Prophet Muhammad Pbuh

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Prophethood of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. 2. The Characteristics of the Signs of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. 3. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, a Human Being and a Serant of Allah 4. Logical Evidence of the Prophethood of Muhammad, Peace be upon him. 5. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Character According to the Disbelievers. 6. Miracles of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. 7. The Final Messenger 8. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, The Messenger of Allah 9. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Character According to the Qur'an 10. Plain Warner and Admonisher 11. Sanity of the Prophet 12. Madinah at the Time of Immigration 13. Relationship of Ummah with Allah 14. Relationship of Ummah with Allah Amongst Themselves 15. Relationship of the Ummah with others who do not Profess their Faith 16. A Leader which Attracts the Heart 17. JIHAD 18. Courage of the Prophet 19. Prophet's Treatment Towards His Wives 20. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Kindness Towards Children 21. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, as a Father 22. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, as Granfather 23. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, in The Field of Education 24. Ettiquettes of the Teaching of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him a. Two Questions at a Time b. Raising the Voice in Conveying the Knowledge c. Questioning the Students d. Sitting in a Religious Gathering e. Avoiding Hastiness f. Age Limit for Learning g. Encouragement of Memorization h. Travelling for the Sake of Seeking Knowledge i. Women and Education j. Repeatedly Asking the Same Question Until the Issue Becomes Clear k. Spreading Knowledge l. Repeating Something Thrice m. Writing n. Teaching the Companions Before Sleeping o. Prophet's Advice of Being Silent while He Spoke p. Shyness q. Conclusion 25. Earliest Days of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Propagation of Islam 26. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Patience Upon Name Calling 27. Prophet's Patience Upon Physical Harms 28. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Concern for Mankind 29. A Glimpse of Some of the Qualities and Possession of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him 30. Other Qualities of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him

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Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

PROPHETHOOD OF PROPHET MUHAMMED, Peace be upon him

The glorious Qur’an and Sunnah was revealed to Imam al-Anbia [The leader of all the Prophets and the messengers] Muhammed, Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. As Imam Tahawi said about him: Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is undoubtedly Allah’s most exalted creature, His most beloved Messenger and a chosen Prophet. He is the last of the Prophets, Imam of all pious people, the Master of all the Messengers and the most beloved to the Creator of this universe.1 Such were the qualities due to which the Qur’an was revealed to him. Ibn Masud beautifully mentioned the Prophet, Salla Allahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, when he said, ‘Indeed Allah looked into the hearts of the servants and found the heart of the heart of the Muhammad, Peace be upon him, to be the best of the hearts of His servants and so He chose him for himself and sent him as a messenger….. 2

STATEMENTS OF NONMUSLIMS REGARDING PROPHET MUHAMMAD

3

Timothy, Nestorian Christian and an eighth-century patriarch of the Assyrian Church stated: Muhammad is “worthy of all praise” and “walked in the path of the prophets” because he taught the unity of God. He taught the way of good works; he opposed idolatry and polytheism1 he taught about God, his Word, and his Spirit1 he showed his zeal by fighting against idolatry with the sword; like Abraham he left his kinfolk rather than worship idols. George Sale became the earliest Westerner to rise above bigotry toward Muhammad when he translated the Qur’an into English from Arabic for the first time. That 1734 work, along with his clarifying notes, fulfilled his intention of giving “the original impartial justice.” Sale, a Protestant lawyer, writes in his introduction: “Muhammad gave his Arabs the best religion he could, as well as the best laws; preferable, at least, to those of the ancient pagan lawgivers.” For two centuries, Sale’s work was the best single source in English for the study of Islam. Later in the eighteenth century, distinguished historian Edward Gibbon gave a balanced treatment of Muhammad’s character. Gibbon recognized that Muhammad was “endowed with a pious and contemplative disposition” and that he despised the pomp of royalty.” Gibbon thought that Europeans who stress the prophet’s amorous activities have “maliciously exaggerated the frailties of Muhammad.” 1

Aqeeda at-Tahawiyya

2

Ahmad, at-Tayalasee, Al-khateeb in al-Fiqheeya. Declared “Hassan” by Sheikh Albaani.

3

The above discussion is taken from a book called “Jesus and Muhammad, A comparison of the prophets and their teaching” by William E. Phipps, pp. 8-11 interested readers may refer to the book “Muhammad and Jesus.” Page 3 of 68

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

Thomas Carlyle, another outstanding English writer, became famous for his theory that “the history of the world is but the biography of great men.” He discovered Muhammad to have been a sincere leader after approaching him in this positive manner: “I mean to say all the good of him I justly can.” Carlyle rejected the characteristic European outlook of the preceding millennium, that Muhammad was “a scheming impostor.” While laudatory toward the founder of Islam, Carlyle’s appreciation did not carry over to the style of the Qur’an as he read it in English. He confessed: “It is as toilsome reading as I ever undertook a wearisome confused jumble.” Writing at the time of Carlyle in the nineteenth century, European historian Johann Doellinger asserted: “No other mortal has ever, from the beginning of the world, exercised such an immeasurable influence upon the religious, moral, and political relations of mankind, as has the Arab Muhammad.” In the twentieth century, non-Muslim scholars have increasingly acknowledged the greatness of Muhammad. For five decades Anglican bishop Kenneth Cragg has been writing books to publicize the admirable qualities of Islam and has translated selections from Arabic religious literature. He states: Bassetti-Sani is aware that the Bible contains this promise to Abraham: “As for lshmael, I have heard you; I will bless him ... and make him a great nation.” According to Muslim tradition, Muhammad is a descendant of Hagar’s grandson Nebaioth [or Nabit]. Alfred Guillaume, the English translator of the most important Arabic biographical sources on the prophet, writes: “Trustworthy tradition depicts a man of amazing ability in winning men’s hearts by persuasion and in coercing and disarming his opponents. . . . He stands out as one of the great figures of history.” Historian Will Durant likewise concludes his treatment of Muhammad with this tribute: If we judge greatness by influence, he was one of the giants of history. He undertook to raise the spiritual and moral level of a people harassed into barbarism by heat and foodless wastes, and he succeeded more completely than any other reformer seldom has any man so fully realized his dream.... When he began, Arabia was a desert flotsam of idolatrous tribes; when he died it was a nation. Michael Hart, a contemporary American scientist, offers a similar estimate of Muhammad’s impact. Hart ranks the three most influential persons in history in this order: Muhammad, Isaac Newton, and Jesus. Hart places Muhammad at the top of his list of one hundred humans because he was “the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.” Within a century, his followers controlled the largest empire in human history.

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Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

THE CHARACTERISITICS OF THE SIGNS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him The characteristics which distinguish the signs of Muhammad’s, Peace be upon him, prophethood from those of other prophets are three fold: (1) The sheer number of signs; (1) The magnitude of these signs; and (2) The duration of these signs. The reason for this is quite obvious. Specifically since Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is the last prophet sent to humanity, and moreover since his message extends to all human beings, indeed jinns, from the time of his commission until the Day of Judgment; it is necessary that signs indicative of the veracity of his claim of prophethood be such that they are continuos for the length of his message and that they are of such number and magnitude that they suffice in the establishment of Allah’s evidence against the various human societies throughout these times. In other words, just as the signs of Muhammad, Peace be upon him, prophethood had to be convincing to the inhabitants of sixth century Arabia, they also must be convincing to the inhabitants of the world at the turn of the next millennium, as well as the future human communities prior to the Day of Judgment. Ibn Taimiya says: Whereas Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is the messenger [sent by Allah] to all the thaqalain. jinns and humans, the Arabs and non-Arabs among them, and [whereas] he is the last prophet, there being no prophet after him — it was among Allah‘s blessing upon His servants and the perfection of His argument against His creation that the signs of [Muhammad Peace be upon him’s] prophethood and the evidences of His message be known to all the creation to whom he was sent. Perhaps among some of them would be signs and evidences indicative of his prophethood which would not be among others.4 Ibn Taimiya also says: And the signs and evidences indicative upon the Muhammad, Peace be upon him’s, prophethood are numerous and varied. They are more numerous and greater than the signs of other prophets.5 In general, we may divide the signs of Muhammad, Peace be upon him, prophethood into two categories: i)

Signs which have elapsed. These signs are thus similar to the signs pointing to the prophethood of Moses and Jesus.

ii)

Signs which remain present until today. Examples of these signs: a. The Qur'an which was revealed unto him b. The Shari’ah which he was sent with. c. His foretelling of future events which occurred after his death and were witnessed by later generations. d. The knowledge and faith found among his umma. e. The miracles that occur upon the hands of the righteous of his ummah.

4

Ibn Taimiya, al-Jawab as-Sahih ii man Baddala Din al-Masih, IV, p. 64 [Cairo: Matba~a al-Madani, n.d)

5

Ibn Taimiya, op. Cit.,IV,p.67 Page 5 of 68

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

f. The manifestation of his religion above all religions in argument and in might. g. What occurs to his enemies. h. The mention of him in the previous scriptures.6

PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, A HUMAN BEING AND A, WORSHIPPER AND A SERVANT OF ALLAH Allah describes His Prophet as His ‘abd7 when mentioning his ascension to heaven, He says, “Glory be to Allah, Who took His servant [‘abd] for a journey by night”8 At another place He said, “Yet when the servant of Allah [‘abd] stands forth to invoke Him” 9 “He [Allah] conveyed the inspiration to His servant what He meant to convey” 10 And if you are in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto Our slave [‘Abdina] [Muhammad, Peace be upon him], then produce a surah or the like thereof, and call you witnesses beside Allah if yu are truthful.11 It is for these characteristics are witness that he excelled everyone in this world and will lead everyone in the hereafter. That is why Jesus will say on the Day of Judgment, when the people come to him seeking his intercession on their behalf, “Go to Muhammad, Peace be upon him; he is the servant [‘abd] who has had all of his early and later faults forgiven.” He attained that great status through his complete servitude of Allah. Disbeliever labeled Prophet Muhammed, Peace be upon him; as being a magician, a mad man, a soothsayer, a poet and a lot more. The Qur'an makes it clear that those who wander astray, indulging in their evil desires only follow poets, even if it ruins their lives in the end. One who recognizes the Prophet, his truthfulness, his keeping of his word, his doing what he says, will be convinced that he was neither a poet nor a soothsayer. Imam Tahawi expalined it beautifully when he said, People have different ways of discriminating between a truthful person and a liar. They use such means even for common people. There are ways to determine the veracity of a Prophecy encompasses concepts and precepts, which are, and principles of conduct known to man. It is the prophet that set an example in everything. If this is to ascertain who is a true prophet and who is the profound. Scholars state that if one, two or three persons report something that is circumstantial evidence that leads the report to be 6

Ibn Taimiya, op.cit.,pp.7071

7

Whenever Allah Ta’ala refers to the prophet as His ‘Abd, than that mean “His Worshipper” and whenever Prophet Muhammad refers to himself as “Abd” that means “His Worshipper”.

8

The Qur'an 17:10

9

The Qur'an 72:19

10

The Qur'an 53:10

11

The Qur'an 2:23 Page 6 of 68

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

considered true by necessity. In the same way, one person’s pleasure with another, or his love or hate, pleasure or be noted from the expression on his face, even if it is not able to convey it in words. Allah has said, “Had We so willed, We could have shown them to you, and you would have known them by their marks” [47:30]. Then Allah continues, “But surely you will know them by the tone of their speech” [47:30]. And there is a saying which goes, “When you conceal something in your heart, Allah reveals it through your face and the slip of your a truthful report from a deceitful report circumstantial evidence, what about the case of one who be a prophet? How can the truthfulness of such be hidden m his lies? How can it be that it is possible to distinguish between claimants to prophecy from the lying claimant through different evidence? Denying the prophethood of Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is equivalent to challenging the wisdom of Allah and to accuse Him of being unjust and unwise. Such is a grave sin and shirk for which Allah never forgives. Allah is well exalted above such things.

LOGICAL EVIDENCE OF PROPHETHOOD OF MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him Even if we are to suppose that Muhammad, Peace be upon him, were not a prophet but rather a tyrannical and strong ruler who claimed to have been sent by Allah. Further, he made some rules and forbade others. He fought people and killed followers of former prophets; even though they were not wrong, reduced their women to slaves, seized their property, annexed their lands, and went on doing all of this until he dominated the land. And during all of that, he claimed that he was acting on the command of Allah and that Allah was blessing him and was pleased with him. And suppose further that he continued such lies for twenty-three years until Allah gave made him victorious, and helped him by supernatural means. Allah responded to his prayers, and destroyed his enemies and gave him fame. If he did all of these things out of evil, as they claim, then he must have been the most wicked of men and the greatest liar ever. He would killer of the [Awlaiyya] pious friends of Allah. Despite all that, Allah kept helping him and bestowing on him one success after another. And Allah never thought for a moment to stop or destroy him Who is the ruler of all the rulers and Judge of all the judges. But, on the contrary, Allah increased his fame, made his religion prevail and made a great many people in all parts of the world believe in his prophecy and witness to his piety. We do not deny that many people have falsely claimed prophecy and enjoyed some success for a time. But their successes were short-lived and their victories ephemeral fact, Allah made His true prophets and their followers triumphant in the end over such liars. He annihilated the completely. This is the way of Allah that He has been following forever. Even the disbelievers are aware of this fact. Allah says; “He [Muhammad] is the Messenger of Allah seal of the prophets”12 [33:40].

PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, CHARACTER ACCORDING TO THE DISBELIEVERS 12

The Qur'an 33:40 Page 7 of 68

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

Even the disbelievers used to testify that the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, has the best of the qualities. Abdullah Ibn Abbas narrated that Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham [Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan], at the time when Allah's Apostle had truce with Abu Sufyan and Quraish infidels. So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya [Jerusalem]. Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius's question said to them, "Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?" Abu Sufyan replied, "I am the nearest relative to him [amongst the group]." Heraclius said, "Bring him [Abu Sufyan] close to me and make his companions stand behind him." Abu Sufyan added, Heraclius told his translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions to me regarding that man [The Prophet] and that if I told a lie they [my companions] should contradict me." Abu Sufyan added, "By Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet. The first question he asked me about him was: 'What is his family status amongst you?' I replied, 'He belongs to a good [noble] family amongst us.' Heraclius further asked, 'Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same [i.e. to be a Prophet] before him?' I replied, 'No.' He said, 'Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?' I replied, 'No.' Heraclius asked, 'Do the nobles or the poor follow him?' I replied, 'It is the poor who follow him.' He said, 'Are his followers increasing decreasing [day by day]?' I replied, 'They are increasing.' He then asked, 'Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?' I replied, 'No.' Heraclius said, 'Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim [to be a Prophet]?' I replied, 'No. ' Heraclius said, 'Does he break his promises?' I replied, 'No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do in it.' I could not find opportunity to say anything against him except that. Heraclius asked, 'Have you ever had a war with him?' I replied, 'Yes.' Page 8 of 68

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

Then he said, 'What was the outcome of the battles?' I replied, 'Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.' Heraclius said, 'What does he order you to do?' I said, 'He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with our kith and kin.' Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a very noble family. In fact all the Apostles come from noble families amongst their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else amongst you claimed such a thing, your reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the previous man's statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom. I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I, then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in fact all the Apostle has been followed by this very class of people. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact this is [the sign of] true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship any thing along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew it [from the scriptures] that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.'13 Can such a person still be a liar? Any sound mind can surely answer this question.

13

Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 1. Hadith no.6 Page 9 of 68

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

MIRACLES OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him The well-known approach of the theologians to prophethood is through demonstration of miracles. Many of who do not recognize the prophethood of prophets unless some miracles are demonstrated for them. There is no doubt that miracles constitute authentic evidence but Miracles are not the only kind of evidence. Prophethood is claimed by either the most honest or the most dishonest person It is not difficult for anyone except the most ignorant to ascertain which is which. But just for the sake of doubt, we would like to mention some of the benefits of our beloved Prophet, Muhammed. Let us now proceed to discuss in some detail the various signs of the Prophet of Muhammad, Peace be upon him. 1. The Qur'an The Qur'an is Allah’s speech. Within it is the invitation and evidence. For this reason his relationship with it is stronger than other than it. We may divide his miracles into three types: 1. Knowledge and information 2. Abilities and influences 3. Sufficiency 2. Abilities and Influences With regards to the abilities and influences that were manifested by the Prophet will, and are indicative of the truthfulness of his claim of prophethood, there are eight different types: 1. Signs effecting celestial bodies. The first category is the Prophet’s abilities and influences upon celestial bodies. Here we may cite three examples: a.

