieting) doubt as from among ourselves! shall we follow such a one? Truly should we then be in error and
to that to which thou invites' us." He said: "O my people! do ye see? If I have a Clear madness. Is it that the Message is sent to him, of all people amongst us? Nay, he is a liar,
(Sign) from my Lord and He hath sent Mercy unto me from Himself, - who then can help an insolent one!". Ah! they will know on the morrow, which is the liar the insolent one! For
me against Allah if I were to disobey Him? What then would ye add to my (portion) We will send the she-camel by way of trial for them. So watch them, (O Salih), and posses
but perdition? And O my people! this she-camel of Allah is a sign to you: leave her to thyself in patience! and tell them that the water is to be divided between them: each ones
feed on Allah's (free) earth, and inflict no ham on her, or a swift Punishment will seize right to drink being brought forward (by suitable turns). But they called to their companion,
you!" But they did harm-string her. So he said: "Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three and he took a sword in hand, and hamstrung (her). Ah! how (terrible) was My Chastisement
days: (then will be your ruin): (behold) there a promise not to be belied!" When Our and My Warning! for We sent against them a single Mighty Blast, and they became like dry
Decree issued, we saved Salih and those who believed with him, by (special) Grace from stubble used by one who pens cattle. And We have indeed made the Quran easy to understand
Us - and from the Ignominy of that Day. For thy Lord - He is the Strong One, and the and remember: then is there any that will receive admonition?"
Mighty. The (mighty) Blast overtook the wrong-doers, and they lay prostrate in their Mentioned in Holy Quran : Allah Almighty mentioned in the Holy Quran (Ad and
homes before the morning,- as if they had never dwelt and flourished there. Ah! Behold! Thamud) many times in Surat Ibrahim, Al-Furqan, Sad, Qaf, Al-Najm and Surat Al-Shams.
For the Thamud rejected their Lord and Cherisher! so away with the Thamud." It is said that the People of the Book didn't know about those two nations because there is
God's Signs : "The Companions of the Rocky Tract also rejected the messengers: We sent no mention of them in the Old Testament, but in the Holy Quran there is a clear proof that
them Our Signs, but they persisted in turning away from them. Out of the mountains did Musa (PBUH) had told the Israelites about Ad and Thamud as Allah Almighty said:" And
they hew (their) edifices, (feeling themselves) secure. But the (mighty) Blast seized them of Moses said: "If ye show ingratitude, ye and all on earth together,- yet is Allah Free of all wants.
a morning, and of no avail to them was all that they did (with such art and care)!" Worthy of All praise. Has not the story reached you, (O People!), of those who (went) before
you?- Of the people of Nuh, and Ad, and Thamud?- And of those who (came) after them? j
"And We refrain from sending the Signs, only because the men of former generations
None knows them but Allah. To them came Messengers with Clear (Signs)! and this is an I
treated them as false: We sent the She-camel to the Thamud - a visible Sign-but they treated
evidence that the story of Ad and Thamud was famous at Musa's time. 1
her wrongfully: We only sent the Signs by way of frightening (and warning from evil)."
As we mentioned, Thamud people were after Ad people but they did not take and!
"We sent (a foretime), to the Thamud, their brother Salih, saying, "Serve Allah": but
example from what happened to Ad, therefore Prophet Salih (PBUH) said to them: "O I
behold, they became two factions quarrelling with each other. He said: "O my people!
my people! worship Allah ye have no other god but Him. Now hath come unto youla
Why ask ye to hasten on the evil before the good? If only ye ask Allah for forgiveness,
clear (Sign) from your Lord! this she-camel of Allah is a Sign unto you: so leave her to
ye may hope to receive mercy." They said: "III omen do we augur from thee and those
graze in Allah's earth, and let her come to no harm, or ye shall be seized with a grievous
40 All the Prophets Middle Ages 41
punishment. And remember how He made you inheritors after the Ad people and gave Salih (PBUH) prayed to Allah Almighty to answer his people's demand, and Allah answered
you habitations in the land: ye build for yourselves palaces and castles in (open) plains, Salih prayer by ordering the rock to be split and the she-camel to appear from it (with the
and carve out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the benefits (ye have special description which the unbelievers mentioned)".
received) from Allah, and refrain from evil and mischief on the earth". "Allah made you
When the unbelievers saw the she-camel, they saw a great proof from Allah Almighty
successors to Ad so take a lesson from them and do the righteousness reversely to what and this made many of them believers, but most of them continued on their disbelief.
Ad people had done, and He allowed you to inhabit this land and to construct on it's
valleys the large and stately mansions" And ye carve houses out of (rocky) mountains Salih (PBUH) said to the unbelievers: " "This she-camel of Allah", He sent her as a honour
with great skills, so thank Allah Almighty for His Blessings, and worship Him alone and magnifying (Is a sign to you) and a proof to the truth of what I came with, so show your
without partner, and do not disobey Him because the result will be a great punishment," penitence and your new attitude by leaving this she-camel to graze freely and do not touch
that is what Salih (PBUH) said to them. her with evil, or a near torment will seize you."
The she-camel was grazing freely and drinking from the water of the well, and it was
Then Salih (PBUH) advised his people as Allah Almighty said:
one day of watering to the people and the other day for the she-camel, as Allah Almighty
"Will ye be left secure, in (the enjoyment of) all that ye have here? - Gardens and said: "She has a right of watering, and ye have a right of watering, (severally) on a day
Springs, and corn-fields and date palms with spathes near breaking (with the appointed".
weight of the fruit)? And ye carve houses out of (rocky) mountains with great Allah Almighty said:
skill. But fear Allah and obey me; and follow not the bidding of those who are
"For We will send the she-camel by way of trial for them. So watch them, (O Salih),
extravagant, - who make mischief in the land, and mend not (their ways)."
and possess thyself in patience!"
Centre of Hopes : They said: O Salih! thou hast been of us!-a centre of our hopes hitherto!
The she-camel was a test from Allah Almighty to the selfish people who tried to monopolise
and we wished for you to be our chief, till this new thing which you have brought that we
the water only for themselves, therefore Allah said to Salih: "And tell them that the water
leave our gods and worship your god (Allah) alone"! and you are asking us now to leave
is to be divided between them: each one's right to drink being•SI brought
si forward (by suitable
the worship of the idols which our fathers worshipped? Now we are in doubts as to that which
turns)."
you calling us to (monotheism). "Salih (PBUH) said to them .-"Allah has been good to me
and bestowed on me His light and the inestimable privilege of carrying his mission to you. The Challenge : When the situation remained the same for a long time the leaders of the
Don't you see that if I fail to carry out His mission. I shall have to answer before Him? Who unbelievers met and decided to get rid of the she-camel by killing her in order to save the
can help me in that case? The only thing which you can add to my misfortunes would be water which she drinks, as Allah Almighty said: Then they ham-strung the she-camel, and
total perdition in the Hereafter," and he spoke to them kindly and asked them gently to follow insolently defied the order of their Lord saying: "O Salih! bring about thy threats, if thou art
a messenger (of Allah)!"
the right path which leads to Allah Almighty.
But they called to their companion, and he took a sword in hand, and hamstrung (her).
They said: "Thou art only one of those bewitched! and they accused Salih (PBUH) of being
Ah! how (terrible) was My Chastisement and My warning!
a madman who doesn't know what to say.
Al-Hamidi narrated that Abdullah bin Zanaf said: "I heard the Prophet (PBUH)
"Thou art no more than a mortal like us: then bring us a Sign, if thou tellest the truth!"
saying about the person who hamstrung the she-camel (of the Prophet Salih): The man
and the unbelievers asked Salih (PBUH) to do something supernatural to prove what he said.
who was appointed for doing this job, was a man of honour and power in his nation
He said: "Here is a she-camel: she has a right of watering, and ye have a right of watering, like Abu Zanjfo."
(severally) on a day appointed. Touch her not with harm, lest the Chastisement of a Great
The unbelievers sent the most wicked man among them to dare and kill the she-camel.
Day seize you."
It was probably when she came to drink at the stream that she was hamstrung and killed j
The commentators said: "When Salih (PBUH) advised and warned his people, the Also Allah Almighty mentioned the killing of the she-camel in Surat Al-Shams:
unbelievers wanted to make a test for him by asking Salih (PBUH) to bring a camel from the
rock with special description. Salih said to them: "If I answer your demand as you mentioned, "Behold, the most wicked man among them was deputed for impiety. But the
you will believe what I have been sent with?' "The unbelievers said: "Yes, we do". Whereupon messenger of Allah said to them:" It is a She-camel of Allah! and bar her not from]
having her drink!" Then they rejected him (as a false prophet), and they hamstrung its well or reserve water from it They said: 'We have already kneaded the dough with its
her so their Lord, crushed them for their sin and levelled them. And for Him is water, and also filled our bags with its water'. On that, the Prophet (PBUH) ordered them
no fear of its consequences." to throw away the dough and pour out the water".
Imam Ahmad narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Zama that he heard the Prophet Ibrahim bin Al-Munzir narrated that Abdullah bin Umar said: "The people landed at the
of Allah (PBUH) delivering a sermon, and he mentioned the she-camel and the one who land of Thamud which called Al-Hijr along with Allah's Messenger (PBUH), and they took
hamstrung her. Allah's Messenger (PBUH) recited: "Behold, the most wicked man among water from its well for drinking and kneading the dough with it as well. When Allah's
them was deputed (for impiety)". Then he said: "A tough man whose equal was rare and Messenger (PBUH) heard about it, he ordered them to pour out the water they had taken
who enjoyed the protection of his people, like Abi Zama, went forth to (hamstrung) her it" from its well and feed the camels-with the dough, and ordered them to take water from the
well whence the she-camel (of Prophet Salih) used to drink".
The unbelievers disobeyed Allah Almighty and Salih (PBUH) with doing what Allah had
prohibited them from by hamstringing and killing the she-camel. Ibn Shihab reported, and he had been talking about the stony abodes of Thamud, and
he said: Salim bin "Abdullah reported that "Abdullah bin Umar said: "We were passing along
Therefore Salih said to them: "Enjoy yourselves in your homes for three days", but the
with Allah's Messenger (PBUH) through the habitations of Hijr, and Allah's Messenger
unbelievers paid no heed and they decided to kill Salih also.
(PBUH) said:' Do not enter but weepingly the habitations of these people who committed
"They said: "Swear a mutual oath by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on tyranny among themselves, lest the same calamity should fall upon you as it fell upon them'.
him and his people. And after killing him as they planned they will deny by saying that they He then urged his mount to proceed quickly and pass through the valley hurriedly ".
*
knew nothing about it, in order to evade the vengeance which Salih's heirs (if any were left)
It is said that Salih (PBUH) when he left the valley of Al-Hiji, removed tq Mecca and
or his tribe might want to exact Therefore they said: "And that we shall then sag to his heir
remained there till he died.
(when he seeks vengeance): "We were not present at the slaughter of his people, and we are
positively telling the truth." "
Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH)
Ibrahim (PBUH) is the son of Azar, he was born in Babylon when his father s age was
"They plotted and planned, but We too planned, even while they perceived it not. seventy five years. Ibrahim (PBUH) was the middle between two brothers; the first one is
Then see what was the end of their plot!- this, that We destroyed them and their Haran who died in Babylon and he is the father of Lut (PBUH); and the second one is Nahur.
people, all (of them). Now such were their houses, - in utter ruin, - because they When Ibrahim (PBUH) became a young man he married Sarah but she was a barren woman.
practised wrong-doing. Verily in this is a Sign for people of knowledge. And We Azar with his son Ibrahim; Sarah and Lut all left Babylon towards the land of Kaif an
saved those who believed and practised righteousness."
(Bayt-al-Maqdis) and they inhabited Haran where the people were worshipping the stars and
The Punishment: Allah Almighty sent a great stone which fell down on the people who the idols, and all the people were idolaters except Ibrahim Al-Khalil, his wife Sarah and his
wanted to kill Salih and crushed them, but the rest of the unbelievers waited for three days nephew Lut
from Thursday till Saturday and when Sunday came they got ready waiting for the punishment
of Allah and wondering what will happen to them.
j On Sunday when the sun rose, a single mighty Blast came from the sky and a dreadful We bestowed aforetime on Ibrahim his rectitude of conduct, and well were We
earthquake with it destroyed all the unbelievers.^ acquainted with him. I Allah Almighty chose Ibrahim (PBUH) to remove through
him all the evils, hence He sent him as a Messenger to the people, and his title
So Salih left them, saying: "O my people! I did indeed convey to you tfZ? message for
was Khalil-ullah (Friend of Allah).
which I was sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but ye love not good counsellors?"
The passing of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) through the valley of Al-Hijr (the habitations Allah Almighty said:
of Thamud).
And (remember) Ibrahim: behold, he said to his people, "Serve Allah and fear
Imam Ahmad narrated that Ibn Umar said: "When Allah's Messenger (PBUH) landed at Him: that will be best for you- if you understand! for ye do worship idols besides
Al-Hijr during the Ghazwa of Tabuk, he ordered his companions not to drink water from Allah, and ye invent falsehood. The things that ye worship besides Allah have
44 All the Prophets 45
Middle Ages
no power to give you sustenance: then seek ye sustenance from Allah, serve Him, in the way of the truth which leads to Allah Almighty because Allah imposes a Penalty on
and be grateful to Him: to Him will be your return. "And if you reject (the who rejects deliberately the Truth. But Ibrahim's father became angry and he threatened
Message), so did generations before you: and the duty of the messenger is only Ibrahim with punishment because of his rejection to the idols, then Azar ordered Ibrahim
to preach publicly (and clearly)." See they not how Allah originates creation, then to go away and leave him.
Repeats it: truly that is easy for Allah. Say: "Travel through the earth and see how
Allah did originate creation; so will Allah produce a later creation: for Allah has But it was not possible for Ibrahim to make any compromise with what was false in
power over all things. He punishes whom He pleases, and He grants mercy to religion, and in return for his father's behavior, Ibrahim spoke gently with his father and said
whom He pleases, and towards Him are ye turned. Not on earth nor in heaven to him that he will ask Allah Almighty to forgive him. Whereupon Ibrahim expressed his
will ye able (fleeing) to frustrate (His Plan), nor have ye, besides Allah, any fervent hope that at least he (Ibrahim) would have Allah's blessing in reply to his prayers.
protector or helper." Those who reject the Signs of Allah and the Meeting with Ibrahim (PBUH) asked Allah Almighty to forgive his father as he promised him, but when
Him (in the Hereafter), - it is they who shall despair of My mercy: it is they who he found out that his father became an enemy to Allah he dissociated himself from him (his
will (suffer) a most grievous Chastisement. So naught was the answer of (Ibrahim's) father), as Allah Almighty said:
people except that they said: "Slay him or bum him." But Allah did save him from
the Fire. Verily in this are Signs for people who believe. And he said: "For you, "And Ibrahim prayed for his father's forgiveness only because of a promise he
had made to him. But when it became clear to him that he was an enemy to Allah,
ye have taken (for worship) idols besides Allah, out of mutual love and regard
he dissociated himself from him: for Ibrahim was most tender-hearted, forbearing."
between yourselves in this life; but on the day of Judgement ye shall disown each
other and curse each other: and your abode will be the Fire, and ye shall have Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: "On the Day of
none to help." But Lut believed him: he said: "I will leave home for the sake of Resurrection Ibrahim will meet his father Azar whose face will be dark and covered with dust.
my Lord: for He is Exalted in Might, and Wise." And We gave (Ibrahim) Isaac Ibrahim (PBUH) will say to him: 'Did not I tell you not to disobey me?' His father will reply:
and Jacob, and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and Today I will not disobey you'. Ibrahim will say: 'O my Lord! You promised me not to disgrace
We granted him his reward in this life; and he will be in the Hereafter of the me on the Day of Resurrection; and what will be more disgraceful to me than cursing and
Righteous. dishonouring my father?' Then Allah Almighty will say to him: 'I have forbidden Paradise
for the disbelievers'. Then he will be addressed: 'O Ibrahim! Look! what is underneath your
The First Call: Ibrahim's first call was to his father because he worshipped the idols too,
feet?' He will look and there he will see (an animal) blood-stained, which will be caught by
as Allah Almighty said: (Also) mention in the Book (the story of) Ibrahim: he was a man of
the legs and thrown in the Hell-Fire."
Truth, a Prophet. Behold, he said to his father: "O my father! why worship that which heareth
not and seem not, and can Profit thee nothing? O my father! to me hath come knowledge Allah Almighty said:
which hath not reached thee: so follow me: I will guide thee to a Way that is even and straight.
O my father! serve not Satan for Satan is a rebel against (Allah) Most Gracious. O my father! Lo! Ibrahim said to his father Azar: "Takes thou idols for gods? For I see thee and
I fear lest a Chastisement afflict thee from (Allah) Most Gracious, so that thou become to Satan
I
thy people in manifest error."
a friend." (The father) replied: "Art thou shrinking from my gods, O Ibrahim? if thou forbear This verse shows some of the argument between Ibrahim (PBUH) and his father and in
not, I will indeed stone thee: now get away from me for a good long while! "Ibrahim said: the same time it is a clear proof that the name of Ibrahim's father is Azar because some
"Peace be on thee: I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious. commentators said that his name is Tarikh according to what the People of the Book had sai
And I will turn away from you (all) and from those whom ye invoke besides Allah. I will but the mention of the name in the Holy Quran is a definite evidence that name is Aza
call on my Lord perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall be not unblest."
Allah Almighty mentioned what happened between Ibrahim (PBUH) and his father Azar,
i
and how Ibrahim explained to his father the falsehood of the idolatry because Allah gave "So also did We show Ibrahim the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, that
Ibrahim useful knowledge although he was younger than his father, therefore it was his duty he might have certitude. When the night covered him over, he saw a star: he said:
and privilege to guide and point to the right way. "This is my Lord." But when it set, he said: "I love not those that set." When he
Hence Ibrahim (PBUH) asked his father to leave the worship of the idols and to join him saw the moon rising in splendour, he said: "This is my Lord." But when the moon
set, he said: "Unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go
astray." When he saw the sun rising (in splendour,) he said: "This is my Lord; turned to themselves and said, "Surely ye are the ones in the wrong!" Then were they
this is the greatest (of all)." But when the sun set, he said:" O my people! I am confounded with shame: (they said), "Thou knowest fully well that these (idols) do not
indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to Allah. For me, I have set my speak!" (Ibrahim) said, "Do ye then worship, besides Allah, things that can neither be of any
face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and g ood to you nor do you harm? "Fie upon you, and upon the things that ye worship besides
never shall I give partners to Allah." His people disputed with him. He said: Allah! have ye no sense?" They said," Bum him and protect your gods, if ye do (anything
"(Come) ye to dispute with me, about Allah, when He (Himself) hath guided me? at all)!" We said, "O Fire ! be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Ibrahim!" Then they planned
I fear not (the beings) ye associate with Allah: unless my Lord willeth, (nothing against him: but We made them the Greater losers.
can happen), my Lord comprehendeth in His knowledge all things. Will ye not Ibrahim (PBUH) blamed his people for worshipping the idols and he scorned it by saying:
(yourselves) be admonished? "How should I fear (the beings) ye associate with "What are these images to which ye are devoted?" They said: "We found our fathers
Allah, when ye fear not to give partners to Allah without any warrant having been worshipping them" and their plea was that those images are the making of the fathers
given to you? Which of (us) two parties hath more right to security? (Tell me) therefore they are worshipping it as their fathers did. Hence Ibrahim told them that they had
if ye know. It is those who believe and mix not their beliefs with wrong - that done a big mistake in this false worship, as Allah Almighty said in another Surat in the Holy
are (truly) in security, for they are on (right) guidance." That was Our argument Quran:
which We gave to Ibrahim (to use) against his people: We raise whom We will,
Behold, he said to his father and to his people, "What is that which ye worship?
degree after degree: for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge."
Is it a Falsehood -gods other than Allah that ye desire? Then what is your idea
State of Enlightenment: This debate between Ibrahim (PBUH) and his people shows the about the Lord of the Worlds?"
stage of Ibrahim's enlightenment because he told his people to worship Allah Almighty the
Also Ibrahim said: Do they listen to you when ye call (on them), or do you good or harm?"
One who created the stars and everything and He is the Everlasting while all the stars
They said: "Nay, but we found our fathers doing thus (what we do)."
disappears inspite of it's (size or shining), also these stars are under the control of Allah
Almighty, as the Holy Quranic verse is telling: It means that you (the unbelievers) have to accept that your idols are useless and because
of your fathers your are worshipping it now. Therefore Ibrahim (PBUH) said to them: "Do
"Among His Signs are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Prostrate ye then see whom ye have been worshipping, - "ye and your fathers before you?- For they
not to the sun and the moon, but prostrate to Allah, Who created them, if it is are enemies to me; not so the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds". But the unbelievers thought
Him ye wish to serve." that Ibrahim (PBUH) is not serious and that he was playing about. Therefore Ibrahim (PBUH)
Then Ibrahim (PBUH) told them that he does not care to their gods or them threats because told them that he was serious in what he said that Allah is your god and there is no god
he has found the Truth (Allah) so why he will afraid from them useless gods. save Him, He is the Lord of everything, the Creator of the heavens and the earth and only
He deserves to be worshipped" and he witnessed on this.
Allah Almighty said: We bestpwed aforetime on Ibrahim his rectitude of conduct, and
well were We acquainted with him. Behold! he said to his father and his people, "What are Devotion to Truth : Ibrahim looked at life with a serious eye, and his people took it light-
these images, to which you are (so assiduously) devoted?" They said, "We found our fathers heartedly. He was devoted to Truth, and they cared more for ancestral custom. In the conflict
: worshipping them." He said, "Indeed ye have been in manifest error - ye and your fathers." he seemed to be in their power. But he was fearless, and he triumphed by Allah's Grace.
| They said, "Have you brought us the Truth, or are you one of those who jest?" He said, "Nay, The pagans invited Ibrahim (PBUH) to join them in their celebrations outside the city,
your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. He Who created them (from nothing): but he refused by claiming that he is sick, as Allah Almighty said:
and I am a witness to this (truth). And by Allah, I will certainly plan against your idols -
after ye go away and turn your backs".,. So he broke them to pieces, (all) but the biggest of Then did he cast a glance at the Stars, and he said," I am indeed sick (at heart): /'
them, that they might turn (and address themselves) to it. "They said, "Who has done this When he was left alone, he came to their idols and broke them into pieces, as Allah
I
to our gods? He must indeed be one of the unjust one. They said, "We heard a youth talk Almighty said: "So they turned away from him, and departed. Then did he turn
of them: he is called Ibrahim." They said, "Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that to their gods and said, "Will ye not eat (of the offerings before you)? What is the
they may bear witness:" They said, "Art thou the one that did this with our gods. O Ibrahim?" matter with you that ye speak not? "Then did he turn upon them, striking (them)
He said: "Nay, this was done by this the biggest one? ask them, if they can talk." So they I with the right hand."
When the unbelievers came back they said: "Who has done this to our gods? He must Allah Almighty mentions here the dispute between Ibrahim (PBUH) and one of the
indeed be one of the unjust one." Different groups of people are speaking. Those who were unbelievers who proclaimed himself as a god, and how Ibrahim suppressed the unbeliever's
present at Ibrahim's speech when he scorned the idols, at once named him, whereupon a proclaiming and showed him how much he is an idiot and foolish.
formal council of the pagans was held, and Ibrahim was arraigned and when the pagans According to what the commentators said, the person was Nimrod the King of Babylon.
questioned Ibrahim he claimed that he had not destroyed their idols but the chief idol had, When Ibrahim (PBUH) called him to Allah Almighty he refused to accept Ibrahim's call by
which Ibrahim left it undisturbed and in its hand he had put an axe to lay the accusation saying that he is a god and he has the power of life and death.
on it. Therefore all the unbelievers hung their heads in shame. But presently they thought
they would face out Ibrahim, hence they said "You know quite well that idols do not speak!". But Ibrahim (PBUH) with his enlightenement confounded the claimer by saying: "If you
This was precisely what Ibrahim wanted them to say, and he delivered his final blow: "Then had the ultimate power, why could you not make the sun rise from the West?" And he
why do you worship useless impotent creatures?". surprised Nimrod and dumbfounded him.
When Nimrod failed in his dispute with Ibrahim (PBUH), his arrogance and disbelief
Also Allah Almighty said: Then came (the worshippers) with hurried steps, to him. He
pushed him to fight Allah Almighty, therefore he gathered a great army under his leadership
said: "Worship ye that which ye have (yourselves) carved? But Allah has created you and
your handiwork!" and got ready to fight, but at the time of the sun rise Allah Almighty sent a great army of
the mosquitoes which attacked Nimrod and his army and ate their flesh and sucked their
They said, "Build him a furnace, and throw him into the blazing fire!" (This failing), they blood leaving from them only the bones, and one mosquito entered Nimrod's head and
then plotted against him, but We made them the ones most humiliated! remained inside it for a long time till he died.
The unbelievers made a great fire by using big quantities of the fire-woods which they The Immigration : Allah Almighty said: But Lut believed him: he said: "I will leave home
gathered from every place, and after they tied Ibrahim (PBUH) they threw him into the blazing for the sake of my Lord: for He is Exalted in Might, and Wise." And We gave (Ibrahim) Isaac
Furnace. and Jacob, and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and We granted
Allah Almighty said: him his reward in this life; and he will be in the Hereafter of the Righteous. Also Allah
Almighty said: But We delivered him and (his nephew) Lut (and directed them) to the land
We said, "O Fire! be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Ibrahim!" which We have blessed for the nations. And We bestowed on him Isaac and, as an additional
gift, (a grandson), Jacob, and We made righteous men of everyone (of them). And We made
Imam Ali bin abi Talib (R.A.) said: Allah Almighty said to the fire, "Do not hurt him!".
them leaders, guiding (men) by Our Command, and We inspired them to do good deeds,
Narrated Ibn "Abbas:" Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us and He is the Best Disposer of to establish regular prayers, and to Give Zakat and they constantly served Us (and Us only).
affairs/ was said by Ibrahim (PBUH), when he was thrown into the fire; and it was said by
Ibrahim (PBUH) immigrated with his wife Sarah and his nephew Lut (PBUH), Sarah was
Muhammad (PBUH) when they (i.e. hypocrites) said, "Verily, the people (pagans) have
barren woman but then Allah Almighty bestowed on Ibrahim the righteous sons and He made
gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them." But it only increased them in Faith
from Ibrahim's lineage all the Prophets.
and they said: "Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs."
Ibrahim's aim in his immigration was the land of Syria, which Allah Almighty said
I
The unbelievers wanted to win by getting rid of Ibrahim (PBUH), they as Allah Almighty
about it*
said: Then they planned against him: but We made them the Greater losers and the unbelievers
lost in this life, and in the Hereafter their fire will not be cool and safety for them, as Allah "To the land which We have blessed for the nations."
F Almighty said: Evil indeed is its an abode, and as a place to rest in.
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) The Prophet (PBUH) said "Ibrahim (PBUH) did not tell
77ie Dispute : Allah Almighty said: "Hast thou not turned thy thought to one who a lie except on three occasions. Twice for the Sake of Allah Almighty when he said: "I
disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Ibrahim said: am indeed sick", and he said: "Nay, this was done by this the biggest one". The (third
"My Lord is He Who give the life and death." He said: "I give life and death." Said Ibrahim: L
was) that while Ibrahim and Sarah (his wife) were going (on a journey) towards Al-
"But Allah cause the sun to rise from the East: do thou then cause it to rise from the West." Tayman's land (Jerusalem) they passed by (the territory of) a tyrant in Egypt. Someone
Thus was he confounded who (in arrogance) rejected Faith. Nor doth Allah give guidance said to the tyrant: "This man (Ibrahim) is accompanied by a very charming lady/ So, he
to a people unjust. sent for Ibrahim and asked him about Sarah saying: 'Who is this lady?' Ibrahim said: 'She
I
is my sister'. Ibrahim went to Sarah and said: 'O Sarah! there are no believers on the became afraid and ran away but an angel appeared to her and announced good news to her
surface of the earth except you and I. This man asked me about you and I have told him about the birth of Ismail (PBUH) and the angel ordered her to go back.
that you are my sister, so do not contradict my statement/ The tyrant then called Sarah
Hajar gave birth to Ismail (PBUH) when Ibrahim's age was eighty six years, before the
and when she went to him, he tried to take hold of her with his hand, but his hand got
birth of Ishaq (PBUH) with fourteen years, and after the birth of Ismail (PBUH), Allah
stiff and he was confounded. He asked Sarah: Tray to Allah for me, and I shall not harm
Almighty announced the good news to Ibrahim (PBUH) about the birth of Ishaq (PBUH) from
you'. So Sarah asked Allah to cure him and he got cured. He tried to take hold of her
Sarah therefore He prostrated to Allah and thanked him for His Grace.
for the second time, but his hand got as stiff as or stiffer than before and was more
confounded. He again requested Sarah: Pray to Allah for me, and I will not harm you/ Building of Kaaba : Ibrahim (PBUH) brought Hajar and her son, Ismail while she was
Sarah asked Allah again and he became all right. He then called one of his guards who suckling him, to a place near the Kaaba under a tree on the spot of Zam-zam, at the highest
had brought her and said: zYou have not brought me a human being but have brought place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Mecca nor was there any water.
me a devil/ The tyrant then gave Hajar as a girl-servant to Sarah. Sarah came back (to So he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates,
Ibrahim) while he was praying. Ibrahim, gesturing with his hand, asked: 'What has and a small water-skin containing some water, and set out homeward. Ismail's mother
happened?' She replied: Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel (or immoral person) followed him saying: "O Ibrahim! where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there
and gave me Hajar for service'." Abu Huraira then addressed his listeners saying: "That is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything (to enjoy)?". She repeated
(Hajar) was your mother, O Bani Ma-is-Samaa (i.e. the Arabs)." that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him: "Has Allah
ordered you to do so?" He said:" Yes. "She said: "Then He (Allah) will not neglect us," and
Ibrahim (PBUH) meant by saying: 'She is my sister,' that she is his sister in the Way of
she returned while Ibrahim proceeded onwards, and on reaching the Thaniya where they
Allah, and he meant when he said to Sarah: "There are no believers on the surface of the earth
could not see him, he faced the Kaaba, and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the
except you and I,' that there are no two married Muslims in this land except me and you
following prayers:
because Lut (PBUH) was with them at that time.
Since Sarah left to meet the tyrant who called her, and Ibrahim (PBUH) was praying to "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in a valley with no
Allah for his wife protection and also Sarah did the same and she prayed to Allah to save cultivation, by Your Sacred House (Kaaba at Mecca) in order, O our Lord, that
her from the tyrant. Therefore Allah Almighty said: "Seek (Allah's) help with patient they may offer prayer perfectly. So fill some hearts among men with love towards
perseverance and prayer: it is indeed hard, except to those who are humble." Hence Allah them, and (O Allah) provide them with fruits, so that they may give thanks."
Almighty protected her and He (Allah) made her go back to His Servant and Prophet Ibrahim Ismail's mother went on suckling Ismail and drinking from the water (she had). When
(PBUH) safely. the water in the water-skin had been used up, she became thirsty and her child also became
Some of the commentators said that Sarah, Musa's Mother and Maryam were Prophets, thirsty. She started looking at him (i.e. Ismail) tossing in agony; she left him, for she could
but the most accepted saying among the commentators that they were righteous. not endure looking at him, and found that the mountain of Safa was the nearest mountain
Ibrahim (PBUH) left Egypt to the land of Al-Tayman accompanied by his wife Sarah, and to her on that land. She stood on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might M
with them a lot of gifts, money and. also Hajar the Egyptian with them. see somebody, but she could not see anybody. Then she descended from the Safa and when
she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress
Then Allah Almighty inspired to Ibrahim (PBUH) and ordered him to look at all the and trouble, till she crossed the valley and reached the Marwa mountain where she stood
directions of the earth because all this earth will be for his progeny. and started looking, expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anybody. She repeated ■
While Lut (PBUH) went with the share of the money which Ibrahim (PBUH) gave it to that (running between Safa and Marwa) seven times. I
him to a city called Sadum inhabited by the unbelievers. Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: "This is the source of thei
Birth of Ismail (PBUH) : Ibrahim (PBUH) asked Allah Almighty for the good progeny, tradition of the walking of people between them (i.e. Safa and Marwa)". |
and because Sarah was barren therefore she asked Ibrahim to marry her girl-servant Hajar. When Hajar reached the Marwa (for the last time) she heard a voice and she asked herself
When Ibrahim (PBUH) married Hajar and she became pregnant she magnified herself with to be quiet and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said: "O (whoever yokl
Sarah, and that made Sarah complaining to Ibrahim (PBUH) about Hajar, therefore Ibrahim may be)! you have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?" Andi
(PBUH) said to Sarah: "Do with her (Hajar) whatever you like". When Hajar heard that she
behold! she saw an angel at the place of Zam-zam, digging the earth with his heel (for his and I told him that we were living in a hardship and poverty. "On that Ismail said:" Did
wing), till water flowed from that place. he advice you anything? "She replied:" Yes, he told me to convey his salutatin to you
and to tell you to change the threshold of your gate." Ismail said: "It was my father, and
She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hands in this way, and
he has ordered me to divorce you. Go back to your family. "So Ismail divorced her and
started filling her water-skin with water with her hands, and the water was flowing out after married another woman from amongst them (i.e. Jurhum). Then Ibrahim stayed away
she had scooped some of it from them for a period as long as Allah wished and called on them again but did not
Ibn Abbas (R.A.) narrated that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: "May Allah bestow find Ismail. So he came to Ismail's wife and asked her about Ismail. She said:" He has
Mercy on Ismail's mother! had she let the Zam-zam (flow without trying to control it) (or gone in search of our livelihood. " Ibrahim asked her: "How are you getting on?" Asking
had she not scooped from that water) (to fill her water-skin), Zam-zam would have been a her about their sustenance and living. She replied:" We are prosperous and well-off (i.e.
we have everything in abundance)." Then she thanked Allah Almighty. Ibrahim said:"
stream flowing on, the surface of the earth/' The Prophet (PBUH) added; "Then she drank
What kind of food do you eat? "She said: "Meat". He said: "What do you drink? "She
(water) and suckled her child. The angel
•J
said to her: 'Do not be afraid of being neglected,
said:" Water". He said: "O Allah! bless their meat and water".
for this is the House of Allah which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never
neglects His people". The Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said:" At that time they did not have grain, and if they had
grain, he would have also invoked Allah to bless it." The Prophet (PBUH) added:" If somebody
The House (i.e. Kaaba) at that time was on a high place resembling a hillock, and when has only these two things as his sustenance, his health and disposition will be badly affected,
torrents came, they flowed to its right and left. unless he lives in Mecca."
She lived in that way till some people from the tribe of Jurhum passed by her and her Then Ibrahim (PBUH) said to Ismail's wife: "When your husband comes, give my regards
child, as they (i.e. the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kaaba. They landed to him and tell him that he should keep firm the threshold of his gate." When Ismail came
in the lower part of Mecca where they saw a bird that had the habit of flying around water back, he asked his wife:" Did anyone call on you? "She replied:" Yes, a good-looking old man
and not leaving it. They said: "This bird must be flying around water, though we know that came to me." So she praised him and added:" He asked about you, and I informed him, and
• there is no water in this valley. "They sent one or two messengers who discovered the source he asked about our livelihood and I told him that we were in a good condition." Ismail asked
of water, and returned to inform A them of the water. So, they all came (towards the water). her: "Did he give you any piece of advise? "She said:" Yes, he told me to give his regards
to you and ordered that you should keep firm the threshold of your gate." On that Ismail
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) said: "Ismail's mother was sitting said:" It. was my father, and you are the threshold (of the gate). He has ordered me to keep
near the water. They asked her: 'Do you allow us to stay with you?' She replied: 'Yes, but you with me." Then Ibrahim stayed away from them for a period as long as Allah wished,
you will have no right to possess the water'. They agreed to that". The Prophet (PBUH) further and called on them afterwards. He saw Ismail under a tree near Zam-zam, sharpening his
said: "Ismail's mother was pleased with the whole situation as she used to love to enjoy the arrows. When he saw Ibrahim, he rose up to welcome him and they greeted each other as
company of the people. So, they settled there, and later on they sent for their families who a father does with his son or a son does with his father.
came and settled with them so that some families became permanent residents there". Ibrahim said: "O Ismail! Allah has given me an order." Ismail said: "Do what your Lord
The child (i.e. Ismail) grew up and learnt Arabic from them and (his virtues) caused has ordered you to do." Ibrahim said" Will you help me?" Ismail said: "I will help you."
! them to love and admire him as he grew up, and when he reached the age of puberty Ibrahim said: "Allah has ordered me to build a house here," pointing to a hillock higher than
they made him marry a woman from amongst them. After Ismail's mother had died, the land surrounding it.
Ibrahim (PBUH) came after Ismail's marriage in order to see his family that he had left The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Then they raised the foundations of the House (i.e. the Kaaba).
before, but he did not find Ismail there. When he asked Ismail's wife about him, she Ismail brought the stones and Ibrahim was building, and when the walls became high, Ismail
replied: "He has gone in search of our livelihood." Then he asked her about their way brought this stone and put it for Ibrahim who stood over it and carried on building while
of living and their condition, and she replied: "We are living in misery; we are living Ismail was handing him the stones, and both of them were saying: "O our Lord! accept (this
in hardship and destitution, "complaining to him. He said: "When your husband returns, service) from us. Verily, Thou art the All-Hearer, the All-Knower".
convey my salutation to him and tell him to change the threshold of the gate of his
The Prophet (PBUH) added: "Then both of them went on building and going around the
house". When Ismail came, he seemed to have felt something unusual, so he asked his
Kaaba saying: "Our Lord! accept (this service) from us. Verily, Thou art the All-Hearer, the
wife: "Has anyone visited you?" She said:" Yes, an old man of so and so description came
and asked me about you and I informed him, and he asked about our state of living, All Knower."
The Great Sacrifice : Allah Almighty said: He (Ibrahim) said: "I will go to my Lord! He
will surely guide me! O my Lord! grant me a righteous (son)!" So We gave 54 him the good
news of a forbearing son. Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) work with him,
he said: "0 my son! I have seen in a dream that I offer thee in sacrifice: now see what is thy
view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah
so wills on of the steadfast." So when they had both submitted (to Allah), and he had laid
him prostrate on his forehead (for sacrifice), We called out to him, "O Ibrahim! thou has
already fulfilled the dream!" - thus indeed do We reward those who do right. For this was
a clear trial - and We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice: and We left for him among
generations (to come) in later times: "Peace and salutation to Ibrahim!" Thus indeed do We
reward those who do right for he was one of Our believing Servants. And We gave him the
good news of Isaac - a prophet, - one of the Righteous. We blessed him and Isaac: but of their
progeny are (some) that do right, and (some) that obviously do wrong, to themselves.
■
When Ibrahim (PBUH) had immigrated from the land of his people, 'because the Truth
was dearer to him than the ancestral falsehoods of his people/ he had asked Allah Almighty
for a pious son, therefore Allah gave him the good news of a forbearing son.
That son was Ismail (PBUH); he was the first-born son of Ibrahim (PBUH) and he was
born when Ibrahim's age was 86. The name (Ismail) itself from the root Sarnia, (to hear)
because Allah had heard Ibrahim s prayers.
Then Ismail became a young man and reached the age of work therefore he started to
work with his father in their interests.
One night Ibrahim (PBUH) saw in a dream that he has been ordered to offer his son in
sacrifice, and this was a trial from Allah Almighty to Ibrahim (PBUH) like when Allah ordered
him to leave his wife Hajar and Ismail (PBUH) and Ibrahim obeyed the command by leaving
them alone in the valley but Allah saved them. Now Allah orders him to sacrifice his beloved
son and Ibrahim (PBUH) obeyed the command. Therefore Ibrahim (PBUH) consulted his son of a son
Ismail and the latter readily consented, and offered to stand true to his promise if his self He said: "Do ye give me such glad
54 tidings even though old age
sacrifice was really required, as Allah Almighty said: 13 "We give thee glad tidings
"0 my father! Do as thou art commanded: thou will find me, if Allah so wills one
of the steadfast."
When Ibrahim and Ismail got ready to offer the sacrifice, Allah Almighty called Ibrahim
to stop because the intended happened by testing the obedience and the submission of
Ibrahim (PBUH) to his Lord in sacrificing his beloved son.
54
"And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice" and according to the

commentators the ransom was a white ram.
One day three angels Jibril, Mikail and Israfil appeared suddenly before Ibrahim at his Ibrahim said: "My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits, - such
tent door in the shape of men therefore he proceeded to perform the rites of hospitality. He of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day. "He said: "(Yea), and such as reject Faith, -
immediately placed before them a sumptuous meal of roasted calf. But they did not eat for a while Will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of Fire,
because the angels does not need for food. Ibrahim felt distrust. -an evil destination (indeed)!" And remember Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of
They (angels) said: "Fear not: we have been sent against the people of Lut." the House (with this prayer): "Our Lord! accept (this service) fôm us: for Thou art the All
Hearing, the All-Knowing. Our Lord! make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will); and of our
But the angels told Ibrahim not to be afraid because they came to destroy the people progeny a people Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will); and show us our places for the celebration
of Lut, therefore Sarah became happy because of what will happen to the unbelievers. of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art of Oft-RelentingS Most Merciful. Our
Then the angels gave Sarah glad tidings of Ishaq and after him Yaqub; this news seemed Lord! send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them
to her too good to be true. She came forward, clamoured, struck her forehead with her and instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, and purify them: for Thou art the Exalted in
hands, indicative of her amusement and incredulity as a barren old woman and her Might the Wise."
husband an old man.
Allah Almighty saying about His Servant, Prophet and Khalil (Friend) Ibrahim (PBUH)
She said: "Alas for me! shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband that he built the Old House (Al-Kaaba), and he built the first Mosque for the people to worship
here is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing!" Allah in it, and Allah Almighty showed him the place to build on.
They said: "Dost thou wonder at Allah's decree? The grace of Allah and His blessings Allah Almighty said:
on you, O ye people of the house! for He is indeed Worthy of all praise, Full of all glory!"
The first House (of worship) appointed for pnen was that at Bakka: full of blessing
Also Ibrahim (PBUH) became astonished and he said: "Do you give me such glad tidings
and of guidance for all the worlds.. And He described it as "in it are Manifest
even though old age has seized me? Of what then, is your good news?"
Signs", it was built by Ibrahim the father of the Prophets whom they would go
But the angels said: "We gave thee glad tidings in truth; be not then in despair!". on the same way that Ibrahim went on. Therefore Allah said: "The station of
Ibrahim" and it is the stone which Ibrahim was standing on when the building
was going high as Ibn Abbas narrated. Hence the feet's trace was printed on the
And We gave him the good news of Isaac - a prophet, - one of the Righteous. stone, and it was clear for seeing till the beginning54 of Islam.
And the saying of Allah Almighty: We gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and after him, of Most Honourable Mosque: The Intended is that Ibrahim (PBUH) built the Most Honourable
Jacob is a great proof which refers the sacrifice to Ismail (PBUH) because the angels gave the Mosque in the Most Honourable Place, in a valley without cultivation, and he asked from
good tidings of Yaqub as the son of Ishaq, so how Ibrahim will offer Ishaq in sacrifice after Allah to bless the people of the valley, feed them and to protect the Sacred House.
he knew about the coming of Yaqub. Therefore Allah answered Ibrahim's prayers, and He said: Do they not then see that We
House of God : Allah Almighty said: The first House (of worship) appointed for men was have made a Sanctuary secure, and that men are being snatched away from all around them?
that at Bakka: full of blessing and of guidance for all the words. In it are Signs Manifest; the And He also said: Have We not established for them a secure Sanctuary, to which are brought
•j
Station of Ibrahim; whoever enters it attains security; pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe as tribute fruits of all kinds, a provision from Ourselves?
to Allah, - those who can afford the journey; but it any deny faith, Allah stands not in need Then Ibrahim (PBUH) asked Allah Almighty to send to the people of the valley a Messenger
of any of His creatures. of them; speaking their language, so they will get the happiness in this life and in the
And remember that Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with certain Commands, which he Hereafter. And Allah answered his prayer by sending the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) the
fulfilled: He (Allah) said: "I will make thee An Imam to the people." He (Ibrahim) pleaded: seal of the Prophets.
"And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered: "But My Promise is not within the The Kaaba remained as Ibrahim built it for a long time, but after that Quraish re-built
reach of evil-doers." Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place it and they reduced from Ibrahim's foundations in the north side.
of safety; and take ye the Station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with
Ibrahim and Ismail, that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round, Narrated Aishah, the wife of the Prophet (PBUH): Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said,
or use teas a retreat, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). And remember "Don't you see that when your people built the Kaaba, they did not build it on all
Ibrahim's foundations?" I said, "O Allah's Messenger! why don't you rebuild it on is with you?" He replied: "Muhammad (PBUH)". It was said: "Has he been sent for?" He
Ibrahim's foundations?" He said, "Where your people not so close to (the period of replied: "He has indeed been sent for" (The gate) was opened for us and there I found Ibrahim
Heathenism, i.e. the period between their being Muslims and being infidels), I would do reclining against the Bayt-uI-Mamur and there enter into it seventy thousand angels everyday,
so." The sub-narrator, Abdullah bin Umar said, "Aishah had surely heard Allah's never to visit (this place) again".
s This tradition shows the high position of Ibrahim (PBUH).
Messenger (PBUH) saying that, for I do not think that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) left Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): Some people asked the Prophet (PBUH), "Who is the
touching the two corners of the Kaaba facing Al-Hijr except because the Kaaba was not most honourable amongst the people?" He replied, "The most honourable among them
built on all Ibrahim's foundations." is the one who is much afraid of Allah. " They said, "O Allah's Prophet! we do not ask
Praisings of Allah Almighty and His Messenger (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said: And about this." He said, "Then the most honourable person is Yusuf, Allah's Prophet, the
remember that Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with certain Commands, which he fulfilled: son of Allah's Prophet, the son of Allah's Khalil." They said, "We do not ask about this."
He (Allah) said: "I will make thee an Imam to the people/7 He (Ibrahim) pleaded: "And also He said, "Then you want to ask me about the Arab's descent?" They said, "Yes. "He said,
(Imams) from my offspring!" He (Allah) answered: "But My Promise is not within the reach "Those who were the best in the pre-Islamic period, are the best in Islam, if they
of evil-doers." comprehend (the religious knowledge).
Allah Almighty had made Ibrahim (PBUH) Imam (Leader) to the people; an example for Narrated Ibn Abbas (R.A.): The Prophet (S.A.W.) stood up among us and addressed
them to guide them to the right way, and Ibrahim asked Allah to give the Grace of the (saying), "You will be gathered (on the Day of Resurrection) barefooted, naked and
Leadership to his progeny and his prayer was granted, with the limitation that if his progeny uncircumcised (as Allah says): As We produced the first Creation, so shall We produce a new
was false to Allah, Allah's promise did not reach the people who proved themselves false. one. And the first human beinga to be dressed on the Day of Resurrection will (the Prophet)
Ibrahim Al-Khalil.
Also Allah Almighty said:
Ibrahim (PBUH) was the best of the Prophets in resolution except the Messenger of
We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: and before him. We guided Allah Muhammad (PBUH), therefore the one who prays had been ordered to recite
Nuh, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses and Aaron: Ibrahim's name after the name of the Prophet (PBUH) in the blessings, according to the
thus do We reward those who do good: and Zakariya and John and Jesus and two Sahihs when Kab bin Ujra narrated, we said: "O Prophet of Allah (PBUH)! We have
Elias: all in the ranks of the Righteous: and Ismail and Elisha, and Jonas, and Lut: learnt how to invoke peace upon you; (kindly tell us) how we should bless you?" The
and to all We gave favour above the nations: (to them) and to their fathers, and Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said : Say "O Allah, bless Muhammad and the members of
progeny and brethren: We chose them, and We guided them to a straight Way.
Muhammad's household as Thou didst bless Ibrahim and the members of Ibrahim's
This is the Guidance of Allah: He giveth that guidance to whom he pleaseth, of
household. Grant favours to Muhammad and the members of Muhammad's household
His servants if they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would
as Thou didst grant favours to Ibrahim and the members of Ibrahim's household, in the
be vain for them.
worlds. Thou art indeed Praise worthy and Glorious".
Allah Almighty said: Death of Ibrahim (PBUH) : Ibn Jarir said: "The birth of Ibrahim (PBUH) was in the time
And We sent Nuh and Ibrahim, and established in their line Prophethood and of Nimrod; the famous king whose kingdom lasted for 1000 years, and Nimrod was unjust
Scripture. and oppressive king".
The narrators reported many stories about the death of Ibrahim (PBUH), some of them
Every Book (Scripture) was given to Prophet from the progeny of Ibrahim (PBUH). From
said that he died suddenly, while others said that he died when his age was 175 years because
Ishaq the son of Ibrahim came the Prophets of Israel and their progeny finished with the
coming of Isa (PBJJH). From Ismail the son of Ibrahim came only one Prophet but he is the of the sickness, and some narrators said that he died when his age was 90 years, and he was
master of tire Prophets; the superior among them and the seal of "them and he is Muhammad buried near Sarah at the farm of Arun Al-Haythi by Ismail and Ishaq. While Ibn Al-Kaibi
(PBUH). said that he lived for 200 years.
Muslim narrated on the authority of Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) It is famous that the graves of Ibrahim (PBUH), his son Ishaq and his son's son Yaqub
in the tradition of the night journey said: "When I was taken up to the seventh Heaven. Jibril are all at Al-Arbaa which Sulayman bin Daud (PBUH) built it in the city of Habrun, today
asked the (gate) to be opened. It was said: "Who is he?" He said: "Jibril". It was said: "Who ' known as Al-Khalil in Palestine.
60 All the Prophets
Middle Ages 61
Prophet Lut (PBUH)
Messengers) said: "O Lut! We are Messengers from thy Lord! by no means shall they reach
Lut is the son of Haran, son of Azar. Lut (PBUH) was the nephew of Ibrahim Al- thee! Now travel with thy family while yet a part of the night remains, and let not any of
Khalil (PBUH). He left his uncle's land by the order and the permission of Ibrahim you look back: but the wife (will remain behind): to her will happen what happens to the
(PBUH) and inhabited in the city of Sadum. The people of Sadum were infidels, unchaste people. Morning is their time appointed: is not the morning night?" When Our decree issued.
and adulterers. Lut (Alayhi As-Salam) called them to worship Allah Almighty alone We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay,
without partner, and he prohibited the unbelievers from committing these unspeakable spread, layer on layer, - marked from thy Lord; nor are they ever far from those who do
sins, but they insisted on doing it, and rejected Lut's mission therefore Allah Almighty wrong!.
destroyed them and made them an example, and their story is mentioned in many verses Tell them about the guests-of Ibrahim. When they entered his presence and said,
in the Holy Quran. "Peace!" He said, "We feel afraid of you!" They said: "Fear not! we give thee glad tidings
of a son endowed with knowledge". 2J He said: "Do ye give me such glad tidings even
though old age has seized me? Of what, then, is your good news?" They said: "We give
We also (sent) Lut: he said to his people: "Do ye commit lewdness such as no thee glad tidings in truth; be not then in despair!" He said: "And who despairs of the
people in creation (ever) committed before you? For ye practise your Lusts on men mercy of his Lord, but such as go astray?" Ibrahim said: "What then is the business on
in preference to women: ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds". which ye (have come), O ye Messengers (of Allah)?" They said: "We have been sent to
And his people gave no answer but this: they said, "Drive them out of your city: a people (deep) in sin,, "excepting the adherents of Lut: them we are certainly (charged)
these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!" But We saved him and to save (from harm), - all - except his wife, who, we have ascertained, will be among
his family, except his wife: she was of those who lagged behind. And We rained those who will lag behind." At length when the messengers arrived among the adherents
down on them a shower (of brimstone): then see what was the end of those who of Lut. He said: "Ye appear to be uncommon folk." They said: "Yea, we have come to
thee to accomplish that of which they doubt. We have come to thee with the truth and
indulged in sin and crime!
assuredly we tell the truth. Then travel by night with thy household, when a portion
There came Our Messengers to Ibrahim with glad tidings. They said, "Peace!" He answered, Of the night (yet remains), and do thou go behind them: let no one amongst, you look
"Peace!" and hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf. But when he saw their hands back, but pass on whither ye are ordered." And We made known this decree to him, that
not reaching towards the (meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of them. the last remnants of those (sinners) should be cut off by the morning. The inhabitants
They said: "Fear not we have been sent against the people of Lut. "And his wife was standing of the City came in, (mad) joy (at news of the young men). Lut said: "These are my guests:
(there), and she laughed: but We gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and after him, of Jacob. She
•4
disgrace me not: but fear Allah, and shame not." They said: "Did we not forbid thee (to
said: "Alas for me! shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband here speak) far all the sundry?" He said: "There are my daughters (to marry), if ye must act
is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing!" They said: "Does thou wonder (so)." Verily, by thy life (O Prophet), in their wild intoxication, they wonder in distraction,
at Allah's decree? The grace of Allah and His blessings on you, O ye people of the house! to and fro. But the (mighty) Blast overtook them at sunrise, and We turned (the cities)
for he is indeed Worthy of all praise, Full of all glory!" When fear had passed from (the mind upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay. Behold! in this
of) Ibrahim and the glad tidings had reached him, he began to plead with Us for Lut's people. are Signs for those who by tokens do understand. And the (Cities were) right on high
For Ibrahim was, without doubt, forbearing (of faults) compassionate, and given to penitence. road. Behold! in this is a Sign for those who believe!
O Ibrahim! Seek not this. The decree of thy Lord hath gone forth: for them there cometh a
Ibrahim said: "And what O ye Messengers, is your errand (now)? "They said, "We have
Chastisement that cannot be turned back! When Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved
been sent to a people (deep) in sin,:- "to bring& on, on them, (a shower of) stones of day
on their account and felt himself powerless (To protect) them. He said: "This is a distressful
(brimstone), marked as from thy Lord for those who trespass beyond bounds." Then We
day." And his people came rushing towards him, and they had been long in the habit of
evacuated those of the Believers who were there, but We found not there any except one
practising abominations. He said: "O my people! Here are my daughters: they are purer for
Muslim household: and We left there a Sign for such as fear the Grievous Chastisement.
you (if ye marry)! now fear Allah, and cover me not with disgrace about my guests! Is there
not among you a single right-minded man?" They said: "Well dost thou know we have no Despite the Warning : The People of Lut rejected (his) Warning. We sent against them
need of thy daughters: indeed thou knowest quite well what we want!" He said: "Would that a violent tornado with showers of stones, (which destroyed them), except Lut's household:
I had power to suppress you or that I could betake myself to some powerful support". (The them We delivered by early Dawn, - as a Grace from Us: thus do We reward those who give
thanks. And (Lut) did warn them of Our violent Seizure but they disputed about the Warning. The angels said: "No." Ibrahim said: "Then 40 faithfuls?" The angels said: "No. "Ibrahim said:
And they even sought to snatch away his guests from him, but We blinded their eyes. (They "Then 14 faithfuls? " The angels said: "No". Then Ibn Ishaq said: "Till Ibrahim said: "If there
heard:) "Now taste ye My Wrath and My Warning." Early on the morrow an abiding is one faithful?" The angels said: "No." He said: "But there is Lut there". They said: "We know
Chastisement seized them: "So taste ye My Chastisement and My Warning." And We have well who is there.
indeed made the Quran easy to understand and remember: then is there any that will receive
When Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account and felt himself
admonition?
powerless (to protect) them. He said: "This is a distressful day."
Lut (PBUH) called the people of Sadum to worship Allah Almighty and to stop committing The angels Jibril, Mikail and Israfil came to Lut in the shape of beautiful young men and
the adulteries, but the blasphemers instead of being ashamed on account of the consciousness when they reached Sadum at the sun set Lut (PBUH) boasted them because he was afraid
of their own guilt, they attacked the pure ones with their sarcasms, as if not they but the pure for them in case of anybody else from the unbelievers will see them, and he thought that they
ones were in the wrong in trying to set them on the right way, as Allah Almighty said: are normal people so how he is going to protect them specially that the unbelievers had
But his people gave no other answer but this: they said, "Drive out the followers of Lut warned him before not to host anyone because every time he hosts any bodies he protects
from your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!" them from the infidels who are inflamed with evil passions, therefore he said: "This is a
distressful day."
But Allah saved Lut and his family except his wife, and He destroyed the unbelievers
with His punishment The Unbelievers on Prowl : Under these circumstances Lut (PBUH) brought the guests
without the know ledge of anyone except his family, but his wife went out and she told her
Also the unbelievers were saying to Lut; "Bring us the Wrath of Allah if thou tellest the people by saying:" In the house of Lut, there are men I did not saw like these faces in my
truth" and they dared Allah's Prophet Lut to bring the punishment if he could. Therefore life", hence the infidels came quickly to Lut's house, as Allah Almighty said: And his people
Lut (PBUH) asked Allah Almighty to help him against the people who do mischief. came rushing towards him, and they had been long in the habit of practising abominations
Hence Allah Almighty sent His angels to punish the infidels, as Allah Almighty said: and although they committed adultery they were ready to commit more.
When Our Messengers came to Ibrahim with the good news, they said: "We are indeed going He (Lut) said: "O my people! Here are my daughters: they are purer for you.", and he
to destroy the people of this township: for truly they are wicked men." He said: "But there offered his girls to the infidels instead of his guests, and he said to them: Now fear Allah,
is Lut there." They said: "We know well who is there: we will certainly save him and his and cover me not with disgrace about my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded
following, -except his wife: she is of those who lag behind!" man?"
The angels, who were coming on the mission to destroy the people who were polluting But the infidels said: "Well doesn't thou know we have no need of thy daughters: indeed
the earth with their crimes, called on their way on Ibrahim to give the good news of the birth thou knowest quite well what we want!" With this ugly words the infidels spoke to Lut
of Ishaq (PBUH) to him in his old age. When they told Ibrahim (PBUH) their destination, (PBUH), and they did not afraid from the punishment of Allah Almighty.
he feared for his nephew who he knew was there, and he pleaded the angels to go back and
Therefore Lut (PBUH) said to them: "Would that I had power to suppress you or that
leave the sinful people to whom Lut was sent as a wamer, because Ibrahim hoped that the
I could betake myself to some powerful support."
sinful people will turn back in repentance by accepting Lut's call, as Allah Almighty said:
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "We are more liable to be
When fear had.passed from (the mind of) Ibrahim and the glad tidings had reached him,
in doubt than Ibrahim when he said: "My Lord! Show me how You give a life to the dead.
he began to plead with Us for Lut's people.
"He (i.e. Allah) said: "Don't you believe then? "He (i.e. Ibrahim) said; "Yes, but (I ask) in order
But Ibrahim was told to leave this matter because these people are so deep in sin to be stronger in Faith." And may Allah send His Mercy on Lut! Certainly he used to lean
that nothing will reclaim them, as Allah Almighty said: For Ibrahim was, without doubt, on a powerful support. If I were to stay in prison for such a long time as Yusuf did, I would
forbearing (of faults), compassionate, and given to penitence. O Ibrahim! Seek not this. have accepted the offer (of freedom without insisting on having my guiltlessness declared’)."
The decree of thy Lord hath gone forth: for them there cometh a Chastisement that cannot
be turned back! Also Allah Almighty said:
Muhammad bin Ishaq narrated, "Ibrahim (PBUH) was saying to the angels: "You will The inhabitants of the city came in (mad) joy (at news of the young men). Lut
destroy a village in it 300 faithfuls?" The angels said: "No." Ibrahim said: "Then 200 faithfuls?" said: "These are my guests disgrace me not: "but fear Allah, and shame me not "
They said: "Did we not forbid thee (to speak) for all and sundry?" He said: "There The commentators said that Allah Almighty
54 pulled the infidels and their cities and
are my daughters (to marry), if ye must act (so)." I everything even the animals and He lifted them up high into the sky till the angels heard
the sounds of the dogs' barking and the cocks-crow, and He turned the cities upside down
The commentators narrated: "Lut (PBUH) at that time was prohibiting the infidels from
then Allah Almighty rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay.
coming inside the house by standing behind the door to keep it closed while his people trying
to open it by force, and meanwhile he was preaching them from inside the house but it was Also Allah Almighty said describing the infidel's punishment: We rained down on them
useless." a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded
hot)!
Lut (PBUH) seemed helpless in the situation in which he found himself alone against a
rabble of people inflamed with evil passions. He wished he had the strength to suppress them It is said that Lufs wife remained with her people, and also it is said that she left with
himself or had had some powerful support to lean on! But the powerful support was there, Lut (PBUH) but when she heard the blast she looked back and shared the fate of the wicked
though he had not realised it till then. It was the support of Allah. His guests were not ordinary inhabitants of the cities of the plain.
men, but Angels who had come to test the people before they inflicted the punishment, and Allah Almighty said: Allah sets forth, for an example to the Unbelievers, the wife of Nuh
now they declared themselves, as Allah Almighty said: and the wife of Lut they were (respectively) under two of Our righteous servants' but they
betrayed (their husbands), and they profited nothing before Allah on their account, but were
The Messengers said: "O Lut! we are Messengers from thy Lord! by no means
told: "Enter ye the Fire along with (others) that enter!"
shall they reach thee!
Believers Saved : Allah Almighty said: Then We evacuated those of the Believers who
The Punishment: The commentators narrated that "Allah's angel Jibril (PBUH) hit the
were there, but We found not there any except one Muslim household: and We left there a
infidels with his wing and he blinded their eyes," and that was the first stage of their
Sign for such as fear the Grievous Chastisement.
punishment, as Allah Almighty said:
That was the Final Judgement. The destruction of Sadum, as a result for what the infidels
And they even sought to snatch away his guests from him, but we blinded their had done by challenging Allah Almighty and His Prophet Lut (Alayhi As-Salam), and a lesson
eyes. (They heard) "Now taste ye My Wrath and My Warning." for any people who (care to) understand.
Then the angels ordered Lut (PBUH) to travel with his family at the end of the night,
Prophet Shuaib (PBUH)
and they told him not to look back he and his family when they hear the sound of the
punishment which will happen to the infidels, But thy wife will remain behind, because she Allah Almighty said: To the Madain people We sent Shuaib, one of their own brethren:
will look back therefore she will share the fate of the wicked inhabitants of this city. he said: "O my people! worship Allah; ye have no other god but Him. Now hath come unto
you a clear (Sign) from your Lord! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the
Also Allah Almighty said:
people the things that are their due; and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set
And When Our Messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account, and in order: that will be best for you, if ye have Faith. And squat not on every road, breathing
felt himself powerless (to protect) them, but they said: "Fear thou not, nor grieve: threats, hindering from the path of Allah those who believe in Him, and seek to make it .
we are (here) to save thee and thy following, except thy wife: she is of those who crooked; but remember how ye were little, and He gave you increase. And see what was the
lag behind. end Of those who did mischief. "And if there is a party among you who believes in the Message
with which I have been sent, and a party which does not believe, hold yourselves in patience W|
Then the angels announced the good news to Lut (PBUH) about the destruction of the until Allah doth decide between us: for He is the best to decide." The leaders, the arrogant
infidels by saying: Morning is their time appointed: is not the morning nigh? party among his people, said: "O Shuaib! we shall certainly drive thee out of our city - (thee)
Allah Almighty said: and those who believe with thee; or else ye (thou and they) shall have to return to our V
religion." He said: "What? even though we do detest (them)? "We should indeed forge a lie W
When Our decree issued. We turned (the dties) upside down, and rained down against Allah, if we returned to your religion after Allah hath rescued us there from : nor B
on them brimstones hard as baked clay, spread, layer on layer, marked from thy could we by any manner of means return thereto unless it be as in the will of Allah, our Lord. ■
Lord; nor are they ever far from those who do wrong! Our Lord comprehends all things in His knowledge in Allah is our trust. Our Lord? Decide 9
66 All the Prophets
Middle Ages 67
thou between us and our people in truth, for thou art the best to decide." The leaders, the
with scales true and upright. And withhold not things justly due to men, nor do evil in the
Unbelievers among his people, said: "If ye follow Shuaib, be sure then ye are ruined!" But
land, working mischief. And fear Him Who created you and (Who created) the generations
the earth quake took them unawares, and they lay prostrate in their homes before the
before (you)." They said: thou art only one of those bewitched! "thou art no more than a mortal
morning! The men who rejected Shuaib became as if they had never been in the homes where like us, and indeed we think thou art a liar! "now cause apiece of the sky to fall on us, if
they had flourished: the men who rejected Shuaib it was they who were ruined! So Shuaib thou art truthful!" He said: "My Lord knows best what ye do. But they rejected him. Then
left them, saying: "O my people! I did indeed convey to you the Messages for which I was the punishment of a day of overshadowing gloom seized them, and that was the Chastisement
sent by my Lord: I gave you good council, but how shall I lament over a people who refuse of a Great Day. Verily in that is a Sign: hut most of them do not believe. And verily thy Lord
to believe!" is Tie, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.
To the Madain people (We sent) Shuaib, one of their own brethren: he said: "O my The people of Shuaib were a wondering tribe living in a city called Madain; located in
people! worship Allah: ye have no other god 84 but Him. And give not short measure or the northern parts of the Jordan valley, north of the Sinai Peninsula. Shuaib (PBUH) was their
weight: I see you in prosperity, but. I fear for you the Chastisement of a Day that will Prophet.
compass (you) all round. And O my people! give just measure and weight, nor withhold
Shuaib (PBUH) belongs to the Arabs according to what Ibn Habban narrated in his Sahih
from the people the things that are their due: commit not evil in the land with intent
in mentioning the Prophets and the Messengers, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to Abi
to do mischief. That which is left you by Allah is best for you, if ye (but) believed! but
Zarr: "Four are from the Arabs: Hud, Salih, Shuaib and your Prophet (i.e. the Messenger of
I am not set over you to keep watch!" They said: "O Shuaib! does thy prayer command
Allah (PBUH)".
thee that we leave off the worship which our fathers practised, or that we leave off doing
what we like with our property? Truly, thou art the one that for beareth with faults and Some of the narrators called Shuaib the lecturer of the Prophets because of his eloquent
is right- minded!" He said: "O my people! see ye whether I have a Clear (Sign) from my in calling his people to believe in his Message. Ibn Abbas (R.A.) narrated, "If the name of
Lord, and He hath given me sustenance (pure and) good as from Himself? I wish not, Shuaib (PBUH) mentioned before the Messenger 54 of Allah (PBUH) he was saying/ He is
in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do, I only desire (your) betterment (Shuaib) the lecturer of the Prophets."
to the best of my power; and my success (in my task) can only come from Allah. In Him Unbelievers with All Wrongs : The people of Madain were unbelievers, given to fraud,
I trust, and unto Him I turn. And O my people! let not my dissent (from you) cause you injustice, wrongful mischief and they were worshipping the Aika (a kind of tree). Allah
to sin, lest ye suffer a fate similar to that of the people of Nuh or of Hud or of Salih, Almighty sent to them one from their own brethren and he is Shuaib (PBUH), he called them
nor are the people of Lut far off from you! but ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to worship Allah alone without partner, to fear Allah and to follow His (Allah) ways because
unto Him (in repentance): for my Lord is indeed full of mercy and loving-kindness." They He is who created their predecessors among mankind, who never prospered by fraud and
said: "O Shuaib! much of what thou sayest we do not understand! intact among us we violent wrong-doing, but only justice and fair dealing.
see that thou hast no strength! were it not for thy family, we should certainly have stoned
As a result some of his people believed but the majority disbelieved and in the end Allah
thee! for thou hast among us no great position! "He said: "O my people! is then my family
Almighty destroyed the unbelievers for their sins.
of more consideration with you than Allah? For ye cast Him away behind your backs
(with contempt). But verily my Lord encompasseth all that ye do! "and O my people! Allah Almighty said:
i do whatever ye can: I will do (my part): soon will ye know who it is on whom descends
the Chastisement of ignominy, and who is a liar! and watch ye! for I too am watching "To the Madain people We sent Shuaib, one of their own brethren: he said: "O
with you!" When Our decree issued. We saved Shuaib and those who believed with him, my people! worship Allah; ye have no other god but Him. Now hath come unto
by (special) Mercy from Us: but the (mighty) Blast did seize the wrong-doers, and they you a clear (Sign)
54 from your Lord!" and the clear (Sign)
54 proved the reality of the
lay prostrate in their homes by the morning, - as if they had never dwelt and flourished Message which Allah Almighty sent it with him because Shuaib (PBUH) made
there! so away with Madain as were Thamud gone away. many miracles by Allah's Power.
Companions of the Wood: The Companions of the Wood rejected the messengers.
54 Behold, Then he told them: Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from the people the things
Shuaib said to them: "Will ye not fear (Allah)? I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust. that are their due; and do no mischief on the earth after it has been set and he ordered them
I* So fear Allah and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the to be just and prohibited them from doing wrong. In order: that will be best for you, if ye
Lord of the Worlds. Give just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud). And weigh have Faith.
Middle Ages
Shuaib also said to them: And squat not on every road, breathing threats, hindering from
The unbelievers grew sarcastic against Shuaib (PBUH). In effect they said: "You are a fine
the path of Allah those who believe in Him, and seek to make it crooked and he told them
man! You teach us that we must be kind and forbearing with other people's faults, and now
not to close the roads frightening the passers-by and upsetting them by taking to highway
get at what you call ours sins! You think you are the only right minded man!"
robbery, nor cutting off people from access to the worship of Allah.
He said: "O my people! see ye whether I have a Clear (Sign) from My Lord, Shuaib (PBUH)
But remember how ye were little, and He gave you increase. And see what was the end answered his people gently and persuasively, that he had a mission from Allah Almighty
of those who did mischief, Shuaib (PBUH) reminded them with the Grace of Allah because and he was working in the discharge of his mission and he was not merely finding fault with
they began as an insignificant tribe, and by Allah's favour they increased and multiplied in them. And He hath given me sustenance (pure and) good as from Himself? and he asked
numbers and resources, and he warned them not to be like those who fell into sin. them to note that he was happy and comfortable although he was a poor man because Allah
Also Shuaib (PBUH) said to them: And give not short measure or weight: I see you had given him good sustenance (the Prophecy and the Message). And Shuaib said: I wish
in prosperity, but I fear for you the Chastisement of a Day that will compass (you) all not, in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do. Shuaib told his people that
round., he told them not to make commercial selfishness and fraudulent dealings in if he forbade them anything he wished to apply the same standards to himself. And this is
weights and measures, otherwise Allah shall take His Grace and they will lose the the great merit which the Israelites' scholars forgot, as Allah Almighty said:
prosperity. "Do ye enjoin right conduct on the people, and forget (to practise it) yourselves,
Therefore Allah Almighty said: and yet ye study the Scripture? Will ye not understand?"
Allah will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: Narrated Abu Wail: Someone said to Usama, "Will you not talk to this ('Uthman)?" Usama
for He loveth not any ungrateful sinner. said, "I talked to him (Secretly) without being the first man to open an evil door. I will never
tell a ruler who rules over two men or more that he good after I heard Allah's Messenger
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Both parties in a business transaction have the (PBUH) saying, "A man will be brought and put in Hell (Fire) and he will circumambulate
right to annul it as long as they have not separated; and if they speak the truth and make (go around and around) in Hell (Fire) like a donkey of a (flour) grinding mill, and all the
everything clear they will be blessed in their transaction; but if they tell a lie and conceal people of Hell (Fire) will gather around him and will say to him, 'O so and so! didn't you
anything the blessing on their transaction will be blotted out." use to order others for good and forbid them from evil?' That man will say, 'I used to order
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: " When you receive what you buy by measure, let others to do good but I myself never used to do it, and I used to forbid others from evil while
it be exact full measure". Also Narrated Uthman (R.A.) that the Prophet (PBUH) told him, I myself used to do evil."
"If you are the seller, you have to measure, and if you are the buyer, then let the seller measure And this was the description of the people who are against the Prophets, while the
for you." description of the Prophets and the believers is as Shuaib (PBUH) said: I wish not, in
The intended is that the legal profit is blessed even if it was little and the illegal profit opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do, I only desire (your) betterment to the
is useless even if it was too much, therefore Shuaib (PBUH) said to his people: "That which best of my power and he (Shuaib) told his people that all the advice which he is giving them
is left you by Allah is best for you, if ye (but) believed! but I am not set over you to keep is for their own good, which he desires to advance to the utmost of his powers. And mJ
watch!", and he told his people to do what he is ordering them with for the sake of Allah success (in my task) can only come from Allah. In Him I trust, and unto Him I turn. ShuaioJ
Almighty and not as a show before him, because the kindness and consideration must be (PBUH) told his people that the success of any of his efforts on their behalf must come from
spontaneous, it must flow from their own will, and cannot be forced on them by Shuaib Allah's grace.
(PBUH) who came from Allah to show them the way. Allah Almighty said:
And O my people! let not my dissent (from you) cause you to sin, lest ye suffer
They said: "O Shuaib! does thy prayer command thee that we leave off the a fate similar to that of the people of Nuh or of Hud or of Salih, nor are the people
worship which our fathers practised, or that we leave off doing what we like with of Lut far off from you!
our property? Truly, thou art the one that forbearth with faults and is right- The Call of Truth : Shuaib (PBUH) told his people not to let his opposition for them
minded !" disbelief in the Oneness of Allah drive them into obstinacy and sin because he can see things
70 All the Prophets
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that they can not and his vision takes in the fate of previous generations who sinned, and
The unbelievers wanted in their pretension to make the people who believed in
perished on account of their sins, also he reminded them with the people of Lut whom are Shuaib (PBUH) and followed him and became believers, come back to them and
near to them in the time and in the place. their religion (Ways of the unbelievers' fathers). He said: "What! even though we
Whereupon Shuaib (PBUH) said to his people: "But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and do detest (them)?, Shuaib (PBUH) told the unbelievers that the believers will not
turn unto Him (in repentance): for my Lord is indeed full of mercy and loving-kindness." come back by their own choice just in case that the unbelievers forced them to
he told them to leave what they are committing from sins by coming back to the way of Allah do so. Therefore Shuaib said to the unbelievers: We should indeed forge a lie
because He (Allah) loves the repenants. against Allah, if we returned to your religion after Allah hath rescued us therefrom:
nor could we by any manner of means return thereto unless it be as in the will
They said: "O Shuaib! much of what thou sayest we do not understand! in fact among of Allah, our Lord. Our Lord comprehends all things in His Knowledge in Allah
us we see that thou hast no strength!". is our trust. Then Shuaib (PBUH) turned to Allah Almighty in earnest prayer: "Our
The unbelievers said: Were it not for thy family, we should certainly have stoned thee! Lord! decide Thou between us and our people in truth, for Thou art the best to
for thou hast among us no great position! And this is a big proof of them disbelief and decide."
obstinacy, where they said to Shuaib: Much of what thou sayest we do not understand! and The leaders, the Unbelievers among his people, said: "If ye follow Shuaib, be sure then
they told him that they don't want to hear or to listen to what he said because they don't ye are ruined!" The unbelievers were obstinate therefore they started to threat Shuaib (PBUH)
care. and his followers with punishment.
What the unbelievers said to Shuaib (PBUH) was just like what the unbelievers of Quraish
had said to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), as Allah Almighty said:
The Punishment: "But the earthquake took them unaware, and they lay prostrate in their
They say: "Our hearts are under veils, (concealed) from that to which thou dost homes before the morning!"
invite us, and in our ears is a deafness, and between us and thee is a screen: so
do thou (what thou will); for us we shall do (what we will!)" An earthquake seized them by night, and they were buried in their own homes, no longer
to vex Allah's earth. Also Allah Almighty said: But they rejected him .Then the punishment
The unbelievers said to Shuaib (PBUH) what it means: "Don't you see that we have all of a day of overshadowing gloom seized them, and that was the Chastisement of a Great day
the power and influence, and you, Shuaib, are only a poor Teacher, and because of your family a shower of ashes and cinders accompanying a volcanic eruption. Thus a day of terror drove
we didn't hurt you otherwise we could stone you or imprison you or do what we like with them into their homes, and the earthquake finished them. Allah Almighty said: So Shuaib
you! Thank us for our kindness that we spare you because it is more than you yourself left them, saying: "O my people! I did indeed convey to you the messages for which I was
deserve!". sent by my Lord: I gave you good counsel, but how shall I lament over a people who refuse
He (Shuaib) said: "O my people! is then my family of more consideration with you than to believe!" Shuaib (PBUH) blamed the unbelievers for what happened to them. He had done
Allah.? For ye cast Him away behind your backs (with contempt). But verily my Lord his duty by preaching and advising them but it was useless because the unbelievers didn't
encompasseth all that ye do!" Then he told them to watch and wait because Allah's Plan works accept his advices, even they didn't afraid from the Day of the Punishment, therefore how
without fail, then they will know on whom the punishment of Allah will be, and he too will he can be sad for people who denied the right way and insisted on their disbelief.
watch with them the fulfilment of Allah's Plan. It is just like what Shuaib said to them: "And Ibn Asakir narrated on the authority of Ibn Abbas, "Shuaib (PBUH) was after Yusufj
if there is a party among you who believes in the Message with which I have been sent, and (PBUH), and Shuaib (PBUH) died in Mecca with his faithful companions and their graves;
a party which does not believe, hold yourselves in patience until Allah doth decide between are in the west of the Kaaba between Dar un-Nadwa and Dar bani Shams."
us: for He is the best to decide."
Allah Almighty said: Prophets Ismail, Ishaq and Yaqub (PBUT)
The leaders, the arrogant party among his people, said: Prophet Ismail (PBUH) : Ismail (PBUH) is the son of Ibrahim (PBUH) from his wife Hajar
the Egyptian (PBUH), and he is known as Al-Zabih (self-sacrificed), and we mentioned his
"O Shuaib ! we shall certainly drive thee out of our city-(thee) and those who sacrifice in the story of Ibrahim (PBUH).
believe with thee; or else ye (thou and they) shall have to return to our religion."
72 All the Prophets
Middle Ages 73
Allah Almighty described him with Halim (forbearing), patient and obedient: Se We gave
Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) : Ishaq (PBUH) was born when his father's (Ibrahim) age was 100
him the good news of a forbearing son. Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious)
years, fourteen years after the birth of Ismail (PBUH), and his mother was Sarah.
work with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I offer thee in sacrifice: now
see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! do as thou art commanded: thou will Allah Almighty said:
find me, if Allah so wills one of the steadfast."
And we gave him the good news of Isaac- a prophet, -one of the Righteous. We
Also Allah Almighty said: blessed him and Isaac: but of their progeny are (some) that do right and (some)
that obviously do wrong, to themselves.
Also mention in the Book (the story of) Ismail: he was (strictly) true to what he
promised, and he was a messenger (and) a prophet. He used to enjoin on his Abu Hurairah Narrated that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:" The honourable, the son
people Prayer and Zakat and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord. of the honourable, the son of the honourable, the son of the honourable, i.e. Yusuf, the son
of Yaqub, the son of Ishaq, the son of Ibrahim."
And commemorate Our Servants Ibrahim, Isaac, and Jacob, possessors of Power and
Ishaq (PBUH) married Rifqa the daughter of Batwayil, when he was forty years old, and
Vision. Verily We did chose them for a special (purpose) the remembrance of the Hereafter.
she gave birth to twins; the first one is Alays and the second one is Yaqub (PBUH) to whom
They were, in Our sight, truly of the company of the Elect and the Good. And commemorate
the Israeliltes belongs.
Ismail, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl: each of them was of the company of the Good.
When Yaqub (PBUH) became young man, his father Ishaq (PBUH) ordered him to leave
Or do ye say that Ibrahim, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? towards the land of his maternal uncle Laban because Ishaq knew that his son Alays was
Say: Do ye know better than Allah? feeling jealous from Yaqub therefore Ishaq decided to send Yaqub to his uncle's place in order
Narrated AI-Amawi that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The first one who spoke to be safe there.
the classical Arabic language was Ismail, when he was 4 years old." Prophet Yaqub (PBUH): Yaqub (PBUH) left his father's land towards the land of his uncle
Ismail (PBUH) married a woman from the giants, then his father Ibrahim (PBUH) ordered Laban, and there he started to work, then he married his uncle's older daughter Liya and
him to divorce her, as we mentioned that before in the story of Ibrahim (PBUH), and according after seven years he married his uncle's younger daughter
BJ Rahil, whereupon Liya gave birth
to what Al-Amawi narrated her name was Amarah daughter of Said bin Usama bin Aqil al- to Rubin; then she gave birth to Shamun; then to Lawi and then Yahuza. Rahil felt jealous
Amaliqr, and after he divorced Jus wife, Ismail (PBUH) married another woman and Ibrahim because she was barren woman therefore She gave her slave girl Balha to Yaqub, and Balha
(PBUH) ordered him to keep her, and she is Al-Sayida daughter of Madhadh bin Amru. His gave birth to Dan and then to Naftali, then Liya gave her slave girl Zaifa to Yaqub (PBUH),
second wife gave birth to twelve boys and they are: Nabit, Qayzar, Azbal, Misha, Masma', and Zaifa gave birth to Jad and Ashir, then Liya gave birth to Isakhar and then to Zablun
Mash, Dusa, Arar, Yatur, Nabsh, Tima and Qayzama, according to what the People of the and all the children were boys.
Book had mentioned. Then Rahil prayed to Allah Almighty to give her a boy from Yaqub (PBUH) and Allah
Ismail (PBUH) was a Messenger to the Tribes of Jurham, Al-Amaliq and to the people answered her prayer and she gave birth to a great noble and beautiful boy and she called
of Yemen. When Ismail (PBUH) was dying he directed his brother Ishaq (PBUH) to continue him Yusuf.
his Mission, and he died when his age was 37 years and he was buried in Al-Hijr with his Then Allah Almighty inspired to Yaqub to go back to his father's land, hence he left his
mother Hajar. The Arabs of Al-Hijaz all are descendants of Ismail's two sons Nabit and uncle's land with his family and came back towards the land of his people, and there his
Qayzar. brother Alays received him. Then Rahil gave
5J birth to another boy and he is Binyamin but
Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa (R.A.): the Prophet (PBUH) passed by some persons of the she got too much tired because of the delivery that she died. Yaqub (PBUH) buried her in
tribe of Aslam practising archery (i.e. the throwing of arrows) Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, Afrath.
"O offspring of Ismail! Practise archery (i.e. arrow-throwing) as your father was a great archer Yaqub's sons were twelve boys; from Liya are: Rubin, Shamun, Lawi, Yahuza, Isakhar
(i.e. arrow-thrower). I am with (on the side of) the son of so-and-so. "Hearing that, one the and Zablun, from Rahil are: Yusuf (PBUH) and Binyamin, from Rahil's slave girl are: Dan
two teams stopped throwing. Allah's Messenger (PBUH) asked them, "Why are you not
and Naftali, and from Liya's slave girl are: Jad and Ashir.
throwing?" They replied, "O Allah's Messenger! How shall we throw when you are with the
opposite team?" He said, "Throw, for I am with you all. " Yaqub (PBUH) came back to his father Ishaq (PBUH) and he lived with him at Habnin
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Allah Almighty described him with Halim (forbearing), patient and obedient: Se We gave Prophet Ishaq (PBUH) : Ishaq (PBUH) was bom when his father's (Ibrahim) age was 100
him the good news of a forbearing son. Then, when (the son) reached (the age of) (serious) years, fourteen years after the birth of Ismail (PBUH), and his mother was Sarah.
work with him, he said: "O my son! I have seen in a dream that I offer thee in sacrifice: now
see what is thy view!" (The son) said: "O my father! do as thou art commanded: thou will Allah Almighty said:
find me, if Allah so wills one of the steadfast." And we gave him the good news of Isaac- a prophet, -one of the Righteous. We
Also Allah Almighty said: blessed him and Isaac: but of their progeny are (some) that do right and (some)
that obviously do wrong, to themselves.
Also mention in the Book (the story of) Ismail: he was (strictly) true to what he
Abu Hurairah Narrated that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:" The honourable, the son
promised, and he was a messenger (and) a prophet. He used to enjoin on his
of the honourable, the son of the honourable, the son of the honourable, i.e. Yusuf, the son
people Prayer and Zakat and he was most acceptable in the sight of his Lord.
of Yaqub, the son of Ishaq, the son of Ibrahim."
And commemorate Our Servants Ibrahim, Isaac, and Jacob, possessors of Power and
Ishaq (PBUH) married Rifqa the daughter of Batwayil, when he was forty years old, and
Vision. Verily We did chose them for a special (purpose) the remembrance of the Hereafter.
she gave birth to twins; the first one is Alays and the second one is Yaqub (PBUH) to whom
They were, in Our sight, truly of the company of the Elect and the Good. And commemorate
the Israeliltes belongs.
Ismail, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl: each of them was of the company of the Good.
When Yaqub (PBUH) became young man, his father Ishaq (PBUH) ordered him to leave
Or do ye say that Ibrahim, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians?
towards the land of his maternal uncle Laban because Ishaq knew that his son Alays was
Say: Do ye know better than Allah?
feeling jealous from Yaqub therefore Ishaq decided to send Yaqub to his uncle's place in order
Narrated Al-Amawi that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The first one who spoke to be safe there.
the classical Arabic language was Ismail, when he was 4 years old."
Prophet Yaqub (PBUH): Yaqub (PBUH) left his father's land towards the land of his uncle
Ismail (PBUH) married a woman from the giants, then his father Ibrahim (PBUH) ordered Laban, and there he started to work, then he married his uncle's older daughter Liya and
him to divorce her, as we mentioned that before in the story of Ibrahim (PBUH), and according after seven years he married his uncle's younger daughter Rahil, whereupon Liya gave birth
to what Al-Amawi narrated her name was Amarah daughter of Said bin Usama bin Aqil al- to Rubin; then she gave birth to Shamun; then to Lawi and then Yahuza. Rahil felt jealous
Amaliqr, and after he divorcedjhis wife, Ismail (PBUH) married another woman and Ibrahim because she was barren woman therefore She gave81 her slave girl Balha to Yaqub, and Balha
(PBUH) ordered him to keep her, and she is Al-Sayida daughter of Madhadh bin Amru. His gave birth to Dan and then to Naftali, then Liya gave her slave girl Zaifa to Yaqub (PBUH),
second wife gave birth to twelve boys and they are: Nabit, Qayzar, Azbal, Misha, Masma', and Zaifa gave birth to Jad and Ashir, then Liya gave
■ birth to Isakhar and then to Zablun
Mash, Dusa, Arar, Yatur, Nabsh, Tima and Qayzama, according to what the People of the and all the children were boys.
Book had mentioned. Then Rahil prayed to Allah Almighty to give her a boy from Yaqub (PBUH) and Allah
Ismail (PBUH) was a Messenger to the Tribes of Jurham, Al-Amaliq and to the people answered her prayer and she gave birth to a great noble and beautiful boy and she called
of Yemen. When Ismail (PBUH) was dying he directed his brother Ishaq (PBUH) to continue him Yusuf.
his Mission, and he died when his age was 37 years and he was buried in Al-Hijr with his Then Allah Almighty inspired to Yaqub to go back to his father's land, hence he left his
mother Hajar. The Arabs of Al-Hijaz all are descendants of Ismail's two sons Nabit and uncle's land with his family and came back towards the land of his people, and there his
Qayzar. brother Alays received him. Then Rahil gave birth to another boy and he is Binyamin but
Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa (R.A.): the Prophet (PBUH) passed by some persons of the she got too much tired because of the delivery that she died. Yaqub (PBUH) buried her in
tribe of Aslam practising archery (i.e. the throwing of arrows) Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, Afrath.
"O offspring of Ismail! Practise archery (i.e. arrow-throwing) as your father was a great archer Yaqub's sons were twelve boys; from Liya are: Rubin, Shamun, Lawi, Yahuza, Isakhar
(i.e. arrow-thrower). I am with (on the side of) the son of so-and-so. "Hearing that, one the and Zablun, from Rahil are: Yusuf (PBUH) and Binyamin, from Rahil's slave girl are: Dan
two teams stopped throwing. Allah's Messenger (PBUH) asked them, "Why are you not and Naftali, and from Liya's slave girl are: Jad and Ashir.
throwing?" They replied, "O Allah's Messenger! How shall we throw when you are with the
Yaqub (PBUH) came back to his father Ishaq (PBUH) and he lived with him at Habrun
opposite team?" He said, "Throw, for I am with you all. "
village in the land of Qanan where Ibrahim (PBUH) used to live. Ishaq got sick then he died Prophet, Yusuf, the son of Allah's Prophet, the son of Allah's Prophet the son of Allah's Khalil
when his age was 180 years, Alays and Yaqub (PBUH) buried him with his father Ibrahim (Ibrahim).
(PBUH)
Signs /or Seekers : Allah Almighty said:
Prophet Yusuf (PBUH) Verily in Yusuf and his brethren are Signs for Seekers (after Truth). They said:
Yusuf (PBUH) was the son of Yaqub (PBUH), and his mother was Rahil. He was a mere "Truly Yusuf and his brother are loved more by our father than we: but we are
lad. But he was true and frank and righteous; he was a type of manly beauty and rectitude. a goodly body! really our father is obviously in error! "Slay ye Joseph or cast him
His father loved him dearly, but his half-brothers were jealous of him and hated him. out to some ( unknown) land, that so the favour of your father may be given to
you alone: (there will be time enough) for you to be righteous after that!" Said
The commentators said that Allah Almighty chose Yusuf (PBUH) to carry on the Prophecy, one of them: "Slay not Joseph, but if ye must do something, throw him down to
and he was the only Prophet among his brothers according to what the Messenger of Allah the bottom of the well: he will be picked up by some caravan of travellers."
(PBUH) said: "The honourable, the son of the honourable, the son of the honourable, the son
of the honourable, i.e. Yusuf, the son of Yaqub, the son of Ishaq, the son of Ibrahim." The ten brothers envied and hated their innocent younger brothers Yusuf and Binyamin
therefore they decided to get rid of Yusuf then it will be enough time to pretend to be (good)
Allah Almighty said: like Yusuf and to repent of their crime.
Behold, Joseph said to his father: "O my father! I did see eleven stars and the When the brothers agreed on the plan and got ready to do it, one of the brethren, perhaps
sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me! "Said (the father): less cruel by nature or more worldly-wise, said; "Why undertake the risk of blood-guiltiness?
"My (dear) little son! relate not thy vision to thy brothers, lest they concoct a Throw him into the well you see there! Some travellers passing by will pick him up and
plot against thee: for Satan is to man an avowed enemy! "Thus will thy remove him to a far country. If not, at least we shall not have killed him."
Lord choose thee and teach thee the interpretation of stories (and events) and
The plot having been formed, the brethren proceed to put it into execution.
perfect His favour to thee and to the posterity of Jacob - even as He perfected
it to thy fathers Ibrahim and Isaac aforetime! for thy Lord is full of knowledge Allah Almighty said:
and wisdom.
They said;" O our father! why dost thou not trust us with Joseph-seeing we are
When Yusuf (PBUH) was a lad he saw in a dream eleven stars (his brothers) and the sun indeed his sincere well-wishers? Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and
and the moon (his father and his mother) prostrating themselves to him, when he woke up play, and we shall take every care of him."
he told his father Yaqub (PBUH) about the dream therefore Yaqub knew what noble position
his son will get in this life and in the Hereafter, and he warned Yusuf to keep the matter But Yaqub (PBUH) told his sons that he would miss Yusuf and be sad without him. And
as a secret by not telling his brothers in order to not let them covet him and arrange a plot after all, Yusuf was not of an age to play with them. And they would be attending to their
against him. own affairs, and a wolf might come and attack and kill Yusuf. As Allah Almighty said:
Then Yaqub (PBUH) told Yusuf (PBUH) that as Allah Almighty showed him this great (Jacob) said. "Really it sadeins me that ye should take him away: I fear lest the
Divine Revelation so if he kept it as a secret Allah will choose him for His Mercy and wolf should devour him while ye attend not to him."
Kindness and teach him the words* meanings and the dream's interpretation like no one
Blit the brothers said that they would have to perish before the wolf could touch Yusuf,
knows, and He (Allah) perfects His favour on him (by the Divine Revelation to him) and
as Allah Almighty said: They said: "If the wolf were to devour him while we are (so large)
on the offspring of Yaqub (because of him), and they (the offspring of Yaqub) will get
a party, then should we be the losers!"
the good in this life and in the Hereafter by him. Then Allah will give him (Yusuf) the
Prophecy like when He gave it to his fathers (Ibrahim and Ishaq) before, For thy Lord Allah almighty said:
isJull of knowledge and wisdom.
So they did take him away, and they all agreed to throw him down to the bottom
Therefore Allah's Messenger (PBUH) when he was asked, "Who is the most honourable of the well: and We put into his heart (this Message): 'Of a surety thou shall (one
one among the people? He said: "The most honourable one among the people is Allah's day) tell them the truth of this their affair while they perceive not.' Then they came
76 All the Prophets
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to their father in the early part of the night, weeping. They said: "O our father!
is a fine young man!" So they concealed him as a treasure! But Allah knoweth
we went racing with one another, and left Joseph with our things; and the wolf
well-all that they do! The (Brethren) sold him for a miserable price, - for a few
devoured him. But thou wilt never believe us even though well this be the truth."
dirhams counted out: in such low estimation did they hold him! The man in Egypt
They stained his shirt with false blood. He said: "Nay, but your minds have made
who bought him, said to his wife: "Make his stay (among us) honourable: may
up a tale (that may pass) with you, (for me) patience is most fitting: against that be he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We
which ye assert, it is Allah (alone) whose help can be sought." establish Joseph in the land that We might teach him the interpretation of stories
Deceived by Brothers : When the brothers left them father Yaqub (PBUH) and Yusuf (and events). And Allah hath full power and control over His affairs; but most
(PBUH) with them, all the way they betrayed and insulted the poor lad, at last when they among mankind know it not. When Joseph attained his full manhood, We gave
reached the well, they threw him down to the bottom of the well. him.power and knowledge: thus do We reward those who do right.
But when they threw Yusuf (PBUH) in the well, Allah Almighty inspired in him that When Yusuf (PBUH) was in the bottom of the well, he remained waiting for Allah's relief.
certainly he would go out from this impasse, and in some day, his brothers would stand in Some Arab merchants traveling to Egypt were preceded by advance parties to search out
need of him, and he would be in a position to fulfil that need, and would do it gladly, putting water. They naturally went to the well and let down their bucket, the water carder got
them to shame for their present plotting and betrayal of him. surprised when he found a youth in the well and he said: "What a good news".
After the brethren threw Yusuf in the well, they came back (some time after the sundown) So they concealed him as a treasure! But Allah knoweth well all that they do!
to their father and told him the false story (which they invented) while they were crying, they The merchants became happy with the treasure they found because they are going to sell
told Yaqub (PBUH) that they were naturally having games and exercise, while Yusuf was Yusuf in Egypt's market. But in spite of the way that Yusuf's brothers got rid of him and
left with their belongings and the racing prevented them from seeing the wolf when it attacked the way that the merchants concealed him as a slave Allah Almighty was working out His
him and they said: "But thou wilt never believe us even though we tell the truth.", And in own Plan.
order to convince Yaqub (PBUH) with their false story they brought with them the blood
Yusuf's brothers had evidently been watching to see what happened to him, and they
stained shirt of Yusuf, yet it was a stain of false blood of a goat which the brethren had killed
saw the merchants took Yusuf (PBUH) up and hid him (in order to conceal him lest he was
for this purpose. But Yaqub (PBUH) didn't believe them false story and he said to them: "Ah
another's slave and had run away from his master who might come and claim him!) therefore
me! the tale you tell may be good enough for you, who invented it! But what about me, your
the brethren came to the merchants to claim his price as a run away slave, but dared not haggle
aged father? What is there left in the life for me now, with my beloved son gone? And yet
over the price, lest their object, to get rid of Yusuf, hence they sold him to the merchants with
what can I do but hold my heart in patience and implore Allah's assistance? I have faith, and
cheaply.
I know that all that He does is for the best!"
Narrated Az-Zuhri: Urwa bin Az-Zubayr related the narration of Aishah, the wife
of the Prophet (PBUH), when the slanderers had said about her what they had said and The man in Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: "Make his stay (among us) 9
Allah later declared her innocence (Wherein) the Prophet (PBUH) said (to Aishah), "If honourable: may be he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son".
you are innocent, then Allah will declare your innocence: but if you have- committed
a sin, then ask for Allah's Forgiveness
!4 and repent to Him." Aishah said, "By Allah, I find Well Placed in Egypt: Yusuf (PBUH) was sold later to the "Aziz (the exalted in rank)
no example for my case except that of father (when he said), "(For me) patience is most of Egypt; and he was the minister whom the treasuries are in his hands. Al-Aziz motive of
fitting: against that which ye assert, it is Allah (alone) whose help can be sought." Then buying Yusuf was perhaps worldly because such a handsome, attractive, intelligent son would
Allah revealed the ten Verses: "Verily! those who brought forth the slander are a group get him more honour, dignity, power and wealth.
amcmgst you... " Allah Almighty said:
Thus did We establish Yusuf in the land, it means that as Allah Almighty made
Then there came a caravan of travellers: they sent their water-carrier (for water), Al-Aziz and his wife treating Yusuf good He made him also influential in Egypt,
and he let down his bucket (into the well) ....He said: "Ah there! Good news! here That We might teach him the interpretation of stories (and events) and Yusuf was
Middle Ages
to interpret truth to those who would never have reached it otherwise. And Allah But she was blinded with passion, and his rejection had no effect on her. Yusuf (PBUH)
hath full power and control over His affairs; because if Allah wants something was human after all, and her passionate love and her beauty placed a great temptation in
to be He will make all the ways and means possible for it, therefore Allah said: his path. But he had a sure refuge, - his faith in Allah. His faithful eyes saw something that
But most among mankind know it not. her eyes, blinded by passion, did not see. She thought no one saw when the doors were closed.
Allah Almighty said: He knew that Allah was there. That made him strong and proof against temptation.
When Yusuf attained his full manhood, We gave him power and knowledge: thus
do We reward those who do right. The commentators disagreed about the age Thus (did We order) that We might turn away from him (all) evil and indecent
of Yusuf when he attained his full manhood, Said said:" 18 years", Adh-Dhahak deeds: for he was one of Our servants chosen.
said: "20 years", Al-Sadi said: "30 years", Ibn Abbas said: "33 years" while Al-
With Al-Aziz's wife in her mad passion, the situation became intolerable, and Yusuf
Hassan (Al-Basri) said: "40 years".
(PBUH) made for the door in order to go outside the house, but she ran after him and tugged
Allah Almighty said: at his garment to detain him. As he was retreating, she could only catch hold of the back
of his shirt, and in the struggle she tore it. He was determined to open the door and leave
But she in whose house he was, sought to seduce him and she fastened the doors, the palace, as it was useless to argue with her mad passion. When the door was opened, it
and said: "Now come", he said: "Allah forbid! truly (thy husband) is my lord! he so happened, that Al-Aziz was not far off.
made my sojourn agreeable! truly to no good come those who do wrong. And
When the wife saw her husband (Al-Aziz) at the door, she resorted to a lie not only to
(with passion) did she desire him, and he would have desired her, but that he
justify herself but also to have her revenge on Yusuf (PBUH) because he rejected her mad
saw the evidence of his Lord: thus (did We order) that We might turn away from
passion, She said: "What is the (fitting) punishment for one who formed an evil design against
him (all) evil and indecent deeds: for he was one of Our servants chosen. So they
thy wife, but prison or a grievous chastisement?" And she accused Yusuf (PBUH) while she
both raced each other to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back: they both
is the accused one.
found her lord near the door. She said: "What is the (fitting) punishment for one
who formed an evil design against thy wife, but prison or a grievous chastisement?" Allah Almighty said:
He said: "It was she that sought to seduce me-from my (true) self." And one of
He (Yusuf) said: "It was she that sought to seduce me-from my (true) self." Yusuf
her household saw (this) and bore witness, (thus):- "If it be that his shirt is rent
(PBUH) bore himself with dignity. He was too great and noble to indulge in angry
from the front, then is her tale true, and he is a liar but if it be that his shirt is
recrimination. But he had to tell the truth. And he did it with guilt simplicity.
tom from the back, then is she the liar, and he is telling the truth!" So when he
(her husband) saw his (Joseph's) shirt, - that it was torn at the back, - (her husband) Allah Almighty said:
said: "Behold! it is a snare of you women! truly, mighty is your snare! O Joseph,
"And one of her household saw (this) and bore witness." There was an eye-witness
pass this over! (O wife), ask forgiveness for thy sin, for truly thou hast been at
to what had happened between Yusuf (PBUH) and Al-Aziz's wife. They say it
fault!"
was a child, and they say also that he was a man relative to Al-Aziz.
The wife of Al-Aziz tried to seduce Yusuf (PBUH) and she asked from him something
So if Yusuf's shirt was torn at the front, then her tale is true and he is a liar, but if Yusuf's
against his honour and dignity, therefore she closed all the doors after she had worn the best
shirt was torn at the back, he must obviously have been retreating, and the wife of Al-Aziz
of her clothes to show her beauty to him because she was seeking the satisfaction of her own
must have been tugging from behind. No one could doubt who was the guilty party, and |
selfish passion.
Al-Aziz was convinced therefore he said: "Behold! it is a snare of you women! truly, mighty
But Yusuf (PBUH) was a Prophet and from the lineage of the Prophets and he was I
is your snare'."
protected from the sins. Therefore he rejected the Aziz's wife advances by telling her that
After the reality became clear to Al-Aziz, he apologised to Yusuf (PBUH) for the utterly
he owes a duty to her husband; then the kindness and the honour which the Aziz treated
false charge made against him, and he asked Yusuf (PBUH) to keep this matter as a secret,
him with; and that no good can come from guilt. I Bien Al-Aziz said to his wife: "Ask forgiveness for thy sin, for truly thou hast been at fault/’
Allah Almighty said: they had seen the Signs, (that it was best) to imprison him for a time. Now with
him there came into the prison two young men. Said one of them: "I see myself
Ladies said in the City: "The wife of the (great) Aziz is seeking to seduce her slave
(in a dream) pressing wine," Said the other: "I see myself (in a dream) carrying
truly hath he inspired her with violent love: we see she is evidently going astray."
bread on my head, and birds are eating thereof." "Tell us" (they said) "the truth
When she heard of their malicious talk, she sent for them and prepared a banquet
and meaning thereof: for we see thou art one that doth good (to all)." He said:
for them: she gave each of them a knife: and she said (to Joseph), "Come out before
"Before any food comes (in due course) to feed either of you I will surely reveal
them." When they saw him, they did extol him, and (in their amazement) cut their
to you the truth and meaning of this ere it befall you. That is part of the (Duty)
hands: they said, "Allah preserve us! no mortal is this! This is none other than which my Lord hath taught me I have (I assure you) abandoned the ways of a
a noble angel!" She said: "There before you is the man about whom ye did blame people that believe not in Allah and that (even) deny the Hereafter. And I follow
me! I did seek to seduce him from his (true) self but he did firmly save himself the ways of my fathers, - Ibrahim, Isaac, and Jacob; and never could we attribute
guiltless!.... And now, if he doth not my bidding, he shall certainly be cast into any partners whatever to Allah: that (comes) of the grace of Allah to us and to
prison, and (what is more) be of the company of the vilest!" He said: "O my Lord! mankind: yet most men are not grateful. O my two companions of the prison!
the prison is dearer to my liking than that to which they invite me: unless Thou (I ask you): Are many lords differing among themselves better, or Allah the One
■turn away their snare from me, I should feel inclined towards them and join the Supreme and Irresistible? Whatever ye worship apart from Him is nothing but
ranks of the ignorant" So his Lord hearkened to him (in his prayer) and turned names which ye have named, ye and your father, - for which Allah hath sent down
away from him their snare: verily He hearth and knoweth (all things). no authority: the Command is for none but Allah: He hath commanded that ye
Taken for an Angel: When the reputation of Al-Aziz'S wife began to be pulled to pieces, worship none but Him: that is the right religion, but most men understand not....
she invited all ladies in society to grand banquet. When the fruit was reached and the talk O my two companions of the prison! As to one of you, he will' pour out the wine
flowed freely about the gossip and scandal which made their hostess interesting, they were for his lord to drink; as for the other, he will be crucified, and the birds will eat
just about to cut the fruit with their knives, at that time Yusuf (PBUH) was brought into their from off his head. (So) hath been decreed that matter whereof ye twain do
midst. When they saw him, they exalted him (at his beauty) and (in their astonishment) cut enquire."
their hands, and they said: "Allah preserve us! no mortal is this! This is none other than a To the Aziz it appears as if it might be in his wife best interests that Yusuf (PBUH) should
noble angel!" disappear from her view in prison. The decisive factor was the view of the men generally,
s
In the tradition of the Night Journey, the Prophet (PBUH) said: "I passed by Y’isuf (PBUH) who were alarmed at the consternation he had caused among the women. They knew that
who had been given half of (world) beauty." Yusuf was righteous, but it was better for them that one men (even if righteous) should suffer
in prison rather than others should suffer from the extraordinary disturbance he was unwittingly
She said: "There before you is the man about whom ye did blame me!" then she praised
causing in their life because of his beauty which made the women mad about him.
his virtue by saying: "I did seek to seduce him from his (true) self but he did firmly save
himself guiltless", and she threatened Yusuf (PBUH) with prison if he will not accept her Allah Almighty said:
passions, whereupon she sank lower than herself, in seeking the support of the crowd around
her, and where there was the snare of one woman before, it is now the collective snare of Now with him there came into the prison two young men, they were both ,
many women. apparently officers of the king (the Pharaoh), who had incurred his wrath. One J
was the king's cupbearer and the other was the king's baker. The former dreamed J
But Yusuf (PBUH) took refuge in Allah Almighty, because he could not pit his own that he was carrying on his duties and pressing wine; the latter dreamed that he I
strength against the whole assault of evil therefore he relied on Allah to turn evil away from was carrying bread, but it did not reach his master, for the birds ate of it. ’
him. And Allah Almighty answered Yusufs prayer and saved him from the wiles of the
women. Both the two men saw the Signs of Allah about Yusuf (PBUH), they felt not only that
Allah Almighty said: he had wisdom, but that he was kind and benevolent, and would give of his wisdom even
to strangers like themselves. They therefore told him their dreams and asked him to interpret
So his Lord hearkened to him (in his prayer) and turned away from him their them. 1
snare: verily He hearth and knoweth (all things). Then it incurred to them after
He said: "Before any food comes (in due course) to feed either of you I will surely reveal that I may return to the people, and that they may know." (Joseph) said: "For
to you the truth and meaning of this ere it befall you, Yusuf (PBUH) told the two men that seven years shall ye diligently sow as is your wont: and the harvests that ye reap,
they shall learn everything before their next meal, but first he must teach them Faith. ye shall leave them in the ear, - except a little, of which ye shall eat. Then will
Yusuf (PBUH) told them that he is just doing his duty, and the highest good he can do come after that (period) seven dreadful (years), which will devour what ye shall
to them is to teach them Faith. Then he said: "I have the heritage of great men renowned have laid by in advance for them, (all) except a little which ye shall have (specially)
for wisdom and truth, such as Ibrahim, Ishaq and Yaqub. Surely what they knew is worthy guarded. Then will come after that (period) a year in which the people will have
of respect. Never did they swerve a hair's breadth from the Gospel of Unity. It is not that abundant water, and in which they will press (wine and oil)"
we boast. It was Allah's grace that taught us and Allah's grace is teaching all mankind. But Pharaoh's Dream : The Pharaoh saw a dream of seven fat kind being devoured by seven
men show their ingratitude by inventing other so-called gods." lean ones, and of seven fine full green ears of com (presumably being devoured) by seven
Call to Allah: Then Yusuf (PBUH) called them to Allah Almighty and disgraced the other dry withered ears, and Pharaoh related his dream to his Council in order to explain it for
gods, because the only reality is Allah the One ( and Only), Whose power is supreme and him.
irresistible. But no one in the Council apparently wanted to take the responsibility either of interpreting
After Yusuf (PBUH) had called the two men to Allah Almighty and did what he has to the dream, or of carrying out any measures consequent on the interpretation.
do, he interpreted their dreams. He said: "O my two companions of the prison! As to one At length the cup-bearer remembered Yusuf (PBUH) and how skilful he was in the
of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord to drink/' The cupbearer had perhaps been interpretation of dreams. So he just asked permission to withdraw in order-to find the
proved innocent of the crime which had been charged against him, and was to be restored interpretation. He went straight to the prison, and addressed himself to Yusuf (PBUH), and
to the favour of the Pharaoh. He was to carry the cup and be the king's confidant again. he told him about the king's dream, and if Yusuf (PBUH) got the meaning he (the cup-bearer)
While Yusuf (PBUH) said about the other prisoner: "As for the other, he will be crucified, would go and tell the Council. Therefore Yusuf (PBUH) interpreted the king's vision and
and the birds will eat from off his head." For the baker, he had bad news. Perhaps he had showed what will happen and suggested the measures to be taken for dealing with the
been found guilty, and he was to die on the cross, following by exposure to birds of the air calamity when it comes.
vultures peeking away at his eyes and cheeks, and all that had been his face and head. Allah Almighty said:
And of the two, to that one whom he considered about to be saved, he said: "Mention So the king said: "Bring ye him unto me." But when the messenger came to
me to thy lord," but Satan made him forget to mention him to his lord: and Joseph) lingered him, (Joseph) said: "Go thou back to thy lord, and ask him, 'What was the
in prison a few (more) years. Yusuf (PBUH) said in the cup-bearer who was going to leave
matter with the ladies who cut their hands'? For my Lord is certainly well aware
the prison (because he had been proved innocent):" Mention me to Pharaoh." So as to get
of their snare." (The king) said (to the ladies): "What was your affair when ye did
him out of the prison, but the cup-bearer in the midst of the Court of Pharaoh, forgot Yusuf
seek to seduce Joseph?" The Ladies said: "Allah preserve us! no evil know we
(PBUH), therefore he stayed in prison a few (more) years.
against him!" Said the 'Aziz's wife: "Now is the truth manifest (to all): it was I
Allah Almighty said: who sought to seduce him and he is indeed of those who are (ever) true (and
virtuous). This (say I), in order that he may know that I have never been false
The king (of Egypt) said: "I do see (in a vision) seven fat kind, whom seven lean to him in his absence, and that Allah will never guide the snare of the false ones.
ones devour, - and seven green ears of com, and seven (others) withered. O ye
Yet I do not absolve myself (of blame): the (human) should certainly incites evil,
k chiefs! expound to me my vision if it be that ye can interpret visions." They said:
unless my Lord do bestow His Mercy: but surely my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most
L "A confused medley of dreams: and we are not skilled in the interpretation of
Merciful."
dreams." But the man who had been released, one of the two (who had been in
BBL prison) and who now remembered him after (so long) a space of time, said: "I When the king knew about Yusuf (PBUH), he wanted to see him and he sent a messenger
v:, . will tell you the truth of its interpretation: send ye me (therefore)." "O Joseph!" to fetch him. The king's messenger came to the prison to take Yusuf (PBUH) to the king.
(he said)" Oman of truth! Expound to us (the dream) of seven fat kind whom seven But Yusuf, sure of himself, wanted some assurance that he would be safe from the sort
/ lean ones devour, and of seven green ears of corn and (seven) others withered:
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of nagging and persecution to which he had been subjected by the ladies. Therefore he sent
back the messenger with a message was conveyed to the king. powers and the fullest confidence that a king could give to his most trusted and best-proved
Wazir (minister), with special access to his Person, like a Grand Chamberlain.
Yusuf said: "Go thou back to thy lord, and ask him, 'What was the matter with the ladies
Yusuf (PBUH) deliberately asked to be put incharge of the granaries and store-houses,
who cut their hands'? For my Lord is certainly well aware of their snare."
and the drudgery of establishing them and guarding them, for the simple reason that he
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): understood that need better than anyone else, and was prepared to take upon himself rather
than throw on to another the obloquy of restricting supplies in times of plenty. He had almost
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "If I stayed in prison
w as long as Yusuf stayed and absolute powers, but as his fidelity was fully proved these powers were for service rather
then the messenger came, I would respond to his call (to go out of the prison)." than for self.
The king after receiving Yusuf's message, he sent for the ladies concerned, and among Allah Almighty said:
them the wife of Al-Aziz, then the king said: "What was this affair? Tell me the whole truth?".
But verily the reward of the Hereafter is the best, for those who believe, and are
The wife of Al-Aziz stood by, while the other ladies answered. Their answer acknowledged constant in righteousness.
the truth of Yusuf's innocence and high principles. When they had done, she began and she
did not mince matters. She acknowledged her own guilt, freely and frankly. To the righteous, whatever rewards (if any) that come in this world are welcome for the
opportunities of service which they open out. But the true and best reward is in the Hereafter.
This (say I), in order that he may know that I have never been false to him in his absence,
and that Allah will never guide the snare of the false ones. Allah Almighty said:
Some of the commentators construed this verse and the verse to follow, to be spoken Then came Joseph's brethren: they entered his presence, and he knew them, but
by Yusuf (PBUH), in which case they meant that Yusuf was referring to his fidelity to they knew him not. And when he had furnished them forth with provisions
Al-Aziz, that he has never taken advantage of his absence to play false with his wife, (suitable) for them, he said: "Bring unto me a brother ye have, of the same father
although he (Yusuf) was human and liable to err. But the majority of the commentators as yourselves, (but a different mother): see ye not that I pay out full measure, and
construed, these verses were spoken by the wife of Al-Aziz while fully reprobating her that I do provide the best hospitality? Now if ye bring him not to me, ye shall
own guilty conduct, claimed that she had at least been constant, and she hoped for mercy have no measure (of com) from me, nor shall ye (even) come near me." They said:
and forgiveness. "We shall try to win him from his father: indeed we shall do it." And (Joseph)
told his servants to put their stock-in-trade (with which they had bartered) into
their saddle-bags, so they should know it only when they returned to their people,
So the king said: "Bring him unto me; I will take him specially to serve about my in order that they might come back.
own person." Therefore when he had spoken to him, he said: "Be assured this Years pass; the ten selfish brothers driven by famine came to Egypt to buy corn. Yusuf
day, thou art of high standing with us, invested with all trust." Joseph) said: "Set (PBUH) kept the details of the famine department in his own hands, otherwise there might
me over the store-houses of the land: I am a good keeper, knowledgeable." Thus have been waste. When his brothers came to him, he knew them, but they did not know he
did We give established power to Joseph in the land, to take possession therein was Yusuf because in their thoughts was probably some menial slave in a remote household,
as, when, or where he pleased. We bestow of Our mercy on whom We please, perhaps already starved to death in these hard times (famine).
and We suffer not, to be lost, the reward, of those who do good. But verily the
Good Treatment with Brothers : Yusuf (PBUH) treated his brothers liberally, and he
reward of the Hereafter is the best, for those who believe, and are constant in
furnished them forth with provision (suitable). Then he condescended to enter into conversation
righteousness.
with these strangers (his brothers), and enquired about their family. The ten brothers had
|L. Trusted Wazir: The king was too much impressed by Yusuf's innocence, wisdom, truth come. Had they left a father behind them? What sort of a person was he? Very aged? Well,
and trustworthiness, that he took him specially to serve about his own person as his trusty of course he could not come. Had they any other brothers? But the brothers said nothing about
and confidential Wazir, (because probably Al-Aziz had by this time died, but some of the their (lost) Yusuf, or told some lie about him. Then Yusuf (PBUH) kindly insistence brought
commentators narrated that the king dismissed Al-Aziz). Yusuf (PBUH) was given plenary Binyamin into the conversation. How old was he? Why had they not brought him? Would
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they bring him next time? Indeed they must, or they would get no more corn, and he- the
great Egyptian Wazir (Yusuf) would not even see them. At first Yaqub (PBUH) rejected to send Binyamin with his brothers but the appeal to the
family's needs in the time of famine at length made him relent, yet he exacted a solemn
The brothers said: "Certainly, we shall try to beg him of our father, and bring him away promise from the brothers, under the most religious sanctions, that they would bring Binyamin
with us; we shall certainly comply with your desire." In reality the brothers probably loved back to him, unless they were themselves prevented, and to that promise Yaqub called Allah
Binyamin no more than they loved Yusuf (PBUH). to witness.
Yusuf (PBUH) told his servants to put the bartering goods which his brothers had brought Narrated Ibn Abbas and Mujahid: Yaqub (PBUH) ordered his sons not to enter the city
into their saddle-bags in such a way that they should find it when they reach home, and in by one gate but by different gates, so that nobody will hit them with evil- eye.
this way he will be sure that if his brothers will come back they will bring Binyamin with
them. Yaqub (PBUH) did to his unworthy sons, as well as to his worthy sons whom he loved
best. It was not for him as Prophet to guarantee any results but his duty is to speak out and
Allah Almighty said: teach all that he knows, to the worthy and unworthy alike, therefore he advised his sons to
enter the city by different gates.
Now when they returned to their father, they said: "O our father! No more
measure of grain shall we get (unless we take our brother): so send our brother Allah Almighty said:
with us, that we may get our measure; and we will indeed take every care of him."
He said: "Shall I trust you with him with any result other than when I trusted Now when they came into Joseph's presence, he received his (full) brother to stay
you with his brother aforetime? But Allah is the best to take care (of him), and with him. He said (to him): "Behold! I am thy (own) brother; so grieve not at aught
He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" Then they opened their of their doings. "At length when he had furnished them forth with provisions
baggage, they found their stock-in-trade had been returned to them. They said: (suitable) for them, he put the drinking cup into his brother's saddle - bag. Then
Trade has been returned to us; so we shall get (more) food for our family; we shall shouted out a Crier: "O ye (in) the Caravan! behold! ye are thieves, without
take care of our brother; and add (at the same time) a full camel's load (of grain doubt!" They said, turning towards them: "What is it that ye miss?" They said:
to our provisions). This is but a small quantity. "(Jacob) said: "Never will I send "We miss the great beaker of the king; for him who produces it. Is (the reward
him with you until ye swear a solemn oath to me, in Allah's name, that ye will of) a camel load; I will be bound by it. "(The brothers) said: "By Allah! well ye
be sure to bring him back to me unless ye are yourselves hemmed in (and made know that we came not to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!" (The
powerless)". And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: "Over all that Egyptians) said: "What then shall be the penalty of this, if ye are (proved) to have
we say, be Allah the Witness and Guardian!" Further he said: "O my sons! enter lied?" They said: "The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it is found,
not all by one gate: enter ye by different gates. Not that I can profit you aught should be held (as bondman) to atone for the (crime). Thus it is we punish the
against Allah (with my advice): none can command except Allah: on Him do I wrong-doers!" So he began (the search) with their baggage, before (he came to)
put my trust: and let all that trust put their trust on Him." And when they entered the baggage of his brother: at length he brought it out of his brother's baggage.
in the manner their father had enjoined, it did not profit them in the least against Thus did We plan for Joseph. He could not take his brother by the law of the king
(the Plan of) Allah: it served only to satisfy Jacob's heartfelt desire. For he was, except that Allah willed it (so). We raise to degrees (of wisdom) whorq We please:
by Our instruction, full of knowledge (and experience): but most men know not. but over all endued with knowledge is One, the All-Knowing. They said: "If he
steals, there was a brother of his who did steal before (him)." But these things
When the ten brothers returned home, they opened their saddle-bags, arid found that the
did Joseph keep locked in his heart, revealing not the secrets to them he (simply)
price they had paid for their provisions had been returned to them. They had got the grain
said (to himself): "Ye are the worse situated; and Allah knoweth best the truth
free! What more could they desire? If they only went back, the kind Wazir would give more
of what ye assert!" They said: " O exalted one! behold! he has a father, - :j and
grain, if they pleased him. And the only way to please him was to take back their younger
venerable, (who will grieve for him); so take one of .us in his place; for we see
brother (Binyamin) with them, also what they had brought is nothing compared to what they
that thou art (gracious) in doing good." He said: "Allah forbid that we take other
shall get if they humour the Wazir's whim. And, moreover, Egypt seems to have plenty of
than him with whom we found our property: indeed (if we did so), we should
grain stored up, what is a camel-load to her Wazir to give away?
be acting wrongfully.
88 All the Prophet^ Middle Ages 89
The ten brothers, with Binyamin, arrived in Egypt, and waited on the great Wazir. Yusuf you in Allah's name, and how before this, ye did fail in your duty with Joseph?
(PBUH) who again received them hospitably, even more so than before, as they had complied Therefore will I not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah judges
with his request to bring Binyamin. When Yusuf got a chance of privacy with him, he disclosed for me; and He is the best to judge. Turn ye back to your father, and say, 'O our
his identity to him, charging him to keep it a secret. father! behold! thy son committed theft! we bear witness only to what we know,
Then Yusuf (PBUH) contrived a plan would give him an excuse to detain Binyamin, he and we could not well guard against the unseen! Ask at the town where we have
ordered the servants to conceal the valuable drinking cup in Binyamin's saddle-bag. Then been and the caravan in which we returned, and (you will find) we are indeed
the crier shouted on the caravan accusing them of stealing. telling the truth." Jacob said: "Nay, but ye have yourselves contrived a story (good
enough) for you. So patience is most fitting (for me). May be Allah will bring them
Allah Almighty said: (back) all to me (in the end). For He is indeed full of knowledge and wisdom."
And he turned away from them, and said: "How great is my grief for Joseph!"
They said, turning towards them: "What is it that ye miss?"
And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he was suppressed with silent
The Egyptians told the brothers about the missing of the great beaker of the king. sorrow. They said: "By Allah! (never) wilt thou cease to remember Joseph until
thou reach the last extremity of illness, or until thou die!" He said: "I only complain
As strangers in strange land, they were liable to be suspected as men who meditated some of my distraction and anguish to Allah, and I know from Allah that which ye know
crime, such as theft, but the brothers protested against the absurdity of such a suspicion after not. O my sons! go ye and enquire about Joseph and his brother, and never give
they had been entertained so royally by the Wazir. up hope of Allah's Soothing Mercy: truly no one despairs of Allah's Soothing
Mercy, except those who have no faith."
"That might be all very well," Said the Egyptians, "but what it is found by a
search that you have in fact abused the Wazir's hospitality by stealing a valuable The pledge the brothers had given to their father, and in Allah's name. Therefore they
cup?" z were bound both to them father. Rubin as the eldest brother and a part in the pledge,
he decided to remain in Egypt waiting for his father's orders and in the same time as
The brothers told the Egyptians that the thief was to be sold for his theft. When Yusuf
pledged, unless Allah opened out some other way. For example the Egyptian Wazir
(PBUH) started to search the bags, he began with the brothers bags before coming to the bag
might relent: if so, Rubin could go back with Binyamin to his father, and his pledge would
of his brother. Then he brought it out of his brother's bag. So Allah made the brothers to
be satisfied.
bind themselves with their way of punishment, i.e. enslaving of a thief.
They Joseph's brothers) said: "If he steals, there was a brother of his who did steal before
(him)", and they injured Yusuf (PBUH) by this false charge, but these things did Yusuf keep "Turn ye back to your father, and say, 'O our father! behold! thy son committed
locked in his heart, and he didn't reveal the secrets to them: that he was Yusuf himself; that theft!" Rubin asked his brothers to go back to them father Yaqub (PBUH) and to
his brother Binyamin knew him; that there was no guilt in Binyamin, but the whole thing tell him that Binyamin stole in secret and without their knowledge and how could
was a great plan and they giving themselves away, and were unconsciously facilitating the they in the circumstances prevent it?
plan, though their motives were not above-board. And because of Yusuf s forbearance and
When the nine brothers came back to their father, they told him the whole story, but Yaqub
patience, he said (within himself): "Ye are the worse situated; and Allah knoweth best the
(PBUH) refused to accept it, because he knew Binyamin too well to believe that he had
truth of what ye assert!" committed theft, and with the eye of faith he hoped that all three of his sons would come
The brothers were afraid of meeting their father's wrath, therefore they requested Yusuf back; Yusuf, Binyamin and Rubin because his faith in Allah was unswerving.
(PBUH) to leave Binyamin and to take one of them instead of him, but Yusuf (PBUH) held Tfte Grief: Yaqub (PBUH) turned away from his sons, and spent his time alone weeping
them strictly to the bargain which they had themselves suggested. because of his grief for Yusuf, Binyamin and Rubin. Tears might give relief and his red and
Allah Almighty said: swollen eyes might yet regain their light, but his grief was too deep for tears. His eyes lost
their colour, and became a dull white. ■
Now when they saw no hope of his (yielding), they held a conference in private.
They said: "By Allah! (never) wilt thou cease to remember Joseph until thou reach the
The eldest among them said: "Know ye not that your father did take an oath from
90 All the Prophets
Middle Ages 91
last extremity of illness, or until! thou die!" and the brothers said this because they were
feeling pity for their father. is most generous, he did not sought to take revenge from his brothers, there is more urgent
work to do, his beloved father is eating out his heart in far place from Egypt, therefore he
But Yaqub (PBUH) knew of Allah's merciful and beneficent what his sons did not, and told the brothers to hurry back immediately with his shirt and cast it over his father's face
his perfect faith in Allah also told him that all would be well, therefore he never gave up and he will become clear-sighted. Then Yusuf (PBUH) ordered the brothers to come back later
hope for Yusuf. to Egypt with all their family.
Whereupon Yaqub (PBUH) asked his sons to go again in search of Yusuf (PBUH) and Allah Almighty said:
Binyamin.
When the Caravan left (Egypt), their father said: "I do indeed scent the presence
Allah Almighty said: of Joseph: nay, think me not a dotard." They said: "By Allah! truly thou art in
thine old wandering illusion." Then when the bearer of the good news came, he
Then, when they came (back) into (Joseph's) presence they said: "O exalted one!
cast (the shirt) over his face, and he forthwith regained clear sight. He said: "Did
distress has seized us and our family: we have (now) brought but scanty capital:
I not say to you, 'I know from Allah that which ye know not?" They said: "O our
so pay us full measure, (we pray thee), and treat it as charity to us; for Allah doth
father! ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault." He said:
reward the charitable." He said: "Know ye he how ye dealt with Joseph and his "Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: For He is indeed Oft-Forgiving,
brother, not knowing (what ye were doing)?" They said: "Art thou indeed Joseph?" Most Merciful."
He said, "I am Joseph, and this my brother: Allah has indeed been gracious to
us (all): behold, he that is righteous and patient, never will Allah suffer the reward Yaqub (PBUH) was feeling the presence of Yusuf in the air, and that because he had always
to be lost, of those who do right. "They said: "By Allah? Indeed has Allah preferred faith that Yusuf (PBUH) was living, but the people around him did not believe him because
thee above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!" He said: "This day let they thought that he is an old dotard. But Yaqub's feeling proved true when the bearer of
no reproach be (cast) on you: Allah will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful the glad tidings arrived, and he cast the shirt of Yusuf over Yaqub's face and he became clear
of those who show mercy! Go with this my shirt, and cast it over the face of my sighted and he said:
father: he will come to see (clearly). Then came ye (here) to me together with all "Did I not say to you, I know from Allah that which ye know not"?
your family."
Then his sons themselves came to say that his faith was justified and his vision was true,
The nine brothers came back to Egypt according to Yaqub's direction. When they saw and requested him to ask forgiveness (from Allah) for their sins. And Yaqub told them that
the Wazir (Yusuf)xthey told him about the hard time which touched them family due to the he will ask Allah to forgive them because He is (Allah) Oft-Forgiving and the Most Merciful.
famine and the poet12 capital which they brought, and requested him to pay them full measure,
and they appealed to Yusuf (PBUH) to release Binyamin because of the father's distress. When
Yusuf (PBUH) heard what the brothers said, he felt pity for them and wanted to reveal himself Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his
to his brothers but he had to remind them of the true facts. Therefore he questioned them parents with himself, and said: "Enter ye Egypt (all) in safety if it please Allah."
about their brother Yusuf, wfiom they pretended to have lost, and about the injustice which And he raised his parents high on the throne and they fell down in prostration,
Binyamin had suffered after the absence of Yusuf. (all) before him. He said: "O my father! this is the fulfillment of my vision of old!
Allah hath made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out
Their father's words, the way events were shaping themselves and Yusuf s questionings,
- all these things had prepared their minds and the brothers asked the direct question, "Art of prison and brought you (all here) out of the desert, (even) after Satan had sown
enmity between me and my brothers. Verily my Lord is Gracious to whom He
thou Yusuf?" They get the direct reply, "Yes, I am Yusuf; and if you have still any doubt
wills for verily He is full of knowledge and wisdom. O my Lord! Thou hast indeed
of my identity, here is my brother Binyamin: ask him. We have suffered much, but patience
bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation of
and right conduct are at last rewarded by Allah!"
dreams, - O Thou Creator of the heavens and the earth? Thou art my Protector
Brothers' Confession : The brothers were convicted of sin out of their own mouths, they in this world and in the Hereafter. Take Thou my soul (at death) as one submitting
freely confessed their wrong-going, and the justice of Yusuf s preferment. But Yusuf (PBUH) to Thy Will (as a Muslim), and unite me with the righteous."
90
All tlu Prophet
Middle Ages 91
last extremity of illness, or until! thou die!’ and the brothers said this because thev
feeling•J pity for their father. y n is most generous, he did not sought
■n to take revenge from his brothers, there is more urgent
work to do, his beloved father is eating out his heart in far place from Egypt, therefore he
But Yaqub (PBUH) knew of Allah’s merciful and beneficent what his sons did not, and
told the brothers to hurry back immediately with his shirt and cast it over his father's face
his perfect faith in Allah also told him that all would be well, therefore he never gave up and he will become dear-sighted. Then Yusuf (PBUH) ordered the brothers to come back later
hope for Yusuf. ■- to Egypt with all their family.
Whereupon Yaqub (PBUH) asked his sons to go again in search of Yusuf (PBUH) and Allah Almighty said:
Binyamin.
When the Caravan left (Egypt), their father said: "I do indeed scent the presence
Allah Almighty said: of Joseph: nay, think me not a dotard." They said: "By Allah! truly thou art in
thine old wandering illusion.* Then when the bearer of the good news came, he
Then, when they came (back) into (Joseph's) presence they said: "O exalted one! cast (the shirt) over his face, and he forthwith regained clear sight. He said: "Did
distress has seized us and our family: we have (now) brought but scanty capital: I not say to you, 1 know from Allah that which ye know not?" They said: "O our
so pay us full measure, (we pray thee), and treat it as charity to us; for Allah doth father’, ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we were truly at fault." He said:
reward the charitable." He said: "Know ye he how ye dealt with Joseph and his "Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: For He is indeed Oft-Forgiving,
brother, not knowing (what ye were doing)?" They said:" Art thou indeed Joseph?" Most Merciful."
He said, "1 am Joseph, and this my brother: Allah has indeed been gracious to
Yaqub (PBUH) was feeling the presence of Yusuf in the air, and that because he had always
us (all): behold, he that is righteous and patient, never will Allah suffer the reward
faith that Yusuf (PBUH) was living, but the people around him did not believe him because
to be lost, of those who do right. "They said: "By Allah! Indeed has Allah preferred
they thought that he is an old dotard. But Yaqub's feeling proved true when the bearer of
thee above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin? He said: "This day let the glad tidings arrived, and he cast the shirt of Yusuf over Yaqub's face and he became clear
no reproach be (cast) on you: Allah will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful
sighted and he said:
of those who show mercy! Go with this my shirt, and cast it over the face of my
father: he will come to see (clearly). Then came ye (here) to me together with all "Did I not say to you, I know from Allah that which ye know not"?
your family:" Then his sons themselves came to say that his faith was justified and his vision was true,
The nine brothers came back to Egypt according to Yaqub's direction. When they saw and requested him to ask forgiveness (from Allah) for their sins. And Yaqub told them that
the Wazir (Yusuf) They told him about the hard time which touched them family due to the he will ask Allah to forgive them because He is (Allah) Oft-Forgiving and the Most Merciful.
famine and the poor capital which they brought, and requested him to pay them full measure, Allah Almighty said:
and they appealed to Yusuf (PBUH) to release Binyamin because of the father's distress. When
Yusuf (PBUH) heard what the brothers said, he felt pity for them and wanted to reveal himself Then when they entered the presence of Joseph, he provided a home for his
to his brothers but he had to remind them of the true facts. Therefore he questioned them parents with himself, and said: "Enter ye Egypt (all) in safety if it please Allah."
about their brother Yusuf, whom they pretended to have lost, and about the injustice which And he raised his parents high on the throne and they fell down in prostration,
Binyamin had suffered after the absence of Yusuf. (all) before him. He said: "O my father! this is the fulfillment of my vision of old!
Allah hath made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out^
Their father's words, the way events were shaping themselves and Yusuf s questionings,
of prison and brought you (all here) out of the desert, (even) after Satan had sow
- all these things had prepared their minds and the brothers asked the direct question, "Art
enmity between me and my brothers. Verily my Lord is Gracious to whom
thou Yusuf?" They get the direct reply, "Yes, I am Yusuf; and if you have still any doubt
wills for verily He is full of knowledge and wisdom. O my Lord! Thou hast indeed
of my identity, here is my brother Binyamin: ask him. We have suffered much, but patience
bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation qfl
and right conduct are at last rewarded by Allah*" dreams, - O Thou Creator of the heavens and the earth! Thou art my Protecfol
Brothers' ConfessionThe brothers were convicted of sin out of their own mouths, W in this world and in the Hereafter. Take Thou my soul (at death) as one submitting
freely confessed their wrong-going, and the justice of Yusuf s preferment. But Yusuf (PBUW to Thy Will (as a Muslim), and unite me with the righteous."
Family Reunited : At length the whole family arrived in Egypt and were re-united with Allah Almighty said:
Yusuf (PBUH). But the parents were treated with special honour. His mother Rahil had long
been dead, but he had been brought up by his mother's sister Liya, whom his father had also And (remember) Job, when he cried to his Lord "Truly distress has seized me,
married. The commentators narrated that the period which they were separated from each but Thou art the Most Merciful of those that are Merciful." So We listened to him:
other was, "eighty years", others narrated, "eighty three years" while others narrated, "thirty We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his people to him,
years". and doubled their number, - as a Grace from Ourselves, and a thing for
commemoration, for all who serve Us.
Also Allah said:
Were ye witnesses when Death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons:
"What will ye worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship thy God and the Commemorate Our Servant Job, behold he cried to his Lord: "Satan has afflicted
God of thy fathers, - of Ibrahim, Ismail, and Isaac, - The One (True) God; to Him me with distress and suffering!" "Strike with thy foot: here is (water) wherein to
do we submit." wash, cool and refreshing, and (water) to drink." And We gave him (back) his
people and doubled their number, - as a Grace from Us, and a thing for
Narrated the People of the Book: commemoration, for all who have Understanding.
"When Yaqub (A.S) died the Egyptians wept for seventy days, then Yusuf (PBUH) "And take in thy hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and break not (thy oath)." Truly
asked the king for permission to leave Egypt in order to bury his father in Habrun We found him full of patience and constancy. How excellent is the servant! ever did he turn
and the king agreed, therefore Yusuf (PBUH) left Egypt with the dead body of (to Us)!
Yaqub (PBUH), accompanied by the nobles of Egypt, and there in Habrun they
Ayub (PBUH) was a prosperous man, with faith in Allah, living somewhere in the north
buried Yaqub (PBUH)."
east comer of Arabia. He suffers from a number of calamities: his cattle are destroyed, his
Mubarak bin Fadhala said: servants slain by the sword, and his family crushed under his roof. But he holds fast to his
faith in Allah. As a further calamity he is covered with loathsome sores from head to foot.
"Yusuf (PBUH) had been thrown into the well when he was 17 years old, and He loses his peace of mind. His false friends come and attribute his afflictions to sin. Nobody
he remained away from his father for 80 years, and he lived after that 23 years, sympathized on him except his wife. But all these calamities made Ayub (PBUH) more patient
and he died when his age was 120 years." and more thankful to Allah Almighty.
Prophets Ayub and Yunus (PBUT) The commentators disagreed about the period of time which Ayub spent in his calamity:
Wahab said," three years". Anas said," seven years and few months," and others said,
Prophet Ayub (PBUH): Ayub (PBUH) was from the progeny of Ibrahim (PBUH) as Allah "eighteen years." And meanwhile his wife was working and serve him but the people refused
Almighty said: to let her work for them because they were knowing that she is Ayub's wife and she may
And among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. be inflicts them with Ayub's disease therefore she sold her braids to bring food to Ayub
(PBUH).
Ibn Ishaq said: "Ayub son of Mus, son of Razih, son of Al-Ays son of Ishaq, son of
Ibrahim". Ibn Asakir said: "Ayub's mother was the daughter of Lut (PBUH)". This meant that Ayub (PBUH) had suffered like no one had suffered before but that didn't
change his belief in Allah Almighty, therefore Allah listened to Ayub (PBUH) and the
Ayub (PBUH) was one of the Prophets whom Allah Almighty sent the inspiration to them, recuperative process began and he was commanded to strike the earth or a rock with his food
as Allah Almighty said: and a fountain or fountains gushed forth, to give him a bath and clean his body; to refresh
his spirit; and to give him drink and rest, as Allah Almighty said: ■
We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Nuh and the Messengers after
him: We sent inspiration to Ibrahim Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, "Strike with thy foot here is (water) wherein to wash, cool and refreshing, and .
Job.^ (water) to drink.*- I
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): So wait with patience for the Command of thy Lord, and be not like the Companion of
the Fish, - when he cried out in agony. Had not Grace from His Lord reached him, he would
The Messenger
I of Allah (PBUH) said: "While Ayub was naked, taking a bath, a indeed have been cast off on the naked shore, in disgrace. Thus did his Lord choose him and
swarm of gold
t locusts fell on him and he started collecting them in his garment, make him of the company of the Righteous.
his Lord called him,' O Ayub! have I not made you rich enough to need what
Allah Almighty sent Yunus (PBUH) to the people of Naynawa (Nineveth) in Mosul (a
you see?' He said:' Yes, O Lord! but I can not dispense with Your Blessing".
city in Iraq), he called them to Allah Almighty, but they didn't believe him and insisted on
Then Allah recalls to Ayub all His mercies, and he resumes his humility and gives up their disbelief, therefore Yunus (PBUH) left them and promised them with great punishment
self-justification. He is restored to prosperity, with twice as much as he had before; his from Allah.
brethren and friends come back to him; he had a new family of seven sons and three fair Ibn Masud said: "When Yunus (PBUH) left his people because of their disobedience to
daughters. He lived to a good old age, and saw four generations of descendants. Allah, they became sure of Allah's punishment therefore they regretted for what they had
The commentators narrated that Ayub (PBUH) when he was ill, took an oath to strike done to their Prophet and they cried and asked Allah for His Mercy. Therefore Allah Almighty
his wife 100 lashes because she sold her braids, or may be because once she asked one man forgave them with His great Mercy and removed the punishment from them which its Signs
she thought he is a doctor to give her a medicine to Ayub, but when she described the man were began to appear). Hence Allah Almighty said:
to Ayub (PBUH) he knew that the doctor was indeed Satan therefore he took an oath to strike If only there had been a single township (among those We warned), which believed, -
her 100 lashes, hence Allah Almighty later ordered Ayub (PBUH) to fulfil his oath by striking so its Faith should have Profited it. It means that was they any community that believed (after
her with the bundle of thin grass, to show that he was gentle and humble as well as patient seeing the punishment), and its Faith (at the moment) saved it (from the punishment)? The
and constant, as Allah Almighty said: answer is none •
"And take in thy hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and break not (thy Except the People of Jonah? When they believed; We removed from them the Chastisement
oath)." Truly We found him full of patience and constancy. How excellent is the of ignominy in the life of the Present, and permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.
servant! ever did he turn (to Us)! The intended is: When Yunus (PBUH) departed in wrath because of his people, he went
Ibn Jarir and others said that: "Ayub (PBUH) died when he was 93 years old". off to take a ship, but the ship was fully loadden and met foul weather. Therefore the
passengers decided to draw lots and the one who will lose they will throw him into the water,
Prophet Yunus (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said: If only there had been a single township so that the ship will become light. The lot fell on Yunus and he got ready to throw himself
(among those We warned), which believed, so its Faith should have profited it, except the into the water but the passengers stopped him and they drew lots again and the lot fell on
People of Jonah? When they believed, We removed from them the Chastisement of ignominy Yunus, and they tried for the third time and the lot fell on Yunus:
in the life of the Present, and permitted them to enjoy (their life) for a while.
He (agreed to) cast lots, and he was of the rebutted: then the big Fish did swallow him,
And remember Zun-nun, when he departed in wrath: he imagined that We had no power and he had done acts worthy of blame.
over him! but he cried through the depths of darkness, "There is no god but Thou: Glory
to Thee: I was indeed wrong!" So We listened to him: and delivered him from distress: and When the lot fell on Yunus he jumped into the water, Allah Almighty sent a big fish and
thus do We deliver those who have faith. it swallowed him, but Allah had ordered the big fish not to harm him.
So also was Jonah among those sent (by Us). When he ran away (like a slave from The commentators disagreed about the time which Yunus (PBUH) spent inside the fish.
captivity) to the ship (fully) laden, he (agreed to) cast lots, and he was of the rebutted: then But Yunus (PBUH) cried through the depths of darkness, "There is no god
•J but Thee: glory
the big Fish did swallow him, and he had done acts worthy of blame. Had it not been that to Thee! I was indeed wrong!" And if he had not repented, he could not have go out of the
he (repented and) glorified Allah, he would certainly have remained inside the Fish till the body of the creature that had swallowed him, until the Day of Resurrection.
Day of Resurrection. But We cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness, and
We caused to grow, over him, a spreading plant of the Gourd kind. And We sent him (on
a mission) to a hundred thousand (Men) or more. And they believed; so We permitted them But We cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness.
to enjoy (their life) for a while.
96 All the Prophets
Yunus' strange situation might well have caused him to be ill. He wanted fresh air and
solitude. He got both in the open plain, and the abundantly shady Gourd Plant or some
fruitful tree like it gave him both shade and sustenance. The Ground is a creeper that can
spread over any roof or ruined structure. Therefore Allah Almighty said:
So We listened to him: and delivered him from distress: and thus do We deliver
those who have faith.
The Merits of Yunus (Alayhi-As-Salam)
Three
So also was Jonah among those sent (by us).

