Seerat – Level 2 - 230820 1

Seerah

سيرة

إعداد :

قسم البحث والترجمة بالمكتب

JUBAIL DA’WAH & GUIDANCE CENTER

EDUCATION SECTION

المكتب التعاوني للدعوة والإرشاد

وتوعية الجاليات بالجبيل

إدارة التعليم

LEVEL TWO

English

ثاني وى الــــالمست

ــــــزي ليـــــإنج

(03)362 5500 (Ext.1063) Fax No. (03)362 6600 1580, Jubail

31951Account No. in Al-Rajhi at Jubail (Gen.9/21, Books & Cassettes 8/26)

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LEVEL 2 – SEERAT (English)

Jubail Da’wah Centre

CONTENTS

Lesson No.

SUBJECT Page

1

Summary fo Persecution

The First Migration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

2nd Migration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

3

5

6

2 Hamzah bin Abdul-Muttalib embraces Islam

Umar bin Al-Khattab embraces Islam

7

8

3 General Social Boycott 10

4

The Year of Sorrow

• Abu Talib’s Death

• Khadijah passes away

Marriage to Sawdah

Factors inspiring patience and perseverance

11

5 Visit to Taif 14

6 Moon split incident

Isra and Miraj

16

16

7 Aqabah Pledge 1 & 2 19

8 Plot to Murder Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

Migration of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

21

21

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Summary of Persecutions (continued from level-1)

After 4 Nabvi, the polytheists decided to organize a full-scale opposition campaign to stop the tidal wave of Islam through different channels.

• Abu Lahab himself took the initiative of harmful deeds and hatred against Muhammad (pbuh): o Throwing stones at prophet (pbuh).

o Forcing his two sons to divorce their wives Ruqaiya &and Umm Kulthum, the Prophet’s

daughters.

o Gloating over him on his son’s death calling him ‘the man cut off with offspring’.

o Shadowing him during the pilgrimage to belie him and persuade the bedouins against his

Call.

o His wife, Umm Jameel would tie bundles of thorns and scatter them in the paths which

Prophet (pbuh) was expected to take, to cause him bodily injury.

o She was a real shrew, bad-tempered with abusive language, highly skilled in the art of

hatching intrigues, and igniting the fire of dispute and was deservedly stained as ‘the

carrier of firewood’ in the Noble Quran. On receiving this news, she took handful of

pebbles, came to Kaaba in search of prophet (pbuh). She saw Abu Bakr who was sitting

next to Prophet (pbuh), and said where is your friend? If I find him I will throw these stones

on his face. Though Prophet (pbuh) was sitting next to Abu Bakr, But Allah did not make

her see Prophet (Pbuh).

• Omaiyah bin Khalf: Scandal-mongering and backbiting expert.

• Uqbah bin Abu Mu‘ait: A Quraysh leader and member of Banu Abdu Shams was one of the

principal adversaries of Islam. He assaulted Muhammad verbally and physically as he was

preaching monotheism.

o He once spitted on the face of Prophet (pbuh), but it came back on his ownface. One day

Prophet was praying, when Uqba bin Abi Mu’ait came; put his sheet around the Prophet’s

neck and severaly squeezed it. Abu Bakr came; pulled him away from Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said,

“Do you intend to kill a man just because he says: My Lord is Allah, and he has brought

forth to you the Evident Signs from your Lord?”

o Once Prophet (pbuh) was prostrating while praying in al-Ka‘bah, Abu Jahl asked his

friends, who will bring the dirty foetus of a she-camel and place it on his back. Uqbah bin

abi Mu‘ait was the unfortunate man who brought it and did this immoral act. They all

burst out in laughter, falling over one another. Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم remained in prostration, untill

her daughter Fatimah came and removed the filth from him. When Prophetصلى الله عليه وسلم finished his

prayer, he raised his voice & invoked Allah’s curse upon them (thrice); and said, “O Allah,

seize and destroy Quraish!” When they heard his voice, their laughter seized and they

feared his supplication. He (saw) then said: O Allah, seize and destroy Abu Jahl bin

Hisham, Utba bin Rabi’a, Shaiba bin Rabi’a, Walid bin Uqba, Umayya bin Khalf, and Uqba

bin Abu Mu’ait. All of them were killed in the battle of Badr in 2H.

• Ubai bin Khalf grounded old decomposed bones and blew the powder on Prophet (pbuh).

• Abu Jahl: attempted and stepped forward to put his feet on Prophet (pbuh) neck, but retreated

on seeing a ditch of fire. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Abu Jahl asked,

“Does Muhammad rub his face in the dust (i.e. does he prostrate when he prays at the K’abah)

when he is among you?” He was told, “Yes.” He said, “By Laat & Uzza, if I see him doing that, I

will step on his neck or I will rub his face in the dust.” Then the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم came and

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prayed. He (Abu Jahl) had claimed that he would step on his neck, but suddenly all they saw was

that he was running away, raising his hands to protect himself. It was said to him, “What is the

matter with you?” He said, “There is a ditch of fire and terror and wings between me and him.