The splitting of the moon. As for the splitting of the moon, Allah mentioned this in His Scripture.14 Allah thus informed that there were two great wisdoms behind this. (1) This was a sign of the veracity of the claim of prophethood by Muhammad, Peace be upon him, as the pagans of Makkah demanded a sign from him as proof to his claim. (2) This showed the possibility of the renting of the heavens as the Prophet informed would occur on the Day of Judgment. For this reason Allah linked both matters. Allah has said, “The Hour has drawn nigh and the moon is split. Yet if they see a sign they turn away, and they say ‘A continuous sorcery!’ They have cried lies, and followed their caprices; but every matter is settled. And there have come to them such tidings as contain a deterrent - a Wisdom far reaching; yet warnings do not avail. So turn thou away from them. Upon the day when the Caller shall call unto a horrible thing, abasing their eyes, they shall come forth from the tombs as if they were scattered grasshoppers…. 15

14

This incident is also mentioned in numerous hadith to be found in the books of the Sunna and the Sira. 15

The Qur'an 54:1 Page 10 of 68

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

Moreover, Allah selected the moon to be split rather than the sun or the stars due to the moon’s proximity to the earth in comparison to other astronomical bodies. The moon was split rather than any other celestial body as its splitting would be undeniable to all who saw it. There being no dispute regarding its occurrence. For this reason, the Prophet would read Surah al-Qamar during those times when people would gather like the jumu‘a and ‘id prayers.16 He did so, so that the people would hear and contemplate this sign of his prophethood. Had this event not transpired, the believers in him would have denied its occurrence, let alone the unbelievers. The fact that no one ever raised any objection to it is an indication that the occurrence of this event was something that was witnessed and well known by his contemporaries. Moreover, it is known to all the great zeal displayed by the prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, that people would believe in him and follow him. Also his intelligence is something which is also testified to by all those who believe in him and those who reject him. Had this event not occurred, Muhammad, Peace be upon him, ill, would not have used this as an argument in proof of his prophethood. For no ordinary charlatan would attempt to prove his claim with that which he knows would result in his exposure as a fraud, let alone a man of the zeal and intelligence of Muhammad Peace be upon him. b. The absolute guarding of the heavens with meteors at the onset of his commission. 1. Signs affecting the atmosphere. The second category is the Prophet’s abilities and influences upon the atmosphere. Here we may cite two examples: a. The obedience of the clouds to him as manifested in his prayer for rain and in his prayer for the cessation of rain. This is manifested in the following hadith: ‘A’isha said the people complained to Allah’s messenger of the lack of rain, so he gave orders for a pulpit, and when it was set up for him in the place of prayer he appointed a day for the people on which they should come out. ‘A’isha said Allah’s messenger came out when the rim of the sun appeared and sat down on the pulpit. Having 16

‘Ubaidallah said that ‘Umar bI al-Khattab asked Abu Waqid al-Laithi what Allah’s messenger recited at the ‘Id al-Adha and ‘Id al-Fitr, and he replied that he recited at both of them, “Waf By the glorious Qur’an” lie, sura 50] and “The Hour is nigh” [i.e., sura 54]. [Muslim)

For this reason, the unbelievers attempt to discount the prophethood of Muhammad Salla Allahu Allayhi Wa Sallam by portraying the Arabs of his day as ignorant brutes possessing intelligence lower than primitive simians. The historical record of course would discount such. For if these men around were so stupid and gullible, how could they build within a generation arguably one of the greatest empires and civilizations known to man? An example of such a portrayal can be seen in the infamous English proverb “If the mountain will not go to Mahomet, let Mahomet go to the mountain.” This proverb first coined by Francis Bacon in his essay on boldness where he wrote, “Nay, you shall see a bold fellow many times do Mahomet’s miracle. Mahomet made the people believe that he would call a hill to him, and from the top of it offer up his prayers for the observers of his law. The people assembled: Mahomet called the hill to come to him again and again; and when the hill stood still, he was never a whit abashed, but said, ‘If the hill will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet will go to the hill.”’ See Bergen Evans, Dictionary of Quotations [New York: Delacorte Press, n.d.), p. 458.

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declared Allah’s greatness and expressed his praise, he said, “You have complained of drought in your abodes and of delay on receiving rain at the beginning of its season, but Allah has ordered you to supplicate Him and has promised that He would answer your prayers.” Then he said, “Praise be to Allah, Lord of the universe, the Compassionate, the Merciful, the Master of the Day of Judgment. There is no god but Allah who does what He wishes. O Allah, Thou art Allah than whom there is no god, the Rich, while we are poor. Send down rain upon us and make what Thou sendest down a strength and satisfaction for us for a time.” He then raised his hands and kept raising them till the whiteness of his armpits was visible. He then turned his back to the people and inverted [or, turned around] his cloak while keeping his hands aloft. He then faced the people, descended and prayed two raka as Allah then produced a cloud and a storm of thunder and lightening came on. Then it rained by Allah’s permission, and before he reached his mosque streams were flowing. When he saw the speed with which the people sought shelter he laughed till his back teeth were visible. Then he said, “I testify that Allah is omnipotent and that I am Allah’s servant and messenger.17 b. The wind as a means of victory for him during battle. This is manifested in the incident of the surrounding of Madinah by the Ahzab. Allah says: O believers, remember Allah’s blessing upon you when hosts came against you, and We loosed against them a wind, and host you saw not; and Allah sees the things you do.”18 Whereas. Jbn Abbas reported Allah’s messenger Hi, as saying, “I have been helped by the east wind…..”19 3. Signs effecting living creatures. These are the signs influencing humans, jinns, animals and plants. Here we can cite a number of examples: Yala b. Murra ath-Thaqafi said: There are three things I saw relating to Allah’s messenger while we were traveling with him we passed a camel being used for irrigation, and when the camel saw him it rumbled and bent down its neck. The Prophet stopped beside it and asked where the owner of that camel was, and when he came he asked him to sell it to him. He replied, “No, I shall give it to you, messenger of Allah. It belongs to a family which has no other means of livelihood.” He said, “Since you have mentioned this about it, note that it has complained to me of a great amount of work and a small amount of fodder; so treat it well.” We them traveled on, and when we came to a stage and the Prophet had lain down to sleep a tree came cleaving the earth till it overshadowed him and then returned to its place. When Allah’s messenger awoke I mentioned the matter to him and he said, “It is a tree, which asked its Lord’s permission to give a salutation to Allah’s messenger, and He allowed it.” We then traveled on, and when we passed a watering-place a woman brought a son of hers who was possessed, and the Prophet seized his nostril and said, “Come out, for I am Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Allah’s messenger.” We then traveled on, and when we passed that watering-place on the way back he asked the woman about the boy and she said, “I swear by Him who commissioned you with the truth that we have seen nothing in him to disturb us since you left.”20 17

Abu Dawud.

The Qur'an 33:. Mujahid said. “The eastern wind.” Details of the incident can be found in the books of the Sira 18

19

AI-Bukhari and Muslim.

20

Al-Baghawi in Sharah as-Sunna Page 12 of 68

Prophet Muhammad, Sallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

Abu Huraira said: A wolf came to a shepherd and took a sheep, and the shepherd went after it and snatched it from it. The wolf went up on a mound, and sitting on its haunches with its tail between its legs, it said, “I went to provision Allah had provided for me and took it, then you snatched it from me.’ The man declared, “I swear by Allah that I have never seen anything like what I have seen to-day, a wolf talking!” The wolf replied, “Something more wonderful than this is a man among the palm-trees between the two harras who can tell what has happened and what will happen after your time.” The man who was a Jew came to the Prophet and told him and accepted Islam. The Prophet believed him and said, “There are signs before the last hour. A man will soon go out and not return before being informed by his sandals and his whip about the new things his family have been up to since he left them.”21 Anas told that Jibril came to the Prophet when he was sitting grieved, smeared with blood as a result of what the people of Makkah had done, and said, “Messenger of Allah, would you like me to show you a sign?” When he agrred, Jibril looked at a tree behind him and said, “Call it.” He did so, and it came and stood in front of him. He then said, “Order it to go back: And when he had done so and it had gone back Allah’s messenger said, “That is enough for me, that is enough for me”22

THE FINAL MESSENGER Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa concluded all messages with the message of Muhammad, Peace be upon him, to all people. He said: “Say [O Muhammad Peace be upon him sallAllah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaau `alaihi wa sallam]: O mankind! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa to you all — [the messenger of] Him unto whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no God save Him. He quickeneth and He giveth death. So believe in Allah subhaanahu wata`aalaa and His messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, who believeth in Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa and in His words and follow him that haply ye may be led aright.” [The Qur'an 7:158] The Shari'ah of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is the religion of Islam, which Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa has chosen for His servants. He does not accept any other religion from anyone, for He, the Exalted, said: “Lo! Religion with Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa [is] Al-ISLAM” [The Qur'an 3:19] " And whoso seeketh as religion other Al-ISLAM it will not be accepted from him, and he will be a loser in the Hereafter." [The Qur'an 3:85]. There is no prophet after Muhammad, Peace be upon him. The Jews believe in the prophets of Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa mentioned in their Taurah, but they disbelieve in Jesus. They disbelieve that Jesus is son of Mary, they do not accept him as Messiah. In fact, they strove to 21

Ibid

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crucify him, even though they did not crucify him nor did they kill him, as Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa tells us in the Qur'aan, but they tried to. And the Christians, even though they believe in the Prophets and they believe in ‘Isa, they denied the prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. But as far as our Ummah, we do not distinguish between the Messengers, in the sense that we believe in them all. And likewise we believe in all the revelations sent by Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa to His Prophets. We believe in this. So therefore our faith is a comprehensive faith. Indeed, we believe in the Messengers who were not mentioned to us in the Qur'aan. As Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa mentions a number of Messengers in soorat an-NJesusaa', the fourth soorah: “Lo! We inspire thee as We inspired Noah and the prophets after him, as We inspired Abraham and Ishmael and Jesusac and Jacob and the tribes, and Jesus and Job and Jonah and Aaron and Solomon, and as we imparted unto David the Psalms;” [The Qur'an 4:163] And then He says: And messengers We have mentioned unto thee before and messengers We have not mentioned unto thee; and Allah spoke directly unto Moses. [The Qur’an 4:164] “Messengers of good cheer and off warning, in order that mankind might have no argument against Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa after the messengers. Allah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa was ever Mighty, Wise.” [The Qur'an 4:165]

MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH Allah chose prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, for prophethood due to certain qualities that he had in him. Ibn Masud beautifully mentioned the Prophet [Peace be upon him] when he said, ‘Indeed Allah looked into the hearts of the servants and found the heart of the heart of the Muhammad, Peace be upon him, to be the best of the hearts of His servants and so He chose him for himself and sent him as a messenger…..23 Allah has honored our beloved prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, by mentioning him as His prophet in numerous passages of the Qur'an. Some of which are as follows: He [Muhammad Peace be upon him] is the messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets [The Qur'an 33:40] Muhammad Peace be upon him is the messenger of Allah. [The Qur'an 48:29] 23

Ahmad, at-Tayalasee, Al-khateeb in al-Fiqheeya. Declared hassan by Sheikh Albaani. Page 14 of 68

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That this is in truth the word of an honored messenger, Muhammad, Peace be upon him. [The Qur'an 81:19] Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet [Muhammad Peace be upon him] who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel [which are] with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honor him and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful. Say [O Muhammad Peace be upon him]: O mankind! Lo! I am the messenger of Allah to you all--[the messenger of] Him unto whom belongeth the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth. There is no God save Him. He quickeneth and He giveth death. So believe in Allah and His messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, who believeth in Allah and in His words and follow him that haply ye may be led aright. [The Qur'an 7:57-58] Ye who believe! Shall I show you a commerce that will save you from a painful doom? Ye should believe in Allah and His messenger [Muhammad Peace be upon him], and should strive for the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if ye did but know. He will forgive you your sins and bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eden. That is the supreme triumph. And [He will give you] another blessing which ye love: help from Allah and present victory. Give good tidings [O Muhammad! Peace be upon him] to believers. [The Qur’an 61: 10-13] There hath come unto you a messenger [Muhammad, Peace be upon him], [one] of yourselves, unto whom aught that ye are overburdened is grievous, full of concern for you, for the believers full of pity, merciful. [The Qur'an 9:128] Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired a man [Muhammad, Peace be upon him] among them, [The Qur'an 10:2]

PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, CHARACTER ACCORDING TO THE QUR'AN Allah says in the Qur'an, And lo! Thou art of a tremendous nature. [The Qur'an 68:4] Commenting on this verse, Abul ‘Ala Maududi said: Here the sentence gives two meanings: “That you stand exalted to a high and noble character: that is why you are enduring all these hardships in your mission of guiding the people to the Right way, otherwise a man of weak character could not have done so;” and “that besides the Qur’an, your high and noble character also is also a clear proof that accusation of madness that disbelievers bring against you is absolutely false, for high morals and madness cannot co-exist in one and the same person.” A madman is he whose Page 15 of 68

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balance of mind is upset, who has lost his temperamental equilibrium. Contrary to this, the high morals of a person testify that he is a right minded and sound natured person, who possess perfect temperamental equilibrium. The people of Makkah were not unaware of the morals an character possessed by the Holy Messenger of Allah. Therefore, it was enough just to make a reference to them so that every reasonable man of Makkah was make to think how shameless were those people who were calling a man of such sublime morals and character a madman. Their absurd conduct was not at all harmful for the holy Prophet [Upon whom be peace] but for themselves, for maddened in their craze for opposition they were saying such a thing about him which could not be regarded as credible by any man of understanding. The same also is the case with those of knowledge and scholarship who in the modern time are accusing the Holy Prophet [upon whom be peace] of having fits of madness and epilepsy. The Qur’an is available everywhere in the world and the Holy Prophet’s life also exists in the written form in entire detail. Every person can see it for himself what a foolish and meaningless thing is being uttered in their blind enmity by those who regard the man who brought this unique and matchless Book and who possessed such sublime morals and character as mentally deranged person. The best description of the Holy prophet’s character has been given by Hadrat ‘A’isha in her statement “Kana Khuluqu-hul Qur'an: the Qur'an was his character.” Imam Ahmad, Muslim, Abu Da’ud, Nasa’I, Ibn Majah, Darimi and Ibn Jarir have cited with little variation in the wording, this saying with several chains of transmitters. This means that the prophet had not merely presented the teaching of the Qur'an before the world but also given its practical demonstration by his personal example. Whatever was enjoined in the Qur'an was acted upon practically by himself in the first instance; whatever was forbidden in it was shunned and avoided by himself most of all. His own self was characterized most of all by the more moral qualities which are declared as abhorrent and reprehensible by it. In another tradition, Hadrat ‘A’isha has stated: “The Holy prophet never hit a servant, never raised his hand on a on a woman, never used to kill a person outside of battle field, never avenged himself on anyone for an inquiry caused unless someone violated sanctity enjoined by Allah and he avenged it for the sake of Allah. His practice was that whenever he had to choose between two things, he would choose the easier unless it was a sin; and if it was a sin he would keep away from it most of all.” [Musnad Ahmad]. Hadrat Anas says: I served Holy Prophet [Upon whom be peace] for ten years. He never did so much as express even a slight disgust over what I had done, and never inquired why I had not done what I had not done.” [Bukhari, Muslim] 24

Believers are obliged to take Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, as an example as is mentioned in the verse: Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last Day, and remembereth Allah much. [The Qur'an 33:21] There are numerous other hadith which mention the character of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him.