Yunus (PBUH) was mentioned also in Surat An-Nisaa and Surat Al-Anam, among the
noble Prophets (PBUH). Abu Al-Aliya said: The son of the uncle of your Prophet (PBUH), LATER AGE-1
i.e. Ibn Abbas, reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Any servant should not say:
I am better than Yunus son of Matta (and this Matta) is the name of his father".
Prophet Musa (PBUH)

Musa's title is Kalimullah (the one to whom Allah spoke without the intervention of the
angels), and he is Musa bin 'Imran bin Qahith bin Azar bin Luwi bin Yaqub bin Ishaq bin
Ibrahim Al-Khalil.
Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses: For he was specially chosen. And
he was a messenger and a prophet. And We called him from the right side of
Mount (Sinai), and made him draw near to us, for converse in secret. And, out
of Our Mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a prophet.
Ta. Sin. Mim. These are Verses of the Book that makes (things) clear. We rehearse
to thee some of the story of Moses and Pharaoh in Truth, for people who believe.
Truly Pharaoh elated himself in the land and divided its people into sections.
depressing a group amon them: their sons he slew, but he kept alive their
females: for he was indeed an evil-doer. And We wished to be Gracious to those
who were being depressed in the land, to make them leaders (in faith) and make
them heirs, to establish a firm place for them in the land, and to show Pharaoh,
Haman, and their hosts, what they were dreading for them.
Pharaoh and his clique were intoxicated with pride of race and pride of material civilization
Later Age-1
and grievously oppressed the Israelites. Pharaoh decreed that all male sons bom to his Israelite shall restore him to thee, and We shall make him one of Our messengers." Then
subjects should be killed, and the females kept alive for the pleasure of the Egyptians. the people of Pharaoh picked him up (from the river): it was intended that Moses
The reason behind Pharaoh's act was what he heard from the Israelites about the coming should be to them an adversary and a cause of sorrow: for Pharaoh and Haman
of a boy from the progeny of Ibrahim (PBUH), and he (the boy) will destroy the reign of Egypt and (all) their hosts were men of sin. The wife of Pharaoh said: "(Here) is a joy
of the eye, for me and for thee: slay him not. It may be that he will be of use to
Ibn Abbas narrated that: "Pharaoh saw in his dream that a fire came from Jerusalem
us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not what they were doing)!
towards Egypt and burned it with the Egyptians but did not hurt the Israelites. Therefore
when he wake up he gathered all the diviners and the magicians, and he asked them to The Child Saved: Musa (PBUH) was saved from the Egyptians. Midwives, and his mother
interpret the dream. They told him that from the Israelites will bom a boy, on his hands will nursed the infant at her breast herself. But when the danger of discovery was imminent, she
be the destruction of Egypt and its people, hence Pharaoh ordered to kill all the male babies put him into a chest or basket, and floated him on the river Nile. It flowed by the king's palace,
and to leave the women." and the chest with the baby was picked up. As the commentators said that the chest was
picked up by the bondmaids but no body of them dared to open it till they put it in front
Therefore Allah Almighty said:
of Pharaoh's wife (Asya) and she opened the chest. The wife of Pharaoh said: "(Here is) a
And We wished to be Gracious to those who were being depressed in the land, joy of the eye, for me and for thee: slay him not. It may be that he will be of use to us, or
and they are the children of Israel. To make them leaders (in faith) and make them we may adopt him as a son. "And they perceived not what they were doing! because Musa
heirs, and the Kingdom of Egypt will be to them. To establish a firm place for (PBUH) was a darling to look at, and Pharaoh had apparently no son, but only a daughter.
them in the land, and to show Pharaoh, Haman, and their hosts, what they were
dreading from them. By making the weak ones strong, and the vanquisher
vanquished. And all that happened to the Israelites' as Allah Almighty said: And the heart of the mother of Moses became void: she was going almost to
disclose his (case), had We not strengthened her heart (with faith), so that she
And We made a people, considered weak (and of no account), inheritors of lands
might remain a (firm) believer. And she said to the sister of Moses, "Trace him".
in both East and West, lands whereon We sent down Our blessings. .The fair
So she (the sister) watched him from a distance and they perceived not. And We
promise of thy Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because they had
ordained that he refused suck at first, until (his sister came up and) said: "Shall
patience and constancy, and We levelled to the ground the great Works and fine
I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and bring him up for
Buildings which Pharaoh and his people erected with such pride.
you and take care of him." Thus did We restore him to his mother, that her eye
Se We expelled them from gardens, springs, treasures, and every kind of honourable might be comforted, that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the
position; thus it was, but We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things. promise of Allah is true: but most of them do not know.
The narration is that Pharaoh tried his best to prevent any male baby from staying alive Ibn Abbas, Mujahid, Qatada and others narrated: "And the heart of the mother of
after his birth, till that he made his men and the midwives going around to see the pregnant Moses became void from every thought, except the thought of Musa. She was going
women, and any male baby will be bom they will kill him. almost to disclose his (case), that the child is her son. Had We not strengthened her heart
Birth of Harun (PBUH): After all the male babies were killed, the Egyptians told Pharaoh (with faith), and her Faith in Allah's Providence kept her from betraying herself, so that
that if they will continue with the killing of all the male babies, this will lead to the disappearance she might remain a (firm) believer. Then the mother ordered Musa's sister to follow them
of the Israelites and in this case the Egyptians will be forced to do what the Israelites are doing and watch him from afar place, secretly without drawing their attention. Musa (PBUH) A
as a service, therefore Pharaoh decided to kill in one year and to leave the killing in the next refused to suck from a foster-suckling mothers and they tried them best to make him
year. Harun (PBUH) was bom in the year of forgiveness, -while Musa (PBUH) was bom in suck, but it was useless. And We ordained that he refused suck at first, therefore they
the year of killing. sent him to the market with the midwives and the women (of the place) because may
be they will find a foster-suckling mother whom Musa (PBUH) will accept to suck from
her, and when Musa's sister saw him she made herself like she don't know him, and she f+
So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses: "Suckle (thy child), but when said to the women, "Shall I point out to you the people of a house that will nourish and
bring him up for you and take care of him". The women said: "Who said that they will
1
thou hast fears about him, cast him into the river, but fear not nor grieve: for We
100 ^Prophets Later Age-1 101
take care of him"? Musa's sister said: "Because they want the king's pleasure". Therefore to him: "Thou art truly, one erring manifestly." Then, when he was about to lay
they went with her to the house, and when they gave54 Musa (PBUH) to the women (his his hands on their enemy the man said: "O Moses! is it thy intention to slay me
mother) he started to suck, the women became very happy and they told Asya the good as thou slowest a man yesterday ? Thou only desire to become a tyrant in the land,
news, hence Asya sent to Musa's mother to live with them in the palace as a foster- and not to be one who sets things right!" And there came a man, running, from
suckling mother, while they didn't know that she is the real mother of Musa (PBUH). the farthest end of the City. He said: "O Moses! the Chiefs are taking54 counsel
Therefore the grieve of Musa's mother disappeared and she knew that Allah's promise together about thee, to slay thee: so get thee away, for I do give thee sincere
is true. Thus did We restore him to his mother, that her eye might be comforted, that advice." He therefore got away therefrom, looking about, in a state of fear. He
she might not grieve, and that she might know that the promise of Allah is true: but most prayed: "O my Lord! save me from people given to wrong-doing."
of them do not know. Musa (PBUH) became afraid waiting to see what will be the result of his crime. The
Wisdom and Knowledge : Allah Almighty said: same Israelite man came, asking Musa to help him again in new fight against 54 other
Egyptian, but Musa (PBUH) blamed the Israelite for his quarrels with the others and said
When he reached full age, and was firmly established (in life). We bestowed on to him "Thou art truly, one erring manifestly but when Musa (PBUH) found that the
him wisdom and knowledge: for thus do We reward those who do good. And Egyptian was unjust, he was going to intervene again. Then, when he was about to lay
he entered the City at a time when its people were not watching: and he found his hands on their enemy, the Egyptian said to Musa: "Are you going to do the same
there two men fighting, -one of his own people, and the other, of his foes. Now with me? You are nothing but a bully! And you talk of settings things right!
54 That is what
the man of his own people appealed to him against his foe, and Moses struck him you should do if you were true to yourself!", and this was the first warning which Musa
with his fist and killed him. He said: "This is a work of Satan: for he is an enemy received, and the other warning was from a man who was friendly to Musa. He said:
that manifestly misleads!" He prayed: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my "O Moses! the Chiefs are taking counsel together about thee, to slay thee: so get thee
soul! do Thou then forgive me!" So (Allah) forgave him: for He is the Oft- away from the City for I give thee sincere advice". The news of Musa's killing to the
Forgiving, Most Merciful. He said: "O my Lord! for that Thou hast bestowed Thy Egyptian reached the palace therefore a council had been held, and the death of Musa
Grace on me, never shall I be a help to those who sin!" had been suggested.
Allah Almighty said: He therefore got away therefrom, looking about, in a state of fear. Leaving Egypt, he did
not know where to go to. His mind was in a state of agitation. But he turned to Allah and
And he entered the City at a time when its people were not watching Ibn Abbas, prayed "O my Lord! save me from people given to wrongdoing."
Qatada and As-Sadi narrated: "Musa (PBUH) entered the city at the time of the
noontime siesta, or at the time of night". And he found there two men fighting.
One of his own people, Israelite and the other, of his foes, Egyptian. Now the man Then, when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madain, he said: "I do hope
of his own people appealed to him against his foe. Because of Musa's high position that my Lord will show me the smooth and straight Path." And when he arrived
as a result of his growth in Pharaoh's Palace and also Musa's foster-suckling at the watering (place) in Madain, he found there a group of men watering (their
mother (his mother) was from them, the Israelites became very proud of him flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their
therefore when the Israelite asked Musa's help against the Egyptian, Musa (PBUH) flocks). He said: "What is the matter with you?" They said: "We cannot water (our
came to the Egyptian. And Moses struck him with his fist and killed him but flocks) until the shepherds take back (their flocks): and our father is a very old
Musa's object was apparently to strike the Egyptian so as to release the Israelite, man." So he watered (their flocks) for them: then he turned back to the shade,
not to kill the Egyptian. Musa (PBUH) said, "This is a work of Satan; for he is and said:" O my Lord! truly am I in (desperate) need of any good that Thou dost
enemy that manifestly misleads!". Musa was full of regrets and repentance, and he send me!"...
prayed to Allah, and obtained Allah's forgiveness. He said: "O my Lord! for that
Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace on me, never shallT be a help to those who sin!".
Allah Almighty said: Then, when he turned his face towards (the land of) Madain, where the people
would be Arabs and not Egyptians. He turned thither, and again prayed to Allah
In the morning, he was in the city, fearful and vigilant when behold, the man who
for guidance. And when he arrived at the watering (place) in Madain, and this
had, mq day before, sought his help called aloud for his help (again). Moses said
v<
102 All the Prophets