The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “If he had come near me, the angels would have snatched him

piece by piece.” Then Allah revealed the words:

▪ “Nay! Verily, man does transgress (in disbelief and evil deeds). ▪ Because he considers himself self-sufficient. ▪ Surely, unto your Lord is the return. ▪ Have you (O Muhammad) seen him (i.e. Abu Jahl) who prevents ▪ A slave (Muhammad) when he prays? ▪ Tell me if he (Muhammad) is on the guidance (of Allah) ▪ Or enjoins piety? ▪ Tell me if he (Abu Jahl) denies (the truth, i.e. this Quran) and turns away? ▪ Knows he not that Allah does see (what he does)? ▪ Nay! If he (Abu Jahl) ceases not, We will catch him by the forelock ▪ A lying, sinful forelock! ▪ Then let him call upon his council (of helpers). ▪ We will call out the guards of Hell (to deal with him)! ▪ Nay! (O Muhammad)! Do not obey him (Abu Jahl).” [96:6-19]

• The uncle of Uthman bin ‘Affan would wrap him in a mat of palm leaves, and set fire under him.

• Mus‘ab bin Umair was put under starvation. His mother expelled him from her house. He used

to enjoy luxurious life, but due to tortures his skin got wrinkled with a horrible physical

appearance.

• Bilal, the slave of Omaiyah bin Khalf, was severely beaten by his master. A rope was put around

his neck and street boys would drag him through the streets. He was forced to lie down on the

burning sand and under the crushing burden of heavy stones.

• Ammar bin Yasir, a freed slave along with his mother and father, embraced Islam. They were

repeatedly made to lie on the burning sand and were beaten severely. His father died due to

tortures. His mother Sumaiyah was bayoneted to death by Abu Jahl himself.

When you think that your life is difficult, think about the difficulties faced by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) & his companions who had suffered unbearable tortures, BUT they always stood fast to the Deen of Allah. How do we Thank Allah for his blessings on us?

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1st MIGRATION TO ABYSSINIA (Ethiopia) (5.7)

The series of persecutions started late in the 4th Nabvi and it worsened day by day. Muslims were

intimidated, persecuted, oppresed, tortured and even killed. By the middle of the 5th year, Surah Az-

Zumar (Chapter 39, The Crowds) was revealed pointing to migration.

اقل يا عباد الذين آمنوا اتق واسعة إنما يوفى الص ذه الدنيا حسنة وأرض الل ( 10برون أجرهم بغير حساب )وا ربكم للذين أحسنوا في ه

"Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world, and Allah's earth is spacious (so if you

cannot worship Allah at a place, then go to another). Only those who are patient shall receive their

rewards in full without limits.” [az-Zumar 39:10].

Prophet (pbuh) knew that Ashamah Negus (Najjashi), king of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), was a fair ruler, so he permitted the sahabah to migrate. In Rajab of the 5 Nabvi, a group of twelve men and four women left for Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Among the emigrants were Uthman bin Affan and his wife Ruqaiyah (prophet’s daughter). With respect to these two emigrants, Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“They are the first people to migrate in the cause of Allah after Abraham and Lot (Peace be upon them).”

They sneaked out of Makkah at night and headed for the sea where two boats happened to be sailing for Abyssinia (Ethiopia). When Quraish learnt about his, they sent some men to bring them back and punish them, but the believers had already left Shuaibah Port towards their destination, where they were warmly received and accorded due hospitality.

Sura Najm: Two months later in Ramadan, Prophet (pbuh) went into the Haram. There were many

Quraish polytheists present at that time, including some notables & prominent personalities. Suddenly

he stood up and started reciting Surah An-Najm (Chapter 41, The Star). They got stunned by the awe-

inspiring Words of Allah and forgot making any noise as they used to do. When prophet (pbuh) read

this verse:

"So fall you down in prostration to Allah and worship Him (Alone)." [53:62]

He (pbuh) went into prostation. All the idolaters, subconsciously also prostrated. News of this incident

was misreported to Muslim emigrants in Abyssinia (Ethiopia) that all of Quraish had embraced Islam,

so they made their way back home. When they were only an hour's travel from Makkah, the reality of

the situation was discovered. Some of them returned to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), others sneaked secretly

into the city.

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2nd MIGRATION TO ABYSSINIA (Ethiopia)

Tortures of Muslims were on the increase, so Prophet advised for the 2nd migration to Habsha. This

group comprised 83 men and 18 or 19 women. Although the Quraish were vigilant this time, but again

the Muslims managed to escape.

The Quraish were not happy that the Muslims have found a safe place, so they sent two clever people

Amr bin Aas & Abdullah bin Rabiah (both had not accepted Islam by that time). They presented gifts

to the king and told him that some of their men have ran away and have left our religion. They have

not entered in your religion; instead they have come up with a new religion, which we do not know.