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Abdullah bin Amr narrated that the Prophet never used bad language neither a Fahish nor a Mutafahish. He used to say "The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character." 25

Masruq narrated that Abdullah bin 'Amr mentioned Allah's Apostle saying that he was neither a Fahish nor a Mutafahish. Abdullah bin 'Amr added, "Allah's Apostle said, 'The best among you are those who have the best manners and character.' " 26

Abdullah bin Amr narrated that Allah's Apostle neither talked in an insulting manner nor did he ever speak evil intentionally. He used to say, "The most beloved to me amongst you is the one who has the best character and manners." He added, "Learn the Qur'an from [any of these] four persons: 'Abdullah bin Mas'ud, Salim the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifa, Ubai bin Ka'b, and Mu'adh bin Jabal." 27

PLAIN WARNER AND ADMONISHER Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was sent as a mercy to mankind. He showed people the right path. Anyone who hears the message of Islam, he will be admitted to paradise. We sent thee not save as a mercy for the peoples. [The Qur'an 21:107] As for those who reject this message, for them is destruction is this world and the hereafter as is mentioned by Allah: But if they are averse, then say: I have warned you all alike, although I know not whether nigh or far is that which ye are promised. [The Qur'an 21:109] Such shows that the prophet was sent as a warner to the mankind, as is mentioned in numerous other passages of the Qur'an, The duty of the messenger Muhammad, Salla Allahu Allayhi Wa Sallan, is only to convey [the message]. Allah knoweth what ye proclaim and what ye hide. [The Qur'an 5:99] O people of the Scripture! Now hath Our messenger [Muhammad Peace be upon him] come unto you to make things plain after an interval [of cessation] of the messengers, lest ye should say: There came not unto us a messenger of cheer nor any warner. Now hath a messenger of cheer and a warner come unto you. Allah is Able to do all things. [The Qur'an 5:19] He is but a plain warner. [The Qur'an 7:184] Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired a man [Muhammad Peace be upon him] among them, saying: Warn mankind and bring unto those who believe the good tidings that they have a sure footing with their Lord? [The Qur'an 10:2] 25

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And say [O Muhammad! Peace be upon him]: Lo! I [Muhammad Peace be upon him], even I, am a plain warner, [The Qur'an 15:89] Say: O mankind! I [Muhammad! Peace be upon him] am only a plain warner unto you. [The Qur'an 22:49] He [Muhammad! Peace be upon him] is naught else than a warner unto you in face of a terrific doom. [The Qur'an 34:46] And We have not sent thee [O Muhammad! Peace be upon him] save as a bringer of good tidings and a warner unto all mankind; but most of mankind know not. [The Qur'an 34:28] Nay, but he [Muhammad Peace be upon him] brought the Truth, and he confirmed those sent [before him]. [The Qur'an 37:37] Lo! We have sent thee [O Muhammad! Peace be upon him] as a witness and a bearer of good tidings and a warner, [The Qur'an 48:8] Say [unto them, O Muhammad! Peace be upon him]: I exhort you unto one thing only: that ye awake, for Allah's sake, by twos and singly, and then reflect: There is no madness in your comrade. He is naught else than a warner unto you in face of a terrific doom. [The Qur'an 34:46] Therefor flee unto Allah; Lo! I [Muhammad! Peace be upon him] am a plain warner unto you from Him And set not any other god along with Allah; lo! I am a plain warner unto you from Him. Even so there came no messenger unto those before them but they said: A wizard or a madman! Have they handed down [the saying] as an heirloom one unto another? Nay, but they are froward folk. So withdraw from them [O Muhammad Peace be upon him], for thou art in no wise blameworthy, And warn, for warning profiteth believers. [The Qur'an 51:50-55] Therefor warn [men, O Muhammad! Peace be upon him]. By the grace of Allah thou art neither soothsayer nor madman. [The Qur'an 52:29] The fact that the prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was sent a warner is also stressed in the various hadith. Jabir Ibn Abdullah narrated that Some angels came to the Prophet while he was sleeping. Some of them said, "He is sleeping." Others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." Then they said, "There is an example for this companion of yours." One of them said, "Then set forth an example for him." Some of them said, "He is sleeping." The others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." Then they said, "His example is that of a man who has built a house and then offered therein a banquet and sent an inviter [messenger] to invite the people. So whoever accepted the invitation of the inviter, entered the house and ate of the banquet, and whoever did not accept the invitation of the inviter, did not enter the house, nor did he eat of the banquet." Then the angels said, "Interpret this example to him so that he may understand it." Some of them said, "He is sleeping.] The others said, "His eyes are sleeping but his heart is awake." Page 18 of 68

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And then they said, "The houses stands for Paradise and the call maker is Muhammad Peace be upon him; and whoever obeys Muhammad Peace be upon him, obeys Allah; and whoever disobeys Muhammad Peace be upon him, disobeys Allah. Muhammad Peace be upon him separated the people [i.e., through his message, the good is distinguished from the bad, and the believers from the disbelievers]." 28

Abu Musa narrated that Allah's Apostle said. "My example and the example of the message with which Allah has sent me is like that of a man who came to some people and said, 'I have seen with my own eyes the enemy forces, and I am a naked warner [to you] so save yourself, save yourself!' A group of them obeyed him and went out at night, slowly and stealthily and were safe, while another group did not believe him and thus the army took them in the morning and destroyed them." 29

Abu Huraira narrated that I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "My example and the example of the people is that of a man who made a fire, and when it lighted what was around it, moths and other insects started falling into the fire. The man tried [his best] to prevent them, [from falling in the fire] but they overpowered him and rushed into the fire." The Prophet added: "Now, similarly, I take hold of the knots at your waist [belts] to prevent you from falling into the Fire, but you insist on falling into it."30

SANITY OF THE PROPHET, Peace be upon him After the prophet was charged of being a sorcerer, a mad man, a liar. Allah says: And if Our revelations are recited unto them in plain terms, they say: This is naught else than a man who would turn you away from what your fathers used to worship; and they say: This is naught else than an invented lie. Those who disbelieve say of the truth when it reacheth them: This is naught else than mere magic. [The Qur’an 34:43] Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired a man among them, saying: Warn mankind and bring unto those who believe the good tidings that they have a sure footing with their Lord? The disbelievers say: Lo! This is a mere wizard. [The Qur’an 10:2] And they say: Lo! This is mere magic. [The Qur’an 37:15] And now that the Truth hath come unto them they say: This is mere magic, and lo! We are disbelievers therein. [The Qur’an 43:30] And lo! Those who disbelieve would fain disconcert thee with their eyes when they bear the Reminder, and they say: Lo! He is indeed [The Qur’an 68:51] And when Our clear revelations are recited unto them, who disbelieve say of the Truth when it reacheth them: This is mere magic. [The Qur’an 46:7]

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Allah defended the prophet in the Qur'an. If Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was really a sorcerer, a mad man, a liar, Allah put forward a question for the disbeliever. Have they not considered the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and what things Allah hath created, and that it may be that their own term draweth nigh? In what fact after this will they believe? [The Qur'an 7:185] Allah defended the prophet at numerous other places in the Qur'an. Have they not bethought them [that] there is no madness in their comrade? He is but a plain warner. [The Qur’an 7:184] The disbelievers say: Lo! This is a mere wizard. [The Qur’an 10:2] Or know they not their messenger, and so reject him? Or say they: There is a madness in him? Nay, but he bringeth them the Truth; and most of them are haters of the Truth. [The Qur’an 23:69-70] Your comrade erreth not, nor is deceived; Nor doth he speak of [his own] desire. It is naught save an inspiration that is inspired. [The Qur’an 53:2-4] There is no madness in your comrade. He is naught else than a warner unto you in face of a terrific doom. [The Qur’an 34:46] Thou art not, for thy Lord's favor unto thee, a madman. And lo! Thine verily will he a reward unfailing. And lo! Thou art of a tremendous nature. [The Qur'an 68:2-4] And your comrade is not mad. Surely he beheld him on the clear horizon. And he is not avid of the Unseen. Nor is this the utterance of a devil worthy to be stoned. Whither then go ye? [The Qur'an 81:22-26] Or say they: He hath invented a lie concerning Allah? If Allah willed, He could have sealed thy heart [against them]. And Allah will wipe out the lie and will vindicate the truth by His words. Lo! He is aware of what is hidden in the breasts [of men]. [The Qur'an 42:24] If Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was really all what they said he was, then he would he be made responsible for delivering the message that he was delivering. Disbelievers are told to think about the fact that Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was from those who grew up among them and they knew him even before the revelation was given to him. He was known to be of sound mind, trustworthy, and an individual of great character. That shows that they charged him of all this not because of what he said before his prophethood but because of what he proclaimed as a prophet. Therefore; if the disbelievers had any sincerity in them, they would have reflected upon this topic. The mere fact that Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was moving the hearts and influencing the minds of the believers with his eloquence was not a sufficient proof that he was using magic to achieve this object. The sorcerer does not care whether what he utters is correct, because his only object is to influence the hearts of the hearts in order to achieve his own desires. That is why he does not hesitate at all to utter any lies if it serves his purpose. As a result, his talk is imbalanced and unsystematic and his main goal is self-interest. Therefore, the “Sorcerer” fails to

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produce any high moral effects on the lives of the people or to bring about any healthy change in their lives. With this in mind, the accusations of the unbelievers that Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was a sorcerer is refuted his talk was wise, and balanced. His eloquence aims at nothing but reform of people. His only intention and desire is to warn the people of the consequences of their negligence and to invite then to the way of their own good. A little consideration will show the results acquired were quiet different from those produced by the sorcerers. The lives of all those who have been influenced by him were reformed and they became models of high moral character and excellent conduct. Therefore, a little bit of consideration will make it clear whether Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was a sorcerer or a prophet of Allah.

MADINAH AT THE TIME OF IMMIGRATION In Madinah it was incumbent upon every capable Muslim to contribute to building this new homeland, immunizing it and holding up its prop. But most important of all, Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, it was the solution all the problems that existed in median. In Madinah, the Prophet had to deal with three categories of people: 1. Sahabah [His Companions] 2. Polytheists who were purely from Madinah 3. The Jews Sahabah [Companions of the Prophet] As for his Companions, the life in Madinah was totally different from that of Makkah. In Makkah, they were helpless in terms of pursuing their new course of orientation. Their means, socially and materially, fell short of establishing a new Muslim community. Also, the Makkahn chapters of the Qur'an were confined to demarcate the Islamic precepts, ratifying legislations pertaining to the believers individually and commanding good and piety and forbidding evils. In Madinah, they were at ease and could confidently handle the challenges of civilization, economics, politics, government, war and peace, the allowed and prohibited, worship, ethics and so forth. The affairs of their life rested in their hands. Here they were in full liberty to straighten up the pillars of a new Muslim That was the time when a society could stand for the Islamic call without fearing any torture, but at the same time, such could not be accomplished overnight. It required a long time to build during which legislation and legalization will flow gradually in a harmonizing process with mind training and education. Allah undertook the legislation and His Prophet, Muhammad, Peace be upon him, implementation He it is Who hath sent among the unlettered ones a messenger of their own, to recite unto them His revelations and to make them grow, and to teach them the Scripture and Hikmah, though heretofore they were indeed in error manifest. [The Qur'an 62:2]

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The Prophet’s Companions swiftly and enthusiastically incorporated these Qur’anic rules and were really happy. They only are the [true] believers whose hearts feel fear when Allah is mentioned, and when the revelations of Allah are recited unto them they increase their faith, and who trust in their Lord. [The Qur’an 8:2] The Muslims in Madinah can be further subdivided into two parties: 1. The one’s already settled in their dwellings, with wealth, and ease, but seeds of dissension amongst them were deeply seated and unceasing enmity existed within them. They were Al-Ansar [the Helpers]. 2. The second party were Al-Muhajirun [the Emigrants], homeless, jobless wealth less. And they were in great numbers. Polytheists who were purely from Madinah These people had no control over the Muslim. Some of them had no rancor against the Muslims, but were rather cynical of their ancestor’s religious practices and later became Muslims. Other from them however had the evil intentions and resented the prophet and his companions in their hearts but were too coward to oppose them publicly. Abdullah bin Ubaay was the leader of this group. The Jews The Jews, who had migrated to AI-Hijaz from Syria following the Byzantine and Assyrian persecution campaigns. They desired the wealth of their neighbors to be made to them and they could thus appropriate it the way they liked. Such a notion of theirs is mentioned by Allah in the Qur’an: And among them there is he who, if thou trust him with a piece of gold, will not return it to thee unless thou keep standing over him. That is because they say: We have no duty to the Gentiles. They speak a lie concerning Allah knowingly. [The Qur'an 3:75] Religiously, they showed no eagerness; their most obvious religious commodity was fortunetelling, witchcraft and the secret arts. Usury was a common practice amongst them, lending the Arab notables great sums to be wasted on mercenary poets and other wastes. Whenever they felt that fire of hatred was about to subside, they would nourish it with new means of infinity so that they could always have the upper hand, and at the same time gain heavy interest rates on loans spent on inter-tribal warfare. There famous tribes constituted of: Banu Qainuqua’, allies of Al-Khazraj tribe, Banu An-Nadir and Banu Quraizah who allied AIAws and inhabited the suburbs of Madinah. Their reaction to these changes was quiet bad and hateful. The reason being the fact that the messenger of Allah was of a different race.

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Secondly, Islam came to bring about to finish the state of enmity and hatred, and to establish a social regime based on denunciation of the prohibited and promotion of the allowed. Another issue facing the prophet and the muhajirun was that when they had immigrated to Madinah, their land, wealth and property were seized, their wives were detained and some of the believers were tortured. Quraish spared no effort in tempting the Arabians against Madinah and boycotting them socially and economically. The Muslims in Madinah had all right to confiscate the wealth of those tyrants. These are some of the major issue along with many others not mentioned here that the prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, had to resolve.

RELATIONSHIP OF UMMAH WITH ALLAH The first task to which the Prophet did after he came to Madinah was that he built a Mosque, and also he himself contributed to building that Mosque by lifting the bricks and stones. Such incident is mentioned in detail in the following incident narrated by Anas ibn Malik: When the Prophet arrived Madinah he dismounted at 'Awali-i-Madinah amongst a tribe called Banu 'Amr bin 'Auf. He stayed there for fourteen nights. Then he sent for Bani AnNajjar and they came armed with their swords. As if I am looking [just now] as the Prophet was sitting over his Rahila [Mount] with Abu Bakr riding behind him and all Banu An-Najjar around him till he dismounted at the courtyard of Abu Aiyub's house. The Prophet loved to pray wherever the time for the prayer was due even at sheep folds. Later on he ordered that a mosque should be built and sent for some people of Banu-AnNajjar and said, "O Banu An-Najjar! Suggest to me the price of this [walled] piece of land of yours." They replied, "No! By Allah! We do not demand its price except from Allah." Anas added: There were graves of pagans in it and some of it was unleveled and there were some date-palm trees in it. The Prophet ordered that the graves of the pagans be dug out and the unleveled land be levelled and the date-palm trees be cut down. [So all that was done]. They aligned these cut date-palm trees towards the Qibla of the mosque [as a wall] and they also built two stone side-walls [of the mosque]. His companions brought the stones while reciting some poetic verses. The Prophet was with them and he kept on saying, "There is no goodness except that of the Hereafter, O Allah! So please forgive the Ansars and the emigrants. "31 The Adhan [The call to prayer] was initiated at this time. Abu Mahdhura narrated that The Apostle of Allah [Peace be upon him] taught him Adhan like this: Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest; I testify that there is no god but Allah, I testify that there is no god but Allah; I testify that Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is the Messenger of Allah, I testify that Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is the Messenger of Allah, and it should be again repeated: I testify that there is no god but Allah, I testify that there is no god but Allah; I testify that Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is the Messenger of Allah, I testify that Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is the 31

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Messenger of Allah. Come to the prayer [twice]. Come to the Prayer [twice]. Ishaq added: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the Greatest; there is no god but Allah.32 The Mosque was not only a place to perform prayer but rather a place where the Muslim’s were taught the doctrine of Islam. It served as an assembly place which built the relationship of Muslims with Allah.

RELATIONSHIP OF THE UMMAH AMONGST THEMSELVES As regards the second mailer, the relationship of each member of the Ummah with the other, the messenger of Allah erected it on perfect brotherhood. This brotherhood meant that the racial biases of the days of ignorance should melt and that only for Islam should one show enthusiasm, Therefore, the barriers of lineage, color, and tribe were all destroyed. Some of the example of such brotherhood can be seen in the following hadith: 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf came [from Makkah to Madinah] and the Prophet made a bond of brotherhood between him and Sad bin Ar-Rabi' Al-Ansari. Al-Ansari had two wives, so he suggested that 'Abdur-Rahman take half, his wives and property. 'Abdur-Rahman replied, "May Allah bless you with your wives and property. Kindly show me the market." So 'Abdur-Rahman went to the market and gained [in bargains] some dried yoghurt and some butter. After a few days the Prophet saw Abdur-Rahman with some yellow stains on his clothes and asked him, "What is that, O 'Abdur-Rahman?" He replied, "I had married an Ansari woman."33 One wonders at the generosity and love of the companions for each other. If not for the fact that the prophet’s companions were brought up on pure qualities and were united on acceptable principles the world would not have recorded for them that deep brotherhood for the Cause of Allah. Allah stressed the issue of brotherhood in the Qur'an at more than one occasion. Allah says, The believers are naught else than brothers. [The Qur'an 49:10]

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Allah also said: Ye who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! Some suspicion is a crime. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Ye abhor that [so abhor the other]! And keep your duty [to Allah]. Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful. [The Qur'an 49:12] Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, also stress the issue of brotherhood in numerous other hadith. Anas narrated that The Prophet said, "None of you will have faith till he wishes for his [Muslim] brother what he likes for himself."34 Abdullah ibn Umar Allah's Apostle said, "A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim, so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his [Muslim] brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim, Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection."35 Anas narrated that Allah's Apostle said, "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one." People asked, "O Allah's Apostle! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?" The Prophet said, "By preventing him from oppressing others."36 Muawiyya bin Suwaid narrated that I heard Al-Bara' bin 'Azib saying, "The Prophet orders us to do seven things and prohibited us from doing seven other things." Then Al-Bara' mentioned the following: [1] To pay a visit to the sick [inquiring about his health], [2] To follow funeral processions, [3] To say to a sneezer, "May Allah be merciful to you" [if he says, "Praise be to Allah!"], [4] To return greetings, [5] To help the oppressed, [6] To accept invitations, [7] To help others to fulfill their oaths.37 Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet said, "A believer to another believer is like a building whose different parts enforce each other." The Prophet then clasped his hands with the fingers interlaced [while saying that]. 38 Abu Huraira narrated that Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever has oppressed another person concerning his reputation or anything else, he should beg him to forgive him before the Day of Resurrection when there will be no money [to compensate for wrong deeds], but if he has good deeds, those good deeds will be taken from him according to his 34

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oppression which he has done, and if he has no good deeds, the sins of the oppressed person will be loaded on him." 39

Said bin Zaid narrated that Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever usurps the land of somebody unjustly, his neck will be encircled with it down the seven earths [on the Day of Resurrection]."40 Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, established a kind of treaty to remove all the customs that could cause hatred between the Muslims. Some of the articles of that treaty are as follows41: 1. 2.