Later Age-i 103
city is the same city which Allah Almighty had destroyed the Aika's people the
people of Shuaib (PBUH) in it and their destruction was before the time of Musa I perceive a fire; I hope to bring you from there some information, or a burning
(PBUH). When Musa (PBUH) reached the watering place, he found there a group fire band, that ye may warm yourselves." But when he came to the (Fire), he was
of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were called from the right bank of the valley, from a tree in hallowed ground: "O Moses!
keepingBJ back (their flocks, Musa waited under the shade of a tree until they should Verily I am Allah, the Lord of the Worlds... Now do thou throw thy rod!" but
finish. He noticed two damsels, also waiting with their flocks, which they had when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as if it had been a snake, he turned
back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: "O Moses!" (it was said), "Draw near,
come to water. His chivalry was roused. He went at once among the goat-herds,
and fear not: for thou art of those who are secure. Thrust thy hand into thy bosom,
made a place for the flocks of the damsels, gave them water, and then resumed
and it will come forth white without stain (or harm), and draw thy hand close
his place in the shade. They were modest maidens, and they told Musa (PBUH)
to thy side (to guard) against fear. Those are the two credentials from thy Lord
that their father is a very old man, therefore they do the work.
to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: for truly they are a people rebellious and wicked."
Allah Almighty said: Now when Moses had fulfilled the term, the term was 20 years, according to Mujahid
Afterwards one of the (damsels) came (back) to him, walking bashfully. She said: or 10 years according to the other commentators. And was travelling with his family, he left
Madain, turning his face towards Egypt accompanied by his household.
"My father invites thee that he may reward thee for having watered (our flocks)
for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said: "Fear thou not. Light of Truth : While Musa (PBUH) and his family were travelling, one night, it was so
(well) hast thou escaped from unjust people." Said one of the (damsels): "O my dark and cold, he saw a fire in the direction of Tur (Mount), and it looks like that Musa (PBUH)
(dear) father! engage him on wages: truly the best of men for thee to employ is was the only one who saw it, because this fire is the Truth's light and not every one can see
the (man) who is strong and trusty".. He said: "I intend to wed one of these my it, so he said to his family, "Tarry ye; I perceive a fire; I hope to bring you from there some
information, or a burning firebrand, that ye may warm yourselves." Because it was too cold
daughters to thee, on condition that thou serve me for eight years; but if thou
and dark and they lost the right way to Egypt, therefore he was for the fire, to use it for
complete ten years, it will be (grace) from thee. But I intend not to place thee under
warming his family and as a torch to see the right direction to Egypt, and as Allah Almighty
a difficulty: thou wilt find me, indeed, if Allah wills, one of the righteous." He
said:
said: "Be that (the agreement) between me and thee: whichever of the two terms
I fulfil, let there be no injustice to me. Be Allah a witness to what we say." Behold! Moses said to his family: "I perceive a fire; soon will I bring you from
there some information, or I will bring you a burning brand (to lightBJ our fuel)
Thanks for Kindness : When the old man heard what Musa (PBUH) did, he sent one of
that ye may warm yourselves.
his daughters inviting Musa (PBUH), to thank him personally for his kindness. Musa (PBUH)
went with her and saw the old man. He found him trusted man therefore Musa (PBUH) told Allah Almighty said:
the old man his story. The old man, assured him of hospitality and safety under his roof.
Then one of the girls
Bj said to her father: "Why not employ him to tend the flocks?". The old But when he came to the (Fire), a voice was heard: "Blessed are those in the Fire
man was in need for a young man to look after the flocks. Therefore the father asked Musa arid those around: and Glory to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. "O Moses! Verily,
(PBUH) if he would marry one of the daughters on condition that he must serve him at least I am Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise’,I ..••
eight years, or if he liked ten years, but the longer term was at his option. Musa (PBUH) was Allah Almighty said:
glad of the proposal and accepted it.
But when he came to the fire, He was called "O Moses! Verily I am thy Lord!
The commentators disagreed about the name of the old man, Malik bin Anas said: "He
therefore put of thy shoes: thou art in the sacred valley Tuwa. I have chosen thee:
is Shuaib (PBUH)"; Ibn abi Hakam said: "His name was Shuaib but he is not Shuaib the
listen, then to the inspiration (given to thee). Verily, I am Allah: There is no god
Prophet" Ibn Abbas said: "His name was Yathrun".
but I: so serve thou Me (only), and establish regular
Bj prayer for My remembrance.
Allah Almighty said: "Verily the Hour is coming- have almost kept it hidden for every soul to receive
its reward by the measure of its Endeavour. Therefore let not such as believe not
Now when Moses had fulfilled the term, and was travelling with his family, he therein but follow their own lusts, divert thee therefrom, lest thou perish!"...
perceived a fire in the direction of Mount Tur. He said to his family: "Tarry ye;
When Musa (PBUH) saw the fire he became astonished because it was a burningBJ bush
104 AH the Prophets 105
Later Age-1
a Sign of the Glory of Allah, and it was lighting from the western side of the valley of Tuwa "This is due to us;" when gripped by calamity, they ascribed it to evil omens
(Mount Tur), as Allah Almighty said: connected with Moses and those with him! behold! in truth the omens of evil are
theirs in Allah's sight, but most of them do not understand! They said (to Moses):'
Thou wast not on the Western side when We decreed the Commission to Moses, Whatever be the Signs thou bringest, to work therewith thy sorcery on us, we shall
nor wast thou a witness (of those events). never believe in thee". So We sent on them: Wholesale Death, Locusts, Lice, Frogs,
According to Allah's saying, Musa (PBUH) was in the Western side of the valley, when and Blood: Signs openly self-explained: but they were steeped in arrogance, a
Allah Almighty called him and told him to put off his shoes because he is in the sacred valley people given to sin.
Tuwa, as a dignifying from Allah to this holy land and specially in that holy night. Allah Almighty ordered Musa (PBUH) to go to Pharaoh. He said: "O my Lord! I have
Then Allah Almighty spoke to Musa (PBUH) by saying: "Verily, I am Allah: there is no slain a man among them, and I fear lest they slay me. And my brother Aaron - he is more
god but I: so serve thou Me (only), and establish regular prayer for My remembrance. eloquent in speech than I: so send him with me as a helper, to confirm (and strengthen)
me: for I fear that they may accuse me of falsehood." He said: "We will certainly
Then Allah Almighty told Musa (PBUH) that this life is perishable, and the Hereafter is strengthen thy arm through thy brother, and in vest you both with authority, so they
Eternal where every soul will get the need of its conduct in this life. Then Allah Almighty shall not be able to touch you: with Our Signs shall ye triumph,-you two as well as those
said to him: who follow.
"And what is that in the right hand, O Moses?" He said, " It is my rod: on it I Commanded to Rebuke: Pharaoh was after Musa (PBUH), to take his life, because he kilted
lean; with it I beat down fodder for my flocks; and in it I find other uses." (Allah) one of Pharaoh's men. And now he is commanded to go to Pharaoh and rebuke him and
said, "Throw it, O Moses!" He threw it, and behold! it was a snake, active in his Chiefs. Therefore Musa (PBUH) asked Allah Almighty to support him by sending his
motion. And this is a great convincing proof that who is speaking to him is Allah brother Harun with him. And Allah Almighty supported him by his brother Harun, and gave
Almighty. Who say to the thing "Be": and it was. them both power, so pharaoh and his people shall not be able to approach them anywhere
near, in the wonders and Signs that Musa and Harun will show them under the divine
"Now do thou throw thy rod!" but when he saw it moving (of its own accord) as authority with which they are invested.
if it had been a snake, he turned back in retreat, and retraced not his steps: "O Moses!"
(it was said), draw near, and fear not: for thou art of those who are secure, it means that:
'You have nothing to fear from what appears to be a snake, not for you, but for Pharaoh'. Behold, thy Lord called Moses: "Go to the people of iniquity,- the people of
Therefore Allah said: Pharaoh: will they not fear Allah?" He said: "O my Lord! I do fear that they will
charge me with false hood: "my breast will he straitened. And my tongue will
- "Now put thy hand into thy bosom, and it will come forth white without stain
not speak (plainly): so send unto Aaraon. And (further), they have a charge of
(or harm): (these are) among the nine Signs (thou wilt take) to Pharaoh and his
crime against me; and I fear they may slay me." Allah said: "By no means! proceed
people: for they are a people rebellious in transgression." then, both of you, with Our Signs; We are with you, and will listen (to your call).
Nine Signs: The rod and the hand were two signs, and there are seven signs more, because "So go forth, both of you, to Pharaoh, and say: 'We have been sent by the Lord
Allah Almighty had mentioned nine signs: and Cherisher of the Worlds; send thou with us the Children of Israel." (Pharaoh)
said: "Did we not cherish thee as a child among us, and didst thou not stay in
To Moses We did give nine Clear Signs: ask the Children of Israel: when he came our midst many years of thy life? And thou didst a deed of thine which (thou
to them, Pharaoh said to him: "O Moses! I consider thee, indeed, to have been knowest) thou didst, and thou art an ungrateful!" ,
worked upon by sorcery! Moses said, "Thou knowest well that these things have
Musa and Harun (PBUH) came to Pharaoh and said: "We are the Messengers of the Lord
been sent down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-opening
and Cherisher of the Mankind, Jinns and all .exists, allow the Children of Israel to go with
evidence: and I consider thee indeed, O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction!"
us". But Pharaoh said with arrogance: "Who cherished you? Did we not bring you up as a
Allah Almighty had explained these signs: child? Did you not grow up among us? And you did your deed by killing the Egyptian, and
5J
you are one of the ingrates". Then Musa (PBUH) said: J
We punished the people of Pharaoh with years (of drought) and shortness of
k &cr9ps; that they might receive admonition. But when good (times) came, they said, I did it then, when I was in error.
ill
106 AH the Prophets
Later Age-1 107
It means that I did it before the Divine inspiration comes to me:
warning or fear (Allah)." They (Moses and Aaraon) said: "Our Lord! We fear lest
"So I fled from you (all) when I feared you; but my Lord has (since) invested me he hasten with insolence against us, or lest he transgress all bounds." He said:
with judgement (and wisdom) and appointed me as one of the messengers. "Fear not: for I am with you: I hear and see (everything).
Musa (PBUH) said to Pharaoh: "What favours? Do you count it also as a favour to me Allah Almighty chose Musa (PBUH) to be His Messenger and to preach His (Allah)
that you have enslaved my brethren the Children of Israel?" Message to all the worshippers. Therefore Allah Almighty sent Musa (PBUH) and his brother
Harun to Pharaoh and ordered them not to be weak in His (Allah) remembrance. As Allah
Pharaoh said: "And what is the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds?" (Moses) said: "The Almighty said:
Lord and Cherisher of the heavens and the earth, and all between, - if ye had but sure belief."
(Pharaoh) said to those around: "Do ye not listen (to what he says)?" (Moses) said: "Your O ye who believe! when ye meet a force, be firm, and call Allah in remembrance
Lord and the Lord of your fathers from the beginning!" (Pharaoh) said: "Truly your messenger much (and often); that ye may prosper.
who has been sent to you is a veritable mad man!" (Moses) said "Lord of the East and the Inspite of Pharaoh's disbelief and disobedience, Allah Almighty ordered Musa (PBUH)
West, and all between! if ye only had sense!" to speak unto him a ently, so that he might perhaps repent and believe in Allah, as Allah
Pharaoh pretended that he is the god Almighty said to his Messenger Muhammad (PBUH):
Then he collected (his men) and made a proclamation, saying, "I am your Lord, Most Invite (all) to the way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue
Hieh". with them in ways that are best and most gracious.
Pharaoh said: "O Chiefs! no god do I know for you but myself. Musa and Harun feared Pharaoh, but Allah assured to them His protection.
Pharaoh was obstinate man, he knows that Allah Almighty is the creator and that he is "So go ye both to him, and say, 'Verily we are Messengers sent by thy Lord: send forth,
just a creature, but he refused to accept this fact, as Allah Almighty said: And they denied therefore, the Children of Israel with us, and afflict them not: with a Sign, indeed, have we
them, though their souls acknowledged them wrongfully and out of pride: so see what was come from thy Lord! and Peace to all who follow guidance! 'Verily it has been revealed to
the end of those who acted corruptly! us that the Chastisement (awaits) those who reject and turn away."
Therefore Pharaoh said to Musa (PBUH): "And what is the Lord and Cherisher of the Pharaoh Called to Allah: Musa and Harun called Pharaoh to worship Allah alone without
Worlds?" Musa (PBUH) said to him: "He is the God of the heavens and the earth and all partner, and to send the Children of Israel with them, with a Sign, indeed, have we come
between: therefore He is also your God, and the God of your fathers from the beginning. Any from thy Lord! the rod and the hand, and Peace to all who follow guidance!, Allah, in His
other pretensions are false!" infinite Mercy, always, offer Peace to the most hardened sinners, even those who are warring
against Him. But their defiance cannot go on with impunity indefinitely. The punishment
Now there is nothing more left for Pharaoh to say, therefore he started to threat.
must inevitably come for sin, whether the sinner is great or small. Therefore Musa and Harun
(Pharaoh) said: "If thou takest any god other than me, I will certainly put thee in prison!" warned Pharaoh that the torment will be for who deny and turn away.
(Moses) said: "Even if I showed you something clear (and) convincing?" (Pharaoh) said:
"Show it then, if thou tellest the truth!" So (Moses) threw his rod, and behold, it was a serpent
plain (for all to see)! And he drew out his hand, and behold, it was white to all beholders! ...(When this message was delivered). (Pharaoh) said: "Who then, O Moses, is the
But Pharaoh and his Court were too arrogant to accept Musa's religion. Lord of you two?" He said: "Our Lord He Who gave to each (created) thing its
form then, gave (it) guidance." (Pharaoh) said: "What then is the condition of
previous generations?" He replied: "The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly
Then didst thou tarry a number of years with the people of Medina. Then didst recorded: my Lord never errs, nor forgets, -He Who has made for you the earth
thou come hither as ordainedz O Moses! "And I have prepared thee for Myself like a carpet spread out; has enabled you to go about therein by roads (and
(for service)"... Go, thou and thy brother, with My signs and slacken not, either channels); and has sent down water from the sky." With it have We produced
of you, in keeping Me in remembrance. "Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, for he has diverse pairs of plants each separate from the others. Eat (for yourselves) and
indeed transgressed all bounds; "but speak to him mildly; perchance he may take pasture your cattle: verily, in this are Signs for men endued with understanding.
All the Prophets
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From the (earth) did We create you, and into it shall We return you, and from
it shall We bring you out once again. Pharaoh came with his council, the sorcerers and every one in the city came, because
Pharaoh called them to attend the tryst, and they were saying:
Pharaoh asked insolently: "Who is the Lord of yours, of Whom you speak as having
sent you?" They said: "He is the One and Only God, Who had created all beings and "That we may follow the sorcerers if they win?"
all things. It was from Him that each created thing derived its form and nature". As Allah Musa (PBUH) warned them that their tricks will stand exposed, and their hopes will be
Almighty said: defeated. The sorcerers knew that they had here to deal with no ordinary man, verily he is
Glorify the name of thy Guardian-Lord Most High, Who hath created, and further, given a man with great powers. But evil always thinks evil, and they decided to stand together
order and proportion; Who hath measured. And granted guidance. against Musa and Harun and the sorcerers said: "Therefore concert your plan, and then
assemble in (serried) ranks: he wins (all along) today who gains the upper hand."
Almighty's Providence in Nature : Pharaoh said: "What of the religion of our ancestors?
Were they wrong in worshipping the Egyptian gods? And if they were wrong, are they in They said; "O Moses! whether with thou that thou throw (first) or that we be the first
misery now?" Pharaoh wanted to trap Musa (PBUH), but Musa (PBUH) didn't fall into the to throw?" He said, "Nay, throw ye first!" Then behold their ropes and their rods- so it seemed
trap. He replied: "The knowledge of that is with my Lord, duly recorded: my Lord never to him on account of their magic- began to be in lively motion! So Moses conceived in his
mind a (sort of) fear. We said: "Fear not! for thou hast indeed .the upper hand: throw that
errs, nor forgets. Then Musa (PBUH), mentioned to Pharaoh Allah's Glory and Greatness,
which is in thy right hand: quickly will it swallow up that which they have faked: what they
and explained the working of Allah's Providence in nature, as Allah Almighty said: 0 ye
have faked is but a magician's trick: and the magician succeeds not.
people! worship your Guardian Lord, who created you and those who came before you that
ye may become righteous. Who has made the earth your couch, and the heavens your canopy The sorcerers throw their ropes and rods, and seemed to move about like snake, and they
and sent down rain from the heavens; and brought forth therewith fruits for your sustenance; effected everyone even Musa (PBUH) as Allah Almighty said: So when they threw, they
then set not up rivals unto Allah when ye know (the truth). bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into them: and they showed a great (feat
of) magic. So Moses conceived in his mind a (sort of) fear. Allah Almighty said to Musa: "Fear
not! for thou hast indeed the upper hand: "throw that which is in thy right hand: quickly
And We showed Pharaoh all Our Signs, but he did reject and refuse. He said: will it swallow up that which they have faked: what they have faked is but a magician's trick:
"Hast thou come to drive us out of our land with thy magic, O Moses? But we and the magician succeeds not. At that moment Musa (PBUH) threw his rod and said: "What
can surely produce magic to match thine! so make a tryst between us and thee, ye. have brought in sorcery: Allah will surely make it of no effect: for Allah prospereth not
which we shall not fail to keep-neither we nor thou-in a place were both shall have the work of those who make mischief. And Allah by His Words doth prove and establish
even chances." Moses said: "Your tryst is the Day of the Festival, and let the people the Truth, however much the sinners may hate it!"
be assembled when the sun is well up." Allah Almighty said:
Musa (PBUH) chose the Day of the Festival as appointment in order to collect as large
We revealed to Moses "Throw thy rod": and behold! it swallows up all the
a number as possible, for his first duty to preach the Truth. falsehoods which they fake! Thus truth was confirmed. And all that they did was
Allah Almighty said: made of no effect. So they were vanquished there and then, and turned about
humble. But the sorcerers fell down prostrate in adoration. Saying: "We believe
So Pharaoh withdrew: he concerted his plan, and then came (back). Moses said in the Lord of the Worlds. The Lord of Moses and Aaraon."
to them: "Woe to you! Forge not ye a lie against Allah, lest He destroy you (at
once) utterly by chastisement: the forger must suffer failure." So they disputed, Tricks Failed: When Musa (PBUH) threw his rod it became a great serpent and this made
one with another, over their affair, but they kept their talk secret. They said: the people running away, then it swallowed the sorcerers' ropes and rods. When the sorcerers
"These two are certainly (expert) magicians: their object is to drive you out from saw what happened, they knew that it is something very different from their tricks. Allah's
your land with their magic, and to do away with your most cherished way. power worked on them and they professed the True God, as Allah Almighty said:
Therefore concert your plan, and then assemble in (serried) ranks: he wins (all
along) today who gains the upper hand." So the magicians were thrown down to prostration: they said, "We believe in the
Lord of Aaron and Moses". (Pharaoh) said: "Believe ye in Him before I give you
110 All the Prophets Later Age-1 111
permission? Surely this must be your leader. Who has taught you magic’ be sure was confirmed. And all that they did was made of no effect. So they were
I will cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will have you crucified vanquished there and then, and turned about humble. But the sorcerers fell down
on trunks of palm-trees: so shall ye know for certain, which of us can give the prostrate in adoration. Saying: "We believe in the Lord of the Worlds. The Lord
more severe and the more lasting Punishment!" They said: "Never shall we prefer of Moses and Aaron." Said Pharaoh: "Believe ye in Him before I give you
thee to what has come to us of the Clear Signs and then Him Who created us! permission? Surely this is a trick which ye have planned in the City to drive out
so decree whatever thou desirest to decree: for thou canst only decree (touching) its people: but soon shall ye know (the consequences). Be sure I will cut off your
the life of this world. For us, we have believed in our Lord: may He forgive us hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." They said: "For
our faults, and the magic of which thou didst compel us: for Allah is Best and us, we are but sent back unto our Lord. But thou dost wreak thy vengeance on
Most Abiding." Verily he who comes to his Lord as a sinner (at Judgment), -for us simply because we believed in the Signs of our Lord when they reached us!
him is Hell: there in shall he neither die nor live. But such as come to Him as Our Lord! pour out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto thee
Believers who have worked righteous deeds, - for them are ranks exalted, - as Muslims (who bow to Thy Will)!"
Gardens of Eternity, beneath which flow rivers: they will dwell therein for aye: Allah Almighty said:
such is the reward of those who purify themselves (from evil).
Then after them sent We Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh and his chiefs with Our
Said bin Zubayr said: "When the magicians prostrated, they saw them Palaces in the
Signs. But they were arrogant: they were a wicked people. When the Truth did
Paradise, therefore they didn't’ afraid from Pharaoh's threats."
come to them from Us, they said: "This is indeed evident sorcery!" Said Moses:"
Pharaoh accused his sorcerers who have been converted, of having been in league with Say ye (this) about the Truth when it hath (actually) reached you? Is it sorcery
Musa (PBUH) all the time, and in fact of having been led and taught by him! So arrogance (like) this? But sorcerers will not prosper." They said: "Hast thou come to us to
and evil cannot conceive of Allah's worlds and worlds of beauty and truth beyond its own turn us away from the ways we found our fathers following, a - in order that thou
narrow vision! It is truly blind and its very cleverness deludes it to wander far from the truth. and thy brother may have greatness in the land? But not we shall believe in you!"
Said Pharaoh: "Bring me every sorcerer well-versed." When the sorcerers came,
Moses said to them: "Throw ye what ye (wish) to throw!" When they had their
Then after them We sent Moses with Our Signs to Pharaoh and his chiefs. But throw, Moses said: "What ye have brought is sorcery: Allah will surely make it
they wrongfully rejected them: so see what was the end of those who made of no effect: for Allah prospereth not the work of those who make mischief. And
mischief. Moses said: "O Pharaoh! I am a messenger from the Lord of the Worlds, Allah by his words doth prove and establish the Truth, however much the Sinners
-one for whom it is right to say nothing but truth about Allah. Now have I come may hate it!"
unto you (people), from your Lord with a clear (Sign): so let the Children of Israel
depart along with me." (Pharaoh) said: "If indeed thou hast come with a Sign,
show it forth,- if thou tellest the truth." Then (Moses) threw his rod, and behold! ... (Pharaoh) said: "If thou takest any god other than me, I will certainly put thee
It was a serpent, plain (for all to see)! And he drew out his hand, and behold! in prison!" (Moses) said: "Even if I showed you something clear (and) convincing?"
it was white to all beholders! Said the Chiefs of the people of Pharaoh: "This is (Pharaoh) said:" Show’ it then, if thou tellest the truth!" So (Moses) threw his rod,
indeed a sorcerer well-versed. His plan is to get you out of your land: then what and behold, it was a serpent, plain (for all to see)! and he drew out his hand, and
is it ye counsel?" They said: "Keep him and his brother in suspense (for a while); behold, it was white to all beholders! (Pharaoh) said to the Chiefs around him:
and send to the cities men to collect- and bring up to thee all (our) sorcerers well- "This is indeed a sorcerer well-versed: "his plan is to get you out of your land
versed." So there came the sorcerers to Pharaoh: they said, "Of course we shall by his sorcery; then what is it ye counsel?" They said: "Keep him and his brother
have a (suitable) reward if we win! "He said: "Yea, (and more),-for ye shall in that in suspense (for a while), and dispatch to the Cities heralds to collect- and bring
case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." They said: "O Moses! wilt thou V
up to thee all (our) sorcerers well-versed." So the sorcerers were got together for
throw (first), or shall we have the (first) throw?" Said Moses: "Throw ye (first)."
the appointment of a day well-known, and the people were told: "Are ye (now)
So when they threw, they bewitched the eyes of the people, and struck terror into
assembled?- That we may follow the sorcerers if they sin?" So when the sorcerers
them: and they showed a great (feat of) magic. We revealed to Moses "Throw thy
I arrived, they said to Pharaoh: "Of course - shall we have a (suitable) reward if
rod": and behold! it swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! Thus truth
Later Age-1 113
we win?" He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts)
Abdullah bin Abbas said (about the sorcerers' repentance): "They were at morning sorcerers,
nearest (to my person)." Moses said to them: "Throw ye - that which ye are about
and at afternoon they became Martyrs".
to throw!" So they threw their ropes and their rods, and said: "By the-might of
Pharaoh, it is we who will certainly win!" Then Moses threw his rod, when behold,
it straightway swallows up all the falsehoods which they fake! then did the
Said the chiefs of Pharaoh's people: "Wilt thou leave Moses and his people, to
sorcerers fall down, prostrate in adoration, saying: "We believe in the Lord of the
spread mischief in the land, and to abandon thee and thy gods?" He said: "Their
Worlds. The Lord of Moses and Aaron." Said (Pharaoh): "Believe ye in Him before
male children will we slay; (only) their females will we save alive; and we have
I give you permission? Surely he is your leader, who has taught you sorcery! but
over them (power) irresistible." Said Moses to his people: "Pray for help from
soon shall ye know! "Be sure I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite
Allah, and (wait) in patience and constancy: for the earth is Allah's, to give as a
sides, and 1 will crucify you all." They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return
heritage to such of His servants as He pleaseth; and the end is (best) for the
to our Lord! "only, our desire is that our Lord will forgive us our faults, since
righteous." They said: We have had (nothing but) trouble, both before and after
we are the first to believe."
thou earnest to us." He said: "It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy
A Lie by Pharaoh : Pharaoh lied when he said: "Surely this must be your leader who has and make you inheritors in the earth; that so He may see how ye act."
taught you magic!" and then accused the sorcerers by saying: Surely this is a trick which ye
Council's Appeal : The council appealed to Pharaoh's vanity and his superstition and
have planned in the City to drive out its people: but soon shall ye know (the consequences)."
sense of power, and they said to him: "If you leave them alone, where will be your authority?
And he threatened the repentant sinners with the extreme punishment for treason and
You and your gods will be defied!" But Pharaoh has a ready answer: He said: "Their male
apostasy, "Be sure will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify
you all." And he said that he will make them an example to his people, and I will have you children will we slay; (only) their females will we save alive; and we have over them (power)
crucified on trunks of palm-trees, because the palm-trees are too high and all the people will irresistible". Musa said to his people: "Seek help in Allah and be patient and the victory will
be able to see them crucified, so shall ye know for certain, which of us can give the more be for the righteous, as Allah Almighty said in another Surat:
severe and the more lasting Punishment! Moses said: "O my People! if ye do (really) believe in Allah, then in Him put your
They said: "Never shall we prefer thee to what has come to us of the Clear Signs, because trust if ye submit (your will to His)."
they were touched by the glorious Light of Allah, and they were ready to suffer tortures and
The Israelites said to Musa (PBUH): "We have suffered troubles, before you came to us
death, therefore they said to Pharaoh: "Do what you want to do, "For thou canst only decree
and since you have come to us. And our male children were killed before and after you came".
(touching) the life of this world. They said: "No matter! for us, we shall but return to our
Lord!" Musa (PBUH) said to them:" It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make
you successors in the earth so that He may see, how you act?"
Then the Egyptian magicians (the believers) warned Pharaoh from Allah's punishment:
Verily he who comes to his Lord as a sinner (at Judgment),- for him is Hell: therein shall he Allah Almighty said:
neither die nor live . But such as come to Him as Believers who have worked righteous deeds,
Of old We sent Moses, with Our Signs and an Authority manifest, to Pharaoh,
for them are ranks exalted, Gardens of Eternity, beneath which flow rivers: they will dwell
Haman, and Quran; but they called (him) "A sorcerer telling lies!..
therein for aye: such is the reward of those who purify themselves (from evil.) It means that:
O Pharaoh! take care and try to be of the believers. But Pharaoh didn't listen to them and Pharaoh was the king, and Haman was his minister. Haman was the type of a sycophant
he continued in his disbelief. Therefore Allah Almighty described Pharaoh as from the people who would pander to the vanity of any man in power.
of the Fire:
Now, when he brought them the Truth, from Us, They said, "Slay the sons of those who
"Then pour over his head the Chastisement of Boiling Water "Taste thou (this)! believe with him, and keep alive their females," but the plots of unbelievers (end) in nothing
truly thou art mighty, full of honour! but errors (and delusions)!... and this killing to the male children was a kind of despising to
It looks like that Pharaoh killed the repentant sinners and them saying "Our Lord! pour the Israelites because they were the custodians of Allah's Faith at that time.
out on us patience and constancy, and take our souls unto Thee as Muslims (who bow to Said Pharaoh: "Leave me to slay Moses: and let him call on his Lord! what fear is lest
Thv Will)?" proves their death. he should change your religion, or lest he should cause mischief to appear in the land!" Moses
114
said: "I have indeed called upon my Lord and your Lord (for protection) from every arrogant Allah Almighty said:
one who believes not in the Day of Account! * It means that I sought refuge tn Allah from
And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my people! Does not the
Pharaoh and his companions.
dominion of Egypt belong to me, (witness) these streams flowing underneath my
Allah Almighty said: (palace)? What! see ye not then? Am I not better than this (Moses), who is a
contemptible wretch and can scarcely express himself clearly? Then why are not
A Believer, a man from among the people of Pharaoh, who had concealed his faith, gpld bracelets bestowed on him, or (why) come (not) with him angels accompanying
said: "Will ye shy a man because he says, 'My Lord is Allah’? When he has indeed him in procession?" Thus did he make fools of his people, and they obeyed him:
come to you with Clear (Signs) from your Lord? And if he be a liar, on him is truly were they a people rebellious (against Allah). When at length they provoked
(the sin of) his lie; but, if he is telling the Truth, then will fall on you something Us, We exacted retribution from them, and We-drowned them all. And We made
of the (calamity) of which he warns you: truly Allah guides not one who transgresses them (a People) of the Past and an example to later ages.
and lies! O my People! yours is the dominion this day: ye have the upper hand
in the land: but who will help us from the Punishment of Allah, should it befall
us?** Pharaoh said: "I but point out to you that which I see (myself); nor do I guide Then did (Moses) show him the Great Sign. But (Pharaoh) rejected it and disobeyed
you but to the Path of Right!" (guidance); further, he turned his back, striving hard (against Allah). Then he
collected (his men) and made a proclamation, saying,/ "I am your Lord, Most
The commentators disagreed in the identification of this man, and in his name. But some
High". But Allah did punish him, (and made an) example of him, in the Hereafter,
of them said that he was Pharaoh's cousin, and according to the verse the man hid his faith.
as in this life. Verily in this is a lesson for who so ever fear the (Allah).
Clear Signs : A commonsense view is put before Pharaoh and his people by an Egyptian
who loves his own people and does not wish them to perish in sin. The man said to them:
"Will you kill this man for calling on Allah? Have you not seen his character and behaviour? "And we sent Moses, with our Clear (Signs) and an authority manifest, unto
Do you not see the Clear Signs about him that bespeak his credentials? Suppose for a moment Pharaoh and his Chiefs: but they followed the Command of Pharaoh, and the
that he is a liar and pretender: he will suffer for his falsehood, but why should you turn against command of Pharaoh was not rightly guided. He will go before his people on The
Allah? But suppose that he is really inspired by Allah to tell you the truth and warn you Day of Judgement, and lead them into the Fire but woeful indeed will be the place
against evil, what will be your fate when Allah's Wrath descends? For it must descend if he to which they are led! and they are followed by a curse in this (life) and on the
is a true Messenger sent by Allah." Day of Judgement: and woeful is the gift which shall be given (unto them)!"
But Pharaoh said: "I can see and understand everything. As I see things, so do I direct The meant is to show Pharaoh's falsehood in saying:
you. The Path which I see must be right, and you must follow it."
"I but point out to you that which I see (myself); nor do I guide you but to the
Allah Almighty informed in Surat Al-Israa what Musa (PBUH) said (to Pharaoh):
Path of Right! "
Moses said, "Thou knowest well that these things have been sent down by none but the
Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-opening evidence: and I consider thee indeed, Allah Almighty said:
O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction!" So he (Pharaoh) resolved to remove them
from the face of the earth: but We did drown him and all who were with him. And We Then said the man who believed: "O my People! truly I do fear for you something
said thereafter to the Children of Israel, "Dwell securely in the land (of promise)*: but like the Day (of disaster) of the Confederates (in sin)! - "somethingt4 like the fate
when the second of the warnings came to pass. We gathered you together in a mingled of the People of Nuh, the Ad, and the Thamud, and those who came after them:
crowd. but Allah never wishes injustice to His Servants. And O my People! I fear for you
a Day when there will be mutual calling!4 (and wailing), -** a Day when ye shall
Allah Almighty said: But when Our Signs came to them, visibly they said: "This is sorcery turn your backs and flee: no defender shall ye have from Allah: any whom Allah
manifest!" And they denied them, though their souls acknowledged them wrongfully and leaves to stray, there is none to guide...
!4 And to you there came Joseph in times
out of pride: so see what was the end of those who acted corruptly! gone by, with Clear Signs, but ye ceased not to doubt of the (mission) for which
116
y—‘ All the Prophft
Later Age-1 117
he had come: at length. When he died, ye said: 'No messenger will Allah send
after him/ Thus doth Allah leave to stray such as transgress and live in doubt,- how his own egotism and haughty arrogance brought •J him to this pass, that even the evil
(such) as dispute about the Signs of Allah, without any authority that hath reached which he did seemed alluring in his own eyes! His heart was indeed sealed, and his arrogance
them, very hateful (is such conduct) in the sight of Allah and of the Believers. Thus prevented him from seeing the right path.
doth Allah seal up every heart- of arrogant tyrannical."
■ Allah Almighty said:
Warning from the Faithful : The faithful man warned them by saying: "Have you not
The man who believed said further: "O my People! follow me: I will lead you to
heard of people who lived before you? Like the generations of Nuh, the Ad, the Thamud, the Path of Right. O my People! This life of the present is nothing but (temporary)
and many more- who held together in sin against Allah's Preachers, but were wiped out for enjoyment: it is the Hereafter that is the Home that will last. He that works evil
their sins?" Then the man warned them from the Day of Judgment, when people may wail will not be requited but by the like thereof: and he that works a righteous deed
and call to each other, but no one can help another: each one will have his own judgment whether man or woman and is a Believer such will enter the Garden (of Bliss):
to face, and there will be no way to turn your backs and flee: That Day will Man say: "Where therein will they have abundance without measure.
is the refuge?" By no means! no place of safety! before thy Lord (alone), that Day will be the
The faithful man called them, once again to the Way of Truth by following Allah's Prophet
place of rest.
Musa (PBUH) and believing in his Message, and he told them the contrast between vanities,
Allah Almighty said: even thou they may glitter temporarily, and the eternal Good that is destined for man.
O ye assembly of Jinns and men! If it be ye can pass beyond the zones of the Then he started to fright them by saying: "And O my People! how (strange) it is for
heavens and the earth, pass ye! not without authority shall ye be able to pass! me to call you to salvation while ye call me to the Fire! ye do call upon me to blaspheme
against Allah, and to join with Him partners of whom I have no knowledge; and I call
then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny? On you will be sent (0 ye
you to the Exalted in Power, Who forgives again and again! without doubt ye do call
evil ones twain!) a flame of fire (to burn) and a (flash of) molten brass no defence
me to one who has no claim to be called to, whether in this world, or in the Hereafter;
will ye have: then which of the favours of your Lord will ye deny?
our Return will be to Allah; and the Transgressors will be Companions of the Fire!" soon
Then the man referred to the mission of Yusuf (PBUH) in Egypt, and how Yusuf (PBUH) will ye remember what I say to you (now). My (own) affair I commit to Allah: for Allah
wanted the good to the Egyptians, and Musa (PBUH) is from Yusuf's progeny and he is calling (ever) watches over His Servants". Then Allah saved him from (every) evil that they
them to worship Allah Almighty and to be monotheists. plotted (against him), but the brunt of the Chastisement encompassed on all sides the
People of Pharaoh. In front of the Fire will they be brought, morning and evening: •j and
Allah Almighty said: (the Sentence will be) on the Day when the Hour comes to pass: "Cast ye the People of
Pharaoh said: "O Haman! build me a lofty palace, that I may attain the ways and Pharaoh into the severest Penalty".
means- "the ways and means of (reaching) the heavens, and that I may look up The faithful man said to them: "There is nothing but Allah is worthy of worship, either
to the God of Moses: but surely, I think (Moses) is a liar!" Thus was made alluring, in this world of sense or in the next world; our return will be to Allah, the Eternal Reality;
in Pharaoh's eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the Path; and and the worship of Falsehood must necessarily lead to the penalty of Falsehood, unless Allah's
the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but perdition (for him). Mercy intervenes and forgives on the sincere repentance.
Pharaoh accused Musa (PBUH) with falsehood SB in his mission and in his saying that Allah It looks like there was a plot to kill the faithful man therefore he said to them: "No matter
had sent him, and Pharaoh pretended in front of his people and claimed, himself to be God, what you do to me. For my part I commit myself to the care of Allah, and my faith tells me
not only one god among many, but the only god: "I am your Lord Most High" as Allah that all will be right". Then Allah saved him from (every) evil that they plotted (against him),..
Almighty: Pharaoh said: "O Chiefs! no god do I know for you but myself: therefore, O Haman! because of his Faith in Allah Almighty, and readiness to sacrifice his life for Allah's Way,
light me a (kiln to bake bricks) out of clay, and build me a lofty palace, that I may mount but the brunt of the Chastisement encompassed on all sides the People of Pharaoh. Because
up to the god of Moses: but as far as I am concerned, I think (Moses) is a liar!" Here Pharaoh of their disobedience. And their punishment with fire is ever present morning and evening,
said: That I may attain the ways and means- "the ways and means of (reaching) the heavens, at all the times, and there is no mitigation.
because he thought that by his plot he will know what Musa (PBUH) knows And that I may
It meant that Allah Almighty didn't destroy them, until they refused to accept Allah's
look up to the God of Moses: but surely, I think (Moses) is a liar!". Pharaoh's speech shows
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— All îe ProP^ts Later Age-1 119
message which He sent it with Musa (PBUH), and in spite of the warnings and the advices We removed the Chastisement from them, behold they broke their word. And
they remained on their disbelief, as Allah Almighty said: Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: "O my People! Does not the
We punished the people of Pharaoh with years (of drought) and shortness of crops; that dominion of Egypt belong to me, (witness) these streams flowing underneath my
they might receive admonition. But when good (times) came, they said, "This is due to us;" (palace)? What! see ye not then? Am I not better than this (Moses), who is a
contemptible wretch and can scarcely express himself clearly? Then why are not
when gripped by calamity, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those
gold bracelets bestowed on him, or (why) come (not) with him angels accompanying
with him! behold! in truth the omens of evil are theirs in Allah's sight, but most of them do
him in procession?" Thus did he make fools of his people, and they obeyed him:
not understand! they said (to Moses): "Whatever be the Signs thou bringest, to work therewith
truly were they a people rebellious (against Allah). When at length they provoked
thy sorcery on us, we shall never believe in thee". So We sent on them: Wholesale Death,
Us, We exacted retribution from them, and We drowned them all. And We made
Locusts, Lice, Frogs, and Blood: Signs openly self-explained: but they were steeped in arrogance,
them (a People) of the Past and an Example to later ages."
a people given to sin.
Once again Allah Almighty mentioned His sending to Musa (PBUH) to Pharaoh, and how
The Punishment: Their superstition ascribed the punishment of their own wickedness
Allah supported Musa with Great Signs from Him. But Pharaoh and his people laughed
5 at
to some evil omen. The thought Musa and his people brought them ill-luck. They did not 1
Allah's Signs and refused to accept Musa (PBUH) as a Messenger from Allah.
look within themselves to see the root of evil, and the cause of their punishment: I
Also in Surat Al-Qasas Allah Almighty mentioned what happened between Musa (PBUH)
They said (to Moses): "Whatever be the Signs thou bringest, to work therewith thy sorcery
one side, and Pharaoh and his people on the other side, then Allah Almighty showed what
on us, we shall never believe in thee". A Type of obstinacy and resistance to the truth had ,
was the unbelievers end.
hardened their hearts, as Allah Almighty said: "Those against whom the Word of thy Lord
hath been verified would not believe- even if every Sign was brought unto them, - until they When Moses came to them with Our Clear Signs, they said: "This is nothing but sorcery
see (for themselves) the Chastisement Grievous." faked up: never did we hear the like among our fathers of old!" Moses said: "My Lord knows
best who it is that comes with guidance from Him and whose End will be best in the Hereafter:
So Allah Almighty sent on them, the flood, locusts, lice, frogs, and blood, but they
certain it is that The wrongdoers will not prosper." Pharaoh said: "O Chiefs!, no god do I
remained arrogant. know for you but myself: therefore, O Haman! light me a (kiln to bake bricks) out of clay,
When the Plagues came for punishment, each time the Egyptians suffered, they promised and build me a lofty palace, that I may mount up to the god of Moses: but as far as I am
amendment and begged Musa (PBUH) to intercede and cause the plague to cease. But every concerned I think (Moses) is a liar!" And he was arrogant and insolent in the land, beyond
time it ceased, they went back to their evil attitude. As Allah Almighty said: reason, - he and his hosts: they thought that they would not have to return to Us!" so We
seized him and his hosts, and We flung them into the sea: now behold what was the End
"And when the Plague fell on them, they said: "O Moses! on our behalf call on of those who did wrong! and We made them (but) leaders inviting to the Fire; and on the
thy Lord in virtue of His promise to thee: If thou wilt remove the Plague from Day of Judgment no help shall they find. In this world We made a Curse to follow them and
us, we shall truly believe in thee, and we shall send away the Children of Israel on the Day of Judgment they will be among the loathed (and despised).
with thee. "But when We removed the Plague from them according to a fixed term
Destruction of Pharaoh : Musa (PBUH) showed Pharaoh and his people Great Signs from
which they had to fulfil,- behold! they broke their word! so We exacted retribution
Allah Almighty, but their conceit, insolence and disbelief prohibited them from accepting
from them: We drowned them in the sea, because they rejected Our Signs, and
Musa (PBUH) as a Messenger from Allah, ad they refused his Message. It is said that only
failed to take warning from them."
three from the Egyptians believed in Musa's Message, and they are: Pharaoh's wife (Asya),
Allah Almighty said: the faithful man who advised Pharaoh and his people, and the man who said to Musa (PBUH):
"O Moses! the Chiefs are taking counsel together about thee, to slay thee: so get thee away,
"We did send Moses aforetime, with Our Signs, to Pharaoh and his Chiefs: he said, for I do give thee sincere advice." Because the sorcerer were Copts.
"I am a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds." But when he came to them with
Our Signs, behold they laughed at them. We showed them Sign after Sign, each Also it is said that some of the Egyptians from Pharaoh's people, the sorcerers and all
greater than its fellow, and We seized them with Punishment, in order that they the Children of Israel believed in Musa (PBUH), as Allah Almighty said; but none believed i
might turn (to Us). And they said, "O thou sorcerer! Invoke thy Lord for us in Moses except some children of his People, because of the fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs.
according to His covenant with thee; for we shall truly accept guidance." But when
1■
Later Age-1 121
lest they should persecute them; and certainly Pharaoh was mighty on the earth and one who (Israelites) are but a small band, "and they have surely enraged us; "and we are
transgressed all bounds. Because the pronoun "his" in "his people" refers to Pharaoh. The a multitude amply fore-warned." So We expelled them from gardens, springs,
majority of Pharaoh's people refused to believe at the time, but the sorcerers believed, and treasures, and every kind of honourable position; thus it was, but we made the
so did Pharaoh's wife, and ultimately Pharaoh himself, though too late. So in this case also Children of Israel inheritors of such things. So they pursued them at sunrise. And
the two faithful men were among the minority of Pharaoh's people who believed in Musa when the two bodies saw each other, the people of Moses means: "We are sure
(PBUH). to be overtaken." (Moses) said: "By no means! my Lord is with me! soon will He
At that time Musa (PBUH) said: "O my People! if ye do (really) believe in Allah, then guide me!" Then We told Moses by inspiration: "Strike the sea with thy rod." So
in Him put your trust if ye submit (your will to His). "They said: "In Allah do we put our it divided, and each separate part became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.
trust. Our Lord make us not a trial for those who practise oppression; "and deliver us by And We made the other party approach thither. We delivered Moses and all who
Thy Mercy from those who reject (Thee)." So Musa (PBUH) ordered his people to seek refuge were with him; but We drowned the others. Verily in this is a Sign: but most of
in Allah Almighty because He will save them. them do not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most
Merciful.
We inspired Moses and his brother with this Message: "Provide dwellings for your People
in Egypt, make your dwellings into places of worship, and establish regular prayers: and give The commentators narrated: "When Pharaoh and his army followed Musa (PBUH) and
Glad Tidings to those who believe!" Allah Almighty inspired to Musa (PBUH) to make the his people, the unbelievers army were about 1,600,000 soldiers with 100,000 horses. While
houses of his people into places of prayer as Pharaoh would not probably allow them to set the Israelites were about 600,000 except the children. And the time that the Israelites spent
up public places of prayer, and they were now to be only sojourners in Egypt. in Egypt since they came with their father Israel, until they left with Musa (PBUH) was 426
Allah Almighty said: solar years."
Pharaoh and his army followed Musa (PBUH) and his people, and reached near them
Moses prayed: "Our Lord! Thou hast indeed bestowed on Pharaoh and his Chiefs at the time of the sunrise. And when the two bodies saw each other, the people of Moses
splendour and wealth in the life of the Present, and so, our Lord they mislead said: "We are sure to be overtaken." Because they were surrounded from the four sides; in
(men) from Thy Path. Deface our Lord the features of their wealth, and send front of them there is the sea; while from the right and the left sides there are high mountains;
hardness to their hearts, so they will not believe until they see the grievous and from behind there are Pharaoh and his army. But Musa (PBUH) assured them "By no
Chastisement." Allah said: "Accepted is your prayer (O Moses and Aaron)! so means! my Lord is with me! soon will He guide me!" Then he moved towards the sea and
stand ye straight, and follow not the path of those who know not." said: "Here from this place (we will cross) I have been ordered". At that time, with Musa
The great prayer of Musa (PBUH), in which Harun (PBUH) joined, means that: "O Allah! (PBUH) were his brother Harun, Yushbin Nun (one of the righteous people from Israel), the
we understand that the glitter and the wealth of the Egyptians are not to be envied. They Egyptian faithful man and the Israelites, all they were looking at the sea and wondering, and
are but the ephemeral goods of this life. They are a disadvantage, in that in their pride of it is said that the Egyptian faithful man tried many times to cross the sea while he was asking
possessions the Egyptians mislead themselves and others. Let their pride be their undoing! Musa (PBUH): "O Allah's Prophet! from here you have been ordered (to cross)?" And Musa
Turn their wealth into bitterness and their hearts into hardness, for they reject Thee, and they (PBUH) kept on saying: "Yes".
■
will not believe until they actually see the Punishment of their sins!" Allah Almighty said:
Therefore Allah Almighty accepted his prayer as He accepted the prayer of Nuh (PBUH).
Then We told Moses by inspiration: "Strike the sea with thy rod." So it divided,
"O my Lord! Leave not of the Unbelievers, a single one on earth! "for, if Thou dost leave and each separate part became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.
(any of) them, they will but mislead Thy devotees, and they will breed none but wicked
ungrateful ones. Hence Allah Almighty said: "Accepted is your prayer (O Moses and Aaron)! Also Allah Almighty said:
so stand ye straight, and follow not the path of those who know not." We sent an inspiration to Moses: "Travel by night with My servants, and strike
Allah Almighty said: a dry path for them through the sea, without fear of being overtaken (by Pharaoh)
and without (any other) fear." Then Pharaoh pursued them with his forces, but
By inspiration We told Moses: "Travel by night with My servants: for surely ye the waters completely overwhelmed them and covered them up. Pharaoh led his
shall be pursued." Then Pharaoh sent heralds to (all) the cities, (saying): "These
people astray instead of leading them a right.
122 All the Prophets later Age-1 123
The intended is that when Musa (PBUH) wanted a path to pass safely through the sea violence)! "this day shall We save thee in thy body, that thou mayest be a Sign
by it he and his people, Allah Almighty ordered him to strike the sea with his rod and they to those who come after thee! but verily, many among mankind are heedless of
got the path which they were looking for, therefore he and his people passed safely through Our Signs!"
the sea. Then Musa (PBUH) wanted to make the sea as it was before, in order to prevent
Pharaoh and his army from passing the sea and reaching them. But Allah Almighty ordered
him to leave the sea as it is (quiet and divided). As Allah Almighty said: Those against whom the Word of thy Lord hath been verified would not believe-
even if every Sign was brought unto them,- until they see (for themselves) the
We did, before them, try the people of Pharaoh: there came to them a messenger
Chastisement Grievous.
most honourable, saying: "Restore to me the servants of Allah: I am to you a
messenger worthy of all trust;" and be not arrogant as against Allah: for I come Also Allah Almighty said:
to you with authority manifest. For me, I have sought safety with my Lord and
But when they saw Our Mighty, they said: "We believe in Allah,- The One God-
your Lord, against your injuring me. If ye believe me not, at least keep yourselves
and we reject the partners we used to join with Him." But their professing the
away from me." (But they are aggressive:) then he cried to his Lord: "These are
indeed a people given to sin." (The reply came:) "March forth with my servants Faith when they (actually) saw Our Punishment was not going to profit them.
(Such has been) Allah's way of dealing with His servants (from the most ancient
by night: for ye are sure to be pursued. And leave the sea as a furrow (divided):
for they are a host (destined) to be drowned." How many were the gardens and times). And even thus did the rejecters of Allah lose (utterly)!
springs they left behind, and corn-fields and noble buildings, and pleasant things Allah almighty told that when the drowning overtook Pharaoh, he confessed that Allah
wherein they had taken such delight! Thus (was their end)! and We made other is the One True God. But this was the death-bed repentance, and even so it was forced by
people inherit (those things)! and neither heaven nor earth shed a tear over them: the terror of the catastrophe. So it was not accepted in its entirety. Only his body was saved
nor were they given a respite (again). We did deliver aforetime the Children of from the sea, to be a Sign to those who came after him from the Israelites who were in doubt
Israel from humiliating Punishment, inflicted by Pharaoh, for he was arrogant about his death, and the death of Pharaoh and his army was in the day of Ashuraa.
(even) among inordinate transgressors. And We chose them aforetime above the
nations, knowingly, and granted them Signs in which there was a manifest trial. Narrated Ibn Abbas: When the Prophet (PBUH) came to Al-Medina, he found (the Jews)
fasting on the day of 'Ashuraa' (i.e. 10th of Muharram). They used to say: "This is a great
Pharaoh became depressed when he saw Musa (PBUH) with his people crossing the sea, day on which Allah saved Musa and drowned the folk of Pharaoh. Musa observed the fast
and he knew that what happened was from the power of Allah Almighty, but his arrogance on this day, as a sign of gratitude to Allah." The Prophet (PBUH) said, "I am closer to Musa
prohibited him from accepting the reality, and he spoke with his army by saying: "See how than they. "So, he observed the fast (on that day) and ordered the Muslim to fast on it.
the sea is divided for me, so I can catch my servants, who disobeyed me".
Children of Israel after Pharaoh : Allah Almighty said:
It is said that Jibril (PBUH) came as a horseman and he crossed the sea in front of Pharaoh
and his army, therefore they followed him, but the sea afterwards closed in, totally destroying So We exacted retribution from them: We drowned them in the sea, because they
Pharaoh and his soldiers. As Allah Almighty said: rejected Our Signs, and failed to take warning from them. And we made a people,
We delivered Moses and all who were with him; but We drowned the others. Verily in considered weak (and of no account), inheritors of lands in both East and West.-
this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, lands where-on We sent down Our blessings. The fair promise of thy Lord was
Most Merciful. fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because they had patience and constancy, and
We levelled to the ground the great Works and fine Buildings which Pharaoh and
Allah Almighty said: his people erected (with such pride). We took the Children of Israel (with safety)
We took the Children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his hosts followed them across the sea. They came upon a people devoted entirely to some idols they had.
in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed with the flood, he said: "I They said: "O Moses: fashion for us a god like unto the gods they have." He said:
believe that there is no god except Him Whom the Children of Israel believe in: "Surely ye are a people without knowledge". As to these folk,-the cult they are
I am of those who submit (to Allah in Islam)." (It was said to him:)" Ah now! - in is bound to destruction, and vain is the (worship) which they practise." He said: 1
But a little while before, wast thou in rebellion! -and thou didst mischief (and "Shall I seek for you a god other than Allah, when it is He who hath endowed
you with gifts above the nations?" And remember We rescued you from Pharaoh's God-fearing men were two on whom Allah had bestowed His grace: they said:
people, who afflicted you with the worst of punishment who slew your male "Assault them at the (proper) Gate: when once ye are in, victory will be yours;
children and saved alive your females: in that was a momentous trial from your but on Allah put your trust if ye have faith." They said: "O Moses’, we shall never
Lord. enter it as long as they are in it. Go thou, and thy Lord, and fight ye two, while
Allah Almighty mentioned what happened to Pharaoh and his soldiers and their destruction, we sit here. He said: "O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother:
then how the Israelites become a great glorious nation. Also Allah Almighty said: so separate us from this rebellious people! "Allah said: "Therefore will the land
be out of their reach for forty years: in distraction will they wander through the
Thus it was, but We made the Children of Israel inheritors of such things. land: but sorrow- thou not over these rebellious people.
And We wished to be Gracious to those who were being depressed in the land, to make When Musa (PBUH) and the Israelites camped near the holy land. From the camp there
them leaders (in faith) and make them heirs, twelve men were sent to spy out the land. They saw a rich country, and brought from it
pomegranates and figs and a bunch of grapes so heavy that it had to be carried by two men
Then Allah Almi mentioned in Surat Al-Araf:
on a staff. They came back and reported that the land was rich, but the men there were too
And We levelled to the ground the great Works and fine Buildings which Pharaoh strong for them. The people of Israel had no courage and no faith, and Musa remonstrated
and his people erected (with such pride). with them.
The people were not willing to follow the lead of Musa, and were not willing to fight
It means that Allah Almighty destroyed them, and He took from them all the glory which
for their (inheritance). In effect they said: "Turn out the enemy first, and then we shall enter
they were proud of, the king (Pharaoh), the attendants of Pharaoh, the princes and the soldiers
into possession".
all perished, and there was nobody in Egypt except the common people.
Among those who returned after spying out the land were two men who had faith and
Ibn Abdul-Hakam said in his book (History of Egypt): "Since the destruction of Pharaoh
courage. They were Yusha and Kalab. Yusha afterwards succeeded Musa (PBUH) in the
and his army, the women of Egypt controlled the men, because the wives of the princes
leadership after 40 years. These two men pleaded for an immediate entry through the proper
married to men from the common people."
Gate. But of course, they said, they must put their trust in Allah for victory. But the Israelites
After they crossed the sea, the Israelites came upon people worshipping the idols, replay to Musa (PBUH) was full of irony, insolence, blasphemy, and cowardice. In effect they
and they asked the idolaters why they are worshipping them (i.e. the idols)? The idolaters said: "Ye talk of your God and all that: go with your God and fight there if you like: we shall
said that the idols protects them and provides them with the means of living, therefore sit here and watch."
- some of the Israelites with all the stupidity asked Musa (PBUH) to make for them gods
He said: "O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother: so separate us from
like these idols, hence Musa (PBUH) said to them: "Verily, you are a people who know
this rebellious people!". Musa (PBUH) was careful to separate himself and his brother from
not (the Majesty and Greatness of Allah and what is obligatory upon you, i.e. to worship
the rebellion.
none but Allah Alone the One and the Only God of all that exists)". Then Musa (PBUH)
said: "As to these folk, - the cult they are in is bound to destruction, and vain is the Allah said:
(worship) which they practise."
"Therefore will the land be out of their reach for forty years: in distraction will dfl
Allah Almighty said: they wander through the land: but sorrow thou not over these rebellious people. fl
Remember Moses said to his people: "O my People! call in remembrance the Rebellions Punished : The punishment of the rebellious people was that they were leftfl
favour of Allah unto you, when He produced prophets among you, made you to wander distractedly hither and thither through the wilderness for forty years. That generationfl
kings, and gave you what he had not given to any other among the peoples. O was not to see the Holy Land, and it is said that they died all in this forty years and nobodx^j
my people! enter the holy land which Allah hath assigned unto you, and turn not remained of them except their children, Yusha (PBUH) and Kalab (PBUH).
back ignominiously, for then will ye be overthrown, to your own ruin." They said:
But the companions of Allah's Messenger, Muhammad (PBUH) on the day of Badr didiVt I
"O Moses! in this land are a people of exceeding strength: never shall we enter
it until they leave it: if (once) they leave, then shall we enter." (But) among (their) say to him like Musa's people said, on the contrary the Prophet (PBUH) consulted his
companions, on the day of Badr, Al-Miqdad said, "O Allah's Messenger! we do not say^to 1
you as the Children of Israel said to Musa (PBUH), 'Go you and your Lord and fight you Take then the (revelation) which I give thee, and be of those who give thanks."
two; we are sitting here,' but (we say): 'Proceed and we are with you." That seemed to delight
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) greatly.
Covenant of Sinai : Allah Almighty said: "And We ordained for him in the Tablets in all matters, Admonition and explanation K|
of all things." The Tablets of the Law contained the essential Truth, from which
We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten (more): were derived the positive injunctions and prohibitions, explanations and ;
thus was completed the term with his Lord, forty nights. And Moses had charged interpretations, which it was the function of the prophetic office to hold up for ;
his brother Aaron (before he went up): "Act for me amongst my people: do right, the people to follow. :
and follow not the way of those who do mischief." When Moses came to the place
appointed by Us, and his Lord addressed him, he said: "O my Lord! show Then Allah Almighty ordered Musa (PBUH) to take the Tablets honestly and to order H
(Thyself) to me, that I may look upon Thee." Allah said: "By no means canst thou his people to do so, and He told them that they will see the homes of the rebellious whom K
see Me (direct); but look upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shalt thou disobeyed His Messengers, lie desolate (Ad and Thamud). M
see Me." When his Lord manifested Himself to the Mount, He made it as dust, Although Allah's Signs are everywhere, but if they are rejected with scorn and blasphemy,
and Moses fell down in a swoon. When he recovered his senses he said: "Glory Allah will withdraw His grace, for sin hardens the heart and makes it impervious to the truth. H
be to Thee! To Thee I turn in repentance, and I am the first to believe." (Allah)
said: "O Moses! I have chosen thee above (other) men, by the messages I (have Making of the Golden Calf and its Worship : Allah Almighty said: M
given thee) and the words I (have spoken to thee); take then the (revelation) which
The people of Moses made, in his absence out of their ornaments, the body of
I give thee, and be of those who give thanks." And We ordained for him in the
Tablets in all matters. Admonition and explanation of all things, (and said): "Take a calf, (for worship): having lowing sound did they not see that it could neither
and hold these with firmness, and enjoin thy people to hold fast by the best in speak to them, nor show them the Way? They took it for worship and they did
the precepts: soon shall I show you the homes of the wicked, - (how they lie wrong. When they repented, and saw that they had erred, they said: "If our Lord
desolate)." Those who behave arrogantly on the earth in defiance of right- them have not mercy upon us and forgive us, we shall indeed be among the Losers.
will I turn away from My Signs: even if they see all the Signs, they will not believe "When Moses came back to his people, angry and grieved, he said: "Evil it is that
in them; and if they see the way of right conduct, they will not adopt it as the ye have done in my place in my absence: did ye make haste to bring on the
Way; but if they see the way of error, that is the Way they will adopt. For they judgment of your Lord?" He put down the Tablets, seized his brother by (the hair
have rejected Our Signs, and failed to take warning from them. Those who reject of) his head, and dragged him to him. Aaron said: "Son of my mother? The people
Our Signs and the Meeting in the Hereafter, - vain are their deeds: can they expect did indeed reckon me as naught, and went near to slaying me! Make not the
to be rewarded except as they have wrought? enemies rejoice over my misfortune, nor count thou me amongst the people of
Musa (PBUH) had already seen part of the glory of Allah in his radiant white hand, sin." Moses prayed: "O my Lord! forgive me and my brother! admit us to Thy
that shone with the glory of Divine light. But he was still in the flesh, and the mission mercy! for Thou art the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!" Those who
to his people was to begin after the Covenant of Sinai. Therefore he requested to see the took the calf (for worship) will indeed be overwhelmed with wrath from their
Lord. But Allah - the Cherisher of all His creatures - treats even His servants improper Lord and with shame in this life: thus do We recompense those who
requests with mercy, compassion, and understanding. Even the reflected glory of Allah invent (falsehoods). But those who do wrong but repent thereafter and (truly)
is too great for the grosser substance of matter. The peak on which it shone became as believe,- verily thy Lord is thereafter Oft-forgiving. Most Merciful. When the
powder before the ineffable glory, and Musa could only live by being taken out of his anger of Moses was appeased, he took up the Tablets: in the writing thereon was
bodily senses. When he recovered from his swoon he said: "Glory be to Thee! To Thee Guidance and Mercy for such as fear their Lord.
I turn in repentance, and I am the first to believe.".
Then Allah Almighty said: Allah Almighty said:
Ml
"O Moses! I have chosen thee above (other) men, by the messages I (have given ...(When Moses was up on the Mount, Allah said:) "What made thee hasten in
thee) and the words I (have spoken to thee); because Musa (PBUH) had a high advance of thy people, O Moses?" He replied: "Behold, they are close on my
mission and he had the honour of speaking to Allah. footsteps: I hastened to Thee, O my Lord, to please Thee.' (Allah) said: We have
128 1
ProPhets Later Age-1 129
tested thy people in thy absence: the Samiri has led them astray." So Moses
returned to his people in a state of anger and sorrow. He said: "O my People! Allah Almighty said:
did not your Lord make a handsome promise to you? Did then the promise seem "Could they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer), and that
to you long (in coming)? Or did ye desire that Wrath should descend from your it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?" That is to say how
Lord on you, and see ye broke your promise to me?" They said: "We broke not blind the people were! They had seen Signs of the true living God, and yet they
the promise to thee, as far as lay in our power: but we were made to carry the were willing to worship this dead image! The true living God had spoken in
weight of the ornaments of the (whole) people, and we threw them (into the fire), definite words of command, while this calf could only emit some sounds of
and that was what the Samiri suggested. Then he brought out (of the fire) before lowing, which were themselves contrived by the fraud of the Samiri, and this
the (people) the image of a calf: it seemed to low: so they said: This- is your god, image could do neither good nor harm, while Allah is the Cherisher and Sustainer
and the god of Moses, but Moses has forgotten! "Could they not see that it could of the World, Whose Mercy is unbounded and Whose Wrath is terrible.
not return them a‘word (for answer), and that it had no power either to harm And when they regretted and saw that they had gone astray, they said: "If our Lord have
them or to do them good? Aaraon had already, before this said to them: "0 my no mercy upon us and forgive us, we shall certainly be of the losers".
people! ye are being tested in this: for verily your Lord is (Allah) Most Gracious:
so follow me and obey my command." They had said: "We will not cease to Most Excellent Teaching : When Musa (PBUH) came back he said to them with anger:
worship it, will devote ourselves to it until Moses returns to us. "(Moses) said: "Did you make haste...? In your impatience, could you not wait for me? Your lapse into
"O Aaron! what kept thee back, when thou sawest them going wrong. From idolatry has only hastened Allah's wrath. If you had only waited, I was bringing to you in
the Tablets the most excellent teaching in the commands of Allah."
following me? Didst thou then disobey my order?" (Aaraon) replied: "0 son of
my mother! Seize (me) not by my beard nor by (the hair of) my head! Truly I feared Then Musa (PBUH) laid his hands on his brother Harun (PBUH), and his brother at once
lest thou shouldst say, Thou hast caused a division among the Children of Israel, explained how the turbulent people nearly killed him for resisting them. And he stated in
and thou didst not observe my word!" (Moses) said: "What then is thy case, 0 the clearest terms that the idolatry neither originated with him nor had his consent.
Samiri?" He replied: "I saw what they saw not: so I took a handful (of dust) from Moses prayed: "O my Lord! forgive me and my brother! Admit us to Thy mercy! for Thou
the footprint of the Messenger, and threw it (into the calf): thus did my soul
*4
art the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!"
suggest to me." (Moses) said: "Get thee gone! but they (punishment) in this life
will be that thou wilt say, 'Touch me not'; and moreover (for a future penalty) Allah Almighty said:
thou hast a promise that will not fail: now look at thy god, of whom thou hast
Aaron had already, before this said to them: "O my people! ye are being tested
become a devoted worshipper: we will certainly bum it in a blazing fire and scatter
in this: for verily your Lord is (Allah) Most Gracious: so follow me and obey my
it broadcast in the sea!" But the God of you all is Allah: there is no god but He:
command." It means that resist this temptation: you are being tested in this. Do
all things He comprehends in His knowledge. not follow after the Samiri, but obey me. They had said: "We will not cease to
Musa (PBUH) was up on the Mount for forty days and forty nights, he had left the elders worship it, will devote ourselves to it until Moses returns to us."
of Israel with Harun (PBUH) behind him. While he was in a state of ecstatic honour on the
Mount, his people were enacting strange scenes down below. They were tested and tried, ....(Moses) said: "What then is thy case, O Samiri?".
and they failed in the trial. They made a golden calf for worship. The Samiri invented falsehoods. He took upon himself to pretend that he had far more
Among the Israelites there was a man called Samiri, he suggested to make a golden calf, insight than anybody else by saying that he saw what the crowd didn't see. As the commen
therefore the Israelites collected the gold which they borrowed from the Egyptians before they tators said the Samiri pretended that he took a dust from the footprints of Jibril's horse, and
left Egypt, and the Samiri melted the gold, and cast it into the shape of a calf, and with a when he threw the sacred dust into the calf it uttered a lowing sound. But finally, with
deception practised by the Samiri the calf began to low. So they said: "This is your god, and arrogant effrontery, he said: "Well, that is why my soul suggested to me, and that should J
the god of Moses, but (Moses) has forgotten!", it means that" Musa has forgotten both us be enough!"
ill and his god. He has been gone for so many days. He is searching for a god on the Mount
Therefore (Musa) said: "Get thee gone! but thy (punishment) in this life will be that thou^j
when his god is really here".
It i wilt say, Touch me not'; and moreover (for a future penalty) thou hast a promise that will
130 All the Prophets Later Age-1 131_
L_
not fail, hence the Samiri was to become social leper, untouchables; perhaps also sufficiently (PBUH), when he prayed: "O my Lord! if it had been Thy will Thou couldst have destroyed,
arrogant to hold others at arm's length, and say (touch me not). long before, both them and me: wouldst Thou destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones
among us? Musa (PBUH) was guiltless, but he identified himself with his whole people, and
Then Musa (PBUH) said: "Now look at thy god, of whom thou hast become a devoted
interceded with Allah on their behalf. He recognized that it was a trial, in which some of his
worshipper: we will certainly bum it in a blazing fire and scatter in broadcast in the sea!’
people failed to stand the test. Such failure was worthy of punishment. But he pleaded for
Whereupon Musa (PBUH) said: "But the God of you all is Allah: there is no god but He mercy for such as erred from weakness and not from contumacy, and were truly repentant,
all things He comprehends in His knowledge." although all who erred were in their several degrees worthy of punishment.
Although Allah Almighty is Most Merciful and Oft Forgiving to those who committed He said: "I afflict My Punishment on whom I will; but My Mercy extendeth to all things.
evil deeds He didn't accept the repentance of the calfs worshippers except by killing, as Allah Allah's punishment will reserve for those who swerve from His plan and go out of His peace,
Almighty said: And remember Moses said to this people: "O my people! ye have indeed arid His mercy is in and for all things.
wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf: so turn (in repentance) to your Maker, and Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "When Allah completed
kill yourselves (the innocents kill the wrong-doers among you); that will be better for you the creation. He wrote in His Book which is with Him on His Throne, 'My Mercy has overcome
in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned towards you (in forgiveness): for He is Oft- My Anger'."
Returning, Most Merciful.
It is reported on the authority of Al-Mugira bin. Shuba that the Messenger of Allah
The narrators said: "One day the Israelites who did not worship the calf took them swords, (PBUH) said: Musa (PBUH) asked his Lord: "Who amongst the inhabitants of Paradise is the
and Allah Almighty made the weather foggy so that the man could not identify his neighbour, lowest in rank?" He (Allah) said: "A man would be admitted into Paradise last of all among
not his companion, nor his brother. Then they attacked the calfs worshippers and killed them those deserving it". It would be said to him: 'Enter Paradise'. He would say: 'O my Lord!
all". It is said that they killed 70,000 men in that day, also it is said that they killed 3, 000 how (should I enter) while the people have settled in their apartments and taken their shares
men in that day . (portions)?' It would be said to him:' Would you be pleased if there be for you like the
kingdom of a king amongst the kings of the world?' He would say: 'I am pleased, my Lord.'
And Moses chose seventy of his people for Our place of meeting: when they were seized
It would be said to him 'For you is that, and like that, and like that, and like that, and that'.
with violent quaking, he prayed: "O my Lord! if it had been Thy Will Thou couldst have
He would say at the fifth (point): 'I am well pleased, my Lord'. It would be said to him: 'It
destroyed, long before, both them and me: wouldst Thou destroy us for the deeds of the
is for you ten times like it, and for you is what yourself desire and your eye enjoy. 'He would
foolish ones among us? This is no more than Thy trial: by it Thou causes! whom Thou wilt
say: 'I am well pleased, my Lord." He (Musa) said: "Which is the highest of their (inhabitants
stray, and Thou leadst whom Thou wilt into the right path. Thou art our Protector: so forgive
of Paradise) ranks? "He (Allah) said: "They are those whom I choose. I establish their honour
us and give us Thy mercy; for Thou art the Best of those who forgive. And ordain for us
with My Own hand and then set a seal over it (and they would be blessed with Bounties)
that which is good, in this life and in the Hereafter: for we have turned unto Thee." He said:
which no eye has seen, nor ear has heard and no human mind has perceived: Now no person
"I afflict My Punishment on whom I will; but My Mercy extendeth to all things. That (Mercy)
knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them - as a reward for their
I shall ordain for those who do right, and pay Zakat and those who believe in Our Signs; (good) deeds.
those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their
own (Scriptures), in the Taurat and the Gospel; for he commands them what is just and forbids Allah Almighty said:
them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from
And remember We took your Covenant and We raised above you the Mount
what is bad (and impure): he releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes
(Sinai), (Saying): "Hold firmly to what We have given you and bring (ever) to
that are upon them. So it is those who believe in him, honour him, help him, and follow the
remembrance what is therein: per chance ye may fear Allah." But ye turned back
light which is sent down with him, it is they who will prosper."
thereafter: had it not been for the Grace and Mercy of Allah to you ye had surely J
Elders to Mount: Seventy of the elders were taken up to the Mount, but left at some been among the loser. I
distance from the place where Allah Almighty spoke to Musa (PBUH). They were to be silent
When We raised the Mount over them, as if it had been a canopy, and they thought it
witnesses, but their faith was not yet complete and they dared to say to Musa: "We shall never
was going to fall on them (We said): "Hold firmly to what We have given you, and briij
believe in thee until we see Allah in public". Therefore they were dazed with thunder and
(ever) to. remembrance what is therein; perchance ye may fear Allah". I
lightning, and might have been destroyed but for Allah's mercy on the intercession of Musa
Later Age-1 133
Ibn Abbas (R.A.) said: "When Musa (PBUH) came back to the Israelites from the
Mountain of Sinai and with him the Tablets, he ordered the Israelites to take it firmly. asking a number of questions which they could have answered themselves if they had listened
to Musa's directions. At last they said: "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us what it
They said: 'Spread them over us, so we can see if their orders easy then we will accept
is like. And if Allah will, we will be guided." Musa (PBUH) said: "He says, 'It is heifer neither
them. But Musa (PBUH) ordered them by saying: Accept the Tablet as they are', but the
trained to till the soil nor to water the fields, sound, having no other colour except bright yellow."
Israelites were discussing. Hence Allah Almighty ordered the Angels
24 to raise the Mountain
over their heads and it became like shadow of a cloud, and the Israelites were told if When they heard this saying24 they uttered: "Now you have brought the truth." So they
they will not accept, the Mountain will fall down on them. Therefore the Israelites slaughtered it though54 they were near not doing it. It is said that they found a heifer with
accepted and prostrated". this descriptions in a man's possession, and when they asked him to had given it he refused,
but they excited him with the price which they had given because they gave him gold equal
Israelites' Sacrifice : Allah Almighty said:
to the heifer's weight.
And remember Moses said to his people: "Allah commands that ye sacrifice a Allah Almighty said:
heifer." They said: "Makest thou a laughing-stock of us?" He said; "Allah save
me from being an ignorant (fool)!" They said: "Beseech on our behalf thy Lord Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His Signs: perchance ye
to make plain to us what (heifer) it is!" He said: "He says: the heifer should be may understand. When the heifer was slain. By command from Allah Almighty,
neither too old nor too young, but of middling age: now do what ye are Musa (PBUH) ordered them to place a portion of the sacrificed heifer on the corps,
commanded!" They said: "Beseech on our behalf thy Lord to make plain to usher which came to life, then Musa (PBUH) asked the old man: "Who killed you?" The
colour." He said: "He says: a fawn-coloured heifer, pure and rich in tone, the old said: "My nephew killed me". Then he died- again.
admiration of beholders!" They said: "Beseech on our behalf thy Lord to make Meeting with Khidhr (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said:
plain to us what she is: to us are all heifers alike: we wish indeed for guidance
if Allah wills." He said: "He says: a heifer not trained to till the soil or water the Behold, Moses said to his attendant," I will not give up until I reach the junction
fields; sound and without blemish." They said: "Now hast thou brought the of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in travel." But when they reached
truth." Then they offered her in sacrifice, and they scarcely did it. Remember ye the Junction, they forgot (about) their Fish, which took its course through the sea
slew a man and fell into a dispute among yourselves as to the crime: but Allah (straight)
•4 as in a tunnel. When they had passed on (some distance), Moses said
was to bring forth what ye did hide. So We said: "Strike the (body) with a piece to his attendant. "Bring us our early meal; truly we have suffered much fatigue
of the (heifer)." Thus Allah bringeth the dead to life and showeth you His Signs: at this (stage of) our journey." He replied: "Sawest thou (what happened) when
perchance ye may understand. we betook ourselves to the rock? I did indeed forget (about) the Fish: none but
Ibn Abbas, Mujahid and others narrated: There was an old rich man from the Israelites, satan made me forget to tell (you) about it: it took its course through the sea in
whom his nephews wished his death in order to inherit him. For this reason one of them a marvellous way!" Moses said: "That was what we were seeking24 after": so they
killed the old man in the night and he threw his body on the road. In the morning the people went back on their footsteps, following (the path they had come). So they found
found the body and they disputed over the matter, meanwhile one of the old man's nephews one of Our servants. On whom We had bestowed Mercy from Ourselves and
came and began to shout and cry. But someone said to the people: "Why you are disputing? whom We had taught knowledge from Our own presence. Moses said to him:
Go to Allah's Prophet (Musa)." Musa (PBUH) asked every person, but nobody said anything "May I follow thee, on the footing that thou teach me something of the (Higher)
about the murder of the old man, therefore the people requested Musa (PBUH) to ask Allah Truth which thou hast been taught?" (The other) said:" Verily thou wilt not be
Almighty for the solution. able to have patience with me! "for how canst thou have patience about things
which are beyond your knowledge?" Moses said: "Thou wilt find me, if Allah so
Musa (PBUH) asked Allah Almighty, then he said to his people, "Allah commands that
will, (truly) patient: nor shall I disobey thee in aught. "The other said: "If then
ye sacrifice a heifer.", the Israelites said: "We are asking you about the slain man, and you
wouldst follow me, ask me no questions about anything until I myself speak to
are saying this?" He said: "Allah save me from being an ignorant (fool)", and he took Allah's
thee concerning it." So they both proceeded: until, when they were in the boat,
refuge from saying anything just what had been revealed to him from Allah.
he scuttled it, Said Moses: "Hast thou scuttled it in order to drown those in it?
Musa (PBUH) announced the sacrifice to the Israelites, and they treated it as a jest. When Truly a strange thing hast thou done!" He answerd: "Did I not tell thee that thou
Musa continued solemnly to ask for the sacrifice, they put him off on one pretext and another, canst have patience with me?" Moses said: Rebuke me not for forgetting, nor
134
Later Age-1 135
grieve me by raising difficulties in my case." Then they proceed; until, when they
met a young boy, he slew him, Moses said: "Hast thou slain an innocent person Musa did not get tired till he had passed the place which Allah had ordered him to seek
who had slain none? Truly a foul (unheard-of) thing hast thou done!" He answerd: after. His boy-servant then said to him, 'Sawest thou (what happened) when we betook
"Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?" (Moses) said: If ourselves to the rock? I did indeed forget (about) the Fish: none but satan made me forget
ever I ask thee about anything after this, keep me not in thy company: then to tell (you) about it: it took its course through the sea in a marvellous way!'
wouldst thou have received (full) excuse from my side. Then they proceeded:
Divine Knowledge : There was a tunnel for the Fish and for Musa and his boy-servant
until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town, they asked them for food, but
there was astonishment. Musa said: That was what we were seeking after': so they went back
they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling
on their footsteps, following (the path they had come. They both returned, retracing their steps
down, but he set it up straight. (Moses) said: "If thou hadst wished, surely thou
till they reached the rock. Behold! there they found a man covered with a garment. Musa
couldst have exacted some recompense for it! "He answered, "This is the parting
greeted him. Al-Khidhr said astonishingly, 'Is there such a greeting in your land?' Musa said:
between me and thee: now will I tell thee the interpretation of (those things) over
'I am Musa.' He said, Are you the Musa of the children of Israel?' Musa said,' Yes;' and added,'
which thou wast unable to hold patience. As for the boat, it belonged to certain
I have come to you so that you may teach me something of that knowledge which you have
men in dire want: they plied on the water. I but wished to render it unserviceable
been taught.
for there was after them a certain king who seized on every boat by force. As for
the youth, his parents were people of Faith, and we feared that he would grieve Al-Khidhr said: 'Verily thou wilt not be able to have patience with me!'
them by obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to Allah), so we desired that their '0 Musa! I have some of Allah's knowledge which He has bestowed upon me but you
Lord would give them in exchange (a son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer do not know it; and you too, have some of Allah's knowledge which He bestowed upon you,
in affection. As for the wall, it belonged to two youths, orphans, in the town; there but I do not know it." Musa said: "Thou wilt find me, if Allah so will, (truly) patient: nor
was, beneath it, a buried treasure, to which they were entitled; their father had shall I disobey thee in aught.'
been a righteous man: so thy Lord desired that they should attain their age of
full strength and get out their treasure-a mercy (and favour) from thy Lord. I did Al-Khidhr said to him, 'If then thou wouldst follow me, ask me no questions about
it not of my own accord. Such is the interpretation of (those things) over which anything until I myself speak to thee concerning it.'
thou wast unable to hold patience." After that both of them proceeded along the sea coast, till a boat passed by and they
requested the crew to let them go on board. The crew recognized Al-Khidhr and allowed them
Narrated Said bin Zubayr: I said to Ibn Abbas, "Nauf Al-Baqali claims that Musa (PBUH),
to get on board free of charge. When they got on board, suddenly Musa saw that Al-Khidhr
the companion of Al-Khidhr was not Musa of the Children of Israel." Ibn Abbas said: "The
had pulled out one of the planks of the boat with an adze. Musa said to him, "These people
enemy of Allah (Nauf) told a lie, Ubai bin Kab told us that he heard Allah's Messenger (PBUH)
gave us a free lift; 'Hast thou scuttled it in order to drown those in it? Truly a strange thing
saying; Musa got up to deliver a speech before the Children of Israel and he was asked: 'Who
hast thou done! Al-Khidhr said; 'Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with
is the most learned person among the people?' Musa (PBUH) replied, 'I (am the most
me?'
learned).' Allah admonished him for he did not ascribe knowledge to Allah alone. So Allah
revealed to him: At the junction of the two seas there is a servant of Ours who is more learned Musa said: 'Rebuke me not for forgetting, nor grieve me by raising difficulties in my case'.
than you,' Musa asked, 'O my Lord, how can I meet him?' Allah said, Take a fish and put
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said "The first excuse given by Musa, was that he had forgotten.
it in a basket (and set out), and where you will lose the fish, you will find him.' So Musa
Then a sparrow came and sat over the edge of the boat and dipped its beak once in the sea.
(took a fish and put it in a basket and) set out, a long with his boy-servant Yusha' bin Nun,
Al-Khidhr said to Musa, 'My knowledge and your knowledge, compared to Allah's knowledge
till they reached a rock (on which) they both lay their heads and slept. The fish moved
is like what this sparrow has taken out of the sea,' Then they both got out of the boat, and
vigorously in the basket and got out of it and fell into the sea and there it took its way through
while they were walking on the sea shore, Al-Khidhr saw a boy and pulled it out with his 1
the sea (straight as in a tunnel). Allah stopped the current of water on both sides of the way
hands and killed him. Musa said: 'Hast thou slain an innocent person who had slain none?^H
created by the fish, and so that way was like a tunnel. When Musa got up, his companion
Truly a foul (unheard-of) thing hast thou done!' He said: 'Did I not tell thee that thou canst^|
forgot to tell him about the fish, and so they carried on their journey during the rest of the
day and the whole night, The next morning Musa asked his boy-servant 'Bring us our early have no patience with me?', (The sub-narrator said: The second blame was stronger than the
meal; truly we have suffered much fatigue at this (stage of) our journey'. first one); Musa said: 'If ever I ask thee about anything after this, keep me not in thy company:
then wouldst thou have received (full) excuse from my side.
136J- All the Prophets Later Age-1 137
Then they proceeded: until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town, they asked them When Musa greeted, he uncovered his face and said astonishingly. "Is there such a greeting
•J
for food, but they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling in my land? Who are you?" Musa said: 'I am Musa." Al-Khidhr said. Are you the Musa of
down. Bani Israel?" Musa said: "Yes." Al-Khidhr said, "What do you want?" Musa said, "I came to
Al-Khidhr set it up straight with his own hands. Musa said, "These are people to whom you so that you may teach me somethingSJ of that knowledge which you have been taught.
Al-Khidhr said. Is it not sufficient for you that the Torah is in your hands and the Divine
we came, but they neither fed us nor received us as guests. If you had wished, you could
Inspiration comes to you, O Musa? Verily, I have a knowledge that you ought not learn, and
surely have exacted some recompense for it/ Al-Khidhr, said: This is the parting between
you have a knowledge which I ought not learn. At that time a bird took with its beak (some
me and thee - such is the interpretation of (those things) over which thou wast unable to
water) from the sea; Al-Khidhr then said, "By Allah my knowledge and your knowledge
hold patience".
besides Allah's Knowledge is like what this bird has taken with its beak from the sea." Until,
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: ""We wished that Musa could have been more patient when they went on board the boat, they found a small boat which used to carry the people
so that Allah might have described to us more about their story."" from this sea-side to the other sea-side. The crew recognized Al-Khidhr and said, The pious
Narrated Ibn Juraij: Yala bin Muslim and Amr bin Dinar and some others narrated the servant of Allah." (We said to Said: '"Was that Khidhr?'" He said, "Yes", the boat men said,
narration of Said bin Zubayr. "We will not get him on board with fare. Al-Khidhr scuttled the boat and then plugged the
hole with a piece of wood. Musa said: "Hast thou scuttled it in order to drown those in it?
Narrated Said: While we were at the house of Ibn Abbas Ibn Abbas said: ""Ask me (any Truly a strange thing hast thou done!" (Mujahid said, "Musa said so protestingly.*) Al-Khidhr
question). "" I said, *"O Abu Abbas! may Allah let me be sacrificed for you! there is a man said: "Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?" The first inquiry of Musa
at Kufa who is a story-teller called Nauf; who claims that he (Al-Khidhr's companion) is not was done because of forgetfulness, the second caused him to be bound with a stipulation,
Musa of Bani Israel. ""As for Amr, he said to me, ""Ibn Abbas said, "(Nauf) the enemy of Allah and the third was done intentionally. Musa said: "Rebuke me not for forgetting, nor grieve
told a lie'." But Yala said to me, ""Ibn Abbas said, Ubai bin Kab said, Allah's Messenger (PBUH) me by raising difficulties in my case."
said: Once Musa preached to the people till their eyes shed tears and their hearts became
tender, whereupon he finished his sermon. Then a man come to Musa and asked, "0 Allah's (Then) they found a boy and Al- Khidhr killed him. Yala said: Said said, They found boys,
Messenger! is there anyone on the earth who is more learned than you?" Musa replied, "No/ playing and Al-Khidhr got hold of a handsome infidel boy laid him down and then slew him
So Allah admonished him (Musa), for he did not ascribe all knowledge to Allah. It was said, with a knife. Musa said: ""Hast thou slain an innocent person who had slain none? Then they
(on behalf of Allah), "Yes", (there is a servant of Ours who knows more than you)." Musa said: proceeded and found a wall which was on the point of falling down, and Al-Khidhr set it
"O my Lord! where is he?" Allah said: At the junction of the two seas.' Musa said: "O my Lord! up straight. Said moved his hand thus and said: Al-Khidhr raised his hand and the wall
tell me of a sign where by I will recognize the place."" Amr said to me, Allah said: "That place become straight. Yala said, "I think Said said, Al-Khidhr touched the wall with his hand and
Will be where the fish will leave you." Yala said to me, "Allah said (to Musa): Take a dead it became straight!" (Musa said to Al-Khidhr)", If you had wished, you could have taken wages
fish (and your goal will be) the place where it will become alive." So Musa took a fish and •J have eaten." For there was after them a certain king.
for it." Said said, "Wages that we might
put it in a basket and said to his boy-servant," I don't want to trouble you, expect that you It is said on the authority of somebody other than Said that the king was Huddad bin
should inform me as soon as this fish leaves you." He said (to Musa). "You have not demanded Budad. They say that the boy was a called Haisur. A certain king who seized on every boat
too much. "And that is as mentioned by Allah: Behold, Musa said to his attendant, Yusha by Force. So I wished that if that boat passed by him, he would leave it because of its defect
bin Nun. (Said did not said that) The Prophet (PBUH) said, "While the boy-servant was in and when they have passed they would repair it and get benefit from it. Some people said
the shade of the rock at a wet place, the fish slipped out (alive) while Musa was sleeping. that they closed that hole with a bottle, and some said with tar, his parents were people of
His boy-servants said (to himself), "I will not wake him," but when he woke up, he forgot Faith, and he (the boy) was a non-believer and we feared that he would grieve them by
to tell him. The fish slipped out and entered the sea. Allah stopped the flow of the sea where obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to Allah), (i.e. that their love for him would urge them
the fish was, so that its trace looked as if it was made on a rock. Amr, forming a hole with to follow him his religion, "So wed desired that their Lord would give them in exchange (a
his two thumbs and index fingers, said to me, "Like this, as if its trace was made on a rock. son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection.. This was in reply to Musa saying:
"Musa said: Truly we have suffered much fatigue at this (stage of) our journey" (This was "Hast thou slain an innocent person? And closer in affection, means they will be more
not narrated by Said). Then they returned back and found Al-Khidhr. Uthman bin Abi affectionate to him than they were to the former whom Khidhr had killed. Other than Said
Sulayman said to me, (they found him) on a green carpet in the middle of the sea. Al-Khidhr said that they were compensated with a girl. Daud bin Abi Asim said on the authority of
was covered with his garment with one end under his feet and the other end under his head.
more than one that this next child was a girl.
Then they proceeded: until, when they came to the inhabitants of a town, they asked them When Musa greeted, he uncovered his face and said astonishingly: 'Is there such a greeting
for food, but they refused them hospitality. They found there a wall on the point of falling in my land? Who are you?' Musa said: 'I am Musa.' Al-Khidhr said, Are you the Musa of
down. Bani Israel?' Musa said: 'Yes.' Al-Khidhr said, 'What do you want?' Musa said, 'I came to
you so that you may teach me something of that knowledge which you have been taught.
Al-Khidhr set it up straight with his own hands. Musa said, 'These are people to whom
Al-Khidhr said. Is it not sufficient for you that the Torah is in your hands and the Divine
we came, but they neither fed us nor received us as guests. If you had wished, you could
Inspiration comes to you, O Musa? Verily, I have a knowledge that you ought not learn, and
surely have exacted some recompense for it/ Al-Khidhr, said: This is the parting between
you have a knowledge •J which I ought not learn. At that time a bird took with its beak (some
me and thee - such is the interpretation of (those things) over which thou wast unable to
water) from the sea; Al-Khidhr then said, 'By Allah my knowledge and your knowledge
hold patience'.
besides Allah's Knowledge is like what this bird has taken with its beak from the sea." Until,
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "We wished that Musa could have been more patient when they went on board the boat, they found a small boat which used to carry the people
so that Allah might have described to us more about their story." from this sea-side to the other sea-side. The crew recognized Al-Khidhr and said, The pious
servant of Allah.' (We said to Said: "Was that Khidhr?" He said, "Yes", the boat men said,
Narrated Ibn Juraij: Yala bin Muslim and Amr bin Dinar and some others narrated the
"We will not get him on board with fare. Al-Khidhr scuttled the boat and then plugged the
narration of Said bin Zubayr.
hole with a piece of wood. Musa said: 'Hast thou scuttled it in order to drown those in it?
Narrated Said: While we were at the house of Ibn Abbas Ibn Abbas said: "Ask me (any Truly a strange thing hast thou done!' (Mujahid said, 'Musa said so protestingly.') Al-Khidhr
question). " I said, "O Abu Abbas! may Allah let me be sacrificed for you! there is a man said: 'Did I not tell thee that thou canst have no patience with me?' The first inquiry of Musa
at Kufa who is a story-teller called Nauf; who claims that he (Al-Khidhr's companion) is not was done because of forgetfulness, the second caused him to be bound with a stipulation,
Musa of Bani Israel. "As for Amr, he said to me, "Ibn Abbas said, '(Nauf) the enemy of Allah and the third was done intentionally. Musa said: 'Rebuke me not for forgetting, nor grieve
told a lie'." But Yala said to me, "Ibn Abbas said, Ubai bin Kab said, Allah's Messenger (PBUH) me by raising difficulties in my case.'
said: Once Musa preached to the people till their eyes shed tears and their hearts became
tender, whereupon he finished his sermon. Then a man come to Musa and asked, '0 Allah s (Then) they found a boy and Al- Khidhr killed him. Yala said: Said said, They found boys,
playing and Al-Khidhr got hold of a handsome infidel boy laid him down and then slew him
Messenger! is there anyone on the earth who is more learned than you?' Musa replied, 'No.
with a knife. Musa said: "Hast thou slain an innocent person who had slain none? Then they
So Allah admonished him (Musa), for he did not ascribe all knowledge to Allah. It was said,
(on behalf of Allah), 'Yes', (there is a servant of Ours who knows more than you).' Musa said: proceeded and found a wall which was on the point of falling down, and Al-Khidhr set it
'O my Lord! where is he?' Allah said: At the junction-of the two seas.' Musa said: 'O my Lord! up straight. Said moved his hand thus and said: Al-Khidhr raised his hand and the wall
become straight. Yala said, 'I think Said said, Al-Khidhr touched the wall with his hand and
tell me of a sign where by I will recognize the place." Amr said to me, Allah said: "That place
Will be where the fish will leave you." Yala said to me, "Allah said (to Musa): Take a dead it became straight!' (Musa said to Al-Khidhr)', If you had wished, you could have taken wages
fish (and your goal will be) the place where it will become alive." So Musa took a fish and for it.' Said said, 'Wages that we might have eaten.' For there was after them a certain king.
put it in a basket and said to his boy-servant," I don't want to trouble you, expect that you It is said on the authority of somebody other than Said that the king was Huddad bin
should inform me as soon as this fish leaves you." He said (to Musa). "You have not demanded Budad. They say that the boy was a called Haisur. A certain king who seized on every boat
too much. "And that is as mentioned by Allah: Behold, Musa said to his attendant, Yusha by Force. So I wished that if that boat passed by him, he would leave it because of its defect
bin Nun. (Said did not said that) The Prophet (PBUH) said, "While the boy-servant was in and when they have passed they would repair it and get benefit from it. Some people said
the shade of the rock at a wet place, the fish slipped out (alive) while Musa was sleeping. that they closed that hole with a bottle, and some said with tar, his parents were people of
His boy-servants said (to himself), "I will not wake him," but when he woke up, he forgot Faith, and he (the boy) was a non-believer and we feared that he would grieve them by
to tell him. The fish slipped out and entered the sea. Allah stopped the flow of the sea where obstinate rebellion and ingratitude (to Allah), (i.e. that their love for him would urge them
the fish was, so that its trace looked as if it was made on a rock. Amr, forming a hole with to follow him his religion, "So wed desired that their Lord would give them in exchange (a
his two thumbs and index fingers, said to me, "Like this, as if its trace was made on a rock. son) better in purity (of conduct) and closer in affection.. This was in reply to Musa saying:
"Musa said: Truly we have suffered much fatigue at this (stage of) our journey" (This was "Hast thou slain an innocent person? And closer in affection, means they will be more
not narrated by Said). Then they returned back and found Al-Khidhr. Uthman bin Abi affectionate to him than they were to the former whom Khidhr had killed. Other than Said
Sulayman said to me, (they found him) on a green carpet in the middle of the sea. Al-Khidhr said that they were compensated with a girl. Daud bin Abi Asim said on the authority of
was covered with his garment with one end under his feet and the other end under his head.
more than one that this next child was a girl.
Later Age-1 139
Quran, the Wealthy Man : Allah Almighty said:
But Qarun was so blind and arrogant that he thought that his own merit, knowledge •J and
Qarun was doubtless, of the people of Moses; but he acted insolently towards skill or cleverness had earned him his wealth, and that now, on account of it, he was superior
them: such were the treasures We had bestowed on him, that their very keys to everybody
HS else and was entitled to ride rough-shod over them, and that the fabulous wealth
would have been burden to a body of strong men. Behold, his people said to him: which he has is a proof that Allah loves him.
"Exult not, for Allah loveth not those who exult (in riches). But seek, with the Allah Almighty said:
(wealth) which Allah has bestowed on thee, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget
thy portion in this world: but do thou good, as Allah has been good to thee, and Did he not know that Allah had destroyed, before him, (whole) generations, which
seek not (occasions for) mischief in the land: for Allah loves not those who do were superior to him in strength and greater in the amount (of riches) they had
mischief." He said: "This has been given to me because of a certain knowledge collected? But the wicked are not called (immediately) to account for their sins.
which I have." Did he not know that Allah had destroyed, before him, (whole) So if what Qarun said was correct, in this case Allah Almighty was not to destroy
generations, which were superior to him in strength and greater in the amount whom they were more rich than him (Qarun) because the riches is not an evidence
(of riches) they had collected? But the wicked are not called (immediately) to to Allah's love as Allah Almighty said:
account for their sins. So he went forth among his people in the (pride of his
worldly) glitter. Said those whose aim is the Life of this World:" Oh! that we had "It is not your wealth nor your sons, that will bring you nearer to Us in degree:
the like of what Qarun has got! for he is truly a lord of mighty good fortune!" but only those who believe and work righteousness," and Allah almighty said:
But those who had been granted (True) knowledge said: "Alas for you! the reward "Do they think that because We have granted them abundance of wealth and sons.
of Allah (in the Hereafter) is best for those who believe and work righteousness: We would hasten them on in every good? Nay they do not perceive and this is
but this none shall attain, save those who steadfastly persevere (in good). " Then the answer to what Qarun said: "This has been given to me because of certain
We caused the earth to swallow up him and his house; and he had not (the least knowledge which I have.
little) party to help him against Allah, nor could he defend himself. And those Allah Almighty said:
who had envied his position the day before began to say on the morrow: "Ah!
It is indeed Allah who enlarges the provision or restricts it, to any of His servants So he went forth among his people in the (pride of his wordily) glitter., When
He pleases! Had it not been that Allah was gracious to us. He could have caused Qarun was in the hey-day of his glory, worldly people envied him and thought
the earth to swallow us up! Ah! those who reject Allah will assuredly never how happy they would be if they were in his place. But the people of wisdom
prosper." That Home of the Hereafter we shall give to those who intend not high and discernment said: "Alas for you! The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is
handedness or mischief on earth: and the End is (best) for the righteous. best those who believe and work righteousness: but this none shall attain, save
those who steadfastly persevere (in good)."
Qarun was very rich man. He and his followers, rose in rebellion against Musa and Harun,
on the ground that their position and fame in the congregation entitled them to quality in Then We caused the earth to swallow up him and His house. The earth opened her mouth,
spiritual matters with the Priests,- that they were as holy as any, and they claimed to bum and swallowed up Qarun and his followers, and their houses and all the men appertained
incense at the sacred Altar reserved for the Priests. unto Qarun, and all their goods: they, and all that appertained to them, they all went down
Ibn Jarir said: "Qarun's was Musa's cousin", and most of the commentators agreed about alive into the pit, and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the
this. congregation.
Some of Qarun's people advised him not to be glad (with ungratefulness to Allah's Narrated' Abdullah (bin Umar): Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "While a man was
favours) because Allah likes not those who are glad with ungratefulness to His favours. Then dragging his Izar on the ground (behind him), suddenly Allah made him sink into the earth
they said to him: "Spend your wealth in charity and good works. It is Allah Who has given and he will go on sinking into it till the Day of Resurrection."
it to you, and you should spend it in Allah's cause. Nor should you forget the legitimate needs Then the rabble, that had admired Qarun wealth when he was in worldly prosperity, saw
of this life, as misers do, and most people become misers who think too exclusively of their the other side of the question and understood that there are other gifts more precious and
wealth," and they said to him: "And seek not (occasion for) mischief in the land: for Allah desirable, and that these may actually be withheld from men who enjoy wealth and worldly
loves not those,,who do mischief."
140 AU the Prophets Later Age-1 141
prosperity. In fact it is false prosperity, or no prosperity in the real sense of the word, which was ashy person and used to cover his body completely because of his extensive shyness.
is without spiritual well-being. One of the children of Israel hurt him by saying:' He covers his body in this way only because
of some defect in his skin, either leprosy or scrotal hernai, or he has some other defect.' Allah
wished to clear Musa of what they said about him, so one day while Musa was in seclusion,
"That Home of the Hereafter we shall give io those who intend not high-handedness he took off his clothes and put them on a stone and started taking a bath. When he had finished
or mischief on earth: and the End is (best) for the righteous." It means that the the bath, he moved towards his clothes so as to take them, but the stone took his clothes and
Paradise shall be assigned to the pious person who fear Allah much (abstain from fled; Musa picked up his stick and ran after the stone saying: 'O stone! give me my garment!'
54
all kind of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden), and love Allah much Till he reached a group of Bani Israel who saw him naked then, and found him the best of
(perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained). what Allah had created, and Allah cleared him of what they had accused him of. The stone
stopped there and Musa took and put his garment on and started hitting8J the stone with his
Allah Almighty dispraised Qarun in many verses of the Holy Quran, as in Surat Gafir,
stick. By Allah, the stone still has some traces of the hitting, there, four or five marks. This
when Allah Almighty said: Of old We sent Moses with Our Signs and an Authority manifest,
was what Allah Almighty refers to in His Saying: Oye who believe! be ye not like those who
to Pharaoh, Haman, and Qarun; but they called (him) "a sorcerer telling lies!" • •• and as in
hurt Moses, but Allah cleared him of the (calumnies) they had uttered: and he was honourable
Surat Al-Ankabut: (Remember also) Qarun, Pharaoh, and Haman: there came to them
in Allah's sight."
Moses with Clear Signs, but they behaved with insolence on the earth; yet they could not
overreach (Us). Each one of them We seized for his crime: of them, against some We sent Narrated Abdullah (R.A.) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) divided and distributed
a violent tornado (with showers of stones); some were caught by a (mighty) Blast; some we something as he used to do some of his distributions. A man from the Ansar said: "By
caused the earth to swallow up; and some We drowned (in the waters): it was not Allah Who Allah, in this division the pleasure of Allah has not been intended. "I said:" I will
wronged them: they wronged themselves. definitely tell this to the Prophet (PBUH). "So I went to him while he was sitting with
his companions and told him of it secretly. That was hard upon the prophet (PBUH) and
Merits of Musa (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said:
the colour of his face changed, and he became so angry that I wished I had not told him.
Also mention in the Book (the story of) Moses: for he was specially chosen. And The Prophet (PBUH) then said. "Musa was harmed with more than this, yet he remained
he was a messenger and a prophet. And We called him from the right side of patient."
Mount (Sinai), and made him draw near to Us, for converse in secret. And, out Anas (R.A.) reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) was saying. "I happened to pass
of Our Mercy, We gave him his brother Aaron, (also) a prophet. by Musa as he was busy in saying prayer in his grave," and in the tradition transmitted on
Also Allah Almighty said: the authority of Isa he added these words:" I happened to pass on the occasion of the Night
Journey."
"Allah said: "O Moses! I have chosen thee above (other) men, by the message I
(have given thee) and the words I (have spoken to thee); take then the (revelation) Also Anas (R.A.) narrated in the tradition of the Night Journey, that the Prophet of Allah
(PBUH) said: "Then we travelled on till we [the Prophet (PBUH) and Jibril (PBUH) reached
which I give thee, and be of those who give thanks."
the sixth heaven and came to Musa (PBUH) and I greeted him and he said:' Welcome unto
Allah Almighty said: righteous brother and righteous Prophet. And when I passed (by him) he wept, and a voice
was heard saying: 'What makes thee weep?' He said: 'O my Lord! he is a young man whom
We have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Nuh and the Messengers after him:
Thou hast sent after me (as a Prophet) and his followers will enter, Paradise in greater
We sent Inspiration to Ibrahim, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes till He (Allah)
■numbers than my followers."
said: "Of some messengers We have already told thee the story; of others We have
not;- and to Moses Allah spoke direct." All the narratives agreed on that when Allah Almighty imposed on the Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W.) and his nation fifty prayers, Allah's Messenger (PBUH) passed by Musa (PBUH), .
"O ye who believe! be ye not like those who hurt Moses, but Allah cleared hint therefore Musa (PBUH) said: "Return to your Lord and beg for reductions (in the number!
of the (calumnies) they had uttered: and he was honourable in Allah's sight." of prayers), for your community shall not be able to bear this burden, as I have put to tesjfl
the children of Israel and tried them (and found too weak to bear such a heavy burden) . 1
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Allah Messenger (PBUH) said: "(The Prophet) Musa
Later Age-1 143
-—
142
... “ ^Prophets
standard have been judged the Jews, by the Prophets who bowed (as in Islam) to Allah's Will,
Then the Prophet of Allah (PBUH) kept going back and forth between the Lord Blessed and
by the Rabbis and the Doctors of Law: for to them was entrusted the protection of Allah's
Exalted and Musa (PBUH), till Allah Almighty said: "O Muhammad! they are five and at the
Book, and they were witnesses thereto: therefore fear not men, but fear Me, and sell not My
same time fifty, and what has been said will not be changed."
Signs for a miserable price. If any do fail to judge by what Allah hath revealed, they are
Narrated Ibn Abbas (R.A.) that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Nations were unbelievers. Till Allah Almighty said: Let the people of the Gospel judge by what Allah hath
displayed before me, one or two Prophets would pass by along with a few followers. revealed therein. If any do fail to judge by what Allah hath revealed, they are those who rebel.
A Prophet would pass by accompanied by nobody. Then a big crowd of people passed To thee We sent the Scripture in truth, confirming the scripture that came before it, and
in front of me and I asked: 'Who are they? Are they my followers?' It was said: 'No, it guarding it in safety."
is Musa and his followers'. It was said to me: 'Look at the horizon, 'behold! there was Allah Almighty said: "A.L.M. Allah! There is no god but He, - the Living, the Self-
a multitude of people filling the horizon. 'Then it was said to me: 'Look there and there
Subsisting, the Supporter of all. It is He Who sent down to thee (step by step), in truth, the
about the streaking sky!' Behold! there was a multitude filling he horizon. It was said
Book, confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Torah (of Moses) and the Gospel
to me: 'This is your nation out of whom seventy thousand shall enter Paradise without
(of Jesus). Before this, as a guide to mankind, and He sent down the Criterion (judgment
reckoning'. " Then the Prophet (PBUH) entered his house without telling his companions
between right and wrong)."
who (the 70, 000) were. So the people started talking about the issue and said: "It is we
who have believed in Allah and followed His Messenger; therefore those people are "In the past We granted to Moses and Aaron the Criterion (for judgment). And a Light
either ourselves or our children who are bom in the Islamic era, for we were bom in and a Message for those who would do right, those who fear their Lord in their most secret
the period of ignorance." When the Prophet (PBUH) heard of that, he came out and said: thoughts, and who hold the Hour (of Judgment)
*4 in awe. And this is a blessed Message which
"Those people are those who do not treat themselves with Ruqya, nor do they believe We have sent down: will ye then reject it?"
in bad or good omen (from birds etc.) nor do they get themselves branded (cauterized), But (now), when the Truth has come to them from Ourselves, they say, "Why are
but they put their trust (only) in their Lord." On that Ukasha bin Mihsan said: "Am I not (Signs) sent to him, like those which were sent to Moses?" Do they not then reject
one of them, O Allah's Messenger?" The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Yes", then another (the Signs) which were formerly sent to Moses? They say: "Two kinds of sorcery, each
person got up and said: "Am I one of them?" The Prophet (PBUH) said: " Ukasha has assisting the other!" And they say: "For us, we reject all (such things)!" Say: "Then bri
proceeded you." ye a Book from Allah, which is a better Guide than either of them, that I may follow
Allah Almighty mentioned Musa (PBUH) in many Verses of the Holy Quran and it! (do), if ye are truthful!"
praised him, and mentioned the Torah also, as He said: No just estimate of Allah do they
Pilgrimage of Musa (PBUH) to Mecca : Abu Al-Aliya narrated it on the authority of Ibn
make when they say: "Nothing doth Allah send down to man (by way of revelation)*:
Abbas that when the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) passed through the valley of Azraq He
Say: "Who then sent down the Book which Moses brought?- A light and guidance to man:
asked: "Which valley is this?" They said: "This is the valley of Azraq," and he said: "(I
But ye make it into (separate) sheets for show, while ye conceal much (of its contents):
perceive) as if I am seeing Musa (PBUH) coming down from the mountain track, and he is
therein were ye taught that which ye knew not -neither ye nor your fathers." Say: "Allah
calling upon Allah loudly, saying: 'Here I am! at your service! O Allah!" Then he came to
(sent it down)" : then leave them to plunge in vain discourse and trifling. And this is
the mountain track of Harsha. He [the Holy Prophet (PBUH)] said: "Which mountain track
a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations)
is this?" They said; "It is the mountain track of Harsha." The Prophet (PBUH) said: "(I feel)
which came before it: that thou mayest warn the Mother of Cities and all around her.
as if I am seeing Yunus (PBUH) the son of Matta on a well built red dromedary, with a cloak
Those who believe in the Hereafter believe in this (Book), and they are constant in
of wool around him and the rein of his dromedary is made of the fibres of date-palm, and
guarding their Prayers.
he is calling upon Allah saying: 'Here I am! at your service, my Lord!"
"Moreover, We gave Moses the Book, completing (Our favour) to those who would do
right, and explaining all things in detail, - and a guide and a mercy, that they might believe It is narrated on the authority of Mujahid that he said: We were with Ibn Abbas and (the
in the meeting with their Lord. And this is a Book which We have revealed as a blessing: people) talked about the antichrist. (One of them) said:" There is written between his eyes
so follow it and be righteous, that ye may receive mercy." (the word) Kafir (infidel)'. "The narrator said: Ibn Abbas said: I did not hear him [the Holy
Prophet (PBUH)] say it, but he said: "As far as Ibrahim is concerned, you may see your
"It W£S We who revealed the Torah (to Moses): therein was guidance and light. By its
companion and so far as Musa is concerned, he is a well-built man with wheat complexion Prophets Yusha, Ilyas and Hizqail (PBUT)
(riding on a red camel with its halter made of the fibre of date-palm (and I perceive) as if
I am seeing towards him as he is going in the valley saying/ I am at Your service! my Lord." Prophet Yusha (PBUH) : He is Al-Khalil Yusha son of Nun son of Afraim son of Yusuf
son of Yaqub son of Ishaq son of Ibrahim (Alayhimus-Salam).
It is narrated on the authority of Jabir that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "There
appeared before me the Messengers •J and Musa was among the men. He looked like one of The commentators agreed upon that he is the one Who Allah Almighty meant in His
the people of Shanuwa, and I saw Isa the son of Maryam. And I saw nearest in resemblance sayings:
with him was Urwa bin Masud. And I saw Ibrahim (PBUH) and I see your companion much "Behold," Moses said to his attendant.
in resemblance with him (i.e. his personality) and I saw Jibril (PBUH) and I saw Dihya (a
companion) nearest in resemblance to him." "When they had passed on (some distance)," Moses said to’ his attendant.
Abu Al-Aliya reported: Ibn Abbas, the son of your Prophet's uncle, told us that the Though the Holy Quran did not mention him by his name, but the People of the Book
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had said: "On the night of my night journey I passed by Musa agreed upon his Prophet hood.
bin 'Imran (PBUH). He was a man with light brown complexion, tall, well-built as if he Allah Almighty ordered Musa (PBUH) to select leader from every Israelite's tribe in order
was one of the men of the Shanuwa, and was Isa the son of Maryam as a medium - to be the chief of that group, as Allah Almighty said:
statured man with white and red complexion and crisp hair. Then I was shown Malik
the guardian of Fire, and the antichrist amongst the signs which were shown to me by "Allah did aforetime take a Covenant from the Children of Israel, and We appointed
Allah." He (the narrator) said: "Then there is no doubt of his [i.e. of the Holy Prophet twelve chieftains among them. And Allah said: "I am with you: if ye (but) establish
(PBUH) meeting with him (Musa)." Qatada elucidated it thus: "Verily the Messenger of regular Prayers, pay Zakat, believe in My Messengers, honour and assist them,
Allah (PBUH) met Musa (PBUH)." and Ioan to Allah a beautiful loan, verily I will wipe out from your evils, and admit
you to Gardens with rivers flowing beneath; but if any of you, after this, resisteth
The Demise : Al-Bukhari said in his Sahih:
faith, he hath truly wandered from the path of rectitude."
Abu Huraira reported that the Angel of Death was sent to Musa (PBUH) to inform Then Musa (PBUH) ordered them to go and fight for the Holy Land, but the Israelites
him of his Lord's summons. When he came, he (Musa) boxed him and his eye refused and they said:
was knocked out. He (the Angel of Death) came back to the Lord and said: "You
sent me to a servant who does not want to die." Allah restored his eye to its proper "O Moses’ we shall never enter it as long as they are in it. Go thou, and thy Lord,
place (and revived his eyesight), and then said: "Go back to him (Musa) and tell and fight ye two, while we sit here."
him that if he wants life he must place his hand on the back of an ox, and he would
Most of the commentaors narrated that Musa (PBUH) and Harun (PBUH) both of them
be granted as many years of life as the number of hair covered by his hand." He
(Musa) said: "What, then?" He said: "Then you would die," whereupon he (Musa) died before entering Jerusalem, and this is clear in the tradition which in it Musa (PBUH)
said: "Then why not now?" (He then prayed): "Allah, let me die close to the sacred supplicated Allah Almighty to bring him close to the Holy Land before his death. So it means
land." Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Had I been near that place I would have that when Musa (PBUH) died he was still outside the Holy Land, and because Harun died
shown his grave by the side of the path at the red mound." two years before Musa's death, so both of them died outside Jerusalem.
Anas bin Malik reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) had said: "I came". And in the After the death of Musa (PBUH) Yusha took the responsibility of the Israelites, and then
narration transmitted on the authority of Haddab (the words are): "I happened to pass by he led them to conquest Jerusalem.
Musa on the occasion of the Night Journey near the red mound (and found him) saying his When Yusha reached Jerusalem he surrounded it for six months because it was well
prayer in his grave." i fortified afterwards he entered it and killed the unbelievers and their kings.
f
The commentators mentioned many stories about the death of Musa (PBUH), but the It is said that the last day of the surrounding was Friday. The sun was going
famous story and the accepted one, which refers to his death after his brother's death (Harun) therefore Yusha said to the sun: "You are under Allah's Order and I am under Allah's Order.
by two years, while they were in the wandering before entering Bayt Al-Maqdis, and according 0 Allah! stop it from setting." Therefore Allah Almighty stopped it till he conquested Jerusalem.
tp what the People of the Book had said he died when his age was 120 years old.
146 All the Prophets Inter Age-1 147
WPP
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (PBUH) said: "A Prophet among the Prophets carried Narrated Aishah (R.A.), the wife of the Prophet (PBUH) about the plague. He told me
out a holy military expedition, so he said to his followers, Any one who has married a woman that it was a punishment sent by Allah on whom He wished, and Allah made it a source
and wants to consummate the marriage, and has not done so yet, should not accompany me; of mercy for the believers, for if one in the time of an epidemic plague stays in his country
nor should a man who has built a house but has not completed its roof; nor a man who has patiently hoping for Allah's Reward and believing that nothing will befall him except what
sheep or she-camels and is waiting for the birth of their young ones'. So the Prophet carried Allah has written for him, he will get the reward of a martyr. "
out the expedition and when he reached that town at the time or nearly at the time of the When the Children of Israel settled down in Jerusalem, Yusha continued to rule them by
(Asr prayer) he said to the sun, 'O Sun! you are under Allah's Order and I am under Allah's Allah's Book (The Torah), till he died and his age was 127 years, living 27 years after the death
Order. O Allah! Stop it (i.e. the sun) from setting. It was stopped till Allah made him of Musa (PBUH).
victorious. Then he collected the booty and the fire came to burn it, but it did not bum it
Prophet Ilyas (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said: "So also was Elias among those sent (by
He said (to his men), 'Some of you have stolen something from the booty. So one man from
Us). Behold, he said to his people, "Will ye not fear (Allah)? Will ye call upon Baal and forsake
every tribe should give me a Baia (pledge) by shaking hands with me'. They did so and the
the Best of Creators, - Allah, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your
hand of a man got stuck in the hand of their Prophet. Then that Prophet said to the man'
fathers of old?" But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up (for punishment),
The theft has been committed by your people. So all the persons of your tribe should give
except the chosen servants of Allah (among them). And We left for him among generations
me the Baia (pledge) by shaking hands with me.' The hands of two or three men got stuck
(to come) in later times: "Peace and salutation to such as Elias!" Thus indeed do We reward
in the hand of their Prophet and he said: You have committed the theft. Then they brought
those who do right For he was one of Our believing Servants."
a head of gold like the head of a cow and put it there, and the fire came and consumed the
booty". Then Allah saw our weakness and disability so He made the booty legal for us. The commentators said that Ilyas (PBUH) was sent to the people of Bala bak in the west
of Damascus. He called them to worship Allah Almighty and to leave the worship of their
It was said to the children of Israel, "Enter the gate (of the town), prostrate (or bowing
idol (which they named it Balan). Therefore he said to them: "Will ye not fear (Allah)? Will
with humility) and say: Hittatun (i.e. repentance), i.e. O Allah! forgive our sins. "But they
ye call upon Baal and forsake the Best of Creators, - Allah, your Lord and Cherisher and the
entered by dragging themselves on their buttocks, so they did something different (from what
Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?" But they persecuted him and wanted to kill him
they had been ordered to do), and said, "Habatun [a grain in a Sharatun (hair))". Therefore
and he had to flee for his life. Eventually, he disappeared mysteriously and that created many
Allah Almighty punished them, as He said: And remember it was said to them: "Dwell in stories about the place which he hid in, some commentators like Abu Yaqub said that: "Ilyas
this town. And eat therein as ye wish, but say forgive (us) and enter the gate in a posture (PBUH) had hidden in a cave for ten years, and he came back after the King's death, calling
of humility: We shall forgive you your faults; We shall increase (the portion of) those who the people to worship Allah Almighty and they accepted his call even their new king. After
do good." But the transgressors among them changed the word from that which had been that Ilyas (PBUH) fought some people who refused to believe in Allah and killed them. "While
given them so We sent on them a plague from heaven. For that they repeatedly transgressed. Ibn Abi Ad-Duhni said:" Ilyas (PBUH) had fled from his people and he hid in a mountain's
Also Allah Almighty said: cave for twenty nights or maybe forty".
"And remember We said: "Enter this town, and eat of the plenty therein as ye According to the Old Testament he was taken up in a whirlwind to heaven in a chariot
wish; and enter the gate prostrating, and say: Forgive (us) We shall forgive you of fire after he had left his mantle with Elisha the prophet.
your faults and increase (the portion of) those who do good." But the transgressors Ibn Makul said on the authority of Kab: "Four Prophets are alive, two on the earth: Ilyas
changed the word from that which had been given them; so We sent on the and Al-Khidhr, and two in the heaven: Idris and Isa (Alayhimus-Salam)".
transgressors a plague from heaven, for that they infringed (Our command)
repeatedly." But as we mentioned before that Al-Khidhr (PBUH) had died therefore Ilyas (PBUH) had
died also according to the saying of Allah Almighty: j
Narrated Usama bin Zaid: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "Plague was a means of torture
We granted not any man before thee [O Muhammad (PBUH)] permanent life (Here)^
sent on a group of the Israelites (or on some people before you). So if you hear of its spread
in a land, don't approach it, and if plague should appear in a land where you are present, Prophet Hizqail (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said: Didst thou not turn by vision to thoseI
then don't leave that land in order to run away from it. (i.e. plague). " who abandoned their homes, though they were thousands (in number), for fear of death?
Uter Age-1 149
Allah said to them: "Die": then He restored them to life. For Allah is full of bounty to mankind,
this is a Symbol for you if ye indeed have faith." When Talut set forth with the
but most of them are ungrateful.
armies, he said: "Allah will test you at the stream: if any drinks of its water, he
Muhammad bin Ishaq said: "Kalab succeeded Yusha after the later death, and after the goes not with my army: only those who taste not of it go with me: a mere sip
death of Kalab, Hizqail succeeded him in ruling the children of Israel. Hizqail bin Bozi, called out of the hand is excused." But they drank of it, except a few. When they crossed
his people to worship Allah Almighty alone." the river, -he and the faithful ones with him, they said: "This day We cannot cope
with Goliath and his forces." But those who were convinced that they must meet
Ibn Ishaq said: "They (the children of Israel) ran away from the plague to an upland then
Allah, said: "How oft, by Allah's will, hath a small force vanquished a big one?
Allah said to them: "Die", therefore they died all. After ages Hizqail (PBUH) passed by them,
Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere." When they advanced to meet
he stopped and looked at them with scrutiny. Then he heard a voice saying to him: "Do you
Goliath and his forces, they prayed: "Our Lord! pour out constancy on’us and
like Allah to resurrect them?" Hizqail said: "Yes". Therefore Hizqail was ordered by Allah's
make dur steps firm: help us against those that reject faith." By Allah's will, they
command to call the bones to be covered with flesh and the nerves to be connected, and he
did so, hence all of the dead Israelites became alive. routed them; and David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him power and wisdom
and taught him whatever (else) He willed. And did not Allah check one set of
Usama reported what Allah's Messenger (PBUH) had said: "This plague is a calamity people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief: but Allah
which was inflicted on those who were before you, or upon Bani Israil. So when befell on is full of bounty to all the worlds.
a land, don't run out of it, and when it has spread in a land, then don't enter it."
Most of the commentators said:" The Prophet of those people in this story, is Shamuil.
Muhammad bin Ishaq said: "We had not been told about the time which Hizqail spent Also it had been said that he is Shamun, or may be they are the same person."
with the Israelites until he died. But the Children of Israel after his death forgot what he called
them to and they worshipped an idol it's name Balan, then Allah sent to them Ilyas bin Yasin As-Sadi said:" When the Amalekites had attacked the Israelites and defeated them, they
bin Finhas bin Al-Izar bin Harun bin Imran". killed too much of them and took the others as prisoners. At that time the prophecy finished
in the tribe of Lawi and there was only one pregnant woman among them, she prayed to
Allah Almighty to bless her with a boy, then she gave birth to a boy and she called him
Prophet Shamuil (PBUH)
Shamuil which means in Hebrew Ismail (Allah heard my prayer)."
Divided Israelites : The Israelites after Musa (PBUH) were not united among-themselves,
Has thou not turned thy vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after (the and suffered many reverses at the hands of the Medianites, Amalekites, and other tribes. They
time of) Moses they said to a Prophet (that was) among them: "Appoint for us instead of relying on Faith and their own valour and cohesion, brought out their most sacred
a King, that we may fight in the cause of Allah, "He said:" it is not possible if possession, the Ark of the Covenant, to help them in the fight. But the enemy captured it,
ye were commanded to fight, that ye will not fight?" They said:" How could we carried it away, and retainde it for seven months. The Israelites forgot that wickedness cannot
refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes screen itself behind a sacred relic, nor can a sacred relic help the enemies of faith. The enemy
and our families?" But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back. found that the Ark brought nothing but misfortune for themselves, and were glad to abandon
Except a small band among them. But Allah Has full knowledge of those who it. It apparently remained twenty years in a village.
do wrong. Their Prophet said to them : "Allah hath appointed Talut as king over Meanwhile the people pressed Shamuil to appoint for them a King. They thought that
you, "They said, "How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted a king would cure all their ills, whereas what was wanting was a spirt of union and discipline
than him to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in abundance?" and a readiness on their part of fight in the cause of Allah. But Shamuil (PBUH) knew as
He said: "Allah hath chosen him above you, and hath gifted him abundantly with a Prophet that the people were fickle and only wanted to cover their own want of union and
knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah granteth His authority to whom He pleaseth; true spirit by asking for a king, They replied with spirit in words, but when it came to action
Allah is All-embracing, and He knoweth all things. "And (further) their Prophet they failed. As Allah almighty said:
said to them: "A Sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the Ark of
the Covenant, with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord, and the "But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back. Except a small band
relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In among them. But Allah has full knowledge of those who do wrong."
Later Age-1 151
New King : Talut was tall and handsome, but belonged to the tribe of Binyamin, the
all odds because they had perfect confidence in Allah and in the cause for which they were
smallest tribe in Israel. His wordily belongings were slender and it was when he went out
fighting. They were for making a firm stand and seeking Allah's help.
to search for some asses which had been lost from his father's house that he met Shamuil
and was anointed king by him. The people's fickleness appeared immediately after he was By Allah's will, they routed them.
named. They raised all sorts of petty objections to him. The chief consideration in their minds Because they depended on their faith in Allah Almighty, although they were small band
was selfishness: each one wanted to be leader and king himself. But Shamuil knew as a and the enemy's army was great.
Prophet what his people didn't know, therefore he said to them: "Allah hath chosen him
And David slew Goliath; and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever
above you, and hath gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess: Allah
(else) He willed.
granteth His authority to whom He pleaseth; Allah is All-embracing, and He knoweth all
things." A Martyre : As-Sadi said:" Daud (PBUH) was the smallest child of his father whom
he had thirteen boys. When he heard Talut provoking the Israelites to kill Jalut and his
And (further) their Prophet said to them: "A Sign of his authority is that there shall come soldiers, by saying: 'Who will kill Jalut I will let him marry my daughter and will be my
to you the Ark of the Convenat, with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord, and partner in the rule (of the kingdom). Daud (PBUH) picked up three smooth pebbles on the
the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron, carried by angels. In this is spot from the stream, and used his sling to such effect that he split Jalufs head therefore he
a Symbol for you if ye indeed have faith." died, and Jaluts army broke and fled, and were pursued and cut to pieces. Then Talut fulfilled
Ark of the Covenant: The Ark of the Covenant is a chest of wood covered and lined with his promise and married his daughter to Daud (PBUH) and made him his partner in the
pure gold. It contained the "testimony of Allah" or the Ten Commandments engraved on kingdom."
stone, with relics of Musa and Harun. Its Gold lid was to be the "Mercy Seat". Hus was a Ibn Jarir said: The people of the Book claimed that the period of Talut's rule continued
sacred- possession to Israel. It was lost to the enemy when the Amalekites captured it, they for forty years till he was killed with his sons when they were fighting in the cause of Allah.
carried it away to their land and put it under their idol which they were worshiping it then
went to sleep, but when they woke up in morning they found the Ark on the idol s head, Prophet Daud (PBUH)
and they put it once again under the idol but at the morning of the next day it was on the
idol's head. When this matter repeated many times, the Amalekies decided at last to get rid Allah Almighty said:
of it, therefore they left it in a village. We bestowed Grace aforetime on David. from us "O ye Mountains! echo ye back
But as Allah said the angels carried the Ark and brought it back to the Israelites. the Praises of Allah with him! and ye birds (also)! "And We made the iron soft
for him:- (commanding), "Make thou coats of mail, balancing well the rings of
When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: "Allah will test you at the stream: if any
chain armour, and work ye righteousness; for be sure I see (clearly) all that ye
drinks of its water, he goes not with my army: only those who taste not of it go with me:
do."
a mere sip out of the hand is excused."
The commentators said it was at the river of Jordan when Talut gave a certain order to It was Our power that made the hills and the birds celebrate Our praises, with David:
the Israelites to cross the stream and not to drink from the water, but most of the Israelites it was We who did (all these things). It was We Who taught him the making of coats of mail
disobeyed him, and they were sent back, because he must get rid of all the doubtful ones. for your benefit, to guard you from each other's violence: will ye then be grateful?
Narrated Al-Baraa'; "We, the companions of (the Prophet) Muhammad (PBUH) used to Mujahid said: "Allah Almighty helped Daud (PBUH) to make the defensive armour from
say that the number of the warriors of Badr was the same as the number of Talut's companions the iron so he can fortify himself against the enemy, then He learned him how to manufacture
it" I
who crossed the river (of Jordan) with him, and none crossed the river with him but a believer,
and they were over three-hundred and ten men". Holy Zabur: Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): "The Prophet (PBUH) said, The reciting of I
Even in the small band that remained faithful, there were some who were appalled by the Zabur (i.e. Psalms) was made easy for Daud (PBUH). He used to order that his riding
the number of the enemy when they met face to face, and saw the size and strength of the animals be saddled, and would finish reciting the Zabur before they were saddled. And he j
enemy commander (Jalut). But there was a very small band who were determined to face would never eat except from the earnings of his manual work" j
Later Age-1 153
they entered to David and he was terrified of them, they said: "Fear not: we are
And remember Our Servant David, the man of strength: for he ever turned (in two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other: decide now between us with
repentance to Allah). It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, truth, and treat us not with injustice, but guide us to the even Path. This man is
Our Praises, at even tide and at break of day, and the birds gathered (in assemblies): my brother: he has nine and ninety ewes, and I have (but) one: yet he says,
all with him did turn (to Allah). We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him 'Commit her to my care/ and he overcame me in the argument. "(David) said:
wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision. "He has undoubtedly wronged thee in demanding thy (single) ewe to be added
to his (flock of) ewes: truly many are the partners (in business) who wrong each
Ibn Abbas said," The man of strength 'means that he was steady in worshipping Allah other: not so do those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and how
Almighty and in works righteouness." few are they?"... And David gathered that We had tried him: he asked forgiveness
Abdullah bin Amr reported what Allah's Messenger (PBUH) had said: "To Allah the best of his Lord, fell down, bowing (in prostration), and turned (to Allah in repentance).
fasting is that of Daud (PBUH) and the best prayer is that of Daud (PBUH) for he slept half So We forgave him this (lapse): he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and
of the night and stood for prayer for the third of it, and (then) slept the sixth part of it and a beautiful Place of (final) Return."
he observed fast one day and broke on the other and he did not turn back in the encounter". The commentators mentioned many stories about this incident from the Jewish sources
Allah Almighty said: containing many false novelties therefore we will not mention it and depend only on the Holy
Quranic verses.
It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our Praises, at eventide
Some commentators say that Daud's fault here was his hastiness in judging before hearing
and at break of day, and the birds gathered (in assemblies): all with him did turn
the case of the other party. When he realised his lapse, he fell down in repentance.
(to Allah).
And Allah also said: "O ye Mountains! echo ye back the Praises of Allah with him! and
ye birds (also)!" Daud (PBUH) was given the gift of music and psalmody, and therefore the So We forgave him this (lapse): he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and
hills and birds are expressed as singing Allah's praises in unison with him. The special hours a beautiful Place of (final) Return.
when the hills and groves echo the songs of birds are in the evening and at dawn, when also
Ibn Abi Hatam told that Malik bin Dinar said: "Daud (PBUH) will glorify Allah Almighty
the birds gather together, for those are respectively their roosting hours and the hours of their
in the Day of Judgement at the Pillar of the Throne".
concerted flight for the day.
Viceregent on Earth : Allah Almighty said: "O David! We did indeed make thee a
•A Sweet Voice : Abu Bardah narrated on the authority of Abu Musa that the Messenger
viceregent on earth: so judge thou between men in truth (and justice): nor follow thou the
of Allah (PBUH) had said to Abu Musa: "If you were to see me, as I was listening to your
lust (of thy heart), for it will mislead thee from the Path of Allah: for those who wander astray
recitation (of the Quran) last night (you would have felt delighted). You are in fact endowed
from the Path of Allah, is a Chastisement Grievous, for that they forget the Day of Account."
with a sweet voice like that of Daud himself.."
And this was a sermon from Allah Almighty to Daud (PBUH) but directed to all the people,
Daud (PBUH) was given the Zabur, the Psalter or Psalms, intended to be for the worship He ordered them in it to be right and to follow the truth which had been sent down from
of Allah and the celebration of Allah's praises and contains a collection of devotional poetry Him, and a warning to whoever slanted from the right way.
of a high order, as Allah Almighty said:
Daud (PBUH) was an example at that time injustice and worship and he used to spend
And to David We gave the Psalms. most of his time in prayer and in pious works which drew him nigh unto his Lord, and also
his family, as Allah Almighty said:
"Exercise thanks, family of David, but few of My servants are grateful!"
"We strengthened his kingdom, and gave him wisdom and sound judgement in
speech and decision". Then Allah Almighty said: "Has the story of the disputants Age of Daud (PBUH) and His Demise : Ibn Abbas narrated: "When Adam (PBUH) saw
reached thee? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the private chamber; when his offspring and among them the Prophets, he noticed a man shining. Adam said to Allah
Almighty: 'O Lord, who is he?* Allah Almighty said: This is your son Daud'. Adam said: '0
Lord, how many years his age will be?* Allah said: *Sixty years*. Adam said: *0 Lord increase
his age*. Allah said: T will increase his age but from yours*. Adam's age was 1000 years, but
forty years from his age were given to Daud (PBUH), therefore when the Angel of Death came
to Adam (PBUH) Adam said to him *There are forty years more* and he forgot the forty years
which were given to his son Daud, hence Allah Almighty left Adam (PBUH) to live for 1000
years and Daud (PBUH) to live 100 years. Four
Ibn Abbas said: "Daud (PBUH) died suddenly on Saturday, and the birds were
overshadowing him". Said bin Zubayr said: "Daud (PBUH) died on Saturday suddenly*.
Ishaq bin Bishr said: "Daud (PBUH) died when his age was 120 years, and he died on
Wednesday suddenly".
Al-Yasa' (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said: And Ismail and Elisha, and Jonas, and Lot and LATER AGE-2
to all We gave favour above the nations.
Also Allah Almighty said in Surat Sad: And commemorate Ismail, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl:
each of them was of the company of the Good.
Ibn Ishaq told on the authority of Al-Hassan: " Al-Yasa' (PBUH) came after Ilyas (PBUH), Prophet Sulayman (PBUH)
he remained among the Israelites calling them to Allah Almighty by following Ilyas' way and Allah Almighty said: And Solomon was David's heir. He said: "O ye people! we have
statute till he died. After his death the Israelites drowned in the sins and the mischief and been taught the speech of Birds, and we have been given of everything. This is indeed grace
they killed the Prophets. At that time there was a wicked king ruling the Israelites, it is said manifest (from Allah.)"
that Zul-kifl (PBUH) guaranteed to him that if he will repent he will enter Paradise, therefore
he was called Zul-Kifl (the gurantor)." Successor to his Father : Sulayman (PBUH) inherited his father's spiritual insight, the
prophetic office and the kingdom, which do not necessarily go from father to son, as the
Ibn Asakir said: "Al-Yasa', is Al-Asbat bin Adi bin Shutldm bin Afrathim bin Yusuf bin Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (PBUH) said: "We, the Prophets, have no successors.* Also
Yaqub bin Ishaq bin Ibrahim Al-khalil (PBUH). It is said that he is Ilyas' cousin, and he hid Sulayman (PBUH) understood the languages of the birds and he explained to the people their
with him in the mountain of Qasyun from the king of Bala bak.". meanings and intents.
"And before Solomon were marshalled his hosts, - of Jinns and men and birds,
and they were all kept in order and ranks. At length, when they came to a valley
of ants, one of the ants said: "Oye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon
and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it.** So he smiled, amused
at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for
Thy favours, which Thou has bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may
work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me, by Thy Grace, to the
ranks of Thy Righteous Servants."
The ant, to outward appearance, is a very small and humble creature. In the great pomp
and circumstances of the world, she (generic feminine in Arabic) may be neglected or even
trampled on by a people who mean her no harm. Yet, by her wisdom, she carries on her own
life within her own sphere. Therefore she warned the other ants to take care of Sulayman's to Solomon, he said: "Will ye give me abundance in wealth? But that which. Allah has given
army. me is better than that which He has given you! Nay it is ye who rejoice in your gift! "go back
to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to
But Sulayman (PBUH) understood the ant's speech, and although he was great king of
meet: we shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled (indeed)."
authority and power, but in front of Allah he was a humble servant, therefore he prayed to
Allah that his power and wisdom and all other gifts may be used for righteousness, and for All Upto the Mark: Sulayman (PBUH) was no idle or easy king, He kept all his organisation
the benefit of all around him. strictly up to the marks. His most mobile arm was the Birds, who were light on the wing
and flew and saw everything like efficient scouts. One day he missed the Hoopoe in his
Sulayman (PBUH) also mentioned his parents in his prayer, because his father was Allah's muster. The Hoopoe's job as Ibn Abbas narrated is to search for water when Sulayman (PBUH)
Prophet, Daud (PBUH), and his mother was a righteous servant, as Jabir told Eid: That the and his armies are traveling in the deserts because the hoopoe is sharp-sighted and it can
Holy Messenger (PBUH) said: "The mother of Sulayman bin Daud said: 'O my son! don't see the underground water from the sky then it will guide them to the water's place and they
sleep too much at night, because sleeping too much at night makes the servant poor in the will dig out the water to use it in their needs.
Day of Resurrection".
Therefore Sulayman (PBUH) said: I will certainly punish him with a severe punishment,
Muamar told that Az-Zuhri said: "Sulayman (PBUH) and his companions went out to or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for absence).
the place of prayer, to pray for rain, but he saw an ant praying for rain, therefore he said
But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have compassed which thou
to his companions: 'Go back, you had been answered because of the ant's prayer".
hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true.
Narrated Ibn Asakir: That Abu Huraira (R.A.) heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)
Whereupon the Hoopoe told Sulayman (PBUH) about what it saw in Saba as a great
saying: "A prophet and his people went out to the place of prayer; to pray for rain and they
kingdom with crowned followers, and the ruler was a woman from among them because she
saw an ant raising its hands to the sky, whereupon the prophet said: 'Go back you had been
is the king's daughter who didn't has a son therefore when he died she succeeded him.
answered because of this ant".
Awf narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari on the authority of Al-Hassan on the authority of Abi
Muster of the Birds : Allah Almighty said: "And he took a muster of the Birds; and he Bikrah that when Allah's Messenger (PBUH) heard that the Persians had made Kisra's
said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? I will certainly punish daughter their ruler. The Prophet (PBUH) said: "The people who made woman rule over them
him with a severe punishment, or execute him, unless he bring me a clear reason (for
will not succeed".
absence)." But the Hoopoe tarried not far: he (came up and) said: "I have compassed which
thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba with tidings true. I found (there) The Hoopoe mentioned to Sulayman (PBUH) the false belief of the Sabaeans by worshipping
a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite; and she has a magnificent the sun instead of Allah Almighty who created the sun and everything, then the Hoopoe
throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun besides Allah: Satan has made their pronounced the Creed of Unity and emphasized Allah's attribute as Lord of the Great Throne.
deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path, - so they receive Therefore Sulayman (PBUH) sent a letter to them. He began his letter with the formula
no guidance,- so that they worship not Allah who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens of the true and universal Religion of Unity, and invited them to the true Faith by obeying
and the earth, and knows what ye hide and what ye reveal. Allah! - there is no god but He! Allah Almighty and His Messenger (Sulayman).
Lord of the Throne Supreme!" (Solomon) said: "Soon shall we see whether thou hast told
The commentators narrated that the Hoopoe carried the letter and flied towards the
the truth or lied! "Go thou, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them: then draw back
Queen's palace, when it reached the palace the Hoopoe threw the letter to the Queen while |
from them, and (wait to) see what answer they return"... (The Queen) said: "Ye chiefs! here
she was alone and waited to see what her answer will be. j
is-delivered to me-a letter worthy of respect. It is from Solomon, and is (as follows): In the
name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful: be ye not arrogant against me, but come to Queen Bilqis : The Queen Bilqis was a ruler enjoying great wealth and dignity, and the!
me in submission (to the true Religion)." She said: "Ye chiefs! advise me in (this) my affair: full confidence of her subjects. But she is always consulting her Council, and her Council is|
no affair have I decided except in your presence." They said: "We are endued with strength, r ready to carry out her commands in all things, therefore they said: "We are endued with
and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou wilt strength, and given to vehement war: but the command is with thee; so consider what thou
command." She said: "Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make the noblest wilt command."
of its people its meanest thus do they behave. But I am going to send him a present, and
Bilqis' opinion was more correct than her people's opinion, she knew that Sulayman is
(^vait) to see witli what (answer) return (my) ambassadors." Now when (the embassy) came
not like ordinary kings who conquer by violence. And she said: "Kings, when they enter a Whereupon Sulayman (PBUH) decided to disguise the throne, so it will be a test to see
country, despoil it, and make the noblest of its people its meanest thus do they behave." whether Bilqis recognises it as her own or not, as Allah Almighty said:
Then she said: "But I am going to send him a present, and (wait) to see with what (answer) He (Solomon) said:" Disguise her throne. Let us see whether she is guided (to the truth)
return (my) ambassadors". Bilqis though she had arranged with womanly tact to conciliate or is one of those who are not rightly guided." So when she arrived, she was asked, "Is this
Sulayman, and at the same time pacify her warlike subjects! But the effect of the embassy thy throne?* She said, "It seems the same."
with presents was the very opposite. Sulayman (PBUH) took it as an insult because she sent
Bilqis regarded as improbable what she saw because she knew that her throne is in Saba
her presents instead of her submission to the true Religion! He flung back the presents at
and as she thought no one can do something like this, because her worship of others besides
her, as much as to say, "Let these baubles delight your own hearts! Allah has blessed me with Allah diverted her from the right believe in Allah and in the ability of His Prophets.
plenty of worldly goods, and something infinitely better, (His Light and Guidance)! Why do
you say nothing about that?", then he said to her ambassadors: Go back to them, and be sure A Lofty Palace : Then Sulayman (PBUH) ordered the Jinns to build a lofty palace and
We shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet: We shall expel its floor was made of slabs of smooth polished glass, that glistened like water, then Bilqis
them from there in disgrace, and they will feel humbled (indeed). was asked to enter the palace: But when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and
she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved smooth
When Bilqis and her people heard what Sulayman (PBUH) had said, now they had no with slabs of glass." She said: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do (now) submit
choice but to accept and submit, hence they came all with the Queen towards him. (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds."
Queen's Throne : When Sulayman (PBUH) heard about their coming he said to those who The commentators narrated at after Bilqis joined Sulayman (PBUH) in worshipping Allah
were in his presence what Allah Almighty mentioned in the Holy Quranic verses: He said Almighty he married her.
(to his own men): "Ye Chiefs! which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me
in submission?" A stalwart of the Jinn said: "I will bring it to thee before thou rise from thy Allah Almighty said:
council: indeed I have full strength for the purpose, and may be trusted." Said one who had To David We bestowed Solomon (for a son),- how excellent is the servant! ever
knowledge of the Book: "I will bring it to thee before ever thy glance returns to thee." Then
did he turn (to Us in repentance)! Behold, there were brought before him, at
when (Solomon) saw it placed firmly before him, he said: "This is by the grace of my Lord!-
eventide, coursers of the highest breeding, and swift of foot; and he said, "Truly
to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! and if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is
do I prefer wealth to the remembrance of my Lord." Until (the sun) was hidden
(again) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme
in the veil (of Night): "Bring them back to me. "Then began he to pass his hand
in Honour?" He said: "Disguise her throne. Let us see whether she is guided (to the truth)
over (their) legs and their necks. And We did try Solomon: We placed on his throne
or is one of those who are not rightly guided." So when she arrived, she was asked, "Is this
a body but he did turn (to Us in true devotion). He said, "O my Lord! forgive
thy throne?" She said," It seems the same. "And (Solomon said): Knowledge was bestowed
me, and grant me a Kingdom which, will not belong to another after me: for Thou
on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allah (in Islam)." And he diverted her
art the Grantor of Bounties (without measure). Then We subjected the Wind to
from the worship of others besides Allah: for she was (sprung) of a people that had no faith.
his power, to flow gently to his order, whither so ever he willed, as also the Satans,
She was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of
(including) every kind of builder and diver, - as also others bound together in
water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He said: "This is but a palace paved
smooth with slabs of glass". She said: "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do fetters." Such are Our Bounties: whether thou bestow them (on others) or withhold 1
them, no account will be asked." And he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to I
(now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds."
Us, and a beautiful Place of (final) Return. I
The throne is symbolical of power and dignity. So far her throne was based on material
Allah Almighty mentioned that to Daud (PBUH). He bestowed Sulayman (PBUH), and,
wealth: therefore Sulayman (PBUH) decided to alter it to a basis of Faith and the Religion
of Unity, and he asked his own men to bring her throne be fore she and her people come then Allah Almighty praised Sulayman by saying:
in submission. As Allah Almighty told in His Holy verses; the throne had been brought and How excellency is the servant! ever did he turn (to Us in repentance)! Then Allah Almighty
placed firmly before Sulayman (PBUH). When Sulayman (PBUH) saw the throne in front of mentioned what was Sulayman's matter with the horses (that stand, when at ease, on three
him he thanked Allah Almighty for His Generosity because Sulayman (PBUH) was grateful
legs, firmly planted with the hoof of the fourth leg resting lightly on the ground, and their,
aiid thankful servant.
swiftness). I
The commentators narrated that Sulayman (PBUH) was so engrossed in the inspection Al-Bukhari said: Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): The Prophet (PBUH) said: "Last night a
of his fine horses that he completely forgot to recite his Asr prayer before the sunset But demon from the Jinns came to me (or the Prophet (PBUH) said, a similar sentence) to disturb
sure he didn't leave the prayer intentionally, although it had been said that delaying the my prayer, but Allah gave me the power to overcome him. I intended to tie him to one of
prayer in their law is permissible, therefore he delayed the prayer for reason of the Jihad (Holy the pillars of the mosque till the morning so that all of you could see him, but then I
war) and inspection of the horses. remembered the statement of my brother Sulayman: O my Lord! forgive me, and grant me
a kingdom which, will not belong to another after me. The narrator added: Then the Prophet
Allah Almighty said: And We did try Solomon: We placed on his throne a body but he
(PBUH) dismissed him, rejected".
did turn (to Us in true devotion).
Devil Spared: Muslim said: Abu Ad-Dardaa reported: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) stood
Sulayman (PBUH) was at his utmost height of power and glory. Allah Almighty tested
up (to pray) and we heard him saying: "I seek refuge in Allah from you", then said: "I curse
him with a severe illness during which he was no more than a lifeless body
IB on his throne.
you with Allah's curse". Three times, then he stretched out his hand as though he was taking
He came to realize how weak and powerless he was in the eyes of Allah. In this state of
weakness and misery he turned to Allah with humility and humbleness. hold of something. When he finished the prayer, we said: "O Allah's Messenger, we heard
you saying something during the prayer which we have not heard you say before, and we
Building the Holy House : Then Sulayman was ordered to build Bayt Al-Maqdis which saw you stretch out your hand". He replied: "Allah's enemy Iblis (The Devil) came with flame
his father (Daud) had laid the foundation of. of fire to put it in my face, so I said three times: 'I seek refuge in Allah from you.' Then I
Abu Zarr reported: I said: "O Allah's Messenger, which mosque was set up first on the said three times: 'I curse you with Allah's full curse', but he did not retreat (on anyone of
earth? "He said: "Al-Masjid Al-Haram". I (again) said: "Then which next? "He said: "It was these) three occasions. Therefore I meant to seize him. I swear by Allah that had not it been
the Masjid Al-Aqsa'." for the supplication of my brother Sulayman he would have been bound, and made an object
of sport for the children of Medina",
Many commentators narrated that Sulayman (PBUH) had 1000 women, seven hundred
Then We subjected the Wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, wither so
of them were his wives and 300 as slave-girls.
ever he willed, -as also the Sa tans, (Including) every kind of builder and diver,-
as also others bound together in fetters. "Such are our Bounties: whether thou Al-Bukhari said: narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (PBUH) said:" Sulayman the son of
bestow them (on others) or withhold them, no account will be asked." And he Daud said: Tonight I will sleep with seventy ladies each of whom will conceive a child who
enjoyed, indeed, a near approach to Us, and a beautiful place of (final) return. will be a knight fighting for Allah's Cause' His companion said to him (say), 'If Allah will.'
Allah Almighty gave Sulayman (PBUH) a power to control the winds, and he could make But Sulayman did not say so; therefore none of those women got pregnant except one who
it obey his order. Also Allah bestowed such abundant powers and bounties on Sulayman that gave birth to a half child." The Prophet (PBUH) further said, 'If the Prophet Sulayman had
they could not be counted or measured: and he was free to give away anything he liked or said it (i.e. 'If Allah will') he would have begotten children who would have fought in Allah's
keep anything he liked, as Allah Almighty said: Cause."
Shuaib and Ibn Abi Az-Zinad said, "Ninety (women) is more correct (than seventy)."
And to Solomon (We made) the Wind (obedient): its early morning (stride) was
a month's (journey) and its evening (stride) was a month's (journey); and We made The Demise: Asbag bin Al-Faraj narrated that Zaid ibn Aslam said: "Sulayman (PBUH)
a font of molten brass to flow for him; and there were Jinns that worked infront said to the Angel of Death: 'If Allah orders you to grasp my soul, then tell me.' Afterwards
of him, by the leave of his Lord, and if any of them turned aside from Our the Angel of Death came to Sulayman (PBUH) and said to him: 'I have been ordered to grasp j
command, We made him taste of the Chastisement of the Blazing Fire. They your soul and you have one hour left'.... Therefore Sulayman (PBUH) ordered the Jinns tqA
worked for him as he desired, (making) Arches, Images, Basons as large as wells, build a palace from slabs of glass without door, and he stood up to pray leaning on his staff, jl
and (cooking) Cauldrons fixed (in their places): "Exercise thanks sons of David, Whereupon the Angel of Death came and grasped Sulayman's soul while he was leaning cî |
But few of My servants are grateful!"
his staff. At that time the Jinns were working and looking at Sulayman (PBUH) thinking that
Also Allah Almighty said: (It was Our power that made) the violent (unruly) wind flow he is alive. But Allah Almighty sent the worm of the earth which slowly gnawed away B
(tamely) for Solomon, to his order, to the land which We had blessed: for We do know all Sulayman's staff and he fell down. When the Jinns saw that, they dispersed and went, as AllairaB
things. And of Satans were some who dived for him, and did other work besides; and it was Almighty said:
We Who guarded them.
"Then, when We decreed (Solomon's) death, nothing showed them his death it a Guide to the Children of Israel, (commanding): "Take not other than Me as Disposer of
except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff: (your) affairs." O ye that are sprung•J from those whom We carried (In the Ark) with Nuh’.
so when he fell down, the Jinns saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, verily he was a devotee most grateful. And we decreed for the Children of Israel in the Book,
they would not have tarried in the humiliating Chastisement (of their Task)/' that twice would they do mischief on the earth and be elated with mighty arrogance (and
twice would they be punished)! When the first of the warnings came to pass, We sent against
Asbag said: "I heard that the worm of the earth remained eating in Sulayman's staff for
you Our servants given to terrible warfare: they entered the very in most parts of your homes;
one year".
and it was a warning (completely) fulfilled. Then did We grant you victory over them: We
Ishaq bin Bishr said on the authority of Az-Zuhri: "Sulayman (PBUH) lived for fifty two gave you increase in resources and sons, and made you the more numerous in man-power.
years and he ruled for forty years". Ibn Abbas said: "Sulayman (PBUH) ruled for twenty If ye did well, ye did well for yourselves; if ye did evil, (ye did it) against yourselves. So when
years". Ibn Jarir said: "The age of Sulayman (PBUH) was upwards of fifty years *. the second of the warnings came to pass, (We permitted your enemies) to disfigure your faces,
Shay a bin Amsya (PBUH) : Shaya was before Zakariya and Yahya (Alayhimus-Salam). and to enter your Temple as they had entered it before, and to visit with destruction all that
He announced the good news of the coming of Isa (PBUH) and the Prophet Muhammad fell into their power. It may be that your Lord may (yet) show Mercy unto you; but if ye
(PBUH). In his time the king of the Israelites in Jerusalem was Hiziqya, and he was obedient revert (to your sins). We shall revert (to Our punishments): and We have made Hell a prison
to Shaya's orders. At that time the Israelites were facing many dangerous events because the for those who reject (all Faith)."
King had got sick and Sanharib the king of Babylon came towards Jerusalem with 6,00,000 The Children of Israel forgot the orders of Allah Almighty and His Prophets, then started
Soldiers. to commit sins. Therefore Allah Almighty wanted to take revenge from them, so He inspired
The people became frightened, and the king asked Shaya: "What Allah inspired to you to Armya about His intent. But Armya prayed and pleaded to Allah Almighty to give the
(concerning our case)?" Shaya said: "Nothing". Whereupon Allah inspired to Shaya that the Israelites another chance and he will do his best by advising them and calling them to
king has to choose somebody to succeed him because he is going to die. When the king knew remember Allah's orders and His Mercy on them:
about this he cried, pleaded and prayed to Allah Almighty. As Armya promised Allah Almighty to do, he did and called the Israelites to return to
Allah Almighty inspired to Shaya to announce the good news to the king that he will the right path and to remember Allah's Favours on them, also he warned them from Allah's
live fifteen years more. The king thanked Allah Almighty for His Grace and Generosity. Revenge because when the Revenge comes no one can flee from it.
Afterwards Allah Almighty sent the death on Sanharib's army and they died all except But when the Israelites heard Armya's speech and his warning to them, they accused
Sanharib and five soldiers who became prisoners in the hand of Israel's king. him with falsehood and they pretended that if Allah will destroy them so who will
Ibn Ishaq said: When Hiziqya the king of Israel died, the Israelites disputed and became worship Him! Then the Israelites caught Armya and they put him in the prison. Therefore
evil-doers, hence Shaya advised them, reminded them and told them about Allah Almighty Allah Almighty sent the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar with his great army to them
and His punishment. But the Israelites disproved Shaya and wanted to kill him therefore he and he killed some of them and took the others as prisoners, also he destroyed Jerusalem
hid inside a tree but the Devil showed the Israelites Shaya's hiding -place and they killed and its buildings which the Israelities were proud of them and freed Armya from the
him by cutting the tree with a saw. prison.
Armya (PBUH) : He is Armya son of Haliqya from the tribe of Lawi. Ibn Asakir said: Ibn Al-Kalbi said: Since that time the Israelites scattered in the countries. J
"It had been narrated that Armya stood at the blood of Yahya (PBUH) while it was boiling, Danyal (PBUH) : According to what Ibn abi Ad-Dunya said: "The astrologers and the A
in Damascus and said: 'O blood, you infatuated the people so snuggle, therefore the blood savants came to one of the Kings and said to him: A boy will be born and he is going to destroy
became quiet and disappeared!" your kingdom'. For this reason the king decided to kill all the boys in that night. Then thdgM
Abu Bakr bin abi Ad-Dunya said: "Armya said (to Allah Almighty)' O Lord, whose of king's soldiers (after killing all the boys) took Danyal and threw him in the lion's thicket (ii^M
Your servants are more desirable to You?' Allah Almighty said: Those ones who remember order to get rid of him also), but the lions did not touch him or hurt him, they just licked
Me too much, whom always busy with My remembrance instead of remembering the creatures, him, and when his mother came she found the lions licking her baby, and Allah saved him
those who do not want to be eternal (in the World's). Those whom I will give them My Love'." by His care".
Destruction of the Holy House: Allah Almighty said: "We gave Moses the Book, and made Also Ibn abi Ad-Dunya told that Abdullah bin abi Al-Hazil said; "Danyal was in the land
164
__ -• All the Prophets Later Age-2 165
of Babylon in Iraq, and the king there threw him with two lions in a pit, but the lions did Whereupon Uzair went back to his village he found an old blind infirm woman she was
not attack him, afterwards Danyal became hungry, therefore Allah Almighty inspired therefore his family's slave before when he left, but now her age about 120 years. When Uzair told
Armya who was in Jerusalem to go towards Iraq and save Danyal, therefore Armya went her about his identity, she didn't believe and she told him that Uzair's prayer is accepted
to Iraq and saved Danyal who thanked Allah Almighty a too much for hearing his prayer*. and asked him to pray for her blindness in order to see and recognize him.
Ibn abi Ad-Dunya told in his book "Ahkam-ul-Qubur" that Abi Al-Ashath Al-Ahman Uzair prayed to Allah Almighty and the woman recovered from her blindness and
narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: 'Danyal prayed to his Lord the Exalted and disability, then she recognized him and ran towards the people to tell them, when she reached
Majestic, that Muhammad's nation will bury him', and when Abu Musa Al-Ashari invaded the village council she told them about the coming of Uzair but the people didn't believe her,
Tastar he found Danyal in a coffin while his veins were beating. And the Prophet (PBUH) and they came to see that man.
had said before: Who will led to (the coffin of) Danyal will enter the Paradise'. Therefore
Among those who were in the council is Uzair's son, he said: "There is a mole between
"Umar (R.A.) when he knew about this he wrote to Abu Musa Al-Ashari telling him to
my father's shoulders", therefore Uzair showed them the mole, but the Israelites were in
announce the glad tidings to the man who found Danyal that he will enter the Paradise, and
doubt and they said: "The Torah had been buried and only Uzair knows its place", at that
who found him was a man called Harqus".
time Uzair showed them the place of the Torah and he dug and took it out, and the people
knew that he is Uzair who left them before 100 years.
Prophets Uzair, Zakariya and Yahya (PBUT)
Then Uzair sat down in the shadow of a tree and the Israelites sat around him and he
Prophet Uzair (PBUH) : He is Uzair bin Jarwah, as Ibn Asakir narrated, although other started to teach them the Torah, as Allah Almighty said: And that We may make of thee a
commentators mentioned many names for his ancestry. As it is known Uzair was a Prophet
Sign unto the people.
from the children of Israel and he lived in the period between Sulayman (PBUH) and Zakariya
(PBUH), although Ibn Abbas said: "I don't know if Al-Uzair was a Prophet or not". Because he was sitting with his sons whom became old men while he was still young
man.
Uzair was a righteous servant to Allah Almighty. One day at noon he was going to a
small village which he didn't see it before, on his way he felt tired because of the hot sun Afterwards the Jews pretended that Uzair is the son of Allah but this is wrong, as Allah
therefore he went to a ruins was in his way to take rest in the shadow and with him was Almighty said:
his donkey and his food. When he reached the ruins he prepared his food and lied down
"The Jew call Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the Son of Allah.
looking at the ruins and its remains, he saw a ragged bones therefore he said in surprise not
That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the Unbelievers
in doubt:
of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away for the
"Oh! how shall Allah bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?" At that time Truth!"
Allah Almighty sent the Angel of Death and he grasped 'Uzair's soul. Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): I heard Allah's Messenger (PBUH) saying: "An ant bit a
Uzair remained in his death for WO years, meanwhile many great events happened to prophet amongst the prophets, and he ordered that the place of the ants be burnt. So, Allah
the children of Israel. After 100 years Allah Almighty sent an angel to Uzair to animate him, inspired to him, 'It is because one ant bit you that you burnt a nation amongst the nations
when Uzair woke up the angel asked him: "How long did you remain?" Uzair said: "I that glorify Allah?"
remained a day or part of the day," but the angel said to him: "You have remained dead
Ibn Abbas and Al-Hassan Al-Basri told that this Prophet is Uzair.
for 100 years, but look at your food,
SB "and when he looked at his food he found it fresh even
the one which he had prepared, but it looks like that there was some doubt in his heart, Prophet Zakariya (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said: "Kaf. Ha. Ya. Ain. Sad. (This is) a
therefore the aneel said to him: mention of the Mercy of thy Lord to His servant Zakariya. Behold! he cried to his Lord in
"And look at thy donkey: and that We may make of thee a Sign unto the people.
Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with
secret. Praying: "O my Lord! infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head doth glisten
with grey: but never am I unblest, O my Lord, in my prayer to Thee! "now I fear (what) my 1
relatives (and colleagues) (will do) after me: but my wife is barren: so give me an heir as from
flesh." When this was shown clearly to him, he said: "I know that Allah hath Thyself, - "(one that) will (truly) inherit me, and inherit the posterity of Jacob; and make him,
power over all things". O my Lord! one with whom Thou art well-pleased!" (His prayer was answered): "O Zakariya!
Later Age-2 167
We give thee good news of a son: his name shall be Yahya: on none by that name have We
conferred distinction before. "He said: "O my Lord how shall I have a son, when my wife "This is a mention of the Mercy of thy Lord to His servant Zakariya Behold! he
is barren and I have grown
ej quite decrepit from old age?" He said: "So (it will be): thy Lord cried to his Lord in secret."
saith, That is easy for Me: I did indeed create thee before, when thou has been nothing!*
(Zakariya) said: "O my Lord! give me a Sign," "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that It means that the Mercy of Allah Almighty to Zakariya was in accepting his prayer when
a thou art not dumb. So Zakariya came he cried to Allah secretly; because Allah knows what inside the pure heart and hear its sound,
thou shalt speak to no man for three nights, although
Praying: "O my Lord! infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head doth glisten with
out to his people from his chamber: he told them by signs to celebrate Allah's praises in the
grey: but never am I unblest, O my Lord, in my prayer to Thee!
morning and in the evening. (To his son came the command): "O Yahya! take hold of the
Book with might": and We gave him Wisdom even as a youth, and pity (for all creatures) Zakariya (PBUH) was in charge of Mary am who grew under Allah's special protection.
as from Us, and purity: he was devout, and kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing Her sustenance was coming from Allah, and her growth was indeed a "goodly growth"'.
or rebellious. So Peace on him the day he was bom, the day that he dies, and the day that Whenever Zakariya entered to her chamber, he found fresh unseasonable fruits by her.
he will be raised up to life (again)!" Therefore Zakariya (PBUH) knew that Who provides unseasonable things able to bless him
with a son although he is an old man. There did Zakariya pray to his Lord! saying: "6 my
To the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Every time that he entered (her) chamber Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer!.
to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said; "O Mary! Whence (comes)
this to you?" She said:" From Allah: for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases, "Now I fear (what) my relatives (and colleagues) (will do) after me: but my wife is barren:
without measure." There did Zakariya pray to his Lord! saying: "O my Lord! Gant unto so give me an heir as from Thyself". Zakariya (PBUH) was not merely pushed by a desire
me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that heareth prayer! "While he for a son. If it had been, he would have prayed much earlier in his life, when he was a young
was standing in prayer in the chamber, the angels called unto him: "Allah doth give thee man. But he wanted the son to keep the lamp of Allah burning bright, and he found in the
glad tidings of Yahya, confirming the truth of a Word from Allah, and (be besides) noble, Israelites no true spirit of the service of Allah, therefore he asked from Allah Almighty to
chaste, and a Prophet, - of the (goodly) company of the righteous. "He said: "O my Lord! give him an heir to inherit him in the Prophecy and in ruling the Israelites, as Allah Almighty
how shall I have a son, seeing I am very old, and my wife is barren?" "Thus," was the said: "(One that) will (truly) inherit me, and inherit the posterity of Jacob; and make him,
answer, "Doth Allah accomplish what He willeth." He said: "O my Lord! give me a Sign!* 0 my Lord! one with whom Thou art well-pleased!" And not as some of the commentators
"Thy Sign," was the answer/ Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three days who understood that the inheritance here is for the property, because according to what the
but-with signals. Then celebrate the praises of thy Lord again and again, and glorify Him Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Our (i.e. Messenger's) property is not to be inherited, and
whatever we leave after our death, is to be spent in charity, therefore when Fatima (PBUH)
in the evening and in the morning."
and Al-Abbas (PBUH) came to Abu Bakr (R.A.) seeking their share from the property of
"And (remember) Zakariya, when he cried to his Lord: "O my Lord! leave me not without Allah's Messenger (PBUH) and at that time they were asking for their land at Fadak and their
offspring, though Thou art the best of inheritors." So We listened to him: and We granted share from Khaibar. Abu Bakr said to them, "I have heard from Allah's Messenger (PBUH)
him Yahya: We cured his wife's (barrenness) for him. These (three) were ever quick in doing in saying, 'Our property cannot be inherited, and whatever we leave is to be spent in charity,
good works, they used to call on Us in yearning and awe. And humble themselves before Us." but the family of Muhammad may take their provisions from this property.' "Abu Bakr added,
"And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Elias: all in the ranks of the Righteous." "By Allah, I will not leave procedure I saw Allah's Messenger (PBUH) following during his
lifetime concerning this property"
According to what Asakir mentioned, he is Zakariya bin Brikhga or Zakariya bin Dan,
and his ancestors are from the children of Israel. Allah Almighty said: (His prayer was answered): "O Zakariya! We give thee good news
of a son: his name shall be Yahya: on none by that name have We conferred distinction before." |
Zakariya (PBUH) was a Prophet, both he and his wife were devout and punctilious in And that was explained in Allah's saying: While he was standing in prayer in the chamber, ’
their duties. They were old, and they had no son. Zakariya (PBUH) was troubled in mind, the angels called unto him: "Allah doth give thee glad tidings of Yahya, confirming the truth
not so much by the vulgar desire to have a son to carry on his line, but because he felt that of a Word from Allah, and (besides) noble chaste, - and a Prophet, - of the (goodly) company
his people were not unselfishly devout, and there would be no sincere work for Allah unless of the righteous."
he could train up someone himself, therefore he called his Lord secretly, and secretly because
he feared that his family and relatives were going wrong, and he could not very well mention When the good news of Yahya was announced by the angels to Zakariya (PBUH), he
the fear about his colleagues (who were his relations) in public, as Allah Almighty said: became astonished and said: "O my Lord! how shall I have a son, when my wife is barren
and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?", Because he was an old man, he found it
difficult to have a son, (It is said that his age was 77 years old, or may be more), also his Yahya (PBUH) was granted: (1) wisdom by Allah, for he boldly denounced sin; (2) gentle
wife was a barren old woman. pity and love for all Allah's creatures, for he moved among the humble and lowly, and
despised "soft raiment"; and (3) purity of life, for he renounced the world and lived in the
Zakariya (PBUH) said like what Ibrahim (PBUH) had said before: "Do ye give me such
wilderness. Also Yahya was dutiful towards his parents, and he was not an arrogant nor
glad tidings even though old age has seized me? Of what, then, is your good news?" And
disobedient to them, as Allah Almighty said: And kind to his parents, and he was not
also Sarah said: "Alas for me! shall I bear a child, seeing I am an old woman, and my husband
overbearing or rebellious..
here is an old man? That would indeed be a wonderful thing!" They said: "Dost thou wonder
at Allah's decree? The grace of Allah and His blessings on you, O ye people of the house! Allah Almighty said:
for He is indeed worthy of all praise, full of all glory!" "So Peace on him the day he was bom, the day that he dies, and the day that
The angel
4 answered Zakariya (PBUH) with the same replay which Sarah had been he will be raised up to life (again)!" Peace and Allah's Blessings, were on him when
answered with: "So (it will be): Thy Lord saith. That is easy for Me: I did indeed create thee he was bom; they continue when he is about to die an unjust death on the hands
before, when thou has been nothing!" of a tyrant; and they will be specially manifest at the Day of Judgment. Also Allah
Almighty described Yahya (PBUH) as: "And (be besides) noble, chaste, and a
It means that the real creative force (the Power of Allah), which created Zakariya when
Prophet, of the (goodly) company of the righteous."
he was nothing before, is able to makes him has a son even if he is an old man.
Narrated Imam Ahmad on the authority of Al-Harith Al-Ashari that the Messenger of
Allah Almighty said: Allah (PBUH) said: "Allah Almighty ordered Yahya the son of Zakariya with five words
So We listened to him: and We granted him Yahya: We cured his wife's (barrenness) which he has to do them and he has to order the children of Israel to do them, and Yahya
for him. These (three) were ever quick in doing in good works: they used to call (PBUH) was on the point of delaying them, therefore Isa (PBUH) said to him: 'You have been
on Us in yearning and awe. And humble themselves before Us. The barrenness ordered with five words which you have to do them and you have to order the Children of
of Zakariya's wife was removed so that she could become a mother. Israel to do them also, either you inform the Children of Israel about them or I do.' Yahya
(PBUH) said: 'O my brother! I afraid if you preceded me Allah will punish me'. Therefore
Zakariya said: "O my Lord! give me a Sign." The "Sign", was in order to tell Zakanya Yahya (PBUH) gathered the Children of Israel in the Mosque of Bayt Al-Maqdis till the
about the happening of his wife's pregnancy. "Thy Sign, "was the answer, "Shall be that thou Mosque became full with the people, then he sat down on a high place, and praised Allah
shall speak to no man for three nights, although thou art not dumb. Allah Almighty ordered Almighty
•j and thanked Him for His Grace, whereupon he said: Allah Almighty ordered me
Zakariya (PBUH) to spend the evenings and the mornings in prayer and praise and meanwhile With five words, I have to do them and I order you to do them: worship Allah and worship
he will not be able to speak to the people for three days. none along with Him; offer the pray; observe fast; give charity; and keep on remembering
Narrated Ibn Zad, "Zakariya (PBUH) was reading, and glorifying Allah, but he could not Allah Almighty."
speak with anybody". Prophet Yahya (PBUH): Narrated Malik bin Sha'sa'a that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)
talked to them about the night of his Ascension to the Heavens. He (PBUH) said, "Then Jibril
Zakariya (PBUH) became very happy after hearing the glad tidings, and he came out from
took me and ascended up till he reached the second heaven where he asked for the gate to
his chamber to his people He told them by signs to celebrate Allah's praises in the morning
be opened, but it was asked, 'Who is it?' Jibril replied, 'I am Jibril.' It was asked, 'Who is
and in the evening. Allah Almighty said: To his son came the command: "O Yahya! take hold
accompanying you?' He replied, 'Muhammad (PBUH)'. It was asked, 'Has he been called?'
of the Book with might": and We gave him Wisdom even as a youth. Allah Almighty telling
He said, 'Yes.' When we reached over the second heaven, I saw Yahya and Isa who were
about the birth of Yahya (PBUH), according to the Divine good news which was given to
cousins, Jibril said, "These are Yahya and Isa, so greet them. 'I greeted them and they returned
Zakariya (PBUH), and the instruction was given to Yahya (PBUH) to keep fast hold of Allah's
the greeting saying, 'Welcome, O Pious Brother and Pious Prophet."
revelation with all his might.
Yahya (PBUH) used to stay away from the people because he liked to be alone with his
Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak said: "The boys said to Yahya (PBUH), 'Let us go for playing.'
Creator, therefore he renounced the world and lived in the wilderness, till that once his
Yahya said, 'Not for playing we have been created'. "And this is the meaning of And We
parents missed him and they went out looking for him, then they found him near the river
gave him Wisdom even as a youth.
of Jordan and when they gathered all, his parents cried too much because of Yahya's worship
Allah Almighty said: And pity (for all creatures) as from Us, and purity: he was devout. and his fear from Allah Almighty.
170 ' Al! the Prop^
Later Age-2 171
—
Narrated Ibn Al-Mubarak on the authority of Wahib bin Al-ward, "Zakariya (PBUty
There is no doubt that Maryam (PBUH) was from the progeny of Daud (PBUH), and her
missed Yahya (PBUH) for three days therefore he went out looking for him in the desert,
father 'Imran was a devout worshipper, and her mother Hannah is from a priestly house.
then he found Yahya, crying inside a grave which he had dug it. Zakariya (PBUH) said: '0
Zakariya (PBUH) was the Prophet at that time, and he was the husband of Maryam's aunt
my son! I am looking A for you since three days and you are here crying inside a grave you
Ashya'.
had dug it?' Yahya (PBUH) said: 'O my father! you had told me that between the Paradise
and the Hell-Fire there is a waterless plain, no one can cross it only by the tears of the eyes.' Narrated Muhammad bin Ishaq and others that "Maryam's mother was barren woman,
Zakariya (PBUH) said: 'Cry my son'. And they cried both. but she vowed to Allah Almighty that if she will have a boy she will devote him to the service
of the Temple in Bayt Al-Maqdis," and Allah Almighty
!4 answered her request and she became
The Killing: The commentators narrated many stories about the killing of Yahya (PBUH), pregnant.
but the famous one is about a king who ruled in Damascus in the time of Yahya, and that
king wanted to marry from a woman who is unlawful to him to marry her, therefore Yahya Allah Almighty said:
(PBUH) prohibited him, and this made the woman angry because she was in love with the "When she was delivered, she said: "O my Lord! behold! I am delivered of a female
king, hence she asked the king to give her permission to kill Yahya (PBUH), and the king child!" - and Allah knew best what she brought forth." The mother of Maryam
accepted. Whereupon the woman sent a man to kill him, and he came to Yahya (PBUH) and expected a son, who was to be a special devotee, but Allah gave her instead a
cut his head and brought it with its blood in a basin to her. daughter, and that daughter w’as Maryam. But the mother was not disappointed
It is said that when the woman saw Yahya's head and its blood, she died at once. that it was a female child because she had Faith, and she knew that Allah's plan
was better than any wishes of hers. Maryam was no ordinary girl: only Allah knew
Prophet Isa (PBUH) what it was that her mother brought forth. "And is not the male like the female"
Because the female child could not be devoted to Temple service under the law
of Musa (PBUH), as the mother intended. "I have named her Mary" the name,
Allah did choose Adam and Nuh, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of 'Imran Mary (Maryam) means: - Maid - servant of Allah. "And I commend her and her
above all people, - offspring, one of the other: and Allah heareth and knoweth offspring to Thy protection from Satan the Rejected." Then she sought Allah's
all things. Behold! wife of "Imran said: "O my Lord! 1 do dedicate into Thee what protection for Maryam against all evil.
is in my womb for Thy special service: so accept this of me: for Thou hearest and Narrated Said bin Al-Musaiyab: Abu Huraira (R.A.) said, "The Prophet (PBUH) said, 'No
knowest all things." When she was deliveied, she said: "O my Lord! behold! I am Child is bom but that, Satan touches it when it is bom whereupon it starts crying loudly
delivered of a female child!"- and Allah know best what she brought forth - "And because of being touched by Satan, except Maryam and her son.' " Abu Huraira then said,
is not the male like the female. I have named her Mary, and I commend her and "Recite, if you wish: - "And I commend her and her offspring to Thy protection from Satan
her offspring to Thy protection from Satan the Rejected. "Right graciously did her the Rejected."
Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty: to the care of Zakariya
was she assigned. Every time that he entered (her) chamber to see her, he found Imam Ahmad said: "Ismail bin "Umar told us on the authority of 'Ajlan Mawla Al-
her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" Mushamal that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, The Satan touches with his finger every
She said: "From Allah: for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases without son of Adam on the day when his mother gives birth to him with the exception of Matyam
measure. and her son'."
Allah Almighty mentioned that He chose Adam (PBUH) and the pure ones from Adam's Allah Almighty said:
offspring who are following His laws, then He specified and said: "The family of Ibrahim"
"Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and J
which includes the sons of Ismail (PBUH), whereupon Allah mentioned the superiority of
beauty: to the care of Zakariya was she assigned".
•-4
the family of 'Imran, and the intended by 'Imran is the father of Maryam (PBUH).
Many commentators said: "When Hannah (Maryam's mother) gave birth to MaryaM
Muhammad bin Ishaq said: "'Imran is son of Bashim, son of Amun, son of Misha, son
(PBUH), she took her to the Temple and gave her to the worshippers who were staying tlwre.
of Hiziqya, son of Ahriq, son of Uzazya, son of Amsya son of Yawish, son of Ayan, son of
Maryam was the daughter of their priest and leader, therefore they disputed aboutwho
Rahban, son of Daud (PBUH)."
should have the honour of taking charge of her."
Later Age-2 173
Zakariya (PBUH) was Prophet at that time, and Maryam's kin and he wanted to take
the righteous." She said:" O my Lord! how shall I have a son when no man hath touched
charge of Maryam (PBUH), but the worshippers refused and they asked Zakariya (PBUH)
me?" He said: "Even so; Allah create what He willeth: when He hath decreed a matter,
to cast lots with pens with them, therefore he participated with them and the result was in
He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is! And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the
favour of him. Torah and the Gospel, and (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel, (with
Allah Almighty said To the care of Zakariya was she assigned. Because he won in drawing this message): "I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you
lots, as Allah Almighty said: out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird
by Allah's leave: and I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I bring the dead into
This is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee (0 Muhammad
life by Allah's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses.
(PBUH)!) by inspiration: thou wast not with them when they cast lots with pens, as to which Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe; (I have come to you), to attest the Torah
of them should be charged with the care of Mary: nor wast thou with them when they which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (before) forbidden
disputed (the point). They drew lots (by throwing their pens in the river); the pens went along to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me. It
the stream except Zakariya's pen which stood stationary against the flow of the stream and is Allah who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way that is straight."
so Zakariya became in charge of Mary am (PBUH)
Glad Tidings : In this Holy verses Allah Almighty mentioned that the angels announced
Allah Almighty said: the glad tidings to Maryam (PBUH) that Allah chose her from among all the women of the
Every time that he (Zakariya) entered (her) chamber to see her, he found her nations in her life time; to has a son without father, and he will be a honourable Prophet "He
supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" She shall speak to the people in the cradle", and in his Childhood and manhood he will call the
said: "From Allah: for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases, without people to-worship Allah, and she (Maryam) was ordered to submit herself with obedience
measure." to her Lord by worshipping none but Allah Alone and by doing good deeds in order to become
qualified to this Miracle and to thank Allah Almighty for His Grace.
Special Place: The commentators said: "Zakariya (PBUH) appointed a special place from
The angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee" from polytheism
the Mosque (chamber) to Maryam (PBUH), nobody can enter it except her. She was worshipping
Allah Almighty in her chamber night and day, and in the same time she was servicing in and disbelief, and all the bad manners, "And chosen thee above the women of all nations".
the Mosque, till she became an example among the Children of Israel for her worship, and Probably the intended that she is above the women of all nations in her life time, similar to
every time Zakariya (PBUH) entered to her chamber to see her, he found unseasonable fruits what Allah Almighty said to Musa (PBUH): "I have chosen thee above (other) men." And
at her, therefore he was asking: "O Mary! Whence (comes) this to you?" And she was as He said about the Children of Israel: And We chose them aforetime above the nations,
answering him by saying: "From Allah: for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases, knowingly, and it is known that Ibrahim (PBUH) is better than Musa (PBUH), and the
without measure". At that time and there Zakariya (PBUH) invoked Allah Almighty by Messenger of Allah "Muhammad (PBUH)" is better than both of them, also this nation (the
saying: "O my Lord! Grant unto me from Thee a progeny that is pure: for Thou art He that Islamic nation) is better than all the nations before it.
heareth prayer!", And Allah answered his invocation and the angels announced the glad Also it is probable that the saying of Allah Almighty: "And chosen thee above the women
tidings to him about Yahya (PBUH). of all nations", means that Maryam (PBUH) is above the women of all nations all without
Allah Almighty said: Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah hath chosen thee and exception who came before her or who came after her, because some of the commentators
purified thee-chosen thee above the women of all nations. O Mary! worship the Lord said that: "She was a Prophet; and also Sarah (Ishaq's mother) and Musa's mother," according
devoutly: prostrate thyself, and bow down (in prayer) with those who bow down." This to the talking of the angels with Maryam and Sarah, and the revelation to Musa's mother.
is part of the tidings of the things unseen, which We reveal unto thee, O Muhammad
But most of the commentators narrated what Abu Al-Hassan Al-Ashari reported, that
(PBUH)! by inspiration: thou wast not with them when they cast lots with pens, as to
"The Prophecy is only for men," so Maryam's position is like what Allah Almighty said:
which of them should be charged with the care of Mary: nor wast thou with them when
they‘disputed (the point). Behold! the angels said: "O Mary! Allah give thee glad tidings Christ the son of Mary was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers
of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth and this shall
this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those Nearest to Allah; he shall not prevent Maryam (PBUH) from being the best woman of the truth among the
speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of
i
women who were before her or who came after her.
1
1•
Later Age-2 175
174 ' All the Prophets
While Abu Musa (PBUH) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Many
Among the Righteous: Many traditions mentioned Maryam (PBUH) with other righteous
amongst men reached (the level of) perfection but none amongst the women reached this level
women, like: Asya, daughter of Muzahim (the wife of Pharaoh in the time of Musa); Khadija,
except Asya, Pharaoh's wife, and Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran. And no doubt, the
daughter of Khuwailid (the wife of Allah's Messenger (PBUH); and Fatima, daughter of the
superiority of Aishah to other women is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. a meat and bread
Messenger of Allah (PBUH). dish) to other meals."
Abdullah bin Jafar reported that he heard Ali (R.A.) saying in Kufa that Allah's Messenger Accepted Traditions: These two traditions are accepted among the famous commentators,
(PBUH) said: "The best of the women of other time was Maryam, daughter of 'Imran, and which in it the perfection was limited to Maryam and Asya amongst the women, and probably
the best of the women of her time was Khadija, daughter of Khuwailid. " the purpose was the perfection in their times, because each one of them was in charge of a
Narrated Anas that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The best women of all nations Prophet when he was child, Asya was in charge of Musa (PBUH), and Maryam was in charge
are four: Maryam, daughter of "Imran, Asya, the wife of Pharaoh, Khadija, daughter of of her son Isa (PBUH), but this is not disproving the perfection of this nation's women like
Khuwailid, and Fatima, daughter of Allah's Messenger (PBUH)" Khadija and Fatima, because Khadija served the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) fifteen years
before the mission, and ten years or more after the mission, and she did her best for Islam
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.): I heard Allah's Messenger (PBUH) saying, "Amongst all by herself and her money, also Fatima, the daughter of Allah's Prophet (PBUH) she is a part
those women who ride camels (i.e. Arabs), the ladies of Quraish are the best. They are merciful of him, and she was distinguished with special merits. While Aishah was the most beloved
and kind to their offspring and the best guardians of their husbands' properties." Abu Huraira wife to the Prophet (PBUH) amongst his other wives, and she lived after the death the Prophet
added, 'Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran, never rode a camel.' (PBUH) for about fifty years telling the people about the Quran and As-Sunnah, and as a
Narrated Abu Yala Al-Musili on the authority of Yunus bin Muhammad that Ibn proof for her merits is what the Prophet (PBUH) said: "The superiority of Aishah to other
Abbas (R.A.) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) drew four lines on the ground, and women is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. meat and bread dish) to other meals."
said: "Do you know what are these?" They (the companions) said: "Allah and His w
The intended is to mention the traditions which refers to Maryam (PBUH) whom Allah
Messenger are more acquainted." The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The best amongst Almighty chose her and purified her above the women of all nations in her lifetime, and
the women of the Paradise's inhabitants are Khadija, daughter of Khuwailid, Fatima, probably she is superior above all the women upon the whole, as we mentioned before. And
daughter of Muhammad, Mary am, daughter of 'Imran, and Asya, daughter of Muzahim other traditions mentioned that Maryam and Asya both of them shall be from the wives of
(Pharaoh's wife)". the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in the Paradise.
Narrated Abu Al-Qasim Al-Bagawi on the authority of Abi Salma that Aishah (R.A.) said Narrated At-Tibarani on the authority of Al-Awfi that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH)
to Fatima (R.A.): "What is that which Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said to you secretly and you said: "Allah shall wed me in Paradise to: Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran; Pharaoh's wife
wept then you laughed?" Fatima said: "He told me of his death and so I wept. He then told
(Asya); and Musa's sister."
me that I would be the first amongst the members of his family to follow him, and I would
be the lady of the women of the Paradise's inhabitants except Maryam, daughter of 'Imran Narrated Ibn Asakir on the authority of Ibn 'Abbas (R.A.) that the Messenger of Allah
and so I laughed." (PBUH) came to Khadija (R.A.) while she was on the sick bed dying, and said to her: "O
Khadija! if you would meet your fellow wives, offer them on my behalf my greetings. "She
Also Imam Ahmad narrated on the authority of Abi Said that the Messenger of Allah
said: "O Prophet of Allah (PBUH)! have you married before me?" The Prophet (PBUH) said:
(PBUH) said: "Fatima is the lady of the women of the Paradise's inhabitants except Maryam,
"No, but Allah shall wed me to Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran, and Asya, the daughter
daughter of 'Imran." of Muzahim, and Kaltham, Musa's sister."
The intended from these traditions that Maryam and Fatima are the best amongst the four
Also Ibn Asakir narrated on the authority of Ibn Umar who said. "Jibril (PBUH) came
women, and probably that Maryam is better than Fatima, or they are equal in the virtue.
to Allah's Messenger (PBUH), and he started talking with the Prophet (PBUH). Meanwhile
But the tradition which Ibn Mardwayh narrated on the authority of Ibn Qara that the Khadija (R.A.) passed by, Jibril (PBUH) said: 'Who is she, O Muhammad?' The Prophet
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Many amongst men reached (the level of) perfection but (PBUH) said: 'She is my wife. 'Jibril (PBUH) said:' I have a Message from the Lord, the Exalted
none amongst the women reached this level except three, Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran, and Glorious, to her, He offers her His greetings and He gives her glad tidings of a palace;
Asya, Pharaoh's wife, and Khadija, the daughter of Khuwailid . And the superiority of Aishah of jewels in Paradise away from the Flame (of the Fire) wherein there is no noise and no toil. J
to other women is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. a meat and bread dish) to other meals." She (Khadija) said: Allah is the peace and from Him the peace, and let there be peace and
176
’ 4 All the Prophets
Later Age-2 177
blessings of Allah upon you (Jibril) and upon Allah's Messenger (PBUH). What is that palace
he cried to his Lord:" O my Lord! leave me not without offspring, though Thou art the best
of Jewels?' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said. A hollow'pearl between the palace of
of inheritors." So We listend to him: and We granted him Yahya : We cured his wife's
Maryam, the daughter of 'Imran, and the palace of Asya, the daughter of Muzahim, and they
(barrenness) for him. These (three) were ever quik in doing in good works: they used to call
are from my wives in the Day of Resurrection. " on Us in yearning•j and awe. And humble themselves before Us. And (remember) her who
The intention from mentioning all these traditions was for showing•u the high rank which guarded her chastity: We breathed into her from Our spirit, and We made her and her son
Maryam (PBUH) occupied as a women of truth, although some of the traditions contained a Sign all peoples.
excessive events, but we mentioned them as they are. Dedicated to Service : As we mentioned before Maryam's mother (Hannah) dedicated
Birth of Isa (PBUH) : Allah Almighty said: Relate in the Book (the story of) Mary, when Maryam (A.S) to the service in Bayt Al-Maqdis, and the Prophet at that time Zakariya (PBUH)
she withdrew from her family to a place in the East. She placed a screen (to screen herself) who was Maryam's kin became in charge !4 of her, then he chose to her a special place from
from them: then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. the Mosque (chamber) where nobody can come to her at that place except him. Whereupon
She said: "I seek refuge from thee to (Allah) Most Gracious: (come not near) if thou dost fear she shrived in the worship till that no one at that time could worship like her. She grew under
Allah." He said: "Nay, I am only a messenger from thy Lord (to announce) to thee the gift Allah's special protection. Her sustenance came from Allah Almighty,•J and her growth was
of a pure son. "She said: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and indeed a "goodly
SB growth", and she was marked out for a special destiny when the angels
announced to her the Glad tidings that Allah chose her to be the mother of noble and pure
I am not unchaste?" He said: "So (it will be): "thy Lord saith, 'That is easy for me: and (We
Prophet and he is Isa (PBUH) who will be supported by miracles, and she became astonished
wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men and a Mercy from Us': it is a matter (so) decreed.
to have a son without father, because she was unmarried, but the angels told her that it is
"So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. And the pains of childbirth
Allah's will, and when He has decreed something, He says to it only "Be" and it is, therefore
drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: she cried (in her anguish): "Ah! would that I had died
she committed herself to the will of Allah. And she knew that she would face a hard time
before this! would that I had been a thing forgotten. "But (a voice) cried to her from beneath
with the people who would speak against her, because they did not know the truth of her
the (palm-tree): "Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee; "and shake
matter.
towards thy self the trunk of the palm-tree: it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee. So eat
and drink and cool (thine) eye. and if thou dost see any man, say, 'I have vowed a fast to Allah Almighty said:
(Allah) Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into no talk with any human being' "At length
"She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them: then We sent to her Our angel,
she brought the (babe) to her people, carrying him (in her arms), they said: "O Mary! truly
and he appeared before her as a man in all respects." Occasionally Maryam
a strange thing has thou brought! O sister of Aaron! thy father was not a man of evil, nor
thy mother a woman unchaste!" But she pointed to the babe. They said: "How can we talk (PBUH) was leaving the mosque for something necessary, once when she left the
to one ’who is a child in the cradle?" He (Jesus) said: "I am indeed a servant of Allah: He mosque alone to the east, for some of her own affairs, Allah Almighty sent His
hath given me the Scripture and made me a prophet: "and He hath made me blessed angel Jibril (PBUH), and he appeared before her in the shape of a man, when she
wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me prayer and Zakat as long as I live; (He hath made saw him she said: "I seek refuge from thee to (Allah) Most Gracious: (come not
me) kind to my mother, and not overbearing or unblest; so Peace is on me the day I was near) if thou dost fear Allah." But Jibril (PBUH) assured her by telling her that
born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again)"! Such (was) Jesus he is not a man, he is just a messenger
5J (angel) from Allah Almighty to announce
the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute. It is not befitting to her that she has been chosen by Allah to be the mother of a righteous son.
to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when He determines She said: "How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me and I am not
a matter, He only says to it, "Be," and it is. Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Him unchaste?". But the angel
•J answered her astonishment: He said: "So (it will be): thy Lord saith.
therefore serve ye: this is a way that is straight. But the sects differ among themselves: and That is easy for Me', because Allah Almighty promised to create from her a son although
woe to the Unbelievers because of the (coming) Judgment of an awful Day! she is not married nor unchaste but everything is facile for Allah.
I
And (We wish) to appoint him as a Sign unto men, it means that "We will make of him
of Maryam (PBUH), after the story of Zakariya (PBUH) which it is a preface and preliminary a proof for Our Complete Ability," because Allah Almighty created Adam (PBUH) without
step to Isa's story, as He mentioned also in Surat Al-Imran, and He joined between the two male or female, and He created Hawa from male without female, and He created Isa frdm
stories in one course as He also said: in Surat Al-Anbiyaa : And (remember) Zakariya, when female without male, and He created all the rest of the creatures from male and female. And
178 Prophets
Later Age-2 179
His saying: And a Mercy from us, means that Isa (PBUH) is a Mercy from Allah Almighty " Muhammad bin Ishaq said: "Then it became famous among•-4 the Children of Israel that
to the mankind because he will call them to Allah when he is a child and when he is a mature, Maryam (PBUH) is pregnant and some of the sanctimonious accused her of Yusuf (her
and he will call the people to worship Allah alone without any partner. cousin), therefore she got far aw’ay from her people."
It is a matter (so) decreed, it means that for anything that Allah wishes to create, He says Allah Almighty said:
"Be" and it is. There is no interval between His decree and its accomplishment, except such
as He imposes by His decree. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm-tree: she cried (in
her anguish) : "Ah! would that I had died before this! would that I had been a
Also the saying: It is a matter (so) decreed probably refers to the breathing of Jibril (PBUH) thing forgotten." She wished to die because she knew that the people will accuse
into her, as Allah Almighty said: her and they will not believe her when she will bring her son to them although
she is a pious woman and from the lineage of the Prophecy, therefore she wished
And Mary the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity: and We breathed
if she had been forgotten and out of sight.
into (her body) of Our spirit.
But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree) "Some of the commentators like
So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. Because Maryam
Al-Awfi, As-Saadi and Qatada said that the "voice" was of Jibril (PBUH), while other
(PBUH) when she became pregnant, she knew that the people would speak about her and
commentators like Mujahid, Ibn Zaid and Said bin Jabir said that the "voice" was to her son
they would accuse her with misbehaviour.
Isa (PBUH)." Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee,: and shake
Some of the commentators like Wahab bin Munbih narrated that "When the signs of the towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee."
pregnancy began to appear on Maryam (PBUH) the first man who noticed that was a pious
"Aishah reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said:" A family which has dates will
man from the Children of Israel and his name was Yusuf bin Yaqub An-Najar who was her
not be hungry." Also Aishah reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "Aishah, the
cousin, and that surprised him because he had known that Maryam is a pious woman and
family which has no dates (in their house) its members will be hungry: (or) Aishah, the family
there is no doubt in her chastity, therefore one day he asked Maryam (PBUH): "O Maryam!
which has no dates, its members maybe hungry. He said this twice or thrice."
is this plant without seed?" She said: "Yes, then who created the first plant?" Then he said:
"A son without male (father)?" She said:" Yes, because Allah created Adam without male "So eat and drink and cool (thine) eye . She was to cool her eyes (perhaps full of tears)
or female." He said to her: "Tell me your matter?" She said: "Allah gave me Glad tidings with the fresh water of the rivulet and take comfort. And if thou dost see any man, say, 'I
of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in have vowed a fast to (Allah) Most Gracious, and this day will I enter into no talk with any
this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those Nearest to Allah; "he shall human being.". And this is from the talk of who cried to her from beneath the (palm-tree)
speak to the people in the cradle and in maturity. And he shall be (of the company) of the and he ordered her to decline all conversation with man or woman, on the plea of a vow
righteous." to Allah, because in their low them fast must be by not eating food and not talking to others.
Narrated As-Saadi on the authority of the companions: One day Maryam (PBUH) came At length
1
she brought he (babe) to her people; carrying him (in her arms), they said: "O
to her sister, then her sister said to Maryam: "Have you felt that I am pregnant?" Maryam Mary! truly a strange thing has thou brought! The amazement of the people knew no bounds.
said: "And I felt that I am pregnant too." Then Maryam's sister (Yahya's mother) embraced In any case they were ready to think the worst of her, as she had disappeared from her kin
Maryam (PBUH) and said: "I see who is inside my womb bowing down to who is inside your (Zakariya) for some time. But now she comes, shamelessly parading a babe in her arms ! How
womb." As Allah Almighty said: Confirming the truth of a Word from Allah and the meaning she had disgraced the house of 'Imran! Therefore they said to her: " O sister of Aaron! thy
of the bowing down here is submitting and magnifying, As Allah Almighty when He ordered father was not a man of evil, nor thy mother a woman unchaste!".
the angels to bow down to Adam ."
Said Ibn Zubayr said:" Thy compared her to one pious man from among them lived at
Abu Al-Qasim narrated on the authority of Malik," I have been informed that Isa the son her time who she transcended him in worship, and his name was Harun (Aaron)." While
of Maryam and Yahya, the son of Zakariya were cousins, and their mothers were pregnant Muhammad bin Kab Al-Qarzai said:" Maryam is the sister of Musa and Harun by kinship",
of them at the same time, and Yahya's mother said to Maryam: "I see who is inside my womb but this is wrong, because of the long time between them, and it seems to be that Ibn Kab
bowing down to who is inside your momb." Malik said: "I see that as a preference to '(PBUH), Al-Qarzai depended on the Taurat (Torah) in his saying. But it looks like that what they meant,
because Allah Almighty made him able to bring the dead into life, and to heal those bom by saying, O sister of Aaron, that she had a kinship brother and his name was Harun (Aaron)!
blind, and to heal the lepers. and he was famous as a religious man. fl
Later Age-2 181
False Accusations : As Maryam (PBUH) was listening to her people's accusations, what unto thee of the Signs and the Message of Wisdom. "The similitude of Jesus before Allah is
could she do? How could she explain? And would they, in their censorious mood, accept as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: "Be": and he was. The Truth
her explanation? Therefore all she could do was to point to the child, because she knew that (comes) from thy Lord alone; so be not of those who doubt. If any one disputes in this matter
he was no ordinary child: But she pointed to the babe." with thee, now after (full) knowledge hath come to thee, say: "Come! let us gather together,
They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cardie?". Her people thought -our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves: then let
that she was misleading them in order to save her self from answering their questions. But us earnestly pray. And invoke the curse of Allah on those who lie! This is the true account:
now the child (isa) came to her rescue, and by a miracle he spoke, defended his mother, and there is no god except Allah; and Allah -He is indeed the Exalted in Power, the Wise. But
preached-to an unbelieving audience, as Allah Almighty said: if they turn back, Allah hath full knowledge of those who do mischief."
Narrated Huzaifa (R.A.): Al-Aqib and As-Saiyid, the rulers of Najran, came to Allah's
He said: "I am indeed a servant of Allah: He hath given me Revelation and made
Messenger (PBUH) with the intention of doing Mubahala (i.e., a two groups of people who
me a prophet.".
have differences take their families in a far off place in order to invoke Allah to send His Curse
This was the first talk which Isa (PBUH) spoke it, where he confessed that he is a or Punishment on the one who is a liar), one of them said to the other: "Do not do (this
slave of Allah Almighty (his Lord), and this negating the false notion that he was Allah Mubahala). for, by Allah, if he is a Prophet and we do this Mubahala, neither we, nor our
or the son of Allah. Then Isa (PBUH) declared his mother's by saying: "He (Allah) hath offspring after us will be successful." Then both of them said to the Prophet (PBUH): "We
given me Revelation and made me a prophet", because Allah Almighty would not give will give what you should ask (tribute) but you should send a trust worthy man with us,
the Prophecy to a son of unchaste woman, as Allah Almighty said: "That they rejected and do not send any person with us but an honest one. "The Prophet (PBUH) said:" I will
Faith: that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge because some of the insolent send an honest man who is really trust worthy." Then every one of the companions of Allah's
Jews slandered of her, but Allah Almighty absolved her from sin by describing her as Messenger (PBUH) wished to be that one. Then the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Get up, O Abu
a woman of truth and He made her son a noble Prophet, therefore Isa (PBUH) said: * Ubaida bin Aj-Jarrah." When he got up, Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "This is the Trustworthy
And He (Allah) hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me prayer man of this (Muslim) nation."
(i.e. to offer the prayers perfectly) and Zakat (obligatory charity) as long as I live.*. Therefore the disputations about the nature of Isa (PBUH) were vain, as Allah Almighty
Then Isa (PBUH) said: "(He hath made me) kind to my mother, and not overbearing or said: Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly)
unblest", and he declared his mother's rights on him because he is dutiful to her. dispute.. Because he was a servant to Allah Almighty and his mother was from Allah' servants
too, and it is against reason and revelation to call Isa (PBUH) the son of Allah because He
" So Peace is on me the day I was bom, the day that I die, and the day that I shall
is not in need for this, and when He decrees a thing, He only says to it, "Be", and it is, and
be raised up to life (again)"! Peace and Allah's Blessings, were on him when he was bom;
His creation is riot dependent on time, or instrument or means, or any conditions whatsoever.
they continue when he is about to die; and they will be specially manifest at the Day
The moment He wills a thing, it becomes His Word or Command, and the thing forthwith
of Judgment.
comes into existence, as Allah Almighty said:
Whereupon Allah Almighty mentioned Isa's story and explained his matter, as He said:
Verily, when He intends a thing, His Command is, "Be", and it is!
Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute.
It is not befitting to (the majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! when Verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord: Him therefore serve ye: this is a Way that is
He determines a matter, He only says to it, "Be", and it is. Allah Most High is independent straight. And this was from the talk of Isa (PBUH) to the people when he was in the cradle.
of all needs, and it is derogatory to Him to attribute such an act to Him. Then Allah Almighty said: But the sects differ (i.e. the Christians about Jesus) among
Narrated Ibn Abbas (R.A.): The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah said, The son themselves: and woe to the Unbelievers (those who gave false witness by saying that Jesus
of Adam tells a lie against Me though he has no right to do so, and he abuses Me though he is the son of Allah) because of the (coming) Judgement of an awful Day (i.e. the Day of
has no right to do so. As for his telling a lie against Me, it is that he claims that I cannot recreate Resurrection, when they will be thrown in the blazing Fire)!
him as I created him before: and as for his abusing Me, it is his statement that I have a son
Some of the Jews said: "He (Isa) is the son of unchaste woman, "while others said: "He
(or offspring etc.) No? Glorified be Me! I am far from taking a wife or a son (or offspring etc.)'*
is Allah", and others said: "He is the son of Allah".
Signs and the Message of Wisdom : Also Allah Almighty said: "This is what We rehearse
But the Believers said: "He is Allah's servant and His Messenger, and the son of
Later Age-2 183
Allah's slave (Mary am) and His word which He bestowed on Maryam and a spirit
created by Him." Allah Almighty said:
Narrated Ubada (R.A.): The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "If anyone testifies that "O People of the Book! commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah aught
Lailaha illallah (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone) Who has no partners, but the truth. Christ Jesus the son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of
and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His Slave and His Messenger and that Isa (PBUH) is Allah's Allah, and His Word, which He bestowed on Mary, and a Spirit proceeding from
Slave and His Messenger and His Word ("Be": And it was) which He bestowed on Maryam Him: so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not "Three": desist: it will be
and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him, and that Paradise is the truth, and Hell is the truth, Allah better for you: for Allah is One God: Glory be to Him: (Far Exalted is He) above
will admit' him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were having a son. To Him belongs all things in the heavens and on earth. And enough
few". Junada, the sub-narrator said: "Ubada added: 'Such a person can enter Paradise through is Allah as a Disposer of affairs. Christ disdained not to serve and worship Allah,
any of its eight gates he likes'. " nor do the angels, those nearest (to Allah) : those who disdain His worship and
are arrogant, He will gather them all together unto Himself to (answer). But to
The Blasphemy : Allah Almighty said:
those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, He will give their (due) rewards,-
They say: "The Most Gracious has betaken a son!" Indeed ye have put forth a thing and more, out of His bounty: but those who are disdainful and arrogant, He will
most monstrous! It is a stupendous blasphemy against Allah. At it the skies are punish with a grievous chastisement: nor will they find, besides Allah, any to
about to burst, the. earth to split a sunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter protect or help them."
ruin, that they attributed a son to the Most Gracious. For it is not consonant with People of the Book Prohibited : Allah Almighty prohibited the People of the Book flews
the Majesty of the Most Gracious that He should beget a son. Not one of the beings and Christians) from exceeding the limits in religion, because the Christians exaggerated in
in the heavens and the earth but must come to the Most Gracious as a servant praising Isa (PBUH). It was necessary for them to believe that Isa (PBUH) is a Slave of Allah
He does take an account of them (all), and hath numbered them (all) exactly. And and His Messenger, son of Maryam the Slave-girl of Allah, who guarded her chastity, and
every one of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgment. Allah sent Jibril (PBUH) to her and he breathed into (her body) by Allah's order, and she
Allah Almighty explained that He has no son because He is the Creator of everything became pregnant with Isa (PBUH), and Isa (PBUH) was without father, he is a Word bestowed
and His Owner, and everything is in need for Him, humble before Him, and all the inhabitants on Maryam, for he was created by Allah's word "Be" (kun), and he was, as Allah Almighty
of the heavens and the earth are His servants, He is them Lord, there is no god but He and said: The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then
there is no Lord but He, as Allah Almighty said: Yet they make the Jinns equals with Allah, said to him: "Be": and he was. Also Allah Almighty said: They say: "Allah hath begotten a
though Allah did create the Jinns; and they falsely, having no knowledge, attribute to Him son": Glory be to Him. - Nay, to Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: everything
sons and daughters, praise and glory be to Him! (for He is) above what they attribute to Him! renders worship to Him. The Originator of the heavens and the earth: when He decrees a
Wonderful Originator of the heavens and the earth: how can He have a son when He hath matter, He saith to it: "Be," and it is.
no consort? He created all things, and He hath full knowledge of all things. That is Allah, Narrated "Umar (R.A.): I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: "Do not exaggerate
your Lord! There is no god but He, the Creator of all things: then worship ye Him: and He in praising me as the Christians praised the son of Maryam, for I am only a Slave. So, call
hath power to dispose of all affairs. No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision; me the Slave of Allah and His Messenger."
He is subtle well-aware.
Glory of Allah : It is a derogation from the glory of Allah - in fact it is blasphemy what
they said that Allah begets son, like a man. It would mean an attribution to Allah of a material The Jews call Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call Christ the Son of Allah.
nature, while His nature is so sublime, He is the One and Only God to whom worship is That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the Unbelievers
due, He is Eternal without beginning or end, Absolute; not limited by time or place or of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from
circumstance, then how He has a son when He is not like anything the man can imagine and the Truth!
His qualities and nature are unique, as He said:
Allah Almighty told that the Jews and the Christians, both of them pretended that Allah
Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Eternal, Absolute; He begetter not, nor is He begotten; has begotten a son, praise and glory be to Allah! For He is above what they pretended. Also
and there is none like unto Him. Allah Almighty told that they (the Jews and the Christians) do not have any proof for them
184 ™ Prophets Later Age-2 185
pretension, except some sayings they heard from the time of primitive ignorance and no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before
superstition. him. His mother was a woman of truth. They had both to eat their (daily) food.
See how Allah doth make His Signs clear to them; yet see in what ways they are
Also the Pagan Arabs called angels "daughters of Allah". They themselves were ashamed
deluded away from the truth!"
of having daughters, and preferred to have sons, to add to their power and dignity. Yet they
invented daughters for Allah! as Allah Almighty said: Not Son of God : Allah Almighty told that the disbeliever's pretence was their own saying
because Isa (PBUH) explained to them that he is only Allah's Slave and His Messenger to
"And they make into females angels who themselves serve Allah. Did they witness them and called them to worship Allah alone and not to set up partners in worship with Him.
their creation? Their evidence will be recorded, and they will be called to account!" Then Allah Almighty threated them with the Fire and the loss here in this life and in the
Also Allah Almighty said: "Now ask them their opinion: is it that thy Lord Has (only) Hereafter if they will not leave them pretence because for Zaiimin (polytheists and wrong
daughter, and they have sons? - Or that We created the angels female, and they are witnesses doers) there are no helpers.
(thereto)? Behold they say, out of their own invention, "Allah has begotten children"? But Then Allah Almighty assured the disbelief of those who said: "Allah is one of three (in
they are liars! Did He (then) choose daughters rather than sons? What is the matter with you? a Trinity), "and as Ibn Jarir said: "The meaning of Trinity is the hypostasis of the father, the
How judge ye? Will ye not then receive admonition? Or have ye an authority manifest? Then hypostasis of the son, and the hypostasis of the word which proceeded from the father to
bring ye your Book (of authority) if ye be Truthful! And they have invented a kinship between the son." Therefore Allah Almighty said: "For there is no god (None who has the right to
Him and the Jinns: but he Jinns know (quite well) that they will be brought before Him. Glory be worshipped) except One God (i.e. Allah)", then Allah Almighty warned them (the
to Allah! (He is free) from the things they ascribe (to Him)! Not (so do) the Servants of Allah, disbelievers) from His painful torment.
the chosen ones."
Also Allah showed the state of Isa (PBUH) and his mother Maryam (PBUH) and that she
Mujahid said: "The infidels to Quraish said: The angels are Allah's daughters whose never claimed that she was a mother of God, or that her son was God. She was a pious virtuous
mothers are the daughters of the mistresses among the Jinns'." woman.
Allah Almighty said: Allah Almighty said: And behold! Allah will say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! didst thou
"They say, "Allah hath begotten a son!"- Glory be to Him! He is Self-sufficient! say unto men, 'Take me-and my mother for two gods beside Allah'?" He will say. "Glory
His are all things in the heavens and on earth! No warrant have ye for this! Say to Thee! never could I say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing. Thou wouldst
ye about Allah what ye know not? Say:" Those who forge a lie against Allah will indeed have known it. Thou knowest what is in my heart, though I know not what is in Thine.
never prosper." A little enjoyment in this world! - and then, to Us will be their For Thou knowest in full all that is hidden. Never said I to them except what Thou didst
return. Then shall We make them taste the severest Chastisement for their disbelief. command me to say, to wit, 'Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord': and I was a witness
These Holy verses contained the answer to all the blasphemy groups like the over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast the Watcher
pagan Arabs, the Jews, and the Christians, who pretended without having any over them, and Thou art a witness to all things. If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy
knowledge that Allah has begotten a son, praise and glory be to Him! for He is servants: if Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise."
above what the wrongdoers say about Him. Allah Almighty in the Day of Resurrection will ask Isa (PBUH) by way of honour to him
Allah Almighty said: and scolding to Isa's worshippers who pretended that Isa (PBUH) is the son of Allah, or he
is Allah, or Allah's Partner, Glory to Allah! (He is free) from the things they pretended (to
"Certainly they disbelieve who said:" Allah is Christ the son of Mary." But said Him). He (Allah) would ask Isa (PBUH) if he told his people to worship him and his mother^
Christ:" O Children of Israel! worship Allah, my Lord your Lord." Whoever joins as two gods besides Allah? But Isa (PBUH) disclaimed any knowledge of the sort of things w
other gods with Allah, Allah will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his that are attributed to him by those who took his name, and he acknowledged that he is mortal* J
abode. There will for the wrong-doers be no one to help. .They disbelieve who say: and that his knowledge is limited like that of a mortal. Then Isa (PBUH) said to Allah I
Allah is 'one of three (in a Trinity:) for there is no God except One God. If they Almighty: I
desist not from their word (of blasphemy), verily a grievous chastisement will
befall the disbelievers. Among them. Why turn they not to Allah and seek His "If Thou dost punish them, they are Thy servants: if Thou dost forgive them. Thou J
forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. Christ the son of Mary was art the Exalted in power, the Wise." fl
ff'
Later Age-2 187
Because a master can justly punish His servants for disobedience: no one can say Him
nay, for He is high above all. But if He chooses to forgive. He in His Wisdom sees things to kill your son'. Therefore she took him and left towards Egypt and she remained there
that the mortals cannot see. This is the limit of intercession that men of Allah can make on till his age became twelve years mean while the miracles began to appear on him. When
they were coming back to Bayt Al-Maqdis, they passed by the house of Ad-Dahqan and
behalf of sinners.
stayed there for some time, meanwhile somebody stole money from Ad-Dahqan's house
Allah Almighty said: which was inhabited by the poors and the sick people. When all the attempts to find the
money had failed, Isa (PBUH) came to two men among the sick people, one of them was
"Had Allah wished to take to Himself a son, he could have chosen whom He blind and the other was infirm, and he said to the blind man /Carry this infirm man and
pleased out of those whom He doth create: but Glory be to Him! (He is above take him away. The blind man said: 'I can't do it', then Isa (PBUH) said: 'Do as you did
such things.) He is Allah, the One, the Overpowering. He created the heavens and both of you when you took the money from the small window of the house.' When Isa
the earth in true (proportions): He makes the Night overlap the Day, and the Day (PBUH) said that they confessed with them guilt and brought the money back. And that
overlap the Night: He has subjected the sun and the moon (to His law): each one made Isa (PBUH) great in the people's view since he was young, and the people offered
follows a course for a time appointed. Is not He the Exalted in Power- He Who too much money to Isa (PBUH) and to his mother but they refused and continued their
forgives again and again?" way back towards Bayt Al-Maqdis."
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Allah Almighty Ishaq bin Bishr said:"Isa the son of Maryam forbore speaking•u to the people after he
said: The son of Adam abuses Me though he hasn't the right to do so, he pretends that I have had spoken to them when he was child in the cradle, till he reached the age of a lad,
a son while I am the One, As-Samad (the Self-sufficient Master whom all creatures need then Allah Almighty made him speak the proverbs, but the Jews were speaking against
neither I eat, nor drink), I beget not, nor was I begotten, and there is none coequal or his mother, and they called Isa (PBUH) the son of the unchaste woman. Therefore Allah
comparable unto Me'." Almighty said: That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false
charge.
When Isa (PBUH) reached the age of seven years, his mother gave him to a teacher in
"Those who forge a lie against Allah will never prosper." A little enjoyment in order to learn him, but in every time the teacher was trying*4 to learn Isa (PBUH) any subject,
this world! - and then, to Us will be their return. Then shall We make them taste Isa (PBUH) was giving the full explanation of that subject and before the teacher mentions
the severest Chastisement for their disbelief. its name, afterwards the teacher left his seat and Isa (PBUH) sat on it and he started to learn
Beginning of the Inspiration : Isa (PBUH). was bom in Bethlehem near of Jerusalem in the teacher."
an obscure comer under a palm-tree, from which perhaps he was afterwards removed to a Ability to See the Miracles: When Isa (PBUH) was a lad Allah Almighty by His inspiration
manger in a stable. gave him the ability to see the Miracles, and Isa's news spread amongst the Jews and that
Wahab bin Manbih said: "When the idols fell down in the east of the earth and in disturbed them too much, therefore Maryam (PBUH) feared for Isa (PBUH), but Allah
its west, the devils became perplexing about the reason of what happened till Iblis told Almighty inspired to her to take him and go towards Egypt, and from this was the saying
them. Then a big star appeared in the sky and when the king of the Persians saw it he of Allah Almighty: And We made the son of Mary and his mother as a Sign: We gave them
asjced the Priests about it, and they said to him: ‘A great baby has been born', therefore both shelter on high ground, affording rest and security and furnished with springs.
the king sent his messengers and with them a lot of presents to Isa (PBUH), when the The commentators disagreed about what is the purpose from misplace (high ground)
messengers reached Syria, its king asked them about the reason of their coming and they which Allah Almighty described it as affording rest and security and furnished with springs,
told him. Whereupon the king of Syria asked his men and they told him that their is a
some of them said: "It is the place where Isa (PBUH) was bom in it and it is the palm-tree
boy has been born in Bayt Al-Maqdis (Jerusalem) and he is famous amongst the people
of Bayt Al-Maqdis, and as Allah Almighty said: But (a voice) cried to her from beneath the
because he talks to them while he is in the cradle, hence the king of Syria sent the
(palm-tree): "Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee", but Ibn 'Abbas said:
messengers (of the Persians' king) and with them presents to Isa (PBUH) from him
"It is the rivulet of Damascus", while the People of the Book said that the place is in Egypt.
accompanied by his men in order to know Isa (PBUH) then the king of Syria will be able
to kill him afterwards. When the messengers reached Maryam (PBUH) with them presents Ishaq bin Bishr said: "When Isa (PBUH) reached the age of thirteen years, Allah
and then came back, the angels said to her: 'The messengers of the king of Syria came ordered him to leave Egypt and go back towards Bayt Al-Maqdis, therefore Maryam's
cousin Yusuf came to them, and carried them on his donkey, and they came back all
188 ' All the Prophefa
Later Age-2 189
towards Bayt Al-Maqdis. Then Isa remained there where in Allah Almighty learned him
Gospel And behold! thou makes out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave.
the Torah and the Gospel, and He gave him the leave to bring the dead into life and to
And those breathest into it, and it becomes a bird by My leave. And thou healest thou born
heal the diseases, till he became very famous amongst the Jews because of the Miracles
blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou biggest forth the dead by My leave.
which he had made."
And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show
Abu Zara Ad-Dimashqi said: Abdullah bin Salih told us on the authority of Muawiyyah them die Clear Signs,
u and the unbelievers among them said: 'This is nothing but evident
Ibn Salih that "The Torah was sent down to Musa (PBUH) in the sixth night of Ramadan, magic.'.
the Zabur was sent down to Daud (PBUH) in the twelfth night of Ramadan after the When Isa (PBUH) performed the miracle of casting out devils, the Jews said he did it
Torah with four hundred and eighty two years, the Injil (Gospel) was sent down to Isa through the chief of the devils, it means that they accused him of black magic, because the
(PBUH) the son of Maryam in the eighteenth night of Ramadan after the Zabur with one unbelievers could find no other explanation of Allah's power.
thousand and fifty years, and the Holy Quran was sent down to Muhammad (PBUH)
in the twenty fourth night of Ramadan." When the Gospel was sent down to Isa (PBUH) Narrated Abu Huzaifa on the authority of Ibn Abbas (R.A.): "When Isa (PBUH) the
his age was thirty years, and when Allah Almighty raised him to the heaven he was thirty son of Mary am came to the Jews and with him Clear Signs from Allah Almighty, the
three years old. arrogant and the disbelievers among them started to mock of him by saying: What so-
and-so ate yesterday? And what he kept in his house?' And Isa (PBUH) was answering
Ishaq bin Bishr narrated on the authority of Qatada that Abu Huraira (R.A.) said: Allah them, and that made the believers more faithful while the disbelievers and the hypocrites
Almighty inspired Isa (PBUH); "O Isa! do your best in your worship to Me and don't consider became more disbelief and hypocrisy." Also Ibn Abbas said: "A king among the kings
it easy, hear and obey, O the son of the chaste woman! you are without father, I created you of the Children of Israel died, then Isa (PBUH) came to the dead king and he prayed
as a Sign to the people, worship Me and trust in Me, take hold of the Book with might, and to Allah Almighty therefore Allah brought the dead king to life, and the people saw a
to the Syriacs people go. Announce amongst them that I am the Living, the Self-Subsisting, greet thing and a marvellous view."
Supporter of all, believe (O you people!) in the Arabian Prophet [Muhammad (PBUH)] the
owner of the camel and the crown; his face is broad with reddish (wide) eyes; his shoulders Allah Almighty said:
are broad; his hair hanging down on the lobes of his ears; he is neither very tall nor short;
"And behold! I inspired the Disciples to have faith in Me and My Messenger: they
his sweat is fragrance; his progeny is from a blessed woman who her palace of jewels in
said: 'We have faith, and do thou bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims".
Paradise wherein there is no noise and no toil; his speak is the Quran and his religion is the
So Allah by His inspiration guided the Disciples to Isa (PBUH), as He said: And
Islam." thy Lord inspired the Bee, and as He said also: So We sent this inspiration to the
Narrated Abu Bakr bin Abi Ad-Dunya that Abu Uthman said: Once Isa (PBUH) was mother of Moses: "Suckle (thy child), but when thou hast fears about him, cast
praying on the top of a mountain, when Iblis came to him and said: Are you (the one) who him into the river". So the inspiration means the Message which Allah Almighty
said: that everything is by fate and destiny,' Isa (PBUH) said:' Yes'. Then Iblis said: 'So throw put in the hearts of the Disciples to accept the Truth, and they responded and
yourself from the top of this mountain and said it is destined for me to do so,' but Isa (PBUH) bowed to Allah's Will.
said: 'O wicked one! Allah Almighty is the One Who tests the slaves; not the slaves who tests
Favours of the Almighty : It is from the Favours of Allah Almighty when He made to
Allah."
His Slave and Messenger Isa (PBUH) helpers to support him and to call with him the people
Narrated Ismail Al-Atar that Abu Huzaifa said: "All the devils came to Iblis and said to to worship Allah Alone without partner besides Him, like what Allah Almighty said to His
him: 'O our master! we became so tired because of Isa, Iblis said: 'He (Isa) is an infallible Slave, Slave and Messenger Muhammad (PBUH): He it is that hath strengthened thee with His aid
I have no control over him, but I will mislead a lot of people by him, and I will make them and with (the company of) the Believers. And (moreover) He hath put affection between their
into groups who will take him and his mother for two gods beside Allah. " Abu Huzaifa said: hearts: not if thou had spent all that is in the earth, couldn't thou have produced that affection,,
"Afterwards Allah Almighty sent down the Holy Quran which reminded of Allah's support but Allah hath done it for He is Exalted in might.
to Isa (PBUH) and His protection to him from Iblis, as Allah Almighty said: "O Jesus the son
of Mary! recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the Also Allah Almighty said: "And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Torah
Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit means Jibril (PBUH) So that thou didst speak to the people and the Gospel, "and (appoint him) a messenger to the Children of Israel (with this message);.
in childhood and in old age. Behold I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Torah and the I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay as it were,1
the figure of a bird, and breath into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave: and I heal thos^j
Later Age-2 191
Also Allah Almighty said: And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said:" O Children of
bom blind, and the lepers, and I bring the dead into life by Allah's leave; and I declare to
Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Taurat (which came) before
you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did
me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad."
believe; (I have come to you), to attest the Torah which was before me, And to make lawful
But when he came to them with Clear Signs, they said," This is evident sorcery!" Who doth
to you part of what was (before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your
greater wrong than one who forges falsehood against Allah, even as he is being invited to
Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me. It is Allah who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship
Islam? And Allah guides not those who do wrong. Their intention is to extinguish
a Allah's
Him. This is a way that is straight." When Jesus found unbelief on their part he said: "Who
Light (by blowing) with their mouths: but Allah will complete His Light, even though 5J the
will be my helpers to (the work of) Allah? "Said: the Disciples: "We are Allah's helpers we
Unbelievers may detest (it).
believe in Allah, and do thou bear witness that we are Muslims. Our Lord! we believe in what
Thou hast revealed, and we follow the Messenger; then write us down among those who bear Till He Said: O ye who believe! be ye helpers of Allah : as said Jesus the son of Mary
witness." And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned and the best of to the Disciples, "Who will by my helpers to (the work of) Allah? " Said the Disciples," We
planners is Allah.. are Allah's helpers!" Then a portion of the Children of Israel believed, and a portion disbelieved:
but We gave power to those who believed against their enemies, and they become the ones
The miracle of every prophet was convenient to his people at his time. Musa's mirade
that prevailed .
was convenient to his people who were clever sorcerers, he showed them a great Sign when
he threw his rod which swallowed all the sorcerers' ropes and rods then they knew that they Seal of Israelite Prophets : Isa (PBUH) was the seal of the Israelites' Prophets and his
had met something very different from their tricks because what they saw nobody could do mission was to his own people, the Jews. He preached them and gave them the Glad Tidings
it except who has been supported by Allah Almighty, and Allah's power worked on them of the Seal of all the Prophets who will come after him, and Isa (PBUH) mentioned his name
and they professed the True God. and described him to the Jews so they can know him and then follow him when he will come,
and Allah will sent that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a Mercy from Him to the Jews and
In the Age of Physicians : Also Isa (PBUH) was sent at the time of the great doctors, and to all the people. As Allah Almighty said: " Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered
he showed them from the miracles what the doctors could not do heal them nor explain them. Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (Scriptures), - in the Taurat and the Gospel;-
And who can heal those who born blind and the lepers, and bring the dead into life? That for he commands them what is just and Forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful
is proof of the truth of Isa's Message and the Power of Who sent him. what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure): he releases them
Then Allah Almighty sent His Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) at the time of the eloquent from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them. So it is those who believe
people, but Allah sent down to him the Holy Quran, in which He challenged them to produce in him, honour him, help him, and follow the Light which is sent down with him,- it is they
one like it, and to call their witnesses or helpers if there is any one besides Allah, who can who will prosper."
inspire spiritual truth in such a noble language, and nobody can, because it is the speaking Narrated Muhammad bin Ishaq on the authority of Thaws that the companions said to
of the Creator the Exalted and Great. the Prophet (PBUH): "Told us about yourself?" The Prophet (PBUH) said: "The prayer of my
In spite of Isa's efforts to make the Children of Israel believe in him as a Messenger from father Ibrahim, the Glad Tidings of Isa, and when my mother conceived me she saw like a
Allah, and to follow his guidance they refused to listen for his advices insisting on their light came out of her and lightened the palaces of Ash-Sham (Syria)."
disbelief and obstinacy, therefore Isa (PBUH) chose a righteous
1
portion of them who really Allah Almighty provoked His worshippers to support the Islam and the Muslims, and
care for the Truth and believe in him in order to help him with them advices and support to help the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in spreading the Message, because those who seeks
9
him. But the Jews decided to get rid of 'Isn (PBUH) therefore they culminated him to some Allah's help, they must first helps Allah's Cause, therefore when Isa (PBUH) asked for people
of the kings at that time, and they intended to kill him by crucifying, but Allah Almighty to help him in his Message (in the Cause of Allah), a portion of the Jews (the Disciples) said:
saved him from the Jews, and raised Isa to Himself, while the Jews caught another man and "We are Allah's helpers!" (i.e. we will strive in His cause). And that happened in a village
killed him by crucifying, thinking that they killed Isa (PBUH). called An-Nasira therefore they were called An-Nasara (the Christians), but the great portion
Allah Almighty said: of the Jews disbelieved.
The commentators narrated that the Antiochians all believed in Isa's Message when he
"And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, and Allah too planned, and the best
sent three of the Disciples to Antioche, while the Jews rejected Isa (PBUH), as Allah Almighty^
of planners is Allah." said: Behold! Allah said: "O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee
(of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to When the Disciple put one of his legs on the water then tried to put the other leg, he said:
those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: then shall ye return unto Me, and I will 'lam sinking O Prophet of Allah!' Isa (PBUH) said to him: 'Give me your hand, O man of
judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute. a weak faith! if the son of Adam has a grain of barley of faith he will be able to walk on the
water/ I
Table-set from Heaven : Allah Almighty said: Behold! the Disciples said: ("0 Jesus the
son of Mary! can thy Lord send down to us a Table set (with viands) from heaven?" Said Also Ibn Abi Ad-Dunya narrated on the authority of Al-Fadhil bin 'Lyadh that the
Jesus: "Fear Allah, if ye have faith." They said: "We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our Disciples said to Isa (PBUH): "O 'Isa! by what you are walking on the water?" Isa (PBUH)
hearts, and to know that thou has indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be said: "By belief. "They said: "Then we believe like you did." Isa (PBUH) said: "Then walk,"
witnesses to the miracle." Said Jesus the son of Mary: "O Allah our Lord! send us from heaven and they walked with him, but they sank, then Isa said to them: "What is wrong with you?
a table set (with viands), that there may be for us - for the first and the last of us- a solemn "They said: "We feared the waves." Isa said: "Will you hot fear the Lord of the Waves!" Then
festival and a Sign from Thee; and provide for our sustenance, for Thou art the best Sustain he took them out of the water, and he hit the earth with his hand and grasped from its sand
(of our needs)." Allah said: "I will send it down unto you: but if any of you after that resisted and when he opened his hand they found that in it there is gold while in the other hand there
faith, I will punish him with a chastisement such as I have not inflicted on any one among is mud, and he asked them: "Which one of them you like more? "They said:" The gold," he
all the peoples" said: "To me, both of them are the same."
Isa (PBUH) ordered the Disciples to fast thirty days for the sake of Allah Almighty and Ishaq bin Bishr said: "One day Isa (PBUH) was sleeping and he had put a rock under
they obeyed his order, Afterwards when the Disciples finished them fast, they asked Isa his head as a pillow, at that time Iblis passed by him and said: 'O Isa! you pretend that you
(PBUH) if Allah can send down to them a Table set (with viands) from heaven so they would want nothing from this world, but this rock is from the world/Then Isa (PBUH) stood up,
eat thereof and satisfy them hearts, and to know that Allah accepted them fast, also it would took the rock and threw it at Iblis and said: This is for you with the world.' "
be a solemn festival for them and enough food for the first and the last of them, and for the
rich and the poor of them. Isa (PBUH) warned them because he feared that they will not thank Narrated Ismail bin Ayash that Ibn Umar said:" Isa (PBUH) said to the Disciples: 'Eat
Allah for His Grace, but the Disciples insisted on their request from him to ask Allah Almighty the bread of the barley, drink the pure water, and go out from the world safely because the
to send down the Table set (with viands) to them. sweetness of the world is the bitterness of the Hereafter and the bitterness of the world is
the sweetness of the Hereafter and Allah's slaves are not living in ease and comfort."
Therefore Isa (PBUH) prayed to Allah Almighty, and his prayer was accepted when Allah
sent down the Table set (with viands) from the heaven while the people were looking at it Narrated Ibn Wahab that 'Isa (PBUH) said: "O Adam's son! O weak! fear Allah wherever
coming down between two clouds till it reached the earth with cover on it. Then Isa (PBUH) you are. Be in the life as a guest. Make your house a Mosque. Learn your eyes the weeping,
uncovered it and said: "In the name of Allah the best Sustains (of our needs)", and on it there your body the patience, and your heart the thinking. And don't care for the sustenance of
were too many kinds of food with perfumed smell. tomorrow because it is a sin."
Whereupon Isa (PBUH) ordered them to eat from it, but they refused and said: "We will Narrated Ibrahim Al-Harbi on the authority of Abdullah As-Sufi that Isa (PBUH) said:
not eat till you eat, Isa (PBUH) said: "You who started and asked for it", but the Disciples "The seeker of the world is like the one who drinks the water of the sea, as much as he drank
insisted therefore he ate and the Disciples also and he ordered all the poors and sick people more he felt thirsty more."
to eat from it and they were about one thousand and three hundred persons. Then everyone
Narrated Ath-Thawri on the authority of Ibrahim At-Timi that Isa (PBUH) said to his
from the sick people who had ate from the food healed from his sickness. It is said that the
companions: "Who sought the Paradise, then it is eating the barley's bread and sleeping in
Table set (with viands) was coming down from the heaven everyday and continually, and
the dums with the does."
about seven thousand persons were eating from it in everytime, till Allah Almighty raised
it because the people disputed about it and forgot to thank Allah Almighty for His Grace. Narrated Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak on the authority of Salim bin Abi Aj-Jad that Isa
Some Tales: Narrated Abu Bakr bin Abi Ad-Dunya that Bakr bin Abdullah Al-Mazni said: /PBUH) said: "Work for Allah and do not work for your stomachs. Look at these birds they
"The Disciples were looking for Isa (PBUH) when somebody told them that Isa went towards are coming and going while they do not ploughs nor reaps, because Allah provides them with
the sea, therefore they followed him and when they reached the sea they saw Isa (PBUH) sustenance but if you said our stomachs are more bigger, so look at these wild beasts they
walking on the water and the wave once raise him up and once bring him down. Then one
of the Disciples said to him: 'Can I come to you O Prophet of Allah?' Isa (PBUH) said: 'Yes'. susten’ance."
*«rTf TT*
■ i194 All Prophtt>
Later Age-2 195
Narrated Sufyan Ath-Thawri on the authority of Ibrahim At-Timi that Isa (PBUH) said: “0
Ibn Abbas said: "At the time when Allah Almighty wanted to raise Isa (PBUH) to the
Disciples’ make your treasures in the heaven because the man's heart is where his treasure is.'
heaven the twelve Disciples were with him in title same house, and Isa (PBUH) said to them:
Raised to the Heaven : Allah Almighty said: "And (the unbelievers) plotted and planned, There is someone among you will deny me twelve times after he believed in me before,' then
and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah. Behold! Allah said: "0 Jesus! I will he asked them: Whose among you would substitute me and would be killed instead of me?'
take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; Whereupon the youngest man of the Disciples stood up to show his readiness to be instead
I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: of Isa (PBUH), but Isa (PBUH) said to him: 'Sit down,' then Isa (PBUH) asked the Disciples
then shall ye all return unto Me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye once again the same question, and the young man said: I do'. At that time Isa (PBUH) said:
dispute;" 'So it is you'. Then the resemblance of Isa (PBUH) was put over the young man, and Allah
raised Isa to the heaven.
Also Allah Almighty said: (They have incurred divine displeasure): in that they broke their
Covenant; that they rejected the Signs of Allah; that they slew the Messengers in defiance Whereupon the Jews came and took the like and crucified him after they had killed him,
of right; that they said, "Our hearts are the Wrappings"; -nay, Allah hath set the seal on their while some of the other Disciples denied Isa (PBUH) for twelve times, and they divided into
hearts for their blasphemy, and little is it they believe; that they rejected Faith; that they three groups; the Jacobites and they said:' Allah was among us, then he rose to the heaven,
uttered against Mary a grave false charge; that they said (in boast), "We killed Christ Jesus the Estonians and they said: The son of Allah was among us, then Allah raised him; while
the son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah"; - but they killed him not, nor crucified him. Only the third group said: Allah's Slave and His Messenger (Isa) was among us, then Allah raised
a likeness of that was shown to them. And those who differ therein are full of doubts, with him', and this group are the Muslims. But the two infidel groups conspired against the third
no (certain) knowledge. But only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they killed him not- group (the Muslims) and killed them, therefore the Islam remained hidden till Allah Almighty
nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise; and there is sent His Messenger Muhammad (PBUH)"
none of the People of the Book but must believe in him before his death; and on the Day Muhammad bin Ishaq said:" Isa (PBUH) was invoking to Allah Almighty to delay his
of Judgment he will be a witness against them. death so he can announce the Message and finish his mission and then the people who will
Saved from Jews : Allah Almighty raised Isa (PBUH) to the heaven and saved him from accept faith will increase". At that time there were twelve Disciples with Isa (PBUH) and they
the Jews who culminated him to some of the infidel kings at that time. are: Butrus, Yaqub the son of Zubaida, Yuhana the brother of Yaqub, Andrews, Filibs,
Abrthalma, Matta, Tumas, Yaqub bin Halaqya, Tandraws, Fatatya, and Yudis Kiryayota; and
Al-Hassan Al-Basri said: "The King's name was Daud bin Nura who ordered with the
Yudis is the one who led the Jews to Isa (PBUH).
killing of Isa (PBUH) and crucifying him, therefore the King's soldiers surrounded a house
in Bayt Al-Maqdis when Isa (PBUH) was inside it, and that was in the night of Friday. But Narrated Ibn Jarir that Wahab said: "When Allah Almighty informed Isa (PBUH) that
Allah Almighty raised him from that house to the heaven while the people of the house were he is going to leave the world, he feared the death and found it hard. Then he called
seeing, and when the soldiers entered the house they captured another man who the resemblance the Disciples and prepared for them food. At night when the Disciples came to Isa
of Isa was put over him thinking that he is Isa and they took the man, then crucified him (PBUH) and dined, he washed them hands and wiped them with his clothes, and this
and they put the thorns on his head. Hence the Christians who did not see the raising of Isa was hard upon the Disciples, but Isa (PBUH) told them that what he did was an example
(PBUH) believed in his crucifixion." for them so that they will serve each other and each one of them will help the other.
Whereupon he told the Disciples that he called them in order to tell them to invoke Allah
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "By Him in Whose
Almighty to delay his death. But when they prepared themselves for the prayer they
Hands my soul is, surely (Isa) the son of Maryam (PBUH) will shortly descend amongst you
slept. Then Isa (PBUH) awaked them and said: Glory be to Allah, you could not be patient i
(Muslims) and will judge mankind justly by the law of the Quran (as a Just Ruler); he will
for one night to help me!' then he said to them: Before the cock crows someone of you I
break the cross and kill the pigs and there will be no Zizya (i.e. taxation from non-Muslims).
will deny me for three times, and someone of you will sell me with few dirhams.'!
Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it, and a single prostration to Allah
Afterwards the Disciples left Isa (PBUH). Meanwhile the Jews were looking for Isa
(in prayer) will be better than the whole world and whatever is in it." Abu Huraira added:
(PBUH) and they saw one of the Disciples therefore they caught him and said: This one
"If you wish, you can recite (this Verse of the Holy Book): And there is none of the People
is from his friends,' but he denied by saying: I am not his fried', and when another group
of the Book but must believe in him (i.e. Jesus (PBUH) as a messenger of Allah and a human
of the Jews caught him he denied also, and when he denied for the third time, he heard
being) before his death; and on the Day of Judgement he (Jesus) will be a witness against
the crow of the cock, and he started to cry.
them.
-1