Therefore, kindly return them to us.

NAJASHI was a fair person. He said he will listen to both parties. Muslims were called and were asked

“what is that religion which has caused you to leave your people. On this Ja'far bin Abi Talib made a

most memorable defense. Following is a summary of his speech:

The king asked him to read some verses which were revealed to Muhammad. Ja'far read a few verses

from Sura MARYAM (chapter 19). When the king heard these verses, he said that their fountainhead

was the same as that of the verses of the Eisa. He then declared that he was convinced of his trueness,

and that Muslims were free to live in his kingdom for as long as they wish.

On the following day, Amr bin Aas came with another plan. He returned to the court and said to the

king that he ought to waive his protection to Muslims because they rejected the godly nature of Eisa,

and claimed that he was like other men. When questioned on this point by the king, Ja'far said:

Our judgment of Jesus is the same as that of Allah and His Messenger, viz., Jesus is Allah's servant, His

Prophet and His command given unto Maryam, the innocent virgin.

The king said: "Jesus is just what you have stated him to be, and is nothing more than that."

Addressing to Muslims, he said: "Go to your homes and live in peace. I shall never give you up to your

enemies." He returned the presents which Amr bin Aas had brought, and dismissed his embassy.

• When you have to make a decision, always listen to the arguments from both sides. Najhasi made the right decision only after listening to both Quraish and Muslims.

• We should not believe on rumors.

O King! We were ignorant people and we lived like wild animals. We knew no law but that of the

strong. We worshipped idols made of stone or wood, and we knew nothing of human dignity.

And then Allah, in His Mercy, sent to us His MESSENGER who was himself one of us. We knew about

his truthfulness and his integrity. His character was exemplary, and he was the most well-born of

the Arabs.

He invited us toward the worship of One God, and he forbade us to worship idols. He exhorted us to

tell the truth, and to protect the weak, the poor, the humble, the widows & the orphans. He

ordered us to show respect to women, and never to slander them. We obeyed him and followed his

teachings. Most of the people in our country are still polytheists, and they resented our conversion

to the new faith which is called ISLAM. They began to torture us. We have therefore, escaped from

their persecution and we seek refuge in your kingdom.

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HOMEWORK

______ (12, 18, 30) MEN and ______ (4, 8, 20) WOMEN migrated to Abyssinia in Rajab ____ (5, 10, 13) Nabvi.

First migration group was led by _______________ (Mus’ab bin Umair, Uthman al Affan, Bilal bi Rubah

On 2nd migration to Abyssinia, Quraish sent _________________ (Hamza, Amr bin Aas, Umar) and ____________ (Abdullah bin Rabea, Umar, Umayya bin Khalf) to negotiate with Najjashi.

From Muslims side __________________ (Uthman bin Affan, Umar Farooq, Jaffer ibn Talib) made the defense & also recited sura ___________ (Kahf, Nisa, Maryam)

Sura KAHF:

Jews told Msjrikkeen ofMakkah to ask three questions from Muhammad (pbuh) to test if he is a

prophet or not. These questions were from the past history and people of Makkah had no idea about

them. They were however narrated in the book of Toraat. The three questions were: What is the story

of People of cave, story of Musa and Khizr, who was Zulqarnain? On this Allah revealed sura Kahf

(chapter 18) to aswer their questions.

Story of CONVERSION OF HAMZAH bin Abdul Muttalib: 6.12

In a gloomy atmosphere a light shone on the horizon; the conversion of Hamzah bin Abdul-Muttalib in

Dhul Hijjah, the sixth year of Prophethood.

One day Prophet (pbuh) was seated on the hillock of Safa when Abu Jahl happened to pass by and

criticized the religion preached by him. Prophet (pbuh) kept silent. Abu Jahl went on unchecked, took

a stone and struck the Prophet's head which began to bleed. The aggressor then went to join the

Quraishites.

Shortly after that, Hamzah, while returning from a hunting expedition with his bow hanging by his shoulder, passed by the same way. A slave-girl who saw this incident, told him the whole story of the attack on Prophet (pbuh) by Abu Jahl. On hearing that, Hamzah was deeply offended and hurried to Al-Ka'bah courtyard, found Abu Jahl sitting with a company of Quraishites. Hamzah rushed upon him and struck his bow upon his head violently and said: "Ah! You have been abusing Muhammad (Pbuh); I too follow his religion and agree what he preaches."

Some men came to his help, but Abu Jahl sent them away saying: "Let Abu Ummarah alone, by Allah I

did insult his nephew shamelessly." In fact, Hamzah's conversion derived initially from the pride of a

man who would not accept the notion of others humiliating his relative. Later on, however, Allah

purified his nature and he managed to grasp the most trustworthy hand-hold (Faith in Allah). He

proved to be a source of great strength to the Islamic Faith and its followers.