They are one nation to the exclusion of other people. The Emigrants of Quraish unite together and shall pay blood money among themselves, and shall ransom honorably their prisoners. Every tribe of the Helpers unites together, as they were at first, and every section among them will pay a ransom for acquitting its relative prisoners. Believers shall not leave anyone destitute among them by not paying his redemption money or blood money in kind. Whoever is rebellious or whoever seeks to spread enmity and sedition, the hand of every Godfearing Muslim shall be against him, even if he be his son. A believer shall not kill another believer, nor shall support a disbeliever against a believer. The protection of Allah is one [and is equally] extended to the humblest of the believers. The believers are supported by each other. Whosoever of the Jews follows us shall have aid and succor; they shall not be injured, nor any enemy be aided against them. The peace of the believers is indivisible. No separate peace shall be made when believers are fighting in the way of Allah. Conditions must be fair and equitable to all. It shall not be lawful for a believer, who holds by what is in this document and believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment, to help a criminal nor give him refuge. Those who give him refuge and render him help shall have the curse and anger of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. Their indemnity is not accepted. Whenever you differ about a matter, it must be referred to Allah and to Muhammad, Peace be upon him. Killing a believer deliberately with no good reason entails killing the killer unless the sponsor deems it otherwise.

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

11. 12.

Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was a man in who had all the virtues which one must have in order to attain perfection attainable by man. That is the reason that those who gained his training and remained with him were men who lived by piety, bravery, and generosity.

RELATIONSHIP OF THE UMMAH WITH OTHERS WHO DO NOT PROFESS THEIR FAITH Soon after the bases of Islamic community were well established on strong and administrative, political and ideological unity, the Prophet instigated to establish regular and clearly-defined 39

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relations with the disbelievers. It was done for the sole reason of providing peace, security, and prosperity to all mankind at large. The Prophet decided to ratify a treaty with the Jews since they were the closest people to Madinah and they harbored evil intentions towards the Muslims. Some of the most important articles of that treaty are as follows: The most important provisions of the treaty are the following42: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

The Jews of Bani ‘Awf are one community with the believer Jews will profess their religion and the Muslims theirs. The Jews shall be responsible for their expenditure and the Mi for theirs. If attacked by a third party, each shall come to the assistance other. Each party shall hold counsel with the other. Mutual relation is founded on righteousness; sin is totally excluded. Neither shall commit sins to the prejudice of the other. The wronged party shall be aided. The Jews shall contribute to the cost of war so long as di fighting alongside the believers. Madinah shall remain sacred and inviolable for all that join this treaty. Should any disagreement arise between the signatories to this treaty, then Allah, the All-High and His Messenger shall settle the dispute. The signatories to this treaty shall boycott Quraish commercially; they shall also abstain from extending any support to them. Each shall contribute to defending Madinah, in case of a foreign attack, in its respective area. This treaty shall not hinder either party from seeking lawful revenge.

After the ratification of this treaty, Madinah and its suburbs, turned into a coalition state, with Madinah proper as capital and Muhammad, Peace be upon him, as president authorities and consequently it was a real capital of Islam. To expand the coalition of peace and security the Prophet started to enter into similar treaties with other tribes living around Madinah.

A LEADERSHIP WHICH ATTRACTS THE HEARTS Abdullah ibn Salam narrated that as soon as the messenger of Allah arrived in Madinah the people flocked towards him and I was among those who came to see him. When I contemplated his face and scrutinized it I found that it was not the face of a liar”. He continued: “The first thing I heard him say was: ‘0 people! Spread peace, and feed others, and pray at night whilst the people are asleep, you will enter paradise in peace. 43” Those who lived with prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, had extreme love for him. They did not care whether they were killed but they vowed to protect the prophet till the last breath. Their love for him was only because the perfection which he had attained and which is longed for normally was not seen in any other human being. Some of the examples of their 42

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extreme love for the prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, can be seen amongst the Ansar upon the arrival of the prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, in Madinah. Ansar’s Love for Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him: Allah's Apostle arrived at Madinah with Abu Bakr, riding behind him on the same camel. Abu Bakr was an elderly man known to the people, while Allah's Apostle was a youth that was unknown. Thus, if a man met Abu Bakr, he would day, "O Abu Bakr! Who is this man in front of you?" Abu Bakr would say, "This man shows me the Way." One would think that Abu Bakr meant the road, while in fact, Abu Bakr meant the way of virtue and good. Then Abu Bakr looked behind and saw a horse-rider pursuing them. He said, "O Allah's Apostle! This is a horse-rider pursuing us." The Prophet looked behind and said, "O Allah! Cause him to fall down." So the horse threw him down and got up neighing. After that the rider, Suraqa said, "O Allah's Prophet! Order me whatever you want." The Prophet said, "Stay where you are and do not allow anybody to reach us." So, in the first part of the day Suraqa was an enemy of Allah's Prophet and in the last part of it, he was a protector. Then Allah's Apostle alighted by the side of the Al-Harra and sent a message to the Ansar, and they came to Allah's Prophet and Abu Bakr, and having greeted them, they said, "Ride [your she-camels] safe and obeyed." Allah's Apostle and Abu Bakr rode and the Ansar, carrying their arms, surrounded them. The news that Allah's Prophet had come circulated in Madinah. The people came out and were eagerly looking and saying "Allah's Prophet has come! Allah's Prophet has come! So the Prophet went on till he alighted near the house of Abu Aiyub.44 Rabiah bin Kaab Al-Salami’s Love for Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him: Rabiah bin lab Al-Salami naarated that I was with Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] one night, and I brought him water and what he required. He said to me: Ask [anything you like]. I said: I ask your company in Paradise. He [the Prophet] said: or anything else besides it. I said: That is all [what I require]. He said: Then help me to achieve this for you by devoting yourself often to prostration.45 Umar bin Khattab’s love for Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him: Amr bin maimun al-Audi narrated that I saw 'Umar bin Al-Khattab [when he was stabbed] saying, "O 'Abdullah bin 'Umar! Go to the mother of the believers 'Aisha and say, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab sends his greetings to you,' and request her to allow me to be buried with my companions." [So, Ibn 'Umar conveyed the message to 'Aisha.] She said, "I had the idea of having this place for myself but today I prefer him ['Umar] to myself [and allow him to be buried there]." When 'Abdullah bin 'Umar returned, 'Umar asked him, "What [news] do you have?" He replied, "O chief of the believers! She has allowed you [to be buried there]." On that 'Umar said, "Nothing was more important to me than to be buried in that [sacred] place. So, when I expire, carry me there and pay my greetings to her ['Aisha ] and say, 'Umar bin Al-Khattab asks permission; and if she gives permission, then bury me [there] and if she does not, then take me to the graveyard of the Muslims.46

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One can find numerous other example that show the extreme love of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, for him. The community which he produced for mankind in Madinah had reached its apex. They strove only for Allah and pushed ahead to the aspired goal with joy and confidence They stood shoulder to shoulder together in strong bonds of brotherhood and they were a single soul in many bodies and cemented bricks in building. They wished to establish relationships with others on the basis of justice and righteousness. Whoever cleansed himself of his Jahiliyyah and repented to his Lord, his past would be forgotten and he would join the Muslim community as respected member because his past sins are forgiven. It was because of the the leadership of prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him that he raised a generation that was soon able to change the status of the who Arabian Peninsula.

JIHAD The Quraish continued in their transgression, they did not take guidance from the manifest proof. They oppressed and harmed all those who followed Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, put them to trials and tribulations just to keep them away from Islam. As mentioned before, prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was forced to leave his homeland Makkah to migrate to Madinah, some of his companions fled to Ethiopia, some went to Madinah and were imprisoned by Quraish and were made to suffer from hunger and thirst and were tortured. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, stayed Madinah and Allah supported him with His Victory, the companions of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, with all their efforts strove hard for him, and preferred him over their fathers, and wives and their offspring. The Arabs and Jews got united front against the Muslims and had put up all their efforts to hurt the Muslims. At that time Allah allowed the Muslims to fight against those who fight them, but at the same time, He did not make it obligatory. He said: Sanction is given unto those who fight because they have been wronged; and Allah is indeed Able to give them victory; Those who have been driven from their homes unjustly only because they said: Our Lord is Allah--For had it not been for Allah's repelling some men by means of others, cloisters and churches and oratories and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft mentioned, would assuredly have been pulled down. Verily Allah helpeth one who helpeth Him. Lo! Allah is Strong, Almighty. [The Qur'an 22:39-40] Allah wants His worshippers to obey him with all their efforts. Allah says: Now when ye meet in battle those who disbelieve, then it is smiting of the necks until, when ye have routed them, then making fast of bonds; and afterward either grace or ransom till the war lay down its burdens. That [is the ordinance]. And if Allah willed He could have punished them [without you] but [thus it is ordained] that He may try some of you by means of others. And those who are slain in the way of Allah, He rendereth not their actions vain. He will guide them and improve their state, And bring them in unto the Garden which He hath made known to them. [The Qur’an 47:4-6]. Later, Allah made Jihad obligatory against everyone who fights the Muslims but not against those who didn't fight you. Allah says: Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities. Lo! Allah loveth not, aggressors. [The Qur’an 2:190] Page 29 of 68

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Later Allah revealed to thrust aside all the obligations and commanded the Muslims to fight against all the disbelievers which includes the people of the Scriptures i.e. Jews and Christians, in case if they do not embrace Islam, till they pay the a tax levied on the non-Muslims who do not embrace Islam and are under the protection of an lslamic government with willing submission and feel themselves downcast. Allah says: Fight against such of those who have been given the Scripture as believe not in Allah nor the Last Day, and forbid not that which Allah hath forbidden by His messenger, and follow not the religion of truth, until they pay the tribute readily, being brought low. [The Qur'an 9:29] Therefore, Muslims were not permitted to abandon Jihad and to reconcile with them and to suspend hostilities against the disbelievers for an unlimited period while they are strong and are able to fight against them. From this we conclude that the ruling regarding Jihad went through three phases: First it was forbidden, Later it was permitted Finally it was made obligatory The Importance of Jihad Allah has mentioned the importance of Jihad in various verses of the Qur’an. Warfare is ordained for you, though it is hateful unto you; but it may happen that ye hate a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that ye love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knoweth, ye know not. [The Qur'an 2:216] And He [Allah] said: Go forth, light armed and heavy armed, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the way of Allah! That is best for you if ye but knew. [The Qur'an 9:41] 'Ikrima [a religious scholar] said, At first Muslims disliked it [Jihad], but later they liked it and said: "We listen and obey." The reason being that the submission to the order to fight means hardship, but if the reward is made known it becomes to compare the hardship involved and its reward. And Allah said, Ye who believe! Shall I show you a commerce that will save you from a painful doom? Ye should believe in Allah and His messenger, and should strive for the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you, if ye did but know. He will forgive you your sins and bring you into Gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eden. That is the supreme triumph. [The Qur'an 61:10-12] Allah said:

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Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a [disabling] hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of Allah with their wealth and lives. Allah hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each Allah hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary. [The Qur'an 4:95] Ibn Zaid said: The degrees of grades with which Allah preferred the Mujahidin [who perform Jihad] over those believers who sit [at home] are seven and these Allah mentioned in His Statement: That is because neither thirst nor toil nor hunger afflicteth them in the way of Allah, nor step they any step that angereth the disbelievers, nor gain they from the enemy a gain, but a good deed is recorded for them therefor. Lo! Allah loseth not the wages of the good. Nor spend they any spending, small or great, nor do they cross a valley, but it is recorded for them, that Allah may repay them the best of what they used to do. [The Qur'an 9:120] And Allah said: [Triumphant] are those who turn repentant [to Allah], those who serve [Him], those who praise [Him], those who fast, these who bow down, those who fall prostrate [in worship], those who enjoin the right and who forbid the wrong and those who keep the limits [ordained] of Allah And give glad tidings to believers!. [The Qur'an 9:112] Those who believe do battle for the cause of Allah; and those who disbelieve do battle for the cause of idols. So fight the minions of the devil. Lo! The devil's strategy is ever weak. [The Qur’an 4:76] So fight [O Muhammad Peace be upon him] in the way of Allah Thou art not taxed [with the responsibility for anyone] except for thyself and urge on the believers. Peradventure Allah will restrain the might of those who disbelieve. Allah is stronger in might and stronger in inflicting punishment. [The Qur'an 4:84] And Allah further said: Count ye the slaking of a pilgrim's thirst and tendance of the Inviolable Place of Worship as [equal to the worth of him] who believeth in Allah and the Last Day, and striveth in the way of Allah? They are not equal in the sight of Allah. Allah guideth not wrongdoing folk. Those who believe, and have left their homes and striven with their wealth and their lives in Allah's way are of much greater worth in Allah's sight. These are they who are triumphant. Their Lord giveth them good tidings of mercy from Him, and acceptance, and Gardens where enduring pleasure will be theirs;There they will abide for ever. Lo! with Allah there is immense reward. [The Qur'an 9:19-22] In the above Verses Allah informs us that those who maintain Masjid- Al-Haram and provide drinking water to the pilgrims are not equal to those who perform Jihad in Allah's Cause. The Muslims who fight in Allah's Cause are far superior than the maintainers of the mosque even if it be Masjid Al-Haram. Jihad is a great deed indeed. All the Muslim religious scholars unanimously agree that Jihad is superior to Hajj and 'Umra [pilgrimage] and also superior to

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non-obligatory Salat [prayer] and Saum [fasting] as mentioned in the Qur'an and Prophet's Sunna. Sunnah on Jihad The prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, mentioned the merits of Jihad on numerous occasions. Some of which are as follows: Abdullah Ibn Masud narrated that I asked Allah's Apostle, "O Allah's Apostle! What is the best deed?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is next in goodness?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents." I further asked, what is next in goodness?" He replied, "To participate in Jihad in Allah's cause." I did not ask Allah's Apostle anymore and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.47 Ibn Abbas narrated that Allah's Apostle said, "There is no hijra [i.e. migration] [from Makkah to Madinah] after the conquest [of Makkah], but Jihad and good intention remain; and if you are called [by the Muslim ruler] for fighting, go forth immediately.48 Abu Huraira narrated that a man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "Instruct me as to such a deed as equals Jihad [in reward]." He replied, "I do not find such a deed." Then he added, "Can you, while the Muslim fighter is in the battlefield, enter your mosque to perform prayers without cease and fast and never break your fast?" The man said, "But who can do that?" Abu Huraira added, "The mujahid [i.e. Muslim fighter] is rewarded even for the footsteps of his horse while it wanders about [for grazing] tied in a long rope."49 Abu Saeed Al-Khudri narrated that somebody asked, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is the best among the people?" Allah's Apostle replied "A believer who strives his utmost in Allah's cause with his life and property." They asked, "Who is next?" He replied, "A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshipping Allah and leaving the people secure from his mischief."50 The Prophet said, "Last night two men came to me [in a dream] and made me ascend a tree and then admitted me into a better and superior house, better of which I have never seen. One of them said, 'This house is the house of martyrs.' "51

COURAGE OF THE PROPHET, Peace be upon him Knowing the virtues of Jihad, the companions of the Prophet worked their utmost to raise the word of Allah and prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was their leader in that. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, possessed all the qualities one must have in order to be a good leader. Courage being one of them. 47

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Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was really courageous. He faced a number of dangers and calamities but never showed any timidity. When the Quraish of Makkah went to his uncle Abu Talib and told him to advise his nephew, Abu Talib spoke to Muhammad, Peace be upon him, and said, "Could you not be silent about all this; believe it all for yourself, but not trouble others, anger the chief men, and endanger yourself and all of us, talking of it?" Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, answered: "If the sun stood on my right hand and the moon on my left, ordering me to hold my peace, I could not obey!" This indicates what divine courage Muhammad, Peace be upon him, possessed and that he never showed any weakness in his determination to fight for a just cause. Al-Arai narrated that Abu Huraira said, Allah's Apostle said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, I would love to fight in Allah's Cause and then get martyred and then resurrected [come to life] and then get martyred and then resurrected [come to life] and then get martyred, and then resurrected [come to life] and then get martyred and then resurrected [come to life]." Abu Huraira used to repeat those words three times and I testify to it with Allah's Oath.52 Abu Qataada narrated that we set out along with the Prophet during the year of [the battle of] Hunain, and when we faced the enemy, the Muslims [with the exception of the Prophet and some of his companions] retreated [before the enemy]…………. Later Allah gave victory to the believers and somebody asked Bara bin Azib regarding what happen that day. Abu Ishaq narrated a man asked Al-Bara "O Abu 'Umara! Did you flee on the day [of the battle] of Hunain?" Al-Bara replied while I was listening, "As for Allah's Apostle he did not flee on that day. Abu Sufyan bin Al-Harith was holding the reins of his mule and when the pagans attacked him, he dismounted and started saying, 'I am the Prophet, and there is no lie about it; I am the son of 'Abdul Muttalib.' On that day nobody was seen braver than the Prophet.' "53 Anas narrated that the Prophet was the best among the people [both in shape and character] and was the most generous of them, and was the bravest of them. Once, during the night, the people of Madinah got afraid [of a sound]. So the people went towards that sound, but the Prophet having gone to that sound before them, met them while he was saying, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid." [At that time] he was riding a horse belonging to Abu Talha and it was naked without a saddle, and he was carrying a sword slung at his neck. The Prophet said, "I found it [the horse] like a sea, or, it is the sea indeed."54

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Bellow is the list of all the battle that he fought himself [Ghazwa] or those battles in which he sent someone on his behalf [Sarya]. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48.