In the morning one of the Disciples came to the Jews and said to them/ What you will Narrated Ubada (R.A.) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "If any one testifies that
give me if I guide you to the place of Isa (PBUH)?' The Jews promised him that they will Lailaha illallah (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone) Who has no partners,
give him thirty dirhams, therefore he took them to the place of Isa (PBUH), but they caught and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His Slave and His Messenger and that Isa (PBUH) is Allah's
another man because the likeness of Isa (PBUH) was put over that man, and they crucified Slave and His Messenger and His Word (Be: And it was) which He bestowed on Maryam
him thinking that he is Isa (PBUH)." and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him, and that Paradise is the truth, and Hell is the truth, Allah
will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were
Narrated Ibn Asakir that Yahya bin Habib said: "After seven days of the crucifixion, few." Then Ubada added; "Such a person can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates
Maryam (PBUH) requested the king to give his permission for lowering the body from the he likes."
cross. The king accepted and they buried the body."
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said; "On the night of my
When Maryam went to visit the grave she saw Jibril (PBUH) near it, and he asked her: Ascension to Heaven, I saw (the Prophet) Musa who was a thin person with lank hair, looking
'O Maryam! Where are you going?' She said: I am going to visit the grave of Isa.' But Jibril like one of the men of the tribe of Shanuwa; and I saw Isa who was of average height with
(PBUH) said to her: 'O Maryam! he is not Isa (PBUH), he is a man whom the Jews thought red face as if he had just come out of a bathroom. And I resemble Prophet Ibrahim more than
that he is Isa because of the resemblance of Isa was put over him and they crucified him.' any of his offspring. " And Ibn 'Umar narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
Then Jibril (PBUH) told her when and where she can meet Isa (PBUH). "I saw Isa, Musa and Ibrahim. Isa was a curly-haired man of modem height, while Musa was
brown, tall person."
Mother Revisited : When Isa (PBUH) saw his mother coming towards him, he received
her kindly, kissed her head and invoked blessing upon her as he used to do, then he said: Narrated Abdullah (R.A.) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) mentioned the Masih Ad-
'O mother! the people did not kill me, but Allah raised me to Him, and He allowed me to Dajjal in front of the people, Saying: "Allah is not one-eyed while Masih Ad-Dajjal is blind
meet you. O mother! the death is coming to you so be patient and remember Allah too much.' in the right eye and his eye looks like a bulging out grape. While sleeping near the Kaaba
Then Isa (PBUH) rose to the heaven, and Maryam (PBUH) did not meet him after that time last night, I saw in my dream a man of brown colour the best one can see amongst brown
till she died." Then Ibn Asakir added: "I heard that Maryam (PBUH) lived for five years after colour and his hair was so long that it fell between his shoulders. His hair was lank and water
the raising of Isa by Allah Almighty, and when she died her age was fifty three years." While was dribbling from his head and he was placing•J his hands on the shoulders of two men while
circumambulating the Kaaba. I asked: 'Who is this? They replied: 'This is Isa the son of
the age of Isa (PBUH) when Allah Almighty raised him up was thirty four years according
Maryam.' Behind him I saw a man who had very curly hair and was blind in the right eye,
to Al-Hassan Al-Basri, but Said bin Al-Musayab said: "When Isa was raised up his age was
resembling Ibn Qatan in appearance. He was placing his hands on the shoulders of a person
thirty three years," and Imam Ali (PBUH) said:" Isa (PBUH) was raised up at the twenty
while performing Tawaf around the Kaaba. I asked: "Who is this? They replied: 'The Masih
second of Ramadan."
Ad-Dajjal."
Descriptioned Merits : Allah Almighty said:
So the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) gave the description of the two Masihs in order to
Christ the son of Mary was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers help the believers to follow the Masih of the Guidance, and to leave the Masih of the Straying.
that passed away before him. His mother was a woman of truth. Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that the Prophet (PBUH) said:" Isa, seeing a man stealing,
Also Allah Almighty said: Then, in their wake, We followed them up with (others asked him: 'Did you steal?' Then man said: 'No, by Allah, except Whom there is no other
of) Our Messengers: We sent after them Jesus the son of Mary, and bestowed on him God/ Isa said: 'I believe in Allah and suspect my eyes' "
the Gospel. Narrated Ibn Abbas (R.A.) that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "You will be resurrected J
(and assembled) barefooted, naked and uncircumcised." The Prophet (PBUH) then recited 1
We gave Jesus the son of Mary clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit.
the Divine Verses: - Even as We produced the first Creation, so shall We produce a new one: ■
Narrated Said bin Al-Musayab on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of a promise We have undertaken: truly shall We fulfil it. He added: "The first to be dressed I
Allah (PBUH) said: "No child is born but that, Satan touches it when it is born whereupon will be Ibrahim. Then some of my companions will be taken to the right (side) and to the fl
it starts crying loudly because of being touched by Satan, except Maryam and her son." Abu left (side). I will say: 'My companions!' it will be said: 'They had been renegade since you I
Huraira then said: "Recite, if you wish:- And I commend her and her offspring to Thy left them.' I will then say what the Pious Slave Isa the son of Maryam said: "And I was a
protection from Satan the Rejected." witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when Thou didst take me up Thou wast
the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things. If Thou dost punish them, they
are Thy servants: if Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise."
Narrated Umar (R. A.): I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying:" Do not exaggerate in praising
me as the Christians praised the son of Maryam, for I am only a Slave. So, call me the Slave
of Allah and His Messenger/'
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "None spoke in cradle but
three: (The first was) Isa, (the second was): There was a man from the Children of Israel called
Juraij. While he was offering his prayers, his mother came and called him. He said (to himself):
Five
'Shall I answer her or keep on praying?' Then he went on praying and did not answer her.
His mother said: 'O Allah! Do not let him die till he sees the faces of prostitutes.' So while
he was in his hermitage, a lady came and sought to seduce him, but he refused. So she went
to a shepherd and presented herself to him to commit illegal sexual intercourse with her and
then later she gave birth to a child and claimed that it belonged to Juraij. The people, therefore,
came to him and dismantled his hermitage and expelled him out of it and abused him. Juraij
THE LAST PROPHET (PBUH)
performed the ablution and offered prayer, and then came to the child and said: '0 child!
who is your father? 'The child replied: The shepherd. After hearing this the people said: 'We
shall rebuild your hermitage of gold,' but he said: 'No, of nothing but mud.' (The third was
the hero of the following story) A lady from the Children of Israel was nursing her child at Great Dawn
her breast when a handsome rider passed by her. She said: 'O Allah! make my child like him.'
Birth of Muhammad : The dark, dismal, dreary night of spiritual gloom and moral
On that the child left her breast, and facing the rider said: 'O Allah! do not make me like
turpitude was spread all over the world. Africa was still inhabited by wild beasts and naked
him.' The child then started to suck her breast again. Abu Huraira further said: "As if I were
humanity. Europe was sunk in barbarism and murder was committed under the name of
now looking at the Prophet (PBUH) sucking his finger (in way of demonstration.)" After
Christianity. Instead of "Love the enemy," the cry was "kill thy brother" Satan, instead of
a while some people passed by, with a lady slave and she (i.e. the child mother) said: '0 Allah!
Jesus, had taken possession of the hearts of men. The hatred of sect against sect in Christendom
do not make my child like this (slave girl)!' On that the child left her breast, and said: '0 Allah!
had become so violent that even beasts were more human than humanity. Manhood was
make me like her.' When she asked why, the child replied: 'The rider is one of the tyrants
debased, womanhood was debased, religion was debased. The temple of spiritual virtue
while the slave girl is falsely accused of theft and illegal sexual intercourse."
founded by Jesus had become the den of inhuman fanaticism. All the glory of Greece, all the
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that he heard Allah's Messenger (PBUH) saying: "I am the greatness of Rome, was gone. From London to Constantinople, from Spain to Russia, there
nearest of all the people to the son of Mary am, and all the Prophets are paternal brothers, was not a single ray of the light of beauty, virtue or justice. The heart of man was filled with
and there has been no Prophet between me and him (i.e. Isa)." infidelity. And the people, like uncared for sheep, were the prey of the immoral wolves of
humanity. The ten commandments of Mosses had been substituted by the ten opposite
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "How will you be when
commandments of human devils.
the son of Maryam (i.e. Isa) descends amongst you, and he will judge people by the Law of
the Quran and not the law of the Gospel." The Arabs had forgotten the religion of their forefathers - Nuh and Ibrahim-and were
on the verge of extinction on account of their immorality, their extravagance and their tribal
Paternal Brothers : Narrated Imam Ahmad on the authority of Abu Huraira that the
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The Prophets are paternal brothers; their religion is one feuds.
but their mothers are different, and I am the nearest of all people to Isa the son of Maryam And you were on the brink of the pit of fire,
because there has been no Prophet between me and him (i.e Isa), and he will shortly descend
amongst you; he (i.e. Isa) is a man of brown complexion and lank hair, and water is dropping Then He rescued you therefrom... (Quran 3:102)
from his head. He will break the cross and kill the pigs, and at his time only the Islam will The Persians also had forgotten the true faith and were fallen into the fire which had
remain, and at his time Allah will perish the Masih Ad-Daiial (Anti-Christ)." killed their souls. They married their own sisters and inequity was rampant over the land.
198 Au the Prophets
•4
Narrated Umar (R.A.): I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying: " Do not exaggerate in praising
of Allah and His Messenger."
Five
then later she gave birth to a child and claimed that it belonged to Juraij. The people, therefore, THE LAST PROPHET (PBUH)
Birth of Muhammad : The dark, dismal, dreary night of spiritual gloom and moral
On that the child left her breast, and facing the rider said: 'O Allah! do not make me like
turpitude was spread all over the world. Africa was still inhabited by wild beasts and naked
him.' The child then started to suck her breast again. Abu Huraira further said: "As if 1 were
humanity. Europe was sunk in barbarism and murder was committed under the name of
now looking at the Prophet (PBUH) sucking his finger (in way of demonstration.)" After Christianity. Instead of "Love the enemy," the cry was "kill thy brother" Satan, instead of
a while some people passed by, with a lady slave and she (i.e. the child mother) said: '0 Allah! Jesus, had taken possession of the hearts of men. The hatred of sect against sect in Christendom
do not make my child like this (slave girl)!' On that the child left her breast, and said: 'O Allah! had become so violent that even beasts were more human than humanity. Manhood was
make me like her.' When she asked why, the child replied: 'The rider is one of the tyrants debased, womanhood was debased, religion was debased. The temple of spiritual virtue
while the slave girl is falsely accused of theft and illegal sexual intercourse." founded by Jesus had become the den of inhuman fanaticism. All the glory of Greece, all the
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "How will you be when
commandments of human devils.
Paternal Brothers : Narrated Imam Ahmad on the authority of Abu Huraira that the on the verge of extinction on account of their immorality, their extravagance and their tribal
but their mothers are different, and I am the nearest of all people to Isa the son of Maryam And you were on the brink of the pit of fire, ,
amongst you; he (i.e. Isa) is a man of brown complexion and lank hair, and water is dropping Then He rescued you therefrom... (Quran 3:102) J
from his head. He will break the cross and kill the pigs, and at his time only the Islam will The Persians also had forgotten the true faith and were fallen into the fire which h id
remain, and at his time Allah will perish the Masih Ad-Dajjal (Anti-Christ)." killed their souls. They married their own sisters and inequity was rampant over the laqd-
198
blithe Prefa
the Watcher over them, and Thou art a witness to all things. If Thou dost punish them, th*
are Thy servants: if Thou dost forgive them, Thou art the Exalted in power, the Wise'
Narrated Umar (R-A.): I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying: '• Do not exaggerate in praising
me as the Christians praised the son of Maryam, for I am only a Slave. So, call me the Slav?
three: (The first was) Isa, (the second was): There was a man from the Children of Israel ailed
Juraij. While he was offering his prayers, his mother came and called him. He said (to himself)
Five
'Shall I answer her or keep on praying?' Then he went on praying and did not answer her
His mother said: 'O Allah! Do not let him die till he sees the faces of prostitutes ' So while
then later she gave birth to a child and claimed that it belonged to Juraij. The people, therefore, THE LAST PROPHET (PBUH)
who is your father? 'The child replied: The shepherd. After hearing this the people said: IVe
her breast when a handsome rider passed by her. She said: 'O Allah? make my child like him. Birth of Muhammad : The dark, dismal, dreary night of spiritual gloom and moral
On that the child left her breast, and facing the rider said: 'O Allah? do not make me like turpitude was spread all over the world. Africa was still inhabited by wild beasts and naked
him.' The child then started to suck her breast again. Abu Huraira further said: As if I were humanity. Europe was sunk in barbarism and murder was committed under the name of
now looking at the Prophet (PBUH) sucking his finger (in way of demonstration.)" After Christianity. Instead of "Love the enemy," the cry was "kill thy brother" Satan, instead of
a while some people passed by, with a lady slave and she (i.e. the child mother) said: 0 Allah! Jesus, had taken possession of the hearts of men. The hatred of sect against sect in Christendom
do not make my child like this (slave girl)!' On that the child left her breast, and said: '0 Allah! had become so violent that even beasts were more human than humanity. Manhood was
make me like her.' When she asked why, the child replied: 'The rider is one of the tyrants debased, womanhood was debased, religion was debased. The temple of spiritual virtue
while the slave girl is falsely accused of theft and illegal sexual intercourse." founded by Jesus had become the den of inhuman fanaticism. All the glory of Greece, all the
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "How will you be when commandments of human devils.
on the verge of extinction on account of their immorality, their extravagance and their tribal
Paternal Brothers : Narrated Imam Ahmad on the authority of Abu Huraira that the
feuds.
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "The Prophets are paternal brothers; their religion is one
from his head. He will break the cross and kill the pigs, and at his time only the Islam will The Persians also had forgotten the true faith and were fallen into the fire which had
remain, and at his time Allah will perish the Masih Ad-Dajjal (Anti-Christ)." killed their souls, They married their own sisters and inequity was rampant over the land.
Narrated Umar (R.A.): I heard the Prophet (PBUH) saying:" Do not exa ;era te in praising
then later she gave birth to a child and claimed that it belonged to Juraij. The people, therefore,
THE LAST PROPHET (PBUH)
performed the ablution and offered prayer, and then came to the child and said: 'O child!
On that the child left her breast, and facing the rider said: 'O Allah! do not make me like Birth of Muhammad : The dark, dismal, dreary night of spiritual gloom and moral
him.' The child then started to suck her breast again. Abu Huraira further said: "As if I were turpitude was spread all over the world. Africa was still inhabited by wild beasts and naked
now looking at the Prophet (PBUH) sucking his finger (in way of demonstration.)" After humanity. Europe was sunk in barbarism and murder was committed under the name of
a while some people passed by, with a lady slave and she (i.e. the child mother) said: 'O Allah! Christianity. Instead of "Love the enemy," the cry was "kill thy brother" Satan, instead of
do not make my child like this (slave girl)!' On that the child left her breast, and said: 'O Allah! Jesus, had taken possession of the hearts of men. The hatred of sect against sect in Christendom
make me like her.' When she asked why, the child replied: 'The rider is one of the tyrants had become so violent that even beasts were more human than humanity. Manhood was
while the slave girl is falsely accused of theft and illegal sexual intercourse." debased, womanhood was debased, religion was debased. The temple of spiritual virtue
founded by Jesus had become the den of inhuman fanaticism. All the glory of Greece, all the
nearest of all the people to the son of Mary am, and all the Prophets are paternal brothers, was not a single ray of the light
*4 of beauty, virtue or justice. The heart of man was filled with
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "How will you be when humanity. The ten commandments of Mosses had been substituted by the ten opposite
the son of Maryam (i.e. Isa) descends amongst you, and he will judge people by the Law of commandments of human devils.
Paternal Brothers : Narrated Imam Ahmad on the authority of Abu Huraira that the on the verge of extinction on account of their immorality, their extravagance and their tribal
from his head. He will break the cross and kill the pigs, and at his time only the Islam will The Persians also had forgotten the true faith and were fallen into the fire which ha
remain, and at his time Allah will perish the Masih Ad-Dajjal (Anti-Christ)." killed their souls. They married their own sisters and inequity was rampant over the lan
200 All the Prophets The Last Prophet 201
India was engaged in the worship of innumerable deities and in making slaves of Sudras to see, so that he who has eyes may see but he who is blind of soul will have none to complain
and gods of Brahmans. China knew no God and was cbntent to die in the pit of materialism. except his own unfortunate self. This effulgent Sun of Righteousness will not set till man exists
on this planet. He will be buried but his soul will live for ever and be a guide to all truth-
Who could rescue mankind from this impending death?
loving men and women.
The voice of God was heard to say:
The glory of God and His everlasting praise will now be firmly established in the souls
Say: "O My servants! those (of you) who have been immoderate against their own of Muhammad's followers who will love God more than father, mother, brother, sister,
souls, despair not of God's mercy..." (Quran, 39:53) kinsmen, wealth, children-nay more than their own selves.
Muhammad is bom an orphan, so that every orphan amongst his followers may be
"I will send you my chosen one (al-Mustafa), the praised on (Muhammad), the harbinger
consoled by his example and so that no Muslim may be harsh to an orphan. The orphan is
of mercy to all mankind (Rahmatul-lil-Alamin), the shining spiritual sun (Sirajan- muneera),
protected by God's special favour.
gifted with immense goodness (al-Kauthar), loving and merciful (raufur-rahim), My beloved
one (al-Murtada), My friend (al-Khalil) and one endowed with superb manners (la'ala khuliqin Then as to him who is an orphan oppress him not thou then. (Quran, 93:9)
'azim)." , | |
The patrimony which was left to this orphan is, five camels, a few sheep and one maid
And here came, Muhammad, the son of Abdullah and Amina. The sun had not yet risen
servant.
but the glorious sun of spiritual light had dawned on the world on Monday, 22nd April, 571
years after Christ, the 9th day of Rabiul-Awwal of the first year of the Elephant. His grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, is one of the most influential men at Mecca but he
has a very large family to support. However, he loves this orphan grandchild of his and
Let all mankind bow down to God in thankfulness for His mercy. The Redeemer has
his grief over his son Abdullah (father of Muhammad) is assuaged by the vision of the
come. He will teach mankind the Book and the Wisdom and will purify their souls. All
lovely face of one who is going to be the leader of mankind. He hastens to the house
mankind, whether they believe in him or not, will benefit by his virtues and by his
of his daughter-in-law and takes the young one in his arms and enters the Kaaba and
example. A few who are already doomed will meet their end but all the rest will benefit
names him Muhammad (PBUH).
directly or indirectly, all mankind will be indebted to him for ever. He will confirm all
the Heavenly Books and all the Prophets. From East to West, North to South, the earth This name was not common amongst the Arabs but it was not unknown.
shall resound five times a day with the cry of "God is Great, God is Great, God is Great, The Childhood ofMuhammad: Historians differ as the exact date and year of Muhammad's
God is Great," and no man shall have any excuse for not knowing the Goodness of God birth. Another date is 20th August 570 A.C. but the majority are in favour of 9th to 12th Rabiul-
and His Mercy. Awwal of the first year of Elephant or 20th to 22nd April 571 A.C.
The foundations of the palaces and empires of Kisras and Caesars are this day shaken Abdul-Muttalib's Feast: Abdul-Muttalib, after naming the orphan boy returned him to
and their fall is imminent, for they are built not on justice, beauty and goodness but on cruelty, his mother and asked her to wait till the wetnurses of Bani-Sad came to Mecca, so that the
inequity and barbarism. The prayers and prophecies of Nuh, Ibrahim, Moses and Jesus have boy might be given in charge of one of them according to the custom of the noble families
now been fulfilled. Muhammad is to come to put the copestone on the Divine Palace erected of Mecca. On the seventh day after the Prophet's birth, his grandfather ordered a feast to
by these Prophets of God. His is the responsibility and his the privilege of completing their be prepared. The chief men amongst the Quraish were invited to the feast and when they
glorious work. He is the General who directs his forces and fights for them with his Wisdom. had partaken of it, they asked Abdul-Muttalib why he had named the boy "Muhammad"
He safeguards all the Books and confirms all the Prophets. He is blessed by all good men and not according to the custom of his forefathers. — (The Quraish generally named their
because he is blessed by God and His angels. children after some deity, e.g. Abd-Manaf, the slave or servant of the deity called Manaf;
Surely God and His messenger-spirits send blessings upon the Prophet. Abdullah, the servant of God).
O ye who believe! send ye blessings upon him and wish him peace with a hearty The grandfather's reply was: "1 desire that he may be praised in the heavens for the sake
wishing.. Quran, 33:56) of God and in the earth for the sake of His creatures." j
There is thus, a pre-determined will running throughout
•-4 the life of the Prophet. I
And with all that, he is not going to claim to be a god but merely a man inspired who
Coming events cast their shadows before and a prosperous plant has rich foliage. He I
will direct men to God and be their leader. The Right Path shall be made clear for all humanity
starts his life with a most happy name and even before his birth, his mother Amina had and the open exposed living there agreed with the natural strong and sturdy constitution
wonderful dreams about the greatness of the child that she was going to give birth to. of Muhammad and he grew in health and strength and comeliness of form and beauty
It is also a strange coincidence that Muhammad's father was named Abdullah or the of shape. When the two years were over, Halimah took him back to his mother but so
servant of Allah and not after any idol of the Arabs. His mother is also named Amina, pleased were the two women with each other and so enamoured was Halimah of the
i.e., a woman who is safe, protected or satisfied. The word is derived from the root aman child that she took him back to the desert for another two years. The boy remained
meaning safety, security, faith, honest or trust-worthiness. It is the same root from which another two years in the desert free from the physical and moral filth of a town-life of
the words Momin (believer or one who is safe), Amin (trustworthy), Amanat (loyalty or those days. There are stories in books that about this time two angels came in human
deposit) are derived. form and that one of them (Jibrail) cut open Muhammad's heart and removed therefrom
Amina waited for the coming of the wet-nurses of Bani-Sad so that she might hand the centre of evil and resewed it and made it whole by God's commandment. We need
over her child to one of them. Meanwhile, the baby was nursed by Thwaibia, a maid of not take these stories too literally. The boy was unquestionably precocious and the Arabs,
Abu-Lahab, an uncle of the Prophet. She gave suck to him for some time after she had as has been noted in Chapter II of this book, were then a superstitious race believing
nursed Hamza, the youngest uncle of the Prophet. Thus Hamza and the Prophet were in all kinds of invisible creatures.
foster-brothers. This is another coincidence for no man in the whole of Arabia was braver On the other hand, it is possible that this story is founded on a too literal interpretation
than Hamza, and when, later on, Hamza became a convert to Islam he stood by the TO
of the following verses of the Quran:
Prophet like a "Lion of Islam". Thwaibia nursed the Prophet for a number of days only
but he loved her most tenderly and used to visit her as long as she lived. In the seventh Have We not expanded for thee thy breast?
year after the Prophet's emigration to Medina, he inquired about her from her son who And We have taken off from thee thy weight,
was also his foster-brother as to her condition and her place of abode, but he was
That which pressed heavily upon thy back,
informed that she was already dead.
And We have exalted for thee thy name (lit. remembrance)
A week or two after the Prophet's birth, the wet-nurses of Bani-Sad came to Mecca
searching for their charges according to custom. But they passed over the orphans, Therefore surely ease (comes) with hardship,
because they expected their rewards from the fathers of the children and the hope of Surely with hardship (comes) ease.
getting a big largess from the mother of an orphan was poor. So that not one of them Therefore when thou art disen •J aged, then work hard (in prayer),
accepted Muhammad.
And so as to attend whole-heartedly towards thy Lord. (Quran, Chapter 94)
One of these wet-nurses was named Halimah daughter of Abu-Zuhaib of Bani-Sad.
When first confronted with Muhammad she also refused to accept him. But she was The meaning of the first verse given above is quite clear. God enlarged Muhammad's mind
somewhat in poor circumstances and looking weak so that no mother would have her to receive the Truth and made it easy for him to carry the burden of Prophethood which at
as a wet-nurse for her baby. Thus, there was no wet-nurse for Muhammad and no baby one time weighed heavily upon his mind. But Muhammad struggled hard to qualify himself
to nurse for Halimah. for the spiritual kingdom destined for him by means not only of fasting and praying but by
means of doing good to his fellow beings even long before he received his mission. Thus his
When the Bani-Sad gathered together to leave Mecca and go back to their homes, Halimah
work which was impossible for another man was easy for him. His soul was so enlarged that
said to her husband Harith: "I hate going back with my companions without a foster-child and
it could receive and carry the burden of God's commandments with ease whilst another man
by god I am going to get this orphan (meaning Muhammad)" Her husband replied to her:
would have broken down under the strain, he was the spiritual Hercules of the world.
"Thou must do it, perhaps God will bless us with his presence." So Halimah took
Muhammad remained for full five years in the desert with Halimah and her family. The
Muhammad with her to her desert home and she used to say that since she had
influence of these early years on his body and mind cannot be exaggerated. Psychology now
him here sheep grew fat and increased in milk and God blessed her in all her
assures us that what a boy or a girl learns during these early years sinks down into the
belongings.
unconscious mind and comes out again and again making or marring a man's life throughout
In this way, Muhammad was nursed by Halimah (lit, a gentle woman) for two years his whole career. Here again God's will is working in directing Muhammad's career. What
and he was looked after by her daughter Shayyimah. The innervating air of the desert did Muhammad imbibe during these early years?
The Last Prophet 205
He built up first of all a most robust constitution which could withstand hunger and with his maternal uncles and aunts and she took him with Ummi-Aiman (the servant maid
thirst and hard labour as few other men could. He had at times the strength of ten men. I left by Abdullah) to Medina. She showed him the house where his father Abdullah had died
But besides that, he built up a spirit of independence and a determination which are and where he was buried and the boy now realized that he was an orphan. And the mother
unique in the whole history of mankind. Equally important with this physical and told him long stories about his loving father and how he had been buried at Medina. The
spiritual strength was the acquisition of the purest Arabic dialect. The Arabic of the Prophet always remembered these stories of his first journey to Medina and used to relate
towns was degraded compared with the Arabic of the desert. The influence of the Arabic them to his companions- stories of his love for Medina and his sorrow for his beloved father
language, as has already been explained in the preceding chapters, on the formation and entombed there.
development of character, is the most powerful of all factors governing life in Arabia.
No one could have any voice with the Arabs who was not eloquent. Arabia at this time Death of Amina : After they had been one month at Medina, Amina made up her mind
was governed not by the sword, nor by the pen, but by the tongue,
*4 and Muhammad used to return to Mecca and loaded her two camels which she had with her. When they were
to say to his companions: midway between Mecca and Medina she fell sick and died and was buried there. Ummi-i-
Aiman was left with the lonely child. How happy was he two months ago at Mecca with
"I am the most fluent (lit; the best Arab) amongst you, because I am one of the his mother and grandfather! How fondly did he listen to his mother's stories about his father's
Quraish and because I was fostered amongst Bani - Sad bin Bakr". Even in the love for her and about his own birth and childhood. And now here he was in the desert
conscious life of Muhammad, these five years left a most lasting and beautiful without father, mother, brother or sister. He had not seen his father. And now his mother
effect. The man who loved Thwaibia so dearly because she had nursed him for also was buried in the desert before his very eyes with no one even to console his young54 heart.
a number of days was bound to love and honour Halimah and her family all his His loneliness and his state of being an orphan whilst away from home made a terribly deep
life. He never forgot any favours and he always repaid them many times over. impression on his young mind.
After the Prophet's marriage with Khadijah there was a year of famine and Halimah came He had not yet completed the sixth year of his life but fate rtiade him as sorrowful at
to him. When she went back, the Prophet gave her a camel loaded with goods and forty sheep. six as many people are at sixty. However, it was all for the good of humanity. The boy stricken
And every time she came to see him he would spread out his mantle for her to sit upon as with sorrow knew what it meant, to be an orphan and knew the value of consolation and
a mark of honour to her. help to the stricken and the weak. His whole life was spent in the remembrance of God and
the service of mankind. And it had been willed so. When he was forty years old and happily
After the siege of Taif, Shayyimah, Halimah's daughter was one of the prisoners. When
married, God reminded him:
she was brought before Muhammad and Muhammad had recognised her, he honoured her
and sent her back to her family according to her own wish. Did He not find thee an orphan and gave
•J thee shelter?
Sometime in his sixth year of life, Muhammad returned to his mother. It is said that
And He found thee pathless then He guided thee. (Quran, 93:6-7)
Halimah searched for him whilst she was going to take him to his family but could not find
him. So she came to Abd ul-Muttalib and told him that Muhammad had been lost. The So that if Muhammad was ever inclined to forget the days when he was a lost orphan.
randfather sent people to search for him and Waraqa bin Naufal found him. God would not let him do so. And thereby God warns all mankind.
Abd-ul-Muttalib took Muhammad into his own custody and showered all his love Death of Abd ul-Muttalib : But Muhammad's sorrow was not over yet. Two years later,
on him and made him the chief object of his attention. He was then the chief of the his aged grandfather now in his eightieth year also died and the weeping orphan followed
Quraish and also the chief of the people of Mecca; and a flash or special seating the corpse of his affectionate grandfather to its last resting place. And the young boy was
accommodation was prepared and reserved for him at the Kaaba. His sons used to sit as sorry about his grandfather's death as he had been about his mother's.
round this flash as a mark of respect for their father. When Muhammad was brought
The death of the grand old man was a blow to the whole of Banu- Hashim. There was
to him, he took him near his own seat, stroke his back and showed other signs of his I
I not one amongst Abd ul-Muttalib's sons who could take his father's place. Abu-Talib, the
favour. And so the love between the grandfather and the grandchild increased day by
full brother of Abdullah, was too poor. Abbas, another uncle of the Prophet, (as yet a non
day and the trio of them — the grandfather, the mother and the grandson - were
Muslim), was rich but greedy. He did not wish to bear the expenses of feeding the pilgrims
exceedingly happy.
and other services. Harith the eldest was of no use at all. Abu-Lahab, another son of Abd
\ But earthly happiness does not last long. Amina now longed to acquaint her first-born ul-Muttalib, was the most wicked of the lot and a disgrace to the family. Abu-Talib, who was
the most generous and the best beloved of the people, could only retain the duties of fiqaya, Harm or no harm, however, God's purpose was being fulfilled. Muhammad's soul was
or supplying water to the pilgrims. Rifadah... the feeding of the pilgrims and other more being educated for the task that was coming. The journey made him realise how vast the earth
important offices of the chiefs of Mecca, passed to Abu-Sufyan the son of Harb the son of was. His eyes saw the beauty of the heavens and the rising and the setting of the stars in
Omayya. r the clear atmosphere of the desert. His soul was making an excursion of the heavens and
listening to the spiritual music of the spheres.
Abu-Sufyan's Rise : Thus, all the authority, which Bani-Hashim had retained for two
generations, passed away at one stroke on the death of Abd ul-Muttalib and what is worse, Up to this time, he had lived in an unproductive desert but now he was in the midst of
from Muhammad's fortieth year to his 60th, Abu-Sufyan was one of his bitterest enemies. the fruit gardens of Syria. What an agreeable change? And what a contrast to the barren hills
He had a double grudge against Muhammad. First, because Muhammad belonged to the rival of Mecca? His free and unfettered soul observed all this, just as porous and thirsty earth
family of Banu-Hashim who had ousted his father Harb and his grandfather Omayya from absorbs the heavenly rain.
the chieftainship of Mecca, and secondly because Muhammad was for destroying the worship He also passed by Madain, Wadi ul-Qura and the territory of the Thamud. He saw their
of his idols on which depended Abu-Sufyan's greatness amongst the Arabs, in general, and ruins, and in the Quran, God reminds the Arabs of these ruins which they pass by in their
the Quraish, in particular.
journeys.
This enmity combined with Abu-Lahab's incessant persecution of Muhammad after the He was still in his twelfth year but his penetrating mind, his powers of observation and
latter's declaration of his mission combined to make the Prophet's work extremely difficult. memory were already as vast as the heavens and as deep as the universe. God, the Master
But the will of God was being carried out in spite of all risks and all opposition. of Creation, was perfecting the Masterpiece of His Creation, Muhammad. The world stood
still between the two.
Abu-Talib, Guardian of Muhammad : Abd ul-Muttalib, on his death-bed entrusted the
guardianship of Muhammad to Abu-Talib and the latter loved his nephew just as did Abd Abu-Talib also made such a profit in this journey as he had never done before and he
ul-Muttalib. Abu-Talib loved the Prophet. He preferred him even to his sons, for lie found never made a similar journey thereafter.
Muhammad intelligent, generous, kind-hearted and noble in his disposition.
Life at Mecca : Muhammad settled down with his uncle, content with his lot and doing
To Muhammad, Abu-Talib was now in the place of father and mother. Muhammad never his best to help and please his uncle in carrying out the duties of supplying water to the
ceased to speak well of him and of Abd ul-Muttalib. One of Muhammad's greatest sorrows pilgrims and other necessary tasks.
was that Abu-Talib never became a Muslim but their relationship in life was the tenderest
He visited Ukaz, Majanna and Zul-Majaz, listening to the addresses of the adherents of
and most trustworthy, proving for ever that Islam is consistent with true love for one's own
various religions - Christians and Jews amongst them - also hearing the poets recite their
relatives though they be of another faith. In fact, the Prophet never ceased to love his bitterest
poetry, boasting of their love affairs, of their ancestors, of their wars, hospitalities, liberalities
foes and it was no fault of his if some of them never could be reconciled to him. Abu-Talib,
and licentiousness. He wondered at all these things immensely but kept his own soul free
though a disbeliever, remained a faithful guardian and a true friend of Muhammad to the
from all contamination.
last. In the twelfth year of Muhammad's life, Abu-Talib made up his mind to go
!4 for merchandise
to Syria. He did not intend to take Muhammad with him fearing the hardship of the journey He was an orphan literally and metaphorically God alone was his guardian and teacher.
and the passage through the desert. The mill that was to grind the spiritual food of mankind was being perfected. Every experience
But Muhammad, not wishing to be separated from his uncle, clung to him and prevailed of his life had a purpose in it and was being transformed into a fitting instrument for future
upon him to take him to Syria. developments.
Journey to Syria : Uncle and nephew travelled together until they reached Basra to the War ofFijar: The Divine will had determined that Muhammad should have an experience
south of Syria. of warfare as well as of commerce and religious disputations. He was about 15 years of age
when one of the perpetual feuds amongst Arabs occurred in the sacred months and hence
Historians state that in this journey a Christian holy man named Buhaira saw Muhammad was called Harb ul-Fijar or the unholy war. War was, by custom, forbidden during the sacred
and discovered in him signs of the promised Prophet mentioned in Christian books and that months-first, second, eleventh and twelfth of each year.
he advised Abu- Talib not to take him to Syria lest the Jews might recognise these signs and
&. do him harm. The cause of this war arose in this way:
A man called Numan bin Almunzir used to send a caravan once every year to
Zuhra, and Tim to the house of Abdullah bin Judam and gave them a feast; after the feast
Ukaz (where the Arabs met for trade and religious and literary disputations)
it was covenanted and agreed in the Name of God (Allah) that each one of them would help
carrying musk and bringing in return hides, ropes and other Yemen produce.
all wronged persons till their dues were restored to them, howsoever great or small they might
It occurred to one Barrad bin Qais of Banu-Qanan to capture this caravan. Urwa who was be. The Prophet, though young, was one of the moving spirits of this league and it is to the
the head of this caravan and who belonged to Banu-Hawazin was coming to Hijaz via Najd. credit of the league that no more wars or inequities took place for many years after its
Barrad found this out, followed Urwa and captured his caravan killing Urwa. Then someone formation.
amongst the Quraish spread the news that Banu-Hawazin were coming to revenge themselves Muhammad had the supplying of water to the pilgrims and his care of the pilgrims and
upon the Quraish. The Quraish and the Hawazin met outside the limits of the sacred territory his nobility of character soon won him a name and a fame which no other young man
surrounding Mecca and a fight began between the two. possessed. The Prophet used to say in his after-life:" I loved the oath in which I was present
The Quraish had to retreat till they sought refuge in the sacred territory. at the house of Ibn-i-Judam better than the gift of red camels and I would do it again if I
were called to it."
Banu-Hawazin then gave them notice of war next year at Ukaz and this bloody war lasted
for four year's. Each succeeding year being worse than the one previous, and scores of lives Muhammad's Freedomfrom Idols and Follies: The circumstances under which Muhammad
were lost on both sides. Harb, father of Abu-Sufyan, who was the leader of the Quraish was was born and bred, viz., his father's death whilst he was in his mother's womb; his mother's
also killed in this war. passing away after his having lived with her for a few months only; his grandfather's demise
whilst he was only eight and his comparative poverty, combined with his inborn habits of
At last peace was made on the Quraish paying an indemnity for twenty lives-that being thought made him an entirely different man from the rest of his fellowmen. He had no
the number of Hawazin warriors killed in the war in excess of the Quraish. But this unholy youthful companions and no desire for enjoying life in the vulgar sense of that phrase. God
war enfeebled the country for a long time to come.
Muhammad's part in the war consisted in picking up the stray arrows thrown by the Muhammad had a young companion-shepherd in the desert. Being tired of his hard task
enemy and handing these back to his uncle Abu-Talib who was the chief of Banu-Hashim he thought of taking a holiday and going to Mecca and listening to the music of singing girls.
in this war. The Prophet did not himself kill or wound any one. He was more or less a mere He left his sheep in charge of his companion, as the latter must have, prior to this, left his
onlooker but the knowledge he gained of the Arab methods of fighting and their mentality sheep in charge of Muhammad. But before Muhammad reached Mecca, he was drawn to a
was of the greatest use to him thirty-six years afterwards. marriage party where he stopped. He had not remained there long before he fell asleep and
Muhammad as a Shepherd : Whilst under the guardianship of Abu-Talib, Muhammad did not wake up till the next morning.
had sometimes to act as a shepherd to his uncle, but the details are lacking. Ibrahim, Moses The next day he again came down to town and as the night approached he fancied that
and Jesus, besides many other prophets before Muhammad, had been shepherds, and there some music fell on his ears. So he sat down to hear it. But it was no earthly music. It was
must be something in the life of a shepherd to suit the temperament of a reformer who has the music of his own soul being tuned to the music of the spheres. He again fell asleep till
to act as a shepherd of mankind. One tradition states that the Prophet said to his companions: the morning.
"I used to look after the sheep of the Meccans at Qararit." Another tradition says that when
some of his companions were plucking berries from the trees, he advised them to take black As to idol-worship, he always thought it to be utterly useless just as his father Ibrahim
ripe ones as these were the best in taste according to his own experience when he was a boy had done before. Muhammad was a man who never spoke a single word till it was
shepherd. absolutely necessary to do so. All his communications were with his own inner self and
with the universe as he beheld it day after day and night after night. His pleasures were
The League ofFuzul: The war of Fijar so decimated the ranks of the Quraish, and its utter all merged in Contemplation. His enjoyment consisted in the development of the freedom
uselessness so impressed the minds of some of the thoughtful amongst them, that they made of his own soul.
I
up their minds to prevent any future wars like these.
The Travels : But he had to do something for his living and it is certain that from the
The fact was that the most exemplary character of Muhammad and the kind-heartedness age of' twenty he joined caravans of merchants north, south and east as agent for some ofl
of his uncle Abu-Talib were having their moral effect on the Quraish. Under these circumstances, the rich Meccans. During these journeys and these commercial transactions his conduct was ,
Zubayr bin Abd ul-Muttalib an uncle of the Prophet, invited representatives of Banu Hashim, so grand that he soon came to be known as Al-Amin (the most trustworthy). Undedno
A man called Numan bin Almunzir used to send a caravan once every year to
Zuhra, and Tim to the house of Abdullah bin Judam and gave them a feast; after the feast
Ukaz (where the Arabs met for trade and religious and literary disputations)
it was covenanted and agreed in the Name of God (Allah) that each one of them would help
carrying musk and bringing in return hides, ropes and other Yemen produce. ' all wronged
24 persons till their dues were restored to them, howsoever great or small they might
It occurred to one Barrad bin Qais of Banu-Qanan to capture this caravan. Urwa who was be. The Prophet, though young, was one of the moving spirits of this league and it is to the
the head of this caravan and who belonged to Banu-Hawazin was coming to Hijaz via Najd. credit of the league
24 that no more wars or inequities took place for many years after its
Barrad found this out, followed Urwa and captured his caravan killing24 Urwa. Then someone formation.
amongst the Quraish spread the news that Banu-Hawazin were coming to revenge themselves Muhammad had the supplying of water to the pilgrims and his care of the pilgrims and
upon the Quraish. The Quraish and the Hawazin met outside the limits of the sacred territory' his nobility of character soon won him a name and a fame which no other young man
surrounding Mecca and a fight began between the two. possessed. The Prophet used to say in his after-life:" I loved the oath in which I was present
at the house of Ibn-i-Judam better than the gift of red camels and I would do it again if I
The Quraish had to retreat till they sought refuge in the sacred territory.
were called to it."
Banu-Hawazin then gave them notice of war next year at Ukaz and this bloody war lasted
Muhammad's Freedom from Idols and Follies: The circumstances under which Muhammad
for four years. Each succeeding year being worse than the one previous, and scores of lives
was bom and bred, viz., his father's death whilst he was in his mother's womb; his mother's
were lost on both sides. Harb, father of Abu-Sufyan, who was the leader of the Quraish was
passing away after his having lived with her for a few months only; his grandfather's
24 demise
also killed in this war.
whilst he was only eight
24 and his comparative poverty, combined with his inborn habits of
At last peace was made on the Quraish paying an indemnity for twenty lives-that being thought made him an entirely different man from the rest of his fellow men. He had no
the number of Hawazin warriors killed in the war in excess of the Quraish. But this unholy youthful companions and no desire for enjoying life in the vulgar sense of that phrase. God
war enfeebled the country for a long time to come. was guarding him from evil.
Muhammad's part in the war consisted in picking up the stray arrows thrown by the Muhammad had a young companion-shepherd in the desert. Being tired of his hard task
enemy and handing•J these back to his uncle Abu-Talib who was the chief of Banu-Hashim he thought of taking a holiday and going
24 to Mecca and listening24 to the music of singing girls.
in this war. The Prophet did not himself kill or wound any one. He was more or less a mere He left his sheep in charge of his companion, as the latter must have, prior to this, left his
onlooker but the knowledge he gained of the Arab methods of fighting24 and their mentality sheep in charge
24 of Muhammad. But before Muhammad reached Mecca, he was drawn to a
was of the greatest
•J use to him thirty-six years afterwards. marriage party where he stopped. He had not remained there long24 before he fell asleep and
Muhammad as a Shepherd : Whilst under the guardianship of Abu-Talib, Muhammad did not wake up till the next morning.
had sometimes to act as a shepherd to his uncle, but the details are lacking. Ibrahim, Moses The next day he again
24 came down to town and as the niLI1 A 1 Z1 approached he fancied that
5*
and Jesus, besides many other prophets before Muhammad, had been shepherds, and there some music fell on his ears. So he sat down to hear it. But it was no earthly music. It was
must be something in the life of a shepherd to suit the temperament of a reformer who has the music of his own soul being tuned to the music of the spheres. He again fell asleep till
to act as a shepherd of mankind. One tradition states that the Prophet said to his companions: the morning.
"1 used to look after the sheep of the Meccans at Qararit." Another tradition says that when
some of his companions were plucking!4 berries from the trees, he advised them to take black As to idol-worship, he always thought it to be utterly useless just as his father Ibrahim
ripe ones as these were the best in taste according24 to his own experience when he was a boy had done before. Muhammad was a man who never spoke a single word till it was
shepherd. absolutely necessary to do so. All his communications were with his own inner self and
with the universe as he beheld it day after day and night after night. His pleasures were
The League ofFuzul: The war of Fijar so decimated the ranks of the Quraish, and its utter
all merged in Contemplation. His enjoyment consisted in the development of the freedom
uselessness so impressed the minds of some of the thoughtful amongst24 them, that they made
of his own soul.
‘ up their minds to prevent any future wars like these.
* The Travels : But he had to do something for his living and it is certain that from th
The fact was that the most exemplary character of Muhammad and the kind-heartedness
age
24 of’twenty he joined caravans of merchants north, south and east as agent for somej
of his uncle Abu-Talib were having their moral effect on the Quraish. Under these circumstances,
the rich Meccans. During these journeys and these commercial transactions his conduct was |
Zubayr bin Abd ul-Muttalib an uncle of the Prophet, invited representatives of Banu Hashim, L so grand that he soon came to be known as Al-Amin (the most trustworthy). Undel no ifl
210,_E£V- ■ All the Prophets The Last Prophet 211
circumstances did he ever break his word. His honesty was not only above suspicion, but When Abu-Omayya bin Al-Mughira Al-Makhzumi saw how far things had gone, and
he was the very soul of Honesty. He was the one man upon whom everyone, young and being the oldest and the most respected amongst the party, he said to them: "Make the one
old, Could implicitly rely. who first enters the Bab us-Safa your arbitrator." When they saw Muhammad was the first
Abdullah bin Abi-Alhama states: "Long before Muhammad proclaimed his mission I had man to enter, they all cried: "Here is the trustworthy (Al-Amin); we will abide by his
some transaction with him. The transaction was not completed when I told him that I would judgment". They related to him their story and he heard their threats and he saw enmity'
come later on but I forgot the affair altogether. Three days after, when I passed the place 1 sparkling in their eyes. He contemplated for a short while and then said, "Bring me a piece
found him waiting for me. He was not the least cut angry but only said: 'You put me to the of doth." The cloth was brought. He spread out the cloth, took the Black Stone with his own
trouble of being present here for three days'." hand and put it in the centre of the cloth, and said, "Let the chief of each tribe hold one corner
of this cloth" Then by his order they raised it up to the height where the stone was to be
Patience, perseverance, forbearance and fortitude had become natural to Muhammad, and
fixed in. Muhammad took up the stone and put it where it was intended to be placed. Thus
the hand of God was directing him to become the leader of the Arabs and a guide to mankind.
ended all quarrel and threat of war.
Soon an event occurred which showed to the people how wise he was.
The Quraish continued the building to the height of thirty-six feet and raised up its door
Building of the Kaaba : The Kaaba is situated in a hollow surrounded by hills and when
in order to let him enter who they liked and prevent him whom they chose.
Muhammad was about 23 years of age a great flood flowed into this hollow and broke down
the walls of the Kaaba. Even before this, the Quraish were thinking of rebuilding the Kaaba Muhammad had been assisting in the building of the Kaaba before the dispute about the
as it had no roof, and there was fear of thieves stealing4 the precious things placed inside the Black stone arose but the way he settled the quarrel was a sign
•j from God as to the greatness
Kaaba. But superstition made them afraid of making any alterations in the structure of the of Muhammad and his position amongst the Arabs seventeen years before the declaration
Kaaba because they considered the rebuilding of Kaaba as a thing forbidden. Now, however, of his mission, or rather, the reception of the divine message, for the declaration came later
it had been pulled down by an act of God. on. From this day on, it was apparent to Muhammad and some of the Arabs, but not to the
Meccans themselves, that the old idol-worship was a matter of the past, that a new Kaaba
By chance, a ship belonging to a man named Banqum got stranded near Jaddah at
had arisen in the place of the old one; but thirty-seven years more had to elapse before this
this time. Banqum was a kind of architect also. When the Quraish heard about this
dream was realised.
shipwreck they sent Walid bin Al-Mughira to buy the ship's wood and other material
from Baqum and to bring Baqum with him to help in rebuilding the Kaaba. He was a
First Marriage
Roman or Greek. There was also, at Mecca, an Egyptian who knew carpentry. So, the
Quraish started rebuilding the Kaaba. It was divided into four quarters, and the clearing Muhammad's Marriage with Khadijah : Muhammad's honesty as a merchant made him
and rebuilding of each quarter was entrusted to one of the four leading families of the the pole-star of the Meccan society and there was no one who honoured him and loved him
Quraish. But no one would start the clearing of the debris for fear of the gods doing harm more on that account than his uncle and guardian, Abu-Talib. A strange thing about
to him. At last, Walid started pulling down the quarter known as Rukuney Yamani. The Muhammad's mercantile ventures was that they were all prosperous. It happened that when
others waited to see the consequences of Walid's action, but when nothing happened they Muhammad was about twenty-four to twenty-five years of age a lady called Khadijah,
all started rebuilding the Kaaba, each one in his own quarter. The Quraish started the daughter of Khwailad bin Asad bin Abdul-Uzza bin Qusai wanted a mercantile agent. She
foundations with stones removed from neighbouring hills. The building went on merrily was noble and wealthy lady and had been married twice before. Her second husband had
till it reached a man's height and it now became necessary to put in the sacred Black left her considerable property. Many a rich man had offered her his hand in marriage after
Stone in the eastern corner. the death of her second husband but she had refused.
The placing of this stone was considered a very great honour and each of the four families When Abu-Talib heard that she was wanting an agent, he very tactfully made her agree
wished to have the honour reserved to itself but no agreement was possible and a war seemed to engage Muhammad. In this way, Muhammad set out towards Syria with Maisra, a servant
imminent. The chief disputants were Banu-Abd-ud-Dar and Banu-Adl. They swore sacred of Khadijah. He passed over the same ground as he did when he went to Syria with his uncle
oaths to let no other have the honour. at the age of twelve.
Banu-Abd-ud-Dar took a cupful of blood and dyed their hands therein as a proof that Muhammad was all ears and eyes on this journey and he saw and heard a good deal
their oaths were binding on them and hence this form of oath was called "the licking of blood". the Christians living in Syria. He was now a wide-awake man who heard much but soo.e
little. His commerce was exceedingly profitable more than had ever been the case with ul-Fijar and so her uncle Umar bin Asad gave her in marriage. And a new page was opened
Khadijah's commerce before. And his good manners and genuine kind-heartedness towards in the life of Muhammad, the life of a loving husband and a devoted father. But alas’, happiness
Maisra won over the later's heart completely. is ever tied to sorrow. Muhammad was to taste the passing away of his sons in their childhood
When the time came for them to return to Mecca, Muhammad bought Syrian merchandise
54 as he had tasted the sorrow of the loss of his parents in his own childhood.
that he considered would please Khadijah. Whilst they were nearing Mecca, Maisra said to Muhammad's Appearance and Character : What kind of man was Muhammad who had
Muhammad: "Hasten thyself to Khadijah and tell her all that God has been pleased to favour captivated Khadijah's heart?
her on thy account because she would like to know what is due to thee."
He had the most comely looks, being neither a giant nor a dwarf in size, having a
Muhammad went ahead and entered Mecca at about noon. Khadijah saw him, for she large forehead; large eyebrows with thick hair meeting in the centre over the bridge 54 of
was on the top of her house and he was on camel back. She came down when he entered the nose, big black eyes, the white of which had a small redness on the sides; eye- lids
the house and received him. And ’she heard all that he had to relate about his journey; about ending in long!4 eyelashes; a delicate straight nose; teeth with open spaces in between;
the profit he had made; about the merchandise he had bought and sold. He was the most a beard with a thick hairy growth
54 on the chin; long, beautiful neck; broad chest; spacious.,
eloquent of the Arabs and Khadijah listened to his charming story with an open, silent, happy shoulders; deep orange colour; thick palms and soles; walking with the body bent
heart. forward and with quick firm steps; his countenance showing signs of contemplation and
deliberation; his sight proving mastery over his affairs and making men bow to his will.
And then followed Maisra and spoke of the nobility, the honesty, the righteousness of No wonder that these outward shows of a powerful soul had captured Khadijah's love
Muhammad. There was no youth to match Muhammad, according to Maisra, in the excellence and submission. On the other hand, Muhammad could hardly have a better wife. If he
of character or in the greatness of his natural gifts. And in the twinkling of an eye Khadijah's was the Trustworthy of his people she was the Tahirah or the Pure. This was a marriage ■
liking for Muhammad had changed into love. She was forty years old. She, who had refused not only of Muhammad and Khadijah but of FAITH and PURITY. During their twenty-
the noblest of the Quraish in lineage and wealth, now wished to marry this young man whose five years of marriage, and in spite of their inequality in age, they never had any quarrels.
manners and words had taken possession of her heart. She spoke about her love to her sister
Muhammad's marriage raised him in the eyes of his people but with all that he was as
and to her female companion named Nafisa. But the question was, "Would he accept her?
condescending as ever. He mixed with the best of them and helped them in times of stress
Women, however, are great diplomats. Khadijah sent Nafisa to sound Muhammad and when
and difficulty as well as in times of ease and prosperity. The poor, the orphans and the
they met, this was the conversation that took place:
strangers were his special care. He was not the first to withdraw his hands when he shook
Nafisa: What prevents you from marrying? hands; he never turned his face from anyone; he not merely listened to one when one spoke
Muhammad: What have I to marry with? to him but bent his whole body in attention; he spoke little and listened much, he joined in
But if that did not matter and you were invited to an object of beauty, people's counsels and when requested to speak he spoke nothing but the truth; he laughed
Nafisa:
till his mouth opened wide but when he was angry he suppressed his anger 54 till the veins
wealth, nobility and satisfaction, what would you say?
between his eyebrows swelled up. He was broad- minded, truthful of promise towards all
Muhammad: Who is she? men. And in charity, goodness and the justice of his transactions he was his own example.
Nafisa: Khadijah. His powers of planning things, his determination, his strength of carrying out his plans
Muhammad: How can I do that? without faltering were unrivalled amongst his contemporaries. It were these qualities that
Nafisa: That is may concern made his friends stick to him and rely on him against all other men. And no person knew
or appreciated these virtues better than Khadijah.
Muhammad: I accept
The Dissenters : The quarrel over the placing54 of the Black Stone and previous to that the
The intelligence of Muhammad may be judged from the fact that all his answers except
Harb ul-Fijar, or the unholy war had convinced the thoughtful amongst the Quraish that idol
the last are by interrogatories. As a matter of fact, he had iound Khadijah's love in his own
worship was a mere mockery, and it is stated that one day (the date unfortunately is not given)
heart but knowing that she had refused richer men than himself he would not be the first
‘ the Quraish held a meeting in the plantation of Tahya. Then four of them got up and declared
to propose. However, when the proposal came from her, he accepted it with pleasure.
themselves free from idol- worship. They were Zaid bin Amr, 'Uthman bin Hawairath,
Khadijah made no delay about the marriage. Her father Khwailad had died before Harb Abdullah bin Jahash and Waraqa bin Naufal. And some one got up and said:
"Know ye men, by God your people have no foundation in truth and they are Ruqayya and Kulthum were married to Utbah and Utaibah, sons of Muhammad's uncle
acting on nothing but error. What is the use of our sittingS4 down before, or going Abu-Lahab. When Muhammad proclaimed Islam, Abu Lahab prevailed upon his sons to
round, a piece of stone that cannot hear, see, do harm or good; and the blood of divorce them and they were subsequently married to 'Othman bin Affan one after the other.
victims flows over its body. O my people! search for a faith other than that on Both of them died in Muhammad's lifetime. Fatima, the youngest, was afterwards married
■
which ye be." to Ali bin Abu-Talib and she was the only child who survived Muhammad, but she was so
stricken with the grief of her father's death that she also expired with six months of that event.
Waraqa became a Christian, Abdullah embraced Islam and emigrated with other
Muslims to Abyssinia; there he became a convert to Christianity and died. His widow Muhammad, who was already of a contemplative mind, now gave himself up entirely
Umm-i-Habibah daughter of Abu-Sufyan embraced Islam and was married to the Prophet. to the devotion of the Great Unknown and to the cultivation of his spiritual self. Unlike the
four dissenters mentioned above who had hastily changed a their religion, Muhammad
Zaid bin Amr went on journeys to Syria and Iraq but remained a free-thinker, and he
questioned his own soul and the Universe for an answer to the puzzle of creation.
used to say, "O God! if I knew how Thou lovest to be worshipped I would do so, but
I know not." There is a hill called Hira about two miles (not three as mentioned by most biographers)
from Mecca. Each year during the month of Ramadan, Muhammad retired to the top of
As to Othman bin Hawairath who was a relative of Khadijah, he went to Byzantine and
this hill now called Jabi un-Nur (the Hill of Light) There he exercised fasting and prayer
became a favourite of the emperor there. It is said that he had the intention of conquering so much so that he used to forget his food and his own self- so absorbed was he. What
Mecca but was poisoned by someone at the instigation of the people of Mecca. Thus ended was he contemplating upon? It was the search for the Reality-the Truth for the sake of
the careers of all the four dissenters without leaving any effect on the Meccans or their idol the Truth only. How did man and other living objects come to he on this earth and why?
worship. Who made the earth, the moon, the sun and the stars? Who put their respective motions
Muhammad's Sons and Daughters : Years now passed quickly and Muhammad found into these great bodies? Who made the night and the day? Why was man born and why
in Khadijah true love and the best of wives. She had given herself to the love of Muhammad did he die? And what was the use of this life and its struggles*4 if there was no useful
and they were two bodies but one soul. Her soul was entirely merged in his. end to it?
She gave birth to three sons and four daughters by Muhammad. The sons were named: All this questioning was undoubtedly the work of God, but Muhammad as yet found
no adequate answer. Every thing that he could see or imagine was subordinate to
(1) Qasim something that he could not see. Men were born and died. They could not control either
• (2) Tahir birth or death nor could any other living beings. The earth, the sun the stars also were
(3) Tayyib subject to some inexorable will which they could not disobey Idol-worship could solve
nothing.U The doctrines of the Christians and the Jews were of no help either. The
The daughters were named:
Christians made a god of Jesus, a god of Mary and another god of the holy spirit. The
(1) Zainab Jews made gods of their priests. Surely man with all his weaknesses, and with death
(2) Ruqayya staring!4 him in the face, could not be God. Muhammad retired to Hira to solve this puzzle.
Finding no answer in the outer world, he put the question to his own soul. His own self
(3) Umm-i-Kulthum must answer it. But it did not, it could not. He was a man of iron determination. He
(4) Fatima repeated the experiment every year in the month of Ramadan, remaining on the hill for
All the three sons died in their infancy before Muhammad had received the Divine the whole month from one new moon to another.
Message. They left a deep sorrow on the minds of their parents, but both of them had learnt He could not solve the riddle but something urged him on. Ramadan was not the only
to be patient and contented. They both undoubtedly desired a male inheritor but having none time of his contemplation. His whole life was now a life of thought. But he did not cut himself
left of their own. They adopted Zaid bin Harith who was sold to Khadijah, who gave him away from humanity. He continued in their service reserving one month in twelve for the
to Muhammad who emancipated him and adopted him as his son and people called him Zaid service of the Great Soul that lay hidden in the Universe. At last, he had some light. What
bin Muhammad. v:. he could not see and hear in open daylight he saw and heard in dreams. He saw dreams
Zainab, the eldest daughter, was married to Abd-ul-As bin Rabi bin Abd-i-Shams. of the great Universe, but he also saw dreams of coming events in human life. He related
Last Prophet 217
Messenger-spirit has disappeared, Muhammad returned home, filled with his first
these dreams to Khadijah and they came true. Khadijah believed in him and rather than be revelation, but his heart was also filled with fear and trembling. He said to
angry with him she actually encouraged him in his search for Reality. Khadijah, "Cover me". She covered him and he was in an ague as if he had fever.
Muhammad was now more than ever heart and soul devoted to his practice of self But the fear soon passed away and he cast an inquiring look at her as if he was
investigation and search for the Reality. in need of help. "O Khadijah’ what is the matter with me?" And he related to her
all that had happened. But she, with a true woman's intuition and being•u an angel
When he was in his fortieth year, he was sure that he was going to lead his people of a wife, had no fear and no doubt. She returned his glances with a look of great
to the right path but as yet he did not know how. He lengthened his fasts and increased respect and honour towards him, and said:
his thinking. He now went out to the desert in addition to his days at Hira. Then he would
return to his Hermitage and think again. This contemplation and roaming lasted for six "0 son of my uncle, (Khadijah and Muhammad had a common ancestor in Qusai)
months and he related his difficulties and fears to Khadijah but she told him that he need be happy, and firm By Him in whose hand is Khadijah's life, I do most strongly
not fear. No evil spirits would ever touch him as he was the personification of all that hope that thou art going to be the Prophet of this people. I swear by Allah that
was good. He will never put thee to shame; for thou art one who unites uterine relations,
thou art truthful in thy speech, thou takes the burden of others upon thyself, thou
First Revelation honourest thy guest and thou helpest people when they are in trouble on account
One day whilst he was asleep in the hollow of Mount Hira, a being came, woke him up of their supporting the truth".
and told him to read or recite. Muhammad replied, "I cannot read". Then he felt that being Muhammad was satisfied and thanked Khadijah with his looks of gratefulness and with
squeezed him as if he was going to strangle him but he let him go, and repeated the order, his love for her. Then, being extremely tired, he fell asleep and when he woke up he woke
"Read". "I cannot read", said Muhammad once again and once again he was squeezed and up a different man. He was no longer a man of the world. He was like one reborn with a
let go. Again came the same command, "Read" Muhammad was afraid of being squeezed new soul and a new life in him. He knew that the Lord of the Universe was ONE and that
a third time, and he said, "What shall I read?" and the being said: he -Muhammad-was His Messenger and that he was to carry this message to mankind till
God's light was perfected on this earth, howsoever averse the disbelievers might be.
"Read with the Name of thy Lord who is the Creator (lit. who has created). He
has made man from a clot of blood. Read, for thy Lord is most Generous, He Who The Significance : Muhammad had been seeking for the Reality hidden in the Universe
teaches (man) by means of the pen. He teaches man what man does not know". arid the first Revelation is the beginning of his Book of Learning.
Muhammad read this or recited it. The word "Iqra" used in Arabic has both The Reality he is told is his Lord (Arabic RAB) Who is the Creator, Nourisher, Administrator
meanings. If we take "Read" in its literal sense we would have to suppose that and Master of the Universe. The first lesson of Muhammad's spiritual Reader begins with
Muhammad was asked to read something that was written but as he was illiterate His Name.
he could not read. Anyhow, Muhammad only recited what he was told to recite
and the being let him go. The words were imprinted on his mind but when he As man is the principal study of man, Muhammad is taught that God's object in making
looked round he found no one. He was now wideawake and reciting the words man from a clot of blood, i.e. from something that is alive and different from stones, trees
he had been commanded to recite; but where was the being that had taught him and vegetables is that he should have knowledge and become self-conscious as well as
those words and who was he? That had not been explained to him. So far, he had conscious of the Universe surrounding him. Acquired Knowledge is the thing that distinguishes
•j
only had dreams but this was something more than a dream. This was a direct man from the rest of the creation on this earth. And in this acquired knowledge, the pen is
answer to his search for Reality. Although he found no one, being a man of great the main instrument. Not till man begem to hold the pen or chisel was there any progress
determination he remained there for a time. When he could discover no one and in dvilization or arts. And the first Attribute of God which man is reminded of, through
was sure that no one was there, he ran but went on reciting the verses and Muhammad, is His Generosity. Thus from the very first moment of the teaching of Islam,
questioning himself. Suddenly, he heard a voice and raising up his head in the Knowledge and Generosity are made the basis of all spiritual progress. The Prophet has said:
sky he saw the being he had seen before in the shape of a man, in mid sky, calling "Talabul-ilmi faridatun ala kulli Muslimin wa Muslimat." The search of knowledge is incumbent
to him, and whichever way he looked he saw the same vision and heard the same upon all males and females amongst Muslims. And the Chapter (55) named Ar-Rahman
voice. And he remained there for some time until Khadijah had to send someone begins with the words: "As to Ar-Rahman (the most Merciful) He has taught man the Quran
to look for him but he was not to be found in the hollow of Hira. When the (the Reader). He has made man (and ) taught him the art of self-expression."
Thus God Himself is man's teacher and the Quran itself is named a Reader or Book. It
is not a song but a Book of knowledge. Again, Muhammad, and through him every Muslim,
is commanded to pray "Rabbi zidni ilma".
My Lord! increase me in knowledge. (Quran, 20:114).
Knowledge of Two Kinds : This knowledge is of two kinds i.e., of things that are or can
be encompassed by man with his own experience and things that are beyond his experience. Six
God has undertaken to enlighten man in both kinds of knowledge. That is why the first
revelation ends with the words "He teaches man what he does not (or did not) know."
By no stretch of imagination, and by no power of his pen, can man know what is going
to happen to him after death except with divine information.
The Quran is the Book which gives him this information and directs him how to prepare MUHAMMAD'S MISSION
for the life to come, the life that really matters and for which this existence is a beginning.
It is in the next life that man is to become what he is intended for, but this life is all important
because the next entirely depends upon this. As is the seed so shall be the fruit. God's laws
are unchangeable. God is generous and gives man an opportunity to get ready for His
Company in the life to comp where man shall go on from one stage of grace to another, but The Preaching
if he fails to obey he shall for ever be in a state of regret and sorrow.
first Six Years : Whilst Muhammad slept, after his return from Hira, Khadijah woke. It
And this Book of God's Knowledgea is open to all mankind. It does not require men to was now her turn to contemplate. She had known Muhammad for fifteen years as no other
4 It only requires men to be generous to one another and
feed God. He is above all feeding. human being knew him. He was the most generous of all men, truthful, honest and devoted
have faith in the One God and no other. There are no other gods. So that what is required to the service of the poor and the weak. He was bound to lead his people from barbarism
of man is obedience to the laws of God (both spiritual and physical). He who obeys God is unto civilization, from ignorance unto knowledge, from hatred unto love, from darkness unto
saved. He who obeys his own rebellious self against God's commandments is ruined. This light, from death unto life. But who was this being that had filled the whole space for
is the essence of Islam and Muhammad has come to preach and teach this lesson. "There is Muhammad and who had taught him those wonderful few verses which she also now recited.
no deity but GOD (Allah) and Muhammad is the Messenger of God." She put herself in Muhammad's place and pictured to herself the whole scene and the
agitation of Muhammad's mind, till she herself became agitated. To her, the loss of Muhammad's
little finger was a loss greater than her life. She must do something14 to assuage and calm his
mind if he again became agitated. His sleep, however, was a sleep of quiet happiness and
she was happy too. But Love is not without fears. What would happen to him if he told the
Quraish what he had told her? What could she do? She pondered. She must consult someone
who was wise. At last she thought of Waraqa bin Naufal, her relative who had become a
Christian and who had studied the Bible and probably translated portions of it into Arabic.
Seeing Muhammad still sound asleep, she went to Waraqa and told him as briefly
as she could all that had happened and her love for Muhammad and her hopes for his
future.
Waraqa was moved and said:
"Holy of holies! by Him in whose hand is Qaraqa's life, O Khadijah, if thou hast
told me the truth, the great Law and Commandment has come unto him which
1
Muhammad's Mission 221
came to Moses and most surely he is the Prophet of this people. Tell him to be
steadfast". to convert a people given to drinking and gambling, to fornication and looting, to killing54 each
other and boasting? How was it possible for them to leave the worship of stones, images and
Quickly she returned home and found her husband still asleep. She now looked at him idols on which they and their forefathers had now persisted for thousands of years? As yet
with hope, happiness and devotedness which her great soul possessed. Never had any man he knew nothing of the troubles and trials of the prophets who had gone before him, but
such a wife, never had any prophet such a companion. She looked on for some time. Suddenly Waraqa's words were ringing in his ears: "They will belie thee, harm thee, expel thee and
he became agitated, his breathing became heavy, perspiration flowed from his forehead, he fight thee."
got up and she heard him say:
Khadijah was there always comforting him. She was a woman brought up in
O thou mantled one! comparative luxury and ease. She was an angel in human form, but he wished the great
angel Jibrail to enlighten him on things 54 beyond the ken of a woman. But Jibrail delayed
Wake up and warn.
his coming. God has His own ways and His own fixed time for every thing. He let
Muhammad wait and think out matters for himself. In this interval, every hour seemed
And so as to purify thy raiment to Muhammad to be a day and every day a year. The suspense lasted perhaps a week
or so but it seemed to Muhammad to be ages. Man is man. And the charm of Muhammad's
And so as to flee the abominations.
life consists in the fact that it is the life of a man carrying out the divine purpose. Had
And bestow not favours to seek increase. God been displeased with him? Had He forsaken him? Every lover thinks such things
And for the sake of thy Lord persevere or therefor. (Quran, 74 : 1 to 7.) of his beloved one. Love has its fears. And with Muhammad the situation was so terribly
fearful that he could not help himself. It was the excess of his love which was now
Khadijah came to him with increased love and increased happiness and asked him to lie
working upon his heart. "God will never forsake thee," said Khadijah; "God will be thy
down and have more rest. His answer was: "O Khadijah, the time of sleep and rest is gone,
Helper." Muhammad had no doubt about it, but the greater the anxiety the greater was
Jibrail has told me to warn my people and to call them towards God and to His service. Whom
the comfort when the assurance came. This was a lesson to Muhammad that in God's
shall I call and who will accept my call?"
affairs superhuman patience and superhuman perseverance were the necessary elements
Khadijah's Support: Khadijah worked J*hard 0 to make his task easy for him and to make of success. And although Muhammad was inspired as to what God wished him to do,
him calm. Then she told him what Waraqa had said and filled with enthusiasm and emotion, the ways and means of carrying out His message 54 were left to Muhammad. That was his
she declared her belief in One God and in Muhammad's prophet hood. part of the work. God would show him the path, but Muhammad himself had to walk
But she, like the Queen of Sheeba, had believed before this and her soul was above the it. It is so with every prophet. In the execution of God's commandments, Muhammad
worship and follies of her people. She was not the one inspired but she was his companion had to exercise his own faculties in the same way as other people do. He was liable to
in inspiration. mistakes but God took upon Himself to correct his mistakes, if any, so that no one might
be misguided. It was, therefore, necessary that Muhammad should think of the ways and
After this event, whenever Jibrail came, she used to comfort the Prophet's head on her means of carrying out God's message and that was the reason why he was made to
.thighs and on her chest. She had no doubt, as she was an eye-witness of his revelations. cogitate during this interval of revelation. His soul as well as his mind was to be
Some days after this, Muhammad went out to the Kaaba and met Waraqa bin Naufal there. disciplined as no other soul and mind had been disciplined before. The greater the weight
When Muhammad had told him all that had happened, Waraqa said: the greater the strength required to carry it. And Muhammad's burden was the heaviest
ever put upon any man's shoulders. "O soul! it is better for thee to die than to be
"By Him in whose hand is Waraqa's life, the great Law and Commandment has forsaken!" he would say to himself, and then he would turn to God and say, "O God,
come to thee as it came to Moses. And surely they will belie thee, harm thee, expel enlighten me." And his prayers were accepted. Jibrail came with thundering good news:
thee, and fight thee. And if I lived to that day, I would certainly help God the
help which He knows." By the forenoon,
Then he approached Muhammad and kissed the crown of his head. Muhammad was And by the night
!4 when it spreads its darkness.
convinced of the Truth of what Waraqa had said and the gravity of his task. How was he Thy Lord (O Muhammad) has not forsaken thee,
Nor is He displeased with thee.
i
^■1
All the Prophets
And surely the Future is better for thee than the Past.
to be better than his commencement And so is the case to be with Islam. Carpers may carp,
And surely in time thy Lord will bestow on thee so that thou shall be satisfied. but God's Word goes on from strength to strength:
Did He not find thee an orphan and ive thee shelter?
They wish to put out the light of God with their mouths,
And He found the pathless then He guided thee.
And God is not going to stop till He has completed His light,
And He found thee in poor circumstances then He made thee a man of means.
Averse though the disbelievers be.
Then as to him who is an orphan oppress him not thou then.
It is He who has sent His messenger
And as to him is a beggar scold him not.
With the guidance
And as to the blessing of thy Lord, then go on making mention (thereof).
And the true faith
(Quran, Ch.93.)
That He may cause it to be on the top of all faiths,
O! What glory and happiness is this? What a satisfaction and blessing from the One on
Averse though the pagans be. (Quran, 9: 32-33.)
High Glory of glories! Has man ever received such a message at such an early stage of his
mission? I The faith is firmly established in the hearts of Muhammad and Khadijah but nothing is
perfect without practice.
Muhammad is assured of himself. The Meccans may believe or the Meccans may refuse
him or do whatever they like. His own future is assured. But the assurance carries heavy So the angel comes and teaches them how to pray and what to say in their prayers.
responsibilities. Muhammad is to bear up with all troubles. The reminder as to his being an
O thou wrapped up!
orphan and a poor man implies that there are other troubles ahead but God will help him
as He has done in the past. And all this is combined with the command that Muhammad Wake the night except a little-
must be generous and carry out God's message. "And as to God's favour make mention Half of it, or make it a little less than that
thereof." This favour is nothing but the revelation that he has received. He is not to slacken Or make it a little more, and recite the Quran evenly
in carrying out his message as later on he was told:
with clear recitation. (Quran, 73: 1 to 4.)
O thou messenger! Muhammad leads the prayers reciting the Quran bowing and bowing down and Khadijah
Communicate that which has been sent down to thee accompanies him -Faith married to Purity-and God is their Witness. Faith begins at home,
from thy Lord, the Faith that is to prevail over all other faiths. While these two pray Mecca sleeps. No, not
quite, there is a boy who finds out their secret. Who is he?
And if thou dost not (do it),
Alt's Conversion : Abu-Talib, Muhammad's uncle and erstwhile guardian had three sons,
Thou hast not delivered His message (at all).
Ali, Jafar and Aqil and being generous and not rich he was now in very straitened circumstances.
And God will shelter thee from mankind. (Quran, 5:67.)
In order to relieve his distress, Muhammad had prevailed upon him to give Ali to be adopted
The agitation of his mind was relieved and Khadijah had been justified. The Prophet's as his son, and Muhammad had caused Abbas to adopt Jafar. So that, at this time, Ali was
mouth was enriched with smiles when he saw his beloved Khadijah. From this moment he living with Muhammad and Khadijah. "To whom are you bowing down?" asked the boy.
would rely on God, entirely freed from all anxiety as to what men would do or what men "To the One God Who is the Creator of the Universe; the One Who has no father, mother
would say. Was he not an orphan when God found in Abd ul-Muttalib and Abu-Talib good or son; Who is above all earthly connection; Who is Merciful and Generous towards all men,"
guardians for him? Was he not poor when God put his love into Khadijah's heart, and he replied Muhammad. And Muhammad asked the boy to believe in Him. "I will consult my j
became well-to-do?
3
father," said the boy. But next morning he came up and said, "There is no need to consult j
my father. God created me without consulting my father why should I consult him in order j
The morning of his spiritual enlightenment and the glorious rest of his spiritual night:
to serve God?"
are not these witnesses of God's favours? And the future of his spiritual progress is going
i After Khadijah, Ali was the first convert to Islam and he was also the first boy to do s
s
224 All the Prophets Muhammad's Mission
■
Zaid's Acceptance : Then Zaid, son of Harith, Muhammad's emancipated slave accepted (4) Sad bin Abi Waqas
Islam. (5) Zubayr bin Awwam
It was a good augury for Muhammad that those who knew him best believed in him first. (6) Ubaidah bin Jarrah
They themselves were not inspired and it speaks volumes for Muhammad's personality, Secrecy of Early Converts : When Abu-Bakr succeeded in obtaining a convert, the latter
integrity and honesty that his household gave him its whole-hearted support. In fact, the was taken to the Prophet, where he declared his Islam. The Prophet then taught him what
secret of Muhammad's unparalleled success lies in the fact that those who came' in most was necessary. But prayer was one of the earliest duties imposed on all Muslims. Being
intimate contact with him and who might be supposed to know his failings, if he had any, comparatively few in number and being afraid of the opposition of the Quraish, the Muslims
believed in him and never forsake’ him. Thus proving without a doubt that he was the most kept their faith secret at this time and they used to go out of Mecca to say their prayers.
sincere man who ever lived on this earth. In his whole life, there was not a single deserter Muhammad was a kind father, brother and teacher to all of them. He woke up at night, said
from Muhammad's most intimate companions. He was so open and frank and faithful that his prayers and recited the Quran. At day time he would attend the weak and the orphans
none but the perverse could ever fail to believe in him after knowing him well. and the poor and the beggars, and would help them in their difficulties with money, kind
words and charitable deeds. He won their hearts. Some of the best amongst the Quraish
Abu-Bakr's Conversion : In the days before his mission, Muhammad was a friend of Abu-
believed and so did quite a number of the poor and the slaves. Everyone amongst his converts
Bakr bin Quhafa Al-Tayyimi. They used to visit each other and Abu-Bakr knew Muhammad
saw that he had come to emancipate their souls from the slavery of idol-worship and the
to be a man of integrity, honesty and truthfulness. Abu-Bakr was a rich merchant. He was
serfdom of ignorance.
known amongst the Quraish as a man well-versed in their genealogy and a man of great
influence and honour. He was not called Al-Amin or the Trustworthy but next to Muhammad TTie Quraish and Islam : Three, years passed in this way. Quite a lot of men and women
he was the most trusted amongst the Arabs. had joined the new faith and the matter could not remain concealed any longer.
Muhammad had been thinking of approaching the Quraish on the subject of his mission People began to talk about Muhammad, his new faith and the converts he had made. But
and here was a chance to try one of the best of them. Muhammad took Abu-Bakr into his the priests or caretakers of the idols paid little heed to this faith. They thought their deities,
confidence and told him the whole story of his experience at Mount Hira and the’ visits of Al- Lat, Al-Uzza, Al-Manat, Isaf, Naila and others, to whom they made such costly sacrifices,
Jibrail at his house and he then recited the passages of the Quran which had so far been would look after themselves and be victorious in the end. Those Arabs who had become
revealed to him and asked Abu- Bakr to believe in One God and to give up the worship of Christians and Jews and their numbers ran into thousands — had never been able to do
idols. To his most agreeable
1 surprise, Abu-Bakr believed in him without the least hesitation them any harm. What could Muhammad alone do? So they thought, not realising the force
and vitality of the new faith, and they slept in their slumbers.
or question. For this early acceptance of the Truth and for other reasons which will appear
later op, Abu-Bakr earned the title of As-Siddiq the Truthful. References to his work in Open Declaration : But God was not going to let them sleep. Time had come to wake
the life story of the Prophet will follow in due course, but it is fitting to quote one passage them up and shake their superstitions in spite of themselves. God has an appointed time for
of the Quran here which describes Muhammad's relation with Abu-Bakr: every thing.
Li-kulli naba-in mustaqarr.
And he who comes with the truth and confirms it
For every event there is an appointment... (Quran, 6:67.)
They are the people who practise reverence. (Quran, 39:33.)
The appointed hour had come for Muhammad to enlighten his people as per Ibrahim's
Abu-Bakr proclaimed his submission to God and His Messenger amongst his own friends, prayer, mentioned before, asking God to send a prophet amongst his descendants who would
and as they loved him dearly and never did anything without consulting him, the noble- teach them the Book and the Wisdom and who would purify their souls. Hence God's
minded amongst the Arabs were converted through him. He became the Messenger's command came:
messenger. His conversions included amongst other:
And warn thy near relations, (Quran, 26:214)
(1) Othman bin Affan
and again:
(2) Abd ul-Rahman bin Auf
(3) Talha bin Ubaidullah Therefore declare to them openly what thou art commanded,
And turn away from the pagans. (Quran, 15:94)
226 All the Prophets Muhammad's Mission 227
In order to carry out these commands, Muhammad gave a feast and invited his Muhammad was very much agitated at this curse but he said nothing except casting a
relatives to his house and called them all towards God. But his uncle Abu-Lahab cut him sorrowful glance at his uncle. Abu-Lahab had disgraced his father's name and it was due to
short and scattered the people and they went their way. On the morrow, Muhammad his orgies of wickedness that the Banu-Omayya had gained the upper hand at Mecca after
invited them again. When they had finished dining he said to them: "I know not any his father's death. Muhammad was deeply stung by the venom of Abu-Lahab's cursed words,
man amongst the Arabs who has brought you a thing better than I have. I have brought but God was not going to let Muhammad perish. Jibrail came immediately and comforted
you what will do you good in this life and the next. And my Lord has commanded me him:
to call you to it. Who amongst you will help me in this affair and be my friend, my adviser
Ruined are the two hands of the father of Fire-brands and ruined is he.
and my deputy?" Then they all turned their faces away from him and resolved to leave
him. But Ali although he was a boy and had not yet attained his age of puberty got up His wealth and what he earns avail him naught;
and said: He shall soon be thrust into a fire full of flames. (Quran, 111: 1 to 3.)
"O Prophet of God, I will be thy help. I will fight him who fights thee." The Banus Quraish against Muhammad : And now the fires of hatred, enmity and barbarity burnt
Hashim smiled and some others laughed and turned their eyes from Abu-Talib fiercely in the breasts of the chief men of the Quraish, whose evil deeds sat heavily on their
to his son. Then the people left Muhammad making24 fun of him. But Muhammad souls and whose bread and butter depended upon the worship of idols.
was made of finer stuff than his countrymen had taken him for. Abu-Sufyan, the leader of Banu-Omayya, Abu-Jahl of Banu-Makhzum, Abu-Lahab, Umm-
i-Jamil (wife of Abu-Lahab) with others took upon themselves to oppose Muhammad tooth
Declaration at Mount Safa : The chief characteristic of Muhammad's life was that once
and nail and to let him have no rest.
he made up his mind to do anything (after due deliberation, of course) he never stopped short
of accomplishing it. His courage was absolutely superhuman. There is no other word for it. But the voice of God had gone
24 forth and everyone had heard the message: "There is no
Mocked by his own relatives, he took himself to Mount Safa at Mecca one day, and called deity but God." At one blow all the shackles of Paganism were broken. People were free to
out: believe in One God and no other.
'O ye gathering of the Quraish! Away with Habal, Lat, Uzza, Manat and all the other deities of the pagans, away with
the fire-worship of the Magis, away with saint-worship" and away with all supposed sons
;athering of the Quraish!" and daughters of God. Man is free to communicate with the Creator without any intercessor,
priest or wizard. The Soul of the Universe was calling24 to the soul of man, " There is no deity
The news went round," Muhammad is calling you at Mount Safa." but I. Come to Me direct; I forgive
24 all sins when ye come to Me; despair not of what ye have
The people gathered there and asked him, "What is the mater?" done in the past, in My presence and subject to My laws you become pure once again. I will
give you everlasting freedom from sin and care. You shall be happy and I shall be pleased
He said: "Just consider this, if I told you there was an army at the back of this hill (waiting
with you. But if you deny Me, your deeds be with you and I warn you of the consequences-
to attack you) would you believe me?"
the fire of regret that leaps out of guilty hearts and consumes them for ever and for ever,
They said: "Yes, you are the one without a blemish and we have never known you tell as long as I please."
a lie."
The noble-minded amongst the Quraish obeyed the voice; the poor and the oppressed
He said: "Then I am a warner to you of a severe agony (from God for what you do), 0 saw their salvation and believed. The caretakers of the Kaaba with its 360 deities now
ye Banu Abu ul-Muttalib, ye Banu Abd-Manaf, ye Banu-Zuhra, ye Banu-Taim, ye Banu- awakened to the danger that threatened them. They consulted together-, Abu-Lahab, Abu-
Makhzum, ye Banu-Asad! God has commanded me that I should warn my nearest relatives Sufyan, Abu-Jahl and the rest of their kind.
and I am not the master of any gain for you in this life or of any share in the next except
that I ask you to say "There is no deity but God (Allah)'." First Line of Attack : A Poet amongst the Arabs was a great
24 personage. They called their
poets, Aba-Sufyan bin Harith, Amr bin As, Abdullah bin Zubayr.
These masters of pen composed lampoons and abusive poems abusing Muhammad
"Perish thou this very day, was it for this that thou hast collected us here!" and declaring him to be a liar and an impostor, just as the Christians have been doing.
24
for many centuries calling Muhammad evil names. But these poems were barefaced lies day became permanent where would you find shelter from the heat of the sun or if the night
and could have no effect. People knew Muhammad to be honest, truthful, just, kind, became everlasting what would become of your fields, gardens and produce?
liberal and full of love for his countrymen. These lies of the poets increased nothing but
the fervour and enthusiasm of the Muslims whom no trade and no worldly concerns Think of yourselves. Can you govern your own digestion, circulation or breathing? Think
could keep back from their love of God. They had tasted the favours of God and were of your minds. Was thought and feeling created by you? or, is it the work of God?
above all petty conceits. Besides some of the Muslims could give the poets a tit-for-tat Think of the produce of the earth. Who orders the rain and the sun and the moon
of their own coining54 and so the poets failed entirely to make any impression either on which help in bringing forth this produce or is it all your doing or the doing of your
the Muslims or on the Unbelievers. supposed deities? Think of the changes of seasons and winds. Who has the ordering of
all these things? God or you? By whose laws do the ships sail in the seas and the birds
The Second Line of Attack by the Quraish.
fly in the air? Who creates and recreates — your deities who have no power to do good
Demand for Miracles : The first line of attack having been defeated, the Quraish thought to themselves, or God?
of another trick. "If thou art true and from God on High," they said, "we will not believe What is Islam? Think ye people singly or in parties and if you are true to yourself you
in thee unless thou causest forth springs to flow out from the earth, or unless there be gardens will find that what Muhammad puts before you is the Truth. There is but One God-the Ever-
for thee for dates and grapes so that thou shouldn't cause to flow in the hollow thereof streams Living, the Merciful, the Creator and Maintainer of the Universe and all that there is in it.
gushing forth; or thou causest the sky to fall down, as thou supposes!, in solid parts upon He is Unique, no children has He, nor parents, and there is none like Him at all. Obey Him
us; or thou bringest God and the messenger-spirits as (thy) sureties (lit., face to face); or that and love your brethren, do justice and avoid all that is shameful, disgraceful and dishonourable.
there be for thee a house made of gold54 or that thou ascendest into the sky; and we will not Be clean both in mind and body. Love your parents, serve them and be generous to your
believe in thy ascension either, unless thou bringest down upon us a book which we can read." relatives. Feed the poor, the traveller, the orphan and the distressed. Do no harm to man or
beast. Kill neither your children nor anyone else (except for offence against mankind). He
To this the reply form God was: who kills one man unjustly kills all mankind, so to say. He who saves one man's life saves
Say: "Glory be to my Lord; am I aught but a human being, a messenger?' all mankind from disgrace. Exceed not in revenge the limits prescribed by reason. Commit
(Quran, 17:93.) no indecency. Be moderate in spending wealth and waste nothing. God loves not the
extravagant, unjust or the breakers of God's peace. He who is the most virtuous amongst
The unbelievers were not asking for miracles or signs to be convinced of the truth of you is the most honourable in the sight of God. Be humble in your dealings with mankind.
Muhammad's message; they were putting forth questions merely to wrangle. They were Pride is man's enemy. Suppress your anger when you are angry. Look after the property of
materialists who did not believe in a future life and their demands were of wealth and power the orphans and devour it not unjustly. Women have their rights against you as you have
or of the insolent talk about bringing God and His angels before their eyes. "When will the your rights against them. Deal with them with fairness and love. Whatever you do, you will
Hour be?" was one of their standing questions. To this the answer always was, "God alone find before your eyes. Your good actions will be your paradise and your evil ones will be
knows its appointed time." your hell. God will multiply the good actions but He will not multiply the evil actions you
commit. He is Just as well as Generous. He forgives
54 all sins provided you repent before death
"Revive the dead," they said, "or bring the miracles performed by Moses." "All miracles overtakes you and you believe in Him. When you are face to face with death and have not
are in Gods command;; was Muhammad's reply. The reason for their foolish demands being earned any good or have not believed in God at all, then it will be too late for you. Therefore,
refused by God was His kindness towards them; for, once, this kind of demand is fulfilled repent now and do good. Muhammad is not the father of any of your men but only the seal
and people do not believe, there is an end to the argument and God destroys the unbelievers. of the prophets. He confirms all that has gone before and completes the law.
God did not wish to destroy the Arabs and hence His refusal of their demands.
Holy Quran a Miracle : Say: "You may believe it, or you may disbelieve (it);
Real Miracles : But the whole Universe and every single article of God's creation is a sign
or a miracle. Can you (the Quraish) or any other beings create a t Ingle fly with all its wonderful Surely as to those who have been given the knowledge before it, when they hear
parts, eyes, wings, legs and senses? Look at the sun, the stars, the earth and the moon. Can it recited to them, they fall down upon their faces adoring.'
you or any of your deities create them or their motions and laws to which they are subject?
And they say: "Glory be to Our Lord, the promise of Our Lord was bound to be
Look at the wonder of the succession of day and night and its workings on your lives. If the
fulfilled." (Quran, 17 : 107-108.JM
1
231
Muhammad's Mission
But the majority of the Quraish were not prepared to believe. They had no faith in
Abu-Talib spoke to them very politely and turned their wrath away as best as he
the future. And how could they? They who were given to drinking, gambling and killing.
could. And Muhammad went on calling people to God with all his might and all his
A future life for such a people is too terrible to think of. They wanted miracles, and
persuasiveness.
knowing that miracle had been denied to them they waxed loquacious. "Well," said God,
"here is the Quran, not yet fully completed. You are proud of your powers of eloquence The Quraish consulted one another again regarding•J Muhammad and revisited Abu-Talib
and poetry. You say your poets are possessed by supernatural beings whom you call Jinn. taking with them Amr bin Walid bin Mughira, one of the handsomest and broad-chested
Collect all your poets and all your speakers and ask them to produce a single chapter youths amongst the Quraish, and said to Abu-Talib:
like this Quran." "Take this young man as your son and surrender Muhammad to us."
Say: "Surely, if all men and jinn combined to bring the like of this Quran, Abu-Talib refused this. And Muhammad went on with his mission as before. For a third
time the Quraish deputation under Abu-Sufyan bin Harb went to Abu-Talib and said:
They would not be able to do so, Even if some of them were to back the others.
(Quran, 17:88) "O Abu-Talib, thou art a man of age,
5J nobility and position amongst us, and we
have wished thee to forbid the son of thy brother and thou hast not done so. And
And the Quraish had their mouths closed. They had demanded a miracle and it was by God, we cannot bear this abuse of our forefathers, this making fools of ourselves
there. Muhammad was illiterate, they all knew that. Here was what he said was from and finding fault with our faith. Either thou prevent him from doing•J this to us
God. If he was wrong, they could certainly compose something equal to, or better than, or something will befall thee and him until one of the parties dies."
what he had produced. For the beauty, force and sweetness of its language; for the
clearness, depth and profoundness of its significance; for the charm, vividness and This was an open declaration of war by the Quraish against Muhammad and was never
magnificence of its smiles, metaphors and figures; for the immediate, penetrating51 and withdrawn till the truce of Hudaibiya in the seventh year of the Hegira. People who accuse
Muhammad of fighting the Quraish forget 51 that the Quraish were the aggressors and that
lasting effect of its admonitions, it has no rival in any language ancient or modern. The
during all these years Muhammad had no option but to defend himself and his followers.
Quran disarmed all critics and all rivals. Many an enemy of Muhammad and Islam came
This declaration of war was renewed by the Quraish time after time, and if Muhammad took
to him with evil intentions and after hearing him recite the Quran, went back a believer.
the initiative on some occasions from Medina that was not because he was the aggressor
5J but
If any one disputes regarding this miracle of the Quran, let him try and compose a single
because, if he and his followers were to survive, there was no course open to them other than
Sura or Chapter like that of the Quran.
what they adopted, (but more of this hereafter).
No one ever shall be able to do that. Muhammad's Answer to Abu-Talib : The third visit of the Quraish to Abu-Talib put him
77tre«fs, Inducement and Persecution : This was the fifth year of Muhammad's mission in a most difficult position. He saw loath to be separated from the Quraish, much less to incur
and he was now, by God's commandment, declaring the worship of idols to be an unpardonable their hatred and enmity. I-le was poor and could not afford to go against them. On the other
sin for one who died therein. People were flocking to him and believing in him. The Quraish, hand, he loved Muhammad better than his own sons and was most chivalrous in character.
or rather the headmen of the Quraish whose leadership, according to their ideas, was being His mind was torn in two, the love of his nephew pulling it one way and the faith of his
challenged, were perturbed. Islam was spreading and it meant ruin to their fame. They still fathers and the love of his people the other way. He was unwilling to give up either. What
had one hope. Abu-Talib had not followed Muhammad in his faith. Pressure might be brought was he to do?
upon Muhammad through Abu-Talib. A deputation headed by Abu-Sufyan bin Harb waited He sent for Muhammad, explained to him all that had happened, and said: "Get me and
upon Abu-Talib and they said: thyself out of this difficulty and make not my affair unbearable for me."
1
"O Abu-Talib, the son of thy brother has abused our deities, found fault with our If the situation was unbearable for Abu-Talib, it was more unbearable for Muhammad. A
faith, has made fools of us and declared our ancestors to be in error. Therefore Here was the last resource of help on earth and it was going to be withdrawn. So it appeared
either prevent him from doing all this to us, or leave him and us alone to settle Muhammad thought of his followers and the dangers they had undertaken in following hinfl
this matter, for in this respect thou art as much against him as we are, and we and renouncing their ancient faith. Could he forsake them? No. He thought of his belove^H
will suffice thee against him." Khadijah who had stood by him and comforted him. Could he be weaker than she? Certainly
not. And above all he thought of God Who loved him and Who had promised to make his by Umar or by Abu-Jahl because she would not give
•J up her faith. Even those who were free
end better than his beginning. He looked at his unde with the look of love and determination, were not immune from the beating and vilification of their enemies. The Prophet was not
and said: "O my uncle! By God if they put die sun in my right hand and the moon in my left alone. Ummi-i-Jamil, wife of Abu-Lahab, used to throw night-soil in front of his house,
left in order that I may give up my work, I will not do so. I will go on till God help me or and every day he had to remove it and dear the place; and wherever he went she threw thorns
I die in the effort." on his path.
And the chivalry of the old man was victorious over his earthly concerns. He loved a brave And this kind of torture went on for years .This was one of the hardest times of the life
man and the reply of his nephew pleased him though he himself was not a Muslim. In his of Muhammad and his followers. The Prophet never abused his enemies, never cursed them
own mind, he must have considered it to be the height of cowardice to surrender his nephew or asked God to curse them or destroy them. In this manner he was more tolerant and more
to the Quraish. He would never do it "Come near me, my nephew," he said. And when forbearing than all the prophets who had gone before him with the single exception of
Muhammad had done so he said: Ibrahim.
"O son of my brother, preach what thou lovest By God I will never surrender The more Muhammad, and his followers were tortured the greater was their faith in God
thee for anything." and the greater
a their perseverance in the Path of God. The souls of his followers were filled
with the words: "If they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left in order that
And Abu-Talib called all the Banu-Hashim and Banu-Muttalib and told them what had I may leave my work I will not do so. God will help me or I shall die in it."
happened and of Muhammad's determination. He told them that it was their duty to defend
Muhammad against his enemies amongst the Quraish. They all agreed except Abu-Lahab who To the followers of Muhammad, all kinds of troubles and tortures, even death itself,
threatened them with the long-standing enmity of Banu-Omayya against Banu-Hashim and became easy. The words of the Quran and the example of Muhammad had made every
his own opposition to Muhammad. But Muhammad's words carried the day. Friend and convert a hero and every slave a better man than an emperor. They understood that the secret
enemy alike were k 4—
L■ 1 I* "If you put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left in
of life was happiness in communication with the Spirit of the Universe, and, compared with
order that I may give up my work I will not do so." It heartened his friends and it frightened this, all else was a mere nothing. The Love of God had filled their hearts and illumined their
his enemies who were now burning in their own fury at their reverse. They had fully expected souls. The Quran and Muhammad were living miracles.
that Abu Talib and Muhammad would be separated from each other by their last move. But Abu-Jahl's Abuse and Hamza's Conversion : The persecutions of Muhammad and his
uncle and nephew were cemented, more than ever before, in love and mutual support. followers became so serious that Banu-Hashim were forced to interfere on his behalf. One
Persecutions of Muhammad and His Followers by Enemies : The enemies of Muhammad day, Abu-Jahl passed by Muhammad and, whilst doing so, teased him, abused him and his
were now thoroughly determined to leave no stone unturned in doing him harm. Waraqa religion and uttered unmentionable words. Muhammad turned away from him without
had prophesied that they would belie him and do him harm. The uttering of lies against him saying a single word. Hamza, his unde and foster-brother, heard of this abuse. Hamza was
had been useless, and the second stage had begun. He and his followers were subjected to a powerful, brave man who used to earn his living by hunting wild animals and birds. On
all kinds of harm both mental and physical. The Quraish tried to make life absolutely this particular day, on his return to town, he went to the Kaaba but did not salute or speak
unbearable for him and his followers. to anyone as he used to do. Instead, he went straight to where Abu-Jahl was, caught hold
of him and, with a blow of his bow, broke Abu-Jahl's head. Some of the tribe of Banu-
Bilal's Faith and Torture : Muhammad had a negro convert who afterwards used to call
Makhzum were going to assault Hamza and help Abu-Jahl but the latter stopped them
people to prayer and was named Bilal. He was a slave of one Omayya bin Khalaf. The latter
acknowledging that he had abused Muhammad in very filthy language. There and then
was angry with Bilal on account of his conversion to Islam but the slave would not give up
Hamza declared his faith in Islam and made a covenant to help Muhammad and to die in
his new faith. His master used to lay him down on the sand in burning sun and put a stone the cause of Islam. Si
on his chest so heavy that the slave could not move. When the slave (Bilal) was asked to vr.
renounce his faith, he only said "Ahad, Ahad" (One, One - meaning God). One day Abu- Diplomatic Persuasion for Muhammad and Its Failure: Hamza's conversion to Islam w»
Bakr witnessed his torture, bought him from his master and emancipated him. Abu-Bakr the direct consequence of the persecution of Muhammad by the bitterest enemy of Islam- Ah®
bought and emancipated many other slaves including a female slave of TJrwa bin Khattab Jahl. Something else must be tried as neither threats nor persecution were of much use. Lius
before the latter had become a Muslim. Another woman is said to have been beaten to death was the suggestion of Utba bin Rabia, one of the leaders of the Arabs. They consented. Utba
went to Muhammad and said:
Safe. ■■
» J®
234 AU the Prophets
Muhammad s Mission 235
"O son of my brother, thou hast a great position amongst us being of noble (2) Abu-Hudhaifa bin Utba
descent, but thou hast brought forth such a serious matter as has divided our
(3) Uthman bin Mazun
community. Listen to me, I will propose thee certain matters hoping that thou wilt
(4) Abdullah bin Masud
accept one of them. If thou desirest wealth by this work of thine, we will collect
together so much wealth and hand it over to thee that thou wilt be the wealthiest (5) Abd ul-Rahman bin Awf
amongst us; and if thou desirest honour we will make thee our chief so that we (6) Zubayr bin Awwam
will never decide anything except with thy wish; and if thou wishest to be a king (7) Musab bin Umair
we will make thee king over us. Then if thou agreest to this opinion which I have
(8) Amir bin Rabia
brought before thee, we will do what thou desirest and we will spend our wealth
(9) Suhail bin Baida
in thy wish till we have none left."
(10)Jafar bin Abu-Talib
When Utba had finished, Muhammad began reading out chapter 45 of the Quran.
These were all eminent people and their emigration shows that even they were being
He had not read more than 13 verses thereof when Utba was so impressed with the Word
molested beyond their capacity, and were unable to protect themselves at Mecca.
of God that he shook with fear and stopped Muhammad from reading any further. He
knew at once that bribes were utterly useless against Muhammad. As a matter of fact. The enemies of the Muslims gave chase to the first batch of emigrants
a but as luck
He was converted to Islam at heart. He came back and told the Quraish to leave Muhammad would have it, the ship in which they were embarked sailed before the Meccans could
alone. "If Muhammad succeeds in his work, it will be your success. If he dies, you will overtake them. Jafar bin Abu-Talib was one of the last to emigrate. It appears that the
be rid of him." Muslims emigrated in several parties and as stealthily as they could manage for fear of
"You have been bewitched by him," said the Quraish; but Utba did not budge from his their enemies.
opinion. The oppressors of the Muslims could not view this emigration in peace. They were now
Emigration to Abyssinia : This was the end of the fifth year of Muhammad's mission and bent on destroying the Muslims who were, as yet, utterly helpless and absolutely unarmed.
events had crowded so much that historians are unable to say which was first and which The unbelieving Meccans were ill at ease with such a large and influential number of their
was second. Threats, persecutions, embassies, counsels, abuse, beating and frightfulness and countrymen being sheltered in a neighbouring country. They lost no time and sent two of
persuasions were tried one after the other or one before the other without effect and without their best men Amr bin As and Abdullah bin Rabia as their ambassadors to the Negus. The
success. Somewhere in the middle of the year, life became so utterly unbearable for Muslims Meccans had a commercial treaty with the Negus and had some say in his country. The
at Mecca that Muhammad advised them to leave Mecca and go somewhere else. ambassadors took costly presents to the courtiers and patriarchs of the Negus hoping to win
them over to their side by these presents.
"Where shall we go?" they asked.
The ambassadors were presented to the Negus, and after the usual ceremonies and the
"Go to Abyssinia, the country of the Negus, he is a just king; and live there till God opens offering of gifts of the Meccans they said:
out for you a way therefrom," said Muhammad.
At first eleven men and four women left stealthily and settled in the kingdom of the "O king, a number of our renegade slaves have come to thy country. They have
Negus. Then it was rumoured that the Muslims were freed from the persecution of their split up the religion of their people and have not joined thy faith. And they have
concocted a new faith which we know not, nor dost thou; and we who are some
enemies at Mecca and some returned but finding things worse than ever before. They went
of the noblest amongst them on account of our descent and our relations, have
back with others totalling eighty men not counting women and children, and the majority
been sent to thee that thou mayest return them to us, for our people know best
of them remained there till after the Prophet's own emigration to Medina when they returned.
how to instruct them and to teach them a good lesson."
This emigration to Abyssinia is the first one in Islam.
Some of the famous names amongst the emigrants are: The ambassadors had by means of their bribes caused the patriarchs of the Negus to
suggest that the emigrants be returned to the Meccans without their being heard in reply to
(1) Othman bin Affan (afterwards the third Caliph) and his wife Ruqayya, daughter
a of the charges of the Meccans but the Negus refused to follow their advise and sent for the
the Prophet by Khadijah emigrants. When they came, he asked them:
Muhammad's Mission
"What is this religion of yours by means of which you have caused a split amongst Thus the truth was made clear to the Negus, and some say that he became a Muslim.
your people whilst you have not joined my faith nor any other faith." Anyway, the Muslims found peace and prosperity in his country and lived there happily for
• ■'
Jafar's speech to the Negus : Jafar stood up and replied: "O king, we were an ignorant many years till they returned to Medina.
people; we used to worship idols and eat dead bodies, and we committed indecencies and Conversion of Umar and False Accusation against Muhammad : It has already been stated
cut our own uterine relations. We trespassed on our neighbours and the strong amongst us above that part of the first batch of the Muslim emigrants to Abyssinia returned to Arabia
devoured the weak. but had to re-emigrate on account of increased persecutions. The cause of the return of the
Muslims is one of the most notable events in the history of Islam.
"We were in this condition, when God sent us a messenger of our own whom we knew
to be noble by descent, truthful, honest and chaste. He called us to God that we might declare At Mecca, about this time (the 6th Year of Muhammad's mission) there lived a man called
Umar bin Khattab. He was about thirty- five years of age and in the full vigour of manhood.
His Unity, serve Him and leave all those deities whom our forefathers used to worship-deities
He was a man of great strength of body and mind, intelligent, quick of action, and very proud,
made of stones. He commanded us to speak the truth, to pay back our trusts, to unite our
a man who could challenge and beat any of his contemporaries. He was, besides, a patriot
relatives, to treat our neighbours with goodness and to restrain from things forbidden and who loved his relations and his people most dearly. He was one of the bitterest opponents
from bloodshed. He forbade us all indecencies, lies and the misappropriation of the property of Islam and excelled others in tor turing and vilifying Muslims. When he saw people emigrating
of the orphans and the libelling of virtuous women. to Abyssinia, his anger knew no bounds. To his mind, Muhammad was the cause of all this
"He commanded us to serve God and to join no one in His service and he commanded splitting up of his people and an end must be put to his life. He or Abu-Jahl had, it is related,
us to pray, give alms and to’ fast. So we believed in him and followed him in what he already succeeded in killing a woman who would not renounce her new faith and had
brought us from God; we served God alone, we made lawful what he declared to be tortured others till they could hardly breathe. Muhammad had in these days taken a house
near Mount Safa where he used to congregate with his friend Abu-Bakr, his uncle Hamza,
lawful and unlawful what he declared to be unlawful for us. But our people became our
Ali bin Abu-Talib and a few others. Umar knew of this congregation, took up his sword with
enemies and tortured us and put difficulties in the way of our faith so that we might
the intention of killing the Prophet so that he (according to his own view) might rid the Arabs
revert to the worship of idols and that we should permit all the evils that we used to
of the root of the disturbance which had separated family from family, relation from relation
permit. At last, when we were oppressed and tortured beyond our power we left our and man from man, nay a man from his own soul. So he thought, little realizing that Islam
country and chose thee above others and sought shelter in thy neighbourhood and we came to unite family to family, man to man and every man's soul to that of God.
hope that thou wilt be just to us."
On the way, Umar met Nuaim bin Abdullah, who either guessed or found out what Umar
The Negus was so impressed with these words that he asked Jafar to recite some of God's was about and who said to Umar:
revelation and Jafar recited the opening verses of the Chapter called Mary (No 19). When
the patriarchs heard that, they were greatly impressed and said: "These words are from the "O Umar, thy soul has deceived thee from thyself, dost thou think that Banu-Abd-
same source as the words of our Lord Jesus". Manaf will leave thee to walk on the surface of the earth after thou hast killed
Muhammad? Why dost thou not first look to thine own family and put them
"Yes," said the Negus, " these words and what was given to Moses are from the same right?".
niche, get ye (Meccans) gone; by God, I will never surrender them to you two".
The fact was that his sister Fatima and her husband Said bin Zaid had both become
On the morrow, the two ambassadors again went to the Negus and said: "They (meaning Muslims. When Umar knew this from Nuaim, he turned back towards their house and went
the Muslims) make serious charges against Jesus." The Negus sent for them and asked them in. Someone, inside there, was reading the Quran. When they knew of Umar's coming they
what they said about Jesus. Jafar again replied: hid the reader and Fatima also hid the writing:
"We say as to him what our Prophet has taught us to say, viz., 'He is the servant "What was this that I heard?" he said, and when they said "nothing", he yelled
of God and His Messenger and His Spirit and His Word which he sent to the virgin at them: "I know full well that both of you have followed Muhammad in his faith."
Mary'". The Negus took a piece of wood and drew a line on the ground and said,
And he caught hold of Said; Fatima stood up to help her husband but Umar struck her
" I am very happy to say that there is no more difference between your religion and broke her head. Then husband and wife were both moved deeply with anger and yelled
and mine than this line."
back at him, "Yes, we have believed, do what thou canst."
And when Umar saw blood flowing from the head of his sister, he was agitated and To Him belongs
34 the kingdom of the heavens and the earth..
his love for his family ties overpowered his anger, he became gently and asked his sister And towards God is the return of all affairs.
to hand him the writing which they were reading. When he read it, his face changed and He merges the night into the day and He merges the day into the night.
he was ashamed of what he had done. He read and re-read the writing and was deeply
moved by the beauty of the words and the nobility of thought conveyed therein. His mind And He knows what is inside the breasts.
softened towards Muhammad and his soul was satisfied and his natural goodness Believe ye in God and His messenger....." (Quran, 57: 1 to 7)
triumphed over his passions; he went straight to the house where Muhammad was with It was at these words that Umar declared his faith: "I bear witness that there is no deity
his companions with the naked sword still drawn in his hand. When he reached the house
but God and that Muhammad is His Messenger."
of Arqam where the Prophet was, someone said: "Here comes Umar with a drawn
sword." Thus was the power of the Word of God and the goodness of the Messenger of God
becoming victorious over all oppositions and over all obstacles.
Hamza who was present said, "Let him come in: if he comes with good
a intentions, well
and good, otherwise I will strike off his head with his own sword." The Cause of the Return : Umar was a man of action and resolution. His conversion took
place after the emigration to Abyssinia. He now began to fight for Islam with the same vigour
As he entered the door, the Prophet got up from his seat and held him by his cloth saying as he used to fight against it. Up till now, the Muslims used to conceal their prayers and had
"Q Umar, wilt thou not give
•j up thy resistance" or as some say "With what intention?" Umar to go out of Mecca long distances to pray together in peace'. Umar overcame the opposition
replied: "O Prophet of God, I have come to declare my faith." of the disbelievers and prayed near the Kaaba and so did the other Muslims with him. The
Muhammad and his companions were almost beyond themselves with joy and they news of this liberty went to Abyssinia and Muslims there thought that the enemies of Islam
shouted "Allah-o-Akbar, Allah-o-Akbar," "God is Great, God is Great" rang so loud that the had come to terms with the Muslims but it was not so. On their return, they were disillusioned
hills echoed the sound ahd the whole of Mecca was stirred up with anger or joy according and had to go back.
to the recipient's mood and faith. Some European historians have made this occasion the cause of scurrilous attacks on the
In no case, did an Arab listen to the Quran impartially without either becoming a Muslim Prophet by saying that whilst reciting•4 Chapter 53 at the Kaaba in the presence of the disbelieving
or being convinced of the superiority of the Quran over all other compositions. What were Quraish, he (the Prophet) interpolated two verses in favour of the deities of the Meccans and
the words that had moved Umar? The following verses speak for themselves: that the Meccans joined him in bowing down before God and that on the Prophet becoming
conscious of what had happened he renounced those two verses on the morrow. The whole
Whatever is in the heavens and the earth declares the glory of God, story is, from beginning to end, a tissue of lies. The Chapter in question denounces these
For He is all-Mighty, all-Wise deities. How could it possibly contain anything in their favour? The verses run as follows:
To Him belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth,
Have you then considered al-Lat, al-Uzza
He causes life and He causes death,
And Manat, the third, the last?
For He is Capable of doing all He pleases.
Are there males for you and for Him females?
He is the First and the Last, the Apparent and the Hidden,
A most unfair division that!
For He knows all things
They are nothing but names which you have given them, you and your forefathers;
It is He who has made the heavens and the earth into six periods and then remains
No authority has God sent down for them,
firm in His power.
They follow nothing but a guess and what their souls desire...
He knows what goes down into the earth and what, comes out therefrom, Bk' (Quran, 53: 19 to 23).
And what comes down from above and what rises thereto.
That the story against Muhammad is false is proved by the fact that these verses follow
And He is with you wherever you be,
immediately to others which declare that Muhammad says nothing out of his own mind and
For God sees what you do. that all he says in the Quran is revealed to him by God. In fact, this chapter No 53 which
describes Muhammad's Miraj which took place about the end of the 10th year of his mission It was the Quran that converted Umar bin Khattab and that disarmed Muhammad's
had not been revealed when the first emigrants returned from Abyssinia. For the man who ! opponents when they went to dissuade him from his faith. If Muhammad succeeded in
had declared that he would not give up his work for any kingdom on earth to have made establishing the Quran to be the Word of God, as he proclaimed, then it was all over with
any concession in the conception of Godhead is an unthinkable idea and against the whole the unbelievers. They explored all kinds of avenues to bring Muhammad to book but failed
tenor of the Quran. The enemies of Islam fall back on the excuse that Muhammad having miserably. Their first allegation against the Quran was that it was taught to Muhammad.
made the concession then immediately withdrew it. Who can believe such tales, especially
Holy Quran Alleged by Unbelievers to be Taught to Muhammad : But by whom? A false
after Islam had had the support of Umar and Muslims had begun to pray openly in the Kaaba?
witness and a false claimant have to tell lies to maintain their suit. It was so with the
Renewed Persecutions : The humiliation and dismay of the unbelievers of Mecca on the unfortunate unbelieving81 Quraish.
return of their unsuccessful ambassadors from Abyssinia may well be imagined. They knew
Muhammad used to visit a Christian named Jabir or Zubayr. Jabir was not an Arab but
now that Muhammad was on the Right Path.
that made it all the easier for the Arabs to allege that it was Jabir who taught Muhammad
But their pride blinded them to the Truth. Even if the Quran was the Truth, they said, what Muhammad alleged was revealed to him by God. They expected in this way to make
why was it not sent to some great dignitary of either Mecca or Medina? People who had been people believe that Muhammad was a liar. The answer to this from God was:
ready to dip their fingers in blood and who were ready to die over such a small affair as
the placing of the Black Stone in position when the Kaaba was being re-built could not possibly And most surely We know that they say: "None but a man teaches him."
be made to agree to the whole fabric of their religion being pulled down by one man. The
The mother-tongue of the man whom they refer to is foreign,
life-and-death struggle between Muhammad and the unbelievers became inevitable. From
now onwards they regarded him as an enemy who must be annihilated. And had not God And this (Quran) is (in) clear Arabic tongue. (Quran, 16: 103..)
been on the side of the Truth, Muhammad could not have survived such enemies.
So much so, that even the Arabs could not themselves produce anything like it. The
Banu Hashim Besieged : The unbelievers held a council of war and finally agreed to unbelievers were out of court once again.
boycott and excommunicate not only Muhammad and the believers but all the tribe of Banu-
Hashim and Banu Muttalib. They, therefore, wrote out an agreement which was signed by . Conversion of Tufail Al-Dausi: About this time there was a great Arabic poet famed for
all the enemy tribes of Muhammad and was hung up in the Kaaba. It read somewhat as his wisdom, nobility and influence amongst the Arabs. He had heard of Muhammad's name
follows: and came to Mecca. As soon as the unbelievers heard of this, they flocked to him and told
him about Muhammad being a wizard, an enchanter who bewitched everyone by his speech
"Don't have any marriages with any of them; don't buy from them or sell them and warned him not to speak to Muhammad. Forewarned is forearmed and they thought
anything". • it their duty to warn Tufail. But Tufail was not a fool. The more the Meccans spoke against
They considered that this negative policy would starve Muhammad and his followers and Muhammad the greater was his curiosity. He said to himself, and might have done so to the
would surely have better effect than oppression and injury. But these also continued. For two unbelievers: "By God, I am a poet and an intelligent man I can find out what is good or
to three years, Muhammad and other Muslims together with Banu-Hashim and Banu-Muttalib bad and what is right or wrong. If Muhammad is an impostor, I am the man to catch
were besieged in the ravines of Mecca. This was the first month of the Arabic year, viz, him out and to decide whether what he says is taught to him by someone else who is
Muharram, in the 7th Year of Muhammad's mission. In this book the details of the cruelties a foreigner. I will go and hear him for myself and he went. Muhammad received him
suffered by Muslims have not been described in detail but other events which are greater and as usual recited, the Quran to him. Tufail believed immediately, and went back to
value have been described more fully than in most other biographies of the Prophet. his people and preached Islam there quite independently from any help from Muhammad,
carrying with him nothing but portions of the Quran which had been revealed so fan
Before proceeding to the next chapter, it is necessary to mention a few facts which stand Most of his people became Muslims and they joined Muhammad after Mecca had bevn
by themselves and do not form part of the chain of events unfolded above. conquered by Muhammad. Some biographers state that this conversion took place in the
Holy Quran and the Quraish : The greatest obstacle which the unbelieving Quraish had 11th Year of Muhammad's mission.
in their struggle against Muhammad was the Quran. They could torture him, strangle him
Conversion of Christians : There were many others who believed just as Tufail had
and do all kinds of harm to his followers but they could not meet the challenge of the Quran.
believed. Conversions, however, were not confined to idol-worshippers. Whilst Muhammad
242 ihg Prophets Muhammad's Mission 243
was still at Mecca, a deputation of twenty Arab Christians came to him and heard the Quran Two verses further on says God:
and believed. They not only believed but confirmed that he was the Prophet already foretold
by Jesus. The unbelievers at Mecca were filled with anger and abused these new converts Even if thou (O Muhammad!) strivest hard for their guidance,
•J
in these words:
Yet surely God guides not those who go astray.
"May God destroy your beasts of "burden. You were sent by your fellow
believers whom you left behind to bring news of this man (Muhammad). You And for them there is no helper (Quran, 16 : 37).
are not content to visit him but you must believe and confirm him as well.
Chapter 16 is one of the Meccan Suras of about the time we have been describing in the
Fie on you."
latter part of this chapter. But even earlier than this. God had said:
But this saying did not prevent the new believers from following Muhammad and
believing in Islam. In fact, it increased them in faith. They also went back and preached Thou art not a superintendent over them (Quran, 88 : 22)
Islam to their people. It is with regard to such people that God says: And then again:
Say: "You may believe it, or you may disbelieve (it); Surely as to those who Surely We have sent down this Book upon thee for the use of mankind with the
have been given
a •j before it, when they hear it recited to them, they
the knowledge truth;
fall down upon their faces adoring."
Then he who is guided is guided for the good of his own soul,
And they say: "Glory be to Our Lord, the promise of Our Lord was bound to be And he who is lost is lost against himself then.
fulfilled." (Quran, 17 : 107-108).
And thou art not a guardian over them. (Quran, 39 : 41)
Abu-Sufyan, Abu-Jahl and Al-Akhnas : It is stated that even such great slanderers as Abu-
When the unbelievers pressed Muhammad hard for miracles, God told him that miracles
Sufyan, Abu-Jahl and Al-Akhnas bin Shariq went stealthily at night and heard Muhammad
were in the hand of God and that infact every thing had its appointed time, and it was not
recite the Quran in his own house but having met one another by accident on their way
for any Messenger of God to produce these miracles except with the permission and
back they were ashamed of themselves and they swore that they would not do so any
foreknowledge of God:
longer. Like thieves they came and like thieves they returned. But even so, Abu-Sufyan
was destined to become a Muslim. God had, however, sealed the heart of Abu-Jahl and In any case thy business is to carry out the message. And it is Ours to take the
he was killed fighting against Muhammad at badr. Abu-Lahab died of fever seven days
account. (Quran, 13 : 40)
after hearing of the Battle of Badr. Whilst Umar was still an unbeliever, the Prophet had
prayed to God, "O God, make Umar bin Khattab or Abu-Jahl a Muslim." His prayer had been But even then, Muhammad would let himself have no rest, and day and night he was
heard and Umar had become a Muslim and the Prophet had a forevision of Umar's conversion in search of the seekers after truth. It has been stated above that Muhammad wished all Arabs
and so was not afraid to meet him when Umar went to his house (called the house of Arqam) to be saved from perdition. In fact, he wished all mankind to believe. But God does not force
with a naked sword. people to Heaven:
Muhammad's Hard Work in Carrying Out the Message : Muhammad had been sent to
And had thy Lord wished so,
proclaim Islam and invite people to the service of One God. He was not to be blamed if they
refused his message but he was very eager to obtain converts. His idea at this time was to
Surely all on this earth had believed together.
convert the whole of Arabia. This extreme earnestness on his part brought some mild reminders
from God, a few of which might be noticed here. They all belong to the period of Islam before Wilt thou then compel men until they become faithful? (Quran, 10:99)
the emigration of Muhammad to Medina, now known as Hijrat, took place.
A finer tribute to Muhammad's work than this is impossible. The impossible was to his
First, God lays down the general principle in reply to the unbelievers:
mind possible. He had, however, to bow to God's will. J
Then are the messengers responsible for aught except a plain delivery (of their As to the Christians, he nearly killed himself for their sake. He loved them as no one haJ
message)? (Quran, 16 : 35) ever loved them before or after. 1
244 All the Proph^
Muhammad s Mission 245
Then it may be thou wilt strangle thyself with grief on their account,
Attempts to Prevent Muhammad's Preaching of the Quran : Muhammad left no stone
unturned in the carrying out of his message.. He used to go out to the congregations
5J of Arabs
If they do not believe in this Quran (lit. news). (Quran, 18:6)
at Ukaz, Mojannah and Dhul-Majaz, where the people had a fair each year in the sacred
This verse refers to Christian especially. Truly Muhammad was sacrificing himself for the months.
sake of mankind. He had absolutely made up his mind to die in doing his duty. "I will go The unbelievers had a great conference as to what they should call Muhammad. At this
on," he had said to Abu-Talib, "till God help me or I die in it." God did help him but he conference Walid bin Mughira, whose interview with the Prophet has just been mentioned,
was the man who acted on the motto " Die before ye die". was their president. Someone suggested
•4 that Muhammad should be called Kahin. This view
was rejected by Walid as being inconsistent with the character of a Kahin. Muhammad did
All earthly gain was valueless in his eyes and he thought of nothing but of the saving
not tell any fortunes, neither was the Quran like the sayings of the Kahins. Someone then
of mankind - even the hardest sinner and irredeemable man amongst them.
said, "Let us call him a mad man" "How could you call him that," said Walid, "he has none
The Story of the Blind Man. of the apparent signs of a mad man?" They then asked Walid what they should do in the
matter and someone said, "Accuse him of witchcraft" "Don't do that" said Walid, "because
Ibn Umm-i- Maktum : One day Muhammad was having an interview with Walid bin
wizards carry threads in which they made knots and do other things which Muhammad does
Mughira, who was one of the leaders of the Quraish. He was a bitter enemy of the Muslims,
not do, but 1 will tell you what you can do. Call him A wizard of speech,' and tell all the
and Muhammad strove hard to convince him. Whilst Muhammad was having this interview pilgrims that this man's witchery of speech separates a man from his father, his brother, his
a blind man named Ibn Ummi-i- Maktum came to Muhammad and asked him to teach him wife and his relatives."
(the blind man) some portions of the Quran.
And in fact, the unbelievers had some reason for saying so, because when a mind became
Muhammad did not like this interruption and went on with his interview. The blind man, a Muslim he became a man of God.
however, persisted in his request. Muhammad turned away from him with a frown. When
he had finished with Walid bin Mughira, God sent Jibrail who brought the following revelation: So, the unbelievers went about warning pilgrims against Muhammad: "Listen not to this
man and his witchery of speech or else what has happened to the Meccans will happen to
He frowned and turned aside, you. Beware of the disturbance which may bum the whole of Arabia."
Because the blind man came to him. But when people found the Truth in what the Quraish called "this witchery of speech,"
And what shall make thee comprehend -that perhaps he wanted to purify (himself), viz., the Quran, they could not help believing there in. And in a way this saying was an
admission by the Quraish that the Quran was supernatural.
Or that he would mind and then his minding would do him good.
The unbelievers were in great
!4 difficulties to meet the challenge of the Quran, and they
But as to him who was independent,
could not do it. They had a very wicked man called Nadr bin Harith. They laid their case
Then thou wast after him, before Nadr who used to relate stories of the kings of Persia to the Arabs. Nadr got money
Though thou wast not responsible for his purification. from the unbelieving Quraish and followed Muhammad wherever the latter went preaching
But as to him who came to thee striving, the Quran. When Muhammad began reciting the Quran, Nadr would begin to tell his tales
of Persia and of the Persian religion and would say to people, "I tell you tales just as
And he stood in awe (of God), Muhammad tells you his of the people of foregone ages." Nadr's sole intention being to create
Then thou didst show negligence towards him. (Quran, 80: 1-10) a disturbance and prevent the voice of God being heard just as in some places when the Adaan,
or call to Muslim prayer, is being said, some ignorant people begin to ring bells, sound gon *4
The Prophet was really agitated and thought, perhaps. God was angry with him but Jibrail
went on: or beat drums, so that the Adaan may not be heard.
This event is referred to in the Quran as follows:
No, no! surely these verses are a reminder,
Then let him who wishes, mind it (Quran , 80 11-12) And say those who disbelieve:
This incidence shows how careful God is to rectify even the smallest mistake of the "Listen not to this Quran, and talk rubbish whilst it is being recited that you may i
prophets, a mistake which an ordinary man would consider an absolutely justifiable action. have the upper hand!" (Quran 41 : 264d|
246 ; - ■ AU the Prophets
The unbelievers, having exhausted all their resources of persecution, persuasion, bribery, He replied: " By God, I must relate it to them."
injury and condemnation of Muhammad, now resorted to ex-communication and boycott,
to besieging and starving Muhammad and his supporters by the treaty which had been hung But this tradition is not believed by some people who relying on other traditions, say that
up in the Kaaba. the Prophet of God was sleeping in that part of the Kaaba which is uncovered and which
is called Hatim when die night journey took place. The date given above is also not fully
The Ascension agreed upon. All that is certain is that this event took place between the tenth and thirteenth
year of Muhammad's mission. It may here be mentioned that the exact dates of all events
In this very year (Tenth) Muhammad had his famous Vision known as Al-Isra (the night before Muhammad's emigration to Medina, with very.few exceptions, are difficult to ascertain
journey to Jerusalem) and Miraj or the Ascension. as Muslims were not then a settled community and life was so hard for them that they had
As this journey and this Ascension form a most important part in the theology of Muslims, not yet thought of keeping records of all events. The dates are, therefore, mostly approximate.
it is necessary to describe them in detail. It must, however, be stated that the word "Miraj" It is so with regard to this night-journey and the vision of the heavens. It is also extremely
is not used in the Quran in this connection. When the unbelievers asked Muhammad to prove difficult to say whether the 'Night-journey' and Miraj or "Ascension" took place on the same
his mission by miracles they asked him to ascend to the heaven and bring down a written night or on different nights.
book which they could read. The words they used were Tarqa fis samai (do thou ascend unto Then again there are people who say that the "night-journey" and "ascension" were both
heaven). Tarqa " do thou ascend" is from " Ruqayya" "he mounted or ascended." accomplished by Muhammad with his whole material body, i.e., that he was bodily carried
The word "Miraj" is from 'araja', also meaning "he ascended'. to Jerusalem and then to the highest of the high
24 heavens.
But there is this difference between the two words that whilst 'Ruqayya' is used for bodily Others say that both these events were spiritual affairs and that the body remained where
ascension in the Quran, 'araja' is used for the ascension of angels (or messengers)
a and Ruh it was. Hadrat Aishah and Abu-Sufyan are authorities for this belief.
(or Jibrail) as the following verse shows: There are others who make a compromise and say that the "night-journey" was physical
The messenger-spirits and the (great) spirit ascend towards Him during a day the but that the "ascension" was spiritual.
measure of which is fifty thousand years. (Quran, 70 : 4) Books have been written and controversies have arisen over these beliefs. Science has,
however, now come to our rescue and made it very much easier to understand the Miraj than
Now , it is agreed
14 by all that Muhammad's ascension was a matter of seconds or minutes
it was for our ancestors.
instead of being days, months or years and the word used for it by all biographers is Miraj,
the same as used by God for the ascension of the angels or spirits who have no bodies. The Radio is now bringing to us the voice of people who are speaking thousands of miles
away and television, which is now a fact, can bring before our eyes the actual pictures of
Having understood this preliminary remark, let the reader make note of what follows.
people far away. Our ancestors who rightly persisted on the Night-journey
24 and the Ascension
On the night of this occurrence the 27th of Rajab (7th month) of the Tenth year of being bodily functions did so because the things seen and heard by Muhammad could not,
Muhammad's mission he was living in the house of his cousin Hind, daughter of Abu-Talib. according to their understanding, be explained on any other basis. Now, we know for a fact
Hind says: that all the visual phenomena of our experience are the result of certain movements of rays
or of extremely small particles of atoms of matter. It may be rays only or it may be movements
"That night the Prophet of God slept in my house. He said his night prayers and
of particles of atoms only, or both, we do not know yet, but we know enough to say that
then slept and we also slept. When it was yet before dawn, the Prophet of God
woke us up. When he said his prayers we prayed with him, and he said: when we see a thing it is the consciousness of these rays or corpuscles falling24 on our eyes
which we call vision and that it is not necessary for the object of vision to be just immediately
'O Ummi-Hani (Hind's sur-name), I prayed the night-prayers with you as thou before our eyes. It may be anywhere as long as the rays or corpuscles emanating from it are
didst see me in this valley. Then I came to the Holy Land and I prayed there. Then capable of reaching24 our eyes.
I have performed my morning prayers with you as thou hast seen.' Everyone also knows that in a dream, time and space acquire a new meaning. We dream
Says Hind: "I then said to him: 'O Prophet of God, do not relate this matter to the people, for a few seconds but in the dream we imagine
24 we have lived days and months. We fly in
they will belie thee and do thee harm'." our dreams and move from one place to another as if it were in no time. •;
249
Muhnmmnd's Mission
In the case of Muhammad, God had already gifted him with Jibrail or the Trustworthy however, was ignorant of that fact, and, not considering the matter carefully and in order
Spirit who brought to him God's Commands. Muhammad had a spiritual vision of things to oblige other people who were being frightened by the snake-like motion of the end of the
which others of his time had not and could not. The whole of his claim of Divine Mission bamboo, dived deep to catch hold of this bamboo and draw it out of the water. In doing2 so,
is founded on that assertion. If that is denied to him there is an end to the argument. But his knees struck hard against the submerged rock with terrible force and he was stunned,
if that be conceded to him, the Miraj becomes easily comprehensible. The Miraj is nothing and might have been drowned. But the sea threw him up and by the grace of God he did
but Inspiration or Revelation raised degrees. And the Quran and the other Divine Books not sink again. The swallowed water was somehow ejected and the man recovered
explicitly state that other prophets before Muhammad had similar experiences. consciousness. The man was absolutely unconscious to the outside world for a minute or so
The prophets are not scientists or philosophers and yet they are told things about the but during that part of a minute the whole history of the man's life was revealed to him from
Reality underlying and overlying the whole Universe which are far more difficult to understand the age of four till the moment of diving.
than what scientists and philosophers assert. How are the prophets to be satisfied in their This kind of experience has happened to many others and proves conclusively that the
hearts that what they are being told is the absolute truth? There is only one way, i.e., actual mind of man is capable of going through, in a minute, events which ordinarily take many
experience and this is possible only in a spiritual vision. Ibrahim had it, Moses had it and years to happen. There is, therefore, nothing really impossible or unbelievable in Muhammad's
Muhammad had it. Vision.
When we see and hear people performing dances and singing songs in "Talkies" we do The Version of Moses : The fact that a man can see in a state of unconsciousness what
not see or hear the actors in the ordinary sense of 'seeing" and "hearing" and yet we do. What he cannot see in ordinary senses is borne out by what happened to Moses on Tur.
was considered impossible a century ago has become possible now and there is no limit to
the advance of science. It was, therefore, not necessary for Muhammad's corporeal self to be And when Moses came to Our appointed place.
carried round the universe, the universe could be brought round to him. The fact of God And his Lord spoke to him,
speaking to Muhammad is the most wonderful of all miracles if any miracles are ever He said: "My Lord! show Thyself to me, that I may look at Thee."
necessary. But what Muhammad saw, was not a mere dream. It was the glory of God revealed
He said: "Thou shall not be able to see Me, but look at the mountain, then if it
to the most glorious of all men. Muhammad's eyes and ears were, for the time being, -freed
remain firm in its place
from the shackles of time and space and he beheld the sun, moon, earth, and the heavenly
bodies go round as one would behold them if one was in space and not bound to this earth. Thou mayest see Me."
He saw the past of human generations and their future. He saw the prophets of all ages and Then when his Lord covered the mountain (with His
what they had accomplished. He saw the angels of God carrying out their duties and the laws He broke it into pieces,
of God, working to their destined end. His soul had been praying to God, for years before
And Moses fell down unconscious.
his mission, for an explanation of the universe; and now for ten years he had been listening
to Jibrail and learning his lesson. Here was an ocular proof of all he had been told and all So that when he regained consciousness,
he had been promised. He had enemies on this earth who wished to put and end to his life He said:" Glory be to Thee, I turn towards Thee and I am the first of the believers."
but he had God as his Friend who wanted to show him what his end was going to be and (Quran, 7: 143.)
what would their end be.
This was the Miraj of Moses and in that period of unconsciousness Moses saw with his
There is one difficulty which the reader may not overcome. How is it possible for a man spiritual eyes what made him the" first of believers". Moses did not and could not see God,
to see in a few minutes or a few seconds the events of years or centuries? But here is a story for no eyes can ever comprehend Him, but Moses had his super-Revelation in that state of
which bears on the subject and which may interest the reader. One fellow was a swimmer, unconsciousness as the next two verses make it quite clear in which God says to Moses:
and once he was swimming in deep water at Pnang during the time of high tide. Close to
him there was a long thin bamboo pole fixed to the bottom of the sea the top of which kept He said: "O Moses’, surely I have chosen thee above the rest of men with My
moving about, like the head of a snake, and frightened the swimmers. The water round about messages and with My speech,
was deep but at this particular place there was a submerged rock and some wise man had Take then what I have given thee,
stuck up this bamboo pole to warn swimmers not to approach this place. That fellow,
And be grateful.
And We wrote for him on tablets instructions of all kinds and a clear explanation many other things besides as the following analysis of this chapter will show. (The numbers
of everything, in brackets refer to verses of this chapter. No. 17 of the Quran):
(And We said):" Hold these then with strength. And command thy people to carry Muhammad is shown how Moses was given the Book (Torah) and how the Israelies are
out the best thereof..." (Quran, 7: 144-145.) descended from the companions of Nuh in the Ark. He is then made aware of the history
These were the famous Ten Commandment of Moses which he received during his Miraj of the Israelites the details of which are spread in other chapters of the Quran (3-5). He is
particularly made aware of the double destruction of Jerusalem once by the Babylonians and
just as did Muhammad (as we shall show later on) and as Waraqa bin Naufal had said to
then again by the Romans (4-8). In this there is an indirect forevision of the conquest of the
Muhammad and Khadijah, "The great Law and Commandment has come to him as it came
to Moses." Muslims over the conquerors of the Jews and also a warning to Muslims that unless they
are careful they will also lose their conquests as did the Jews. The Quran is a guidance and
Ibrahim had his Miraj : And in this way. We showed Ibrahim the Government of the good news to the faithful but they should not be hasty (9-11).
heavens and the earth, and in order that he might become of those who are convinced.
(Quran, 6 : 76.) From Jerusalem, Muhammad is taken up above into space and shown how day and night,
months and years are counted and everything is explained to him most carefully (12). After
In this last-quoted verse the object of Miraj is explained and it is that the Prophet might the working of the solar system has been explained to him, he is shown how mens deeds
be absolutely convinced of the truth of all his revelation by actual vision of the things he is react on their future. Every man has his register
54 tied round his neck and no one carries the
being told. It was so with Moses, Muhammad and Ibrahim. The Arabic root word in all these burden of another. Muhammad is also shown how towns and nations in the past have been
verses in 'Ra-a' = He saw. But the seeing conveyed by Ra-a implies seeing "spiritually". The destroyed and how some people are engrossed in the gains 54 of this world, and how others,
mere seeing with the eye is Nazara. who believe and do good deeds, are desirous of their happiness in the Future. But God is
Details of Muhammad's Vision Mentioned in Quran : The details of Muhammad's Vision Generous to all. His bestowings are extended to all. God distinguishes some above the others.
are given in Chapters 17 and 53, both revealed at Mecca. The first is called : In fact, the whole philosophy of good and bad or ethics is explained to him. (13-21.) Muhammad
has become aware of heaven and hell and how mankind earns one or the other by its own
"The Israelites", deeds.
but is also known as
He now leaves these regions behind him and rises to higher spiritual spheres and
"Al-Isra or the Night-Journey7.
God gives him the commandments as He gave them to Moses and here are they
The second is called very briefly. (23-39)
"The Star".
Serve none but God, do good to thy parents, speak not harshly to them but speak
The first chapter above-named does not say in so many words that what is revealed there
to them nobly and be always gently and compassionate towards them and pray
is what was shown to Muhammad but it is quite apparent that is the direct implication of
for them for God's mercy. (23-25). Be charitable to relations, to the needy and the
the opening verse of that chapter which reads:
wayfarer but waste not wastefully (as the Arabs used to do in their time of
Glory be to Him who conveyed His servant by night from the sacred Mosque to Ignorance or as people do even now) (26-27).
the mosque far-off. If ye be forced to turn away a beggar or a needy man do so with noble speech.
The one whose precincts have been blessed- Be not stingy or extravagant. God provides all as He likes. (28-30).
In order that We might shew him some of Our signs... (Quran, 17:1.) Kill not your children. It is a heinous sin. (31).
The sacred mosque is the Kaaba and the far-off mosque is the mosque at Jerusalem Avoid adultery and fornication. Don't even approach what leads to these sins. (32).
towards which Muhammad was turning his face in prayers. Commit no murder and do not exceed justice in punishment.(33).
Jerusalem is the home of many prophets and is called the Holy Land. Muhammad had Use not the belongings of orphans except in the best way.(34).
never been there. God willed that he should see it and all the prophets gone before him and
Fulfil your covenants and be just in measuring and weighing. (34- 35).
Muhammad's Mission
Pursue not that of which thou hast no knowledge and give only first-hand
If everything mentioned in the Quran is to be taken literally, then there would soon be an
evidence.(36).
end to our appreciation of its subjects and of its beauties. Those who insist on the literal
Be not proud.(37). And appoint not with God any other deity.(39). interpretation of the Quran are reducing its allegories to something worse than human
Muhammad is then shown how the whole Universe is subject to One Law-the Will of composition.
God and how the whole and every atom, nay every component of every atom praises God The account of the Miraj or Ascension given in chapter 53 is highly allegorical and it reads
and declares His Glory: as follows:
Say "Had there been other deities with Him," as they say, "then they (the deities) By the star when it goes down
would have found a way towards the Possessor of Power." Your companion (Muhammad) is neither lost nor deviated.
Glory be His, and High is He above what they say a Great Height. Nor does he speak out of (his own) desire.
(Quran, 17:42-43). It (the Quran) is nothing but a revelation revealed
Thus Muhammad is convinced by his Vision that God alone is running this Universe Taught him by the Master of mighty Power,
without any helpers, assistants, companions or rivals. Had there been any rivals they would Possessor of Strength : then He remained firm in His position.
have found their way to fight God but there are none. And he (Muhammad) was in the highest horizon,
This is the basis of Islam and on this all Muslims stand. The unbelievers may do whatever And then ho drew near and lowered (himself before God).
they like. God's Will always prevails and if they don't see all the consequences of their evil
So that he was at a distance equal to the chords of two bows or nearer still.
actions it is because God's Will has an appointed time therefor, which cannot be changed.
Muhammad is extremely sorry for the unbelievers because they would not give up the Therefore He revealed unto His servant what He revealed.
worship of idols but God shows him: His (Muhammad's) heart was not untrue as to what he saw
Will you then dispute with him as to what he saw?
The seven heavens and the earth and all those who are in them declare His glory.
And surely he saw Him in another flight (lit. descent).
And there is nothing but celebrates his glory with His praises, But you (men) do Near the farthest berry-tree.
not realise their glorifying... (Quran, 17:44.)
Near which is the garden of the abode.
Muhammad does, and that is why his Ascension is so important. He has risen above all
When something covered the berry-tree which covered it.
other men in spiritual glorification of his Lord and his Lord has raised him above all other
men. And in this way the Vision goes on till Muhammad is commanded to pray five times The eye deviated not, nor did it transgress;
a day. Before this, he used to pray morning and evening: Surely he saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord. (Quran, 53: 1 to 18).
Keep up (O Muhammad!) the prayer from the decline of the day (lit. the sun) to The translation (with the exception of the brackets) is literal and is copied from the writer's
the darkness of the night, And (the reciting of) Quran in the early morning... Translation of the Holy Quran published some years ago. Let the reader read it carefully and
(Quran, 17 : 78) then ponder over the comments which follow. The Commentary is also the writer's own and
3 borrowed from any book. If there are any coincidences they are accidental. It is hoped
The first period includes noon, afternoon evening and night prayers. And the reciting of
that the text read with the commentary will make this extremely occult matter a little clearer
the Quran in the morning means morning prayer. Before this the prayers were "before the
to the reader than it is at first sight.
rising of the sun and before its setting". Now three more are added thereto.
In verse one above, God begins comparing Muhammad to a star that appears to be settin
The Miraj or Ascension is a matter between God and His prophets. Each prophet has his
to mankind. Is the star lost when it sets or has it deviated from its course when it sets? A
Miraj according to his capacity. It is not the concern of believers to poke into the matter and
kttle reflection would show to the man of knowledge (the scientist) that it does neither. It
raise controversies in an affair which is so highly spiritual and so markedly metaphorical.
I the earth's revolution that makes the star appear to be lost. The star remains in its own
254 Me Prophets Muhammad's Mission
proper position and its own course. It rises again and sets again according to a fixed law - Muhammad is continuously in communication with God, and receiving his commands and
the motion of the earth round its own axis and its motion round the sun in its (the earth's) God reveals to him what He reveals (verse 10).
orbit.
God may reveal what He likes but what about Muhammad? Is he capable of bearing God's
It is the same with Muhammad. He is not lost or deviated but goes on in his proper course commandments? Does he doubt what he is being told? God frees him from all false charges
of life just as does the star (verse 2). and says that Muhammad's heart is true as to what he sees (verse 111) and those who dispute
with him as to what he sees are wrong (verse 12).'
Now the star's movement as well as the earth's movement are not willed by themselves. *
They are subject to pre-determined laws of God. It is so with Muhammad's Message from The reference to Muhammad's heart points to his spiritual powers which have their seat
God. He has not willed it out of his own desire. It is revealed to him (verses 3 and 4). He in what we, for lack of another name, call "heart".
is as much subject to the Will of God in his revelations as is the star in the movements or This finishes one Vision of Muhammad. It tells us that the Soul of Muhammad is directed
the earth in hers. by God's Will and has attained an eminence and strength which are free from all doubt and
And by whose will is this Quran being taught to Muhammad? By the Will of God just weakness. That this soul revolves very near to God and, though eminent, is still humble before
as the star moves by the laws of God. The Quran is taught to Muhammad by the Master of God, always bowing itself to God's Will and that this soul is true to God and that Mankind
should accept its light and be guided thereby, just as mariners are guided on dark seas by
Mighty Power (verse 5) as is also mentioned in the opening verses of Chapter 55.
the courses of the stars on the sky, by their risings, settings and their positions in zenith. The
"Arrahman (the most Merciful to begin with) Taught the Quran." The first object of Miraj, stars never lie, nor does Muhammad. He is always true in his course and constant in his
therefore, is the Reception of the Revelation. God, who inspires or reveals this Quran, is not direction:
any supposed deity of the Meccans. He is the Master of Mighty Power, Possessor of Strength,
who remains firm in His own position (verse 6) just as He does in the case of the star. The Ya Sin (O man)’ By this Quran full of wisdom;
giving of orders and the government of the heavens and the earth does not disturb God, nor Most surely thou art one of the sent ones:
does the revelation to Muhammad. God remains firm in His Power undisturbed and Complete. On the Right Path. (Quran, 36 : 1 to 4)
But God draws Muhammad near him and, raises him to the zenith of his power just as the
And it is in this way
star has its zenith of position (verse 7)
We have revealed the spirit
The reader, if he likes, can say that all this refers to Muhammad's corporeal self but it
(Jibrail) to thee by Our command.
would be nearer the allegory if he took Muhammad (and his name is not mentioned in these
verses but he is referred to by the pronoun "he") to mean the Spiritual self of Muhammad. Thou didst not know what the Book was nor the faith,
At least the writer would implore him to do so. Now, this soul we have been calling Buth We make it a light guiding therewith whom We please of Our servants.
Muhammad has reached the highest pinnacle of spiritual education and draws himself or And most surely thou guidest to the Right Path. (Quran, 42 ; 52)
itself (pronouns don't matter) near to God but even in doing so he or it lowers himself or
itself before God. He is not proud of himself, he does not boast of his achievements. On the Muhammad is the spiritual sun or star by whose light all mankind are to be guided not
contrary, as we have seen, he complains to God of the weakness of his own powers and of because he is a deity (God forbid) but because his light is the Light of God and his path the
the poverty of his means and bows down before the Will of God saying scores of times every Path of God.
day: This is not the only occasion Muhammad had his Vision. He had it once again. But where
was it? Let us follow the verses which were quoted above from Chapter 53. The comment
"Glory be to my Lord on High. I praise Him and I ask His forgiveness."
dosed at verse 12. What about verses 13 to 18-Where was or is this berry tree? or the garden
And when he has thus annihilated his own will and bowed it to the will of God, he is of abode? and what covered the berry-tree? No comments of any man will make the reader
encircled by the Will of God just as two bows joined end to end will encircle their chords understand these figures of speech unless he is gifted with pure imagination and unsullied
in between them, and themselves become a circle. The star on the heavens above moves within heart. This farthest berry-tree and this garden of abode are the fruits of God's pleasure which
the orbit prescribed for it by God, so does Muhammad (verses 8 and 9). Whilst doing so, only those can realise who realise them. Let us be humble and acknowledge that the Reality
of these figures is known to God only. And what covered the berry-tree? what covered the lives for him. The thirty odd months' siege and boycott had done no good. And all Medina
Tur when God's glory descended thereon like thunder and broke it to pieces? But whatever was on his side now. The trade of the Quraish with Syria might be stopped. The pilgrimage
54
it was — to Mecca and Mina might be interrupted. Nay, his followers might fall upon the Meccans
The eye (of Muhammad) deviated not nor did it transgress; and take revenge for past injuries done to them and their deceased brethren. Something must
be done to put an end to this never- ending trouble. They held a council at Darun-Nadwah,
Surely he saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord. (Quran, 53: 17-18). the parliament hall of the Meccans, built by Qusayy. Fourteen of the Chiefs of the Quraish
excluding an old man from Nejd were the leaders of this counsel and all the tribes were
Hundreds of books and thousands of pages have been written on the Prophet's Miraj and represented as follows:-
the present writer has ventured to write a few. May God guide him and the reader rightly
and forgive
a his errors for in this subject man, unless guided by God, is nearer to mistake than Banu Abd-Shams by
truth. (1) Shaibah sons of Rabiah.
(2) Utaibah
The Emigration
(3) Abu-Sufyan bin Harab bin Ommayya
Singly, and in parties of twos and threes the Muslims left Mecca for Medina where they Banu Naufal by
were most welcome, till excepting Muhammad, Ali, Abu-Bakr, some women, old men and
(4) Tuaimah bin Adi
children no one amongst the Muslims was left at Mecca.
(5) Zubayr bin Mutim
The hardships which the emigrant Muslims suffered are beyond all description. Some
were caught and put in wells and prisons; some had their wives and children taken away (6) Harith bin Amir
from them. Most of them were forced to leave all their wealth behind them. One man at least Banu Abd ud-dar by
yvas persuaded back from Medina on the pretext that his mother was dying, and he was
(7) Nadr bin Harith bin Kaldah
tortured and imprisoned. A detailed story of these persecutions would require a separate
chapter. The unbelievers were really enraged, and as they are dead and gone, it is best to Banu as ad bin Abd ul-Uzza by
. leave their doings to God. It is not fit for Muslims to abuse them when their Prophet never (8) Abul-Bakhtari bin Hisham
did any things of the kind. (9) Zamah bin Aswad
The Plot to Kill Muhammad : It is now the 13th year of Muhammad's mission and Mecca (10) Hakim bin Hisham
is clear of all Muslims except those mentioned just above. The disbelievers amongst the
Banu Makhzum by
Quraish did not know whether Muhammad was going to remain at Mecca as he had done
when the Muslims had gone to Abyssinia on their first emigration or whether he was going (11) Abu Jahl bin Hisham
to Medina. Muhammad kept his own counsel. Even when Abu-Bakr, his most intimate friend, Banu Saham by
asked him about it he said " Wait, perhaps you will be with me." But Muhammad would
(12) Nabiah
not tell him how and when he was going. Abu-Bakr, however, could see things for himself
and kept three well-fed camels ready for the emergency and made all his preparations to leave (13) Munnabah, sons of Hajjaj
at a moment's notice. Banu Jumah by
The Quraish grew more and more impatient. The fire of hatred and enmity which was (14) Ummayya bin Khalaf (the erstwhile master of Bilal, Muhammad's Muadhdhin).
in their hearts was eating up their souls. They were in a hell. They had abused, strangled One man suggested that Muhammad should be chained and shackled and shut up in a
and besieged this man (Muhammad) but he had survived all these persecutions. He had room till he died like the poets Zuhair and Nabighah.
outwitted them every time. Some of their best men were now Muslims and even amongst
the unbelievers Abbas, son of Abdul-Muttalib and others were still ready to lay down their The old man from Nejd said: "No, the news will leak out and his helpers would rescue
him and kill you." j
Another man said: "Or tie him to a camel and expel him to some out-of-the-way place And God made His,
and let him live or die." And God is the best of plan makers. (Quran, 8 :30)
The old man from Nejd said: "You forget his persuasiveness and his witchery of speech. According to this plan of God, Muhammad left Ali in his bed with full instructions
Wherever he goes the people will be with him and he will come back and have his revenge as to what he was to do, and himself went to the house of Abu-Bakr. How he managed,
on you." all by himself, to escape the vigilance of the guard put on his house we do not know. The
Abu-Jahl of Banu Makhzum who was the last to speak, said: Meccans slept peacefully in their homes being certain of seeing Muhammad murdered on
the morrow and their being rid of him for ever. He was their most obstructive genius, and
(1) Let each tribe pick out its bravest young men. he being removed, other matter would be settled in the usual Arabic method of fighting and
(2) Let these braves surround the house of Muhammad by night.
a ransoms.
(3) When Muhammad comes out to say his morning prayers let all the braves fall upon So great was the Prophet's secrecy that even Abu Bakr did not, till this very moment,
him together and kill him at once. All the tribes being represented in the murder, know about their journey but he was quite ready.
Muhammad's tribe Abd- Manaf or Banu Hashim will not be able to fight all and will
Abu-Ba"kr's daughter Asma gave them a bag full of dried and pounded oats and there
be forced to accept ransom money.
being no string to tie the bag she tore her waist-band into two and tied it therewith. She was
This proposal was unanimously approved and accepted. henceforth called the "Mistress of Two Bands".
Muhammad was informed of all that had happened and the state of affairs at this time In the dead-dark of the night the two made a hasty retreat to a mountain called Mount
is referred to in many verses of the Quran. A few will do. Thur about five miles from Mecca which is extremely hard to climb. This mountain is towards
And remember when you were few (and) were looked upon as weak in the land, the south of Mecca (while Medina is towards the north) and has a covered ravine or cave
in it. The two of them, after great hardship, entered the cave. Abu-Bakr stopped all the holes
You were afraid lest other people might pounce upon you and carry you away,
in the cave with rags torn out of his clothing and let Muhammad rest whilst he kept watch.
Then He gave you shelter, It is said that he was stung by a snake or a scorpion but would not awake the Prophet. At
And strengthened you with His help last his tears falling on the Prophet's cheeks (who was resting on his lap) woke him up. The
Prophet applied his saliva to the sting and Abu-Bakr was healed.
And He provided you with good things,
That you might give thanks. (Quran 8:26) Ali bin Abu-Talib had been left in Muhammad's bed covered with his green mantle
and the young braves of the Quraish peeped into the house and made sure that
This refers to the Muslims who took refuge at Medina and their conditipn before and after Muhammad was there secure in their hands. Muhammad had with him people's trusts and
their emigration. At Mecca they were in daily fear of assault, kidnapping and torture. At
Ali's "instructions were to pay back these trusts and to meet him at "Medina. No body knew
Medina, they had not only shelter but the good things which the Medinites shared with them
of Muhammad's hiding place except Asma', Aishah (daughters of Abu-Bakr), and Abdullah
and the prizes of war which they won later on together with their protectors. bin Abu-Bakr.
That this verse refers especially to these emigrants is made more certain when four verses
Ali slept soundly the sleep of an innocent and undisturbed soul till the morning when
later God reminds the Prophet himself thus:
he rose and the Quraish guards rubbed their eyes and found him to be who he was. "Where
And remember when the disbelievers began to make their plans with regard to is Muhammad?" they asked. "How do I know? You were the watchmen, not I, " said Ali.
thee (Muhammad), Woe to the Quraish! their prey had escaped in spite of their plots and their guards. He
To put thee in confinement could hot escape, they thought. He must be hiding somewhere. Abut-Bakr was his best friend.
He must be with him. Abu-Jahl ran to Abu-Bakr's house but on searching the house and
Or to kill thee,
finding him gone as well, he asked Asma': "Where is your father?" "I don't know," said the
Or to turn thee out brave girl and Abu- Jahl gave her a sharp slap on the face which .made her cry with pain
They made their plans but she revealed nothing.
Agreat hue and cry was raised. People on foot, on camel-back and on horse-back ran Story of Suraqah: The Meccans now offered a reward of 100 camels to anyone who would
north, east, west and south in search of Muhammad but came back unsuccessful. bring back Muhammad alive or dead. The caravan of the three, however, went on without
Asma used to carry food at night of the two fugitives in the cave. any accident. At last a man came and gave the Quraish information that he had seen three
camels and three riders on such and such a route. Suraqah bin Malik who was present and
Amr who looked after Abu-Bakr's sheep would bring them milk and wipe off all traces who coveted the booty of 100 camels told the Quraish that the three persons were not
of human footsteps to the cave Abdullah bin Abu-Bakr would bring them news of the doings Muhammad and his party. He himself, however, quickly went home, put on his armour and
and sayings of the Quraish. pursued Muhammad and his companions on the route mentioned by the informer. Suraqah
The Quraish reached the mouth of the cave but finding no signs
•J of human beings, or their came in view of the Prophet somewhere near the present position of Rabigh on the sea coast.
footprints, they came back, sure in their minds that there was no one inside the cave. The The Prophet and Abu-Bakr were going to make their camels kneel down to rest in the shadow
stories about a spider having-made
a its cobweb at the entrance of the cave and pigeons having of a rock when they saw his horse which had already stumbled twice very badly. When the
laid their eggs there and so disarmed the suspicions of the Meccans do not look as if they Prophet saw him, he prayed "O God! save us from his evil" and Suraqah's horse fell once
were genuine in view of the fact that three persons had been visiting the cave supplying news more throwing the rider under him. Suraqah considered it a bad omen, managed to extricate
and provisions to the two refugees there. himself and cried out from a distance " I am Suraqah bin Josham, allow me to speak to you.
1 swear by God that I will not deceive you nor shall any harm come to you from me."
There is no doubt, however, that the Meccan searchers did reach the cave and Abu-Bakr
Muhammad and Abu-Bakr stopped there and waited for him. Abu-Bakr at the command of
was afraid of being found out when the Prophet said to him, "Grieve not, surely God is with
the Prophet, gave him a writing of protection and Suraqah returned to Mecca promising to
us" The matter is thus referred to in the Quran: turn back all pursuers.
If you will not help him (Muhammad), Muhammad at Quba: Muhammad and Abu-Bakr lost no time and started on their journey
Then surely God helped him again,, going by unfrequented paths and suffering great hardships for lack of water and
severity of heat. At last, they reached the territory of Banu Shams and met their chief Buraidah
When those who chose disbelief turned him out,
who greeted them with happy greetings. They were now not very far off from Medina.
The news of Muhammad's flight had, by this time, reached Medina's vicinity and people
When they were in the cave
would come out of their houses and wait for his arrival from morning till afternoon.
(And) when he said to his companion
After full six days' journey he reached Quba. This was the eighth day of Rabi-ul-Awwal
"Grieve not, surely God is with us,"
(The third month) of the year, about three months after the second pledge of Aqaba or
Then God sent down His calm upon him, Monday, 23rd September, 622 A.C. Muhammad stopped there till Thursday, or four days
And strengthened him with an army which you saw not, including Monday. Here he laid down the foundations of a mosque and on the last day he
And He put down the word of those who disbelieved. was met by Ali bin Abu-Talib, who had travelled on foot all the way from Mecca to Medina
walking at nights and hiding by day.
And it is the word of God which is (always) high;
(Quran, 9:40.) On Friday the twelfth of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the first year of Hijrat (the commencement of
For God is Mighty, Wise
the Muslim Era) the Prophet reached Medina.
For three days, Muhammad and Abu-Bakr lived in the cave and for three days the Quraish
The Prophet led the Friday prayers and this was the first Friday so celebrated. Before this
wandered the earth in grief and sorrow consuming their hearts with their wrath. At an
there was no Friday Khutba or address. After the prayers, he entered the city. It was a Golden
appropriate moment, Abu-Bakr's three special animals laden with provisions reached the foot
Day for the residents of Yathrab which was from this day called Medinat un-Nabi (the city
of the cave and Abu-Bakr took one Abdullah bin Uriqa as his guide (each man riding his
of the Prophet) or simply Medina (the city). The people, irrespective of religion and nationality,
camel), they set off by a circuitous road towards Medina first towards the south of Mecca
then by way of Tihama on the coast of the Red Sea. They journeyed by night and rested by welcomed him with open arms amidst thunderous joy. Arabs and Jews vied with one another
redeem the nation and lead it to victory, had come. The youn women of Medina mounted Muhammad's Mission 263
their house-tops and sang:
faith and help them against the Christians. The Quraish of Mecca were certainly not going
From the hill-tops of the South. to let Muhammad and his followers have any peace. They who had followed the Muslim
emigrants to Abyssinia were not going to sit idle and see Muhammad prosper at Medina.
The full moon doth arise;
Muhammad had no means of his own-no money, army or armour; no lands or houses; no
With what a lovely call, horses or camels to ride. But he had his God-given courage and the work he did at Medina
Unto God doth he call. is without parallel in the annals of human history. God was his shield, but he was the Prophet
administrator of God and it was for him to defend himself and his followers.
And we thank him for it all.
O thou sent-one of Rahman! Muhammad as an Administrator and Statesman : Circumstances had burdened
We bow to thy demand. Muhammad with a task that had not been put on the shoulders of Nuh or Ibrahim,
Moses or Jesus. He had to evolve order out of chaos, strength out of weakness,
Crowds now gathered round Muhammad's camel and the chiefs surrounded him begging unity out of dissension and life out of death. Even God Himself acknowledges
him to stop at their places Muhammad asked to be excused and threw off the reins of his it to have been "A burden which pressed heavily on thy back."
she-camel on her neck and said that it was under God's guidance; wherever it stopped he (Quran, 94:2-3)
would stop. The camel stopped and knelt down at a piece of land belonging to two young
men named Sahal and Suhail who were both infants. Muhammad alighted from his camel. Had Muhammad not been exceptionally forbearing, gentle, resolute and unswerving, •J
The land was bought through Madh bin Afra' and Muhammad expressed his wish that a nothing could have been done. There had been many prophets before him and being sinned
mosque should be built on that site, and by the side of the mosque there should be his house, against had asked God to punish the sinners. But not so with Muhammad. He would shoulder
and so it is from that day to this and as long as God please. the whole burden and carry the message of God to the end of his life.
The nobility of his character and the Golden Rules of his life are laid down in the following
Phase of Hegira verses of the Quran and they are the main-springs of his everlasting success.
The Building>34 of the Prophet's Mosque : The Muslims who emigrated from Mecca were
Surely there has come to you a messenger from amongst you,
called Muhajirin (Emigrants) and their Medinite Muslims Al-Ansar or simply Ansar (Helpers).
It is hard on him that you should be in trouble,
With characteristic energy and resolution, Muhammad began the building of his mosque
He is most solicitous for your welfare,
at Medina, and whilst it was under construction, he put up in the house of Abu-Ayub Khalid
bin Zaid Ansari. He himself worked with his own hands in building the mosque. The mosque (And) loving, merciful towards the faithful. (Quran, 9:128)
was a big courtyard surrounded by stuccoed mud walls and a portion of it was covered with And once again:
palm leaves and branches of wood, but the greater part was left open. One side of it was
reserved for strangers and travellers who had no home and were hence called Ahlus-Suffa Then, it is due to mercy from God
or "people of the mats". Muhammad's own quarters on one side of the mosque were of a That thou art gently towards them,
similarly unpretentious style and size. There was no light in the mosque except at night
prayers when it was lighted by means of burning straws. When the building was finished And hadn't thou been rough-spoken, hard-hearted,
the Prophet moved into his quarters. They would certainly have scattered away from thy circle,
Difficulty of Muhammad's Task : About 150 Muslim souls had emigrated from Mecca Then overlook their faults
to Medina and out of these, with the exception of Abu-Bakr and 'Othman bin Affan, no one And ask forgiveness for them,
had any means of his own.
And consult them in the command.
The Aus and Khazraj had been exhausted by their war of Buath and those of them who But when thou hast determined upon (anything)
were still pagans were allied to the Jews. The Jews were expecting Muhammad to accept their
They rely upon God.
Surely God loves those who rely (upon Him). (Quran, 3: 158)
264 AW the Prophets Muhammad's Mission
These verses should be learnt by heart by every biographer of Muhammad and should but the latter were not going to be a burden on their hosts. The Meccans knew how to trade
never be forgotten by the reader. They are the keys of the explanation of all his sayings and and transform the sands of the desert into gold. They soon engaged themselves in trades and
doings. Let us put down what is said above very briefly. occupations and prospered. Others like Abu-Bakr and Umar helped in the cultivation of the
land and this comity of design and community of action soon made the Muhajirs and the
(1) It is hard on him that Muslims should be in trouble. Ansar get on better than anyone could ever expect.
(2) He is most solicitous for their welfare.
But the Muslims were still a minority at Medina and unless there was internal peace and
(3) He is loving,
24 merciful, overlooking their faults and forgiving; gentle in speech and security from external invasion, no prosperity could be hoped for Medina. Muhammad,
kind hearted. therefore, approached the Jews with open arms. He had come to confirm their religion not
(4) He always consults Muslims in affairs in which he has to give commands. to belie it. He was sent to the Arabs just as Moses had been sent to the Israelites. This had
(5) He then determines what to do and carries it out relying on God. been revealed to him in one of the earliest chapters of the Meccan period.
The following pages are nothing but a commentary of these principles from which Surely We have sent towards you a messenger, being a witness over you, as We
Muhammad never diverged, and, temporary set-backs apart, he always succeeded in all his sent a messenger towards Pharaoh. (Quran, 73: 15.)
enterprises.
And Muhammad was still turning his face in prayers towards Palestine and keeping the
Practical Lesson of Muslim Brotherhood : Says God: same fasts as the Jews. The Jews were also favourably inclined towards Muhammad. For the
welfare, prosperity and liberty of Medina and for all those who were residents therein, it was
The believers are nothing but a brotherhood, therefore make peace between your
necessary that a pact should be drawn up and acted upon without delay before dissensions
brethren, and reverence God that you may be shown mercy.(Quran, 49:10)
set in; and under Muhammad's guidance it was quickly and most equitably drawn up and
Islam is a comprehensive religion of human brotherhood and Muhammad started the signed by all parties. It ran as follows:
foundation of this brotherhood by obliterating all distinctions between Meccans and
Medinites, between the Quraish and the Aus or Khazraj. The Muslims were paired into "That the faithful and the Muslims from amongst the Quraish and Yathrib and
brothers-in-Islam, and he made a roll of brotherhood thus: ‘all those who follow them and join them and struggle24 with them are one community
distinct from other men, and that each tribe of these will spend its resources in
(1) Muhammad and AH bin Abu-Talib
helping Muslims with fairness and justice and Muslims will help one another, in
(2) Hamza (Muhammad's uncle) and Zaid his emancipated slave ransoming their brethren and paying their debts with fairness; and that none of
(3) Abu-Bakr and Kharijah bin Zaid Ansari the faithful will be in league without the other faithful being24 in it; and that all
(4) Umar bin Khattab and Uthman bin Malik Khazraji Ansari the faithful will be together
24 against anyone who rebels from amongst 24 them in
order to spread injustice, sin, enmity or disturbance amongst the faithful; and that
(5) Abu-Ubaidah bin Jarrah and Sad bin Madh Ansari
the hands of all of them will be together even though it be against the son of one
(6) Abd ul-Rahman bin Auf and Sad bin Rabi Ansari of them; and that none of the faithful will kill any of the faithful nor help a
(7) Zubayr son of Auwam and Salmah bin Sulamah disbeliever against any of the faithfuls; and that all will abide by the moral laws
(8) Uthman bin Affan and Aus bin Thabit Ansari of God and that the faithfuls are the friends of one another as distinct from other
(9) Talha bin Ubaidullah and Kaab bin Malik men....
(10) Musab bin Umair and Abu-Ayub Ansari "And that those Jews who follow us (the faithful) are to be helped and consoled
(11) Ummar bin Yasir and Hudhaifah bin Yaman without being treated unjustly or being24 oppressed, and that the Jews will bear
and so forth; every Muhajir had an Ansari brother. This raised the moral prestige of the the expenses of war with the faithful as long as war lasts; and that the Jews
Ansar and the material welfare of the Muhajirin. They loved each other more than brotheis of Banu Auf are one community with the faithful; for the Jews their faith and
because it was a brotherhood for the sake of God and not for the sake of the family. The Ansar for the Muslims their faith; and the Jews of Banu Najjar, Banu Jusham, Banu
opened their purse strings and their household stocks and shared them with the Muhajim Thalabah, Banu Aus, their allies and intimates are on the same footing as Banu
266 All the Prophets I 267
Muhammad's Mission
Auf; and that the expenses of the Jews (other than war expenses) are on the hundreds of millions of human beings 54 and the Law of the Quran are still the most
Jews and of the Muslims upon Muslims; and that the signatories of this Treaty | Powerful Fact which the world has to reckon with more than 1300 years after Muhammad's
«
bind to help each other in war and good advice, goodness and mutual friendship death.
amongst themselves without incurring sin; and that the Jews will bear the
expenses of war as long as it lasts together with the Muslims; and that the Muhammad's Precautions : The reader must have noticed that the speeches of Abbas,
precincts of Yathrib will be sacred for the signatories of this Treaty; and that unde of the Prophet, the Prophet's own query to the Medinites and Abbas bin Ubadah's
the neighbour will be looked upon like one's own self, and that no females speech at the Second Pledge of Aqaba made it certain that the Quraish were bent on fighting
will be taken away except with the permission of their families; and that there Muhammad and his helpers whoever they might be. That idea was confirmed by the plot
shall be no rescuing or helping of the Quraish or those who help them (the of the Quraish to kill Muhammad at Mecca. Now that he had escaped, would they leave him
Quraish); and that all will join in helping one another against any attack on alone? Certainly not. Muhammad's Treaty with the Jews makes it absolutely clear that an
Yathrib, and when they are called upon to make peace they will consult one attack on Medina was then in sight.
another and inform one another; and that if anything arises out of this Treaty It will be shown later on that he was receiving54 revelations as to what was happening
causing fear of dispute in any of its provisions it shall be referred to God and at Mecca and what was soon going to happen nearer Medina. It has already been stated
to Muhammad, the Messing of God." that it was hard on Muhammad that his companions should be in trouble and he was
most solicitous for their welfare. Was it consistent with these principles that he should
It will be seen that the Treaty is in two parts, the first one refers to the affairs of
sit down in his house and in his mosque, say his prayers, preach the Quran and do
Muslims only and the second to the joint responsibility of the Jews and Muslims.
nothing else? That is what the Christian biographers of Muhammad wish him to have
■I In the second part of the Treaty, the Jews are treated exactly in the same way as the done. But Muhammad was not made of that stuff that the Muslims of today would learn
Muslims and no distinction is made between the two. But Muhammad under God's their lessons from Muhammad and from what the Quran says:
guidance, is their commander.
O ye wo believe!
This treaty was made more than thirteen centuries ago. Is there any example of any
Take your precautions,
prophet or reformer having ever made such a treaty of peace and liberty with the professors
of arrival faith? Protection of life, of property, of the modesty of women, of liberty and the Then march forth in separate bodies,
guarantees of peace are all included there in. Or march forth all together. (Quran, 4:71)
The Jewish tribes of Banu Qurazah, Banu Nadir and Banu Qainuqa' are not included in Even when praying under arms, precautions must be taken:
this treaty but Muhammad soon afterwards concluded similar treaties with them and Medina
was assured of peace and prosperity as long as the parties to the treaty remained faithful And they (Muslims going to pray under arms) should take their precautions
to its terms. and their arms;
Because those who have chosen disbelief wish that in case you should neglect
Muhammad's Exemplary Life : From the day his arrival at Medina till his final sickness
your arms and your necessaries,
ten years later, Muhammad lived a most exemplary life: eating little and wearing rough
clothes; receiving, preaching and dictating the Quran; doing charity to the poor and the They may, then, fall upon you a sudden falling;
wayfarers; attending the sick and the feeble; serving all men whether Muslims or non And weaken not in the search of the people. (Quran, 4: 102 to 104.)
Muslims, and defending his community against incessant attacks made by vituperative tongues,
sharp swords and arrows of the enemy. And again:
In addition, he planned, founded and permanently established a new Theocratic State, O ye who believe!
the like of which never existed before. No man has ever accomplished so much in a single Upon you is the safeguarding of your lives. (Quran, 5 : 105.) ]
life and no man ever will. The empires of Alexander, Chengez Khan, Napoleon and other
It is true that all these verses and dozens of others had not yet been revealed. Lt
world adventurers have been wiped out but the empire of Muhammad over the hearts of
therefore, still more to the credit of Muhammad that he forestalled them. The fact is that
in his vision he had seen everything. The Quran came bit by bit, but his mind had been question to be answered is: "When was permission given to Muslims to fight the Meccans?"
instructed in all that was necessary. Muhammad's life is a commentary of the Quran. The verse of the Quran which refers to this matter is as follows:
Recent Muslim biographers of the Prophet say that when Muhammad emigrated to
Permission (to fight) is given to those against whom war has been declared.
Medina he had not received God's permission to fight•J the Quraish. This confession of weakness
on their part is due to the fact that they want to meet the objections of European writers who Because they have been wronged.
say that Muhammad was the aggressor in his wars against the Quraish. The objection of the And most surely God is capable of helping them.
Europeans and the apology of Muslim biographers are both beside the mark. Those who have been expelled from their homes without just cause,
The Meccans tortured and imprisoned the Muslim emigrants, separated husband from (Solely) because they say:
wife and mother from her child (as happened in the case of Umm-i-Salamah); they kept the "Our Lord is God". (Quran, 22: 39)
wealth of Muslims (the whole property of Suhaib Rumi was confiscated on his emigration
to Medina); they planned the death of the Prophet and fixed a prize of 100 camels for his This Chapter, No. 22, is a Meccan Sura and was revealed before the emigration to Medina
capture. If this is not a declaration of war on the Muslims what else can be? took place. There is no evidence that this particular verse was revealed at Medina more than
a year after the emigration. The Muslim writers who casually try to make us believe that this
They never made any restitution of confiscated property; they never paid any indemnity verse was revealed immediately before the Battle of Badr are playing into the hands of lyinga
for the wrongs they had done; they never asked pardon of Muhammad for plotting against objectors. The verse is quite clear. War had been declared on Muslims, it says, and they had
his life. On the contrary, they wrote to Abdullah bin Ubbayy (a Jew) and his allies amongst been oppressed and expelled simply because they believed in One God and said 'God is our
the unbelievers of Medina as follows:
"You have allowed this person (meaning Muhammad) to stay at your place. It On the other hand says God:
is now incumbent on you to fight him and banish him from your place. Otherwise
Will yOu not fight a people who have broken their oaths
we have sworn to attack you suddenly, all together. We will kill your young men
and take possession of your women." And they resolved to turn out the messenger,
And they began (the fight) the first time?
How can Muhammad be an aggressor if he fights these enemies of God and man?
The recent Muslim biographers of Muhammad say that Muhammad received permission to Are you afraid of them? (Quran, 9: 13.)
fight just before the Battle of Badr. The facts are quite eloquent and the Quran must not be The fact is that Muhammad had God's permission to fight the Meccans and he was getting
belied to please the European objectors whose objections are utterly baseless from head to ready for it but he would not and did not invade Mecca. He let the Meccans go to Badr.
food.
Maulvi Muhammad Ali's note in his translation of the Quran on verse 39 of Chapter 22
Even the bitterest enemy biographer of Muhammad, the writer of the article giving permission to Muslims to fight says:
"Mohammadanism" Vol. 16, of the Encyclopedia Britannica, 9th edition, page 55, col. 1, says:
"According to authentic reports, this is the earliest permission given to the Muslims
"According to Arab notions it was a kind of high treason on his (meaning
to fight. There is nothing to show that this verse was not revealed at Mecca. It
Muhammad's ) part to leave his native town and join a foreign society; on the
was owing to this revelation that in the well-known oath of allegiance taken at
part of the people of Medina it was an act of hostility to Mecca to receive him
Aqaba, the Holy Prophet required a promise from the Medina deputation that
among them. The Meccans would have been fully justified on their side to take
they would defend him against his enemies even as they would defend their
arms against the Moslems...It was the Moslems who took the initiative."
children?.
The friends of the Meccans would have been pleased if Muhammad and his little band
Muhammad knew very well that the Quraish would fight him but when and where he
of Muslims had been killed and nothing more heard of them. They would like to blow out Islam
did not know. He was, therefore, bound, a good general as he was, to send out reconnoitring
with their mouths (verbal vilifications) but God will perfect it in spite of them. The first
parties to keep an eye on the movement of Meccans. |
Muiuimmnd's Mission 271
270 4•’ All the Prophets I
binKhalaf was reported to be on its way to Syria but it did not meet Muhammad. It avoided
Muhammad's Reconnoitring Expeditions : 1 A. H. : First Expedition under Hamza: 1 him and Muhammad did not pursue it. Apparently Muhammad was getting news or revelations
Muhammad had to find out what the Quraish were doing, so he sent 30 riders under his unde of caravans setting out from Mecca towards Medina. How was he to know whether they were
Hamza towards the Red Sea (the route taken by the Meccans to Syria) to see if they were I trade caravans for Syria or military forces meant for the invasion of Medina ?
not really going& to attack Medina. Near Al-is, a place on the sea-coast, Hamza found a caravan I
The only way was to find it out by sending parties of his men who got the necessary
of 300 riders under Abu-Jahl. No fighting took place, and Hamza returned safely.
information so that Medina might not be taken by surprise. If he had sat down with a rosary
Second Party: But the Meccans might 4 be attacking Medina by another route, so a in his hand he would certainly have been attacked as the Meccans said "Suddenly by us all
second party of 60 riders (all Muhajirin as in the first party) were sent under Ubaida bin together." After another two or three months he took or sent another expedition towards
Harith towards Rabigh. They met with a caravan of 200 riders under Abu-Sufyan. No fighting Yanbo' under Abu-Salmah bin Abul-Asad. They were there at the end of the fifth and the
took place and each party went its way. beginning of the sixth months of the Second Year of Hegira (October 623 A.C.) getting
information about a caravan under Abu-Sufyan. Abu-Sufyan avoided them and they did not
In war, as well as in all games, it is the business of the leader to confound the enemy's
pursue him and returned to Medina. In these expeditions, Muhammad had succeeded in
plans. And the Meccans were confounded. Muhammad was so soon sending out expeditions
making alliances with Banu Hamza, Banu Mudlij and the people of Buwat.
surely, they thought, he must have an enormous army of Medinites behind his back.
It must not be forgotten that the Muslims did riot kill a single person of the Meccans in
To make the plans of the Meccans still more confounded, Muhammad sent another small
all these expeditions nor did they take a single animal or a single dirham from the Meccans.
expedition of 18 to 20 riders under Sad bin Abi-Waqas towards the south. They also returned
They went there to get information and to establish their prestige and for nothing else. If the
without any fighting having taken place. i Quraish had met them and discussed matters amicably, Muhammad would have made peace
Reconnoitring Expeditions 2 A. H. (623 A. C.) : The first year of the Hegira thus closed with them on honourable terms just as he had done with the Jews and just as he did with
without a single life having been lost on either side. It is quite apparent by the small number the Meccans, five years later at Hudaibiya when he was powerful enough to crush them.
of men sent out by Muhammad, viz. 30, 60 and 20 that he did not mean to fight the Meccans. Muhammad was ready to fight but he was readier still to make peace. The leaders of the
Those European writers who assert that these expeditions were sent to loot the caravans are I Quraish would not make peace. On the contrary, twenty days after his return from the last
also wrong because no loot took place. The expeditions were merely informatory. Muhammad expedition Kurz bin Jabir of the Meccans came with a party of the Quraish near Medina and
wanted to take precautions as God wished him to do. He had the permission to fight, and took away a large number of camels and sheep of the Medinites. According to the Meccans
it does not require a Divine order to fight those who are after your life. The Meccans had and their friend, the writer in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, they had every right to do so
declared war on him and they never complained of Muhammad's expeditions. How could | whilst Muhammad had no right to take the initiative or else he was the aggressor. But who
they? The question may be asked "Why did not the Meccans invade Medina in the First Year 1 was the aggressor ? Certainly the Quraish, both before and after the emigration.
of the Hegira?" The answer to this is that they were terrified by the extraordinary success
The Prophet set out in pursuit of Kurz, the looter and put Zaid bin Harith at the head
of Muhammad at Medina-by his unifying Muhajirin and the Ansar, in one brotherhood; by
I of Medina in his absence, but Kurz escaped via Badr.
his treaty with the Jews and by his readiness to catch them if they came near him. They were
no match for the genius
a of Muhammad. The facts as above stated are undeniable and the Meccan chiefs are solely responsible for
I all that followed.
Muhammad Himself at the Head ofExpeditions: 2 A. H.: The first year of Hegira consisted
of nine and a half months only, as it commenced in Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third, month of the The looting expedition of Kurz bin Jabir had clinched the issues. There could be no going
year. In the twelfth month of his Emigration or the second month of the Second Year of the back on them. In this Second Year of Hegira in the month of Rajab (seventh of the year)
Hegira, Muhammad headed an expedition himself but he made Sad bin Ubada its chief. He Muhammad sent a number of Muhajirin under Abdullah bin Jahash of the tribe of Asad and
went towards Ghazwat-ul-Abwa till he reached Waddan trying to find out the Quraish and gave him a sealed letter which was not to be opened till two days after his departure. He
Banu Damrah. He did not find the Quraish but Bann Damrah made an alliance with him. went where he was told to go and on opening the letter he read : 'When thou seest what j
is in this letter then go on to Nakhia between Mecca and Taif and observe the Quraish and!
He thus consolidated his position, and after a month, he again set out towards Buwat
at the head of 200 Muhajirin and Ansar al together. The fact that the Ansar were with him let us know the news."
proves most conclusively that it was not a military expedition, for, the first time he asked Pent/i of Umar Bin Hadrami 2 A. H. (623 A.C.) : Abdullah read it and informed his
the Ansar to fight with him was at Badr, as will appear later. A caravan under Ummayyah
T72 All the Prophets Muhammad's Mission 273
companions who all agreed to it. They all left without stopping as the order was to go on months. Whilst he was still living at Abu-Ayub's house, he sent Zaid bin Harith and Abu-
(and not to stop). Two of their companions Sad bin Waqqas Zuhri and Utba bin Rafi’ to bring his daughters Fatima and Um-e-Kulthum, his wife Saudah bint Zamah, and
Ghazwan, who had gone in search of their camels were left behind and they were both Usama bin Zaid. Abdullah bin Abu-Bakr, his companions and Talha bin Ubaidullah also came
caught by the Quraish. At Nakhia the Muslims met a caravan of the Quraish under Umar with them.
bin Hadrami. This was the last day of Rajab (one of the holy months). Sad on his own
responsibility and after consulting his companions interrupted the caravan. Someone shot an The Prophet's new house near the recently built mosque was ready and he moved to it
arrow which killed Umar bin Hadrami and the Muslims took two prisoners whom they about the end of the First Year of Hegira with his females.
brought
a to Medina. The Prophet Takes Aishah as His Wife : It has already been mentioned that Aishah bint
The Prophet in a difficult position and God's decision with regard to Nakhia Expedition: Abu-Bakr was engaged to the Prophet before his emigration to Mecca. She had come to
2 A.H. = 623 A.C. Medina with her brother. The marriage was now formally celebrated and Aishah entered his
home. Aishah was brought up in comparative luxury and was fond of her play-things. But
When The Prophet saw what had happened he told Sad and his companions, "I did not she was the most intelligent girl in Mecca or Medina and from all accounts she must have
order you to fight in the sacred month." He refused to take any part of the booty or to give been very beautiful. Muhammad loved her most tenderly and she was to him like a second
it to the Muslims. He waited for the decision of God. The Meccans raised a great cry against angel. Her memory and her faculties of judgment must have been extraordinary. But for her,
Muhammad ; and their conspirators amongst the Quraish in Medina also attempted to blaze almost half the events of Muhammad's private life would be missing. She ranks next only
up a big war against Muhammad for his having allowed fighting in the sacred month of Rajab. to Khadijah in the history of Islam, and in some ways she is almost indispensable. No historian
Muhammad prayed to God for guidance and it came. of Islam can do his work without bowing to the service she has done to Muslims for all time
Says God : to come. In matters of Islamic practice and procedure her sayings from the Prophet are
absolutely unique.
They ask thee concerning the holy month- Alms and Fasting : It is also during this period that the greater portion of the 2nd Chapter
(As to) fighting therein. of the Quran was revealed in which amongst other important things are the obligatory
Say, "Fighting, therein is a serious matter." keeping of the 29 or 30 days' fast in the month of Ramadan and the payment of the stated
alms. The quantum of alms is not fixed in the Quran but it was fixed by the Prophet at 2
But hindering men from God's way,
1/2 percent of the net annual income of each person above a fixed income. (The details of
And disbelieving in Him, these and other religious duties must be left over to be dealt with by theologians.) The Hajj
And (hindering them) from the holy mosque, was already an institution of Ibrahim and the Quran confirmed it and made Arafat the final
And turning out its people therefrom stage of Hajj instead of Mina.
Are more serious with God ; Adaan or Call to Prayer : The five prayers, it has already been stated, were fixed from
And persecution (in faith) is more serious than war. the day of Muhammad's Miraj. These prayers became a regular institution at Medina. At
Mecca, there was a great deal of interruption by the Quraish and it was difficult to form a
And they will not cease fighting with you congregation without the Quraish starting a persecution. At Medina, the congregations were
Till they turn you back from your faith comparatively large and it became necessary that the faithful should have some kind of call
If they can.. (Quran, 2 : 217.) to prayer. Someone suggested the trumpet-call as was done by the Jews. Another proposed
the ringing of bells as was done by the Christians. But both these forms were displeasing to
Exchange of Prisoners : The Muslims were overjoyed at this revelation and the the Muslims.
Prophet exchanged Sad bin Waqqas and Utba bin Ghazwan for the two Meccans captured
by his men. One of these Hakam bin Kaisan became a Muslim and remained at Medina. After a good deal of consultation, Muhammad fixed upon the Verbal Call as the best of ]
all, and Bilal was instructed to call the faithful to prayer. There was a house belonging to
Happenings at Medina : The sequence of events made it necessary that the expeditions a woman of Banu Najjar next to the mosque and Bilal ascended the top of this house beforeJ
of the Prophet be given in a series without break but that was only a very small, one each prayer and called :
might say an extremely small, part of Muhammad's work at Medina during the first seventeen
274
" the ôphets
Allah-o-Akbar, Allah-o-Akbar, Allah- o-Akbar, Allah-o-Akbar, Muhammad's Mission 275
("God is Greatz God is Great, God is Great, God is Great). the Quraish on Medina. "We have sworn to kill your young men and take possession of your
Ashhad-o-An-La-ilaha-illallah women," was the resolution of the Meccans presented at a meeting of the Jews and others
under the presidentship of Abdullah bin Ubbayy. It was a grand
24 chance for Abdullah bin
(I bear witness that there is no deity but God (Allah)).
Ubbayy to assert himself. But God was with the Prophet who got wind to this meeting and
Ashhad-o-An-La-ilaha-illallah boldly walked into the assembly and addressed them thus:
(I bear witness that there is no deity but God);
"O ye people ’. the Meccans are trying to deceive you. If you are taken in by
Ashhad-o-Anna Muhammadur Rasoolullah their threats you will be ruined. You will be killing your own kith and kin
in Medina (meaning the Muslims) and when you are weak they will over-power
Ashhad-o-Anna Muhammadur RasooluLLAH you and plunder you. It is better that we should all fight
24 them jointly as we have
agreed with the Jews. Tell the emissary of the Meccans that we are not afraid of
(I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of God). them/'
Hayya Alas Salah
Before Abdullah bin Ubbayy could put in a word the whole assembly unanimously
(Come to (or be alive to) Prayers) approved of this proposal with great joy. The Medinites were as much of a fighting race as
Hayya Alas Salah the Meccans if not more so. The assembly then dispersed. Bin Ubbayy said nothing but in
his heart he was greatly disturbed and was bent on carrying24 out his secret plans.
(Come to (or be alive to) Prayers);
Conversion of Abdullah bin Salam and Salman Farsi: Salman a Persian embraced Islam
Hayya Alai Falah
in the First Year of the Hegira. As to the Jews they had welcomed Muhammad and made
(Come to (or be alive to) Spiritual Success). an alliance with him to take advantage of his influence and power and to use him as their
Hayya Alai Falah tool. But God's Will was working otherwise. One of their learned men and priests named
Abdullah bin Salam embraced Islam together with the whole of his family. Before -the Jews
(Come to (or be alive to) Spiritual Success).
became aware of this fact, Abdullah bin Salam ( who himself remained concealed) had them
Allah-o-Akbar, Allah-o-Akbar sent for in the presence of the Prophet and had them questioned thus:
(God is Great, God is Great),
"What is the position of Abdullah bin Salam amongst you?"
La-ilaha-illallah
The Jews replied: "He is a nobleman and the son of a nobleman, a priest and a learned
(There is no deity but God)."
man amongst us."
This simple, melodious and charming call sums up Islam in a few sweet sentences and
Abdullah bin Salam then came out of concealment and told them what he had done and
is the spiritual food of all Muslims in all the four corners of the earth. If Muhammad had called them to Islam. The Jews did not relish this and began 24 to make secret plans against
done nothing more than institute this call and the prayer he would have become immortal Muhammad, and to annoy him by their verbal disputations as they had done Jesus six
but his fame rests on a thousand equally grand achievements. centuries before. History was repeating itself. To warn the Jews and to inform the Muslims,
Muhammad and Abdullah bin Ubbayy: Just about the time of the arrival of Muhammad God revealed the 2nd Chapter of the Quran. In verses 40 to 46 of this chapter God reminds
at Medina, the unbelievers amongst the Aus and Khazraj who had both suffered heavily in the Jews of His past favours and asks them to fulfil their covenant with God and He will
the Battle of Buath were intending to make Abdullah bin Ubbayy (the Jewish leader of fulfil His. In this there is a reference to the Covenant they made with God through Moses
Medina) their king. A crown of gold had been made and everything got ready for the and also the covenant they made with Muhammad. God then orders them to believe in the
coronation of Abdullah bin Ubbayy but the arrival of Muhammad and his marvellous activity Quran which has come to confirm their sacred book and be not the first to disbelieve therein^
put these things in abeyance. and sell the word of God for a mean price by combining with the unbelievers. God orders-
them to keep up their prayers and pay the stated alms and pray with those who pray to God.
The Quraish sent their epistle to Abdullah bin Ubbayy calling upon the Medinites to fight "Do you command men (meaning unbelieving Arabs) to be pious, and forget your oxvn
Muhammad and banish him or else be prepared for the sudden and merciless onslaught of souls ?" 11
276 All the Propsts
And what was given to the prophets from their Lord ;
But God knew what was in their hearts; and Muhammad and the Muslims are forewarned
as to what they will do. The Jews determined to play a double role. They professed to be We separate not one from the rest of them.
the friends of Muhammad but they were in league with the unbelievers, and their whole object And we be obedient to (i.e., we be Muslims)." (Quran, 2: 136.)
from this day was to exile Muhammad from Medina as he had been exiled from Mecca. They
called upon the Prophet to go to Jerusalem and make Medina a midway home between Mecca The whole matter between Judaism, Christianity and Islam is discussed in verses 113
and Jerusalem. "Jerusalem was the home of the Prophets and more fitting for Muhammad to 141 of the Second Chapter of the Quran. Islam is the religion of all the prophets of
than either Mecca or Medina," they said. God but the Christians and Jews would not agree to this. They would only believe what
was sent down to them and disbelieve in what is sent down to others.
Muhammad saw through their stratagem,
2J and soon God's command came to change the
direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Kaaba. This gave further offence to the Jews and Worldliness Prevents Disbelievers from Believing Islam:
they became a perfect nuisance to Muhammad and the Muslims whilst secret communications
Nothing prevents disbelievers from believing in Islam except their worldliness.
were going on between them and the Meccans.
■'■7. I They are afraid that by doing so they would lose their position of superiority
Deputation of the Christians : About this time a deputation of the Christians of Najran which they think belongs to them. Islam is a religion in which all men become
consisting of about 60 riders came to Medina. There were amongst them some men of learning equal before God. The rich and the poor, the noble in birth and the meanest
and of noble birth. Their real intention was to increase the enmity between the Jews and of the mean start on an equal footing; and "he alone is the noblest in the sight
the Muslims and to bring it to the points of war. of God who is the most pious amongst you." (Quran 49 : 13.)
Muhammad welcomed them right royally and served them in person, allowing them
Emperors, kings,•4 commanders, priests, feudatory lords and others who have acquired
to pray as they liked and do as they pleased. Religious discussions also took place
a special position amongst their fellow beings are instinctively against Islam-priests
between the three religions-Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The Jews denying the
especially. But for the guardians of the deities of Mecca, the Quraish would have joined the
Christians and the Christians denying the Jews and both wrangling without any real faith
faith of Islam long before they did. This is proved by the fact that when the opposition of
in God.
the chiefs broke down, the people embraced Islam in large numbers. But at the time we are
And say the Jews, speaking of, all three parties- the unbelievers amongst the Arabs, the Jews and the Christians-
were unwilling to acknowledge Muhammad. By believing in him they thought they would
"On nought be the Christains".
lose their hereditary rights, privileges and power over the populace. The Christian deputation
And say the Christians, left without any result. It was apparent to everyone, however, that the Jews were at heart
"On nought be the Jews". Muhammad's enemies.
And they (all) read the Book.... (Quran, 2 : 113.) Preparations of War : As we know that Kurz bin Jabir looted the camels and sheep of
the Medmites and was not caught. Muhammad realised the seriousness of his position. The
When both sides asked Muhammad as to what he believed he said :
Jews were intriguing against him ; the Meccans had declared war on him and the caravan
Say ye : which in October 623 had gone to Syria under Abu-Sufyan would soon be back to Mecca when
the Quraish having made a profitable commerce and gathered together all their resources
"We believe in God, would fall on him with all their might and the Jews would rebel against
•J him at Medina. He
And what has been sent down to us, had his revelation from God and must act before any such emergency arose. In all his
*
And what was sent down to enterprises he forestalled his enemies and confounded their plans. He began to act immediately.
He made preparations to threaten the safe return of Abu-Sufyan caravan to Mecca. He did
Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaaq not mean to capture the caravan, but his coming•4 out was a threat to it, all the same. Those
And Jacob and his children, who deny this to Muhammad for fear of the Christian critics are giving •4 little credit to
And what was given to Muhammad as a general and are flying in the face of the Quran.
Moses and Jesus, Muhammad's move to intercept the caravan was a first class military manoeuvre.
Muhammad's Mission Til
And what was given to the prophets from their Lord ;
But God knew what was in their hearts; and Muhammad and the Muslims are forewarned
as to what they will do. The Jews determined to play a double role. They professed to be We separate not one from the rest of them,
I
the friends of Muhammad but they were in league with the unbelievers, and their whole object And we be obedient to (i.e., we be Muslims)." (Quran, 2: 136.)
from this day was to exile Muhammad from Medina as he had been exiled from Mecca. They
called upon the Prophet to go to Jerusalem and make Medina a midway home between Mecca The whole matter between Judaism, Christianity and Islam is discussed in verses 113
and Jerusalem. "Jerusalem was the home of the Prophets and more fitting for Muhammad to 141 of the Second Chapter of the Quran. Islam is the religion of all the prophets of
than either Mecca or Medina," they said. God but the Christians and Jews would not agree to this. They would only believe what
was sent down to them and disbelieve in what is sent down to others.
Muhammad saw through their stratagem, and soon God's command came to change the
direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Kaaba. This gave further offence to the Jews and Worldliness Prevents Disbelievers from Believing24 Islam:
they became a perfect nuisance to Muhammad and the Muslims whilst secret communications
Nothing prevents disbelievers from believing24 in Islam except their worldliness.
were going on between them and the Meccans.
They are afraid that by doing24 so they would lose their position of superiority
Deputation of the Christians : About this time a deputation of the Christians of Najran which they think belongs
24 to them. Islam is a religion in which all men become
consisting of about 60 riders came to Medina. There were amongst them some men of learning equal before God. The rich and the poor, the noble in birth and the meanest
and of noble birth. Their real intention was to increase the enmity between the Jews and of the.mean start on an equal footing; and "he alone is the noblest in the sight
the Muslims and to bring it to the points of war. of God who is the most pious amongst you." (Quran 49 : 13.)
Muhammad welcomed them right royally and served them in person, allowing them
Emperors, kings, 24 commanders, priests, feudatory lords and others who have acquired
to pray as they liked and do as they pleased. Religious discussions also took place
a special position amongst 24 their fellow beings are instinctively against Islam-priests
between the three religions-Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The Jews denying the
especially. But for the guardians
24 of the deities of Mecca, the Quraish would have joined the
Christians and the Christians denying the Jews and both wrangling without any real faith
faith of Islam long before they did. This is proved by the fact that when the opposition of
in God.
the chiefs broke down, the people embraced Islam in large numbers. But at the time we are
And say the Jews, speaking of, all three parties- the unbelievers amongst the Arabs, the Jews and the Christians-
were unwilling to acknowledge Muhammad. By believing in him they thought they would
"On nought be the Christains".
lose their hereditary rights, privileges and power over the populace. The Christian deputation
And say the Christians, left without any result. It was apparent to everyone, however, that the Jews were at heart
"On nought be the Jews". Muhammad's enemies.
And they (all) read the Book.... (Quran, 2 :113.) Preparations of War : As we know that Kurz bin Jabir looted the camels and sheep of
the Medinites and was not caught. Muhammad realised the seriousness of his position. The
When both sides asked Muhammad as to what he believed he said : Jews were intriguing against him ; the Meccans had declared war on him and the caravan
Say ye : which in October 623 had gone to Syria under Abu-Sufyan would soon be back to Mecca when
the Quraish having made a profitable commerce and gathered together 24 all their resources
"We believe in God, would fall on him with all their might and the Jews would rebel against him at Medina. He
had his revelation from God and must act before any such emergency arose. In all his
And what has been sent down to us,
enterprises he forestalled his enemies and confounded their plans. He began to act immediately.
And what was sent down to He made preparations to threaten the safe return of Abu-Sufyan caravan to Mecca. He did
Ibrahim and Ismail and Ishaaq not mean to capture the caravan, but his coming out was a threat to it, all the same. Those
who deny this to Muhammad for fear of the Christian critics are- giving little credit to
And Jacob and his children,
Muhammad as a general and are flying in the face of the Quran.
And what was iven to
Muhammad's move to intercept the caravan was a first class military manoeuvre. The
Moses and Jesus,
• !
caravan contained commerce worth 50,000 dinars and not a single family of the Meccans was
unrepresented in its venture. The Meccans would be forced to divide their army-half to protect
the caravan and half to fight Muhammad-if they wanted to fight. Or else they might see the
folly of their opposition to Muhammad and make peace with him. Muhammad was always
ready to make peace with his Meccan brethren but he was not prepared to sacrifice his faith
or desert his followers.
Muhammad's Plan to Confound Quraish : In order to carry out his plan, Muhammad sent Seven
Talha bin Ubaidullah and Said bin Zaid to bring news of the return of Abu-Sufyan's caravan
from Syria. They went and stopped with Juhanni in Al-Haura (north-east of Medina on the
coast nearly 100 miles away from Medina) and when the caravan came near they made haste
to acquaint Muhammad.
When Abu-Sufyan reached Al-Haura he questioned Juhanni about any emissaries of
Muhammad but Juhanni would not reveal anything. Abu-Sufyan, however, was an astute LIFE AT MEDINA
man and either then, or before that time, sent one Damdam bin Amr of the tribe of Ghifar
to Mecca for the protection of the caravan. Most probably he had long before this day leamt
of Muhammad's going to the valley of Yanboz in October 623 and despatched his man for
help.
Battle of Badr
Anyway, Damdam reached Mecca in double quick time, cut the ears, nose and other parts
of his camel so as to make it bleed, tore off his own shirt both front and behind and cried: Preparations of Quraish to Crush Muhammad : As soon as Abu-Jahl heard this, he called
the people to the Kaaba to get ready for the march. Abu-Jahl wets a man who had his face,
"O ye Quraish ’ Your property with Abu-Sufyan! Muhammad and his companions tongue and eyes as if they were made of iron and none of the Quraish dare disobey him.
are on its way. I did not see them capture it. Help ! Help !" But even then the people were divided. They were afraid of being attacked by Banu Bakr
from behind on account of their old enmity of the unholy war of Harb ul-Fijar. But Malik
bin Jushum Mudleji stood surety for this and all the leaders of the Quraish set out to crush
Muhammad. Abu-Lahab, who could not go, sent As bin Hisham bin Mughirah in his place.
Umayyah bin Khalaf was going•J to stay behind but Abu-Jahl forced him to go by calling him
"a woman who should put Kuhl (or antimony) in here eyes." So that not a single man of
any worth who could bear arms remained in Mecca.
Quraish Force at Badr : The Quraish force when it started from Mecca consisted of full
1000 soldiers : 700 riders on camel and 300 on horseback. They were all fully armed and
provided with shields, armour, arrows, swords and other implements of war. Thirteen men
were appointed to feed this army and hundreds of camels were taken with the army for
carrying provisions and also to serve as food for the army itself as it had to go a long way.
Excepting Abu-Sufyan, all the leaders who had conspired against Muhammad's life
at Mecca were present. This army reached Badr where it received the news of the escape
of Abu-Sufyan's caravan from Syria on its journey back to Mecca and Abu-Sufyan sent
a messenger saying that God had saved his caravan from the hands of Muhammad and
it was not necessary for the warriors to go to Medina. A few of the Quraish went back
to Mecca.
280 Lije nt Medina 281
All the Prophets
But Abu-Jahl refused to go back. "By God," he said, "we will not return. We will camp and we will sit here'. But we are with thee and thy Lord, fight them, we will fight
at Badr and stay there for three days. We will slaughter camels, feast and drink and musicians with thee and thy Lord."
will sing for us. And all the Arabs will hear of our exploits, our great gathering and they The people became silent. The Prophet again said : "Give me your counsel, O ye people’."
will ever after be afraid of us."
He was now referring to the Medinites who had promised to defend him as they would
Badr was one of the Arab desert markets and Abu-Jahl wanted to make history so that defend their women and children, but they had not bound themselves to go out with him
the Arab poets may sing songs of his great gallantry
4 as a champion of the Quraish. Hence, and that was why he had come back to Medina. The Ansar understood what he meant and
this great force of the Quraish went on till they encamped on the further side of the valley Sad bin Muadh got up and addressing the Prophet said:
of Badr (i.e. the side further away from Medina).
"Is it us you are referring to, O Prophet of God ?"
Muhammad and his Little Band: Recent Muslim biographers of Muhammad say that only
after Muhammad had heard of Abu-Jahl's military force, did he come out of Medina (after He said :
consulting the Muhajirin) to fight the Quraish ; in other words, that he came out to fight and
Replied Sad : "We have believed in thee and confirmed thy truth and we bear witness
not to intercept the caravan from Syria. It has been stated above that Muhammad did not
that what thou hast been given (the Quran) is the Truth. And on this we have given thee
intend to intercept the caravan. He knew that he would have to fight the Quraish but the
our binding promise to hear and to obey. March on as thou intended for we are with thee.
force which set out with him from Medina did not come out to fight the Quraish but ostensibly
By Him who has sent thee with the truth, if thou ask us to wade through the sea we will
to intercept the caravan. The game
24 of war is a game of confounding the enemy.
wade through with thee, and not one man of us will stay behind, and we are agreeable to
When Muhammad set out of Medina he had only 312 or 313 souls with him. He had 70 whatever may happen to us on the morrow at the hands of our enemies, for we are patient
camels and two horses. Each camel carried three men and only a few men possessed armour. in war and truthful in our company. Perhaps God will show thee from us what will please
The rest had only swords to fight with. After sending back boys and incapable men, Muhammad thee. By the grace of God, march on with us."
had only 305 or 307 men left with him. Out of these, 83 were Muhajirin, 61 men of the Aus
and the rest of the Khazraj. They reached the valley of Dhafiran when they heard of Abu- Sad had hardly finished his speech when the Prophet's face brightened with joy and his
whole being was filled with happiness. A moment like that was worth a life's labour.
Jahl's army. *
"March on," he said, "and be glad that God has promised me one of the two parties"
Return of Muhammad to Medina : Here was a new situation. It was one thing to meet
(i.e. either Abu-Sufyan's caravan or victory over Abu-Jahl's army). Even at this moment the
a caravan with a comparatively small number of armed men and another to have to meet
the whole host of armed Meccans. Muhammad always consulted his companions and the Muslims did not know that Abu-Sufyan would escape them.
desert was no place for such a consultation, so he returned to his starting point near Medina. Muhammad Marches to Badr : Ramadan, 2 A.H. : Muhammad re-commenced his march
(It is always the custom of An Arab Caravan to fix its starting stage outside the town at some and sent Ali bin Abu-Talib, Zubayr bin Awwam and Sad bin Abi Waqqas to bring news of
distance from it and not in the town itself for the very obvious reason that towns lack open the enemy. They brought him two boys who had seen the enemy force. They were questioned
spaces.) When he returned to Medina, the Quraish and the Jews both became bold. "Away as to the number of the enemy but they could not say how many.
with Muhammad" was not their open secret. "Turn him out of Medina as the Quraish turned
"How many camels do they slaughter each day ?" asked Muhammad.
him out of Mecca and be rid of his new religion" was their concerted plot. But Muhammad
had received God's order, and as usual before deciding on any command he consulted his "Nine one day, and ten the other" was their reply. Muhammad concluded from this that
people and they were told exactly what the position was. there were between 900 and 1000 Quraish in the army. He also learnt from the two boys that
Abu-Bakr and Umar bin Khattab were with him for fighting but he said : "Give me your the chiefs of the Quraish were bent on fighting him. Muhammad said to his people : "Mecca
opinions" addressing the people generally. has thrown to you the treasures of her very heart and liver."
Miqdad bin Amr got up and said : Escape of Abu-Sufyan: Two other Muslims went to the watering places of Badr and leamt
from two girls that Abu-Sufyan's caravan would be there on the morrow. The two Muslims
"O Prophet of God ! march on as God guideth thee, for we are with thee. By God, had knelt their camels on a mound near the water whilst they were getting this information
we will not say to thee as the Israelites said "Go thou and thy Lord and fight them which they brought to Muhammad.
282 All the Prophets at Medina 283
But Abu-Sufyan was not to be caught so easily. Leaving his caravan behind, he advanced But (it was so) that God might carry out what was to be done,
to Badr in person and asked the keeper of the water named Majdi "Have you seen anyone?" In order that he who chose to perish might perish with clear proofs (before him)
Majdi replied: "Two persons had their camels kneeling on this mound." Abu-Sufyan examined And he who chose to live might live with clear proofs (before him)....
the excreta of the camels and found in it remains of fodder peculiar to Medina. He rushed (Quran, 8 *. 42.)
back and took his caravan further away to the sea-coast and escaped all possible pursuit. It
was then that he sent the news of his escape to Abu-Jahl (not after reaching Mecca as some It is quite dear from what has been said above that the Battle of Badr was by the Will
biographers say). oi God; that the Muslims setforth wishing to overtake Abu-Sufyan but that God Himself did
not wish them to do that. It was God's Will that the issue between Islam and Disbelief be
The Muslims were still expecting to meet Abu-Sufyan and they would have been just in
time but for Abu-Sufyan's foresight, precaution and wisdom.
Glory be to God for His Mercy and all honour to Muhammad for his generalship and
On the morrow, the Muslims learnt that Abu-Sufyan was beyond pursuit. There was for his winning the hearts of the Muslims before conquering his enemies.
nothing left for the Muslims but to fight the army of the Quraish. The thing had been pre
determined by God and Muhammad knew it. The Muslims knew it only when they were Other Events : On the day of discrimination, namely, the day the two armies met...
(Quran, 8:41.)
there. This is made quite clear in the Quran. The Battle of Badr was fought according to God's
Will. Neither side could escape it. Says God : The day of the Battle of Badr (about 14th January 624 A.C.) is the most distinctive and
decisive day in the history of Islam. If the Muslims had lost the battle that day they would
And when God held out to you that one of the two parties would be surely yours, not have survived the onslaughts of the disbelievers and the Jews; and Islam might have either
And you wished to have that for yours which was without a sting in it, disappeared from the surface of the earth or been put back for hundreds of years.
And God wished that the truth be fulfilled by means of His word The fulfilment of Muhammad's prophecy that Muslims would be victorious on that
day is a direct proof of his mission. He had told his followers that God had promised
And that the last of the unbelievers be cut off.
him one of the two parties-either Abu-Sufyan's caravan or Abu-Jahl's army. Now that
In order that the truth be established and that falsehood be nullified, Abu-Sufyan had escaped, there remained Abu-Jahl and his force for God's promise to
The dislike of the guilty notwithstanding. (Quran, 8 : 7-8.) be fulfilled.
The first nineteen verses of the Eighth Chapter refer to the Battle of Badr and those who Encampment of Muslims at Badr : The Muslims hurried towards Badr and when they
will refer to them will find out for themselves that in spite of the zeal of Abu-Bakr, Umar, came near the well of Badr (Badr itself is the name of the well) Muhammad descended from
Miqdad and Sad, there were many who were not quite so earnest as they, and that Muhammad his camel and when Hubab bin Mundhir bin Jamu' who was an expert in the art of war, saw
had really a most difficult work to win this battle. For instance, verses 42, 43 and 44 of this the Prophet alight, he said:
very chapter are most eloquent as to the real position of the parties. They are worth careful "0 Prophet of God ’. this place upon which God has caused thee to set thy foot
study. Says God : is the place for us. We will neither go forward nor backward. What sayest thou ?
Remember when you were on the nearer bank of the valley and they were on the Is this position good from the point of view of fighting and planning a defence ?"
farther bank, Muhammad replied, "Yes, it is."
And the caravan was below you... (Quran, 8 : 42.) Then at Hubab's suggestion and with the approval of the Prophet, they dug a tank in
which they collected all the rain water which had just fallen. They also constructed a hut for
These lines show most clearly that the Muslims, the army of the Quraish and Abu-Sufyan's the Prophet to be at his ease, and from which to give directions of war and in which to pray.
caravan were at one time all close to each other. God continues :
Love of Muslims for Muhammad : The Muslims saw that their last day had come. The
And had you been there by appointment you would surely have broken the unbelievers were three to one against them in numbers and more than twenty to one in
appointment, armour. For the Muslims to get back alive from this battle did not seem to be possible. Thev
would all die there that day and kill as many disbelievers as they could. But no harm must
284 $ at Medina 285
All the Prophets
come to the Prophet. In case the worst came to the worst, they intended to guard him and And if there be of you a hundred, they will overcome one thousand of those who
to rescue him alive. Abu-Bakr, his chief minister, was left with him in the hut as his guard. disbelieve... (Quran, 8 : 65.)
The Quraish who were on higher ground, took up their positions, and when they saw The Prophet urged them to fight and the faithful responded with one heart. They did
the paltry band of 300 down below, with no shelter and no place of rescue they were not fight to live : they fought to die and they lived.
exceedingly glad. The day of days had come. Muhammad could not escape them now. They
had him in the hollow of their hands. Let him call his Lord, God, to save him and his Description of the Battle of Badr, 2 A.H. (624 A.C.): Muhammad had given strict orders
companions. that the Muslims were not to be the first to attack, as he did in all his subsequent wars but
the Quraish were impatient. Abu-Jahl invited Amir Hadrami, brother of Umar Hadrami who
Muhammad's Love for Muslims : Muhammad arranged his men in battle lines but when had been lulled by a Muslim's arrow some two months before at Nakhia, to call upon the
he saw the paucity of their numbers and the poverty of their means, his heart almost sank S4 Amir stood up and cried " Wa Omar ah, Wa Omarah"
Quraish to revenge his brother's killing.
within him. God, however, Who was with him and Abu-Bakr in the cave of Mount Thaur, invoking vengeance for the death of his brother Umar. Then Aswad bin Abd ul-Asad Makhzumi
was with them now. The two of them went to the hut. Muhammad turned towards the Kaaba advanced to break down the water supply of the Muslims. But Hamzah, the Lion of Islam,
and bowed down before God. His mind and soul were absorbed in the Soul of God. He soon finished him before he could do any damage. Then Utbah's son Walid, came forward
beseeched God to forgive
a the sins of his followers, he prayed for the fulfilment of his promise and challenged the Muslims to single combat. Three young men of Medina went forward
and he supplicated God for His help. He wound up his prayers in these words : and offered themselves, but the Meccans would not fight them.
"O God ! these Quraish have come with their friends to belie Thy messenger, "0 Muhammad they cried, "send us our peers out of our own people."
"O God ! we need Thy help which Thou hast promised. Muhammad ordered Hamzah his uncle against Shaibah, Ali bin Abu- Talib against Walid
"O God ! should this small band of ours perish, there would be none left to and Ubaidah bin Harith against Utbah.
worship Thee." Hamzah and Ali killed their opponents in no time and then Ali, the Lion of God, went
He repeated this so often and so earnestly that he did not know where he was. His mantle and finished off Utbah who had wounded Ubaidah bin Harith and was swaggering of his
fell of his person and Abu-Bakr had to cover his shoulders and said to him, "God has listened success. The battle now became general.
to thy prayer and He will fulfil His promise." This was Friday the 17th day of Ramadan the Second Year of the Hegira (about 14th
But Muhammad continued in his supplications and calling upon God for help. He humbled January 624 A.C.).
himself before God as he alone could. The man who had risen to the highest of the high But has man ever seen such a fight ? Three hundred on foot fighting against 300 on horse
heavens in his Miraj was now weeping and crying with his face on the dust. "Neither our back and 700 others. And only a few of the 300 Muslims had any armour. The Muslims had
numbers nor our strength is of any use. Thy help alone can save us." A slight nap overtook only two horses and 70 camels but they could not use these in the fighting, as all had to be
him in which he received God's answer to his prayers. He got up, happy, came out to his on an equal footing.
men, persuaded them to fight and said : I
The angels or spiritual powers of God, however, were on the side of the Muslims whilst
"By Him in Whose hands is Muhammad's soul, everyone of you who fights them the disbelievers had nothing but their hatred against Muhammad. The Muslims also had an
today and is killed whilst persevering in fight, watching and facing the enemy inspired general to lead them. The disbelievers had none to rival him.
and not turning his back on him will most certainly have paradise for reward."
The Muslims were commanded to find out and attack the leaders and the chiefs of the
The men were electrified. They saw paradise before their eyes. The 1000 of the enemy Quraish. They performed prodigies of valour and wonders of skill. A young Ansar named
looked fewer than themselves. Each Muslim was the equivalent of two disbelievers, nay of ten, Muadhbin Amr met Abu-Jahl, the 'Father of Ignorance' and the greatest enemy of God Abu-
f Jahl was clad in nail armour all over the head and his body. His shins were the only part-
O thou Prophet .’ uncovered by iron. Muadh with a single stroke of his sword cut off Abu-Jahi's leg and the
Urge the faithful to fighting. latter fell from his horse. 'Ikramah, son of Abu-Jahl, struck Muadh on his left shoulder so
that the arm of Muadh hung down, half cut and half uncut. But Muadh went on fighting
If there be of you twenty persevering men they will overcome two hundred, I carrying his hanging arm with him. At last, when he found it interfering with his fight. he
2Sb AH the Prophets at Medina 287
put the hanging part of his arm under his foot and tore it off clear from his body and continued Remember when He covered you with a (Short) nap as a calm from Himself (this
the fight. refers to Muhammad's nap when praying for help in the hut).
\l
Bilal met his old master Umayyah bin Khalaf and his son Ali and killed them both And He caused to be sent down upon you water from above,
In this way, eleven out of the fourteen leaders who had conspired to kill Muhammad at That He might cleanse you there with,
Mecca were killed at Badr Their names are And carry away from you the filthiness of the evil-one,
And that He might tighten up your hearts.
son of Rabiah
And make you stand fast there with.
(1) Shaibah
(AU this is the result of Muhammad's prayer for his men whose past sins were forgiven
(2) Aqabah
and who were endowed with the power of God to fight heavy odds ranged against them.)
(3) Taaima bin Adi
Remember when thy Lord commanded the Messenger-spirits
(4) Hanth bin Amr
Surely 1 am with you.
(5) Nadr bin Harith
(6) Abul-Bakhtari Therefore make ye firm those who believe ;
(7) Zamah bin Aswad I will soon cast terror into the hearts of those who disbelieve,
son of Hijjaj The strike above (their) necks,
(8) Abu-Jahl And strike off all their extremities. (Quran, 8 : 11-12.)
(9) Bamyah The unbelievers lost because God had made the Muslims unconquerable and put terror
(10) Munabbah into the hearts of His enemies.
and
Therefore, you did not kill them, but God killed them... (Quran, 8: 17.)
(11) Umayyah bin Khalaf.
Muhammad's Instructions to Search for Abu-Jahl's Body : Abdullah Bin Masud went to
The three who did not die (Abu-Sufyan not being in the fight),
1) & 1
f J
namely.
look for the dead. He found Abu-Jahl in a dying condition but still alive. Abdullah bin Masud
(1) Abu-Sufyan said to him : "O enemy of God 1 see how God has made thee low." Abu- J ahi asked him the
(2) Zubayr bin Mutim result of the battle and on being told that the Meccans had been defeated he asked Abdullah
to cut his head with all his neck intact close to the shoulders, so that his head might be
(3) Hakim bin Hizam
distinguished as being high and belonging to a chief of the people. Such was the pride of
Later Conversions: Muhammad continued urging his men on to fight, and finally he took
this enemy of God. Muhammad thanked God for the victory and the first thing he did after
a handful of sand, read some verses of the Quran, and threw it towards the Quraish saying,
the battle was attending to the burial of the dead. Deep pits were dug and the dead were
"Disfigured be the faces of the enemy". And he (Muhammad) urged his men to attack the
carried into these pits and covered with earth. Umayyah bin Khalaf (the tormentor of Bilal)
Quraish with the utmost of their strength. The Muslims filled with the Spirit of God, sprang
has been so badly cut into pieces that he was buried where he lay.
at the enemy who seeing defeat staring them in the face and having no leaders left, fled
without even caring for their wounded and dying on the battle-field. Three hundred Muslims Amongst the dead were Abu-Qais bin Aslat, Ali bin Umayyah and As bin Munabbah.
had defeated 900 to 1000 warriors of the Quraish. These were all young men whom the Prophet had loved whilst he was at Mecca and who
had been forced into the fight. There was hardly a family of the Quraish which had not a
The Muslim Josses were 6 Muhajirs and 8 Ansar killed or 14 in all. The Meccans had 70
member killed in this battle.
killed and 70 left as prisoners or 140 in all. So that every Muslim martyr had an equivalent
of 10 disbelievers killed and prisoners. Who won the war? The boastful Quraish or the humble The Prophet gathered the booty and put it in charge of Abdullah bin Kab of Banu Xaipj
Muslims? Certainly the Muslims. Yet not even they. It was God who won.
2SB
Mafera
face. Muhammad who was in his house heard this remark of his wife ar-z sa~a
*O Sauda ! are you going to urge them against God the High agamsx Hzs
Messenger." She replied : "O Prophet of God' By God who ser: thee wim
die truth I could not help myself saying what I said when I saw him suer, a
condition.1' This shows what liberty* of speech every one enjoyed at that time and
also that Sauda was not without pity for the prisoners. The fact is that the Prochet
himsdf was moved to pity and the prisoners were distributed amongst the Mixsbms
with instructions that they were to be treated nobly till they were redeemed by
toe Meccans or till God gave other orders regarding them.
Opbrioas o/Muslims : Muhammad's ministers, Abu-Bakr and Umar bin Khauab. were
Stided m their opinion as to the prisoners. Umar, with his usual austere temperament, was
fer ri-ng them so that they might serve as a warning to others, but Abu-Bakr pleaded tor
■escr.
One of the prisoners was a poet He said to the Prophet : "O Muhammad ’ I have five
rizghieis, make a charitable gift of me to them." Muhammad released him.
Abu-Aziz bin TJmair was a prisoner with Abi Yusr. Abi Yusr would himself live on dates
rd feed. Abu-Aziz bin TJmair with bread. When Musab, full brother of Abu-Aziz saw this
he said to Abu-Yusr, "Keep him carefully and treat him most stnctlv. He has a rich momer
And they will not cease fighting with you
ad she must pay full ransom for him." Abu-Aziz heard this and said : "You are mv brother
Till the)' turn you back from your faith and you advice hardship on me." To which Musab replied :
If they can (Quran, 2:217.)
"The man who has you in custody is my brother-m-faith."
There was difference of opinion amongst the Muslims as to the division of the booty.
After much discussion, the prisoners were redeemed by payment of v anous sums from
Muhammad thought the matter over and then under Divine guidance distributed it equally
4000 to 1000 dirham each. Some who had no monev * were set free without anv
— ransom but
amongst all combatants including those who were compulsorily left in Medina like Othman
those who could read and write and had no money to redeem them were told to educate
bin Affan (to attend his sick wife) and Usama bin Zaid (Muhammad's agent in charge of
Medina whilst he was away). A horseman got double the share of a foot-soldier. He thus laid ten Muslim boys of Medina each. They were then released.
down the principal of the civilian and the administrator being as important
•It as the soldier in Expedition ofSawiq : Thus ended this fight. The Meccans were so filled with shame that
the polity of Islam. they could hardly look at one another. They were in great sorrow but the most wicked
The prisoners were taken along to Medina but two of them viz. L'qbah bin Abi Muaid amongst them advised the others not to cry as it would please the Muslims. Abu-Suh an swore
and Nadar bin Ha nth who had always tortured the Muslims at Mecca and who used to utter not to have the company of women till he had revenged himself on the Muslims. He took
the most abominable lies against the Prophet and the Quran were put to death. two hundred riders under him and burnt the plantations of dates outside Medina but ran
away when the Muslims came out to meet him. He and his followers after killing two Muslims
Treatment of the Prisoners : The Muslims entered Medina a day before the prisoners. ran for their lives and in order to lighten the burdens of their camels, throw on bags ci
When the prisoners came the next day, Sauda bint Zamah saw Abu-Yazid Suhail, one of the pounded dry oats (called Sawiq in Arabic) which the Muslims who pursued them packed up
prisoners, with his hands tied behind his back. She could not help speaking to him and said: Hence this pursuit of the Meccans is called "The Expedition of Sawiq Tht> took pkwv w
"O Abu-Yazid 1 have you surrendered your souls and given away your hands? the month of Dhul-Hijja (12th) of the Second Year of the Hegira.
Death was more honourable than that ?" She made this humorous remark on of the Battle . The winning of the Battle of Badr, the first pitduM battk m
account of the hands of the prisoner being invisible when she saw him face to was the most glorious event in its history, It endowed the Muslims with a wifi te win the
I
290 All the Prophets Medina 291
value of which cannot be reckoned in terms of men and money. Just as the Prophet is an Events in the Second Year of Hegira : 7th May 623 to 26 April 624 A.C.
exemplar to ail Muslims so is Badr the ideal of all Muslim battles. When Muslims fight, they The hews of the Battle of Badr reached Medina on 18th Ramadan of the Second Year of
must fight for the love of God only and to establish His Truth. the Hegira, and Muhammad entered the city on 22nd Ramadan (about 19th January 624 A.C.).
Surely God has purchased from the faithful their lives and their belongings in The Battle of Badr was fought five days earlier on or about 14th January 624 A.C.
exchange for the Garden that is for them... (Quran, 9: 111.) This very year saw the institution of the two 'Eid prayers, and the order as to the payment
of the Sadaqa-e-Fitr (alms at the completion of thirty days' fast).
The Jews and the disbelievers all over Arabia now became aware that a new power had
arisen amongst them which was bound to win unless they succeeded in smothering it. "Kill Muhammad married off his daughter Umm-Kulthum to 'Othman bin Affan who had
Muhammad" was their hearts' desire. become a widower (his first wife Ruqayya, the Prophet's daughter from Khadijah, having
died on the 18th Ramadan).
Safwan bin Umayyah, whose father and brother had been killed at Badr hired one 'Umair
bin Wahab to go to Medina and murder the Prophet. The conversation was kept secret. But This year also saw the marriage of Ali bin Abi-Talib, and Fatima the youngest daughter
God warned the Prophet as to what was coming. 'Umair reached Medina with a sword that of the Prophet. The rest of the year passed in peace and quiet, Muhammad devoting himself
had been sharpened and the blade of which had been poisoned so that a wound of the sword to consolidating his position and instructing his people in the service of God. The end of the
might prove fatal. year, however, was again disturbed by Abu-Sufyan's raid on Medina already mentioned
above and called "The Expedition of Sawiq".
Umar bin Khattab discovered 'Umair, caught hold of him and his sword and brought him
before the Prophet. T7ie Death of Abu-Lahab and Hindu's Oath : The first man to carry the news of the defeat
of the Quraish to Mecca was Haisuman bin Abdullah of the tribe of Khuza. When he told
The Prophet told Umar to release 'Umair and asked 'Umair: "What is the cause of your
them of the defeat of the Meccans and of the death of their chiefs, leaders and great men,
coming ?"
the Meccans would not believe him just as the Jews would not believe in Muhammad's
'Umair said: "My son is one of the prisoners. I have come that you may take pity on me victory It is a psychological fact that the mind of man refuses to believe in unpleasant truths.
and release him." When the news was confirmed, Abu-Lahab, the curse of the Quraish, got such a severe fever
that he died within seven days. Thus was fulfilled God's word told ten years before :
The Prophet said: "Safwan has hired you to kill me and this sword which you hold is
poisoned." The Prophet then related verbatim the conversation which had taken place between "Perish the two hands of Abu-Lahab and perish he himself."
the two. 'Umair said : "I believe in God and I acknowledge that you are the Messenger of
God, for excepting me and Safwan no one knew this secret." Abu-Lahab means the "Father of Flame". The women folk of Mecca began to cry but
Hinda, wife of Abu-Sufyan, rebuked them for their weakness and swore to revenge herself
"The Battle of Badr," says the writer in the Encyclopedia Britannica, "is not only the most in person on the Muslims. Though her husband Abu-Sufyan was alive, her father Utba, her
celebrated of battles in the memory of Moslems: it was really also of great historical importance. brothers Walid and Shaibah, and several other relations of hers had been killed in the Battle
It helped immensely to strengthen Muhammad's position. Thenceforward open opposition of Badr. She had her revenge as will be seen in the Battle of Uhud,
to him in Medina was impossible; families who had hitherto withdrawn themselves from his
influence were so thoroughly cowed by some atrocious murders carried out in obedience to Battle of Uhud
his orders, that they went over to Islam. He was in a position to proceed to break up the
autonomy of the Jews." The leaders, including Abu-Sufyan bin Harb, Jabir bin Mutim, Safwan bin Umayyah
'Ikramah bin Abu-Jahl, Harith bin Hisham, Humait bin Abdul-Uzza and others, gathered in
The writer alleges murders committed by Muslims but does not give details. Falsehood DaraJ-Nadwah and decided on war with Muhammad on a scale and with an army which
has no legs to stand upon and is content to shoot the air. However, the testimony of the writer they thought Muhammad could not possibly meet.
as to the value of the victory is there. He goes on to say in a later paragraph :
Some one suggested that the women be taken along so as to stand behind the men to
"The Meccans also were very deeply impressed by the defeat inflicted on them remind them of the defeat of Badr and to urge them to fight. "Consult the women themselves"
by the Moslems. They saw clearly that the blow must be avenged, and they took said some one. Hindah bint Utbah, swore terrible oaths of vengeance on the Muslims and
comprehensive measures for their campaign." would not let anyone of her sex of any importance remain behind.
[jjeat Medina
So the Quraish set forth with 3000 soldiers, (out of which 700 were wearing mail-armour) and our plantations to be at their mercy whilst we are imprisoned in Medina? If we do so,
200 horses, and 3000 camels, with arms and armour enough and to spare; and every one sworn it will only increase the courage of our enemies who will gather all Arabia against us fa the
to revenge himself on Muhammad. sate of toot God who gave us victory at Badr will makes us victorious at Uhud. And if we
die, there is paradise for us. We will fight for the sake of God."
Neius of Invasion of Medina (3 A.H) : Three was only one man amongst the disbelievers
of Mecca who had any sympathy with Muhammad and that man was his uncle Abbas. He Speeches like these filled the hearts of the young!4 Muslims. Their souls were overflowing
sent the news to Muhammad and his courier, a man of the ribe of Ghifar, met Muhammad with the power of faith. They7 were the sons of great fighters and now they had the strength
at Quba near Medina. When Muhammad learnt the contents of the letter he sent men to warn of Islam added to their hereditary courage. How could they bear to be besieged?
people to withdraw their camels and sheep from the outskirts of Medina. Even some of the old men were willing to die. Khaithamah Abu Sad bin Khaithamah
Muhammad came to Medina from Quba immediately and sent his own men to find said: “It may be the God will give us the victory or it will be Shahadat (martyrdom).
1 was extremely anxious to go and fight at Badr but I missed it. My son went and
out the truth. They soon returned and confirmed the news as told in the letter of Abbas.
he was lucky to taste the everlasting life. Yesterday I saw him in my dream saying:
The Aus and Khazraj and all the people of Medina were terribly afraid of this invasion
'Join us; we will be your companions in Paradise. 1 have got what my Lord promised
and no one slept that night with ease. Even the Prophet himself was somewhat taken
me and found it to be the truth/ O Prophet of God’. 1 am most willing to accompany
aback by the seriousness of the news which he received. A thousand or two thousand
my son to Paradise. I am advanced in year and my bones have become brittle and
soldiers was what one could expect but here were 3000 coming against him with all the
1 wish to meet my Lord."
ferocity and vengeance characteristic of pagan Arabs with whom the killing and mutilating
of the victims and prisoners of war was an ordinary affair. And their ferocious women The majority were clearly against being besieged and Muhammad made up his mind to
folk headed by Hindah were accompanying their pagan males. Surely this was not going follow the majority. God's Will be done on the heavens above and the earth below.
to be a battle but a butchery. After Friday prayers with the congregation, Muhammad gave the glad news of victory
The day before the battle: Friday, 10th Day of Shawwal (10th Month) of 3rd Year of to those who were persevering and ordered the people to get ready to go out and meet the
the Hegira = 25th January 625. enemy.
Two Opinions : Next morning the inhabitants of Medina woke up in great fear for the Umar bin Khattab and Abu-Bakr helped the Prophet in *11J•4. on his armour.
Meccans had already reached Uhud, three to four miles north- east of Medina Muhammad Those who had opposed the Prophet were very much upset for fear of having
called the Muslims and the Jews together for consultation. "How shall we meet the enemy?" committed sin in doing so. But he was not offended. "Wait and see what 1 command
- was the question. then follow that and you will be victorious if you persevere." And Muhammad gave
orders for advance towards Uhud. He thus firmly laid the principle in Islam that
Muhammad's own opinion was that they should fortify Medina so that, when the Quraish in all matters relating14 to the administration of a Muslim country', the Ruler or
attacked, they might be better able to repel them. Administrator must consult and if possible, follow the opinion of the majority. He
Abdullah bin Ubayy agreed with this opinion saying: "O Prophet of God? We will fight Subordinated his own opinion and his own wishes to those of the majority of the
the enemy in the city and when they advance, our women and children will pelt them with Muslims. If this principle of the right of the people to decide their own affairs had
stones whilst we will fight them with our sword and Medina is formed like a fort and has always been adhered to by Muslims they might have avoided many mistakes which
never been conquered by any foe." overtook them in after years.
All the leaders of the Jews, Muhajirs and Ansar agreed with this opinion. Defection by Abdullah bin Ubbayy : Muhammad had not gone far from Medina when
Ibn Ubbayy (and his 300 Jewish followers) left the Muslims on the pretext that Muhammad
77zc Other Opinion : But the Muslims had liberty of speech and they were asked if they had not followed his advice and was obeying mere boys who were with him.
agreed with the opinion of the elders. The young men were of a different opinion. There were
amongst them those who had fought at Badr and who wanted to become martyrs. But the When the morning came, Muhammad found himself with 700 Muslims to fight 3000 of
larger number of them had not fought at Badr and wanted to distinguish themselves. The the Quraish including 1700 mailed warriors and all of them bent on Revenge.
one thing they were after was "paradise" i.e. martyrdom. "Shall we let our enemies think The Description of the Battle of Uhud :
that we were afraid of meeting them and preferred siege to death? Shall we allow our fields
Saturday 26th January7 625 A.C.
Ijfc At Medina 2M5
Muslim Lines: Muhammad reached Uhud on Saturday, 11th of Shawwal 3 AH. He chose
his positions so that the mount of Uhud was at his back. He arranged his men in battle ordet The Attempt o/ the Quraish to Turn the Muslitn Flanks : The Quraish and Ikramah with
and picked out 50 men and placed them on the mountain pass or ravine, with the following 100 horsemen made a desperate attempt to turn the Muslim right flank. But the Muslims stood
orders: finfe and pelted them with stones from the hill till 'Ikramah fled.
Similarly, Khalid bin Walid tried to turn the Muslim left flank and Khalid was also
"Guard our rear for we fear that they may attack us from that side; and remain
in charge of one hundred horsemen of the Quraish but the archers on the Pass, posted
in your positions and do not move therefrom. Even if you see us defeating the
Vy Muhammad killed a number of horses and so both wings of the enemy of Islam fell
enemy and entering his camp, do not depart from your position. And if you see
back
us being killed do not come to our help to defend us. And it is for you to shoot
their horses, for the horses cannot win against arrows." Hamzah and Abu-Dujanah now calling out "Die, Die" fell on the enemy and killed every
one who came in their way. Abu-Dujanah saw a person who was shouting most violently
Then he ordered the rest not to begin the fight till he commanded them to fight. amongst the Quraish He drew his sword to kill him and lo! it was a woman — Hindah wife
Arrangement of the Quraish Army : The Quraish also arranged their army in order. of Abu-Sufyan He left her, so that the sword of the Holy Prophet might not be stained with
£
a woman's blood and went after the others.
Khalid bin Walid was on the right wing; Ikramah bin Abu-Jahl was on the left wing; Abd
ul Uzza Talha bin Abu-Talha (the standard- bearer) was in charge of the centre together with Hamzah killed the standard-bearer of the Quraish.
Abu-Sufyan. Lanes were left open for the women to go to the front and back beating
Martyrdom of Hamza : Zubayr Bin Mutim had a savage negro slave whom he promised
tambourines and drums carrying their national idols and urging
!4 their men to fight singing
to emancipate on condition that he should kill Hamzah. The slave was an expert in throwing
as follows:
a javelin. He went with the Meccans and saw Hamzah like a yellow camel falling on the
"Courage ! ye sons of Abd-ud-Dar Meccans and killing them with his sword. When Hamzah's right hand got tired he put the
sword in his left and then back again in the right. The negro slaves watched his opportunity,
Courage ! ye patriots in the War,
and Hamzah not suspecting him went his way. The negro threw his javelin and Hamzah was
Strike and kill them all." killed. The slave then informed Hindah as to Hamzah's death.
Sword of Muhammad and Abu Dujanah : The two armies now got ready to fight. The One Hanazala was going to kill Abu-Sufyan himself but was attacked from behind by
Quraish shouting for Revenge on account of their defeat at Badr and the Muslims calling on Shaddad bin Aswad Laithi and killed. Nadar bin Aus, Said bin Rabi' and Ali bin Abu-Talib
God for help and victory and Paradise. The Prophet took out his sword and called volunteers amongst them killed all the standard-bearers of the Quraish-eight dying from the sword of
to bear it. Many offered themselves but the Prophet withheld it till Abu-Dujanah Simak bin Ali alone Altogether 12 standard-bearers of the Quraish were killed that day and finally the
Kharasha claimed it. "And what is to be done with it, O Prophet of God?" "Strike the enemy standard lay on the ground without anyone of the Quraish daring to pick it up.
till the sword be bent," said Muhammad. Abu-Dujanah took a red band and tied it round
his head- the Red Band of Death and walked between the lines of the Muslims and the enemy The Quraish fought with the utmost fury. Every time a warrior of theirs tried to fall back
in a proud manner as was his habit. When the Prophet saw him doing that he said: "God © the women barred his way. "Will you leave us to be the victims of the enemy?" they said,
would certainly be wrath at such a swaggering except on such an occasion." and the fight went on.
How the Battle Began : The first to come out and start the battle was one Abu-Amir bin But the Muslims were filled with the spirit of God and Hamzah's death made no difference
Saifi of Aus who had deserted his fellow citizens and joined the Meccans. He came out with to them. As at Badr they were not fighting in order that they might live but in order that
15 of his companions thinking that when he declared himself on the side of the Meccans, the they might die. The three thousand of the Quraish with 100 horsemen on each flank made
Aus who were with Muhammad would desert him. He called out to the Aus: "O ye people no impression On the Muslim and the Prophet urged them to fight.
of the Aus I am Abu-Amir." The Muslims amongst the Aus replied: The force of the Quraish attack was spent. They fled, the women notwithstanding. The
Muslims followed them, entered their camp and began
•J to take possession of their belongings.
"May God curse the eyes, O sinner."
Mistake of the Archers : The fifty archers whom Muhammad had posted on the Pass now
And the fight became general. saw the field clear before their eyes and their brethren engaged in capturing the booty’ left
behind by the Meccans. They were tempted to leave their positions and join in the
pfe at Medina 297
can a people succeed who dye the face of their prophet with blood whilst he is calling them
of the booty. Their leader Abdullah bin Zubayr did his best to prevent them from leaving to God’"
their positions but they did not see any danger in doing so. The joy of victory blinded them
to the Prophet's strict injunction against their departing from their station. Only eleven ar But God's help was near. The devoted friends and followers of Muhammad rushed to
twelve men were left with Abdullah bin Zubayr and the rest joined the others who were the place, giving and receiving blows. Everyone of them had blood rushing out of his own
gathering the booty. wounds but what of that? Muhammad, the beloved one of God, must be saved even if all
the Muslims had to die for him. They soon formed a cordon round the Prophet.
Khalid bin Walid saw this opportunity. He went round to the other side of the hill and
took the dozen arches from behind. He also sent messages to 'Ikrama and Abu-Sufyan as to Bravery ofFollowers: Abu-Dujanah who performed miracles of strength with the Prophet's
the weakness created in the Muslim positions. At once all the forces of the Quraish turned sword came up and covered the Prophet's holy person with his own, and exposed his broad
back on the Muslims. back to the enemy till it was covered with their arrows.
Victory Changed into Chaos : God's ways are wonderful. He had tested the Muslims in Sad bin Waqqas, Abu-Talha, Zubayr, Abdur-Rahman bin Auf made a wall of human flesh
victory. He would now test them in defeat. Those young Medinites (and old ones also) who round the Prophet receiving sword cuts on their arms.
were so keen on meeting God and going to Paradise yesterday ! — where were they? would Ziyad Ansari and five of his companions gave their lives in defending the person of the
they go to Paradise now or go back to Medina? He (God) sent Khalid bin Walid on to them
Prophet.
from behind, 'Ikrama from the other flank and the fleeing Abu-Sufyan and his hordes from
the front. The Muslims were surrounded on all sides. They dropped their booty and picked Even a woman named Umm-Omara had her arm cut by Qumayya whilst she was trying
up their swords. But alas-! the formation of the lines was gone. There was no order to observe to save die Prophet from Qumayya's attacks.
and no leader to follow. And all this through the disobedience of the command of the Prophet Whilst all these attacks on the Prophet's life were going on and were unsuccessful, because
of God. The enemy regained their courage and played havoc with the ranks of the Muslims. so many heroes of Islam laid down their own lives to save him, one of the disbelievers pelted
Abdullah bin Zubayr, commander of the archers, was killed by Khalids's horsemen and so him with stones. The holy Prophet's lip was cut and one of his lower teeth was broken. The
were the majority of the rest of his eleven or twelve companions. Prophets foot slipped and he fell into a pit. Ali held his hand, Abu-Bakr and Talha' pulled
Test by God : Some of the Muslims, in the chaos which prevailed, could not distinguish him up.
friend from foe and were doing their own men to death. The fight continued with unabated fury. Gradually the Muslims with matchless courage
Prophet's Life in Danger : The Prophet himself with about 12 men was surrounded by and under the most difficult circumstances imaginable repelled the attack of the enemy and
the enemy. Musab bin Umair took up the standard of Islam and stationed himself near the forced them back.
Prophet. One Ibn Qumayya Laithi killed Musab from behind and as Musab resembled the Wounded, bleeding, exhausted but undaunted, Muhammad ordered his companions to
Prophet in appearance, Qumayya thought that he had killed Muhammad. He climbed up a get to the top of the nearest prominence.
hill and shouted: "Muhammad has been killed!". The disbelievers began to dance with joy.
The Muslims were thunder struck. But just then Kab bin Malik, who was near, shouted: "Ye Abu-Sufyan saw this and went round to get behind the Muslims. The Prophet ordered
Muslims ! be happy !the Prophet of God is alive and whole ! Come here !" Umar bin Khattab to prevent this manoeuvre. Umar with some Muslims succeeded in pushing
I Abu-Sufyan and his men down the hill.
And the Prophet himself shouted as loud as he could, "Towards me, ye servants of G K9
I am the Messenger of God." The move of the Prophet to the top of the crag proved immediately successful. Scattered
bodies of the Muslims made a rush to the place where he was. The Quraish were also
Muhammad, the Centre of the Fight: In an instant, both friend and foe rushed towards
exhausted and, seeing so many of the faithful round Muhammad, made no further attack
Muhammad. But the enemy got there first. They were numerous and the Muslims were
dispersed. One Abdullah bin Shehab came up to the Prophet and wounded him on the face. Danger was not over yet. One Ubbayy bin Khalaf had vowed to kill Muhammad He was
Ibn Qumayya, who was still not far off, finding his mistake in saying he had killed Muhammad, riding a horse and now advanced to fulfil his vow. Muhammad told his companions not to
gave armour pierced his cheek. 'Ubaidah bin Jarrah drew out the ring with his teeth. The interfere and let him come on. When he was near enough Muhammad took a spear from
rings had gone so far deep into the bones of the upper jaw that 'Ubaidah lost two teeth in Harith bin Simah and gave his assailant a wound in the neck. The assailant turned his back
drawing them out. Muhammad was bleeding profusely but even then all he said was: "How and ran in a hurry, making himself the laughing-stock of his own companions.
298 Li/e at Medina 299
All the Prophets
This last stroke of the Prophet so heartened the Muslims and so disappointed the Meccans And leave ye sins that are apparent and (sins) that are hidden... (Quran, 6 12)
that the latter got tired and gave up the attack. And good and evil are not equal of each other.
Muhammad also retired with his companions to a sheltered part of the ravine where Ali Repel (evil) with that which is better and lo ’ he between whom and thee there
bin Abu Talib washed his wounds with water collected from a hollow in the ravine. was enmity shall be as if he was (thy) warm friend.
And none attain this except those who persevere.
Abu-Sufyan came near the place and shouted: "Is Muhammad one of you?" The Muslims,
under the Prophet's order remained silent. Abu- Sufyan then called out the names of Abu- And none attain this except those possessed of great fortune." (Quran, 4134-35)
Bakr and Umar and meeting with no response said: 'It seems, they are all killed." "Umar could
control himself no longer and shouted: "O enemy of God, we are all alive and God •3 will A Moral Victory
disgrace thee." Abu-Sufyan was nonplussed but shouted with pride: "Ali Hubail, Ala Hubal".
The Muslims who fought in this battle they had not cloth enough to cover the dead
(Hubal is great Hubal is great.) Muhammad told Umar to reply "Allah-o-A'ala Wa-Ajal." (God
bodies of their comrades. They had only 2 horses in the whole army against 200 of the
is Greatest and most Glorious.) Quraish. The Battle of Uhud is regarded by non-muslims as defeat for the Muslims, but
The reader will see what influence the language of the Arabs has over their minds. This there could never be a greater victory for the Truth. How 700 partially armed Muslims
verbal duel is far more effective than sword cuts: defeated 3000 well armed and well-equipped disbelievers who had the advantage of 200
horsemen and 700 mailed warriors; how a small number of his companions finally
Aby-Sufyan shouted back: "Lana' Uzza, wa-la Uzza lakum." (We have Uzza on succeeded in rescuing Muhammad against hundreds of the enemy determined on killin •J
our side and you have none.) him; how Muhammad stood his ground with three serious wounds on his face; how he
To which Umar at the command of the Prophet replied: "Allah-o- Maulana wa rallied his men when their destruction seemed certain and last but not least the courage,
la maula lakum." (God is protector and for you there is none). skill and self-sacrifice of his companions in repelling the enemy are military feats the
like of which it is hard to discover in the history of the world. No historian has ever said
Abu-Sufyan said: "Today's battle is a set-off against Badr."
or can say, that the Muslims were not as brave and as faithful at Uhud as they were at
"No", replied Umar, "our dead are in heaven and yours are in hell." Badr. The archers made a mistake and the whole Muslim army had to suffer for it, but
"We will meet again, next year, at Badr,' even this mistake provided the Muslims with a lesson and saved them scores of battles
shouted back Abu-Sufyan. in after years.. The holy Prophet is an exemplar to Muslims and it was necessary that
he should leave an example how a Muslim general should behave when the day is going
The Prophet told Umar to reply: "Yes, that is an appointment between you and
against him. The misfortune of Uhud was one of the greatest blessings in disguise. It
ourselves."
certainly was not a victory for the Meccans. They had their Revenge by mutilating
Mutilation ofMuslim Martyrs by the Quraish: Whilst the Muslims were waiting the turn corpses. If that was victory they might claim it to be so, but the threat of Abu-Sufyan
of events in the cave, the Meccans, both men and women, were busy in mutilating the Muslim for another war at Badr shows clearly that even he realised that Uhud had not been a
wounded and dead on the field of battle. Hinda, wife of Abu- Sufyan tore out the heart and decisive victory for the Quraish. The losses of the Meccans in this battle were not so
liver of Hamza and tried to chew the heart or the liver raw but had to throw it out. It was serious as at Badr but they lost quite a number of leaders, viz. Walid bin Asi, Abu-
too tough for her. Zubayr bin Awwam was also similarly treated and so were many others. Omayya and Hisham sons of Abi-Hudhaifa, Ubbayy bin Khala, Abdullah bin Hamid
The Meccan women made strings of the ears, noses and other parts of the corpses and carried Asadi, Talha bin Abi-Talha, Abu-Said bin Abu-Talha, Masafi and Jalas sons of Talha Artat
them to Mecca as treasures of war but the Meccans did not capture a single Muslim nor had bin Shura Habil and others, -altogether 17 leaders of the Quraish.
they a single animal or anything else as booty.
The Muslims suffered heavy losses both in killed and wounded. The killed alone
After the Meccans had gone the Prophet buried his own dead and was extremely bitter numbered 70. Muhammad's heart was full of sorrow at the death of Hamza and the rest
in his heart on account of the atrocities of the Meccans. He even said that if he got hold of of the Muslims. He returned to Medina and the Quraish left for Mecca. He passed the
Meccans he would repay them in their own coins but God immediately forbade him to do night in meditation and when the morning came he was as full of fight as he had been
tha t: before.
300 All the Prophets [jje at Medina 301
Muhammad Pursuing Quraish : After the morning prayers and after doing what was Therefore weary not and grieve not.
necessary for the precautions to be taken at Medina, Muhammad sent his crier round to call
For you are on the top
people to pursue the enemy but only those were to accompany him who had taken part in
the fight. All those who were invited (including the wounded) responded most bravely and If you be believers. (Quran, 3 *. 138)
Muhammad set out after the Quraish till he reached a place called Hamra-al-Asad where he Hardships, wounds and death are the means of assaying and distinguishing the faithful
encamped. Abu-Sufyan and his army were at Rauha. He got news of Muhammad's coming (140-142). Muslims are exhorted that if their leader dies they must not fly:
out again. A man called Mabad-al-Khuzai going from Medina to Mecca passed by Abu-
Sufyan's army. He was still a disbeliever. Abu-Sufyan asked him about Muhammad's army. And Muhammad is but a messenger.
Mabad replied: "Muhammad and his companions have come out in pursuit of you in such Surely (many) messengers have gone before him.
numbers as have not been seen before and all those who were left behind on the first day if then he die or be killed.
have joined him and all of them are enraged against you and are bent on revenging themselves
Will you turn upon your heals? (Quran, 3 : 143)
on you. Abu-Sufyan was on the horns of a dilemma. If he retired before Muhammad, all
Arabia would call him a coward. If he fought and lost his so-called victory at Uhud would This verse refers to the consternation caused amongst muslims on the rumour of his death
become another Badr. The promise which Muhammad made to the believers, viz., the defeat of the Quraish and
So, he also stopped where he was, sending his horsemen towards Muhammad and the mistake of the archers, are thus described:
threatening to follow. But Muhammad had chosen a position to his own liking and was not And most certainly God made good His promise to you when you cut them into
afraid of the Quraish. He remained there for three nights making big fires so that the enemy pieces with His knowledge.
might think him to be in great force.
Until when you weakened
At last, Abu-Sufyan's heart failed him and he returned to Mecca content with what he
And quarrelled about the order (given to you)
had achieved at Uhud.
And you disobeyed ( the prophet)
Muhammad returned to Medina with his prestige greatly enhanced and with his followers
encouraged by the fear which they had inspired the hearts of the Meccans. After he had shown you what you had loved (victory);
Of you were some who desire this world (i.e. booty).
The Quran on the Battle of Uhud : 3 A.H.
And of you were some who desire Future (i.e. Paradise),
Chapter three of the Quran (Al-Imran-The family of Imran or Amran) has lengthy references
to the Battle of Uhud some of which are worth nothing. Then He moved you away them
That He might discipline you. (Quran, 3 : 151)
The unwillingness of Banu Sulaima and Banu Harisa to go out with him is thus told in
the Quran: When the Muslims quarrelled over the prophet's order, they had to undergo the penalty
of their disobedience but it was a discipline to them for their future guidance. In the end God
And remember the morning when thou didst go out of thy family.
forgave them:
Setting the faithful in their stations for the purpose of fighting,
And God is Hearing, Knowing? And He has certainly forgiven you.
When two parties amongst you desired to act cowardly.... (Quran, 3: 120-121) And full of race is God towards the faithful. (Quran, 3 : 151)
Verse 126 states that the Quraish returned unsuccessful and verse 127 and 128 ask The Muslims were sorrowful, first because they had lost their victory7 and their booty but
Muhammad to postpone his judgment on them as God will deal with them as He pleases, that was nothing compared to the sorrow when they heard that the Prophet was in danger
verses 138 to 142 encourage Muslims and command them not to be downhearted. There is The diverse feelings of the Muslims and the courage of those who responded to the Prophets
wisdom to be learnt both from victory and repulse:
call are vividly described: .
Ufe at Medina
302 the Prophet
(3) That even a pending defeat may be turned to advantage and calamity warded off
When you fled far away and would not look towards anyone courage, skill and a cool-headed manoeuvre.
And the messenger was calling you from your rear (4) That God listens to the prayers of both the believers and disbelievers, and that each
So that He (God) caused you one sorrow in place of another, gets what he deserves. In other words, God is Impartial. In this Battle of Uhud, the
In order that you should grieve not for what you had missed disbelievers wished for revenge (not victory) and they had it according to their desire.
The Muslims wished for victory and martyrdom but more for the second than for the
And for what had befallen you, first and they had both in the proportion they asked for. The Jews wished and prayed
For God knows what you do. (Quran, 3: 152) for "safety first" and they had it also.
The next few verses describe the sayings of the cowards who did not follow Muhammad (5) That in all wars and fightings the final result always remains in the hands of God.
and who congratulated themselves on their safety. Death and Life are in God's hands and Both the Muslims and the disbelievers at Uhud got what they wanted but God being
people have no control over these. the best of Plan-Makers knew that the time had not arrived for a final decision and
so the struggle was postponed to another day:
Everything has its appointed term and in any event
But had God pleased He could have taken retribution from them but (this is so)
If you are killed in God's way, in order that He may discipline some of you by means of the others...
Or if you die, If.’ (Quran,47:4.)
Surely forgiveness from God Those who think that wars must be stopped might ponder over this verse (last quoted)
And mercy and find consolation in fact that even war should be regarded as a discipline for the progress
Are better than what they hoard. (Quran, 3 : 156) of humanity.
A study of the latter half of this chapter proves conclusively that God approved Effect of the Battle : The Meccans were overjoyed when Abu-Sufyan returned to them
the action of those who voted for an open fight and that God disapproved the and told them of the death of Hamza and other Muslims and what had been done to their
conduct and the saying of the Jews who abandoned Muhammad after having agreed corpses. One cannot blame them for they really knew no better.
to stand by his Judgment; that it is not for the Muslims or their leaders to think of The Jews, on the other hand, who knew better and who should have fought with
the immediate consequence of their actions as long as they are on the Right Path; Muhammad in terms of the Treaty they had signed, were exulting over the misfortunes of
that calamities and death need not frighten them; they befall all men irrespective the Muslims. But God is Impartial. He was waiting till the cup of the Iniquity of the Jews
of their faiths; that the Muslims are invariably successful-they gain more in the was full to the brim before punishing them.
Future than what they lose in the Present. In one word, that Faith in God and Success
Other Events : Hassan Bin Ali Bin Abu-Talib was born in this year. Muhammad spent
are one and the same thine:
the rest of the year in the teaching of Islam and in dictating the Quran and urging people
And these are the people who succeed. (Quran, 2 : 5) to study it and to commit its contents to memory. He had now lived two years nine and-
a-half months in Medina and from being a refugee he had become the Administrator of a
Lessons of LIhud State and his enemies were forcing him to a policy of "Conquer or Die" And Muhammad
(1) Obedience to the Commands of the General when those commands have been given was ready to die but he lived and conquered.
after due deliberation is absolutely imperative on ail Muslims.
Treaty of Hudaibiya
(2) That the consequences of disobedience are not confined to those who disobey but may
involve the whole body of Muslims: It has been stated in this book that the pagan Arabs were more frank in their hostility
And take care of a calamity which does not fall upon those amongst you exclusively to Muhammad, and less treacherous than the Jews. But alas ’ the Jews had infected them also.
who do wrong. (Quran : 8:25) The murder of 75 missionaries, is a case in point, and also what follows :
"The Muslims" the Prophet says, "are like one body or one man." Expedition of Dhu-Qarad (Early 6 A.H.) : One of the very worst examples of Arab
304 All the Prophets U/r at Medina 305
treachery was the case of Uyaina bin Hisn. After the expedition of Daumat-al-Jandal, this man, Devotion to God's Service : The above-named expeditions, however, were a mere trifle
being short of pasturing grounds for his cattle, was allowed free pasturage near Medina. in the lifework of Muhammad. The object of his life was the propagation of Islam. Wars, which
When the Allies invaded Medina, he Joined them with a large body of men and 1000 were a secon<âry mahe**, were imposed upon him by his enemies. If they had left him alone,
camels. there would have been no wars at all.
Early in this year, he raided Medina, killed the caretaker of the camels of the Muslims, Since his arrival at Medina, he hardly had peace for six consecutive months, and sometimes
kidnapped his wife and looted the camels. there was not a single month without its expeditions. No man had ever before been so
harassed as Muhammad was at Medina. His own genius, God's help and the unfailing
Sulaima bin Amr was-the first to find this out. He shouted to the Medinites for help and devotion of his followers had carried him through these years of perpetual warfare with the
himself pursued the robbers. Muhammad was one of the first to hear him and he also followed
Arabs and the Jews. And he had been successful in all his affairs. He defeated his enemies;
Sulaima.
his followers (both Muhajirin and Ansar) loved him as no man has ever been loved before
Many others were quick in pursuit of the raiders. A regular hunt took place. Muhammad of after. And as to his relations with God, they were completely harmonious. How could one
and his followers overtook the camels and brought back the kidnapped woman. This was man accomplish so much in such a short time and against such odds ? Truly it is a most
only effected by the dexterity of one of Muhammad's horsemen who cut the string which difficult question to answer. And the answer which God's Word suggests to the writer is
tied the Medinite woman's camel to the others. Uyaina escaped and took shelter in the contained in five words :
territory of hostile tribes.
Purification of the Human Soul : And how was this purification effected ?
Muhammad on his way back to Medina stopped at a place called Dhu- Qarad where he
By Prayer, Fasting, Charity and Love.
sacrificed a camel and returned home quite safe.
Expedition of Fidak : Ever since Muhammad had left Mecca, Banu Bakr had been one Let nobody suppose that because Muhammad had to fight the Quraish he did not love
of his bitterest enemies. They had taken the part of the Meccans in all their expeditions against them. His love for them increased with his years. He yearned to meet them and embrace them.
Muhammad. They were now in communication with the Jews of Khaibar against him. To let They were his brethren and he was theirs. Let Muslims all over the world learn a lesson from
them ma ture their plans would have been a disaster for the Muslims. And as usual, Muhammad his life. It is the bounded duty of every Muslim to love all mankind, but more especially those
was beforehand in all his expeditions. He acted on the sound principle of letting his enemy who are his countrymen, kinsmen and near relations. Islam is a Religion of Love and not of
have no time to mature his plans. Forewarned is forearmed. And Muhammad believed in Hatred. And as the writer of this book is an Indian he would remind all Indian Muslims that
quick blows and knocking out the enemy first. they owe a sacred duty to their fellow countrymen without distinction of religion. Love of
one's country and countrymen is part of the religion of Islam.
Ah bin Abu-Talib, the Lion of God, was sent with 200 men to punish Banu Bakr and he
overtook them at Fidak and routed them. Ah came back with a booty of 500 camels and 2000 During the first eight years of Muhammad's residence at Medina he had received the
goats. following Suras or Chapters of the Quran, viz., 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 24, 33, 47, 48, 56, 57, 58, 60, 61,
Conversion of Asbagh : In Shaban (the 7th month) of this year Muhammad dispatched 62, 63, 64, and 65 from God on High.
Abd ur-Rahman bin Auf to Daumat-al-Jandal to preach Islam. One of their chiefs named Chapters 2, 3, 4. 5, 8 = 7 3/4 /30th part of the Quran 57 to 65 = (about) 1/30 th part of
Asbagh bin Amr Kalbi, a Christian, was converted to Islam and gave his daughter named the Quran. On the whole, therefore he had almost a third of the Quran revealed to him during
Tamadar in marriage to Abd ur-Rahman bin Auf. the first eight years of the Hegira and it was coming to him in a continuous stream. He was
Treachery of the Beduins : Some of the inhabitants of a desert place belonging to the tribe learning it himself, teaching it to others and having it dictated, and each verse put into its
of Ukal came to Medina and professed Islam. After living there for some time, they complained proper place in each Sura. He never missed his prayers with the congregation ; he never
of itch and sickness. The Prophet sent them to the hills and fed them on milk. They became missed his fasts and as to charity he never kept anything with him for 24 hours running except
quite healthy and fat. Like Uyaina, they also killed Muhammad's camel driver and ran away the deposits of other people or debts which he owed.
with his camels. People say he kept so many wives but do they know that, even though he was
Muhammad despatched Kurz bin Khalid Fihri in their pursuit. The treacherous hypocrites Administrator of Medina, on occasions, there was no fire in his household for weeks and
were caught and executed. months ? He lived on a handful of dates and milk whenever he could get any. If any
booty or presents came to him, he distributed them immediately and though a rich man
L& si Medina
Muhammad's Longing for His Birth Place, Mecca : It was Muhammad's supervjzrar
energy that accomplished all he did. Idleness was unknown to his constitution and he wwki
not let his followers be idle either. The day after the Battle of Uhud, when his men had beer-
battered, shattered and scattered, he collected them again and marched m pursuit of the
enemy. The very monung of the retirement of the Allies from the Fosse at Medina, he ordered
"If you wish the life of this world and its ornaments then come ye. let me give a inarch on Banu Quraizah.
you some of its enjoyments and part with you a noble parting4Quran 33:28}. And in spiritual matters he was still more strict. Five daily prayers with the ccngsegabce,
A man of the world desires riches. Muhammad had plenty but never kept anything for long midnight prayers at home; fasting 30 days in each year and an extra seven days after
hrs use or the use of his household- the TEid; and then at least three fasts every' month making a total of 70 fasts each year But
he said the ideal life was to fast every other day except in Ramadan when cne must fast the
A man of the world desires comfort and luxury. Muhammad never knew what luxury whole month.
meant unless it was to make others happy.
By such devotions he disciplined himself and his followers. There was one thing, however
A man of the world desires to be worshipped by his fellow men. Muhammad gave and that the biggest of all, which was still lacking.
934
strict orders to his followers not to praise him in the manner of the Christains who had
raised Jesus to the skies. And in order to set an example of humility, he mended his own He had received the commandment to perform the pilgrimage (Quran 2 :197-210 and
22 : 26-38), but the Meccans barred his way to the House of God. Muhammad, as usual
shoes ; darned and washed his own clothes ; served his children and women folk and
prayed to God for guidance and he saw in a dream (Shawwal, 6 A.H.: December-January,
worked with the Muslims as others did. He tended his horses and camels. He never
628 A.C.) that he was shaving his head after the pilgrimage. Pilgrimage is of two kinds
missed visiting a sick person or a funeral. He was always contented, though poor, and
Umra (or the shorter Hajj) which may be performed at any season of the year by visiting
happy, though hated by his enemies. He loved children, respected aged persons, was
the House of God, doing the necessary circuit of the Kaaba, praying thereafter; running
proverbially kind to women and generous to all. And with all these virtues he would
seven times between Safa and Marwa and then shaving or cutting one's hair. The bigger
ask God's pardon at least 70 times every day and very often hundreds of times per day.
Hajj includes this and going to Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijja and stopping two
f ie humbled himself before God as if he was nothing but an atom of dust. He loved his
to three days thereafter at Mina; coming back to Mecca after sacrificing animals at Mina
•J
followers more than they ever loved themselves.