Hamza was skilled in wrestling, archery and swordsmanship. He was fond of hunting, and he was

described as “the strongest man of the Quraysh, and the most unyielding.”

Known as Assadullah, Lion Of Allah. He led several expeditions.

He was given the title of Syed-a-Shuhadah by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

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Story of CONVERSION OF UMAR bin AL-KHATTAB: 6.12

Only three days after the conversion of Hamzah, Umar converted to Islam. Here is his story:

He was a man of dauntless courage and resolution, feared and respected in Makkah, and hitherto a

bitter opponent of the new religion. Prophet (pbuh) once raised his hands in prayer and said: "O Allah!

Give strength to Islam especially through either of two men you love more: Umar bin Al-Khattab or

Abu Jahl bin Hisham."

However, the dark layer of pre-Islamic tendencies, deep-seated traditional racism and blind pride in

his forefathers overshadowed the great Truth. He, therefore, persisted in his atrocities against Islam.

His sharp temper and enmity towards Prophet (pbuh) led him one day to leave his house, sword in hand, with the intention of killing Prophet (pbuh). He was in a fit of anger, Half-way his friend Nu'aim bin Abdullah, accidentally met him. What had caused so much excitement in him and on whom was the fury to burst, he inquired casually. Umar said furiously: "To destroy the man Muhammad (pbuh), who has shattered the unity of Quraish, picked holes in their religion, found folly with their wise men and blasphemed their gods.”

“Umar, I am sure, your soul has deceived you. Why don't you take care of your own family first and set

them right?” "Which of the folk of my house?" asked Umar angrily? "Your brother-in-law and your

sister have become followers of Muhammad (pbuh)] and abandoned your religion."

Umar moved towards his sister's house. As he drew near, he heard the voice of Khabbab bin Aratt,

who was reading the Quran Chapter Tâ-Hâ to both of them. Khabbab, perceiving the noise of his

footsteps retired to a closet. Fatimah, Umar's sister, took hold of the leaf and hid it. But Umar had

already heard the voice. "What sound was that I have heard just now?" shouted the son of Khattab,

entering angrily. Both his sister and her husband replied, "You heard nothing." "Nay," said he swearing

fiercely, "I have heard that you have apostatized." He plunged forward towards his brother-in-law and

beat him severely, but Fatimah rushed to the rescue of her husband. Thereupon, Umar fell upon his

sister and struck upon her head. The husband and wife could not contain themselves and cried out

aloud:

"Yes, we are Muslims, we believe in Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (pbuh) so do what you will."

One day, Umar bin Al-Khattab saw Prophet (pbuh) offering prayer and overheard him reciting the

Surah Al-Haqqah (Chapter 69 - The Reality).

"That this is verily the word of an honoured Messenger (i.e. Gabriel or Muhammad (pbuh) which he

has brought from Allah). It is not the word of a poet, little is that you believe! Nor is it the word of a

soothsayer (or a foreteller), little is that you remember! This is the Revelation sent down from the

Lord of the Aalamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)." [69:40-43]

The Words of Allah appealed to him and touched his heart. He felt that they were derived from

unusual composition, and he began to question his people's allegations about the man-composed

poetry or words of a soothsayer that they used to attach to the Noble Quran. At that very moment,

Islam permeated his heart.

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When Umar saw the face of his dear sister besmeared with blood, he was softened and said:

"Let me see what you were reading, so that I may see what Muhammad (pbuh) has brought."

Fatimah said: "O brother, you are unclean because of your idolatry, none but the pure may touch it.

So, go and wash first." He did so, and took the page and read the opening verses of the Chapter Tâ-Hâ

until he reached:

"Verily! I am Allah! Lâ ilâha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me and

offer prayers perfectly (Iqâmat-as-Salat), for My Remembrance." [20:14].

Umar read the verses with great interest and said "How excellent it is and how graceful! Please guide

me to Muhammad (pbuh)". On hearing this Khabbab came out of concealment and said, "O Umar, I

hope that Allah has answered the prayer of Prophet (pbuh), for I heard him say: 'O Allah! Strengthen

Islam through either Umar bin Al-Khattab or Abu Jahl bin Hisham.'"

Umar then left for the house in Safa where Muhammad (pbuh) was holding meetings with his

Companions. With the sword swinging by his arm, he knocked at the door. One of the companions of

Prophet (pbuh) peeped through a slit in the door and exclaimed:

"It is Umar with his sword."

Hamzah, dismissing the fears of his friends, said: "Let him in. As a friend he is welcome. As a foe, he

will have his head cut off with his own sword."

Prophet (pbuh) asked his companions to open the door, and in came the son of Khattab. Prophet

(pbuh) advanced to receive the visitor, caught him by his garment and asked him the reason of his

visit.

Umar replied: "O Messenger of Allah (pbuh), I have come to you to believe in Allah and his Messenger

and that which he has brought from his Lord."