Gahzwa Bani Nadhir Ghazwa Al-Abwa Ghazwa Al-Ahzab Ghazwa Al-Badr Ghazwa Al-Ghaba Ghazwa Al-Mariseeh Ghazwa Badr Al-Mo’d Ghazwa Bani Lehan Ghazwa Bani Sulaim Ghazwa Banu Quraidha Ghazwa Dhul-Asheera Ghazwa Do Matah Jandal Ghazwa Ghatfan Ghazwa Hudaibiya Ghazwa Humra Al-Asadi Ghazwa Hunain Ghazwa In search of Jabir Al-Fahri Ghazwa Khaiber Ghazwa Qarqara-tul- Kadad Ghazwa Suwaik Ghazwa Tabuk Ghazwa Uhud Ghazwa Zat Ar’Riqa’ Sairya Bani Qaynuqa’ Sariya ‘Aam Al- Fath Sariya ‘Ainiya Bin Haseen Al-Fazari Sariya Abdullah Bin Ateeq Bi Janib Abi Rafa’y Sariya Abdullah bin Jahsh Al-Asadi Sariya Abdullah Bin Rawaha Bi Janib Useer Bin Zaram Sariya Abdullah Bin Unais Sariya Abdur Rahman Bin Auf Bi janib Domata Al-Jandal Sariya Abi Salama bin Abdul Asad Al-Makhzumi Sariya Abu Bakr As-Sadeeq Bi-Janib Bani Kilaab Bi-Maqam Najd Sariya Abu Qatada Bin Rabi’ee Al-Ansaari Sariya Abu Ubaida Bin Al-Jarah Bi Janib Dhul Qisa Sariya Akasha Bin Mohsin Al-Asadi Sariya Akasha Bin Muhsan Al-Asadi Bi Janib Al-Ghamar Sariya Al Mundhir Bin Umaro Sariya Ali Bin Abi Talib Sariya Ali Bin Abi Talib Bi Janib Banin Sa’d Bin Bakr Sariya Al-Kheet Sariya Bashir Bin Sa’d Al-Ansaari Bi Janib Yemen Sariya Bashir Bin Sa’d Al-Ansaari Bi Maqam Fiduk Sariya Dhahak Bin Sufyan al-Kalabi Sariya Ghalib Bin Abdullah Al-Laithi Bi Janib Bani Maloh Sariya Ghalib Bin Al-Laithi Sariya Ghalib BinAbdullah Al-Laithi Bi Janib Al-Mif’ah Sariya Ibn Abi Al-O’ja As-Salamaa Bi-Janib bani Sulaim

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49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76.

Sariya K’aab Bin Al-Ashraf Sariya Ka’b Bin Umair Al-Ghafaari Sariya Karz Bin Jabir Al-Fahri Sariya Khalid Bin Walid Sariya Khalid Bin Walid Sariya Marthad Bin Abi Marthad Sariya Muhammad Bin Musalima Bi Janib Dhul Qisa Sariya Muhammad Bin Musalima Bijanib Qabila Qarta Sariya Mota Sariya Osama Bin Zaid Sariya Qabta Bin Amir Bin Hadidah Sariya Sa’d bin Abi Waqas Sariya Saeed Bin Zaid Al-Shahlee Sariya Salim Bin Umair Sariya Shuja’ Bin Wahb Al-Asadi Sariya Ubaida bin Harith Sariya Umair bin A’di Sariya Umar Bin Al-Kahttab Bi Janib Turba Sariya Umro Al-Aas Sariya Umro Al-Aas Sariya Umro Bin Umaiya Al-Dhamari Sariya Zaid Bin Harith Sariya Zaid Bin Harith Bi Janib Bani Saleem Sariya Zaid Bin Harith Bi Janib Taruf Sariya Zaid Bin Harith Bi Janib Um Qarqa Bi Maqam Waadi Qura Sariya Zaid Bin Haritha Bi Janib Hasma Sariya Zaid Bin Haritha Bi Janib Waadi Qura Sariya’Alqama Bin Yahzar

PROPHET’S, Peace be upon him, TREATMENT TOWARDS HIS WIVES Prophet stressed the issue of being good to ones wife on more than one occasion. Abu Huraira narrated that Allah 's Apostle said, "Treat women nicely, for a women is created from a rib, and the most curved portion of the rib is its upper portion, so, if you should try to straighten it, it will break, but if you leave it as it is, it will remain crooked. So treat women nicely."55 1. How to Treat Ones Wife Treating ones wife well entails both financial and non-financial matters. One must not treat his wife in an ill manner. Allah Ta-la says in Qur'an, And treat them in good kind manner 4:19

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Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] beautifully explained the rights of women when he said: Women are only full sisters of men.56 2. Fulfilling her Rights Maintaining her Chastity Husband must fulfill the rights of his wife of being intimate with her. Even at the time of Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] when some of the companion did not fulfill the rights of their wife due to their extreme devotion to the worship of Allah Ta-la, Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] advices them not to do that as we may see in the following hadith when he told Abdullah bin Amr bin al-as [R], O Abdullah: Have not I been informed that you fast the days and stand the nights57? Do not do that, because if you did, your eye would become tired, and your body will become sick. So, fast [some days] and break your fast [some days]. And get up [for worship] and sleep; for indeed, your body has a right upon you, your eyes have right upon you, and your wife right upon you. Indeed, it would suffice you to fast three days from each month, because you get for each good deed ten times its worth. So that would count as fasting the whole time.58 3. Demonstrating Pleasure and Happiness with her Allah Ta-la says in Qur'an, Live with them [wives] in kindness, even if you dislike them, perhaps you dislike something in which Allah has places much good [4:19] Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] also advised us of this when he said, Aisha [R] narrated, “The best of you are those who are best to his family and I am best of you towards my family.”59 In another hadith we find that Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] adviced us that we should try to over look the qualities of our wives. Abu Huraira narrated that Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said, “Let not a believing man hate a believing woman; if he dislikes a charater in her, he would be pleased by other charaters.”60 3. Kindness and Gentleness One must be kind to his wife. 56

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Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said, “The best amongst you are those who are best to your family.”61 Other ways of being nice include saying salaam to them, praising them, and showing compassion to them. Overlooking her mistakes as long as she does not violate the command of Allah Ta'ala and His Messenger, Salla Allahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. As mentioned in the hadith, Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said, “The best amongst you are those who are best to your family.”62 That quality also entails the quality of forgiveness in it. Allah Ta'ala in His book has praised those who are forgiving. O you who believe! Truly among your wives and your children are [some that are] enemies to yourselves: so beware of them! But if ye forgive and overlook and cover up [their faults] verily Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful [64:14] 4. Treating One’s Wife as One treats Himself Since men are protectors over women, men are expected to treat their wives just as they treat themselves. One may find this in a hadith of Prophet Muhammad [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] when a companion [R] asked him, Peace be upon him, regarding women’s rights on their husbands. He [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] replied, “ It is that when you eat, you feed her; when you get clothing for yourself, you get clothing for her; do not strike the face; do not swear at her; and do not boycott her except on the house.”63 Teaching her The Matters of Religion and Supporting her in it. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, stressed the importance of educating ones wife in the matters of the religion. Allah Ta'ala says in Qur’an: O you who believe! Save yourself and your family from hellfire [66:6] The only way for one to be saved from hell-fire is to act upon the commands of Allah Ta-la. And the only way one can act upon the commands of Allah Ta'ala is by learning his religion. Therefore men will be questioned about their families on the Day of Judgment. Ibn Umar narrated that Prophet, Peace be upon him, said; “Man is responsible over woman and he will be asked about his responsibility.”64

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5. Maintaining her Financially Prophet also stressed the importance of maintaining ones wife financially. It is husband’s responsibility to financially support his wife according to his capability. Allah Ta-ala says in Qur’an, The father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a reasonable basis. No person shall have a burden laid on him greater than he can bear [The Qur’an 2:233] The verse mentioned above shows that a husband is responsible for providing his wife with food, shelter, clothing and other basic necessities of life. He must provide for them with what is reasonable according to the norms of the society. Prophet [Peace be upon him] mentioned this in a long hadith65, Their [Wives] right upon you are that you provide for them and clothe them according to what is right and customary. One must not show miserly behavior towards his family. If he does that, the wife may take reasonable amount of money as it may be seen in the following hadith. Aisha narrated that Hind, the mother of Mu'awiya said to Allah's messenger Peace be upon him], "Abu Sufyan [her husband] is a miser. Am I allowed to take from his money secretly?" The Prophet [sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said to her, "You and your sons may take what is sufficient reasonably and fairly."66 Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, acted upon these statements and told the companions to cat upon them. 6. Other Examples Some of the testimonies of the wives of the prophet and other women with regards to the prophet’s treatment of women are as follows. Aisha Narrated that "Whenever Allah's Apostle intended to go on a journey, he would draw lots amongst his wives and would take with him the one upon whom the lot fell. During a Ghazwa of his, he drew lots amongst us and the lot fell upon me, and I proceeded with him after Allah had decreed the use of the veil by women.67 Ummayyah daughter of Ruqayyia narrated that I swore allegiance to the Prophet [Peace be upon him] along with some women and he said to us, "As far as you are able and are capable." I said, "Allah and His Messenger are more merciful to us than we are to ourselves." I asked Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] to ratify our covenant, meaning to shake hands with us, but he replied, "I say the same to a hundred women as I do to one."68 65

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Aisha said that do you make us [women] equal to dogs and donkeys? While I used to lie in my bed, the Prophet would come and pray facing the middle of the bed. I used to consider it not good to stand in front of him in his prayers. So I used to slip away slowly and quietly from the foot of the bed till I got out of my guilt.69

PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, KINDNESS TOWARDS CHILDREN Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was very kind to the children. Such kindness could be seen at the death of his son Ibrahim. Anas bin Malik narrated that we went with Allah's Apostle [p.b.u.h] to the blacksmith Abu Saif, and he was the husband of the wet-nurse of Ibrahim [the son of the Prophet]. Allah's Apostle took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Saif's house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breaths, and the eyes of Allah's Apostle [p.b.u.h] started shedding tears. 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf said, "O Allah's Apostle, even you are weeping!" He said, "O Ibn 'Auf, this is mercy." Then he wept more and said, "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your separation."70 There are numerous other hadith which show the love, compassion and care of the prophet for the children: Jabir Ibn Abdullah narrated that Allah's Apostle said, "When night falls [or when it is evening], stop your children from going out, for the devils spread out at that time. But when an hour of the night has passed, release them and close the doors and mention Allah's Name, for Satan does not open a closed door. Tie the mouth of your water-skin and mention Allah's Name; cover your containers and utensils and mention Allah's Name. Cover them even by placing something across it, and extinguish your lamps."71 Abu Huraira narrated that Allah's Apostle kissed Al-Hasan bin Ali while Al-Aqra' bin Habis At-Tamim was sitting beside him. Al-Aqra said, "I have ten children and I have never kissed anyone of them." Allah's Apostle cast a look at him and said, "Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully."72 [Bukhari] Abdullah Ibn Jaffer narrated When Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] came back from journey, the children of his family used to accord him welcome. It was in this way that once he came back from a journey and I went to him first of all. He mounted me before him. Then there came one of the two sons of Fatimah and he mounted him behind him and this is how we three entered Madinah riding on a beast. 73

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PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, AS A FATHER Ibn Abbas narrated that : The first son of Prophet Muhammad was Qasim who was born before his prophethood in Makkahh. That is why, Prophet Muhammad was known as Abdul Qasim. Later Zainab was born, then Ruqayia was born, then Fatima was born, then Umm Kalthum was born, and then Abdullah was born who was given the title of Tayyeb wa Tahir. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, love and respect for his daughter Fatimah has been testified by the mother of the believers Aisha. Aisha Umm al-Mumineen narrated that I never saw anyone more like the Apostle of Allah [Peace be upon him] in respect of gravity, calm deportment, pleasant disposition according to al-Hasan's version: in respect of talk and speech. Al-Hasan did not mention gravity, calm deportment, pleasant disposition - than Fatimah, may Allah honour her face. When she came to visit him [the Prophet] he got up to [welcome] her, took her by the hand, kissed her and made her sit where he was sitting; and when he went to visit her, she got up to [welcome] him, took him by the hand, kissed him, and made him sit where she was sitting.74 Fatimah felt comfortable talking to the prophet and discussed with him any problems that she faced. Abu Huraira narrated that Fatimah came to Allah's Apostle [Peace be upon him] and asked for a servant and told him of the hardship of household work. He said: You would not be able to get a servant from us. May I not direct you to what is better than the servant for you? Recite SubhanAllah thirty-three times, Alhamdulillah thirty three times and Allahu Akbar thirty four times as you go to bed.75 In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, mentioned his love for Fatimah by saying that she is part of him. Al Maswar bin Makharma narrated that 'Ali demanded the hand of the daughter of Abu Jahl. Fatima heard of this and went to Allah's Apostle saying, "Your people think that you do not become angry for the sake of your daughters as 'Ali is now going to marry the daughter of Abu Jahl." On that Allah's Apostle got up and after his recitation of Tashah-hud, I heard him saying, "Then after! I married one of my daughters to Abu Al-'As bin Al-Rabi' [the husband of Zainab, the daughter of the Prophet] before Islam and he proved truthful in whatever he said to me. No doubt, Fatima is a part of me, I hate to see her being troubled. By Allah, the daughter of Allah's Apostle and the daughter of Allah's enemy cannot be the wives of one man." So 'Ali gave up that engagement.76 74

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Another hadith which shows the compassion and closeness of the prophet with his daughter Fatimah is as follows: Umm Salamah narrated that in the year of the Conquest Allah's messenger [Peace be upon him] called Fatimah and spoke privately to her and she wept; he then spoke to her and she laughed. When Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] died she asked her about her weeping and her laughing and she replied, "Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] informed me that he was going to die, so I wept; he then informed me that, with the exception of Mary, daughter of Imran, I should be the chief lady among the inhabitants of Paradise, so I laughed."77 Another example of the prophet’s love for his family can be seen at the time of the death of his son prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, showed great distress upon the death of his son Ibrahim. Anas bin Malik narrated that we went with Allah's Apostle [p.b.u.h] to the blacksmith Abu Saif, and he was the husband of the wet-nurse of Ibrahim [the son of the Prophet]. Allah's Apostle took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Saif's house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breaths, and the eyes of Allah's Apostle [p.b.u.h] started shedding tears. 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf said, "O Allah's Apostle, even you are weeping!" He said, "O Ibn 'Auf, this is mercy." Then he wept more and said, "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your separation."78 Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, used to lift his daughter while praying. Abu Qataada Al-Ansari reported that Allah's Apostle was praying and he was carrying Umama the daughters of Zainab, the daughter of Allah's Apostle and she was the daughter of 'As bin Rabi'a bin 'Abdu Shams. When he prostrated, he put her down and when he stood, he carried her [on his neck]. 79

PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, AS A GRANDFATHER Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, loved his grandsons, Hassan and Husain. At times they would sit and play on his back while the prophet was in state of prostration and prophet would prolong his prostration so that his grandsons would not be disturbed. He expressed his love for them in numerous hadith. Abu Huraira narrated that I was with Allah's Apostle in one of the Markets of Madinah. He left [the market] and so did I. Then he asked thrice, "Where is the small [child]?" Then he said, "Call Al-Hasan bin 'Ali." So Al-Hasan bin 'Ali got up and started walking with a necklace [of beads] around his neck. The Prophet stretched his hand out like this, and Al-Hasan did the same. The Prophet embraced him and said, "0 Allah! I love him, 77

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so please love him and love those who love him." Since Allah's Apostle said that, nothing has been dearer to me than Al-Hasan. Ibn Abi Naam narrated I was present when a man asked Ibn 'Umar about the blood of mosquitoes. Ibn Umar said, "From where are you?" The man replied. "From Iraq." Ibn 'Umar said, "Look at that! he is asking me about the blood of Mosquitoes while they [the Iraqis ] have killed the [grand] son of the Prophet. I have heard the Prophet saying, "They [Hasan and Husain] are my two sweet-smelling flowers in this world."80 Abu Huraira narrated that I was with Allah's Apostle in one of the Markets of Madinah. He left [the market] and so did I. Then he asked thrice, "Where is the small [child]?" Then he said, "Call Al-Hasan bin 'Ali." So Al-Hasan bin 'Ali got up and started walking with a necklace [of beads] around his neck. The Prophet stretched his hand out like this, and Al-Hasan did the same. The Prophet embraced him and said, "O Allah! I love him, so please love him and love those who love him." Since Allah's Apostle said that, nothing has been dearer to me than Al-Hasan. He also used to express his love for his grandsons by kissing, lifting and hugging them. Abu Huraira narrated that Allah's Apostle kissed Al-Hasan bin Ali while Al-Aqra' bin Habis At-Tamim was sitting beside him. Al-Aqra said, "I have ten children and I have never kissed anyone of them." Allah's Apostle cast a look at him and said, "Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully."81 Burayda Ibn Al-Hasib narrated the Apostle of Allah [Peace be upon him] delivered a speech to us; meanwhile al-Hasan and al-Husayn came upon there stumbling, wearing red shirts. He came down from the pulpit, took them and ascended it with them.82 Ya’la narrated that Al-Hasan and al-Husayn raced one another to Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] who cuddled them….83 Usama bin Zayd narrated that a son of one of the daughters of the Prophet was dying, so she sent a person to call the Prophet. He sent [her a message], "Whatever Allah takes is for Him, and whatever He gives is for Him, and everything has a limited fixed term [in this world] so she should be patient and hope for Allah's reward." She then sent for him again, swearing that he should come. Allah's Apostle got up, and so did Mu'adh bin Jabal, Ubai bin Ka'b and 'Ubada bin As-Samit. When he entered [the house], they gave the child to Allah's Apostle while its breath was disturbed in his chest. [The sub-narrator said: I think he said, "...as if it was a waterskin.]" Allah's Apostle started weeping whereupon Sa'd bin 'Ubada said, "Do you weep?" The Prophet said, "Allah is merciful only to those of His slaves who are merciful [to others]." 84 Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, used to seek refuge for his grandsons. Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet used to seek refuge with Allah for Al-Hasan and AlHusain and say: "Your forefather [i.e. Abraham] used to seek refuge with Allah for 80