and doing the final circuit of the Kaaba and then shaving or cutting one's hair.
He is most solicitous for your welfare, What Muhammad had seen in his dream was Umra or shorter Hajj with sacnficul aninw!>
to be offered to people in the Name of Allah and entry into Mecca without fighting
(And) loving, merciful towards the faithful. (Quran, 9 : 128.)
Muhammad naturally thought that his dream was from God and must be fulfilled though
And all this devotion, love, humility and generosity in Muhammad was not for show. he had received no direct command as to the time and manner of its performance. But he
It was to please his Master who had made him what he was — "The purest ray of a gem made immediate preparations to visit Mecca as a pilgrim. But if he went, his followers must
serene". follow. They could hardly live without him.
It was all this and a great deal more that no man can describe which made him the beloved When people asked him how the Quraish would let him enter Mecca, in peace or bv war
one of God, the love of all creation and the magnetic soul of his followers. Muhammad had his reply was :
purified his soul; and Abu-Bakr, Umar, 'Othman and Ali and the rest of his companions were
also purified and so were his house hold : "Certainly not by fighting and most surely in peace."
God merely wishes to remove from you-the People of the House — all uncleanliness The people wondered greatly at this saying of Muhammad. Must not they take their
spears, bows and arrows with them ? "No, nothing," said Muhammad, "except the travel!ei>
And He will purify you a complete purifying. (Quran, 33 33). sheathed swords."
This purification was Muhammad's lifework and it is this purification which will continue He sent word to all the neighbouring tribes asking them to accompany him and that he
whenever people follow him rightly. was going on Hajj in the sacred month of Dhul-Qada and not for fighting
b/e at Medina 307
today he would be as poor tomorrow as any man ever was on this earth. His wives cried Muhammad's Longing for His Birth Place, Mecca : It was Muhammad's superhuman
for earthly comforts and does the world know what the reply from God was to them? energy that accomplished all he did. Idleness was unknown to his constitution and he would
Here it is : not let his followers be idle either. The day after the Battle of Uhud, when his men had been
battered, shattered and scattered, he collected them again and marched in pursuit of the
O thou Prophet ! say to thy wives :
enemy. The very morning of the retirement of the Allies from the Fosse at Medina, he ordered
"If you wish the life of this world and its ornaments then come ye, let me give a march on Banu Quraizah.
you some of its enjoyments and part with you a noble parting.(Quran 33 : 28). And in spiritual matters he was still more strict. Five daily prayers with the congregation;
A man of the world desires riches. Muhammad had plenty but never kept anything for long midnight prayers at home; fasting 30 days in each year and an extra seven days after
his use or the use of his household. the 'Eid; and then at least three fasts every month making a total of 70 fasts each year. But
he said the ideal life was to fast every other day except in Ramadan when one must fast the
A man of the world desires comfort and luxury. Muhammad never knew what luxury whole month.
meant unless it was to make others happy.
By such devotions he disciplined himself and his followers. There was one thing, however,
A man of the world desires to be worshipped by his fellow men. Muhammad gave and that the biggest of all, which was still lacking.
strict orders to his followers not to praise him in the manner of the Christains who had
raised Jesus to the skies. And in order to set an example of humility, he mended his own
He had received the commandment to perform the pilgrimage (Quran 2 :197-210 and
shoes ; darned and washed his own clothes ; served his children and women folk and
22 :26-38), but the Meccans barred his way to the House of God. Muhammad, as usual,
worked with the Muslims as others did. He tended his horses and camels. He never
prayed to God for guidance and he saw in a dream (Shawwal, 6 A.H.: December-January,
missed visiting a sick person or a funeral. He was always contented, though poor, and 628 A.C.) that he was shaving his head after the pilgrimage. Pilgrimage is of two kinds:
happy, though hated by his enemies. He loved children, respected aged persons, was Umra (or the shorter Hajj) which may be performed at any season of the year by visiting
proverbially kind to women and generous to all. And with all these virtues he would the House of God, doing the necessary circuit of the Kaaba, praying thereafter; running
ask God's pardon at least 70 times every day and very often hundreds of times per day. seven times between Safa and Marwa and then shaving or cutting one's hair. The bigger
He humbled himself before God as if he was nothing but an atom of dust. He loved his Hajj includes this and going to Arafat on the 9th day of Dhul-Hijja and stopping two
followers more than they ever loved themselves.
to three days thereafter at Mina; coming back to Mecca after sacrificing animals at Mina
and doing the final circuit of the Kaaba and then shaving or cutting one's hair.
He is most solicitous for your welfare, What Muhammad had seen in his dream was Umra or shorter Hajj with sacrificial animals
to be offered to people in the Name of Allah and entry into Mecca without fighting.
(And) loving, merciful towards the faithful. (Quran, 9 : 128.)
Muhammad naturally thought that his dream was from God and must be fulfilled though
And all this devotion, love, humility and generosity in Muhammad was not for show.
he had received no direct command as to the time and manner of its performance. But he
It was to please his Master who had made him what he was — "The purest ray of a gem
made immediate preparations to visit Mecca as a pilgrim. But if he went, his followers must
serene".
follow. They could hardly live without him.
It was all this and a great deal more that no man can describe which made him the beloved
When people asked him how the Quraish would let him enter Mecca, in peace or by war.
one of God, the love of all creation and the magnetic soul of his followers. Muhammad had
his reply was :
purified his soul; and Abu-Bakr, Umar, 'Othman and Ali and the rest of his companions were
also purified and so were his house hold : "Certainly not by fighting and most surely in peace."
God merely wishes to remove from you-the People of the House all uncleanliness The people wondered greatly at this saying of Muhammad. Must not they take their
spears, bows and arrows with them ? "No, nothing," said Muhammad, "except the travellers
And He will purify you a complete purifying. (Quran, 33 :33).
This purification was Muhammad's lifework and it is this purification which will continue
whenever people follow him rightly.
sheathed swords."
He sent word to all the neighbouring tribes asking them to accompany him and that he
was going on Hajj in the sacred month of Dhul-Qada and not for fighting. j
1
308
Life At Medina 309
His real object was to make peace with the Quraish and thereby with the whole of Arabia.
or perish. There seemed nothing else to do. He would not retreat and he did not want to
But the ordinary man has ordinary motives and does not realise the depth of a great man's
perish. The faithful prepared to die to the last man and though they had nothing but swords,
soul.
they would fight. That, however, was not Muhammad's intention or wish. He found a possible
Muhammad Set Forth on Hajj : The people's hearts also were full of joy at the expectation way out of the impasse.
of their being able after six years to visit Mecca. Fourteen hundred men joined Muhammad
He cried out: Is there a man here who can lead us to a path other than the one on which
with 70 sacrificial camels especially marked and set apart, according to the custom of the
are the enemy ?"
Arabs.
A man came forward and led him on a way full of rough rocks through the ravines
He put on the Ihram (Pilgrim's garb of two unsewn pieces of cloth, one for the upper
of Mudniya. The Muslims encountered the most harrowing difficulties in crossing this
part of the body and one for the lower) for Umra and set forth with the intention of visiting
path but they reached Hudaibiya on the lower side of Mecca and within the sacred
the holiest of the holy places on earth-the Kaaba-the House of God rebuilt by Ibrahim and territory. Thus, both Khalid and 'Ikrama were outwitted and had God wished it,
Ismail and once more rebuilt by the Quraish in which rebuilding Muhammad had taken the Muhammad could, that day, have taken Mecca by storm. The Meccan army had been
most prominent part by putting the Black Stone in its proper comer. cut off from Mecca by Muhammad's manoeuvre. But God did not wish any bloodshed
When he reached Dhul-Hulaifa, his companions also put on the pilgrim's garbs; got their in this sacred month and within this sacred territory. Muhammad's she-camel named
sacrificial animals ready, including Abu-Jahl's special camel captured at Badr. Umm-Salamah, Qaswa stopped at Hudaibiya. People thought it was due to fatigue. But Muhammad said:
wife of the Prophet, was with him in this journey. "No, He has stopped it who stopped the elephant (meaning the attack on Mecca, in the
year of Muhammad's birth by Abraha). If the Quraish ask me today for peace I will
Quraish against Muhammad's Entry: When the news reached the Quraish of Muhammad's certainly grant them peace and the joining of uterine relations." And he asked the people
intended visit to Mecca they were extremely upset. They thought that this was a manoeuvre to encamp there. They said : "O prophet of God ’ there is no water in this valley, how
on the part of Muhammad to prove to the world that whilst the Quraish and their Allies could are we to encamp therein ?" He took out an arrow from somebody's quiver. The arrow
not get entry into Medina, he could enter Mecca. They knew very well that Muhammad had was shot into an old well which began to flow with water.
proclaimed to the world that he was coming for the Hajj and not for fighting during the sacred
months, but their pride prevented them from acknowledging facts. They sent Khalid bin Stubbornness of the Quraish : The Muslims stopped at Hudaibiya. The Quraish declared,
Walid and 'Ikrama, each with 200 horsemen, to intercept Muhammad and prevent his reaching on most binding oaths, that they would prefer death to allowing Muhammad to enter Mecca.
Meanwhile, Khalid bin Walid and 'Ikrama also returned to Mecca. The Quraish sent some
the precincts of Mecca. Muhammad did not as yet know this and went straight on till he
men under Budail bin Waraqa, a man of Khuza', with the double object of finding out
reached Asfan where he met a man of Banu Kab whom he questioned about the news of the
Muhammad's forces and his intentions. The emissaries, on making inquiries and seeing the
Quraish. The man told him that they had heard of his coming; had put on the skins of leopards
state of affairs with their own eyes, went back and asked the Quraish not to interfere with
and sworn by Allah not to allow Muhammad to enter their city on any account and that Khalid
Muhammad as he had come to carry out his religious duties. Fighting was forbidden during
bin Walid was not far off. the sacred months and Muhammad had no intention of fighting. The Quraish, instead of
When Muhammad heard this, he pitied the Quraish a great pitying. Here was he trying listening to the words of their emissaries began
24 to scold them.
to make peace and preparing salvation for them and they were preparing to kill him. "What
They, then, sent other messengers who came back with the same story as their
do the Quraish think ? By God, I will continue to struggle for the sake of God on the path
forerunners.
He has set for me till He gives me the victory or this advance goes on."
They then sent Hulais. Muhammad put the seventy sacrificial camels (with their neck
Muhammad in a Dilemma : But how was he to accomplish his object ? He was on a mission
ornaments, being signs of sacrificial animals) in front of his men. Hulais was so impressed
of peace, and unarmed. The Quraish knew this and had sent Khalid and 'Ikrama to fight him
with this scene that he went back to the Quraish without seeing Muhammad and told them
and to boast of having defeated him. And he himself did not wish to fight on any account.
what he had seen. The Quraish were angry. But so was Hulais who said : "If you do not allow
He had come to perform his duty to visit the Kaaba, pay his vows and go back to Medina.
Muhammad, not one man of our tribe will come to Mecca."
Whilst he was absorbed in these thoughts two horsemen appeared on the horizon. They
The Quraish were afraid of the threat of Hulais. They found out a wise man named Urw a
were the vanguards of the Meccan army. His way was barred. He must retreat immediately
bin Masud whom they sent to Muhammad. Abu- Bakr, Mughira 2| bin Shuba and others were
310
_1 All the Prophets Life at Medina 311
near Muhammad when Urwa arrived. Urwa spoke to Muhammad in diplomatic language possession of him. "We will not leave till we have accomplished our object even if we have
about Mecca being like an egg and if the egg was broken, the youth who were following him to fight these people." He called his men together, stopped under a tree and took their pledge,
would leave him and that if war broke out between him and the Quraish the consequences Muhammad's hand striking above the hand of die pledgee and each man saying: "I will fight
to him (Muhammad) would be serious. Abu-Bakr was enraged and said : "No, never, none unto death." All took the pledge, filled with faith and resolution to die like one man to avenge
of us would leave Muhammad." Urwa whilst talking, had been pushing his hand too near the death of 'Othman. History affords no better example of "All for one and one for all-"
the Prophet's beard and every time he did so Mughira pushed his hand back. Mughira did Says God, with regard to this pledge :
so in spite of the fact that he was deeply indebted to him. Urwa came back and assured the
Quraish that Muhammad's mission was a peaceful one and that he had come out of respect Surely God was satisfied with the faithful when they swore allegiance to thee
for the House of God and he further told them : "O people of the Quraish ! I have seen Kesra, under the tree, then He knew what was in their hearts, therefore he sent down
Ceasar and the Negus, each one in his own kingdom. But by God, I have never seen any king tranquillity upon them and rewarded them with a near victory,
amongst any people as I have seen Muhammad amongst his companions. If he makes his
ablutions they would not let the water thereof fall on the ground ; if a hair of his falls down And with large prizes of war which they took ; for God is Mighty, Wise.
they pick it up. They will not surrender him for anything in any case. Do what you please." (Quran, 48 : 18-19.)
Time passed. Negotiations went on but nothing happened. Muhammad sent a messenger The victory foretold in this verse is the victory of Khaibar which will be related hereafter.
to see the Quraish. They cut down his camel and would have killed him if some men of the When all his followers had finished taking the oath, Muhammad struck his own right hand
Hulais' tribe had not interfered. Some foolish people amongst the Quraish numbering 40 to
50 came to his camp at night and pelted Muhammad's men with stones. Muhammad forgave present in person.
them and forbade the shedding of blood s» within the precincts of Mecca. The Meccans were
The swords were now out of their sheaths and war was certain and so was victory or
trying to provoke Muhammad to fight but they failed. martyrdom. The hearts of the Muslims beat with the joy of being in paradise soon, and the
Othman bin Affan sent to the Quraish : Muhammad was determined to leave no stone souls soared high in quest of adventure with assured success. And to ’. there was 'Othman
unturned in accomplishing his object of visiting the Kaaba. He called Umar to go and see returning from the Quraish safe and sound. What happiness I and yet what a disappointment
the nobles of the Quraish. Umar said : "O Prophet of God ! I am afraid of the enmity of the in a double sense. 'Othman told Muhammad that the Quraish knew for a certainty that he
Quraish and there is no person of Banu Adi bin Kab to protect me. And you know my sayings was visiting Mecca for Hajj and not for fight, but there was Khalid bin Walid with their army
against the Quraish and the enmity of the Quraish. I will suggest to you a person more in his path and that unless some way was found out of this impasse, there must be war. Once
deserving than myself— 'Othman bin Affan". Muhammad sent 'Othman to Abu-Sufyan and the sanctity of Mecca was transgressed it would become a precedence for all time.
the leaders of the Quraish. The first man 'Othman met was Aban bin Said. 'Othman put Peace, or Truce, ofHudaibiya: The Quraish now sent a deputation under Sohail bin Amr,
himself under his protection during the course of the negotiations. When he saw the leaders one of their wisest, most fluent and influential men. The writer in the Encyclopedia Britannica
of the Quraish they said : "O 'Othman ! if you wish to do the circuit of the House, do." He thus summarises the negotiations:
said : "I certainly will not do so till the Prophet of God does it. We have come to visit this
ancient House and we wish to show our respect to God and do our duty and we have our "It was on this occasion that the famous Homage under the tree took place, when
sacrificial animals. When we have sacrificed them, we will return to Medina." The Quraish Muhammad pledged his followers by striking hands that they would stand by
said that they had sworn not to allow entry to Muhammad. The negotiations were prolonged him and go to death for his sake. Some of the Quraish agents witnessed the scene,
and rumour spread that 'Othman had been killed. and were immensely impressed by it; such an enthusiastic obedience as Muhammad
The rumour of 'Othman's murder reached the Muslims and there was a stir in the Muslim received, such an ascendancy over the minds of men as he exercised, they had
camp as there never had been a stirring before. The Prophet also thought that 'Othman was never before conceived to be possible, and on their return they urged their people
murdered as there was no news to the contrary. If so, the Quraish had been guilty of the in the strongest way not to permit matters to come to extremities. The Quraish
most heinous sin of the murder of an Arab Chief in the sacred months inside the sacred accordingly judged it best to offer a bargain with Muhammad, he terms being that
territory. That was the limit. for this year he was to withdraw, so that the Arabs might not say that he had
forced an entrance, but that in the following year he was to return and be permitted j
Bait Ur-Ridwan or the Pledge under the Tree : Muhammad's anger of Righteousness took
Life at Medina 313
to remain three days within the sacred territory for the purpose of sacrifice. After
some discussion Muhammad accepted this proposal....When the agreement was Treaty o/Hudaibiya and After: The reader will note that this is the first time the Quraish
to be committed to writing, Muhammad dictated the words: "In the name of Allah, have made peace with Muhammad since they declared to Abu-Talib, about twelve years
Ar-Rahman', but the Meccan plenipotentiary, Sohail bin Amr, declared that he before, that Muhammad must stop preaching Islam or else the fight must go on till one of
the parties died. They renewed their declaration of war against him time after time; and
knew nothing about Ar-Rahman, and insisted upon the customary formula, 'In
prevented Muhammad's entry into Mecca against all rules of Arabian custom, in the sacred
thy name. Allahhumma !' The Moslems murmured, but Muhammad yielded. He
month of Dhul-Qada. They attacked Muhammad three times, twice close to Medina and once
then went on to dictate: "This is the treaty of peace between the apostle of God....'
at Badr. And even the writer in the Encyclopedia Britannica admits that they had perennial
Sohail protested anew; to acknowledge Muhammad as the apostle of God would feuds with Muhammad. Under these circumstances, if, Muhammad took the initiative against
be to declare himself his follower; the designation ought to be simply Muhammad them, their allies and intriguers he was absolutely justified by all the laws of war and morality.
bin Abdullah. The Moslems murmured louder than before, and refused to consent The treaty of Hudaibiya shows how solicitous he was for peace and how great was his love
to the change. The heads of the two tribes of Medina, Osaid bin Hodair and Sad for his enemies, the Quraish.
bin 'Obada, held the hand of the scribe and declared that 'Muhammad the apostle
As a consequence of this treaty, Banu Bakr, Muhammad's old and inveterate enemies
of God' must be written, or the sword must decide. The Meccan representatives
joined the Quraish. Banu Khuza' joined Muhammad.
whispered to one another words of amazement at the spirit displayed by these
men. But Muhammad made a sign to the zealots to hold their peace, and again The ink of the treaty of Hudaibiya had hardly dried when Abu-Jandal son of Sohail bin
gave way (Sur. XVII, 110)/' Amr (the man who made the agreement with Muhammad) came and joined the Muslims.
This quotation from a European writer is of value in as much as it shows the hold When Sohail saw him, he caught hold of him, beat him and dragged him back. Abu-Jandal
Muhammad had over the hearts of his men and their obedience to him. In spite of the fact cried: "O ye Muslims ! will ye drive me back to the pagans and let them persecute me on
that the concessions were galling to their minds they obeyed Muhammad and did not press account of my faith ?"
matters to go to war. Their greatest objection to the treaty was the stipulation (mentioned The Muslims felt as if their hearts were cut by this appeal, but Muhammad stood
below) that if a Quraishite came without the permission of his guardian (Wall) to Muhammad, firm for fulfilling his treaty. He said to Abu-Jandal : "O Abu-Jandal I be patient and
he must be delivered up ; but if on the other hand, one of Muhammad's people came to the control thyself, surely God will make some way out for thee and for the weak (in Mecca).
Quraish he would not be delivered up. But Muhammad's followers yielded to him even on We have bound ourselves to make peace between ourselves and the people (Quraish)
such a personal matter relying on his wisdom and knowledge of the future. Surely no Arab and we have given them and they have given us the Covenant of God and we will not
would have consented to such a one-sided agreement but Muhammad knew better, as it will break that."
be proved hereafter. The translation of the Treaty (copied from the Encyclopedia Britannica)
is as follows : Abu-Jandal Taken Back: Muhammad sacrificed the animals, shaved his head and started
on the journey back to Medina. The Muslims were discussing the treaty of Hudaibiya. Some
"In thy name, O God ! This is the treaty of peace concluded by Muhammad b. were satisfied and some were not. Midway between Mecca and Medina God revealed to
Abdullah and Sohail b. Amr. They have agreed to allow their arms to rest for ten Muhammad fire Chapter of file Quran entitled the Victory (No. 48). Muhammad was extremely
years. During this time each party shall be secure, and neither shall injure the happy, for God told him distinctly in this Sura that the treaty of Hudaibiya was a victor}’,
other; no secret damage shall be inflicted, but uprightness and honour prevail and promised him a succession of victories in the future and confirmed everything that he
between us. Whoever wishes to enter into treaty and covenant with Muhammad had done and consoled the hearts of the Muslims. The reader should study this Chapter very
can do so, and whoever wishes to enter into treaty and covenant with the Quraish carefully. The following brief analysis will be of some use:
can do so. But if a Quraishite comes without permission of his guardian (Wali)
Surely We have given thee a decision (or victory) a very dear decision.
to Muhammad, he shall be delivered up; but if, on the other hand, one of
Muhammad's people comes to the Quraish he shall not be delivered up. This year This refers to the treaty and calls it a dear decision or a decisive moral victory.
Muhammad with his companions must withdraw from us, but next year he may
And God will help thee a powerful helping.
come amongst us and remain for three days, yet without other weapons than those
of a traveller, the swords remaining in their sheaths." This prophesies the conquest of Mecca when Muhammad came with an army of IOaW
soldiers and entered Mecca unopposed.
314 All the Prophets Life at Medina
Verses 4 and 5 console the Muslims for their trials in this journey and verse 6 foretells These men had now an opportunity to assert themselves and they revenged themselves
the fate of the pagans and the hypocrites. Verse 10 states that the "Pledge under the Tree" on the Quraish by intercepting and attacking their caravans. The Quraish were forced to beg
was a pledge with God. Muhammad to cancel the clause which forced him to send back the Quraishite converts to
the Quraish. The seventy Muslims returned to Medina and the Beduins began to jom
Verses 11 to 15 foretell that when Muhammad goes on his next conquest those who stayed
Muhammad from all sides. Thus the very clause of the treaty which was most objectionable
behind will ask to join him and make excuses for their staying behind but God shows
to the Muslims proved most damaging to the Quraish. Muhammad's companions (especially
Muhammad that they are not to be believed. Verse 16 prophesies wars with the Persians and Umar, who had bitterly complained of this clause) who had openly expressed their disapproval
Romans : there of, now marvelled at the wisdom and foresight of Muhammad.
Say thou to those amongst the Beduins who stayed behind: "Your will soon HI be Great Victory Foretold by Quran: "If at first it seemed," says the writer in the Encyclopedia
called upon to (meet) a people of great strength, you will have to fight them or Britannica, "as if Muhammad had shamefully given way, it soon became apparent, nevertheless,
they will submit. If then you obey God will give you a goodly reward." that the advantage lay with him. 'No victory of Islam,' Abu-Bakr was went to say, 'has more
importance than the treaty of Hudaibiya; men are always for hurrying things on, but God
The people of great strength" are the armed forces of the two empires surrounding Arabia. lets them ripen. Previously there had subsisted a wall of partition between the Moslems and
They will be against the Beduins which clearly shows that the enemy will not be Arabs. the rest of men; they never spoke to each other; wherever they met, they began to fight.
*
The blind, the lame and the sick are excused from joining the army. Verse 18 has already Subsequently hostility died down; security and mutual confidence who heard of Islam joined
been quoted and refers to the Pledge under the Tree. it; in the twenty- two months during which the truce subsisted, the number of conversions
was greater than throughout the whole of the previous period ; the faith diffused itself in
Verse 20 promises large prizes of war in the future as happened at Khaibar a month after. all directions among the Arabs."
Verse 21 is worth quoting : That is what Abu-Bakr says. What does the writer in the Encyclopedia himself say ? Here
And (He promises you) another victory over which you have no control at present, but it is:
God has encompassed it, for God is Capable of doing all He pleases.
"The treaty of Hudaibiya gave a breathing space to the two combatants, and of
This is the victory of Khaibar. This prophecy is a sign for all right-minded men to realise this the Prophet reaped the whole advantage. The truce which lasted for almost
that Muhammad was not forging the Quran but it was God who was revealing it to him. two years, brought to the Meccans an almost unbroken series of humiliations and
losses. Contrary to all expectation, the provision made in their favour, by which
Verses 22 and 26 give reasons why God withheld Muslims from fighting near Mecca.
Muhammad bound himself to send back such of their sons as deserted to him
Verses 27 to the end of the chapter prophesy the fulfilment of Muhammad's dream and before their majority, turned to their hurt, so that they had to ask Muhammad
entry into the Kaaba without fear of foe, and further promise great material and spiritual to have it changed."
development of the Muslim community and tell the Muslims that they are made of the same
Women Muhajirat: But the treaty did not say that the women of the Quraish who deserted
stuff as were the faithful before them who believed in Moses and Jesus: "That is their attribute
to Muhammad were to be sent back and God sent a most equitable revelation with regard
in the Torah and their attribute in the Evangel." In other words, that they are the faithful
to their case.
mentioned in all revealed Books.
Story of Abu-Bashir : About this time a young man called Abu-Bashir ran away from O ye who believe ! when believing women come to you
Mecca to Medina without the permission of his master. The Meccans sent a letter to Muhammad having fled their homes then examine them.
with the guardian of Abu-Bashir and another man to bring back Abu Bashir according to the God knows best as to their faith.
treaty. Abu-Bashir said what Abu-Jandal had said before and Muhammad replied in the same
If you then know them to be believing women then return them not to the
way and had Abu-Bashir sent back. On the way back, Abu-Bashir killed one of his guards
unbelievers.
and ran back again to Medina but Muhammad would have nothing to do with him. Abu-
Bashir, therefore, ran away to the sea-coast on the way to Syria. When the converts in Mecca, those women are not lawful to them nor are they to them;
numbering about 70 heard this and knew that they could get no help from Muhammad and But give them what they have spent and there is no blame on you if you marry
being daily persecuted, they all ran away to Abu-Bashir who became their leader. them when you have paid their dues.
Life at Medina 317
Muhammad's wisdom, energy, trust in God and never-failing foresight had germinated
And hold not on to the ties of marriage with unbelieving women and ask back in the souls of his followers and made them bigger and mightier than kings, Chosroes
what you have spent and they (unbelieving men) should ask for what they have
and Caesars. Their souls had been set free from the bondage of customs, superstitions
111 spent.
and the slavery of priests. Each man of them prayed direct to God without bowing before
This is the judgment of God. any intermediaries, intercessors or minor deities. They knew that, as men they were
He decides between you, for God is knowing Wise. (Quran, 60: 10.) possessed of souls which found satisfaction in nothing but God. God had become their
Reality and they were not afraid of any earthly power whatsoever. La-Ilaha-ill-Allah,
There could be no more equitable law than that. Unbelieving women should be sent back
"There is no deity but God" had made them free from the commands of all beings except
to unbelievers and believing women should not. In each case the party who has spent money
God. Muhammad was obeyed not because he was Muhammad but because he was "The
on their dowry and other expenses is entitled to demand that from the opposite party.
Messenger of God". Muhammad's commands were not his but God's.
Muslims' Pledge : Verse 12 of Chapter 60 gives the famous pledge which both men and
Muhammad Starting for Khaibar : As we know that Muhammad had received the good
women took when they became Muslims. In the case of women it runs as follows
news that God had encompassed another victory for the Muslims over which the Muslims
O Prophet ! when believing women come to thee giving thee a pledge that they had as yet no control but which was pre-determined as an extra reward for their trouble in
will not join aught with God the journey to Hudaibiya. Muhammad knew that this was going to be the victory over the
And that they will not steal Jews of Khaibar but he kept the name secret.
And that they will not commit adultery On the 1st day of Muharram (the first month) of 7 A.H. he set out with his followers from
And that they will not kill their children Medina taking only those who had accompanied him to Hudaibiya. By forced marches, in
And that they will not bring a calumny forging it before their hands and their three days, he reached Khaibar, the strongest and most fortified settlement of the Jews. It was
feet from Khaibar that Banu Nadir had been harassing him and making alliances against him. The
Jews were expecting another war with him but not quite so soon. On the 4th or 5th of
And that they will not disobey thee in what is good,
Muharram 7 A.H., about 15th March 628, the Jews had gone out to their fields, as usual, when
Then take their pledge and ask God to forgive them... (Quran, 60: 12.) lol there was Muhammad (and his men) on the horizon.
Muhammad returned to Medina after the peace of Hudaibiya in the month of Dhul-Hijja They were surprised, but as they were already in communication with Banu Ghatfan and
(12th) of the year 6 A.H. It took him three weeks to return after the completion of the treaty had a number of invulnerable forts they thought Muhammad was mad for leaving Medina
of Hudaibiya as he stayed there for some days. and coming to their place. For the first time in his life Muhammad had a force of one hundred
He spent the rest of the year in planning his future course and when his plans were horsemen. The Jews immediately rushed to their forts.
matured he immediately set to work to accomplish them without the loss of a single day. The position was an extremely serious one for Muhammad. Arabs made wagers on the
He had left Medina on the 1st of Dhul-Qada 6 A.H., so that he had barely 15 days' rest at chances of his success. The Beduins argued like this: If ten thousand men of the Allies could
Medina before starting on his new propaganda. not get entry into Medina which was not fortified at all except by a wretched trench how
could Muhammad win against the strong forts of the Jews with their huge walls and iron
Conquest of Khaibar
gates? The thing was impossible and Muhammad had at last put his foot into the serpent's
From the seventh year of Hegira the recorded facts of Muhammad's life are so numerous hole and the tables would be turned on him now without the least doubt.
and given in such detail in the traditions that it is absolutely necessary to confine one's
Jews Prepared to Die to the Last Man: The Jews also realised that this was their last stand
attention to the chief currents of his life and to separate the political and historical evolution
against Muhammad and that if they lost, they might be treated as Banu Quraizah had been
of Islam from its purely spiritual development.
They consulted together and with the advice of their chief Salam bin Mishkam, they put their
Muslims had now, through Muhammad's efforts learnt to read and write, and the impetus property and their families in the forts called Watih and Sulalim, their treasures in the fort
given to learning by the necessity of preaching the Quran was so powerful that a people of called Naim. Their warriors took shelter in the fort called Natat.
ignorant and drunkard Beduins was fast becoming a most highly gifted nation of scholars,
The Jews had six strong forts and several fortified quarters. Their purpose, apparently.
preachers, historians, statesmen, administrators and generals.
318 All the Prophets Life at Medina 319
was to try Muhammad's men in attack on fort after fort. They thought that if they put Marhab. And in this way the war went on with the greatest severity, the attackers and
everything in one fort and lost it, the war would be over soon, Muhammad's small force of defenders both fighting most heroically.
1400 or 1500 men could not possibly lay siege to all the forts at once and would be obliged
The Jews now entrenched themselves in a fort called Al-Zubayr and the fight went on
to a prolonged war in which the Muslims must lose.
with relentless fury till nothing was left to the Jews except Watih and Sailam in which were
Muhammad, on his part, could not possibly go on for a long siege as there was danger their children and wealth.
of his enemies cutting him off from Medina. He therefore, ordered an attack on the fort called
The Jews knew that the end must come. They asked Muhammad for peace on the
Al-Natat. A fierce battle took place and fifty Muslims were wounded. Sa Ham bin Mrshkam
following terms, viz., that their lives, property and women and children should not be
died and his place was taken by either one Harith bin Abi-Zainab or by Kinana bin Abi-Hoqaiq
touched, but that they would pay him half the produce of their lands and be Muhammad's
who made a sortie out of Fort Naim. Banu Khazraj pushed hack the enemy to the fort and
subjects. Muhammad accepted their terms, and so the Jews were free but they could no longer
surrounded it most rigorously. The Jews being well protected by their fortifications fought
be the enemies of Muhammad. They had their lesson. How wise Muhammad was in retaining
with desperate courage knowing that this was their last stand.
the Jews as his tenants is shown by the fact that if he had killed them, or banished them,
Days passed but the Muslims could not take this fort. The Prophet sent Abu-Bakr as the he would have had no men available to cultivate their lands and his victory would have
standard-bearer to conquer this fort. Abu- Bakr fought with all his valour but without success. brought him no fruits ? But, as it was, the Jews were thankful to him for sparing their lives
Next day the Prophet sent Umar bin Khattab as the leader to conquer the fort but Umar also and he had provisions to feed the Muhajirin and the poor at Medina. Every year Abdullah
could not force an entry. The third day the Prophet appointed Ali bin Abu-Talib as the leader bin Rawaha came to Khaibar and divided the produce. Muhammad kept whatever booty had
and standard-bearer of Islam and said to him : "Take this standard and go on with it till God been taken in the conquered forts of Al-Natat and Al-Shaqq but returned copies of the Torah
gives thee victory". to the Jews.
When Ali reached the fort, the besieged came out and fought a severe battle. One of the Whilst he was still at Khaibar and negotiations for peace were going on, Muhammad sent
Jews attacked Ali so severely that Ali's shield was broken in fight. Ali threw down his shield, an expedition to Fidak and the people there made peace on the same terms as the Jews at
pulled out one of the iron doors of the fort and made it act as a shield and fought till he won. Khaibar. As no fighting took place, half the produce of Fidak was reserved for the special
Ali then used this door as a bridge over the fortifications for the passage of the Muslims. disposal of the Prophet.
Harith, the chief of the Jews fell and the Muslims took the fort by assault. But there were
From Khaibar Muhammad went to Wadi ul-Qura. The Jews there fought him but were
four more forts to be taken before the Muslims could claim victory, and their provisions ran
defeated and had to submit on the same terms as the others.
short till they had to kill their horses and eat their flesh.
Time was pressing. The Jews now moved themselves to a new fort called Qamus. The The Jews of Taima' accepted peace without fighting. In this way, in a few weeks Muhammad
Muslims took that also, but they were in great straits as to provisions because none of the had subjugated the whole of North Arabia and the enmity and tension between the Muslims
forts taken had any provisions in them. and Jews was removed just as it had been removed in the South by the peace of Hudaibiya.
The Jews now removed their forces to still another fort called Al- Sab. The Muslims Muhammad Poisoned : The Jews are a people whose ways are queer They made peace
laid siege to this also. The Jews fought more desperately than ever, not yielding an inch with Muhammad but still they wanted to kill him.
of ground and willingly courting death so that they might kill as many Muslims as Zainab bint Harith, wife of Sailam bin Mishkam, invited Muhammad to a feast and
possible. But they could not fight against the spirit of God with the help of which the prepared a roasted sheep for him. Muhammad and his companions sat down to the feast
Muslims were fighting them. This fort also fell and the Muslims found plenty of provisions Muhammad took a morsel of meat, chewed it and threw it out saying: "These bones
therein. me that they have been poisoned." Bishar bin Bra' who was with him and who had swallowed
Marhab, a leader of the Jews, came out reciting poems, boasting of his courage and the a little meat died on the spot.
strength of Khaibar. Muhammad called out to his men : "Who will be for this man ?" Now, though the idea of poisoning may have originated with Zainab, the poison must
Muhaminad bin Musailama came forward and fought him with the permission of the Prophet. have been obtained and put into the cooking of the meat with the knowledge of tire men
Marhab made a deadly thrust of his sword at bin Musailama and it appeared as if bin Zainab was questioned and she admitted her guilt. Some say she was executed tor the murder
Musailama must die, but he saved himself by receiving the blow on his shield and killed of Bra' and some say she was forgiven on account of the state of her feelings alter the death^H
Life at Medina 321
Muhammad determined to invite them to Islam. He was not afraid of the consequences.
of her husband and her father in the war. But this poisoning has left a deep impression on
14
Worldly wisdom would have dictated that he should first consolidate his position in Arabia
the minds of Muslims against the treacherous nature of the Jews. The writer in the Encyclopaedia and then set forth on ventures abroad, but Muhammad was a Messenger of God and not
Britannica approves of this poisoning of Muhammad. merely an earthly ruler. It was God's work and must be done.
Amongst the prizes of the war of Khaibar was Saffiyya, daughter of Huyyai Ibn-Akhtab He sent for his companions and said:
of Banu Nadir and wife of Kinana bin Rabi' who had the hoards of Banu Nadir with him.
The Prophet asked him about these. He swore that he did dot know where they were. The "O ye men ’ God has sent me as a blessing to all mankind. Therefore, differ not
Prophet said: "If we find them with thee we will kill thee." He said: "All right." But the miser's as differed the disciples of Jesus, son of Mary."
heart betrayed him. He began roaming about parts of the debris where the hoards were buried "And how did they differ?" asked his companions.
seeing that no one took them out. News was brought to Muhammad and Kinana paid the
penalty of his lies. Saffiyya his wife fell to the lot of one of Muhammad's companions but He replied : "Jesus called them to what I am calling you, but he whom he sent on a near
she would not consent to remain with him and wanted to be taken over by the Prophet He journey obeyed and accepted his mission and he who was to be sent far away showed
redeemed her. set her free and married her. reluctance and heaviness of heart."
Drinking Forbidden : By this time the ordinances as to prayers, fasting, almsgiving and And then he told them that he was going to send messengers to:
Hajj had been revealed. Gambling and drinking had been forbidden. God knew that drinking (1) Heracleus of Byzantium
could not be given up by the Arabs in a day, so He at first pointed out to them that though
(2) Kesra of Iran
there was pleasure or profit in drinking and gambling there was also a great sin or loss in
their indulgence. He then forbade Muslims to come to prayers whilst intoxicated or semi (3) Maquqas of Egypt
intoxicated, a state in which they could not understand what they were saying in their prayers. (4) Harith of Ghassan, King of Hira
From this one may deduce the fact that God wants us to know what we are saying in our (5) Hanth King of Yemen
prayers and what we are praying for, otherwise the prayer loses its efficacy. (6) The Negus of Abyssinia and others.
This injunction against praying whilst drunk was extremely effective and most Muslims Muhammad's Letter to Heracleus: Muhammad's companions obeyed. Muhammad made
voluntarily gave up drinking as they did not want to be absent from prayers. a ring of silver and engraved it with the words Muhammad Rasul-ullah "Muhammad,
Finally, God made drinking and gambling altogether unlawful for Muslims under any Messenger of God." The letters were sealed with this ring. The wording of some of the letters
circumstances and this saved them from waste of wealth and unnecessary quarrels and fights was similar. A translation of the one sent to Heracleus would do for example!
arising out of these two habits. But what was past was forgiven and Muslims were assured "With the Name of God (Allah), the most Merciful and Compassionate (Ar-Rahman, Ar-
that those who had been firm a faith had God's reward for their faith and for their deeds Rahim). From Muhammad bin Abdullah to Heracleus, the Chief of Rome (meaning Roman
done in the path of God. Empire). Peace be with (or on) him who follows the guidance. After that, I invite you to the
Muhammad's Letters to Rulers : Simultaneously with his preparations for the conquest call of Islam. (If) you submit (or be at peace) you will enjoy safety (i.e. Islam) (and) God will
grant you a double recompense. But if you turn your back, the sin of your subjects will be
of Khaibar, Muhammad prepared embassies to the rulers of the world known to him inviting
them to Islam. He sent messengers as far as India and China but a description of the best
on you.
known embassies only will be given in this book. "O ye people of the Book !
The two empires which concerned Arabia most were the Empires of Byzantine under Come to a saying,
Heracleus and of Iran under Kesra. These empires had been fighting each other. The Persians The same for us and for you
having been conquerors at first and then the Christians. Yemen and Iraq were under the
That we serve none but God
influence of the Persians whilst Egypt and Syria were under the Eastern Roman Empire and
Arabia was surrounded by them. But the rulers of Ghassan, Yemen, Egypt and Abyssinia were And that we join naught with Him
more or less independent. And that some of us take not
the Prophets at Medina 323
others as lords besides God. Abu-Sufyan : "Worship one God, join no partners with Him, carry out your prayers, be
But if they turn back, then say chaste, speak the truth and keep union amongst uterine relations "
'Bear ye witness that we are Muslims'."
Heracleus then addressed the Arabs through an interpreter and said :
Letter Given to Dahya bin Kalbt : Heracleus was at this time in Palestine celebrating the "You say he is of noble birth. Prophets are always of noble birth. You say none
victory of the Holy Land over the Persians as foretold in the Quran (Chapter. Romans No. of his family has claimed Prophethood before. If it had been so, I would have
30: 1-7). Dihya Kalbx took the letter addressed to Heracleus to the latter's governor, Hanth thought that he was doing so now under the influence of heredity. You admit that
Ghassaru, at Basra. Hanth sent on the letter to his master. When Heracleus got Muhammad's there has been no king in his family, if it had been so, I would have thought that
he was after kingship. You acknowledge that he does not lie. He who does not
message, he sent for some Arabs to interpret the same. Curiously enough, Muhammad's
lie to men, hr-.v can he lie to God? You witness that poor people follow him. It
relentless foe Abu-Sufyan (who was still a disbeliever) was there on a commercial venture
is always the poor who follow the prophets before others. You say his followers
are increasing. A true faith always does that You state that he does not break his
covenants. Prophets never deceive. You profess that he preaches prayers, piety
and chastity. If all this be true, I am sure his kingdom will reach the place I tread.
"Which of you is related to this claimant of Prophethood?" I was certain that a prophet was coming but I did not think that he would be bom
Abu-Sufyan : "1 am." in Arabia. If I were to go there I would wash his feet."
Heracleus: "What kind of family does the claimant belong to?" The letter was then read and interpreted. There was a tremendous sensation in the court
Abu-Sufyan: "Noble." on this pronouncement of Heracleus and an uproar started against him. Heracleus dismissed
the court and had the courtiers pacified by some political
•It excuses for what he had. said.
Heracleus : "Has anyone else claimed Prophethood in this family?"
Muhammad had succeeded in his mission. The Word of God. had been carried to the ears,
Abu-Sufyan. "No."
of all concerned from Caesar on the throne to the footman on the road.
Heracleus : "Has there been a king in this family?"
Muhammad's Letter to Kesra Pervez of Persia : The second letter was to Kesra Pervez
Abu-Sufyan : "No.*
of Persia and given to Abdullah bin Hadhafa It ran as follows :
Heracleus : "Are the people who have accepted this religion weak or strong (meaning
poor or rich) ?" Kf "With the Name of God (Allah), Ar-Rahman, Ar-Rahim. From Muhammad
|k.. Messenger of God to Kesra the Chie. Persia. Peace be upon him who follows
Abu-Sufyan : "They are poor" (lit weak).
the guidance and believes in God and His Messenger. And I bear witness that
Heracleus : "Are his followers on the increase or decrease ?" f there is no deity but God (Allah). I bear witness that I am the Messenger of God
Abu-Sufyan: "Increasing." b to all men that I may warn him who is alive (spiritually). Become a Muslim (and)
Heracleus .' "Have you ever known him to tell lies?" | . you will be at peace. But if you refuse then the sin of the Magians be on you"
Abu-Safwan: "No." Kesra was not accustomed to be addressed in such a curt manner. He was used to Onentii
Heracleus : "Does he ever go against his covenants?" pomp and ceremonies. He considered Muhammad's letter as an insult to his august person
Abu-Sufyan : "Not so far but we have to see whether he carries out the new agreement He became hot with anger and said : "Being a slave of mine, he dare address me thus/' and
made between us and him." tore the letter into pieces. When the Prophet heard that, he said : "God will tear his kingdom
into pieces."
Heracleus : "Have you ever fought him in war ?"
Kesra Pervez sent messengers to Badhan, Governor of Yemen, asking him to send men
Abu-Sufyan ? * Yes."
to Hejaz to capture Muhammad and bring him to Perisa. Badhan sent men to Muhammad
Heracleus : "What has been the result ?" asking him to obey the Emperor of Perisa on pain of his feeing over run bv Persun anmes
Abu-Sufyan : "Sometimes we have won and sometimes he." The Prophet said: "Go and tell him that the kingdom of Islam will soon reach his capita! ’
Heracleus ; "What does he teach ?" The messengers returned to Yemen and received news of the death of Kesra
b/e at Medina ttt>
Muhammad's Letter to the Negus : When were the letters sent to the various rulers ?
Return of the Emigrants from Abyssinia : Muhammad returned from Khaibar to Medina
Historians differ. Some say they were sent before the Battle of Khaibar and some say after
as did the emigrants
!4 from Abyssinia with some of his messengers. Muhammad embraced
that- It may be that they were written in 6 A.H. but were not all dispatched immediately.
them all and was especially happy to meet Jafar. And he used to say, "I don't know which
The messengers would have to wait for caravans and ships and travelling was not so easy
is the greater happiness-the victory of Khaibar or the meeting•4 of Jafar."
then as it is now.
Muhammad and his companions were once in their lives free from all immediate danger.
Amr bin Ommaya Damri was the messenger * sent to the Negus. The writer of this book
•IM
The Peace of Hudaibiya had made them safe from the Quraish in the South and the subjection
has seen a photograph of this letter published many years ago and as far as he can remember of the Jews had given them peace in the North. But a danger far greater than that of the Jews
it with the exception of the names almost the same as the letter to Heradeus. or the Quraish was waiting4 them across the border against which all the Beduins must be
Jafar bin Abu-Talib is said to have been still in Abyssinia when Muhammad's letter prepared. God had already informed Muhammad:
reached the Negus who, it is said, accepted Islam at the hands of Jafar. Amongst the emigrants
You will soon be called upon to meet a people of great strength, you will have
in Abyssinia was Umm-Habiba, daughter of Abu-Sufyan whose Muslim husband had died.
to fight them or they will submit, If then you obey, God will give you a goodly
Muhammad married her by proxy in order to cement his relations with the Quraish especially
with Abu-Sufyan. reward. (Quran, 48: 16.)
Reply from Maquqas : The letter written to the Ruler of Egypt, Maquqas, was given to That was a reference to the armed forces of the Eastern Roman Empire, and the verse
Hatib bin Abi-Balta. Maquqas replied in Arabic. The following is a translation of his letter: being addressed to Beduins it implies that this war will have to be fought by them and will
continue when Muhammad was no longer in their midst and by Beduins who were as yet
"To Muhammad bin Abdullah from Maquqas, Chief of Qibt (Egypt). Peace be reluctant to fight for Muhammad.
upon you. After that, I have read your letter and understood what you have But for the present, Muhammad could devote all his energies to the reformation of the
mentioned therein and what you call (us) to. And I knew that a prophet was going Arabs. And never did any ruler or prophet rise to greater spiritual culture in his own person
to appear but I thought he would appear in Syria. I have honoured your messenger or in the persons of his followers. Mosques were being built at Medina and other places,
and I am sending you two young ladies (Lit. girls) who are held in great respect religious teachers were being instructed by Muhammad in person who taught them the Quran
in Egypt together with some garments for you. I am also sending a mare (or mule) and the Wisdom and who purified their souls so that with the Wisdom and who purified
for you to ride and peace be with you/' their souls so that with the help of the Word of God and His Spirit they were becoming as
One of these young ladies was Maria whom Muhammad took into his Haram and the learned and as pious as the prophets of Israel. "The learned men of my followers are like
other named Screen was given to the poet Hassan. The mare was named Duldul and the the prophets of the lsraelits" says Muhammad, and the saying was proving true. Medina
Prophet rode it in the Battle of Hunain. became die centre of Light and Learning where God communicated with Muhammad and
Muhammad communicated with his followers as to the beauties of Faith, the Attributes of
Replies from other Chiefs. God and the great unknown regions of life beyond the grave. The souls of Muslims when
Howdh Bin Ali, Chief of Yamama, replied: "What you say is all very nice and if there they remember God are freed from all earthly burdens and soar into the realm of the Almighty
is a share for me in your kingdom I am ready to follow." Muhammad sent him an answer Untrammelled by considerations of earthly gain or personal vanity. God liberates the soul of
in the negative. the pious Muslim from fear and greed. The liberated soul seeks nothing but the will of God
Harith Ghassani, Governor of Syria, under the Roman Empire, was extremely angry at in which it moves satisfied and happy. That was the case with Muhammad and his companions
reading Muhammad's letter and ordered his armies to attack Muhammad and the Muslims in this Happy Seventh Year of the Hegira, and they were preparing themselves to visit the
were waiting his onslaught every day. House at the end of this year as agreed with the Quraish. There, they would make the circwt
of the House and pray in the Station where Ibrahim had stood building the House nearh
The reply of the Chief of Yemen was very favourable and but for Mecca lying in between
2500 years before and Ismail his first-born with him. Man lives not on bread and buttex b-.- t
him and Medina, he would have joined his forces with those of Muhammad. Thus, one of
on the memory of holy deeds done by himself and his predecessors. Those in whom the
the subject provinces of the Persian Empire had already been taken away from Persia
of goodness is dead are in their graves whilst still treading this earth. The only htc worth
immediately after Kesra's tearing of Muhammad's letter.
living is the life in and with God. And Muhammad always lived in and with God Everx '\xxrd
326 All the Prophets Life at Molina 327
that fell from his lips was a pearl of beauty; every thought that he thought was the fountainhead Muhammad Set Forth to Mecca on Pilgrimage: At last, the sacred month came once again
of righteousness and every deed that he did was goodness personified. No wonder that each and Muhammad with 2000 of his devout companions set forth towards the House of God.
of his followers was ready to sacrifice himself for his sake a thousand times if he had a For full seven years the sight of Mecca had been denied to him. Now, he had a chance. He
thousand lives. That was the secret of his success and the magnetism which drew men towards and his companions carried no arms except the traveller's sword in a sheath.
him. He had no pride and no aloofness from the meanest and the poorest of his followers.
Joy and Enthusiasm of Muslims : Amongst his companion were the Muhajirin and the
On the other hand, the only thing of which he was proud was his poverty. Let king, rulers,
returned Emigrants from Abyssinia. How they longed to see their beloved homes and their
governors, magistrates, chiefs administrators and people in charge of the affairs of mankind
women-folk and children whom the Quraish had kept back by force ? What happiness would
learn their lesson of humility, nobility and service from Muhammad. If they do so, the world
it be to meet them face to face and say "Peace be with you. Peace be with you?"
will be happy before the day is 12 hours old.
Amongst them were the Ansar who would like to visit Muhammad's birth-place and
Muhammad's Sunnat, Rules of Life : Ali Bin Abu-Talib once asked the Prophet as to what
the house where he lived so happily with Khadijah and also Mount Hira' where Jibrail
was his Sunnat. This is what Muhammad said:
in all his glory had first appeared to him, and the Pass where he had lived 30 odd months
Knowledge of God is my Capital; in confinement with Banu Hashim. To them, his 53 years of life at Mecca were already
the most wonderful part of the history of the world. They would now witness the sacred
Reason is the root of my Faith;
territory where that history had been made Going to Mecca for them was like going to
Love is my Foundation ; Paradise.
Enthusiasm is my Horse ;
Muhammad's Precautions : And in these anticipations of joy of heart and happiness of
Remembrance of God is my Friend ; soul they approached Mecca. But what if the Meccans again stopped them, or worst still, if
Firmness is my Treasure ; they ambushed them? The Jews had taught treachery to the Quraish. Muhammad was taking
no risks as he was unarmed. He sent 100 horsemen under Muhammad bin Musailama as
Sorrow is my Companion ;
scouts but they were not to cross the sacred boundaries of Mecca. When everything was found
Science is my Weapon ; dear, they descended towards Marrazzahran, a valley near Mecca. The Muslims urged on
Patience is my Mantle ; their mounts with Muhammad at their head on his camel named Qaswa', and with 60 unladen
Contentment is my Booty ; camels, and wearing garlands round their necks as sacrificial tokens.
Poverty is my Pride ; Joy Complete: They reached Mecca and dismounted a little away from it. The Muhajirin
began to tell the Ansar stories of their past life in Mecca; where they born ; how they lived
Devotion is my Art;
and fought; how they used to drink wine and mix with parties of drunkards and how changed
Conviction is my Power ; they were now. And all this miracle had been performed by one man-Muhammad-God's
Truth is my Redeemer ; infinite blessings and prayers be on him for ever.
Obedience is my Sufficiency ; Quraish Deserted Mecca : But if the Muslims were happy, the Quraish were never so
Struggle is my Manner; and My pleasure is in my Prayer. unhappy as they were today. They had gone to Medina and been repulsed. Their ha ted -
enemy, Muhammad, would today enter their city at the head to 2000 devout followers without
He was practising these principles, and his followers by carrying out the aforesaid
striking a single blow; and all this was due to their own signature in the treaty of Hudaibiya.
precepts had attained those moral heights which even today are on inspiration to students
There was no more hateful sight in their eyes than this peaceful army of the Muslims. Cursing
of history. Each man worked like ten or a hundred. A miracle was being performed on this
themselves and cursing their fate they deserted their dwellings lest Muhammad the enchanter
earth. The very dirtiest dregs of human society, namely, '.e profligate Arabs were being
might enchant their women and children into Islam. They climbed Mount Qubais, Mount
changed into the purest human gold. There have been conquerors, reformers, poets and
Hira', and other hills round Mecca counting 'every second of time till they should come back
learned men in the world by the thousand, but no one has ever succeeded in changing men's
Muhammad had only three day's permit under the treaty.
spirits as did Muhammad. And the fifth of this Culture was Mecca and towards Mecca were
the eyes and hearts of the Muslims. Muslims Rounding the Kaaba : The Muslims now descended on Mecca from the North.
Life at Medina 329
Abdullah bin Rawaha caught hold of the reins of Qaswa and the rest of the Muslims followed
When the circuit of the Kaaba was completed, Muhammad and his companions ran seven
on foot. The picture was worth being painted in colour and sung in song. But nobody could
times between the hills of Safa and Marwa. Muhammad was mounted. Then he made the
sing it as the hearts of the Muslims could do in simple words.
sacrifices near Marwa and shaved his head and the Umra was complete.
And lo! Kaaba was in their view and they were in view of the Kaaba. God and His Angles Second Day of Muhammad's Pilgrimage : The Muslims were exhausted with fatigue and
were witnessing the scene. Suddenly, the shout of "Labbaik, Labbaik, Allahhumma Labbaik, rested a while. The next day, the Prophet came early to the mosque and remained there till
La Sharika laka Labbaik " : "I am here- at thy service, I am here, O God 1 I am here, There noon-prayers when Bilal climbed the roof of the Kaaba and called the faithful to prayers.
is no Partner with Thee, I am here at Thy service" burst from 2000 throats like so many
Two thousand Muslims prayed with the Prophet. For seven years he had not prayed there.
gunshots and rent the air with its force. The Meccans heard it, and, in spite of themselves,
The Quraish looked on from their positions perched on the hills and wondered at these
were impressed by it. And the Muslims?—They were in the seventh heaven. This was their
prayers. What sort of men were these Muslims ? They did not drink wine. They did not
day-light Miraj. Their souls soared high and met the Universal Soul above them. Muhammad's
gamble. They had no singing girls and no intermingling of the sexes in shameful pleasures.
dream was being realized and they were part of his dream : Their only song was "God is Great, God is Great, There is no deity but Allah". Surely, there
Surely God has in truth made good to His Messenger the vision were scores of so-called deities still enshrined in the Kaaba. Were they asleep? Could not they
revenge themselves on Muhammad who was denying their existence ? Or were they utterly
Surely you will enter the holy mosque if it please God, in safety, You will shave powerless? The foundations of unbelief were shaken to their depths. This 'umra or shorter
and cut your hair without any fear'. (Quran, 48:27.) Pilgrimage was going to be the greatest propaganda for Faith.
Muhammad Tried to Outwit Quraish : Umm Ul-Fadal, wife of Abbas bin Abd ul-Muttalib,
The Faith of God had triumphed over all other faiths, and God was a witness. Surely,
had a sister named Umm-Maimunah 26 years old who became Muslim when she saw with
it was God who had sent Muhammad with the True Faith. There could be no doubt about
, what fervour the Muslims prayed to God. Abbas asked the Prophet to take her as his wife
it, however displeased the unbelievers might be. The shouts of "Labbaik, Labbaik" pierced
and the Prophet consented and prepared a big feast for the Quraish. This Maimunah was
the ears of the people and gladdened the hearts of the Muslims.
an aunt of Khalid bin Walid.
By this time the Faithful were inside the Mosque and the Meccans looking of from all
Suhail bin Amr and Hwaitab bin Abd ul Uza, two of the unbelieving Arab chiefs, came
the heights. If the Meccans had remained in their houses they could not have witnessed this
to Muhammad and said:
scene. Thus, the very thing they avoided to see they were forced to witness. The Muslims
and Muhammad were in Ihram. "Thy three days are over, get thee out of our place."
Muhammad then kissed the eastern comer of the Kaaba and ran till he reached the south The Prophet spoke to them politely and asked their permission to finish the feast and
eastern comer known as Rukn-e-Yamani and the two thousand Muslims ran with him round invited them to it but they would have nothing of it. "We are not in need of thy meals, get
the Kaaba. Then they walked between the two comers just mentioned, completing one circuit. thee out of this place."
This was repeated twice making three complete circuits. There was nothing left for Muhammad but to leave Mecca. Maimunah followed him to
The Quraish looked on this scene from the heights of mount Qubais. The zeal and spiritual Medina.
elation of the faithful rose to such heights that they did not mind even if the Quraish came
Muhammad reached Medina quite safe and was very happy that his dream had been
down upon them. But Muhammad comforted them and asked them to say:
realized and sure of the fact that he had left a lasting impression on the minds of the Quraish.
There is no deity but God, God alone, Conversion of Khalid bin Walid, Amr bin As and Others : And time justified Muhammad’s
Who gave victory to His servant, conviction about the Quraish. Soon after Muhammad's departure, Khalid bin Walid, the
And Who alone repulsed the "Confederates." general of the Quraish cavalry and the hero of their war at Uhud stood up in their assembly
and said:
Abdullah bin Rawaha shouted this at the top of his voice and two thousand Muslims
followed in a chorus and the walls of hills echoed back the shout; and fear entered the hearts "It has been made clear to every man possessed of reason that Muhammad is
of the Quraish. neither a poet nor a sorcerer and that what he says is the saying of the Lord of
the Worlds. It is the duty of every man of wisdom to follow him/’
'Ikrama, his former comrade in war against Muhammad, was moved with fear and said:
"You have become a child, O Khalid !"
Khalid : "I have not become a child but I have become a Muslim."
'Ikrama : "By God, thou shouldn't be the last person amongst the Quraish to say that."
Khalid : "Why ?"
'Ikrama : "Because, Muhammad did injury to thy father when he was wounded, and he Eight
killed thy uncle, and the son of thy uncle at Badr. Therefore by God, I would not become
a Muslim nor would I say what thou sayest. The Quraish will have nothing to do with him
but his killing."
Khalid : "All this is an affair of ignorance and the puffing up of ignorance. But by God
1 have become a Muslim because the Truth has been made clear to me."
And Khalid sent his horsemen and his acknowledgment of faith to Muhammad. ERA OF PEACE
When Abu-Sufyan heard of Khalid's conversion he sent for him and said : "Is it true what
I have heard ?"
"Yes," said Khalid.
Abu Sufyan anger got the better of him and he said : "By Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, if what
Muhammad says were the truth I would have believed in him before thee." Muhammad was busy in the eighth year of Hegira in sending missionaries over the whole
Said Khalid : "Truth is truth, say what you like" and Abu-Sufayan was going to attack
Peninsula of Arabia, inviting people to Islam. The rulers and chiefs had been invited but that
was not enough. The people themselves must hear the Word of God.
him in his anger when 'Ikrama intervened and said : "Will you kill Khalid for his opinion
while all the Quraish are of the same opinion as he ? By God, I am afraid, if you do that, Some of these missionaries were well-treated and came home safe, others were set
all the Quraish will migrate to Medina." upon by the enemies of God and killed. This was an unavoidable part of Muhammad's
Khalid finding himself unwelcome at Mecca went to Medina and joined the Muslims.
mission. He who takes no risks never gains any victory. And the risks taken in the
propagation of Faith are invariably heavy. The history of European and American mission
Amr bin As and 'Othman bin Talha (care-taker of the Kaaba) and many others followed and missionaries during the 19th and 20th centuries is a case in point. The writer of this
Khalid in faith. book was living in China from 1897 to the end of 1899 when the Germans established
And so ended the 7th Year of Hegira in glory for the Faith and great happiness for themselves in the Province of Shantung simply because three missionaries had been
the faithful. The tree of Islam was now firmly rooted and it was a matter of time only killed. And volumes may be written about the murders of Christian missionaries and the
when it would raise its head and overshadow all other faiths. But it still required careful consequences thereof. For every Christian missionary killed "the natives" of Asia and
looking after and being watered with the holy water of the Love of God and the Africa have paid the price in hundreds of men killed and thousands of acres taken away
Brotherhood of mankind. from them. And the money indemnity has always been one of a most imposing figures.
The Muslim missionaries were however, sent for the sake of God and not for earthly gain.
Mission to Zatut-Tala : Muhammad sent one mission of 15 men towards the frontiers
of Syria to a place called Zat-ut-tala to call people to Islam. The missionaries were put to death
except their leader who escaped. Muhammad also sent a messenger to the governor of Basra
who was under Heracleus. A man of Ghassan killed this messenger in the name of heracleus
Harith, Governor of Ghassan, had already threatened Muhammad with invasion
'Ikrama, his former comrade in war against Muhammad, was moved with fear and said:
"You have become a child, O Khalid t"
Khalid : "I have not become a child but I have become a Muslim."
'Ikrama : "By God, thou shouldn't be the last person amongst the Quraish to say that"
Khalid : "Why ?"
'Ikrama : "Because, Muhammad did injury to thy father when he was wounded, and he
killed thy uncle, and the son of thy uncle at Badr. Therefore by God, I would not become
Eight
a Muslim nor would I say what thou sayest. The Quraish will have nothing to do with him
but his killing."
Khalid : "All this is an affair of ignorance and the puffing up of ignorance. But by God
I have become a Muslim because the Truth has been made clear to me."
And Khalid sent his horsemen and his acknowledgment of faith to Muhammad. ERA OF PEACE
When Abu-Sufyan heard of Khalid's conversion he sent for him and said: "Is it true what
I have heard ?"
"Yes," said Khalid.
Abu Sufyan anger got the better of him and he said : "By Al-Lat and Al-Uzza, if what
Muhammad says were the truth I would have believed in him before thee." Muhammad was busy in the eighth year of Hegira in sending missionaries over the whole
Peninsula of Arabia, inviting people to Islam. The rulers and chiefs had been invited but that
Said Khalid : "Truth is truth, say what you like" and Abu-Sufayan was going to attack
was not enough. The people themselves must hear the Word of God.
him in his anger when 'Ikrama intervened and said : "Will you kill Khalid for his opinion
while all the Quraish are of the same opinion as he ? By God, I am afraid, if you do that, Some of these missionaries were well-treated and came home safe, others were set
all the Quraish will migrate to Medina." upon by the enemies of God and killed. This was an unavoidable part of Muhammad's
mission. He who takes no risks never gains any victory. And the risks taken in the
Khalid finding himself unwelcome at Mecca went to Medina and joined the Muslims.
propagation of Faith are invariably heavy. The history of European and American mission
Amr bin As and 'Othman bin Talha (care-taker of the Kaaba) and many others followed and missionaries during the 19th and 20th centuries is a case in point. The writer of this
Khalid in faith. book was living in China from 1897 to the end of 1899 when the Germans established
themselves in the Province of Shantungu simply because three missionaries had been
the faithful. The tree of Islam was now firmly rooted and it was a matter of time only killed. And volumes may be written about the murders of Christian missionaries and the
when it would raise its head and overshadow all other faiths. But it still required careful consequences thereof. For every Christian missionary killed "the natives" of Asia and
looking after and being watered with the holy water of the Love of God and the Africa have paid the price in hundreds of men killed and thousands of acres taken away
Brotherhood of mankind. from them. And the money indemnity has always been one of a most imposing figures.
The Muslim missionaries were however, sent for the sake of God and not for earthly gain.
Mission to Zatut-Tala : Muhammad sent one mission of 15 men towards the frontiers
of Syria to a place called Zat-ut-tala to call people to Islam. The missionaries were put to death
except their leader who escaped. Muhammad also sent a messenger to the governor of Basra
who was under Heracleus. A man of Ghassan killed this messenger in the name of heracleus
Harith, Governor of Ghassan, had already threatened Muhammad with invasion
332 All the Prophets Era of Peace 333
when Muhammad had invited him to Islam. In fact, the greatest risk that a man could humane Muhammad was compared with modem leaders of mankind. Muhammad also
ever take was the sending of invitations to rulers of neighbouring provinces and empires commanded them, as he always did, not to take the offensive in the fight and also to make
to embrace Islam. This was inviting attack. But that was God's affair. God had said to a peaceful overture of embracing the true faith of Islam before the commencement of fight.
Muhammad: This was Muhammad's invariable rule. The first attack, or arrow must come from the enemy.
The Muslims prayed for the victory of the faithful.
Say: "O ye mankind ! surely I am the messenger of God towards you alL"
The army moved on till they reached Muan in Syria not knowing what they were going
He (is God) to whom belongs die kingdom of the heavens and the earth,
to meet
There is no deity but He.... (Quran, 7: 158.)
Shura Habil the Governor of Hercleus, having received the news of Muhammad's expedition
And again: gathered together all the tribes under him and the army of Heracleus under his brother or
under his Own command had joined the Governor's forces till they numbered 100000 to 200000
O thou messenger!
men.
Communicate that which has been sent down to thee from thy Lord,
The Muslims stopped at Muan for two nights considering what they should do. The most
And if thou dost not (do it). sensible thing, according to all usage, would have been for the Muslims not to risk themselves
Thou has not delivered His message (at all). (Quran, 5: 67.) against such odds when destruction was sure to overtake them. They were not up against
barbarous Beduins but against
•4 warriors and armies accustomed to big fighting. Someone very
Muhammad, therefore if he wanted to carry out his duty, had no option in the matter.
rightly suggested that Muhammad should be written to and informed of the numbers of the
His life and the lives of his followers belonged to God entirely and they lived to make sacrifices
enemy and that they should wait his instructions. And this opinion would have prevailed
and not to count the risks. They were God's Lambs, and He could take their souls unto himself
but for the eloquence of Abdullah bin Rawaha who was a great *4 poet and man of spirit. He
whenever He pleased. That was the aim and object of their lives.
said:
Expedition of Muta : Three thousand Heroes of Islam against 100000 to 150000 Soldiers
of the Eastern Roman Empire. In Jamadi-ul-Awwal 8 A.H. (corresponding to July 629 A.C.), "O my people! the thing you dislike is the thing you set out for, viz., Marturdom,
Muhammad prepared an expedition of 3000 Muslims under Zaid bin Harith to go north and and we are not fighting the enemy without numbers, force or material superiority.
to prove to the Romans that he was not afraid of them. As usual, he kept things secret, but We are fighting them with nothing but our Faith with which God has honoured
most fortunately, or most unfortunately, for the Muslims, the spies of the enemy were present us. Let us go on. We are in for either of two good things-Victory or Martyrdom.”
in Medina and the news of this expedition reached the Romans long before the expedition This eloquent speech conqured the peoples' hearts and put power into their souls
iteel/. and they said:
Muhammad had some inward warning as to what was going to happen to the Muslims "Ibn-Rawaha has spoken the truth, go forward."
in this expedition/ so he told them that in case Zaid bin Harith (who was the leader and
standard-bearer of the Muslims) was killed the command was to devolve upon Jafar bin Abu- God's Lambs were ready for the sacrifice and God made them His Lions.
Talib and in case he also was killed/ Abdullah bin Rawaha was to take his place. They went on to what seemed to be certain death till they reached Balqa' and found the
Khalid bin Walid/ the new convert to Islam/ also accompanied this expedition. And armies of Heracleus gathered at a town called Masharaf. When the Muslims came to close
Muhammad walked on foot with the expedition till it was outside the city limits of Medina. quarters with the enemy they crossed over to Muta a better place than Masharaf. And here
He ordered his men not to kill any Women/ Children/ or Non-combatants; not to cut down took place a most sanguinary fight between 3000 Muslims against 100,000 to 200,000 Romans
any trees/ nor to pull down any buildings. (or Greeks as they are commonly called).
So that Women children/ non-combatants, trees and buildings were immune from the Battle ofMuta : First Day: On a hot summer day, with the sun shining fiercely over their
ravages of war. One has only to compare these orders with the aerial bombardment by Italians heads and the certainty of paradise in their hearts, the Muslims advanced to the field of battle
of Red Cross and Red Crescent missions and the murder of non-combatants being carried 3000 against at least 100,000.
on by Italy in Abyssinia whilst these lines are being written (February 1936) to see how
Zaid bin Harith, the general led the attack. There was no stopping him or his cxxnpanirons
334 All *he Prophets Era of Peace 335
He was hit by arrows at dose range not once, twice or three times but till his body became Strange Reception of Khalid and His Men : Khalid brought the corpse of Jafar to Medina-
a trunks from which grew arrows and he breathed his last Lailaha illallah. Muhammad and the Muslims met them outside Medina.
Jafar according to the instructions of the Holy Prophet took the standard from the hands Aliy Other General and any other soldiers would have been carried shoulders high and
of Zaid. He was only 33 years old and next only to Ali, his younger brother, in courage, skill lionised and praised beyond praise. But the Medinites threw dust on the faces of the returning
and bravery. He was surrounded on all sides by the enemy forces. He got down from his soldiers saying. " O ye run-away’ Ye ran away from the Path of God".
horse, cut its legs and with his sword fell on the enemy. When he fell down there were 93
wounds on the front part of his body. Whilst Jafar was fighting his right arm was cut off. Prophet Replied on their Behalf: "Not run-aw ays, but if it please God, go back once
He held the standard in his left and when that also was cut off he held it between the two more.* But the warriors were actually ashamed of showing their faces to the men. The children
stumps of his arms and he did not fall till his body was cut into two. and young men took up the cry. "O ye run away! ye ran away from the Path of God."
Then Abdullah bin Rawaha took up the standard and fought and then turned back. But The Prophet and his companions were all in great sorrow on account of the loss of
his conscience pricked him. He was on horseback. He got down and said to himself: "0 my so many brave men and especially of the three generals. Jafar was like a brother to the
soul I I see thou art not quite pleased with paradise, I will put thee down." He turned back Prophet and he actually felt his loss more than that of the others. Jafar's wife and children
to the enemy and fought like his predecessor till he died. also cried bitterly for his loss so soon after his return from foreign country- Thus ended
the Battle of Muta. It was not a victory for the Muslims in the ordinary sense of the word;
All the three generals designated by Muhammad had now fallen in battle and yet the but it was a great victory for the Faith of Islam. It frightened the Romans and determined
fight went on. Any other army in the world would have turned its back on the enemy but
the Muslims to a sure and decisive victory so that within 12 years of the Prophet's decease
not the Faithful.
and within 15 years of the battle of Muta the Roman Empire in the East had lost
Thabit bin Arquam, a man of Banu Ajlan' took up the standard of Islam and said: everything except its name.
"Ye Muslims’, consult together in choosing a man from amongst you." Expedition ofZat As-Salasal: Some weeks after Khalid's return from Syria, Muhammad
sent Amr bin As towards Syria to engage an army of Syrians on the northern borders of
They replied: "Thyself. Arabia. When Amr reached the Province of Judham in a place called Salasal he was afraid
He said: "No, I am not worthy of it". of his army being too small to meet the enemy. So he sent for succour and the Prophet sent
another army of Muhajim under Abu-'Obaidah bin Jarrah including such men as Abu-Bakr
The people agreed upon Khalid bin Walid. Khalid took hold of the standard and at once and Umar and he especially warned Abu-'Obaidah not to differ from Amr as Amr bin As
realized the extreme peril of the Muslims forces. He was a man, as later history will prove
was a very strong-minded man. When Abu-'Obaidah met Amr, the latter said to the former
beyond a rival in the art of war and in courage and skill. There were many equally brave
"You have come as a helper and I am the General of the army." Abu-'Obaidah replied: "The
but none better than he in understanding war and its chances. He ordered a realignment of
Prophet has said that we should not disagree, therefore, even if you go against me I will follow
the Muslim forces till they were all together and fought the enemy with greater advantage
than under any of his predecessors. Eight swords were broken in his hands before the evening you." Such was the spirit of discipline amongst the early Muslims Amr performed his prayers
(Muslims generally fought after noon-prayers) and defeated the Syrian army. He returned
fell and the enemy had to postpone the fight till the next day.
to Medina after striking24 terror in the minds of the Romans.
Second Day: The next day, as soon as it was morning, Khalid began to spread out
his men in along thin line as if he was going to envelop the enemy. The Romans fancied Effects of the Battle of Muta : The Battle of Muta had very strange effect on the minds
that succour had come to the Muslims and that was the reason of this new manoeuvre. of different communities the Muslims who should have been pleased with escaping from
The Romans did not advance to fight. Meanwhile, according to his plan, Khalid withdrew utter destruction were the least satisfied with it. To them, there were only two courses open
his army from Muta to Medina. The Romans were too glad that the fight was over. They — Victory and Martyrdom, but Martyrdom first. Returning home safe and sound without
did not like to meet Khalid any more. They did not pursue Muslims. On the contrary, I victory was a thing which they did not and could not understand at all.
they were fearfully afraid of the Muslims. If three thousand could fight a hundred The Christians who should have counted it as a victory were thoroughly cowed. Being
thousand what if their numbers increased to a hundred thousand. Woe to the Roman far-sighted men and having had experience of centuries of warfare, they appreciated the
Empire and woe to all who dare oppose these supreme whose greatest happiness was courage, initiative and dash of the Muslims at its true value. To war with a people like
Death on the path of God. that was to Court certain disaster-a people who fought like lions and each of whom
336 All the Prophets Era o/ Peace 337
seemed to possess nine lives. Men like Jafar (who fought after both his arms had been of such a thing. Abu-Sufyan went to the house of Umm-Habiba (wife of the Prophet) trying
cut off) and Khalid who broke eight swords in a single afternoon on the heads of his to curry favour with her. He was going to sit down on the carpet or mat where the Prophet
enemies were not made of flesh but of iron. The usual custom in the armies used to be used to sit. “Get thee gone.* said his daughter. "Is that the way you treat your father?" said
that when the General fell, the army ran but amongst the Muslims each soldier rivalled Abu-Sufyan. "Not that," said she, "this place is for the Prophet of God and you being a pagan
the General. So the Romans, like wise men were for leaving the Muslims alone but they are unholy. So do not defile his carpet."
were too proud to make peace and the war went on. And Muhammad? He was not the
Abu-Sufyan went away disappointed. Muhammad would not see him or speak to him
man to back out of a bargain.
at all. He tried Abu-Bakr to intercede for him but was refused. He tried 'Umar and got this
The only people who, like fools, exulted over the apparent catastrophe of the Muslims reply uttered in great anger: "I to intercede for you with the Prophet of God? By God, if 1
at Muta were the Jews and the Meccan unbelievers. No less on was enough for them. They found an atom of reason to fight you I would do so." Abu-Sufyan tried Ali and Fatima
vainly imagined that the days of Muhammad were numbered and that the Romans would (Prophet's daughter) but no one would dare speak to the Prophet, or wished to do so. Ah
soon eat him up, so to say. It was therefore, time to start harassing him in the South whilst pulled his leg (and the old man fell into his trap) by saying to him "You are yourself a chief
his men were engaged in the North. of the Meccans, go to the mosque and proclaim on your own authority that you ask peoples'
help to renew the treaty."
Treaty Broken by Quraish : The Quraish, enemies of Muhammad, therefore, in violation
of the Treaty of Hudaibiya, egged on their allies the Banu Bakr to attack Banu Khuza' the He did so and returned to Mecca and told the people what had happened at Medina
allies of Muhammad. Tkrama and other leaders of the Quraish helped Banu Bakr with arms The Quraish laughed at him and said, "Woe into thee! By God, you are only fit to be made
and secret intrigue. Following this intrigue, one night, whilst Banu Khuza were sleeping at fun of.* Abu-Sufyan's faith in his idols and in his people was badly shaken.
a watering place called Wazir, Banu Bakr fell on them, killed them and looted their property.
Banu Khuza' took shelter in Mecca and complained to the Quraish but got no redress. Conquest of Mecca
Amr bin Salim of Khuza ran to lay his complaint before Muhammad. He was accompanied Muhammad asked his followers to prepare for war and sent word to all his allies and
by 40 camelriders and voiced his complaint outside the mosque where Muhammad was followers in Arabia to come to him ready for the fight but to keep their preparations absolutely
praying in these words: secret. He did not tell anyone where he was going to. People thought he was going to Syria
to teach a lesson to the Romans for their having killed his standard-bearers at Muta. But a
"O God? I come to Muhammad to remind few of his intimate friends knew or guessed his secret.
Of the bonds of love which us do bind, One Hatib bin Abi Balta' who was with Muhammad's army at Badr and a recognized
O Prophet of God! Thy help I claim, leader of the Muslims wrote a letter to his relations at Mecca informing them of Muhammad s
Call the servants of God to this aim." intentions. He gave this letter to a female slave of his and sent her towards Mecca. Muhammad
was informed by God about this and he sent Ali bin Abu-Talib and Zubayr bin Awwam to
Muhammad heard their complaint and promised them help as he was bound to do under
get the letter from the woman. They caught her but did not find the letter. All threatened
the Treaty.
to search her person if she did not give them the letter. The woman finding no wav out ot
Muhammad sent word to the Quraish ; the difficulty opened her hair and there was the letter!
(1) To pay the usual indemnity for those who had been wrongfully killed, Their letter was brought back to Muhammad and Abi Balta' admitted sending it but
(2) To desist from helping Banu Bakr, and said that he was moved by pity for his only son left amongst the Quraish and tvc
afraid of his death. Muhammad excused him as he was one of the "Companions ot Bad?
(3) To issue a proclamation that the Treaty had been dissolved.
but God warned him to spare no one in future who allied himself with the unbt hewix
The Quraish agreed only to the last term but as this directly implied that they had been I against the Muslims.
guilty of a breach, they repented of that and sent Abu-Sufyan to Medina to get the treaty
renewed Quraish Taken by Utter Surprise : So successful were Muhammad s preparatives a’X*
well organised and quick that he set out with ten thousand well armed nu*n to < oik.uv s Xhxva
One must have a very poor opinion of Muhammad to think that he would ever think
the same number with which the Meccans and their allies had gone to conquer VLc
33S All the Prophets
tables were turned on the Meccans and they knew nothing of his coming till he was at "Woe to thee, Abu-Hanzala" (another name for Abu-Sufyan.)
Marrazzahran, half a day's journey from Mecca. Each tribe had its own leader and its owe Abu-Sufyan: "Abul-Fadal?" (another name for Abbas.)
camp and Muhammad made them spread out in the desert and asked them to make big fires.
Abbas: "Woe to thee Abu-Sufyan! Here as Muhammad and he is going to enter Mecca
The Meccans were still discussing as to what they should do when Abbas (uncle of the
by force; and woe unto the Quraish when he does that!"’
Prophet) and a party of Banu Hashim, who were either in the know or were informed as
to join Muhammad. The Meccans recognized Muhammad's mare which could be distinguished amongst a
thousand.
But Muhammad would not receive them at first and showed anger at the treatment he
had received from his own kith and kin after he had left Mecca. Abbas was accompanied by "What can be done?" asked Abu-Sufyan. The three of them started going back to Mecca
Abu-Sufyan bin Harith bin Abd-ul Muttalib (not Abu-Sufyan bin Harb bin Ommaya) and by to persuade the people to yield to Muhammad. When they were passing the fires of Umar
Abdullah bin Abi Ommaya bin Mughira. When Muhammad refused to admit them they said bin Khattab, they were recognized and Abu-Sufyan was captured. Abbas wished to save his
"If you do not take us now, we will be tortured and die of hunger and thirst on the land." life but Umar rushed to the tent of the Prophet asking the Prophet's permission to strike off
Muhammad was moved and took them in. Abu-Sufyan's head. Abbas also rushed in and said that Abu-Sufyan was under his protection.
When Abbas saw the preparations of his nephew's army he was afraid of the Meccans. A hot discussion took place between Abbas and Umar. Finally, the Prophet ordered Abbas
Surely, if Muhammad did not take pity on the unbelieving Meccans they would soon be to bring Abu-Sufyan to him the next morning.
slaughtered and nothing left of them. Muhammad held a court in his tent the next morning and when Abu- Sufyan was brought
And what, then, of all their relations, friends and families?
to Kim he said:
Stratagem of Abbas : Abbas was a man of peace and, though formerly a pagan, he like "Abu-Sufyan! Woe to thee, has not the time come for thee to know 'La-ilaha ill-
Abu-Talib, had always been a friend of Muhammad. He had, formerly, tried to save Muhammad Allah'?" There is not deity but God.
from the clutches of the Quraish by having Muhammad timely warning of their attack on
Abu-Sufyan: "My father and mother be thy sacrifice -By God, surely, if I was sure that
Medina he must now save the Meccans from the clutches of Muhammad by giving them his there was a deity besides God, it would have been of some avail to me."
advice and kind warning. He and Muhammad consulted the situation and Muhammad
prayed most devoutly that Abbas might be the means of the conquest of Mecca without The Prophet: "Woe to thee, O Abu-Sufyan ! Has not the time come for thee to know that
bloodshed. I am the messenger of God?"
Abbas, therefore, set out on his journey of peace. He borrowed Muhammad's white mare Abu-Sufyan:: By God it is so, I had been thinking like that up to this moment in mv mind.'
named Duldul, sent to him by the ruler of Egypt and rode with it towards Mecca. His object The fact is that Abu-Sufyan had heard the Quran; he had witnessed the enthusiasm
was to tell the people of Mecca that resistance to Muhammad was useless, as he was supported of Muhammad's followers; he had heard what Heracleus had said about Muhammad:
by army which could not be opposed and that the best course for them was to go out submit he had seen the wonderful signs of God all pointing out the truth of Muhammad s
to him. mission and his faith in idols had been shaken but he was reluctant to lose his position
Abu-Sufyan Captured: As luck would have it, he heard Abu-Sufyan bin Harb and Budail of honour amongst the Arabs and he was also afraid of their jibes and taunts. He
bin Waraqa (who had come out to see if there was any truth in the rumours of danger coming acknowledged the faith now but not in clear terms. Abbas was in fear of Umar prevailing
to Mecca) speaking in this fashion: upon the Prophet to have Abu-Sufyan (the relentless foe of Muhammad arid Muslims)
executed. So he addressed Abu-Sufyan and said, "You had better acknowledge vour taith
Abu-Sufyan: "I have never seen such fires and such an army". Budail: "By God, these
and say, '1 bear witness that there is not deity but God (Allah) and the Muhammad is
are Khuza* bent on war."
the messenger of God, unless you wish your head struck off/* Abu-Sufyan acknowledged
Abu-Sufyan: "Khuza* are few in numbers and weak in strength for fires like these and his faith.
for an army of this size."
Abbas fen addressed Muhammad and said: "O Prophet of God ’ Abu-Sutx is proud
Abbas recognized Abu-Sufyan's voice and said: of his Islam. Do him some favour/*
340 All the Prophets Era Peace 341
The Prophet said: "Ail right, he who enters the house of Abu-Sufyan shall be safe He Muhammad marched on till he reached Za-Twa whence he could see Mecca lying before
who shuts himself up in his own house and locks his door shall be safe and he who enters him; his standards waving in the air; his men marching on the Path of God and animated
the Mosque at Mecca shall be safe." with God's spirit.
Muhammad's Love for Peace and Friendship : Had Muhammad followed the wishes of He stopped on his mount and thanked God from the bottom of his heart at having opened
some of his companion, Mecca this day would have been ransacked. But Muhammad was the gates of Mecca to him and allowed him and his companions to enter in peace and safety •
praying for a bloodless victory and God had sent him an ally in the person of Abbas, a Order of the Muslim Army on its Entry into Mecca : Muhammad was always thankful
mediator whom both sides could listen to. The facts as stated above are uncontested but to God for His favours but he never forgot to take his own measure for the protection of the
opinions differ as to whether Abu-Sufyan came to Muhammad's tent by a pre-arranged plan Muslims. He divided his army into four division and gave them strict orders not to fight and
or by accident As the chief actors in this drama never disclosed their inner knowledge, the not to shed blood unless they were absolutely forced to do so.
matter shall for ever, remain a guess. The writer of this book agrees with those who say that
Zubayr bin Awwam was in charge of the Left Wing and was ordered to enter Mecca from
Abu-Sufyan had become a Muslim at heart when he came back unsuccessful from Medina
the North.
on his mission to renew the treaty of Hudaibiya and that Abbas had arranged for this dramatic
meeting between him and Muhammad. But God knows better. Khalid bin Walid was in charge of the Right
•J Wing and was ordered to enter Mecca on
its lower side.
Muhammad's Precautions on Entering Mecca : On the morrow, Muhammad ordered
entry into Mecca. Marrazzahran is only a short journey from Mecca. He ordered that there Sad bin Ubada at the head of Medinities was ordered to enter from the West.
should be no fighting, unless unavoidable, and that Abu-Sufyan should be kept in custody Abu-Ubaida bin Jarrah at the head of the Muhajirin with Muhammad himself were to
till the Muslims had entered Mecca and till he had carried out his message of peace and that enter Mecca from the heights of Jabal Hind.
he must not be allowed to escape on any account. Who knows, he might be pretending to
But it came to the ears of the Prophet the Abu Ubaida had said that the day was going
be a Muslim and do mischief.
to be a day of Battle and they would have the Freedom of Mecca that day (meaning that
The Muslim armies marched on with the Prophet's green flag flying before them and shedding blood would be allowed to them) Muhammad had the standa immediately, removed
Muhammad now leading his forces surrounded by his generals of Mecca and Medina armed into the hands of Abu-Ubaida's son Qais-Muhammad was not going to allow any excuses
in mail, cap-a-pie, on prancing horses and well-fed camels. Each tribe had its own leader and for war.
a separate flag. Ikrama Fought Khalid and Defeated: All the armies of Muslims entered Mecca peacefully
As they passed Abu-Sufyan, the old man's pride and jealousy against Muhammad were except that of Khalid. He was entering the city on its lower side where the most obstinate
struggling in his breast with his newly acquired faith. The position he had coveted for himself amongst the Quraish and Banu Bakr under Muhammad's inveterate enemies Safwan, Suhail
and his family now belonged to Muhammad. His Islam was not strong enough yet to make and 'Ikrama shot the Muslims with their arrows. Khalid however was more than a match
him think of anything but earthly values, so he said to Abbas: for them. The Muslims had two men killed and the enemy 13 or 18. The leaders of the enemy
fled. Muhammad had reached the top of Jabal Hind and when he saw swords shining on
"O Abbas ! no one can oppose this army and no one has the strength to do it. his right he was angry but on matters being explained to him he said: " There is option on
By God, O Abul-Fadal ! the son of thy brother will be a great king tomorrow." what God gives us to choose."
Then he went to his people who had gathered to witness this scene and cried out at the Muhammad Master of Mecca : Muhammad's tent was pitched on the top of Jabal Hind
top of his voice: close to the tombs of Abu-Talib and Khadijah. He was asked "Would not like to rest in your
house?" He said "Certainly not They have left no house for me in Mecca." He rested in his
"O ye Quraish ! here is Muhammad come to you with a force which cannot be tent And the memories of his childhood, youth and marriage came back to his mind. And
opposed. Whoever enters the house of Abu-Sufyan will be safe, and whoever how in his fortieth year, the Call from God had come to him and how he had come home
shuts himself up in his own house and locks the door shall be safe and so will with fear and hope and how Khadijah had consoled him and how Jibrail had brought him
be he who enters the mosque." the glad news:
342 All the Prophets Era of Peace M3
And surely the Future is better for thee than the Past. dedares, are equal in the sight of God as they are all evolved from this very earth. He
alone is most honourable in the sight of God who is most reverential to Him. Reverence
And surely in time thy Lord will bestow on thee so that thou shalt be satisfied. to God and obedience to His Laws are the only things
•J
that can make man great and noble.
(Quran, 93:4-5.) This address was delivered over 1300 years ago and no man can improve upon it. It is
And now God's Promise was being fulfilled in this world and more was to follow a Charter of the Rights of Man against the Tyranny of Despots— be they individuals,
hereafter. How could he sufficiently thanks God for His bestowals.? No one could. He forgot societies or corporations.
all the persecutions he had suffered, all the abuses that had been showered on him and all Muhammad's Pardon to Enemies : After he had finished his address he looked at the
the attempts made on his life. His eyes were full of tears of submission to God. God was the Quraish for they were there, and asked:
Truth. To Him belonged the disposal of all affairs. Man was but an atom. But what a fateful
atom? Everything in heaven and earth was going round with God's praises and his glorification. "0 ye people of the Quraish ! What do you think I am going to do to you?"
It was not for man to sit down. He soon got up rode his she-camel Qaswa and made seven They said; "O noble brother, and O son of a noble brother! goodness."
circuits (Tawaf) of the House of God. He said: "No blame on you be this day. Go away, you are free."
Muhammad Abolished Hereditary Pride : When He had finished the Tawaf He called
Muhammad was standing amongst his former enemies who had abused him, stoned him,
'Othman bin Talha opened the door of the Kaaba and stood there. The people gathered round
reviled and banished him; encompassed his death and fought him numerous fight and now
him in the mosque and Muhammad delivered an address as follows:
having power over life and death, he takes no hostages, imposes no penalties, uses no force
"There is no deity but God (Allah), He exists by Himself without a partner, He but in five words "Go away, you are free" changes the whole course of history. The fact is
has made good His promise and helped His servant; He alone routed the that Muhammad loved all mankind. He hated nobody. But there are certain things •1 which
Confederates. All pride, all ancient custom of revenge shedding blood and for are beyond human control. Those who find fault with Muhammad are doing nothing but
claims (on account of feudal fight) are under my feet (i.e., are abolished). Nothing injustice to themselves.
remains except the custody of the Kaaba and the supplying of water to the Muhammad Purified the Kaaba : After the address and the free pardon granted to his
pilgrims. enemies, Muhammad entered the Kaaba and found it full of pictures and idols. There were
"O ye people of the Quraish ! Surely God has abolished from you all pride of the pictures of angels as females and of prophets chief amongst whom was a picture of Ibrahim.
time of Ignorance and all pride in your ancestry, (because) all men are descended There was the precious stone statue of the chief deity of the Meccans, Hobal. Muhammad
from Adam, and Adam was made out of dust (or earth)*. had them all removed and the Kaaba purified literally and metaphorically of all that was
unclean. And as he helped in this purification he recited the verse of the Quran:
O ye mankind ’ surely We have made you out of male and female,
And We have made you into races and tribes that you may recognise one another. Truth has come and falsehood has disappeared.
Surely the most honourable of you in the sight of God is the most reverential of
Surely falsehood is bound to disappear. (Quran, 15: 81.)
you... (Quran, 49: 13.)
And thus the conquest of Mecca was in fact nothing•4 but the Conquest of Truth over
Let all those who study Muhammad's Life and who wish to be just, ponder over this
falsehood in which Muhammad and the Muslims played their part but in which the real
address of Muhammad. On this day, he was the undoubted ruler over Mecca and Medina
general was the Will of God.
and other parts of Arabia with an army which was, for the time being, sufficient to assert
his will, Does this man Muhammad ask people to bow down to him, to pay him any Those who do not believe in this "Will of God", or believing in it, do not appreciate its
revenues or taxes or threaten them with pains and penalties if they disobey him? Does force, will never understand Islam Quran, or Muhammad. The whole Philosophy ot Islam
he declare any material law in the territory he has taken by peaceful conquest? Or do lies in trying to discover and to act accordinga to the Will of God. Whoever wanders aw ax
any of the hundred and one things that kings, conquerors and rulers of mankind do from this basic principle of Islam will never find consolation in anything that exist, and k-a^t
appeal to him? of all in his own soul.
On the contrary, he abolishes all pride in race, heredity or wealth. AU men, he Ansar's Fear : Seeing how good and merciful Muhammad had been to the Mevxans and
344 AU the Prophets Era of Peace
how immense was his love and care of the House of God, the Ansar began to fear that he And thus was God's saying justified:
might stay there for ever. Muhammad came to know this and said:
Repel (evil) with that which is better and lo 1 he between whom and thee there
"God be my protection, my living and my dying are with you", the words which was enmity shall be as if he was (thy) warm friend.. (Quran, 41: 34.)
he had used at the Pledge of Akaba. Muhammad always kept his word no matter
what happened. Muhammad's Fifteen Days Work at Mecca : Khalid's zeal in Faith Over-stepping His
instructions: Muhammad gave orders that non of the faithful should keep any idols in their
Muhammad's Prayer in the Mosque : When the Kaaba had been purified Muhammad houses and taught the Meccan converts the principles of the Faith in Islam. Muhammad also
ordered Bilal to climb its roof and call the people to prayer and from that day till this, the sent missionaries with orders to destroy idols without causing bloodshed.
call has been repeated five times a day in that Mosque, and may it go on as long as the world
lasts, at Mecca and everywhere else. There is no piece of human composition which can rival Khalid went to Banu Shaiban to destroy the statue of Uzza which he did. The people took
the Call to Prayer of human composition which can rival the Call to Prayer of the Muslims up arms against him. He demanded the laying down of arms but they would not obey. Khalid
in its purity of thought and simplicity of language. And Muhammad led the prayers with tied some of them and a few of them were executed for disobeying his orders. When the
thousand following him. His saying that his Pleasure was in his prayers had already been Prophet heard that he said: "O God ’. I declare to Thee my abhorrence of what Khalid has
quoted. done." Then he sent Ali to Judhaima with money. After Ali had paid all the blood-money
he distributed the balance amongst the people. The people marvelled at Muhammad’s even
Though ten odd persons were designated by Muhammad as guilty of crimes deserving
handed justice towards all-Muslims and non-Muslims alike. In 15 days Muhammad had
death, all but four were forgiven. Even Hind, wife of Sufyan, who chewed Hamza's liver raw
wiped out all traces of idol-worship of more than 2000 years' standing. He appointed 'Othman
was forgiven. 'Ikrama was forgiven. Safwan bin Ommaya was forgiven. Of the four persons
bin Talha and his sons as guardians of the Kaaba in perpetuity and office of the supply of
killed three were men who were guilty of murders and one was a singer who is said to have
incited people against the person of the Prophet by his singing. water to the pilgrims to Abbas and his children.
Muhammad Declared Mecca to be a Sacred Territory for Ever : "No blood is to be shed Hunain, Autas and Taif Conqured
and no tree to be cut"
One would have thought that the peaceful conquest of Mecca by Muhammad would have
All that is stated above was accomplished on the very first day of Muhammad's stay at
been enough to convince the pagan Arabs that further fighting with him was useless. But
Mecca. On the morrow, he heard that Khuza' had killed a pagan of the tribe of Hudhail within
no. The Arabs had not been subject to a king or ruler for ages; and besides, fighting was
the sacred territory. He was angry and addressed the people thus:
in their blood just as it has been in the blood of some of the tribes on the North-West Frontier
"O ye people! God made Mecca a sacred territory the day He made the heavens of India. These centuries' old habits could not be eliminated in a day. And there were many
and the earth (i.e. it is His Eternal will). Therefore it is declared Sacred once, twice other reasons why the pagan Arabs should dislike Muhammad. He was destroying their idols
and three times to the Day of Resurrection. It is not allowed to anyone who which represented deities in whose names the chiefs made their living. Muhammad was also
believes in God and the Future Day to shed blood therein or to cut a tree. It was imposing discipline upon the Arabs. Discipline meant restraint. Muhammad made the Muslims
not allowed before me and it is not allowed to anyone who comes after me. And fast, pray and give alms. This was extremely distasteful to the unbelievers as the writer in
it was not allowed to me until lately, on account of God's anger on its residents the Encyclopedia Britannica points out. The Arabs were intensely suspicious and knew by
but it has returned to its sacredness as before. Let him who is here carry it to him instinct that Muhammad would not be content till he had converted the whole of Arabia.
who is absent. If anyone says to you that the messenger of God shed blood therein
There was no union or discipline amongst various tribes of Arabia. It was to bring about
then say ye that God had allowed him and God has not allowed you to do so,
this union and discipline in Arabia that God had sent Muhammad. It was not his only task
O people of Khuza. Remove your hands from bloodshed. I must pay indemnity
on your behalf. Whoever is guilty of bloodshed hereafter, his family must be But it was the one on which depended everything for the success of Islam. Muhammad
responsible for it. They may kill the killer or tie him up." realized this. And the Arabs made it easy for him by fighting him. In this way they submitted
to the Will of God.
He paid the indemnity. The man killed was a pagan. The Meccans wondered at this
castigation of Muhammad's allies by Muhammad and at his justice, fairness and forgiveness. Hawazin and Thaqif(8 A.H.): The reader may remember that Thaqif were the ruling tribe
They came in groups to join Islam. Even Hind became a Muslims. at Taif when Muhammad visited that town and preached Islam there. They had atoned
Era of Peace 347
Muhammad till his shoes were full of blood and he had to flee from them. Taif had also the
reached him he lost no time in meeting the coming attack and set out in great state with
temple of Al-Lat, one of the chief deities of the pagans. Thaqif had always despised Muhammad.
12,0000 soldiers-10,000 of his companions who had come with him from Medina and 2000
Between Mecca and Taif lived another tribe called Hawazin who were also very powerful new converts from. Mecca.
and warlike and, being situated in hilly districts, had never been subject to the Meccans. Had The Muslims were elated with their numbers and with their preparations. Even a devout
it noi been for the fact that Muhammad took Mecca by surprise, the Hawazin and Thaqif man like Abu-Bakr is reported to have said : "This time we are more numerous than the
might have joined the Quraish against
•J Muhammad but Muhammad, as usual, anticipated enemy" or words to that effect Others are reported to have said : "No one can over power
them. us on account of our numbers," not knowing what was in store tor them.
Whilst Muhammad was preaching Islam at Mecca the Hawazin and Thaqif were getting Abu-Sufyan, Abbas and the other Meccan chiefs were with this army in full armour,
ready to make war on Muhammad. The tribes of Nasar and Jushm also joined them but not accompanied by horsemen, riders on camels and other camels laden with provisions and
Kab and Kilab. arms. Each tribe carried its standard in front of it, and the whole army moved with great
Jushm had a leader named Duraid bin Samma who was too old to fight, but he was a elate till they reached this side of Hunain at evening. The Muslims encamped at the entrance
man of wisdom. Malik bin Auf was actually leading the Hawazin and Thaqif. These two of the Pass in full expectation of victory in the morning.
tribes hit upon a new plan of war. They knew that the Arabs had lost all their previous wars Battle of Hunain : At dawn Muhammad's army moved on. Muhammad was riding •4 his
against Muhammad because they ran away after the fall of their leaders. Hence Malik bin white mare, Duldul, in the rear of the army. Khalid bin Walid at the head of the Sulaim was
Auf advised them to take their wives, children, cattle and wealth with them so that no one in the van. They entered the narrow Pass and were cooped in between the walls of the Pass.
would run away. It was still semi-dark and hazy. The Muslims could see no enemy, but the enemy knew where
They marched to the hills of Autas to the south-east of Mecca and about a day or day the Muslims were. And according to Malik bin Aufs pre-arranged plan the Hawazin and
and a halts journey from Mecca. Thaqif rained a regular shower of arrows on the Muslims. The Muslims could do nothing.
The Meccan recruits were the first to retreat and the rest also not knowing what to do fled
When Duraid bin Samma heard the neighing of horses, the bleating of sheep, the groaning panic-stricken.
of camels and the yelling of children he asked Malik bin Auf what was all this about. Malik
said that was meant to prevent the fighters from running away. Duraid disagreed with him Never in the whole history of Muhammad's mission had anything like this happened
and said : "For victory you require fighters and swords and shooters of arrows. If the fight before.
goes against you these encumbrances will be all the worse for you." The people agreed with Tribe after tribe ran past Muhammad without listening to his cries till he, who was in
Malik, They were bent on victory and had made sure of it. Malik had a plan which could the fear, was alone, with the soldiers gone away and none in front of him except the enemy -
not fail. Duraid also accompanied the army as he approved of Malik's plan and it was really God tries His messengers but they never fail. When Pharaoh overtook the Israelites under
an excellent one. Moses as he was going out of Egypt SI they said :
The Flawazin and Thaqif encamped in the valley of Hunain and posted their archers Surely we are caught:
covering the Pass in the valley which Muhammad and his forces must cross before they could
reach the other side. He (Moses) said : "Never ! Surely my Lord is with me, He will soon guide me."
(Quran, 26: 61-62.)
Malik's plan was to attack the Muslims with arrows in the narrow Pass and to rout them,
so that when they retreated, the Hawazin would fall upon them from the hills and easily God is always with His messengers. He was with Nuh, Ibrahim, Moses, Jesus in their
Conquer Mecca which was not very far off. Malik's archers were concealed by rocks and troubles and He was now with Muhammad, though the people had fled. Muhammad was
Muhammad's men could not possibly dislodge them. This plan was kept absolutely secret sure of God's help and stood his ground. That proved that he was from God and not from
and success was made certain by taking up all the necessary positions long before Muhammad himself. If he had been a liar he would now have run away. The messenger of God remained
had reached Hunain. firm like a rock
Muhammad Set Put to Meet Hawazin and Thaqif: It was two weeks after Muhammad's But his Meccan companions were not so sure. Abu-Sufyan bin Harb with a satirical smile
stay at Mecca that he heard of the preparations of Hawazin and Thaqif. When the news on his face said : "These people who conquered the Quraish yesterday will not stop fleeing
till they reach the sea." Shaiba bin 'Othman bin Abi Talha said : "Today I will have my Hunain and Uhud Compared : The Battle of Hunain was the exact parallel of the Battle
revenge on Muhammad." His father had been killed at Uhud. And Kaida bin Hanbal said. of Uhud with the exception that the Muslims were complete masters in their victory whilst
"The witchcraft has vanished today." The work of 18 years of the mission of Muhammad the Quraish did not and could not press their advantage home.
was in the balance. Had his God left him ? thought the doubters. If not, where was His help
In the Battle of Hunain Malik bin Auf had placed his archers on the hill just as Muhammad
and why all this panic ?
had placed his at Uhud. The Muslims fled at Hunain just as the Quraish had fled at Uhud.
The people ran but not Muhammad. Some of his Ansar and the Banu Hashim did not The Muslims came back to fight at Hunain just as did the Quraish at Uhud. In both cases
leave him. the coming down of the archers from their stations proved ruinous to their side. Uhud had
The Hawazin and Thaqif seeing the Muslims utterly routed descended from their positions been won by Muslims and was lost. Hunain had been won by the Hawazin and was lost.
and were quite near to Muhammad and ready to attack him. Abu-Sufyan bin Harith bin Abd- But here the parallel stops. Muhammad obtained such booty at Hunain as nobody had ever
ul-Muttalib caught hold of the reins of Muhammad's mare and Abbas who had a giant's voice dreamt of. The Quraish came back empty-handed from Uhud. And it was possible for Hunain
shouted : to have proved the most disastrous battle for the Muslims. Who saved the situation for
Muslims in both these Battles ? The unbelievers would say "Muhammad" but the Muslim
"O ye Ansar who sheltered and helped the Muslims, O ye Emigrants who took with full faith in his heart would reply : God.
the Pledge under the Tree, Muhammad is alive and here. Come ye this side/' He However, God manifested His Power through Muhammad and his faithful companions.
shouted thus till the hills echoed. And the Prophet himself said : But in order that the Muslims might not become proud, He made them taste defeat before
victory in one case, and victory before repulse in the other.
*T am the Prophet of God, there is no falsehood about me, I am the descendant
of Abd ul-Muttalib. Holy Quran on the Battle of Hunain : God reminds Muslims of this battle in the following
words which explain themselves:
And a miracle happened. The words "Muhammad is alive....the Ansar....the Muhajirin,
the Pledge under the Tree" sank into the hearts of the fleeing Muslims and lo! like thunder Certainly God has already helped you in many fields,
and lightning they came back to the call. Their hearts now quite at their ease, and their
And on the day of Hunain when your large numbers
courage not only recovered but redoubled.
made you look strange (or made you proud),
The Encounter : The morning mist had by this time disappeared from the sky and the
mist of doubt and vacillation also disappeared from the hearts of the Muslims. They could But they availed you naught
see their enemy now. The Prophet threw a handful of dust in the face of the enemy saying: And the land, in spite of its vastness, became straitened to you,
"Your faces be disfigured" and lo! the proud conquerors of the moment before were now Then you turned back flying.
grovelling in the dust. The Muslims attacked them so fiercely, that the Hawazin forgot all
Then God sent down His calm upon His messenger and upon the faithful.
their plans and their boasts. They fled leaving their women, children and all their property
behind. The booty which fell into the hands of the Muslims this day consisted of: And He sent armies which you saw not,
(1) 28, 000 camels And He made the disbelievers suffer... (Quran, 9: 25-26.)
(2) 40, 000 sheep Muhammad Laid Siege of Taif: The victory of Hunain had been won at a heavy cost.
(3) 4, 000 pieces of silver Muhammad was not the man to let his enemy have rest. He followed Malik bin Auf to
(4) 6, 000 prisoners Taif and laid siege to it.
The prisoners were removed to Wadi al-Jirana and Muhammad set in pursuit of the But though Muhammad laid siege to Taif for a whole month, the besieged would not
fleeing enemy. come out and give him battle. They contented themselves with shooting arrows which killed
The Muslims caught the fleeing Hawazin at Autas. Heavy fighting took place there but a number of Muslims and wounded quite a lot.
the enemy fled. Some of them under Malik bin Auf ran towards Taif and could not be pursued Muhammad even tried to undermine the fort but without success. When he made sure
any further. Malik bin Auf took shelter with the Thaqif at Taif. »
that the siege was going to be a long one and the cost of victory was going to be out oi all
350 All the Prophets Era of Pence 351
proportion to the loss of life, and as the sacred months were approaching, he raised the siege (4) Safwan bin Ommaya, one of the three who joined Banu Bakr in breaking the Treaty
to attend to more pressing work waiting him at Mecca and Medina. But before he left Taif, of Hudaibiya, 100 camels.
he promised them that he would come back unless they surrendered.
(5) Qais bin Adi, 100 camels.
Muhammad Returned to Jirana from Taif: Muhammad on his way to Mecca stopped at
(6) Suhail bin Amr of Hudaibiya fame, 100 camels.
Wadi al-Jirana where there were the prisoners and the booty. He divided the booty as
ordained in the Quran-one-fifth to God and His messenger and the balance for the Muslim (7) Hwaitab bin Abd ul-Uza, 100 camels.
fighters. After this distribution a deputation of the Hawazin came there and begged him for (8) Iqrabin Habis, 100 camels.
mercy as there were his relations amongst their tribe and one of the prisoners was Shaima', (9) Uainiya bin Hisn, the looter of Medinite camels, 100 camels.
his foster sister, daughter of Halimah. He let Shaima' go back to her home according to her
(10) Malik bin Auf, the leader of the enemy at Hunain, 100 camels.
wish, with gifts from himself.
Many others got 50 camels each. All this was out of the one-fifth share assigned to God
The Prophet was moved by their entreaties for mercy. He told them that he would release and His messenger. Muhammad gave away to his former Meccan enemies everything that
his share of the prisoners as well as the share of Banu Abd ul-Muttalib but that they should they desired and that he could bestow on them.
come to his people after non-prayers and say :
Ansar not Pleased : When the Ansar saw how generous Muhammad had been to his
"We ask the Prophet of God to intercede for us with the Muslims and we ask the kinsmen, they grumbled in secret and said that they had been treated unfairly. Sad bin Ubada
Muslims to intercede for us with the Prophet of God with regard to our women carried the news to Muhammad who ordered Sad to gather his men together. When they
and children." were gathered together the Prophet came to them and said:
The Hawazin did so, when Muhammad said : "As for me and Banu Abd-ul-Muttalib, "O ye Ansar ’ What is this talk which has reached me from you and what is this
what you ask is yours." With the exception of a few individuals all agreed to this proposal hew thing you have found in your souls?
and released their prisoners.
"When I came to you were you not in error and God guided you ? Were you not
The Hawazin were extremely pleased to get back their dear ones without any payment.
poor and God made you rich ? Were you not each other's enemies and God put
Never before had any Arab conqueror been so generous.
love into your hearts?"
Malik Bin Aufs Conversion to Islam : Muhammad talked to Hawazin about Malik bin
The Ansar: "Yes, God and His messenger
V are most Bountiful and most Graceful. ‘
Auf and promised to return him his property, and a hundred camels in addition, if he would
Muhammad : "Would not you answer me, ye Ansar ?"
surrender himself. Malik immediately became a Muslim.
Ansar: "What answer can we give thee, O Prophet of God? All bounty’ and grace
The Muslims who had come with the Prophet from Medina were afraid that the Prophet
belong to God and His messenger."
would take away their shares from them in order to give what he had promised to Malik
; but when the Prophet heard this he was very angry. He had a very strict and impartial Muhammad : "But, by God, if you had wished, you might have said and you
division made of the whole property. would surely have been right and I would confirm your saying thus :
Muhammad's Generosity: The fifth share of the spoils was at Muhammad's disposal. He "Thou didst come to us belied and we confirmed thy truth; thou wast forsaken
hardly kept anything for himself, but, in order to gain the love of his former enemies, he and we helped thee ; thou wast driven away and we sheltered thee ; thou wast
distributed the greater part of it amongst them-the men who had plotted to kill him. Some poor and we consoled thee. O Ansar ’ I have made use of the pelf of this world
of his donations may be mentioned here : to gain the love of the people that they may become Muslims and entrusted you
to your Islam. Are not you, ye Ansar ’ happy that whilst people take away sheep-
(1) Abu-Sufyan (his former relentless foe) got 300 camels and 100 pieces of silver.
and camels, you take home the messenger of God with you ? 1 swear by Him m
(2) Hakim bin Huzam, 200 camels.
whose hands is Muhammad's life, had it not been for the Hijrat I would have been
(3) Nadir bin Ha ri th bin Kaida, 100 camels. a man of the Ansar. If people choose one path, and the Ansar choose another
I would choose the path of the Ansar.
352
I A" Prophets
fra of Peace 353
I "O God ! have mercy on (or be bountiful to) the Ansar, the children of the Ansar
I and the children of the children of the Ansar." Muhammad's authority from Syria to Yemen was now an unquestioned fact. Nothing succeeds
like success.
I The Ansar were so moved with this speech that their beards were wet with tears. Thev
I could find no words to express their gratitude at this most heart-exhilarating speech of the Whereas, formerly, Muhammad had to send missionaries to preach Islam, and emissaries
I Prophet. All they could say was : to make alliances, emissaries of the Arabs began to pour into Medina seeking information
regarding Islam and asking to become Muhammad's allies. The Seven Years' War with the
I "We are happy with the messenger of God as to the division and our share." Arabs had been a most powerful propaganda for Islam. Even if Muhammad had sent ten
I The Inner Meanings of Muhammad's Speech to Ansar ; The meaning of this speech of
thousand missionaries over the length and breadth of Arabia he could not have received such I
homage unto God as he did by means of his successful wars. All opposition to him within
I Muhammad is that the real value of Life is in Love, not in wealth. He who has the love of die four comers of Arabia had vanished as if by a magic wand. I
his people has something more than wealth can buy.
Conquest of Mecca and the Opinion of Muslim Savants : Says Imam Bukhari :
Muhammad was not only a messenger of God but the wisest and the most beloved of
men. He showed people how the saying "Love thy enemy" can be carried into effect. "The Arabs were waiting for the Quraish to become Muslims and they used to
say 'Let him (Muhammad) and his people (the Quraish) alone. If he conquers, he
All this discussion took place at Jirana and when every one was satisfied and happy, is surely a true Prophet'. So that when Mecca was conquered, all the tribes
Muhammad returned to Mecca, performed Umra or the shorter Pilgrimage; appointed Attab hastened to become Muslims."
bin Usaid his deputy over Mecca and Madh bin Jabal as a religious teacher of the Meccan
people and himself returned to Medina with the Ansar and the Muhajirin to attend to other Ibn-Hisham; one of the greatest authorities on the life of Muhammad, says :
matters which were brewing in the North of Arabia.
"The Arabs were waiting, with regard to Islam, the decision of the struggle •J
Thus ended this war of the Arabs against Muhammad. The Battle of Hunain had been between the Quraish and the Prophet of God (God's Peace and Blessings be with
the most prosperous and successful one for Muhammad and the Muslims. In one journey him). And the reason for this was that the Quraish were their leaders and guides
he had subdued three of the most warlike peoples of Arabia. What he took from them with and were the guardians of the House and of the Sacred Mosque. They were also
the left hand he gave them back with the right, himself living in poverty as ever before. He the descendants of Ibrahim through Ismail and the acknowledged leaders of the
could have, if he were a lover of the goods of this world, kept thousands of camels and sheep Arabs. And it was the Quraish who had started fighting the Prophet of God and
for himself out of the booty. But he was sent as a blessing to mankind and not a tax-master opposing him (on all occasions). When Mecca was conquered and Islam overtook
or a tyrant. His wives at Medina had no jewellery. His household furniture consisted of mats it, the Arabs realised that there was no power left to fight Muhammad and that
and coarse mantles which he used both for covering his person and his bed. Once when his he was their friend and not their enemy ; they entered the faith of God in large
sleeping mattress was made fuller and softer than usual and consequently he slept longer numbers as God says :
than was his custom, he was displeased with his household and had the mattress changed
to its old semi-comfortable condition. When the help of God and victory shall appear
One cannot but pity those who belie him and call him evil names. God has not created And thou shalt see men entering the faith of God in large groups.
any man in vain. He who hates God's creation hates God. It is not right for the confessors ' (Quran, 110 : 1-2.)
of one religion to abuse or hate those who profess something different. Religion belongs to
God and He alone can be the Judge of man in what belongs to Him entirely. To man belongs A rough estimate of the spread of Islam may be made from the following figures :
love of mankind, humility of spirit and the doing of good deeds, trusting in God that in the
(1) In 2 A.H. Muhammad could only muster 305 men capable to meet the Quraish at Badr
end all matters will be settled once for ever, and that no one will be treated unjustly
whatsoever his religion. (2) In 3 A.H. he had an army of 700 men to meet the 3000 of the Quraish at Uhud.
Effect of the Conquest of Mecca and the Victory of Hunain : Muhammad came back (3) In 5 A.H. he had 3000 Medinites to defend the Fosse against 10,000 Confederates
to Medina fully satisfied with his efforts in the cause of Islam and the warfare of the (4) In 6 A.H. he had 1400 pilgrims with him at Hudaibiya.
Muslims. He, as well as the Arabs, realised that the days of fighting in Arabia were over. {5) In 6 A.H. he had 1500 warriors at Khaibar against the Jews.
tf - 4 - -
(6) In 8 A.H. he had 10,000 soldiers for the conquest of Mecca. Maria-Ibrahim's mother. Muhammad used to carry Ibrahim to the house of Aishah and his
(7) In 8 AH he had 12,000 fighters at Hunain. other wives and show them how like himself the child was. He was so devoted to the child
(8) In 9 AH. he had 30,000 soldiers with him to meet rumoured invasion of Arabia by and so absorbed in his new love that he, being innocent of all sin and evil suspicions, did
the Romans, and that in a year of extreme scarcity and at the hottest time of the year. not think that his fondness-for the child and the child's mother would cause any ill-feeling
to his other wives. But it did. And they began to show it.
(9) In 10 A.H. he had 100,000 pilgrims with him to Mecca.
Says Umar bin Khattab : "In the time of Ignorance we never cared for our women till
(10) At his death the whole of Arabia from Syria to Aden and from Jeddah to Iraq was
God sent down what He sent down as to their rights and responsibilities. One day, my wife
a Muslim country and one could travel from one end to the other without fear, in
and myself were talking together when my wife said to me : 'Why did you do this and that?'
perfect safety.
J said to her : 'What busmess have you to question me as to what I wish and what I do ?'
Whilst the Prophet was happy on account of his successful journey to Mecca, his daughter She said : 'You are wonderful, O son of Khattab ’. You do not like to be questioned whilst
Zainab lay sick. She had been assaulted and wounded by two of the Quraish when she was your own daughter (meaning Hafsa) is questioning the Prophet." Says Umar : "I took my
emigrating from Mecca to Medina and had lain on her sick bed ever since. She now joined mantle and went to see Hafsa and said to her :
the soul of her mother Khadijah. Umm-Kulthum, second wife of Othman bin Affan, was also
dead so that the Prophet had only one daughter Fatima now left to him. The Prophet was 'O my daughter ! do you quarrel with the Prophet ?' Hafsa replied:
extremely sorry for Zainab's death. She had been faithful to her husband who was one of 'Yes, I do/ I said to her : T fear for you the vengeance of God and the wrath of
the captives at Badr and whom she redeemed by sending her own necklace inherited from His messenger. O my daughter, don't presume too much.' Then I went to my
her mother Khadijah. This necklace had been sent to her by Muhammad. relative Umm-Salama (another wife of the Prophet) and spoke to her in the same
Birth o f Ibrahim : Muhammad was not sixty years of age and had no male issue. By God's way. She said : 'O son of Khattab’, you are really wonderful, you want to interfere
favour he got a son from Maria, the lady sent to him (together with Screen) by the Ruler of in every thing, even between the Prophet and his wives.' I was ashamed and left
Egypt. Muhammad was so happy at the birth of a son whom he named Ibrahim that he could her"
hardly find words to thank God for His favour. Mana was promoted in his esteem and he The fact was that Muhammad's having spent extra money on Maria had made his other
gave her a separate house and showed her great favour and enhanced love. He who loved wives combine together and make demands on him for more money than they had. Muhammad
all mankind could not fail to love one who had given birth to a most lovely son to him in could not meet their demands and shut himself in and would speak to no one, either male
his old age. or female. Umar and Abu-Bakr made their daughters agree to make no further demands on
But this very fact made his other wives jealous of her. None of them had any children Muhammad and the matter was partially settled.
by him. He distributed considerable sums of money in chanty at Ibrahim s birth and took But human nature is a thing which God alone can control and it is especially so, when
great pains in appointing a nurse for him and in supplying his mother with milk and other the exhibition of this human nature is the jealousy of a wife against her husband for loving
necessaries. He used to visit her house every day and stay there a long time nursing the child a rival wife.
and looking after Maria. All this led to a serious trouble between Muhammad and his other
wives who were now thoroughly jealous of Maria and who, some what foolishly, tried to The wives began to tease him saying that he was smelling Maghafir (the exudations of
revenge themselves on the Prophet for his supposed partiality to Maria. small shrub called rimth) when he had really taken honey. The Prophet hated bad breath
and this made-up story of his wives displeased him, so he took an oath that he would neither
This incident (if it had happened in the life of any ordinary individual would have been take honey nor see his wives for a whole month. He left them severely alone. He could not
unnoticed) has been given great prominence by biographers and one is, therefore, compelled
waste his time in these family squabbles. During this month, he allowed himself no soft bed,
to notice it, the more so as it is referred in the Quran, Chapter 66 called AJ-Tahrim or The no good food and no earthly comforts. He would say his prayers and retire to a naked bed
Prohibition, verses 1 to 5.
till his skin was marked with the impressions of the rough material on which he slept
Tabuk under the Banner The Muslims thought that he had divorced his wives but he had not done so. He wjts
merely giving them time to think matters over and to allow their jealousies to cool
Muhammad's Wives, Jealous ofMaria: Muhammad's love for Ibrahim, his new-born son, And Muhammad would allow no one to speak to him on the subject of tus wives.
grew day by day but so did the jealousy of his wives, who were all without a child, towards
356 . All the Prophets
Era of Pence 357
Muslims were as much disturbed as if Medina had been invaded by the Romans and Umar
If ye two females turn towards God (it would be well), because your hearts have
with the greatest difficulty got information from the Prophet that he had not divorced his
already turned ';
wives. Umar returned to the mosque and gave this news to the Muslims who were waiting
for iL But if ye two back each other up against him then surely He, God, is his Protector,
Soon afterwards God sent down the following revelation : andjibrail and the pious (amongst) the faithful and after that the messenger-spirits
are his helpers. (Quran, 66.4.)
O Prophet ! why dost thou prohibit (thyself) that which God has made lawful to
thee, seeking to satisfy thy wives? (Quran, 66:1.) The "two females" are Hafsa and Aishah, the chief plotters in this matter. This was now
nearly the end of the month of the separation of the Prophet from his wives and the two
This refers to the prohibition ■ of honey which the Prophet had imposed upon himself of them spoken of here were finding their fathers and relations backing up the Prophet. Their
because three of his wives said it smelt of Maghafir. The Prophet had been taking honey hearts had already repented of their audacity and God is making their repentance easy but
with his wife Zainab or Maria and this plot was concocted by Aishah and Hafsa to prevent on condition of no further annoyance. The next verse states that Muhammad may divorce
him from going to the houses of Zainab and Maria and taking honey with them. The them and marry other women. But they needed no further exhortations and made their
allegation that he smelt of Maghafir was a mere fib. peace. All is well that ends well. And it was so between the Prophet and his wives. It is a
pity that the Prophet's enemies will rake up these family matters and pour the poison of
God has indeed made a provision for the expiation of your oaths; their souls into matters which do not concern them at all. It was purely a matter between
And God is your Protector... (Quran, 66 : 2.) Muhammad and his wives and outsiders had no right to interfere. Muhammad instead of
entering into any discussions adopted the wise course of withdrawing himself from the
This refers to the Prophet's oath to avoid his wives for one month. The provision for
company of his wives till they found out their mistake. And, as one writer points out,
the expiation of oaths is mentioned in the Quran (5 : 89) and consists of feeding ten poor Muhammad was the messenger of God but his wives were not inspired by God. They were
persons or supplying them with clothing or freeing a captive. Muhammad, however, kept
subject to the same feelings as other women usually are and their faults, if any, should not
his oath and avoided his wives for full one month. be put on the shoulders of the Prophet of God. Those who unnecessarily say anything against
them also are guilty of most unchivalrous and sinful conduct for which they are responsible
And when the prophet spoke something in secret to one of his wives,
to their Creator. It shows an utter lack of sense and depravity of mind when the enemies
Then when she informed (others) about it and God expressed (made it known)
of Muhammad have to dig up his most sacred and private affairs to satisfy the evil cravings
it to him, he told her part and kept back part thereof. of their own souls.
The when he informed her about it she said .* "Who has informed thee of this ? Expedition of Tabuk (9 A.H.) : Though Muhammad had conquered the Arabs, he and his
He said : "He has informed me (Who is) all- Wise, All-Aware.z/(Quran, 66 : 3.) intimate companions knew that far greater danger to Islam was coming from the North. The
What was this secret talk about, no one knows. It was only known to the parties
Expedition of Muta under Zaid bin Harith in which Khalid bin Walid so skilfully acquitted
himself had not been forgotten.
concerned and to God. The guess of commentators is not to be believed as gospel truth. But
the wife whom the matter was spoken to is said to be Hafsa and it is surmised that it was Zakat or Ahns and Taxes : But before Muhammad could undertake any expeditions to
something relating to another wife of the Prophet. Hafsa was told to keep the secret to herself. the North, he required money to organize his army and to feed it. He, therefore, ordered the
But she divulged it to Aishah and caused trouble between the Prophet and his wives. One collection of Zakat or the prescribed alms from Muslims and also a tenth part of the produce
of the commentators guess is that one day whilst Hafsa was absent from her house, Maria from those allied to him without any other interference with their property.
visited the Prophet in that house and remained there for some time. Meanwhile, Hafsa
Banu Tamim and Banu Mustaliq objected to these impositions and were going to fight
returned and had to wait till Maria left the Prophet. This made Hafsa angry and she extorted
Muhammad but finally yielded to his commands.
a promise from the Prophet that he would not favour Maria for a certain period or do some
such equivalent to pacify her wounded feelings. The Prophet made her promise that she Whilst Muhammad was engaged in this tax collection and had hardly finished pacifying
should not speak of the matter to others but Hafsa could not keep the secret and boasted his wives, rumours spread that the Romans were going to invade Arabia with huge armies.
of her success to Aishah and hence this revelation. Syria was far away for getting information quickly and Muhammad could not risk waiting
358
AU the Propi«s Era of Peace 359
and seeing his country invaded. It was the summer of 630 A.C. The crops were not promising Biggest Army Ever Seen in Arabia : The women of Medina climbed their house-top?, to
and the last crop had been an utter failure. People hardly had anything to eat The rumour, witness this unforgettable scene of Muhammad at the head of 10,000 horsemen and 20,000
of the Roman invasion became more and more persistent. other soldiers on foot and camel-back. Those who were afraid of the heat stayed behind
Muhammad sent his emissaries to all his followers and allies to prepare to meet ths The army moved on in burning heat but with hearts bent on the service of God. They
Roman invasion and to join him at Medina. reached the district known as Hijr, the country of Thamud to whom Saleh had come as a
Difficulties of a Journey to Syria : But how could a big army go to Syria in such a summer prophet and had been rejected by them.
and in such a year as this? Muhammad must carry his water and his provisions with him The army of Muhammad wanted to get down at the well of Hijr but the Prophet forbade
in addition to his soldiers and his arms. The thing was apparently a most difficult affair. The either drinking the water thereof or making ablution there with. The Muslims obeyed his
Muslims asked no questions. They only knew one answer to the command of the Prophet commands and went on suffering from fearful thirst. Soon after, God sent them rain from
of God “We hear and obey". above. The Muslims came to Muhammad and said it was a miracle. "No," said he. "it is a
cloud which rains water."
Abu-Bakr brought all his property and offered it to the Prophet. Umar gave half of his;
'Othman gave ten thousand camels with provisions for ten thousand soldiers and the camels Muslim Army Reaching Tabuk and Romans Retiring to Syria : The Muslims were no
The rest of the Muslims brought whatever they could. Even the poorest amongst the Muslims refreshed and reached Tabuk not very far from the Syrian border. The Romans had their spies
contributed their share. all over the country and had been informed of Muhammad's preparations for war and knew
that he had come to meet them and retrieve the loss of the Muslims at Muta. They quickly
Hypocrites Discouraged Muslims : Trials and tests like these easily distinguish the sincere
retired behind their own frontiers. Muhammad who had come to defend Arabia and not to
from the insincere. When it came to the turn of the hypocrites they said : "Set ye not forth
invade Syria did not pursue them. But he scoured the country all round, prepared to fight
in this heat." or make peace whichever was necessary.
To which God replied : One Of the chiefs on this frontier was Yuhana (John) bin Ruya of Aila. He came and
(Quran, 9:81.) submitted and agreed to pay Zizia (tax in lieu of war services) and Muhammad gave him
a treaty of Peace as follows :
And some of the Beduins came making excuses in order that permission might
be given to them to stay away, and those who had lied to God and His messenger "In the Name of God (Allah), the most Merciful and Compassionate (Ar-Rahman
sat behind. (Quran, 9 :90.) Ar-Rahim).
From verse 73 to the end of Chapter 9 the Quran deals with this expedition and its various "This is the charter of Security from God and Muhammad, Prophet and messenger
aspects and morals. Muhammad is warned not to listen to the excuses of these stay-behinds. of God, given to Yuhana bin Ruya and die people of Aila. Their boats and
Only three of them were pardoned on their repentance. The rest of them who were all conveyances on land and sea are in the protection of God and Muhammad,
hypocrites were thus clearly differentiated from the Muslims and were ostracised. Prophet of God, and of those who are with them of the inhabitants of Syria, Yemen
Muhammad's Precautions for the Safety ofMedina : The army collected outside Medina and the people of the Sea. And if anything happens to any of them it would be
whilst Muhammad made arrangements for the government of Medina during his absence. permissible for Muhammad to help them against other people and it is not
He appointed Muhammad bin Musailama as governor of the town and Ali bin Abu-Talib permissible to anyone to prevent them from any watering-place they come to or
to look after the families of the Muslims and their properties especially those belonging to any road they may wish to cross whether on land or sea."
Muhammad and his near relations. During this interval Abu-Bakr was leading the prayers Muhammad presented Yuhana with his own mantle. Yuhana had also brought Km
outside Medina and virtually acting as the Prophet's deputy. presents in gold and other tokens of his submission. Several other tribes of Christians sitfl
Muhammad came out of Medina and took upon himself the leadership of the army. as Jirba and Adhrah also made their submission. Khalid bin Walid under the Proptie^|
Abdullah bin Ubbayy desired to go with Muhammad but Muhammad having had experience command went to Ukaidar bin Abd ul-Malak Alkindi, ruler of Dumat al-Jandal with 500
of his vicious propensities left him at Medina. horsemen. Khalid arrested him and his brother Hassan who were hunting wild cows and
brought them to Medina. J
360 AA the Prophet
They surrendered to Muhammad and were released as Muhammad's allies. But Khalid and thinkings of these morally diseased members of the commonwealth of Medina. With 1
had already brought with Iiim 2,000 camels, 800 sheep, 400 bags of provision and 400 pieces regard to this particular mosque says God:
of armour as security cf their good behaviour. i
And there are those who have put up a mosque in order to produce hurt and
Muhammad had stayed 20 days at Tabuk and had reached Medina before Khalid. When
disbelief and dissension between the faithful, And as an ambush for those who
the hypocrites saw him come back empty- handed they said: "Was it for this that Muhammad
have warred against God and His messenger before.
made his followers suffer such hardships, spend so much money and stay 20 days at Tabuk?
What has he gained thereby? Nothing but two paltry treaties." They made fun of him and And they will surely swear saying :
tried to make him look ridiculous in the eyes of his followers not knowing that the more
they did this the stronger became the faith of the Muslims and the greater their contempt "We intended only good,"
for the hypocrites. Whilst all this talk of the hypocrites was going on, Khalid came with his And God bears witness that they are certainly liars.
prisoners and his booty. The hypocrites quickly turned round to make friends with the On no account do thou stand therein... (Quran, 9 : 107-108.)
Muslims but God would have nothing to do with them. They were moral lepers unless they
Muhammad had the mosque burnt so that it might not be used against God's Word to
repented and purged their souls.
the hurt of Islam. The hypocrites were now thoroughly cowed down and soon afterwards
Only three persons, namely, Kab bin Malik, Murara bin Rabi' and Halal bin Ommaya their leader Ibn-Ubbayya died and there was an end to this party of annoyance to the
were excused by God's order. They had repented and cried so much to be taken back into Muslims.
the fold of Islam that they nearly died of grief. God says with regard to them and the other
helpers of Muhammad in this year of Famine (Usra): Death of Muhammad's Son Ibrahim : Tabuk was the last of the Prophet’s military
expeditions and he was now free to devote himself entirely to the propagation of Islam. But
God has most certainly turned towards God had ordained that in his family affairs he should meet with sorrow after sorrow. It was
The Prophet and those who left their homes, the severest trial for Muhammad. Sorrow (for the death of his dear ones) was his constant
Companion. Here is a list of his bereavements to remind the reader.
And the helpers who followed him in the hour of distress,
After the hearts of a party of them were nigh turning away; (1) Death of his father before his birth.
Then He turned towards them. (2) Death of his mother in the desert when he was in his sixth year and had only been
with her a few months.
For He is towards them Loving, Merciful.
(3) Death of Abd ul-Muttalib, his guardian, when he was in his 8th year.
And also towards the three persons who were left behind;
So much so that the earth, in spite of its expanse, became strait to them, (4) Death of Khadijah and Abu-Talib in the year called "The year of Sorrow" when the
Meccans were after his life and he hardly had a place to take shelter.
And their own souls became strait to them,
(5) Death of his three daughters, Umm-Kulthum, Ruqayya and Zainab at Medina, the
And they knew that there was no refuge from God except towards Himself.
last under the most tragic circumstances.
Then He turned towards them that they might turn (towards Him),
(6) Death of his first infant son Qasim, and now,
Surely it is God who is the oft-Retuming, most Merciful. (Quran, 9; 117-118.)
His most beloved son Ibrahim who was growing up to be a wonderfully good looking
Muhammad Exposed the Hypocrites : The hypocrites had become a regular thorn in the boy, fell ill whilst 16 months old and was carried away by the Will of God.
side of Muhammad. Before he left for Tabuk, the hypocrites had built a mosque of their own The story of Muhammad's care for the boy, his nursing him and his doing his best to
in which they used to assemble and hold secret meetings against Muhammad and Islam. They
save his life is a most pathetic one. Although his patience was great, grief and sorrow wen?
desired Muhammad to perform the opening ceremony of this mosque and to say prayers
also natural. And Muhammad who was so tender-hearted could not but feel what was
therein. Muhammad put them off for a time. But God had informed him of their secret
coming to him. He was now 61 years of age.
intentions and Chapters 9 and 10 of the Quran are full of references to the doings, sayings
He went to see Ibrahim, leaning on the arm of Abd-ur-Rahman bin Auf, till he came
362 All the Prophets Era of 363
the shadow of the tree next to the house called Aliya where the child was being looked after he had not as yet performed the greater Hajj or Pilgrimage. Up till now, the Hajj had been
this day. performed by Arabs (excepting Muslims) according to the old pagan rites.
Ibrahim was in the lap of his mother in the agony of death. Muhammad took him most Muhammad sent Abu-Bakr with three hundred Muslims to teach people the new way
gently in his own lap, his heart palpitating violently and his hands shaking. Grief overpowered of Hajj. Soon after Abu-Bakr left, the Prophet received revelation from God prohibiting
his soul, his face changed colour and became deadly pale as if he himself was in the throes pagans to enter the mosque at Mecca. The new reforms were of such a far-reaching character
of death. He said, "O Ibrahim ! we can avail thee naught against God." Then he could speak that Muhammad sent Ali bin Abu-Talib to join Abu Bakr and make the new Proclamation
no more on account of what was passing in his mind. He became rigidly silent. His eyes to all concerned as detailed in Chapter 9, verses 1 to 37.
filled with tears. Ibrahim breathed his last. His mother and aunt cried the natural cry of
These verses are a proclamation of Muhammad's Independence of all earthly powers and
bereaved souls.
God's declaration, against all pagans, of the Freedom of Mecca and Hajj from all impurities,
At last Muhammad recovered himself and said, "O Ibrahim, were it not that obscenities and idol-worship of all kinds. Four months were allowed to all pagans who were
Commands are the Truth and His Promises are to be fulfilled and the last of us is to join not allied to Muhammad in which they were to move about. If during that time any pagan
the first, we would mourn thee even more than this." And then after a time he said : wanted instruction and help he was to be instructed and helped and safely conveyed to his
home. The covenants of those pagans who had already made covenants with Muhammad
"Our eyes are filled with tears, our hearts with grief but we say nothing with our
were to be strictly observed up to the end of their terms. After these four months or the expiry
mouths except that which pleases God, and we mourn thee O Ibrahim !"
of the terms of agreements, the control of the Kaaba and the management of the pilgrimage
Surely to God we belong and unto God is our Return. (Quran, 2: 156.) was to be solely in the hands of the Muslims. The pagans were spiritually filthy and as such
had no right of entry left to the Holy House of God which now by right of Conquest belonged
People were wondering why Muhammad was so full of grief when he said : to God and His messenger. If the pagans joined Islam, performed their prayers and paid
"I have not forbidden you grief but the raising of your voice in lamentation. You the Zakat they were to be on equal terms with the Muslims :
cannot prevent the heart from feeling the effects of love and mercy and he who But if they turn to (God)
does not show love and mercy to others will not be shown love and mercy to
himself." And keep up the prayer,
Eclipse of the Sun on the Death ofIbrahim: The sun was eclipsed on the day of the death
And pay the stated alms
of Muhammad's son and people regarded it as a miracle from God that heaven and earth Then they are your brethren in faith... (Quran, 9 : 11.)
were mourning the death of Ibrahim. But Muhammad said to them : But if they remain pagans then :
"The sun and the moon are two signs out of God's signs. They are not eclipsed 0 ye who believe 1
because of the death or birth of any human being when you see these eclipses The pagans are altogether filthy,
hasten to the remembrance of God in prayers." Then let them not approach the holy mosque after this year of theirs...
And he carried out what he preached that day. (Quran, 9 : 28.)
The expedition of Tabuk made the deepest impression on the minds of Arabs. If Ali and Abu-Huraira stood by the side of Abu-Bakr, Muhammad's Deputy* at Hajj, and
Muhammad was daring enough, to challenge the great Roman Empire, and the Romans were Ali read out the first 37 verses of Chapter 9 to inform all Arabs as to God's orders regarding
afraid to accept that challenge, who else could stand up against him ? Therefore whatever them, the Muslims, the Kaaba and the pilgrimage.
doubt was left in their minds as to the truth of Islam and the power of Muhammad was
now removed and they began to embrace Islam of their own free choice. But more of this From this day a new era dawned on Arabia and in fact this Hajj is the most important
in the next chapter. event in the History of Islam — the end of the 9th year of Hegira, February 631 AC
Abu-Bakr as Muhammad's Deputy to Lead the Hajj: Since Muhammad had left Mecca And the next year, 1st Muharram 10 A.H. is the date from which Muhammad and
Muslims were, under God, their own masters. Up till this day they had been struggling tv
364 All the Prophets Eia of Peace
free themselves from the shackles of idol-worshippers. Now was the time for them to show Muhammad's followers gave their lives and their properties for his sake. They did so
what Islam as an independent religion under God's guidance could do. because they believed in him absolutely. And they believed in him because they knew him
When Ali had finished the reading of the Quran at Mina he said to all present: lobe truthful. When Aishah and Hafsa quarrelled with Muhammad, their fathers Abu-Bakr
and Umar were ready to strangle their daughters simply because they asked more than he
'O ye men ! no unbeliever will enter heaven and no pagan will join pilgrimage could give. Both at Uhud and Hunain people gave their own lives to save his. And the proof
after this year nor anyone will perform the Twaf in a naked state, and whoever of Muhammad's mission lies in the fact that all his promises and all his prophecies were
has any treaty with Muhammad will have it to the date mentioned therein." fulfilled to the letter in spite of the fact that they were made under the most adverse
conditions, La-ilaha ill-Allah.
Ali not only read this chapter at Mina but at Amaan and many other places wherever
there was a congregation of men. By this time the people of Taif, Hijaz, Tihama, Nejd and Diplomatic Missions
many other places had declared their faith in Islam. Those who had not as yet joined the
fold of Islam were impressed by its truth and hastened to join the Muslims. The Tenth year of Hegira is generally called the year of Deputations. But, as a matter
of fact, deputations came even at the end of the Eighth year and continued to the Tenth.
Abu-Bakr, Ali, Abu-Huraira and the 300 companions of Abu-Bakr returned to Medina
with many others. From this day Medina was not only Medinatun-Nabi (the City of the
A separate book is necessary to give
54 full details of all the deputations. Here, a summary
of the most important deputations alone will be attempted but it will be enough to give the
Prophet) but was also the Capital of Islam. And deputations poured into Medina from all
reader an idea of what actually happened. These deputations were the natural results of
the four comers of Arabia. Deputations came from the following tribes and places: (1)
Muhammad's invitations to the chiefs of Arabia and the rulers of the world. They were also
Muzaina, (2) Asad, (3) Tamim, (4) Abs, (5) Fazara, (6) Murra, (7) Thalaba, (8) Muharab, (9)
hastened by the Conquest of Mecca, the Battle of Hunain and the Expedition to Tabuk.
Sad bin Bakr, (10) Kilab, (11) Ruwas bin Kilab, (12) Uqail bin Kab, (13) Jada, (14) Qushair *
bin Kab, (15) Bani al-Bakka, (16) Kinana, (17) Ashja', (18) Bahila, (19) Sulaim. (20) Hilal bin Conversion and Martyrdom of Urwa bin Masud : The reader will remember that
Amir, (21) Amir bin Sa'sa', (22) Thaqif, (23) Abd ul-Qais, (24) Bakr bin Wail, (25) Taghlib, Muhammad had besieged Taif but not succeeded in capturing it.
(26) Hanifa, (27) Shaiban; and from Yemen, (28) Tayy', (29) Tujib, (30) Khaulan, (31) Jufi, (32) By a curious concatenation of circumstances the people of Taif the most deadly enemies
Suda', (33) Murad, (34) Zubaid, (35) Kinda, (36) Saddif, (37) Khushain and Sad of Hudhaim, of Muhammad, were the first to send him a deputation of peace. It happened this way.
(38) Azd, (39) Ghassan, (40) Harith bin Kab, (41) Hamdan, (42) Sad al-'Ashira, (43) Ans, (44)
Dariyyin, (45) Rahawiyyin Hayy from Madhhij, (46) Ghamid, (47) Nakha', (48) Bahila, (49) Urwa bin Masud was one of the chiefs of Thaqif. When Muhammad laid the siege of
Khasham, (50) Asharin, (51) Hadr-Maut, (52) Azd Uman, (53) Ghafiq, (54) Bariq, (55) Daus, Taif he was in Yemen. When he returned to Taif and learnt that Muhammad had successfully
(56) Thmala, (57) Huddan, (58) Aslam, (59) Judham, (60) Mahra, (61) Hamir, (62) Najran, (63) returned from Tabuk he presented himself at Medina and became a Muslim.
Jaishan, and in fact from every part of Arabia. He not only became a Muslim but wished to preach Islam to his tribe. He knew the
difficulties in his way but persisted in his mission. The Prophet examined him most minutely
The people flocked together vying with one another in learning the new faith and in
and found him to be earnest in trying to bring his people into the fold of Islam. The Prophet
casting off the worship of idols, images, and empty names. And all this was the result of
had personal knowledge of the bitterness of Thaqif against Islam and their love of their deity7
the conquest of Mecca and of the Expedition of Tabuk. No compulsion, urging or force was
Al-Lat. Muhammad told Urwa that Banu Thaqif would kill him if he preached Islam to them.
used on the part of Muhammad. The Arabs united themselves in one block under the Banner
Urwa replied, "I am better loved by them than their own eyes."
of Islam and the Guidance of Muhammad.
Urwa went end preached Islam to Banu Thaqif. They consulted together but could not
Thus, one of the wildest and most undisciplined and backward races of mankind was
come to a decision. On the morrow, Urwa climbed up a high place and gave the 'Call to
cemented together by the Love of God and the Brotherhood of Man. Those who accuse
Prayer." The people could control themselves no longer. They surrounded him and pierced
Muhammad of having been an aggressive warrior, a looter of caravans and a man of lust
Him with arrows till he was mortally wounded and the Prophet's warning came true.
and licentiousness, have to consider the facts as described in this book and other reliable
biographies of Muhammad and to study the Quran to find out their mistake. Muhammad's Urwa's people surrounded him whilst he was near dying. He said: "This is an honour
public and private life was so exposed to the views of his friends and enemies that if he had with which God has honoured me and a martyrdom which God has made me to taste from
been anything like what his enemies paint him to be in their own hearts, he could never Himself. My case is like those of Muhammad's martyrs who were killed here before his
have succeeded as he did. departure and at his request he was buried with them.
366 AU the Prophets Era of P«ce 367
Deputation ofTaif: But Urwa's blood was not shed in vain. The tribes round about Taif By the submission of Banu Taif, the whole of Hijaz was now under Muhammad's
went to Muhammad and declared themselves Muslims. The conscience of the people of Tail ôoxmand. Before Abu-Bakr started on his Pilgrimage, already described in the last chapter,
was also pricked and their guilt sat most heavily on them. They had killed one of their own other deputations had gone to Medina and that was one reason why it was necessary for
innocent chiefs without any rhyme or reason and vengeance must follow and nothing could to Prophet to remain there to instruct people in the faith of Islam, the work for which he
possibly save them against Muhammad whom even the Romans were afraid of fighting. The was especially appointed by God.
people turned to their leader Abd Yalil one of the three brothers who had scorned Muhammad
Deputation ofMazina (5 A.H.): Mazina were a very big tribe. They were the first to send
when he went to preach Islam there about the Tenth year of his mission and who had set
the rabble of the town against him. Abd Yalil refused to undertake the work of the deputation i deputation of 400 persons to Medina in 4 A.H. and to acknowledge their Faith. Numan,
unless they sent five others with him so that he might be safe on his return. He got a the conqueror of Isfahan, Belonged to this tribe.
representative of each family. Deputation of Banu Tamim : The story of this Deputation, will show the importance of
When they were near, Medina Mughira bin Shuba met them, and Abu- Bakr took the the Arabic language in the minds of the Arabs as has been pointed out more than once in
Jad news to the Prophet of God.
The deputation were afraid of being injured by the Muslims on account of Banu Thaqif Banu Tamim came to Medina accompanied by their leaders with a great show of pride.
having previously maltreated the Prophet and killed Urwa so that a special tent was pitched Dyaina bin Hisn, the raider on Medina camels, was with them. The members of the deputation
for them in which they put up where they were quite safe. Khalid bin Said bin As undertook called out to Muhammad in a loud voice to come out of his house and have a competition
to act as a negotiator between them and Muhammad. with them in verbal contests. Atarad bin Hajib, their orator, spoke first and said:
The deputation were so cautious that they would not eat anything brought to them unless "We thanks God, by whose favour we are possessors of crowns and thrones,
Khalid ate first. They were offered safety and brotherhood under the Banner of Islam. The owners of precious treasures, and the most honourable amongst the Eastern (East
deputation desired that their deity Al-Lat should not be touched by Muslims for three years. of Arabia?) communities. Who can rival us today? If there be any claimant let him
But the Holy Prophet would not concede this even for a single day as no compromise could count such merits and such qualities as we have counted for ourselves."
be arrived at between Faith and Idol-worship. There was no midway house between believing
in God and the Future Day and night believing it. God and gods was an impossible combination The Prophet asked Thabit bin Qais to reply. He said:
in Islam. When the deputation despaired of that, they asked to be relieved of prayer
"Praise be to God Who made the heavens and the earth, he gave us the kingdom
(remembering how Urwa had been killed on account of his "Call to Prayer"). But Muhammad
He elected the best of mankind, the noblest in birth, truthful of speech, excellent
said "There is no virtue in Faith without Prayer."
of manners and the chosen one of the world. For that reason God granted him
At last they asked that they be allowed to break the idols with their own hands. Muhammad the Book. He invited mankind to Islam. The Muhajirs first and then we the Ansar
agreed to that. He was always a reasonable man. The Prophet of God gave them safe conduct responded to his call. We are the helpers of God and the ministers of His embassy/
and appointed 'Othman bin Abu As their teacher. The deputation stayed the month of
Ramadan at Medina and were the guests of Muhammad.
- —— , — — ------------ . . — — -— —■J — - — — — —
Then Banu Tamim's poet came forward and read a poem two lines of which may be
quoted:
Muhammad instructed 'Othman bin Abu As:
We are the most honourable amongst the nobles
"Shorten your prayers and measure their length according to the strength of the
And there is not a tribe to rival our greatness.
weakest amongst men, because there are those amongst them who are old or too
young, weak or in haste." Kings are born from our seed.
The deputation returned home. Muhammad sent Abu-Sufyan bin Harb and Mughira bin And we be the founders of churhces.
Shuba with them. Both were old friends of Banu Taif. Abu Sufyan and Mughira destroyed The Prophet asked Hassan to reply, who said:
the idols whilst the women wept but no one could say anything as their own deputation
The nobles of Fihr (Quraish) and their breathren have shown the world a path
had agreed to the conditions. The ornaments of the idols were used in paying the debts of
Which all men do tread.
Urwa and As wad.
After this verbal contest the tribe declared their faith.
bi of to 369
368 All the Prophet* '
jwitedthem to take the invocation called Mubahila (as stated m verses to be quoted below)
The sting of Hussain's couplet lies in the fact that even Banu Tamim are forced to come
to Medina to follow Muhammad, if they had really been great they would not be treading M at first, agreed to do so but the next day when Muhammad brought out his family,
the path set for them by Muhammad who is a descendant of Fihr or Quraish. ^daughter Bahma and her sons Hassan and Hussain to take the oath, the Christians backed
agreed to pay Zizya. They were honourably sent back to their country. Tire verses
Similarly, the speech of Thabit bin Qais points out that whilst the great men of Banu stated to are as follows:
Tamim are in possession of merely earthly crowns, Muhammad has been favoured by God
with His Revelation. Muhammad's speaker and poet, therefore, won in the contest. Surely, the case of Jesus with ’God is like the case of Adam,
Deputation of Ashariyyin (7 A.H.) : Ashariyyin were a noble tribe of Yemen. Abu*Musa He made (or makes in the case of every man) him out of the dust
Ashari was one of the leaders of this tribe. He, with 53 other men, tried to reach Medina in Then he Said (or says) to him "Be" and he became (or becomes).
7 A.H. by the sea as the Quraish (who were still opposed to Muhammad) barred their way.
The winds carried them away to Abyssinia where they joined Jafar bin Abu-Talib. From there The truth is from the Lord,
they accompanied Jafar to Medina and became Muslims. They were some of the most Hence be not of the disputers.
enthusiastic amongst the converts. But if anyone argues with, thee in this matter
Deputation of Daus : It has already been stated that Tufail bin Amr a chief of this tribe After what has come to thee of knowledge,
came to Mecca in Seventh year of the mission of Muhammad (or earlier) and became a Muslim. Then say. "Come, let us call our sons and your sons,
He preached Islam and converted his people. In 7 A.H. 80 families of this tribe including the
And our wives and your wives.
famous Abu-Huraira (the great traditionist) migrated to Medina.
And our people and your people,
Deputation of Bin Kab (9 A.H.) : Banu-Harith Bin Kab were the people of Najran. They
were famous for their victories over the Arabs. The Prophet sent Khalid to preach Islam to Then let us pray in earnest.
them and afterwards their chiefs came to Medina with a number of their people. The Prophet And call down the disapproval of God upon the liars. (Quran, 3: 58-60).
asked them the secret of their success. They replied: "We fought united and we did not
This last verse is the Mubahila or the invocation of disapproval on the liar which the
Oppress anyone/' The Prophet appointed Qais bin Hisn to be their leader.
Christains refused to take. Muhammad then invited them to what God says in two verses
Deputation of Tayy and Adi (9 A.H.) : Adi was the son of Hatim Tayy (the famous further, the famous invitation to all believers in God's Revelation.
philanthropist). He was a Christian and a leader of his tribe and when Muhammad sent his
soldiers to Yemen Adi ran away to Syria. His sister was brought to Medina as a captive. The Say: "0 ye people of the Book!
Prophet not only released her but gave her valuable presents and sent her back to her people Chine to a saying,
with great honour. She met her brother and praised Muhammad to him. Adi and other
The same for us and for you:-
members of his tribe including one Zaid ul- Khail came to Medina in 9 A.H. and professed
Islam. (Zaid ul- Khail means Zaid of the Horses). The Prophet changed his name to "Zaid That we serve none but God,
uhKhaii*", ("Zaid of Virtues.") And that we join naught with Him
Deputation from Najran (9 A.H.) : Najran is situated between Mecca and Yemen and is And that some of us take not others as lords besides God.'
a vast open territory and was inhabited by Christians in the time of Muhammad. The But ’f they turn back, they say (you Muslims ’.)
Christians had a big church there which they considered as their Kaaba. When the Prophet (Quran, 3: 63.)
"Bear ye witness that we are Muslims."
sent them his invitation to become Muslims, they sent their priests and leaders, 60 in number
to Medina. The Prophet accommodated them in his Mosque and allowed them to pray therein DcpiltflHoH of Banti Asad (9 A.H.) : Banu Asad were the allies of the Quraish against
according to their own ritual. They had a bishop named Abu-Haritha. He was an able and Muhammad. They now considered that their old enmity against Muhammad was tounded
lea rned man and friendly discussions took place between him and the Prophet. They questioned On falsehood and willingly sent a deputation to Medina acknowledging their faith Thev
Muhammad about Jesus and Islam and Muhammad's answer is contained in the verse which boasted of their having become Muslims but God said to them not do that but to thank G<xl
will be quoted below. As these Christians would not be convinced by reason, Muhammad that lie had guided them (Quran 4^ 1*^1
370 All the Prophets Era of Peace L371
—
Deputation of Banu Fazara (9 A.H.) : This deputation is famous for it was headed by Muhammad : Lord of Arabia by the Universal Consent of its People : There has never
Uyana bin Hisn (already mentioned several times in this book) who had looted the camels been in the whole history of the world any one so universally accepted as the ruler of a country
of the Prophet and who had brought hundreds of men and 1000 camels against the Muslims as Muhammad was in these two years, the ninth and tenth of the Hegira. Appointed by God
in the battle of the Confederates (5 A.H.). and accepted by the people, he had now supreme power over the lives and fortunes of the
Arabs. And yet this man lived in a house built of mud, with mats and skins of goats as his
Deputation of Kinda (10 A.H.) : The Kindites lived in Hadr-Maut, the southernmost
furniture, with clothes made of coarse camel-hair and with dates and dry oats as his meal.
province of Arabia. Their ruler Asha th came with 80 horsemen to Medina in 10 A.H. and By day he would work hard for the good of his people and by night he would pray long
they all became Muslims. He was afterwards present in the Battles of Qadisiya and Yermuk in order to communicate with God. He was his own servant, he hated flattery whilst he himself
and also with Hadrat Ali in the Battle of Safin against Muawiyyah. was full of the spirit of noblesse oblige, and poverty was his pride. He feasted his guests and
Deputation of Abd-ul-Qais from Bahrain : Islam had spread in Bahrain quite early. In himself he fasted. He was wearing himself out very quickly both physically and mentally
5 A.H. or (hereabouts, men of Bahrain under Abd-ul-Qais came to Muhammad and were The strain of wars, the continuous care of his followers, the fear of God and the shocks of
converted. They were addicted to wine drinking and the vessels in which they used to drink the death of his children were producing•J their effects on his constitution. But he had the
were called Wubba, Hantam, Naqir and Mazaffat. The Prophet told them to worship one God satisfaction of seeing his mission accomplished and there remained nothing but the last
only, to keep up the prayer, to fast and to pay the stated alms and to avoid Wubba, Hantam, touches of the Master Spirit to perfect the Faith of which he had been the Ambassador on
naqir and Mazaffat. this earth.
Wicked Chief of the Deputation of Banu Amir (9 A.H.) : Banu Amir bin Sa'sa' had three God bears witness that there is no deity but He,
chiefs, Amir bin Tufail, Arbad bin Qais and Jabbar bin Salma. They came to Mecca with these
And (so do) the messenger-spirits and those possessed of knowledge,
three chiefs. Amir had been concerned in several intrigues before and he now again came
to Medina with evil intentions. He had conspired with Arbad, his companion, that whilst Amir He being the maintainer of Justice:
would engage the Prophet in flattering conversation Arbad should kill him (Muhammad). No deity but He,
Amir stopped at Medina as a guest of a woman of Sabul family. According to his plan, he
All-Mighty, all-Wise.
went and began talking to Muhammad: "You are our Sayyid (lord)," Muhammad replied:
" God is our Lord (Sayyid)". Then Amir said: "You are the most graceful, the most generous, Decidedly the (only) religion with God is Al-Islam. (Quran, 3: 17-18.)
etc., amongst us". Muhammad (who had one eye on Arbad and another on Amir) said: "You And the word of thy Lord is the whole truth and justice,
better talk sense, I fear your flattery will cause the evil to mislead you". Arbad forgot all about No one can change His word
killing Muhammad, so fascinated was he by Muhammad's plain speaking. When Amir found
And He is all-Healing, all Knowing. (Quran, 6:116.)
his guiles to be useless he cast off his disguise of flattery and said: "I will put three conditions
before thee: Last Pilgrimage
(1) You will rule the desert and I will be the master of cities. By the tenth year of the Hegira nearly all the pagan Arabs had become Muslims and
(2) Or you will make me your successor. most of those who still remained Christians or Jews were under Muhammad's protection.
(3) Or I will overrun you with my horsemen of Ghatfan. But all the people were not yet instructed in Islam. Muhammad despatched teachers to
all the provinces of Arabia. His instructions were : "Make people's tasks (especially in
With this threat he left with his companion Arbad. Muhammad prayed, "O God save
understanding the Faith) easy for them and do not make them hard. Give people good
me from the evil of Amir"
news and do not frighten them away." And if people asked them for the key to Paradise
Amir died of plague on the way back to his place. they were to say :
However, Jabbar, the third chief and the rest of the people, became Muslims. "We bear witness that there is no deity but God (Allah). He is alone without a
Deputation front Hantir: Hamir was a province of Arabia consistin, ; of petty states. They partner."
their submission to Khalid's Mission to Najran, Ali's Mission to Yemen : Most of the Christians of Najran
Muhammad. had professed Islam but some still stood out. The Prophet sent Khalid bin Walid to call them
&iofPeflod 373
to Islam. Khalid like Umar was a man of resolution and he remained in Najran till the people
sent a deputation to Medina. The Prophet received them with great honour and made friends And now they knew what the Brotherhood of Islam and the fellow-feeling of Muslims did
with them. actually mean.
Similarly, some of the people of Yemen were still pagans. The Prophet sent Ali to them The people who were tearing each other to pieces and given to the grossest evils of
with 300 horsemen but they fought him. Ali defeated them and finally they submitted and faiucation, drinking, gambling, adultery and savagery of all kinds were now acting as if they
sent a deputation to the Prophet which met him at Medina just before his death. Ali remained had but one soul. Every good reformer, king, statesman, ruler and preacher wishes men to
in Yeman till the 11th month of this year. live atpeacewith one another, to do good to one another and to do unto others as they would,
like others do unto them. Muhammad had not only preached that but accomplished that
Farewell Pilgrimage (10 A.H.) : There were no wars and no military expeditions after preaching bv making his followers act up to his teaching. He forgave all his former tormentors
Tabuk. There was peace all over Arabia from one end of the country to the other. People were -Abu-Sufyan, Abd Yalil, Uyaina bin Hisn, and a hundred others. And in this Pilgrimage there
crowding into Medina from all parts of Arabia and Muhammad was extremely busy in xere thousands upon thousands who had fought him as an enemy but they were now his
teaching them Islam and in sending out instructors. inends and followers. Those who dislike Muhammad or abuse him are much to be pitied,
for they can do no good to themselves or mankind by their hatred of God's most virtuous
But he himself had not yet performed the greater Pilgrimage. He had performed Umra
man. Surely, the people to find out his faults, failings and shortcomings were the Arabs. For
twice but it was his duty to lead the Muslims to Hajj so that they may know for all time to
twenty years now they had been having a most vigorous fight against him and they had by
come how to perform the Hajj.
hard experience found him to be nothing but praiseworthy. And they showed their appreciation
Muhammad left nothing to chance or theory. Everything that he preached he earned out I of his virtues by their presence at Medina in this tenth year of the Hegira. They had been
in practice, and God saw to it that he did not miss anything. It was for God to command regenerated or re-bom as Hindu philosophers are never tired of saying about their most
and for Muhammad to obey. virtuous people.
The Prophet sent messengers to all parts of Arabia asking them to join him in this greater March of 114,000 Pilgrims : One hundred thousand men make a large crowd at any time,
Pilgrimage. In doing so he was doing nothing but carrying out the command given to Ibrahim but at the time of Muhammad it was especially a large one. The people carried all their
nearly 2500 years before Muhammad's birth. belongings and foodstuffs with them. Muhammad had all his wives with him in this journey,
so that women might not remain ignorant of the manner of performing Hajj. Muhammad
And proclaim amongst mankind the Pilgrimage,
was the most practical man who ever lived. But he was not a lover of ease. His practical good
They will come to thee on foot and upon all kinds of lean camels coming from ever}’ sense was combined with the most painstaking attention to every detail of everything that
remote land; he did. And it was so in this Hajj. He had taken 100 animals to sacrifice at Mina and he was
going to carry out God's instructions with regard to pilgrimage to the minutest detail.
In order that they may witness the places of benefit to them And that they may
mention God's name, during the given number of days, upon what He has When he reached Dhul-Hulaifa, he encamped and passed the night there. The next
provided them of the four-footed cattle... (Quran, 22 : 27-28.) morning he and all his followers put on the pilgrim's garb (the Ihram), one unsewn piece
of doth tied round the waist and another similar piece covering the upper part of the body,
Chapter 22 is called "The Pilgrimage" and verses 26 to 38 deal with Pilgrimage the head and arms remaining uncovered. In this garb, all men stood before their Lord as
especially. It was thus, that the prayer of Ibrahim (Quran, 2 : 129) was being fulfilled equals. The king could not be distinguished from the beggar
a nor the nobleman from the
to the letter. Muhammad was reciting the Quran to the people, teaching them the real labourer. Here was liberty, fraternity and equality carried out in practice and not merely
meaning thereof and interpreting its wisdom and purifying the souls of mankind. No
preached as a theory in text-books.
greater task has ever been given to any man and no man has performed it so thoroughly
as did Muhammad. With their I
of angels in human shape the Muslims followed their leader-nay, their brother-in-faith. And
The people responded to his call not in hundreds or thousands but in tens upon tens of
Muhammad gave the signal call : Labbaik, Labbaik, etc. "Here I am at Thy service, here 1
thousand. am, O God ! I am here (and declare that) there is no partner with Thee, I am here at Th\
Tents were pitched outside Medina in which gathered 100,000' to 114,000 Muslims from service. All praise and thanks and blessings belong to Thee, I am here. I am here. Thou hast
North and South ; from East and West; from mountains and valleys ; from deserts and towns. no partner O God tie 11 am here at Thy service."
374
X/l the Prophets Em of Peace, 375
This is the most direct form of response to God's call of service. Man speaks to God direct
to the Kaaba, made seven circuits of the House of God, the first three as he had done
and God speaks to mankind without any intermediary or intercessor. It makes man a freeman. I
three years before in 7 A.H. (Umra) and the last four somewhat easy. Then he prayed
The soul of man realises its greatness by standing in the presence of God his only Lord and
at the station of Ibrahim. After which he went out to make seven runs between the hills
is emancipated from all evil thoughts. 9
of Safa and Marwa.
As Muhammad recited the formula and at each stop in his recitation he was followed By Muhammad's command all those who had no presents to offer shaved their heads
by 100,000 voices in unison repeating what he said, the hills and deserts echoed their I and were free from the restrictions of Ihram for the time being.
voice and the whole space was filled with it. What philosophers call the Crowd Psychology
was changed into a sublime Spiritual Awakening. Only those can feel this awakening i All joined Muhammad and persisted in keeping on his Ihram. He had, therefore, to join
who have had experience of it. There is something in Hajj which raises even the meanest Muhammad in his sacrifices as he had brought none of his own.
of men to nobility of thought and self-sacrificing devotion. Hajj is a symbol of sacrifice On the 8th of Dhul-Hajj Muhammad left Mecca for Mina and passed the night there. After
in which the soul of man sacrifices all comfort, luxuries and joys for the sake of the morning prayers, he rode his she-camel Qaswa and people followed him to Arafat on 9th
happiness of meeting the Universal Soul of God. It is like being drowned in the Sea ol I Dhul-Hija.
God's Love. And there are Muslims who after having performed pilgrimage for a score I The Prophet's tent was pitched atNamira to the east of Arafat. Soon after mid-day, riding
of times are not satisfied and wish to add to the number. It is the most fascinating journey his camel, Qaswa, he went to the centre of the valley and delivered his address, every sentence
for a Muslim. And yet we know that Christians and unbelievers who have performed of which was repeated by Rabia' bin Ommaya bin Khalf. After prayers and thanks to God
the Hajj under the disguise of Muslims find no pleasure in it though they all admire the
he said : .
patience and perseverance of the Muslims. This fact shows clearly that the Muslims do
not go to Hajj for pleasure as other people do to their fairs, for if that were so, the (1) "Ye men I listen to my speech because 1 do not think that after this year of mine 1
unbelievers who are often as well provided with funds (if not better) as the Muslims, shall ever meet you in this place.
would find pleasure therein also. But it cannot be. The writer has been on pilgrimage (2) "Ye men I (from now onw ar ds) till you meet your Lord, your blood and your properties
twice and has seen these pretended Muslims performing their Hajj. Whilst the Muslims are as sacred as are this day and this month.
are absorbed body and soul in the remembrance of God, these hypocrites are busy in
(3) "And surely you will meet your Lord when He will ask you about your deeds and
making their observations as to the height, length and breadth of the Kaaba and a thousand
other details for insertions in their diaries, articles and books which details the Muslim I have conveyed His message to you.
notices seldom if ever. It is impossible for a hypocrite to enjoy Hajj. He is piling agony (4) "He who is entrusted with property belonging to another should deliver his trust to
upon agony on his soul whilst he is doing the circuit of the Kaaba. Truly has Saadi said. whom it belongs.
(5) "And all that is lent on usury is cancelled but your capitals are yours. Do not do
If the ass of Jesus go to Hajj,
injustice to others nor let injustice be done to you.
Nothing but an ass shall him we judge.
(6) "God has decided that there is no usury. And all interest due to Abbas bin Abd ul-
Muhammad's army of pilgrims were inspired by lofty ideals and when they reached a Muttalib is cancelled.
place called Mahila between Mecca and Medina, Muhammad told them that those who had
(7) "And all compensation for bloodshed in the Time of Ignorance is abolished.
no presents for Hajj should make it an Umra but those who had should not do so.
(8) "After that, ye men ! the evil-one has despaired of ever being worshipped in this land
Muhammad reached Mecca on the 4th of Dhul-Hajj, thus he took nearly 19 days on
of yours. But he will be obeyed in other lands. Therefore be careful of your faith lest
his journey as he started on the 15th of the previous month, a fact which shows that the
these other people diminish your good deeds.
journey was done either in short stages or with long stops or both, for generally it is
accomplished in 12 days on camel back. But the large number ofpilgrims must have made (9) "Ye men ! the postponement of sacred month is an addition of the days of disbelief.
it necessarily a show journey so as not to inconvenience the women, or the old and the Those who choose disbelief are misguided thereby :
weak. This fact also shows how careful Muhammad was for the comfort of his followers.
They declare it sacred one year and non-sacred another year. In order to make up
In large congregations he always made his prayers short, but when saying them alone
the number of sacred months fixed by God, so that they make non-sacred what God
at his own house he made them long. As soon as Muhammad reached Mecca, he hastened
has made sacred. And Time revolves, as it has been shaped since the day the heavens
and the earth were created by God :
And the number of months with God is twelve of which four are sacred-three of his life and Ali sacrificed the remainder of the 100 camels which Muhammad had brought
consecutive months and Rajab by itself between Jamadi and Shaban. from Medina. The Prophet then shaved his head and the Hajj was completed.
(10) "And after that, ye men I you have your rights against your wives and they have theirs This Hajj is called "The Farewell Pilgrimage" because it was the last pilgrimage of
against you. It is their duty to observe chastity and avoid immodesty. And if they Muhammad. It is also called the "Pilgrimage of the Message", for Muhammad delivered his
are guilty, you are allowed to avoid intercourse with them and to beat them without message to all men and directed those who were present to convey it to those who were absent
causing (serious) injury. But if they repent, you must feed and clothe them with so that it might be carried to all succeeding generations. It is also called "The Pilgrimage of
fairness. And instruct each other to do good to your women-folk for they are assigned Islam" for Islam was perfected this day for ever and for ever, and Muslims who are true to
to you and have no control over anything by themselves. And you have taken them their Faith are carrying it on and conveying it to those who are present in their age. As God
as God's trust and they have been made lawful to you by the Word of God. says:
(11) "Therefore, ye men ! understand well my sayings for I have conveyed my message It is He who has raised up amongst an unlettered people a messenger from amongst
and I have left with you that you take hold of, your affairs shall not go wrong, namely themselves who recites 'to them His signs, and purifies them and teaches them the Book and
the Book of God and the religious procedure of His messenger. the wisdom, although before this they were in a clear error.
(12) "Ye men ! listen to my speech and make sure that you understand it. You are taught And to others from among them who have not joined them yet, for He is all-
that each Muslim is a brother of every other Muslim and Muslims form one Brotherhood. Mighty, all-Wise. (Quran, 62 : 2-3.)
It is not lawful for any man to take anything of his brother's except what is given
with one's own free will. Therefore do not do injustice to one another. And again says God :
(13) "O God ! have I conveyed my message ?" Say : "God is a witness between you and me,
As the Prophet spoke, Rabia' asked people : "Do you know what day is this ?" They
replied : "The day of the great pilgrimage." Then he (Rabia') asked : "Do you know that God And this Quran has been revealed to me that I may warn you therewith and those
has made your blood (your lives) and your properties sacred till you meet God as He has whom it reaches;.... (Quran, 6: 19.)
made sacred this day." They replied, "Yes" and so forth sentence by sentence. And when the When Abu-Bakr heard the verse about the Faith being perfected on the Day of the Farewell
Prophet said : Pilgrimage he wept because he realised that the message having been completed, the day
when Muhammad would meet his Lord and depart from his companions was not for off.
"O God ! have I conveyed my message ?" They all shouted with one voice: "Yes
And the Prophet had most clearly pointed that out in the opening sentence of his speech
And Muhammad said : "O God ! Thou art my Witness." And the writer of this book feels in the same way as did Abu-Bakr. The writing of these
Completion of Faith : And When the Prophet had finished his address he alighted from pages has been the greatest happiness of his life but there is an end to all things except the
his camel and performed the noon and the afternoon prayers together and as he did so, God
© One:
revealed to him :
There is no deity but He, All things are going to perish except His Being....
This day, have I perfected for you your Faith, (Quran, 28 : 88.)
And completed My blessing upon you. Last Journey
And have accepted for you Al-Islam as a religion. (Quran, 5 :3.) Muhammad Thinking of the Future : False Prophets: After the "Farewell Pilgrimage' the
The Prophet immediately recited this verse to all present. Arabs scattered to their homes carrying with them the memories of their journey to Medina
and Mecca and of the glorious message of Muhammad. They all realised that Muhammad s
The Prophet left Arafat about evening and passed the night at Muzdalfa saying the mission was now fulfilled and Muhammad himself knew that his end was not far off. But
evening and night prayers together at the latter place. he was not the man to think of resting on his laurels or on his achievements. His paradise
In the morning he alighted at Masharil Haram and went on to Mina and passed the was the welfare of his people. The Arabs had become Muslims, but what about Sxtwl Iraq
Jamarat (stone-throwing stations) on his way. He then sacrificed 63 camels one for each year Egypt, and Abyssinia? These countries must also hear the Voice of God repeated five times
a day.
I I The Kesra of Persia had tom Muhammad's letter. The governor of Syria had scorned his and Usama did not accept the office of a leader for the sake of honour only. They undertook
I I message and threatened to attack him ; and at Muta three Muslims generals had sacrificed the leadership to lay down their lives for the cause of Islam.
I I their lives for the cause of Islam. Their martyrdom was a challenge to the Muslims and
And Muhammad ordered Usama to go by the boundaries of Balqa' and to enter the
| Muhammad began to make his preparations to turn the tables on the Romans. But before
enemy's territory via Palestine close to Muta where his father had been killed and to attack
1 I he could do so, new dangers threatened him in Arabia. They say "imitation is the sincerest
God's enemies early in the morning and to carry the war to its better end and when God
| form of flattery" and many a clever poet and speaker though of imitating Muhammad and
I declaring himself to be a prophet. One of these self-styled prophets was Tulaiha Zaim bin gave him the victory not to stop there but to come home immediately.
I Asad of Nejd. He claimed to be a prophet and a messenger. But he was afraid of Muhammad As has been previously pointed out in this book it is the custom with Arabs to choose
I and waited to declare himself till after Muhammad's demise. It was then that Khalid bin Walid a place outside the town where caravans gather before they start on a journey, and in case
I defeated him and he became a Muslim. of war or a big gathering it takes some days before the caravan and its provisions are ready
for the start.
I But Musailma (the Liar) was more daring. He sent word to Muhammad that he
I (Musailma) was also a prophet like Muhammad and that half of the earth belonged to In accordance with this custom, Usama took up his station at Jurf, not far from Medina,
I him and half to the Quraish. The Prophet replied to Musailma : "From Muhammad the in order to collect his arms and army.
I Prophet of God to Musailma the Liar. The earth belongs to God and He causes it to be Muhammad's Last Sickness: Whilst preparations for the collection of the army were going
I inherited by whom He pleases from His virtuous servants and peace be on him who on Muhammad fell ill. People did not know what to do, and the army remained at Jurf
I follows the guidance." awaiting the turn of events. Muhammad's sickness started in the month of Safar (the 2nd
I Aswad Ansi of Yemen was the third claimant He claimed to be a magician and practised month) of 11 A.H. He was suffering from the effects of the poison administered to him at
his art in secret till he had a big following. He expelled Muhammad's agents from Yemen, Khaibar by his Jewish hostess. He had fever and headache. In spite of his sickness he went
advanced towards Najran, killed Ibn Badhan the late ruler of Yemen and married his widow. on with his duties, going to the mosque and leading the prayers. He himself, however, knew
His power spread in Yemen. He imprisoned or killed Muhammad's new agents sent to that his end was near:
Yemen. But God delivered the Muslims from his atrocities. His own wife killed him as a He could not sleep at night. The effect of the poison was disturbing his nervous system.
revenge for the murder of her first husband, Ibn Badhan. Yemen was rid of the pretended On or about the fourth night of his sickness, he got up and accompanied by his attendant
sorcerer and tyrant. he went to the graveyard of the Muslim martyrs to pay them his last visit. He told his
attendant: "I have been ordered to ask God's forgiveness for the souls of the departed,
Muhammad's Preparations for Meeting the Romans: Muhammad and the Romans knew
accompany me." They went and he prayed to God for their forgiveness. Muhammad never
that the clash between the Muslims and the Christians was inevitable. The Romans would
forgot any of his followers-not even the dead. He was the best of friends that mankind ever
have invaded Muhammad's territory long ago, had it not been for their fear of these terrible
had and though now sick unto his death he was doing his duty to his departed companions.
warriors who did not fight to win or to conquer but to die. The Romans being men of
When he had finished, he told his attendant: "I was given the keys of the treasures of the
experience and skilled in the arts of government knew how dangerous it was to stir up the
world and lasting assurance of their enjoyment and then of Paradise. I chose the meeting of
Muslims. Muhammad also knew that the enemy was only waiting till his own followers
my Lord and Paradise."
became weak and lazy when they would be an easy prey to the trained legions of Byzantine.
The next morning, Muhammad went to Aishah's house and complained of severe headache
With characteristic energy, he immediately ordered an army to proceed to Syria under
and told her he was feeling great pain and constantly said : "O my head ! my head !* But
Usama, son of Zaid bin Harith. Zaid was Muhammad's freed slave but Muhammad had put
still he would not lie down on bed and continued to attend to his wives. Five days more passed
him above all his kinsmen and above all his most intimate companions in the Battle of Muta.
like this. When he was in the house of Maimuna, he became so weak that he could hardly
He did the same now with regard to Usama who was barely 20 years old.
get up. He called all his wives and asked them in whose house he should pass his days of
He ordered Abu-Bakr and Umar to follow Usama and they willingly accepted to follow sickness. Such was his regard for the feelings of his wives and of all men. They ali consented
a mere youth at Muhammad's bidding. "We hear and we obey" that was their contract with to the house of Aishah. Supported by Ah bin Abu-Talib and his uncle Abbas he moved to
God and they carried it out. If Muslims did the same thing today they would again become Aishah's place with great difficulty.
great. But the leaders and followers must all be actuated by the same spirit of one for all and His condition became worse. But he would still go to the mosque to lead the praverjj
all for one as animated Muhammad and his followers. And it must be remembered that Zaid More days passed and he heard people saying that he had appointed a boy to lead dhe
Era of Peace 381
More tan a fortnight had passed since Muhammad fell sick and his condition was now
Ansar and Muhajirin to war with the Romans. He was now hardly able to move, so great very grave indeed, His daughter Fatima visited him daily and he used to kiss her. When he
was his pain and his headache. He would, however, not let people be in doubt. He was dangerously ill, she came one day. He kissed her as usual and whispered to her something
ordered his wives to pour seven skinfuls of cold water on his head till it was cooled when
and she cried. Then he whispered to her again and she laughed.
he said : "It is enough, it is enough." He put on his clothes, tied his bead with a band,
went to the mosque and took his seat on the pulpit. He praised God, said prayers for Aishah questioned her, after the Prophet's death, as to this weeping and laughing
•J and
the martyrs of Uhud and others and asked God's forgiveness for their souls and lengthened Fatima replied : "The first time he told me that he would not recover from this illness and
his prayers on their behalf and then said : "Ye men ! carry out the mission of Usama. I cried. The second time he told me that I would be the first of the family to join him and
By my life, if you have been saying anything against his leadership, you said the same 1 laughed". So tat, not only men but women in Islam also loved to die.
about his father before, whilst he is the fittest person for this leadership as was his
father." It is also stated that in the early days of his illness the Prophet said to Aishah : " How
would you like dying in my lifetime so that I mightSi say prayers over your body and bury
Then he remained silent for a while and continued : "There was a servant of God whom you?" She replied: "If I were sure of that, I would immediately go to my parents' house and
God gave the choice of this life and of the hereafter against what was with Him and the servant
come back dressed as a bride."
chose what was with God." He again became silent and the people were puzzled but Abu-
Bakr understood that the person spoken of was Muhammad himself. Abu-Bakr could control He was now being consumed by the fire of the poison and its fever and had to dip his
himself no longer. He wept and said : "Nay, we will offer our lives and our sons for thee." hands in cold water and wash his face constantly to keep the heat down.
Muhammad made a sign to Abu-Bakr to hold his peace and then said : "Let all doors opening
One day, while he was in this condition and his companions came to see him, he said :
on the mosque be locked except the door of Abu-Bakr." When that had been done he said:
"I know no one who has been a better companion to me than he (Abu-Bakr), and if I was "Come here, I will cause you to write something so that you will never fall into error." Some
to take any man as my Khalil (the most intimate friend) I would choose Abu-Bakr. But his of those present said : "The Prophet of God is suffering from pain and you have the Quran
companionship and brotherhood in faith is enough till God Join us with Himself." with you and the Book of God is sufficient unto us." Others wanted the writing to be carried
Out When Muhammad saw them quarrelling over it, he said, "Go and leave me alone."
Muhammad now wanted to return to the house of Aishah but went on saying:
Usama and his army now returned to Medina as the Prophet was in an extremely
"Ye Muhajirin, I command you to help the Ansar in all good things, because men dangerous condition. Usama came to see him. The Prophet raised his hand and prayed for
will increase (as time passes) but the Ansar, under the circumstances will decrease. him and then put his hand on Usama's head to show his approval of him.
They gave me shelter. Therefore return their good deeds with good deeds and
pass over their mistakes." The Prophet's family thought he was suffering from pneumonia and prepared some
medicine for him but he refused to take it. When he was unconscious they poured the
He then left and entered Aishah's house but the speech, only parts of which are given medicine down his throat. On his regaining consciousness he asked all the people in the house
above, had been a terrible strain on his nerves which had been artificially cooled down by
to take the same medicine as a punishment for disobeying his orders.
the effect of cold water. His condition now became serious. He still wanted to go to the mosque
and speak to men about Usama's expedition, about the necessity of union amongst Muslims Muhammad had seven dinars in his possession and being afraid that they might be left
when he had expired and about a great many other things but each time he tried to get up behind he had them distributed to the poor. He did not want to meet his Lord and have it
he fainted. This happened three times and then he ordered that Abu-Bakr should lead the said that he had any wealth left behind him.
prayers in his stead. This together with the previous sermon was a clear indication from him
Muhammad's Short-lived Recovery: This was the last night of Muhammad's life, Sunday
that he wanted Abu-Bakr to be the leader of the Muslims after his death.
11th of Rabi' ul-Awwal, 11 A.H. The fever seemed to leave him a bit and in the morning he
Aishah, daughter of Abu-Bakr, asked the Prophet three times to excuse him (Abu-Bakr) was able to tie his head and supported by Ali and Abbas he ventured out from Aishah's house
as he was too tender-hearted and given to weeping when reciting the Quran and, three times, into the mosque (Aishah's house was practically part of the mosque and separated from it
the Prophet repeated his command. Abu-Bakr, therefore, became his deputy. One day when by a mud partition). Abu-Bakr was leading the prayer.
Abu-Bakr was absent, Umar led the prayers. The Prophet recognised his voice from his place
and said : "Where is Abu- Bakr ?" People understood that he (Muhammad) wanted Abu- The Muslims were in their prayers and when they saw him come out they were so happy
Bakr to be the Khalifah after him. that they very nearly broke their prayers. Abu-Bakr felt what was happening and wished to
retire from the leadership but Muhammad touched him from behind as a sign to go on m i th
his business and himself said his prayers by the side of Abu-Bakr. The Prophet said his prayers
sitting down whilst Abu-Bakr led the prayers.
When the prayers were over he addressed the people loud enough to be heard outside:
"Ye men ! the fire (of hell) is blazing and persecutions (or disturbances) in Faith
are coming like a piece of dark night. And I tell you, by God, do not attribute
to me anything (which does not belong to me). Surely, by God I have not declared
anything lawful which the Quran has not made lawful nor have I made anything
unlawful which the Quran has not made unlawful. And God disapproves of those
Nine
people who make their tombs as their mosques."
Meeting the Almighty : The Muslims thought that the Prophet had recovered and that
there was no more danger. Usama came and asked his permission to go with his army to
Syria. Abu-Bakr congratulated him saying, "I see thee, O Prophet of God, in good health by
the grace of God and His blessing as we wish thee to recover?" and asked his permission OTHER HOLY LIVES
to go out of Medina to bring his wife and he got the permission of the Prophet to go to Sunh
where his wife lived. Umar and Ali also left to attend to their affairs and the Muslims
dispersed well pleased and happy after they had despaired of the life of the Prophet the
previous day. Muhammad returned to the house of Aishah exhausted more than ever.
Hadrat Al-Khidhr (PBUH)
-His head was resting on the lap of Aishah when he saw someone coming with a tooth
brush. He pointed towards it. Aishah took it and made it soft for him. The Prophet cleaned Allah Almighty said:
his mouth and said:
"So they found one of Our servants. On whom We had bestowed mercy from
"O God, help me in the agony of death." Ourselves and whom We had taught knowledge from Our own presence. Moses
said to him: "May I follow thee, on the footing that thou teach me something of
Aishah says : "I felt as if he was getting heavier in my lap. I looked at his face when his
the (Higher) Truth which thou hast been taught?" (The other) said: "Verily thou
eyes looked up in a stare and he said : wilt not be able to have patience with me!"
"Nay, (I choose) the Companion on High in Heaven (or Paradise)/ You say, 'Have The Holy Quran did not mention his name, but the traditions gave it as Khidhr. "Khidhr’
I made my choice ?' "Yes I have, and I swear by Him Who has sent thee with means "Green": his knowledge is fresh and green, and drown out of the living sources of
the truth'." life for it is drawn from Allah's Own Knowledge. He is a mysterious being, who has to be
sought out. He has the secrets of some of the paradoxes of life, which ordinary people do
This is the conversation between Muhammad and the Angel of Death. Muhammad is
not understand, or understand in wrong sense. Khidhr (PBUH) had special gifts from Allah.
being offered the choice of recovery or the meeting of his Lord and he chooses to meet his
Mercy from Him and Knowledge from Him too, the Mercy freed him from the ordinary
Lord in Heaven.
incidents of daily human life; and the knowledge entitled him to interpret the inner meaning
The choice was accepted by God and lo! the praised one, Muhammad, was with the ONE and mystery of events.
WHO IS ALWAYS PRAISED ! The commentators mentioned many names to him, some of them said that the Khidhr s
"All praise belongs to God, Lord of All the World" ! name is "Balya", others said that his name is: "Armya" and others said that the name is.
"Khidhrun". Also the commentators disagreed in his lineage and about if he was Prophet
or Saint. And we will mention some of the traditions about Al-Khidhr (PBUH) from the two
Sahih. _
384 All the Prophets Other Holy Lives 385
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Al-Khidhr was named so Thou hast promised to me. O Allah, bring about what Thou hast promised to me. O Allah,
| because he sat over a barren white land, it turned green with plantation after (his) sitting if this small band of Muslims is destroyed. Thou will not be worshipped on this earth". And
I over it** that band included in that day the Chiefs of the Muslims and the Chiefs of the angels even
Jibril (PBUH). Therefore the narrators said if Al-Khidhr was a live so he will fight with the
] Utba b. Masud reported that Abdullah b. Abbas contended with Hurb. Qaisb. Hisn Al-
Muslims army, and it will be his greatest rank.
I Fazari about the companion of Musa (PBUH). Ibn Abbas said that he was Khidhr. There
I happened to pass Ubayy b. Kab Ansari. Ibn Abbas called him and said: Abu Tufail, come
Hadrat Zuk-Kifl (PBUH)
I to us. There has been a difference of opinion between me and my friend about the companion
I of Musa whom he wanted to meet on the way. Did you hear anything from Allah's Messenger Allah Almighty said:
I (PBUH) mentioning anything? Ubayy said: I heard Allah's Messenger (PBUH) saying: "As
I Musa was amongst the group of Bani Israel, there came to him a man and he said to him: And (remember) Ismail, Idris, and Zul-Kifl, all (men) of constancy and patience;
I 'Do you know anyone having better knowledge than you? Musa said: 'No. Thereupon Allah We admitted them to Our Mercy: for they were of the Righteous ones.
I revealed to Musa: 'Of course, there is amongst Our servants Khidhr who has better knowledge Also Allah Almighty said:
I than you'. Musa asked the way of meeting him. Allah made the fish a Sign and it was said
] to him: Where you miss the fish return to that place and you will soon find him'. So Musa And commemorate Our Servants Ibrahim, lshaaq and Jacob, Possessors of Power
I moved out as Allah wished him to move on. He then said to his young companion: 'Bring and Vision. Verily We did choose them for a special (purpose) - the remembrance
for us the breakfast. Thereupon that young man said to Musa, when he asked him for the of the Hereafter. They were, in Our sight, truly, of the company of the Elect and
| breakfast: 'Don't you see that as we had reached the rock I forgot the fish and nobody made the Good. And commemorate Ismail, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl: each of them was of
1
me forget but the satan that I should remained you of it (the fish)?' Musa said to that young the company of the G< HSR
man: This was what we wanted'. So they retraced their steps and met Al-Khidhr. Arid the Allah Almighty mentioned Zul-Kifl with other Prophets and that is a good proof for his
events which followed has been mentioned before in the story of Musa. Prophecy because Mujahid said: "Zul-Kifl is not a Prophet but one from the Righteous." And
Muslim mentioned in his Sahih on the authority of Abu Said Al-Khudhri reported that this is totally wrong.
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) one day gave a detailed account of the antichrist and in that it Zul-Kifl (PBUH) guaranteed to his people to manage their affairs, and to judge among them
was also included: "He would come but would not be allowed to enter the mountain which
with justice, and from this came his name, which means in Arabic language the guarantor (Kafil).
passes to Medina. So he will alight at some of the barren tracts near Medina, and a man who
Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi-Hatam, narrated on the authority of Daud bin Abi-Hind on the authority
would be the best of men or one from amongst the best of men would say to him: 'I testify
of Mujahid that he said: When Al-Yasa' (Elisha) (PBUH) became an old man he said: "If I would
that you are the antichrist whom Allah's Messenger (PBUH) had informed us about him. The
find a man who will succeed me in managing the people's affairs while I am alive, so I will be
antichrist would say: 'What is your opinion if I kill this man, then I bring him back to life;
able to see how he is going to serve the people". Then Al-Yasa' (PBUH) called the people and
even then will you have doubt in this matter? 'They would say: 'No'. He would then kill the gathered them and said: "Who will fast in the day, pray in the night and will not be angry; he
man and then bring him back to life. When he would bring that person to life, he would say: will be my successor". Then an ordinary man stood up and said:" I can", then Al-Yasa' (PBUH)
'By Allah, I had no better proof of the fact that you are an antichrist, than at the present time, said:" Do you fast in the day, pray in the night and will not be angry?" The man said: "Yes",
that you are actually so. 'The antichrist would then make an attempt to kill him again but but Al-Yasa' (PBUH) didn't say anything. Then in the second day happened the same thing, and
he would not be able to do that. Abu Ishaq reported that it was said: 'That man would be the people didn't answer, but the same man said: "I can", therefore Al-Yasa' (PBUH) made him
Al-Khidhr." his successor, and this ordinary man was Zul-Kifl (PBUH).
Although the commentators disagreed about the death of Al-Khidlir (PBUH) if it happened Ibn Abi Hatam narrated that Abu Musa al-Ashari said when he was on the pulpit
or not most of them said that he died, according to the saying of Allah Almighty: "We granted addressing the people:" Zul- Kifl was not a Prophet but he was a righteous man praying even’
not to any man before thee [O Muhammad (PBUH)] permanent life."
day 100 times".
Also it is narrated in the two Sahihs that: When it was the day on which the Battle of
Badr was fought, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) turned (his face) towards the Qibla then he
tretched his hands and began his supplication to his lord: "O Allah, accomplish for me what
384 All the Prophets Other Holy Lives 385
Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "Al-Khidhr was named so Thou hast promised to me. O Allah, bring about what Thou hast promised to me. O Allah,
because he sat over a barren white land, it turned green with plantation after (his) sitting if this small band of Muslims is destroyed. Thou will not be worshipped on this earth'' And
over it". that band included in that day the Chiefs of the Muslims and the Chiefs of the angels even
Utba b. Masud reported that Abdullah b. Abbas contended with Hurb. Qaisb. Hisn Al- Jibril (PBUH). Therefore the narrators said if Al-Khidhr was a live so he will fight with the
Fazari about the companion of Musa (PBUH). Ibn Abbas said that he was Khidhr. There Muslims army, and it will be his greatest rank.
happened to pass Ubayy b. Kab Ansari. Ibn Abbas called him and said: Abu Tufail, come
Hadrat Zuk-Kifl (PBUH)
to us. There has been a difference of opinion between me and my friend about the companion
of Musa whom he wanted to meet on the way. Did you hear anything from Allah's Messenger Allah Almighty said:
(PBUH) mentioning anything? Ubayy said: I heard Allah's Messenger (PBUH) saying: "As
Musa was amongst the group of Bani Israel, there came to him a man and he said to him: And (remember) Ismail, Idris, and Zul-Kifl, all (men) of constancy and patience;
'Do you know anyone having better knowledge than you? Musa said: 'No. Thereupon Allah We admitted them to Our Mercy: for they were of the Righteous ones.
revealed to Musa: 'Of course, there is amongst Our servants Khidhr who has better knowledge Also Allah Almighty said:
than you'. Musa asked the way of meeting him. Allah made the fish a Sign and it was said
to him: Where you miss the fish return to that place and you will soon find him'. So Musa And commemorate Our Servants Ibrahim, Ishaaq and Jacob, Possessors of Power
moved out as Allah wished him to move on. He then said to his young companion: 'Bring and Vision. Verily We did choose them for a special (purpose) - the remembrance
for us the breakfast. Thereupon that young man said to Musa, when he asked him for the Of the Hereafter. They were, in Our sight, truly, of the company of the Elect and
breakfast: 'Don't you see that as we had reached the rock I forgot the fish and nobody made the Good. And commemorate Ismail, Elisha, and Zul-Kifl: each of them was of
me forget but the satan that I should remained you of it (the fish)?' Musa said to that young the company of the Good.
man: This was what we wanted'. So they retraced their steps and met Al-Khidhr. And the
Allah Almighty mentioned Zul-Kifl with other Prophets and that is a good proof for his
events which followed has been mentioned before in the story of Musa.
Prophecy because Mujahid said: "Zul-Kifl is not a Prophet but one from the Righteous." And
Muslim mentioned in his Sahih on the authority of Abu Said Al-Khudhri reported that this is totally wrong.
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) one day gave a detailed account of the antichrist and in that it
Zul-Kifl (PBUH) guaranteed to his people to manage their affairs, and to judge among them
was also included: "He would come but would not be allowed to enter the mountain which
with justice, and from this came his name, which means in Arabic language the guarantor (Kafil)
passes to Medina. So he will alight at some of the barren tracts near Medina, and a man who
Ibn Jarir and Ibn Abi-Hatam, narrated on the authority of Daud bin Abi-Hind on the authority
would be the best of men or one from amongst the best of men would say to him: 'I testify
of Mujahid that he said: When Al-Yasa' (Elisha) (PBUH) became an old man he said: "If I would
that you are the antichrist whom Allah's Messenger (PBUH) had informed us about him. The
find a man who will succeed me in managing the people's affairs while I am alive, so 1 will be
antichrist would say: 'What is your opinion if I kill this man, then I bring him back to life;
able to see how he is going to serve the people". Then Al-Yasa' (PBUH) called the people and
even then will you have doubt in this matter? 'They would say: 'No'. He would then kill the
gathered them and said: "Who will fast in the day, pray in the night and will not be angry; he
man and then bring him back to life. When he would bring that person to life, he would say:
will be my successor". Then an ordinary man stood up and said:" I can", then Al-Yasa' (PBUH)
'By Allah, I had no better proof of the fact that you are an antichrist, than at the present time,
said:" Do you fast in the day, pray in the night and will not be angry?" The man said: "Yes",
that you are actually so. The antichrist would then make an attempt to kill him again but
but Al-Yasa' (PBUH) didn't say anything. Then in the second day happened the same thing, and
he would not be able to do that. Abu Ishaq reported that it was said: 'That man would be
the people didn't answer, but the same man said: "I can", therefore Al-Yasa' (PBUH) made him
Al-Khidhr."
his successor, and this ordinary’ man was Zul-Kifl (PBUH).
Although the commentators disagreed about the death of Al-Khidhr (PBUH) if it happened
Ibn Abi Hatam narrated that Abu Musa al-Ashari said when he was on the pulpit
or not, most of them said that he died, according to the saying of Allah Almighty: "We granted addressing the people:" Zul- Kifl was not a Prophet but he was a righteous man praying every
not to any man before thee [O Muhammad (PBUH)J permanent life."
day 100 times".
Also it is narrated in the two Sahihs that: When it was the day on which the Battle of
Badr was fought, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) turned (his face) towards the Qibla then he
stretched his hands and began his supplication to his lord: "O Allah, accomplish for me what
I
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Kahhalah, Muhammad Rida : Mujam-al-Mullifin, Demascus, 1961. Bayazid Biyat : Tazkira-i Humayuna wa Akbar, Calcutta, 1941.
Khallaf, Abd al-Wahab : Khulasah Tarikh al-Tashri al-lslami, 1968. Chekhovich, O.D. : Samarqand Documents, Moscow, 1974.
Holy Quran Danishmand Khan : Ni 'mat Khan-i 'Ali, Ruz-nama-i Waqa't' Ayyami-darjuljihad, Haydarabad,
1901.
Abdullah Yusuf Ali : The Holy Quran: An Interpretation in English Sh. Muhammad Ashraf,
Farid, B. Shaikh Ma'ruf Bhakkari : Zakhiratu'l-khawanin, 3 vols, Karachi, 1961-74.
Lahore, 1934.
Ghulam Husain B. Hidayat Ali Khan : Tarikh-i Muhammad-Shahi. Asafiya MS.
M. Abdul Majid Daryabadi : Translation & Commentary, Taj Company, Lahore.
Marmaduke Pickthall: The Meaning of the Glorious Quran, Hyderabad-Deccan, 1938. Ghulam Husain Khan Jawhar : Gu/zar-i Asafiya, Bombay, 1891.
Sale's Preliminary : Discourse to the Translation of the Koran prefixed as Introduction to Gulbadan Begam : Humaun-nama, London, 1902.
Wherry Commentary on the Kuran, Trubner, London. Hasan Beg Rumlu : Ahsanu 't-Tawarikh, Baroda, 1931.
Haydar Malik : Tarikh-i Kashmir, Ethe.
Holy Tradition z
Ikram, Shaikh Muhammad : Ab -i kawsar, Lahore, 1975.
Al-Adab al-Mufrad, compiled by Imam Bokhari (trans-lated into Urdu by M. Khalil-ur- Ishwar Das Nagar : Futuhat-i'Alamgiri, Rieu, I.
Rahman Nu'mani), Published in Karachi. Jawhar Aftabchi : Tazkiratu'i-waqi'at, Rieu, I.
At-taliq-us-Sxbih 'ala Mishkat-il-Masabih. Muhammad Idris Kandhalvi, Damascus. Karl Jahn : Rashid u 'd-Din 's History of India, The Hague, 1965.
Commentary on Sahih Muslim : Abu Zakriya, Yahya al-Nawwi. It is appended: to the original Khafi Khan, Muhammad Hashim : Muntakhabul-Lubab, Calcutta, 1850-1874.
Text, published by Karkhana Tajarit-Kutab, Delhi, in 1930.
Lutf, Ali, Mirza : Gulshan-i Hind, Delhi, 1960.
Fath al- Bari (commentary on Sahih al-Bokhari), Hafiz Ibn Hajar 'Asqalani (852 A.H.), Cairo
1959. ■ ’ —' • ■ ’ • Mihr, Ghulam Rasul : Saiyid Ahmad Shahid, Lahore.
âmi-al-Tirmidhi r Abu Isa Muhammad b. Isa Delhi. Mir, M. Amin Bukhari : Ubaydullah-nama, Tashkent MS.
îtab-al-Sunan of Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn al-Husain, commonly known as Baihaqi. Mirza, Haydar Dughlat: Tarikh-i Rashidi, Riew, I, English tr. by E, Denison Ross, London.
Mirza Ali Lutf : Gulshan-i Hind, Hyderabad-Deccan, 1906.