The conversion of Umar was a real triumph for the cause of Islam. So great and instant was the effect

of his conversion on the situation that the believers who used to worshipp Allah secretly, now

assembled and worshipped openly. This raised their spirits and removed thir fear which caused an

uneasiness in Quraish.

Umar narrates that, "When I embraced Islam, I remembered the arch enemy of Muhammad (pbuh),

i.e. Abu Jahl. I set out, and knocked at his door. When he came out, I told him directly that I had

embraced Islam. He immediately slammed the door repulsively.”

Al-FAROOQ :

Umar's conversion had a tremendous impact. He narrates that once he asked Prophet (Pbuh): Aren't

we on the right path here and Hereafter? Prophet (pbuh) answered: 'Of course you are! I swear by

Filled with delight, Muhammad (pbuh) together with his

Companions, cried aloud: Allah o Akbar

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Allah in Whose Hand my soul is, that you are right in this world and in the hereafter. I, therefore,

asked Prophet (pbuh) Why we then had to conduct secret activism. I swear by Allah Who has sent you

with the Truth, that we will leave our concealment and declare our noble cause publicly.

We then went out in two groups, Hamzah leading one, and I leading the other. We headed for the

mosque in broad daylight when the polytheists of Quraish saw us; their faces went pale and got

incredibly depressed. On that very occasion, Prophet (pbuh) attached to me the title of Al-Farooq (he

who distinguishes truth from falsehood). Ibn Masud (may Allah be pleased with him) related that

they (the Muslims) had never been able to observe their religious rites inside the Holy Sanctuary

except when Umar embraced Islam. Suhaib bin Sinan (may Allah be pleased with him), in the same

context, said that it was only after Umar's conversion, that we started to proclaim our call, assemble

around and circumambulate the Sacred House freely. We even dared retaliate against some of the

injustices done to harm us.

HOMEWORK

Hamza and Umar embraced Islam in Zilhajj _______ (2, 6, 10) Nabvi

Hamza was known as ________________ (Sword of Allah, Lion of Allah)

Al-Farooq title was given to __________________________

BOYCOTT (7.1 to 10.1) A PACT OF INJUSTICE & AGGRESSION

The pagans of Makkah held a meeting and decided to Boycott; No business dealings, inter-marriage, Social relations, visits were allowed and even verbal contacts with Muhammad (pbuh) and his supporters would discontinue until Prophet (pbuh) was given up to them to be killed.

It was written by an idolater, Bagheed bin Amir bin Hashim and then suspended inside the Ka‘bah. Prophet (pbuh) invoked Allah to curse upon Bagheed, whose hand was later paralysed. Banu Hashim & Banu Al-Muttalib, were thus confined within a narrow pass (Shi‘b of Abu Talib), from the beginning of Muharram 7th Nabvi till Muharram 10th for three years facing great hardships. Food was so scarce that they had to eat the leaves of trees. The women, and more specially the children and suckling babies would cry with hunger which could be heard all over the valley. The Quraysh told the merchants not to sell any goods to them. Prices were increased to prevent them from buying even essentials.

Despite all these hardships Prophet (pbuh) never ceased inviting non-Muslims to Islam. He was more

active during Hajj season to speak to other tribes. (example of steadfastness, determination &

unyielding attitude)

Boycott (Muharram 7 Nabvi)

with

Banu Muttalib & Banu Hashim

• No business dealing

• No inter-marriages

• No social visits

• No verbal communication

Until Muhammad (pbuh)

is handed to us to be

killed.

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“Bismika Allahumma” (In Your Name, O Allah) Abu Talib came to Ka’bah and told the Quraysh that Prophet (pbuh) has received a revelation that TERMITES had eaten the parchment. The only thing that remained of the document, Abu Talib said, were the words “In Your Name, O Allah”. Abu Talib challenged the Quraysh, that if Prophet’s claim turned out to be false, he would no longer stand between them and Prophet (pbuh). However, if Prophet had spoken the truth, the Quraysh will end the boycott. The Quraysh accepted Abu Talib’s challenge.

When Mut’im bin Adi rose to retrieve the parchment, they saw that it had been destroyed, except the words “Bismika Allahumma” (In Your Name, O Allah) and Allah’s name. Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) had given the Quraysh yet another sign but once again they refused to accept Islam. The boycott ended, people came out of the mountain pass and started to live in Makkah once again after three years.

• In the path of Allah, you will face difficulties, hardships & challenges. But staying steadfast with firm faith & Tawakkal on Allah is required from us.

• Allah controls everything (stones, tress, rain, all living & non-living things). Termites did not eat the word ‘Bismika Allahuma’

HOMEWORK

The pagans of Makkah made a social boycott to Muslims in Muharram __________ (4, 5, 7) Nabvi.

This boycott lasted for ______ (1, 2, 3) years.