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Ishmael and Isaac by reciting the following: 'O Allah! I seek refuge with Your Perfect Words from every devil and from poisonous pests and from every evil, harmful, envious eye.' "85

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PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION Allah has mentioned the importance of seeking knowledge in the following passages of the Qur’an. Allah says: Allah will exalt those who believe among you, and those who have knowledge, to high ranks. [The Qur’an 58:11] In another passage Allah says: Allah! Bestow on him the knowledge of the Book [The Qur'an 20:114] Such a virtue encouraged the companions of the prophet to gain knowledge because such knowledge will cause them to be saved from hell fire. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, mentioned the virtues of seeking knowledge in various hadith: I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "If Allah wants to do good to a person, He makes him comprehend the religion. I am just a distributor, but the grant is from Allah. [And remember] that this nation [true Muslims] will keep on following Allah's teachings strictly and they will not be harmed by any one going on a different path till Allah's order [Day of Judgment] is established."86 Ibn Abbas narrated that once the Prophet embraced me and said, "O Allah! Bestow on him the knowledge of the Book [Qur'an]."87 Abdullah ibn Masud narrated the the Prophet said, "Do not wish to be like anyone except in two cases. [The first is] A person, whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it righteously; [the second is] the one whom Allah has given wisdom [the Holy Qur'an] and he acts according to it and teaches it to others."88 Abu Musa narrated that the Prophet said, "The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance. [And] another portion of it was hard and held the rain water and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation of the land for cultivation. [And] a portion of it was barren which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation [then that land gave no benefits]. The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah's religion and gets benefit [from the knowledge] which Allah has revealed through me [the Prophets and learns and then teaches others. The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not take Allah's guidance revealed through me [He is like that barren land.]" 89

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Muslims great desire for religious knowledge led them to travel, on their own, for months to simply collect or confirm just one saying of the Prophet [Peace be upon him]. The understood the virtues of seeking knowledge. The Prophet said, “Whoever goes out along a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes a path to Paradise easy for him...”90 The Prophet [Peace be upon him] also said, “When the son of Adam dies all of his good deeds come to an end except three: a perpetual charity, beneficial knowledge [he left behind from which people gain some benefit and a pious child who supplicates for him.”91

ETTIQUETTES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him TEACHING The study sessions of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, were well-organized and well-structured. Whenever he talked, he talked very little so that companions would easily comprehend what he said. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, did not like to only preach all the time for the fear that the companion might get bored. Some of the etiquettes of his study sessions are as follows. Facilitating things for the People and Not Making them Difficult Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, took at approach through which his companion enjoyed the learning sessions and did not feel burdensome or bored. Anas Ibn malik narrated that the Prophet said, "Facilitate things to people [concerning religious matters], and do not make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away [from Islam]." 92 Ibn Masud narrated that the Prophet used to take care of us in preaching by selecting a suitable time, so that we might not get bored. [He abstained from pestering us with sermons and knowledge all the time]. 93 1. Two Questions at a Time When delivering a talk or answering a question, Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, would finish one answer at a time. If somebody would try to cut his speech and ask a question, he would continue his speech and would respond to the question after he finished speaking. Abu Huraira narrated that while the Prophet was saying something in a gathering, a Bedouin came and asked him, “When would the Hour [Doomsday] take place?” Allah’s 90

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Apostle continued his talk, so some people said that Allah’s Apostle had heard the question, but did not like what that Bedouin had asked. Some of them said that Allah’s Apostle had not heard it. When the Prophet finished his speech, he said, “Where is the questioner, who inquired about the Hour [Doomsday]?” The Bedouin said, “I am here, O Allah’s Apostle.” Then the Prophet said, “When honesty is lost, then wait for the Hour [Doomsday].” The Bedouin said, “How will that be lost?” The Prophet said, “When the power or authority comes in the hands of unfit persons, then wait for the Hour [Doomsday.]”94 2. Raising the Voice in Conveying Knowledge Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was very soft spoken but at times of delivering a speech or teaching the companions some matters of Sharaiah, he would raise his voice. Abdullah ibn Amr narrated that once the Prophet remained behind us in a journey. He joined us while we were performing ablution for the prayer which was over-due. We were just passing wet hands over our feet [and not washing them properly] so the Prophet addressed us in a loud voice and said twice or thrice: "Save your heels from the fire."95 In another hadith, it is informed that he used to raise his voice while giving Friday sermon. Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that when Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] delivered the sermon, his eyes became red, his voice rose, and his anger increased so that he was like one giving a warning against the enemy and saying: "The enemy has made a morning attack on you and in the evening too." He would also say: "The last Hour and I have been sent like these two," and he would join his forefinger and middle finger. He would continue: "The best speech is that embodied in the Book of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance given by Muhammad Peace be upon him. The most evil affairs are their innovations; and every innovation is an error." He would add: "I am dearer to a Muslim than even his self. He who has left behind property, that is for his family, and he who dies in debt or leaves children [in helplessness], the responsibility [of paying his debt and bringing up his children] lies on me."96 3. Questioning the Students At times, the prophet would ask his companions question just to test them. There are numerous example of this in the Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad. Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet said, "Amongst the trees, there is a tree, the leaves of which do not fall and is like a Muslim. Tell me the name of that tree." Everybody started thinking about the trees of the desert areas. And I thought of the date-palm tree. The others then asked, "Please inform us what is that tree, O Allah's Apostle?" He replied, "It is the date-palm tree."97 94

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Muadh bin Jabal narrated that while I was riding behind the Prophet as a companion rider and there was nothing between me and him except the back of the saddle, he said, "O Mu'adh!" I replied, "Labbaik O Allah's Apostle! And Sa'diak!" He proceeded for a while and then said, "O Mu'adh!" I said, "Labbaik and Sa'daik, O Allah's Apostle!" He then proceeded for another while and said, "O Mu'adh bin Jabal!" I replied, "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle, and Sa'daik!" He said, "Do you know what is Allah's right on His slaves?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He said, "Allah's right on his slaves is that they should worship Him and not worship anything besides Him." He then proceeded for a while, and again said, "O Mu'adh bin Jabal!" I replied. "Labbaik, O Allah's Apostle, and Sa'daik." He said, "Do you know what is [Allah's] slaves' [people's] right on Allah if they did that?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." He said, "The right of [Allah's] slaves on Allah is that He should not punish them [if they did that]."98 4. Sitting in a Religious Gathering Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, encouraged his companions to sit wherever they find a place to sit. Even if a place is packed, one should try to accommodate himself there if possible. Abu Waqid Al-Laithi narrated that While Allah's Apostle Muhammad Peace be upon him was sitting in the mosque with some people, three men came. Two of them came in front of Allah's Apostle and the third one went away. The two persons kept on standing before Allah's Apostle for a while and then one of them found a place in the circle and sat there while the other sat behind the gathering, and the third one went away. When Allah's Apostle Muhammad Peace be upon him finished his preaching, he said, "Shall I tell you about these three persons? One of them betook himself to Allah, so Allah took him into His grace and mercy and accommodated him, the second felt shy from Allah, so Allah sheltered Him in His mercy [and did not punish him], while the third turned his face from Allah and went away, so Allah turned His face from him likewise. "99

5. Avoiding Hastiness We learn from the lives of the companions that they were not hasty in answering the questions put forward by the prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, by rather waited for his answer and explanations of different matter of the religion. Abdur Rehman bin Abi Bakra’s father narrated that once the Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him was riding his camel and a man was holding its rein. The Prophet asked, "What is the day today?" We kept quiet, thinking that he might give that day another name. He said, "Isn't it the day of Nahr [slaughtering of the animals of sacrifice]" We replied, "Yes." He further asked, "Which month is this?" We again kept quiet, thinking that he might give it another name. Then he said, "Isn't it the month of Dhul-Hijja?" We replied, "Yes." He said, "Verily! Your blood, property and honor are sacred to one another [i.e. Muslims] like the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours and in this city of yours. It is incumbent upon those who are present to inform those who are 98

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absent because those who are absent might comprehend [what I have said] better than the present audience."100 6. Age Limit for Learning Many of the companions of the prophet became Muslims when they were quiet old. But it did not stop them from learning religious knowledge as is mentioned by Umar bin Khattab. …the companions of the Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him learned even when they attained old age.101 7. Encouragement of Memorization Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, encouraged his companions to memorize what he told them. Abu Jamra narrated that I was an interpreter between the people and Ibn 'Abbas. Once Ibn 'Abbas said that a delegation of the tribe of 'Abdul Qais came to the Prophet who asked them, "Who are the people [i.e. you]? [Or] who are the delegates?" They replied, "We are from the tribe of Rabi'a." Then the Prophet said to them, "Welcome, O people [or said, "O delegation [of 'Abdul Qais]."] Neither will you have disgrace nor will you regret." They said, "We have come to you from a distant place and there is the tribe of the infidels of Mudar intervening between you and us and we cannot come to you except in the sacred month. So please order us to do something good [religious deeds] and that we may also inform our people whom we have left behind [at home] and that we may enter Paradise [by acting on them.]" The Prophet ordered them to do four things, and forbade them from four things. He ordered them to believe in Allah alone, the Honorable, the Majestic, and said to them, "Do you know what is meant by believing in Allah alone?" They replied, "Allah and His Apostle know better." Thereupon the Prophet said, "[That means to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad Peace be upon him is His Apostle, to offer prayers perfectly, to pay Zakat, to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan, [and] to pay Al-Khumus [one fifth of the booty to be given in Allah's cause]." Then he forbade them four things, namely AdDubba', Hantam, Muzaffat [and] An-Naqir or Muqaiyar. [These were the names of pots in which alcoholic drinks used to be prepared]. The Prophet further said, "Memorize them [these instructions] and tell them to the people whom you have left behind."102

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8. Travelling for the Sake of Gaining Knowledge Companions realized the importance of attaining knowledge about the Creator. For this reason, the companions traveled great distances to confirm the words of the Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him]. Some of the examples from the early years are as follows. Imam al-Bukhari recorded in his Sahih that Jaabir ibn Abdullah traveled for one month to get a single hadith from Abdullah ibn Unais. In another version, it states that Jaabir said, “I used to hear a hadith on the authority of the Prophet [Peace be upon him] about retribution and the one who narrated that hadith [directly from the Prophet [Peace be upon him]] was in Egypt, so I bought a camel and traveled to Egypt...”103 The Companion Abu Ayyoob traveled all the way to Egypt to ask Uqba ibn Amr about one hadith. He told Uqba that only he and Uqba were left who had heard that particular hadith directly from the Prophet [Peace be upon him]. After hearing the hadith his business was completed in Egypt and he returned to Madinah. One of the Companions traveled to visit Fadhala ibn Ubaid and told him that he came not to visit him but only to ask him about a hadith that they had both heard from the Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him and the Companion was hoping that Fadhala had the complete wording of the hadith.104 8. Woman and Education Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, with his concern for the women dedicated a special day for teaching the women. Abu Saeed Al-Khudri narrated that some women requested the Prophet to fix a day for them as the men were taking all his time. On that he promised them one day for religious lessons and commandments. Once during such a lesson the Prophet said, "A woman whose three children die will be shielded by them from the Hell fire." On that a woman asked, "If only two die?" He replied, "Even two [will shield her from the Hell-fire]." 105 9. Repeatedly Asking the same Question until the Issue Becomes Clear Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, would remain very patient when he was mentioned something but was repeatedly questioned about it because the issue may not have been clear for someone. Ibn Abu Mulaika narrated that whenever 'Aisha [the wife of the Prophet] heard anything which she did not understand, she used to ask again till she understood it completely. Aisha said: "Once the Prophet said, "Whoever will be called to account [about his deeds on the Day of Resurrection] will surely be punished." I said, "Doesn't Allah say: "He surely will receive an easy reckoning." [The Qur’an 84.8] The Prophet replied, "This 103

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means only the presentation of the accounts but whoever will be argued about his account, will certainly be ruined."106 10. Spreading Knowledge Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, at numerous occasions stressed the idea of spreading knowledge after acquiring it. Said narrated that Abu Shuraih said, "When 'Amr bin Said was sending the troops to Makkah [to fight 'Abdullah bin Az-Zubair] I said to him, 'O chief! Allow me to tell you what the Prophet said on the day following the conquests of Makkah. My ears heard and my heart comprehended, and I saw him with my own eyes, when he said it. He glorified and praised Allah and then said, "Allah and not the people has made Makkah a sanctuary. So anybody who has belief in Allah and the Last Day [i.e. a Muslim] should neither shed blood in it nor cut down its trees. If anybody argues that fighting is allowed in Makkah as Allah's Apostle did fight [in Makkah], tell him that Allah gave permission to His Apostle, but He did not give it to you. The Prophet added: Allah allowed me only for a few hours on that day [of the conquest] and today [now] its sanctity is the same [valid] as it was before. So it is incumbent upon those who are present to convey it [this information] to those who are absent." Abu- Shuraih was asked, "What did 'Amr reply?" He said 'Amr said, "O Abu Shuraih! I know better than you [in this respect]. Makkah does not give protection to one who disobeys [Allah] or runs after committing murder, or theft [and takes refuge in Makkah]. 107 11. Repeating Something Thrice Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him would often educate his companions by repeating something thrice so that they would well-comprehend the knowledge he gave them. Anas narrated that whenever the Prophet asked permission to enter, he knocked the door thrice with greeting and whenever he spoke a sentence [said a thing] he used to repeat it thrice.108 12. Writting At times, Prophet would also ask the companions to write what he said so that the companions would preserve it well. UbaidUllah bin Abdullah narrated that Ibn 'Abbas said, "When the ailment of the Prophet became worse, he said, 'Bring for me [writing] paper and I will write for you a statement after which you will not go astray.' But 'Umar said, 'The Prophet is seriously ill, and we have got Allah's Book with us and that is sufficient for us.' But the companions of the Prophet differed about this and there was a hue and cry. On that the Prophet said to them, 'Go away [and leave me alone]. It is not right that you should quarrel in front of me." Ibn 'Abbas came out saying, "It was most unfortunate [a great 106

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disaster] that Allah's Apostle was prevented from writing that statement for them because of their disagreement and noise. [Note: It is apparent from this Hadith that Ibn 'Abbas had witnessed the event and came out saying this statement. The truth is not so, for Ibn 'Abbas used to say this statement on narrating the Hadith and he had not witnessed the event personally.109 There are various hadith that make references to the secretaries of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, who would record the Qur'an and any letters he may have dictated. According to Al-Kattaani Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, must have had at least fifty secretaries. And this could not have been done without the Prophet’s explicit approval or encouragement. Al-Baghdaadi records a number of hadith that show that the Prophet [Peace be upon him] explicitly allowed the recording of his hadith. Here are some examples: 1. AI-Bukhari, in his Sahih, recorded that Abu Hurairah said, “One can find none of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah relating more hadith than I, except Abdullah ibn Amr because he used to record the hadith while I did not do so.” 2. Anas narrated the statement, “Secure knowledge b writing it.” This hadith has been related by a number of authorities but mostly with weak chains. There is a dispute concerning whether or not it is actually a statement of the prophet [Peace be upon him] or of some Companions. However, according to al-Albani, the hadith, as recorded by a Haakim and others, is authentic.’ 3. Al-Daarimi and Abu Dawood in their Sunans recorded that Abdullah ibn Amr ibn alAs stated that they used to record everything they heard from the Prophet [Peace be upon him]. They were warned against doing so as, it was argued, the Prophet [Peace be upon him] was a human being who may be angry at times and pleased at times. Abdullah stopped writing his hadith until they could ask the Prophet [Peace be upon him] about this issue. The Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] told him, Write [my hadith], by the One in whose hand is my soul, nothing leaves it [the Prophet’s mouth] save the truth.” That is, whether he was angry or pleased what he spoke was always the truth. “The Prophet himself sent hundred of letters. Many of these were very lengthy, containing formulas for prayers and worship.” Many of which can be found in the Tabaqaat of Ibn Sa’d. These are nothing but the hadith of the prophet [Peace be upon him]. That should not let any doubt in anyones mind that writing hadith began during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] himself. This practice of writing had continued after the death of the messenger of Allah [Peace upon him]. Al-Azami, in his work Studies in Early Hadith Literature, has listed and discussed some fifty Companions the prophet who had recorded hadith. Note the following: Abd Allah B. Abbas [3 B.H.-68 A.H.]... He was so eager for knowledge that he would ask as many as 30 Companions about a single incident... It seems he wrote what he heard and sometimes even employed his slaves for this purpose... The following derived hadith from him in written form: All b. Abdullah ibn Abbas, Amr b. Dinar, Al-Hakam b. Miqsam, lbn Abu Mulaikah, Ikrimah... Kuraib, Mujahid, Najdah...Said b. Jubair] 109