Muhammad Latif : Auln/a'-i Lahore, Lahore, 1962.
Muhammad Miyan : Ulama-i Hind ka Shandar Mazi, 4 vols., Delhi, 1957-60.
Muhammad Qasim : Nanawtawi, Qibla-nama’, Deoband, 1969.
Murtaza Husain : Hadiqat al-Aqalim, Lucknow, 1881.
Nawwab Dargah Quli Khan Salarjang : Muraqqa'i Delhi, Hydera-bad-Deccan.
Nimatullah B. Habibullah al-Harawi : Tarikh-i Khan-Jahani wa Makhzan-i Afghani, Dacca, 1960. INDEX
Qazwini, Mirza Muhammad Amin Badshah-nama, Rieu, I.
Quddusi, FijazuT-Haqq : Tazkira-i Sufiya’ i-Sind, Karachi, 1959.
Rashidud-Din Fazlullah : Jamit'u't-tawarikh, Tehran, 1970, English tr. by J.E. Boyle, New
York and London, 1971.
Sadiq Sadiqi, Mirza Muhammad : Subh-i-Sadiq, Bankipur. 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74,
Shahid, Muhammad Isma'il : Taqwiyat al-Iman wa Tazkirat al-Ikhwan, Lucknow. 75, 76, 77,78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83,
Sikandar, B.M. Manjhu : Mir'at-i Sikandari, Bombay, 1890. 84, 85, 86,87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92,
Thaneswari, Muhammad Jafar : Hayat-i Saiyid Ahmad Shahid, Karachi, 1968. 93, 94,. 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100,
Abu Bakr, 30, 16:2, 167 , 188, 192, 224, 225, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107,
Wali, Mir Abu Turab : Tarikh-Gujarat, Calcutta, 1909.
232, 237, 256, 259, 260, 261, 262, 108, 109, 110, HI, 112, 113, 114,
Yusuf Salim Chishti : Anwar, Mujaddidi, Lahore, 1961.
264, 272, 273, 280, 282, 284, 289, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121,
Zahiru'd-Din, Saiyid Ahmad : Kamalat-i ‘Aiizi, Karachi, 1972. 293, 297, 298, 306, 310, 315, 318,
Zaidpuri, Ghulam Husain Khan Salim : Riyazu’s -Salatin, Calcutta, 1902-1904.
122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128,
335, 337, 347, 355, 358, 362, 363, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 136,
Zawwar Husain Shah, Saiyid : Hazrat Mujaddidi Alf-i Sani, Karachi 1972. 364, 365, 367, 377, 378, 380, 381, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143,
382. 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150,
Urdu Books Abu Musa ,152, 164, 175, 385.b 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157,
Abul Hassan Nadvi : Nabi-e-Rahmat (PBUH). Adaan.245, 247, 275. 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164,
Abul Kalam Azad : Rasul-e-Rehmat (PBUH) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171,
Al-Zahrawi, Abul-Qasim Khalf Ibn Abbas : Al-Tasrif, Bismillah Pub., Lakhnow, 1908. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 28, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178,
Amin,-Ahmad Razi : Haft Iqlim, A. & B. Pub., Dacca, 1999. 153, 154, 170, 171, 177, 178, 180,
179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185,
181, 183, 186, 193, 342, 369.
Jalaluddin Jaffery : Khatimun Nabiyeen (PBUH). 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192,
Aishah, 36, 57, 58, 76, 147, 174, 175,
Khalid Alvi : Insan-e-Kamil (PBUH). 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 209,
179, 247, 259, 273, 355, 356, 357,
Maulana Abdul Majid Daryabadi: Tafsir-i-Majidi. (Taj Company, Lahore). 218, 238, 273, 274, 298, 308, 316,
365, 379, 380, 381, 382.
Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi : Bayan-ul-Quran (Taj Company, Lahore). 320, 325, 327, 330, 339, 342, 359,
Ali, 48, 174, 196, 215, 223, 226, 237,
Misbahuddin Ahmad : Seerat-e-Ahmad-e-Mujtaba (PBUH). 368, 375, 383, 384, 385.
256, 259, 261, 281, 285, 286, 287,
Naeem Siddiqui : Mohsin-e-Insaniyyat (PBUH). 291, 295, 297, 298, 303, 306, 318,
Nurani, Muhammad Abd al-Rashid : Lughat al-Quran, Modern Islamic Pub., Delhi, 1945. 324, 326, 334, 337, 345, 358, 363,
Qazi Sulaiman Mansurpuri : Rahmat-ul-Ul-Aalamin (PBUH).
|^za, Muhammad Ashraf : Hayat-e-Risalat Maab (PBUH).
364, 370, 372, 375, 377, 381, 382.
Allah, 1, 2; 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 101, 11, ■
12. 13, 14, J5, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, Badr, 125, 150, 242, 268, 269, 270, 271,
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 285. 286,
39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295,
49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 298, 299, 300, 308, 313, 330, 337,
57- 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 353, 354, 384.
412 413
Al1 Prophets
Banu Hashim, 206, 208, 226, 232, 233, 240, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 173, 191, 193, 194, 197, 199, 200,
258, 327, 338, 348. 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 208, 209, 233, 248, 250, 263, 273,
Basra, 206, 322, 331. 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 276, 308, 325, 343, 347, 353, 354,
Battle of Badr, 242, 268, 269, 279, 282, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 320, 355, 361, 362, 372, 375, 385.
283, 285, 289, 290, 291, 384. Faith, 1, 2, 21, 25, 35, 48, 56, 57, 63 65
a
322, 323, 325, 326, 327, 328, Ihram, 308, 328, 373, 375 •
321,
Battle of Buath, 274. 76, 78, 81, 89, 91, 93, 94 95 ' 97 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, Isa, 58, 141, 144, 147, 162, 169, 170, 175,
98, 99, 113,114, 117, 123'124'125' 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182,
Battle of Hunain, 347, 349, 352, 365. 336, 337,
Battle of Khybar, 324. 130, 134, 137, 145, 149, 150,' 151' 344, 345, 347, 348, 349, 350, 183, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190,
343,
Battle of Muata, 333, 335, 378. 157,158, 163,171,180,187,189, 192' 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 191,192,193, 194, 195 , 196,, W7,.198.
351,
Battle of Safin, 370. 193, 194, 195, 199, 202, 206 213' 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, Isaac, 22, 44, 49, 54, 55, !56, 58, 60, 72,
358,
Battle of Uhud, 291, 293, 299, 300, 303, 214, 218, 223, 225, 230, 231, 232 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 73, 74, 81, 92, 140.
233, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 241,' 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, Islam, 17, 18, 57, 59, 122, 142, 158, 159,
307, 349. 372,
242, 255, 262, 265, 266, 272, 276,' 380, 381, 382. 175, 188, 191, 195, 198, 202, 206,
379,
277, 288, 289, 293, 311, 313, 315,' 214, 215, 217, 218, 223, 224, 225,
320, 323, 325,326,328,329,330, 331, 229, 230, 232, 233, 234, 237, 239,
333, 335,337, 339, 340, 345,349, 353, 240, 241, 242, 252, 264, 268, 273,
China, 200, 320, 331.