How this boycott came to an end? i) Boycott time period was over, ii) Termites ate the pact, iii) Pagans demands were fulfilled

ABU TALIB PASSES AWAY (10.7): Rajab 10 N: Six months after leaving Shab-e-Abi Talib, AbuTalib fell ill and passed away. When he was

on the death bed, Prophet (pbuh) went to him where he saw Abu Jahl and Abdullah bin Abi Omaiyah.

He requested his uncle:

“My uncle, you just make a profession that there is no true god worthy of worship but Allah, and I will bear testimony before Allah (of your being a believer)”

Abu Jahl and Abdullah bin Abi Omaiyah said: “Abu Talib, would you abandon the religion of Abdul-Muttalib?” This dialogue was repeated several times, until the last words Abu Talib said were: “on the religion of Abdul Muttalib”. On this the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) remarked: “By Allah, I will persistently beg pardon for you till I am forbidden to do so (by Allah)”

It was then that Allah, the most Magnificent and Glorious revealed this verse 113 in sura Tauba:

“It is not (proper) for Prophet and those who believe to ask Allah’s forgiveness for the Mushrikûn (polytheists, idolaters, pagans, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) even though they be of kin, after it

has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire (because they died in a state of disbelief).” [9:113]

YEAR OF SORROW

(10 Nabvi)

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And it was said to the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh):

“Verily! You [O Muhammad (Peace be upon him)] guide not whom you like.” [28:56] Al-Abbas bin Abdul-Muttalib narrated that he said to Prophet (pbuh) “You have not been of any avail to your uncle (Abu Talib) (though) by Allah, he used to protect you and get angry on your behalf.” Prophet (pbuh) said: “He is in a shallow fire, and had it not been for me, he would have been at the bottom of the (Hell) Fire.”

KHADIJAH PASSES AWAY (10.9): Only two months later in Ramadan 10 Nabvi, The Mother of believers, his wife Khadijah passed away at the age of 65, sharing 25 yrs with Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through trials and difficult times. He was very sad and once he replied in an honest burst of tender emotions:

“She believed in me when none else did. She embraced Islam when people disbelieved me. And she helped and comforted me in her person and wealth when there was none else to lend me a helping

hand. I had children from her only.”

These two painful events took place within a short lapse of time and added a lot to his grief and Suffering. The Makkans now openly declared their campaign of torture and oppression.

HOMEWORK

Which year was called Year of Sorrow ___________________

Which two importance personalities died in the year of sorrow? _____________ & _____________

MARRIAGE TO SAWDA (10.10): The death of Khadijah left Prophet (pbuh) lonely. Sawdah was suggested to him for marriage which he accepted. An early convert to Islam, she had suffered many hardships. On second emigration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), Sawdah had accompanied her husband, who died on returning to Makkah.

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FACTORS INSPIRING PATIENCE & PERSEVERANCE We have seen tremendous tortures & atrocities against the early Muslims, but they responded with extreme patience & perseverance. Here are some of the factors that inspired them:

1. Unshakable Belief in Allah. The first and foremost factor is no doubt, unshakable Belief in Allah Alone coupled with a wonderful degree of perception of His Attributes.

2. Leadership of Muhammad (pbuh) who led the Muslim community, and mankind at large, was

an exemplary man in his perfect manners, and noble attributes of honesty, trustworthiness and abstinence;

3. Strong belief in the truth of the Hereafter. This was the corner-stone that strengthened their

sense of responsibility, a strong belief that they would have to rise on the Day of Resurrection and account for all worldly deeds, small or big. Their whole life was divided between hope for Allah’s mercy and fear of His punishment.

4. The Quran verses were attractive, revealed at that gloomy critical stage and supported

arguments on behalf of the truthfulness of Islam. It strengthened them on their course of patience and endurance.

“Alif-Lam-Mim. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe’ and

will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to

test).” [29: 1-3]

5. Glad tidings of success.

“Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs.” [54:45]

He also said: “They will be a defeated host like the confederates of the old times.” [38:11] The Muslims who migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) had the following:

“And as for those who emigrated for the cause of Allah, after suffering oppression, We will

certainly give them goodly residence in this world, but indeed the reward of the Hereafter will be greater, if they but knew.” [16:41]

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VISIT TO TA’IF (10.10)

The death of Abu Talib rendered Prophet (pbuh) vulnerable, giving a free hand to polytheists showing

their hatred by physical tortures and suppression.

With little success in Makkah Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) set out towards Ta’if (May or June 619 A.D.), about 60 km from Makkah, with

Zaid bin Haritha inviting people to Islam.

Three brothers from the chieftains were offered to embrace Islam, but they refused and made

following comments:

“He is tearing the cloths of Al-Ka‘bah; is it true that Allah has sent you as a Messenger?”

“Has not Allah found someone else to entrust him with His Message?”

“I swear by Allah that I will never have any contact with you. If you are really the Messenger of Allah,

then you are too serious to be answered, and if you are denying Allah, then I feel I must not speak to

you.”