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Abd Allah B. timar B. al-Khattab [10 B.H.-74 AH.]. He transmitted a large number of ahadith, and was so strict in relating them that he did not allow the order of a word to be changed even though it would not have altered the meaning... He had books. One Kitab [book] which belonged to Umar, and was in his possession, was read to him by Nafi several times... The following derived hadith from him in written form: Janul b. Zaid al-Tai... Nafi client of ibn Umar, Said b. Jubair, Abd al-Aziz b. Marwan, Abd al-Malik b. Marwan, Ubaid Allah b. Llmar, Umar b. lJbaid Allah.. Even Abu Hurairah used to write hadith during the life time of the Prophet as is obvious from the following incident. “I [Abdullah bin Amr Al-As] narrated a hadith in the presence of Abu Hurairah and he rejected the hadith. I said, ‘I heard the hadith from you.’ He said, ‘If you had heard that hadith from me you will find it recorded in my books.’ He took me by my hand to his house and I saw many books of the Prophet’s hadith and [in one of them] I found the hadith in question.” Basheer ibn Naheek said, “I used to record what I heard from Abu Hurairah. When I was to part from him, I would take my book to him and read it to him and say, ‘Is this what I heard from you?’ and he would say, ‘Yes.”’ These incidents prove that he had a written collection of his own hadith and that he did not disapprove of others recording his hadith. According to al-Azami, “Recent research has proved that almost all of the hadith of the Prophet was written down in the life of the companions, which stretched to the end of the first century.” This last statement is partially based on al-Azami’s own research in which he has mentioned many companions and followers who possessed written hadith. Elsewhere, he himself writes, I have established in my doctoral thesis Studies in Early Hadith Literature that even in the first century of the Hijra many hundreds of booklets of hadith were in circulation. If we add another hundred years, it would be difficult to enumerate the quantity of booklets and books, which were in circulation. Even by the most conservative estimate they were many thousands.’ So the question arises, where are these books today. He wrote, These books were not destroyed nor did they perish, but [they] were absorbed into the work of later authors. When the encyclopedia-type books were produced, scholars did not feel the necessity to keep the early books or booklets, and so, slowly, they disappeared. Of the earliest works, one in particular deserves closer attention. This is the Saheefah of Hammaam ibn Munabbih. It is a written collection of hadith that the Companion Abu Hurairah dictated to his student Hammaam. Since Abu Hurairah died around 58 A.H. [or some forty-eight years after the death of the Prophet], this collection must have been dictated to Hammaam sometime before that date. Concerning the passing on of the saheefah, Hammaam [who died in 101 A. H.] later read these hadith to his student Mamar [d.113]. Hamidullah writes,

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Many must have been the persons who received instructions in it [the saheefah], but by good fortune he [Hammaam] had among his pupils a man of distinction and enthusiasm, Mamar ibn Rashid, who without either addition or omission, transmitted it to his pupils. Mamar too was fortunate in having had a pupil universally esteemed, who distinguished himself by his learning, namely Abd ar.-Razzaq ibn Hammam... Like his teacher Mamar, he decided not to amalgamate the Saheefah of Hammam in his own work, but preserve its integrity, and transmit to posterity in its original form as an independent work. Two of his pupils have become prominent in hadith lore, one Ahmad ibn Hanbal and the other Abu’lHasan Abmad ibn Yusufal-Sulami.’ Ahmad incorporated the entire work, save two hadith, into his famous Musnad. Al-Sulami, on the other hand, continued the passing on of this collection as an independent work. It was continually passed on until the 9th century which is the date of the Berlin manuscript, one of the four manuscripts of this work that is still in existence. Since the hadith in Ahmad’s Musnad are arranged according to the Companion who narrated the hadith, it is very easy to find all of the hadith from Hammaam on the authority of Abu Hurairah in that collection. Other books, where the hadith are arranged according to fiqh topics, also incorporated a great deal of the Saheefah. A study of Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim will demonstrate the following. Out of the 137 hadith in the Saheefah of Hammaam: 29 are recorded by both al-Bukhari and Muslim. 22 others are recorded only by al-Bukhari. 48 others are recorded only by Muslim. Thus, 99 of the 137 hadith may be found in either Sahih al-Bukhari or Sahih Muslim. The following works contain many, if not all, of the hadith of this saheefah: Al-Bukhari’s al-Jaami al-Sahih, Muslim’s Sahih, Ahmad’s Musnad, Abdul Razzaaq’s Musannaf Mamar’s Jaami [even] Hammaam’s Saheefah. After looking at these books, one may realize that the wordings of the hadith have not been changed from the time of Abu Huraira to the time of al-Bukhari. Hamidullah concludes, Even after the lapse of more than 13 centuries there has not crept in a single alteration in the text of the collection... .Since these traditions have been transmitted not only by Abu Huraira, but, independently of him, by other Companions of the Prophet too, and in each case the chain or isnad has been different... If there had been no risk of boredom..., it would have been easy to show in proper detail, how, in addition to Abu Huraira, each of the traditions contained in the Saheefah of Hammam has been related by various other Companions... These traditions could never have been forged in the 3rd or 4th century... 13. Teaching the Companions before Sleep Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, at times would also teach before going to sleep. Page 53 of 68

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Abdullah ibn Umar narrated that once the Prophet led us in the 'Isha' prayer during the last days of his life and after finishing it [the prayer] [with Taslim] he said: "Do you realize [the importance of] this night?" Nobody present on the surface of the earth tonight will be living after the completion of one hundred years from this night."110 14. Prophet’s Advice of being Silent while he Spoke Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, taught his companions the manners that they should remain quiet while the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, speaks. Jarir narrated that the Prophet said to me during Hajjat-al-Wida': Let the people keep quiet and listen. Then he said [addressing the people], "Do not [become infidels] revert to disbelief after me by striking the necks [cutting the throats] of one another [killing each other]." 111 15. Shyness Ansar women were not shy of asking any questions that concerned them. Had they done that, Muslim women would have really hard times dealing with particular situation. Umm Sulaim the mother of Anas and the wife of Abu Talha asked the prophet regarding a wet dream and what should a woman do when that happens. They Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, answered the questions thus not leaving them in ignorance. Umm Salama narrated that Umm-Sulaim came to Allah's Apostle and said, "Verily, Allah is not shy of [telling you] the truth. Is it necessary for a woman to take a bath after she has a wet dream [nocturnal sexual discharge?] The Prophet replied, "Yes, if she notices a discharge." Umm Salama, then covered her face and asked, "O Allah's Apostle! Does a woman get a discharge?" He replied, "Yes, let your right hand be in dust [an Arabic expression you say to a person when you contradict his statement meaning "you will not achieve goodness"], and that is why the son resembles his mother."112 16. CONCLUSION These are just few examples of how the prophet educated his companions and how the companions understood the responsibility of learning and preserving that knowledge that caused billions of Muslims to benefit from that knowledge after them.

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DA’WAH EARLIEST DAYS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him PROPAGATION OF ISLAM Allah sent Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, for the guidance of all mankind. He was ordered by Allah to start with his near kindred. The first verse that commanded Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, to call others to Islam was: And warn thy tribe of near kindred, [The Qur’an 26:214] Therefore, prophet started to invite his tribesmen to Islam. It is reported by Imam Bukhari in his collection of Sahih that when the verse: "And warn your tribe of near kindred,” [The Qur’an 26:214] was revealed, the Prophet started calling [the 'Arab tribes], "O Bani Fihr, O Bani 'Adi" mentioning first the various branch tribes of Quraish. Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: When the verse: "And warn your tribe of near kindred," [Qur’an 26.214] was revealed, the Prophet started calling every tribe by its name.113 In another narration: Ibn Abbas narrated that When the Verse: "And warn your tribe of near-kindred," was revealed, the Prophet ascended the Safa [mountain] and started calling, "O Bani Fihr! O Bani 'Adi!" addressing various tribes of Quraish till they were assembled. Those who could not come themselves sent their messengers to see what was there. Abu Lahab and other people from Quraish came and the Prophet then said, "Suppose I told you that there is an [enemy] cavalry in the valley intending to attack you, would you believe me?" They said, "Yes, for we have not found you telling anything other than the truth." He then said, "I am a warner to you in face of a terrific punishment." Abu Lahab said [to the Prophet] "May your hands perish all this day. Is it for this purpose you have gathered us?" Then it was revealed: "Perish the hands of Abu Lahab [one of the Prophet's uncles], and perish he! His wealth and his children will not profit him..." Perish the hands of the Father of Flame! Perish he! No profit to him from all his wealth and all his gains! Burnt soon will he be in a Fire of blazing Flame! His wife shall carry the [crackling] wood as fuel! A twisted rope of palm-leaf fibre round her [own] neck!” [The Qur'an 111:1-5]114 Imam Muslim reported another part of the story in sahih: Aisha narrated that When this verse was revealed: "And warn thy nearest kindred," the Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] stood up on Safa' and said: O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, Peace be upon him, O Safiyyah, daughter of Abdul Muttalib, O son of Abdul Muttalib, I have nothing which can avail you against Allah; you may ask me what you want of my worldly belongings.115

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Until now, the message of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was not very open in Makkah but it was later that Allah commanded him to openly call everyone to Islam. So proclaim that which thou art commanded, and withdraw from the idolaters. [The Qur'an 15:94] Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, fulfilled the order of Allah, calling people away from the worship of idols to the worship of Allah. Such cause all the Makkahns to become his enemies. The disbelievers of Makkah took their complain to Abu Talib but Abu Talib tried to appease their wrath by giving them a polite reply. At times Abu Talib spoke to Muhammad, Peace be upon him, and said, "Could you not be silent about all this; believe it all for yourself, but not trouble others, anger the chief men, and endanger yourself and all of us, talking of it?" Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, answered: "If the sun stood on my right hand and the moon on my left, ordering me to hold my peace, I could not obey!" This indicates what divine courage Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, possessed and that he never showed any weakness in his determination to fight for a just cause and at the same time remained patient upon his cause.

PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, PATIENCE UPON NAME CALLING Even though, Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was charged of being a sorcerer, a mad man, a liar; he remained patient. Allah says: And if Our revelations are recited unto them in plain terms, they say: This is naught else than a man who would turn you away from what your fathers used to worship; and they say: This is naught else than an invented lie. Those who disbelieve say of the truth when it reacheth them: This is naught else than mere magic. [The Qur'an 34:43] Is it a wonder for mankind that We have inspired a man among them, saying: Warn mankind and bring unto those who believe the good tidings that they have a sure footing with their Lord? The disbelievers say: Lo! This is a mere wizard. [The Qur'an 10:2] And they say: lo! This is mere magic;[The Qur'an 37:15] And now that the Truth hath come unto them they say: This is mere magic, and lo! We are disbelievers therein. [The Qur'an 43:30] And lo! Those who disbelieve would fain disconcert thee with their eyes when they bear the Reminder, and they say: Lo! He is indeed [The Qur'an 68:51] And when Our clear revelations are recited unto them, who disbelieve say of the Truth when it reacheth them: This is mere magic. [The Qur'an 46:7] Because of the arrogance of the disbelievers of Makkah, they would also inwardly laugh at his faith. They used to insult, laugh and wink at his faith in public places. Allah says, Lo! the guilty used to laugh at those who believed, And wink one to another when they passed them; And when they returned to their own folk, they returned jetting; And when Page 56 of 68

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they saw them they said: Lo! These have gone astray. Yet they were not sent as guardians over them. [The Qur'an 83:29-33] They also used to distort the teaching of the teachings of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, and spread groundless allegation regarding the Islamic doctrine. Even though, Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, faced all these problems, he remained patient and steadfast and these hurdles did not stop him from spreading his message.

THE PROPHET, Peace be upon him, PATIENCE UPON PHYSICAL HARMS For about first four years of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, propagation, the disbelievers only limited themselves to the name calling and mocking Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, and the doctrine that he came with. After that, they started their full scale attack on Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, and his companions. Some of which entails: 1. Flinging stones at Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him 2. Spreading thorns on the path where prophet was expected to walk. 3. The wife of Abu Sufyan went to the mosque with handful of pebbles to hurt Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, but Allah took away her sight and she only saw Abu Bakr who was sitting next to Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. 4. They also put the dirty intestines of the she camels at the back of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. Abdullah Ibn Masud narrated that once the Prophet was offering prayers at the Ka'ba. Abu Jahl was sitting with some of his companions. One of them said to the others, "Who amongst you will bring the abdominal contents [intestines, etc.] of a camel of Bani so and so and put it on the back of Muhammad, Peace be upon him, when he prostrates?" The most unfortunate of them got up and brought it. He waited till the Prophet prostrated and then placed it on his back between his shoulders. I was watching but could not do any thing. I wish I had some people with me to hold out against them. They started laughing and falling on one another. Allah's Apostle was in prostration and he did not lift his head up till Fatima [Prophet's daughter] came and threw that [camel's abdominal contents] away from his back. He raised his head and said thrice, "O Allah! Punish Quraish." So it was hard for Abu Jahl and his companions when the Prophet invoked Allah against them as they had a conviction that the prayers and invocations were accepted in this city [Makkah]. The Prophet said, "O Allah! Punish Abu Jahl, 'Utba bin Rabi'a, Shaiba bin Rabi'a, Al-Walid bin 'Utba, Umaiya bin Khalaf, and 'Uqba bin Al Mu'it [and he mentioned the seventh whose name I cannot recall]. By Allah in Whose Hands my life is, I saw the dead bodies of those persons who were counted by Allah's Apostle in the Qalib [one of the wells] of Badr.116 5. Backbiting Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was another means of dishonoring him. 116

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Woe unto every slandering traducer,[The Qur'an 104:1] 6. Spitting on Prophet Muhammad’s, Peace be upon him, face as was done by Ubai bin Khalaf upon the order of his dearest friend Uqba bin Al-Mu’ait. 7. Abu Jahl’s attitude which was the reason why Allah revealed the verse: For he neither trusted, nor prayed [The Qur'an 75:31] 8. Other threats of Abu Jahl some of which included his plans to severely hurt the prophet. Abu Huraira narrated that Abu Jahl asked [people] whether Muhammad Peace be upon him placed his face [on the ground] in the presence. It was said to him: Yes. He said: By Lat and Uzza, if I were to see him do that, I should trample his neck, or I should besmear his face with dust. He came to Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] as he was engaged in prayer and thought of trampling his neck. [The people say] that he came near him but turned upon his heels and tried to repulse something with his hands. It was said to him: What is the matter with you? He said: There is between me and him a ditch of fire and terror and wings. Thereupon Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] said: If he had come near me the angels would have torn him to pieces.117 Such were the troubles that Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, had to go through. But these troubles did not stop him from delivering the message of Islam. He understood that Allah has sent him with a responsibility. He remained patient and hoped for the guidance of the disbelievers. At times, he could have even wished the destruction of the disbelievers, but he preferred their guidance instead. Aisha narrated that she asked the Prophet, "Have you encountered a day harder than the day of the battle] of Uhud?" The Prophet replied, "Your tribes have troubled me a lot, and the worse trouble was the trouble on the day of 'Aqaba when I presented myself to Ibn 'Abd-Yalail bin 'Abd-Kulal and he did not respond to my demand. So I departed, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and proceeded on, and could not relax till I found myself at Qarnath-Tha-alib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Gabriel in it. He called me saying, 'Allah has heard your people's saying to you, and what they have replied back to you. Allah has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to these people.' The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, 'O Muhammad Peace be upon him! Order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-AkhShabain [i.e. two mountains] fall on them.' "The Prophet said, "No but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Allah Alone, and will worship none besides Him."118 Even though Abu Jahl was one of the major enemies of Islam, Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, still wanted him to be guided to Islam and even prayed for his guidance along with the guidance of Umar bin Khattab who at one time was also an enemy of Islam.