360, 363, 364, 366,367, 369, 370,
371, 373, 375, 376, 377, 380, 382.
0 274, 275, 276, 277, 283, 285, 288,
289, 290, 293, 295, 296, 297, 303,
Fasting, 29, 123, 152, 203, 215, 273,305, 304, 305, 313, 315, 316, 318, 320,
Christians, 72, 165, 181, 183, 184, 191, 307, 320. Hajj, 273, :307, .308, 311, 320, 362, 363,
Mik 321, 323, 324, 327, 330, 331, 332,
194, 198, 207, 211, 215, 225, 227, 372, 373, 374, 375, Vz377 9 9 9
Fatima, 167, 174, 175, 214, 215, 237, 272, 333, 334, 335, 339, 340, 343, 344,
241, 243, 262, 273, 276, 277, 320, Haram, 30, 160, 324, 376. 345, 346, 350, 351, 352, 353, 357,
291, 337, 354, 369, 381.
335, 359, 368, 369, 371, 374, 378. Harith, 169, 202, 205, 214, —24, 227, 245,
360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366,
257, 270, 271, 272, 285, 286, 288, 367, 368, 370, 371, 372, 376, 377,
291, 297, 318, 319, 321, 322, 324, 378, 379, 381.
0 □ 331, 332, 333, 338, 348,