For TEN DAYS Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stayed there delivering his message to several people,

but NOBODY accepted Islam. On return, people hooted him through the alley-ways, pelted him with

stones. Prophet (pbuh) had to flee from the city. Blood flowed down both his legs; and Zaid trying to

shield him, was wounded in the head. The mob continued to chase him two or three miles. There,

tired and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the orchards, and rested against the wall of a vineyard.

At a time when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, Muhammad (pbuh) prayed to

the all mighty Allah with the following touching words:

“O Allah! To You alone I make complaint of my helplessness, lack of my resources and my

insignificance before mankind. You are the most Merciful of the mercifuls. You are the Lord of the

helpless and the weak, O Lord of mine! Into whose hands would You abandon me: into the hands of an

unsympathetic distant relative who would angrily frown at me, or to the enemy who has been given

control over my affairs? But if Your wrath does not fall on me, there is nothing for me to worry about.

I seek protection in the light of Your Countenance, which illuminates the heavens and dispels darkness,

and which controls all affairs in this world as well as in the Hereafter. May it never be that I should

incur Your wrath, or that You should be wrathful to me. And there is no power nor resource, but Yours

alone.”

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Angel of mountains Heart-broken and depressed, Muhammad (pbuh) was on the way back to Makkah. When he reached

Qarn Al-Manazil, Allah, the Almighty sent Jibrael with the angel of mountains.

Prophet (pbuh) said…. I suddenly realized I was in Qarn Ath-Tha‘alib, called Qarn Al-Manazil. There, I looked up and saw a cloud casting its shade on me, and Jibrael addressing me: Allah has heard your people’s words and sent you the angel of mountains to your aid. The latter called and gave me his greetings and asked for my permission to bury Makkah between Al-Akhshabain, the two mountains flanking Makkah. I said in reply that I would rather have someone from their loins who will worship Allah, the All–Mighty with no associate.”

A concise meaningful answer fully indicative of the Prophet’s matchless character and the magnanimous manners.

HOMEWORK

Prophet (pbuh) went to Ta’if in year ____________ Nabvi

He stayed there for _________ days

How many people embraced Islam :______________

Who accompanied Prophet (pbuh): __________________________

The Jinns The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) on his way back stayed in Wadi Nakhlah for few days. During his stay there, Allah sent him a company of Jinns who listened to him reciting the Noble Quran:

“And (remember) when We sent towards you [Muhammad (Pbuh)] Nafran (3 to 10 persons) of the Jinns, listening to the Quran, when they stood in the presence thereof, they said: Listen in silence!’ And when it was finished, they returned to their people, as warners. They said: ‘O our people! Verily! We have heard a Book sent down after Moses, confirming what came before it, it guides to the Truth and to a Straight Path (i.e. Islam). O our people! Respond to Allah’s Caller (Muhammad (Pbuh)), and believe in him. HE (Allah) will forgive you of your sins, and will save you from a painful torment (i.e. Hell-fire).’” [46:29-31]

The same incident is referred to in Sûrah Al-Jinn: Mut‘im bin Adi: When Prophet (pbuh) was a short distance from Makkah, he despatched a man to few people for seeking protection. Only Mut‘im bin Adi, a notable in Makkah volunteered to provide shelter. With his armed people Muhammad (pbuh) entered Makkah. Prophet (pbuh) observed two-Rak‘a prayer in Harram while they guarded him. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) never forgot Mut‘im’s favour. After battle of Badr, Prophet (pbuh) said that if Mut‘im had been still alive and asked for the release of the Quraishite captives, he would not deny his request.

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i. One should not lose hope after failure in the path of Dawah. Here the people of Ta’if did not accept the message of Islam but the Jinns did….!

ii. It is permissible to take help from a non-Muslim. Mutim bin Adi was a Mushrik, and Prophet asked for his protection to enter Makkah.

iii. If someone favors you, a Muslim does not forget it, As Prophet (pbuh) recalled that favor of Mutim several years after his help.

The Miracle - Splitting of the MOON

In Bukhari, Anas bin Malik narrates: that people of Makkah asked Muhammad (pbuh) to show them a sign. Prophet (pbuh) showed them the moon in two halves, so much that they saw the mount of Hira in between the two halves.

The Hour has come near, and the moon has split (in two) al-Qamar 54:1 Quraish had seen it with their own eyes and were stunned. But they said that “Muhammad (pbuh) had done magic on our eyes…!”

"But if they see a Sign, they turn away, and say, 'This is (but) transient magic'" al-Qamar 54:2

AL-ISRA’ and Al-MI‘RAJ

(The Miraculous Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem & Ascent through the Heavens) Allaah has described it in the Qur’aan as being blessed.