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Abdullah Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet [Peace be upon him], said, "O Allah, strengthen Islam with Abu Jahl ibn Hisham, or Umar ibn al-Khattab." In the morning Umar went to the Prophet and accepted Islam; then prayed openly in the mosque.119

PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him, CONCERN FOR MANKIND Allah testified in the Qur'an that Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is concerned about the guidance of mankind. Allah says: There hath come unto you a messenger, [one] of yourselves, unto whom aught that ye are overburdened is grievous, full of concern for you, for the believers full of pity, merciful. [The Qur'an 9:128] Because of his concern, he never missed any opportunity to guide this mankind. Even if he saw someone dying on their death bed, he tried to save them from the punishment of hell fire. Sayyid bin al-Mussayab narrated from his father that when the time of the death of Abu Talib approached, Allah's Apostle went to him and found Abu Jahl bin Hisham and 'Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya bin Al-Mughira by his side. Allah's Apostle said to Abu Talib, "O uncle! Say: None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, a sentence with which I shall be a witness [i.e. argue] for you before Allah." Abu Jahl and 'Abdullah bin Abi Umaiya said, "O Abu Talib! Are you going to denounce the religion of Abdul Muttalib?" Allah's Apostle kept on inviting Abu Talib to say it [i.e. 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah'] while they [Abu Jahl and Abdullah] kept on repeating their statement till Abu Talib said as his last statement that he was on the religion of Abdul Muttalib and refused to say, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah.' [Then Allah's Apostle said, "I will keep on asking Allah's forgiveness for you unless I am forbidden [by Allah] to do so." So Allah revealed [the verse] concerning him [i.e. It is not fitting for the Prophet and those who believe that they should invoke [Allah] for forgiveness for pagans even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are companions of the fire. It is not for the Prophet, and those who believe, to pray for the forgiveness of idolaters even though they may be near of kin [to them] after it hath become clear that they are people of hell fire. [The Qur'an 9:113].120 In a different incident, Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, showed his pleasure when a Jewish boy became a Muslim at the verge of death. Anas narrated that a young Jewish boy used to serve the Prophet and he became sick. So the Prophet went to visit him. He sat near his head and asked him to embrace Islam. The boy looked at his father, who was sitting there; the latter told him to obey Abul-Qasim and the boy embraced Islam. The Prophet came out saying: "Praises be to Allah Who saved the boy from the Hell-fire."121

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Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was very loving whenever it came to the matters of guiding other to the right path. At times, even the companions of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, became upset but Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, remained calm as can be seen in the following hadith. Anas bin Malik narrated that while we were in the mosque with Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] a desert Arab, came and stood up and began to urinate in the mosque. The companions of Allah's Apostle [Peace be upon him] said: Stop, stop; but the Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him]: Don't interrupt him; leave him along. They left him alone, and when he finished urinating, Allah's Apostle [Peace be upon him] called him and said to him: These mosques are not the places meant for urine and filth, but are only for the remembrance of Allah, prayer and the recitation of the Qur'an or Allah's Apostle [Peace be upon him] said something like that. He [the narrator] said that he [the Prophet] then gave orders to one of the people who brought a bucket of water and poured it over.122 Such was the character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him.

A GLIMPSE OF SOME OF THE QUALITIES AND POSSESSIONS OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him Scholars of Islam have gathered a lot of narrations pertaining to the qualities and possessions of our beloved prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. Such narrations can be found in numerous books, such as Tabaqat-e-Ibn Sa’d and others. It is only the beauty of Islam that out of the love for our beloved prophet, such minute details are collected regarding him. A glimpse of some of those narrations are as follows. Any intereseted reader may go the sources provided in the footnotes to get more details. 1. Strength Uqbah bin Amir narrated I heard the Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] say - and he was delivering a sermon from the pulpit: Prepare to meet them with as much strength as you can afford. Beware, strength consists in archery. Beware, strength consists in archery. Beware, strength consists in archery.123

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2. Food Abdullah Ibn Abbas narrated that the food the Apostle of Allah [Peace be upon him] liked best was tharid made from bread and tharid made from Hays.124 Aisha narrated that Allah's Apostle used to like sweets and also used to like honey….125 Abdullah ibn Masud narrated that the bone dearer to the Apostle of Allah [Peace be upon him] was the bone of sheep.126 3. Disliked Food Abu Saeed Al-Khudri narrated that we made no transgression but Khaybar was conquered. We, the Companions of the Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] fell upon this plant, i.e. garlic, because the people were hungry. We ate it to our heart's content and then made our way towards the mosque. The Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] sensed its odour and he said: He who takes anything of this offensive plant must not approach us in the mosque. The people said: Its [use] has been forbidden; its [use] has been forbidden. This reached the Apostle of Allah [Peace be upon him] and he said: O people, I cannot forbid [the use of a thing] which Allah has made lawful, but [this garlic] is a plant the odour of which is repugnant to me.127 Jabir Ibn Abdullah narrated that the Prophet said, "Whoever eats garlic or onion should keep away from our mosque or should remain in his house." [Jabir bin 'Abdullah, in another narration said, "Once a big pot containing cooked vegetables was brought. On finding unpleasant smell coming from it, the Prophet asked, 'What is in it?' He was told all the names of the vegetables that were in it. The Prophet ordered that it should be brought near to some of his companions who were with him. When the Prophet saw it he disliked to eat it and said, 'Eat. [I don't eat] for I converse with those whom you don't converse with [i.e. the angels].' "]128 Abdullah Ibn Abbas narrated that Yazid ibn al-Asamm reported: A newly-wedded man of Madinah invited us to a wedding feast, and he served us thirteen lizards. Some people ate it and some left it. I met Ibn Abbas the next day, and informed him [about this] in the presence of many people. Some of them said that the Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] had observed: I neither eat it nor forbid [anyone] to eat it, nor do I declare it to be unlawful. Thereupon Ibn Abbas said: That is what you say! Allah's Apostle [Peace be upon him] has been expressly sent [to declare in clear words] the lawful and the unlawful [things]. We were once with Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] when he was with Maymunah. There were with him al-Fadl ibn Abbas, Khalid ibn Walid and some women [also], when a tray of food containing flesh was presented to him. As Allah's Apostle [Peace be upon him] was about to eat that, Maymunah said: It is the flesh of the lizard. He withdrew his hand saying: That is the flesh which I never eat; but he said to them [those who were present there]: You may eat. Al-Fadl ate from it, so did

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Khalid ibn Walid, and the women. Maymunah [however] said: I do not eat anything but that which Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] eats. 129 Said bin Jubair narrated that Ibn Abbas said: Um Hufaid, Ibn 'Abbas's aunt sent some dried yogurt [butter free], ghee [butter] and a mastigar to the Prophet as a gift. The Prophet ate the dried yogurt and butter but left the mastigar because he disliked it. Ibn 'Abbas said, "The mastigar was eaten at the table of Allah's Apostle and if it had been illegal to eat, it could not have been eaten at the table of Allah's Apostle."130 4. Charity Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, would not accept any charity from anyone. Aisha narrated that Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, would accept the gift but would not accept the charity.131 Anas narrated that whenever a meal was brought to Allah's Apostle, he would ask whether it was a gift or Sadaqa [something given in charity]. If he was told that it was Sadaqa, he would tell his companions to eat it, but if it was a gift, he would hurry to share it with them.132 5. Women and Perfume Anas narrated that Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] said, "Perfume and women have been made dear to me, but my comfort has been provided by prayer."133 Aisha narrated that three worldly things used to give pleasure to Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him]: food, women and perfume. He acquired two, but one he did not acquire. He acquired women and perfume, but not food.134 6. Appearance of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him. When Ali described the Prophet [Peace be upon him] he said: He was neither very tall nor excessively short, but was a man of medium size. He had neither very curly nor flowing hair but a mixture of both. He was not obese, he did not have a very round face, but it was so to some extent. He was reddish-white, he had wide black eyes and long eyelashes. He had protruding joints and shoulder-blades, he was not hairy but had some hair on his chest, and the palms of his hands and his feet were calloused. When he walked he raised his feet as though he were walking on a slope; when he turned round he turned completely. Between his shoulders was the seal of prophecy and he was the seal of the prophets. He had a finer chest than anyone else, was truer in utterance than 129

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anyone else, had the gentlest nature and the noblest tribe. Those who saw him suddenly stood in awe of him and those who shared his acquaintanceship loved him. Those who described him said they had never seen anyone like him before or since.135 7. Seal of Prophethood As Saib bin Yazid narrated that My aunt took me to the Prophet and said, "O Allah's Apostle! This son of my sister has got a disease in his legs." So he passed his hands on my head and prayed for Allah's blessings for me; then he performed ablution and I drank from the remaining water. I stood behind him and saw the seal of Prophethood between his shoulders, and it was like the "Zir-al-Hijla" [means the button of a small tent, but some said 'egg of a partridge.' etc.] 136 8. Prophet’s Hair Anas bin Malik narrated that Qatadah reported: I asked Anas ibn Malik: How was the hair of Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him]? Thereupon he said: His hair was neither very curly nor very straight, and they hung over his shoulders and ear-lobes.137 9. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Dyed His Hair Uthman bin Abdullah bin Mauhab narrated that I went to Um Salama and she brought out for us some of the dyed hair of the Prophet. Ibn Mauhab also said that Um Salama had shown him the red hair of the Prophet.138 10. Cupping Anas narrated that he was asked about the wages of the one who cups others. He said, -Allah's Apostle was cupped by Abd Taiba, to whom he gave two Sa of food and interceded for him with his masters who consequently reduced what they used to charge him daily. Then the Prophet said, 'The best medicines you may treat yourselves with are cupping and sea incense.' He added, 'You should not torture your children by treating tonsillitis by pressing the tonsils or the palate with the finger, but use incense.' "139 11. Trimming One’s Beard and Growing Ones Moustache The Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] said: Trim closely the moustache, and grow beard, and thus act against the fire-worshippers.140 135

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Bukhari. It must also be understood that in other narrations he forbade dying one hair with black color. 139

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Ubaidullah bin Abdullah narrated that a Magians came to the Prophet who had grown his moustache and cut his beard. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, asked him, “Who ordered you do do that.” He responded “My lord [his king].” Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, said “My Lord has ordered me to grow my beard and trim my Mustache.”141 12. Prophet’s Clothes Abdullah Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet [Peace be upon him] said: Wear your white garments, for they are among your best garments, and shroud your dead in them. Among the best types of collyrium you use is antimony [ithmid]: it clears the vision and makes the hair sprout.142 Abu Dharr narratede that I came to the Prophet while he was wearing white clothes… …143 13. Black Color Turbans Jabir Ibn Abdullah narrated that Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] entered Makkah. Qutaybah [another sub-narrator] stated that he entered Makkah in the Year of Victory, wearing a black turban, but not wearing the Ihram.144 Amr Ibn Hurayth narrated that Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] addressed the people [on the day of the Victory of Makkah] with a black turban on his head.145 14. Praying Mats of the Prophet Ibn Abbas narrated [in a long hadith, mentioning the story of Umar] …….. Then the Prophet admitted me [Umar] and I [Umar] narrated the story to Allah's Apostle. When I reached the story of Um Salama, Allah's Apostle smiled while he was lying on a mat made of palm tree leaves with nothing between him and the mat. Underneath his head there was a leather pillow stuffed with palm fibres, and leaves of a saut tree were piled at his feet, and above his head hung a few water skins. On seeing the marks of the mat imprinted on his side, I wept. He said, 'Why are you weeping?' I replied, 'O Allah's Apostle! Caesar and Khosrau are leading the life [i.e. luxurious life] while you, Allah's Apostle though you are, is living in destitute.' The Prophet then replied, 'Won't you be satisfied that they enjoy this world and we the Hereafter?' "146 Abdullah Ibn Masud narrated that Allah's Messenger [Peace be upon him] slept on a reed mat and got up with the marks of it on his body, so Ibn Mas'ud said, "Messenger of Allah, I wish you would order us to spread something out for you and make something." 141

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He replied, "What have I to do with the world? In relation to the world I am just like a rider who shades himself under a tree, then goes off and leaves it."147 15. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Prayer Mat Mughira bin Shubah narrated that The Apostle of Allah [Peace be upon him] used to pray on a mat and on a tanned skin.148 Anas Ibn Malik narrated The Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] was the best among people in character. On occasions, the time of prayer would come while he was in our house. He would then order to spread the mat lying under him. That was dusted and then water sprinkled over it. The Messenger of Allah [Peace be upon him] then led the prayer and we stood behind him, and that mat was made of the leaves of date-palm.149 16. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, socks Mughira bin Shubah narrated once I was traveling with the Prophet and he said, "O Mughira! take this container of water." I took it and Allah's Apostle went far away till he disappeared. He answered the call of nature and was wearing a Syrian cloak. He tried to take out his hands from its sleeve but it was very tight so he took out his hands from under it. I poured water and he performed ablution like that for prayers and passed his wet hands over his Khuff [leather socks] and then prayed. 150 17. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Tooth Stick [Miswaak] Ummul Mumineen Aisha narrated that the Prophet [Peace be upon him] did not get up after sleeping by night or by day without using the tooth-stick before performing ablution.151 Aisha narrated that Shurayh asked her: What Allah's Apostle [Peace be upon him] did first when he entered his house, and she replied: He used tooth stick [first of all].152 Ummul Mumineen Aisha Ablution water and tooth-stick were placed by the side of the Prophet [Peace be upon him]. When he got up during the night [for prayer], he relieved himself, then he used the tooth-stick.153

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18. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Sword The Prophet [Peace be upon him] acquired his sword, Dhul-Fiqar, as private booty at the battle of Badr. Ibn Majah transmitted it, and Tirmidhi added that it was that about which he had the vision at the battle of Uhud.154 19. Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, Armor Abbas narrated that Allah's Apostle while in a tent on the day of the Battle of Badr, said, "O Allah! I request you [to fulfill] Your promise and contract! O Allah! If You wish that you will not be worshipped henceforth..." On that Abu Bakr held the Prophet by the hand and said, "That is enough, O Allah's Apostle. You have appealed to your Lord too pressingly," while the Prophet was putting on his armor. So Allah's Apostle went out, reciting, "Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs." [Qur’an 54.45] 155 Aisha narrated that The Prophet died while his armor was mortgaged to a Jew for thirty Sa's of barley.156

OTHER QUALITIES OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD, Peace be upon him Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, was a very charitable man. He loved to devote himself in the worship of Allah. He loved to do his own work. He used to stitch his own clothes and used to fix his own clothes. He used to help his wives with the house hold work. He used to forgive the oppressions done upon him and did not like to take personal revenge. He used to feed the poor and help the needy. He loved cleanliness and used to always stay in state of ablution and used to visit the sick. He used to accept the invitations of his companions. He did not speak much and used to carry a smile on his face and feared Allah the most. The examples of various other examples of the character of Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, is as follows. 1. Merciful Abdullah bin Az-Zubair narrated that [The Verse] "Hold to forgiveness; command what is right..." was revealed by Allah except in connection with the character of the people. 'Abdullah bin Az-Zubair said: Allah ordered His Prophet to forgive the people their misbehavior [towards him].157

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Abu Saeed Al-Khudri narrated that Allah's Apostle neither talked in an insulting manner nor did he ever speak evil intentionally. He used to say, "The most beloved to me amongst you is the one who has the best character and manners…"158 2. Modesty Anas narrated that it was said to the Prophet "Would that you see Abdullah bin Ubai." So, the Prophet went to him, riding a donkey, and the Muslims accompanied him, walking on salty barren land. When the Prophet reached 'Abdullah bin Ubai, the latter said, "Keep away from me! By Allah, the bad smell of your donkey has harmed me." On that an Ansari man said [to 'Abdullah], "By Allah! The smell of the donkey of Allah's Apostle is better than your smell." On that a man from 'Abdullah's tribe got angry for 'Abdullah's sake, and the two men abused each other which caused the friends of the two men to get angry, and the two groups started fighting with sticks, shoes and hands. We were informed that the following Divine verse was revealed [in this concern]: "And if two groups of believers fall to fighting then, make Peace between them." [Qur’an 49.9] 159 Urwa narrated from Osama bin Zaid that Allah's Apostle rode a donkey on which there was a saddle covered by a velvet sheet and let Usama ride behind him [on the donkey]. 160 3. Moderation in Worship Anas narrated that a group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped [Allah], and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said, "Where we are from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven." Then one of them said, "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever." The other said, "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast." The third said, "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever." Allah's Apostle came to them and said, "Are you the same people who said so-and-so? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you; yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women. So he who does not follow my tradition in religion, is not from me [not one of my followers]." 161 4. Sadaqa Jabir narrated that Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him, would never deny anything he was asked for.162 Abu Huraira narrated that a man came to the Prophet and said, "I am ruined!" The Prophet said, "What is the matter with you?" He said, "I had sexual relation with my wife [while I was fasting] in Ramadan." The Prophet said, "Have you got enough to manumit a slave?" He said, "No." The Prophet said, "Can you fast for two successive months?" The man said, "No." The Prophet said, "Can you feed sixty poor persons?" The man said, "No." Then 158

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the Prophet said to him, "Sit down," and he sat down. Afterwards an 'Irq, i.e., a big basket containing dates was brought to the Prophet and the Prophet said to him, "Take this and give it in charity." The man said, "To poorer people than we?" On that, the Prophet smiled till his premolar teeth became visible, and then told him, "Feed your family with it."163 5. Just Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him was most just, and truthful in speech. Even before his prophethood, he was Al-Ameen [The trustworthy one]. Even in the discussion between Abu Sufian and Heraclius, Abu Sufian testified to Prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him’s honesty. Heraclius said, 'Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim [to be a Prophet]?' I [Abu Sufian] replied, 'No. ' Heraclius said, 'Does he break his promises?' I [Abu Sufian] replied, 'No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do in it.' I could not find opportunity to say anything against him except that……..164

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