364, 368, 378.
350, 357, Ismail, 22, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54,, 55, 56,
57, 58, 59, 71, 72, 92, 140, 149,
Hassan, 4, 5, 78, 154, 157, 165, 173, 194, 154, 170, 171, 188, 193, 276, 308,
God, 8, 18, 20, 23,. 24, 30, 31, 37,38, 196, 303, 324, 359, 367, 369.
Damascus, 14, 36, 147, 162, 170, 187. 39,40,47,49,56,65,66,67, 92, 94,95, 325, 353, 385.
Hawa, 5, (S, 7, 15, 16, 177.
David, 22, 58, 92, 149, 151, 152, 153, 103,104,106, 108, 109, 111,116/ 119,
Hussain, 369.
155, 159, 160. 122,123, 125, 128, 129, 130,143/
185, 190, 197,
181, 182, 183, 184, 207,
205, 206,
200, 201, 202, 203, 217,
214, 215,
209, 210, 211, 212, 229,
227, 228, Jaddah, 210.
218, 220, 221, 226, 237,
234. 236, Jerusalem, 16, 49», 55, 98, 145, 147, 162,
230, 231, 232, 233, 244, Wis-1. 2, 4, 5, 6. 7, 9,
242, 243, 11, 17, 23, 163, 164, 186, 246, 247, 250, 251.
50, 76, 77, 82, 85, 86, 87, 89, 238, 239, 240, 241, 251,
249, 250, 161, 186, 188, 193. 275, 276.
91, 92, 98, 101, 103, 115, 116, 245, 246, 247, 248, 258, 259, forahim, 22, 23, 24, 30, 39,.
119, 120, 121, 124, 128, 186, 187, 254, 255, 256, 43, 44, 45, Jesus, 2, 22, 58, 92, 143, 166, 172, 176,
252, 253, 265, 266,
320, 321, 324, 263, 264, 48, 49, 50, 51,
52, 53, 54, 178, 180, 181, 183, 185, 188, 190,
338, 347, 354, 377. 260, 261, 262,
274/ 275,
47,
Eid-ul-Adha, 30. 270, 272, 273, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60,
61, 62, 63, 191, 192, 194, 196, 199, 200, 208
268, 269, 282, 283,
Eid-ul-Fitr, 30. 279, 280, 281, r ' 72, 73, 74, 81, 92, 97, 98, 215, 236, 242, 263, 275, 27b, 30b
276, 277, 289, 290,
287, 288, 143, 144, 145, 154, 168, 170, 314, 321, 347, 368, 369, 374
Eve, 5. 284, 285, 286,
415
33, 34, 37, 39, 58, 65, 66, 69, 92,

762, 264, 270,
414 Ail the Prophets 115, 116, 120, 140, 163, 170, 199,
#7, 54L 348,
3/ 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 200, 251, 263, 347.
Jews, 5, 29, 55, 72, 123, 142, 165, 180, 228, 229, 236, 242, 243, 249,
225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230,
252,
181, 183, 184, 187, 188, 189, 190, 253, 254, 256, 269, 276, 280, 281,
237, 238, 239,
191, 194, 195, 196, 206, 207, 215, 284, 287, 293, 329, 332, 342, 347,
rn 232, 233, 234,
262, 265, 266, 267,
370, 371, 373,
ft 241, 241, 243, 244, 245, 246
225, 251, 261, 369, 374, 375, 377,
274, 275, 276, 277, 250, : 254, -
270, 271, 273, 379, 381, 382,384. 248,
280, 283, 288, 290, 291, 292, 302,
258, ' 262, '
256,
303, 304, 305, 317, 318, 319, 320,
265, 269,
264, Philosophy of Islam, 343.
325,
Jihad, 160.
327, 336, 353, 371.
[mI 271,
ft 279,
272, 276,
283, Prayer, 7, 20, 23, 26, 28, 41, 44, 50, Sir
286, 290, 56, 57, 58, 66, 68, 71, 72,73, 80,
285,
Mecca, 7, 43, 51, 52, 53, 71, ft 293, 297, 103, 104, 120, 141, 144, 146, 149,
201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 207, 299, 300, 304, 152, 153, 160, 161, 164, 165,
209, 210, 212, 214, 215, 223, 306, 307, , 311, 1-66, 167, 172, 176. 180, 191,
226, 227, 234, 237, 238, 239, 313, 314, , 318, 192, 194, 198, 203, 215, 225,
Kaaba, 51, 52, 53, 57, 58, 71, 197, 201, 240, 241, 242, 250, 256, 258, 259, ft 321, 326, 232, 242, 252, 273, 274, 276,
.204, 210, 211, 220, 227, 233, 239, 260, 261, 262, 267, 268, 269, 270, ft 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 284, 287, , 320, 326, 344, 363,
240, 246, 247, 250, 276, 279, 284, 271, 273, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, ft 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 365, 366, 372, 381.
307, 308, 310, 314, 327, 328, 329, 280, 281, 282, 286, 287, 288, 291, ft 343, 345, 346, 347, 348,
330, 342, 343, 344, 345, 363, 368, 292, 298, 299, 300, 304, 307, 308, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355,
374, 375. 309, 310, 311, 313, 314, 324, 326, ft 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362,
Khadijah, l174,175,204, 211, 212, 213, 214, 327, 329, 330, 336, 337, 338, 339, ft 364, 365, 366, 367, 368,, 369,
216, 217, 219, 220, 340, 341, 342, 343, J 345, 346, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 377,
221, 222, 223, 363,
231, 234, 250, 273, 347, 350, 352, 353, 354, 362, ft 379, 380,, 381 , 382., 384.
291, 327, 341, 375, 377. Quran
364, 365, 370, 374, Muharram, 123, 240, 317, 363. ~9 *
354, 361. 205, 231, , 234, Musa, 7, 8, 28, 29, 39, 97, 98, 99, 100, 138, 145,
Khutba, 261. Medina, 106, 123, 161 , 202, 259, 190,
256, 258, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 199,
237, 240, 242, 247, 267,
265, 266, 108, 109, no, 113, 114, 116, 117, • 205, 218,
260, 261, 262, 263, 273, 274, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 224, 228,
270, 271, 272,
268, 269, 280, 281, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 233, 234, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241,
277, 278, 279,
275, 276, 291, 292, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 248, 249,
288, 289, 290,
282, 285, 303, 304, 305, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 147, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256,
300,
293, 296, 299, 313, 314, 315, ft 150, 152, 164, 171, 173, 174, 258, 260, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267,
Law, 16, 87, 127, 143, 160, 186, 194, 198, 307, 308, 310,
312,
325, 327, 175, 179, 188, 197, 368, 384, 385.
319, 324, 268, 269, 272, 273, 275, 276, 277,
201,219, 220, 229,250, 252,253, 266, 316, 317, 318, 336, 337,
334, 335, 281, 282, 283, 285, 286, 287, 288,
316, 342. 329, 330, 332, 352, 353,
350, 290, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 305,
Lord, 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9 10, 11, 15, 18,
9
19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,

338,
354,
340,
356,
342,
358,
367,
347,
359,
368,
360,
369,
361,
370,
364,
372, H 306, 307, 311, 313, 314, 315, 316.
325, 328,
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 365, 366,
379, 381/ 382,
347, 349,
377, 193, Non-Muslims, 30, 205.
41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 155, 156, 157, 373, 374, ' 172,177'
361,
757,160, 161 328, Nuh, 5, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 360,
158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, Mosque, 16,51 272/ 376,
250, 261, 26X 267, - -U2 S44' - H 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 372,
165, 166, 167, 168, 170, 171, 172, „ ’"A 380,3«l-
173, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 181, 329, 336, 337, 363,368, 379,
182, 184, 185, 187, 189, 190, 192, 356, 360, 361.
193, 203, 216, 220, 221, 222, 226,
289, 290, 293, 297, 298, 306, 310,

□ 315, 318, 335, 337, 339, 355, 356,
358, 365, 371, 378, 380, 382.
Uthman, 68, 136, 188, 213, 235, 264.
Rabia, 233, 235.
Ramadan, 15, 188, 196, 215, 273, 281,
285, 291, 307, 366.
Red Sea, 260, 269.
Wazir, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 336.

0 Women, 2, 5, 15, 21, 60, 78, 79, 80, 81,
98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 124, 161,
172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 181, 201,
Satan, 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 11, 23, 44, 74, 82, 203,212, 225,229, 234, 236, 256, 261,
91, 93, 94, 100, 170, 171, 196, 199. 266, 268, 274, 281, 289, 291, 292,
Sunnat, 16, 326. 294, 295, 298, 306, 315, 316, 319,
Syria, 49, 186, 191, 206, 207, 211, 214, 327, 332, 348, 350, 355, 357, 358,
256, 269, 270, 277, 278, 279, 280, 366, 373, 374, 376, 381.
314, 320, 324, 331, 333, 335, 337,
353, 354, 357, 358, 359. 368, 377,
378, 382.
□
Yahya, 162, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169,
Llj 170, 172, 177, 178, 196.
Yemen, 31, 36, 72, 208, 320, 321, 323,
Taif, 7, 204, 271, 345, 346, 348, 349, 350, 324, 353, 359, 364, 365, 368, 371,
364, 365, 366, 367. 372, 378.
Tawaf, 197, 342. Yunus, 92, 94, 95, 96, 143, 174.
Yusuf, 59, 63, 71, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78,
79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 87, 88,
89, 90, 91, 92, 116, 145, 154, 178,
0 179, 187.
Uhud, 217, 291, 292, 293, 294, 299, 300,

302, 303,
365, 380.
307, 329, 348, 349, 353,
0
Umar, 3, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 30, 42, 43,
58, 139, 164, 171, 175, 183, 193, Zakat, 49, 72, 130, 145, 176, 180, 357,
198, 213, 232, 237, 238, 239, 240, 363.
242, 264, 271, 272, 280, 282, 285, Zam Zam, 51, 52, 53.
□□□

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Encyclopaedia of Islam Series

ALL THE PROPHETS

• Great Dawn References

Prophet Adam (PBUH)

"And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice" and according to the

So also was Jonah among those sent (by us).

Prophet Musa (PBUH)

102 All the Prophets

196 All the Prophets Later Age-2 197

My Lord! increase me in knowledge. (Quran, 20:114).

followers more than they ever loved themselves.

Amini, Mualana Taqi : Fundamentals of Ijtihad, ldaara-I-Adabiyat, Delhi, 1986.

Barkatullah, M.: Khilafat, MacMillan, London,1924. Bibliography 391

Mirza Ali Lutf : Gulshan-i Hind, Hyderabad-Deccan, 1906.

China, 200, 320, 331.

0 □ 331, 332, 333, 338, 348,

33, 34, 37, 39, 58, 65, 66, 69, 92,

19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,

289, 290, 293, 297, 298, 306, 310,

Wazir, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 336.

Uhud, 217, 291, 292, 293, 294, 299, 300,

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