ن المسجد الحرام إلى المسجد القصى الذي باركنا ح وله لنريه من آياتنا إنه هو السميع البصير سبحان الذي أسرى بعبده ليلا م

“Glorified (and Exalted) be He (Allah) Who took His slave (Muhammad) for a journey by night from Al-Masjid Al-Haraam (at Makkah) to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsaa (in Jerusalem), the neighbourhood whereof We have blessed…” [al-Israa’ 17:1].

ISRA’ is Night Journey to Jerusalem, and

MI’RAJ is Journey from Jerusalem to the heavens. Majority of jurists are in favour of a date between

12 to 16 months prior to migration to Medinah.

(Distance between Dome of Rock and Masjid al-Aqsa is only 250 meters.)

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Masjid al-Aqsa has a rich history and is linked with many prophets. It is the third holiest site. The Crusaders captured Jerusalem in 1099 and converted the Al Aqsa Mosque into a palace and the Dome of the Rock into a church. Saladin Ayubi captured Jerusalem in 1187 and restored the mosque.

It was the First Qibla of Muslims until 15 to 17 months after prophet mugrated to Medinah that the Qibla direction was set to Masji al-Haram in Makkah. The following is the details of the miraculous event narrated on the authority of Ibn Al-Qayyim.

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) was carried from the Haram mosque in Makkah to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem on a horse called Al-Buraq in the company of Jibrael. There he fastened the horse to a ring in the gate of the Mosque, led the Prophets in prayer. After that Jibrael took him to the heavens on the same horse.

i) When they reached the first heaven Jibrael asked the guardian angel to open the door of heaven. It was opened and he saw Adam, the ancestor of mankind. Prophet (pbuh) saluted him and the other welcomed him and expressed his faith in Muhammad’s Prophethood. He saw the souls of the righteous on his right and those of the wretched on his left.

ii) Jibrael then ascended with Prophet to the second heaven, asked for opening the gate and there he saw and saluted Yahya bin Zakariya and Eisa a.s. They returned the salutation, welcomed him and expressed their faith in his Prophethood.

iii) On third heaven, they saw Yusuf a.s and saluted him. The latter welcomed Prophet and expressed faith in his Prophethood.

iv) On fourth heaven where he met Prophet Idris a.s and saluted him. He returned the salutation and expressed faith in his Prophethood.

v) On fifth heaven, he met Prophet Harun a.s and saluted him. The latter returned the salutation and expressed faith in his Prophethood.

vi) In the sixth heaven, he met Prophet Musa a.s. and saluted him. He returned the salutation and expressed faith in his Prophethood. Muhammad (pbuh) on leaving, saw that Moses began to weep. He asked about the reason. Moses answered that he was weeping because he witnessed a man sent after him as a Messenger (Muhammad) who was able to lead more of his people to the Paradise than he himself did.

vii) Then Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) reached the seventh heaven and met Ibrahim a.s (pbuh) and saluted him. The latter returned the salutation and expressed faith in his Prophethood.

1 Ibrahim…….2 Musa…….3 Haroon……. 4 Idress…….5 Yusuf…….6 Esa + Yahya…….7 Adam

Bait-al-Ma‘mûr: Then he was carried to Sidrat-ul-

Muntaha (the remotest lote tree) and was shown Bait-al-Ma‘mûr (the much frequented house) which is like the Ka‘bah (Sacred House) circumambulated daily by 70,000 angels. The angels who once circumambulated it would not have their turn again till the Resurrection.

50 prayers: Allah ordained fifty daily prayers for him. On

his return, he spoke to Moses that his followers had been enjoined to pray 50 times a day. Moses said: “Your followers cannot perform so many prayers. Go back and ask for a reduction.” Prophet (pbuh) turned to Jibrael as if holding counsel with him. Jibrael nodded, “Yes, if you desire,” and ascended with him to the Presence of Allah.

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The All-Mighty Allah, Glory is to Him, made a reduction of ten prayers. He went again and again in the Presence of Allah at the suggestion of Moses for reduction in the number of prayers till these were reduced to FIVE only. Moses again asked him to implore for more reduction, but he said:

“I feel ashamed now of repeatedly asking my Lord for reduction. I accept and resign to His Will.”

When Muhammad (pbuh) went farther, a Caller was heard saying: “I have imposed My Ordinance and alleviated the burden of My servants.”

Prophet (pbuh) did NOT see Allah? Prophet (pbuh) did NOT see Allah. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) saw Jibrael two times in his original shape. First timein initial stages of revelations and second time he saw him during Isra & Miraj time. Some significant insightful incidents featured the ‘Night Journey’ of the Prophet, of which we could mention:

1. The Prophet’s breast was cleft by Jibrael, his heart extracted and washed with Zamzam. 2. Two gold vessels were brought containing milk and wine. He was asked to choose either of

them, he selected the vessel containing milk and drank it. He (the angel) said: “You have been guided on Al-Fitrah.”

3. Prophet (pbuh) saw two rivers, the Nile and the Euphrates, and two hidden ones. 4. He had the opportunity to see Malik, the guardian of Hell, with a cheerless frowning face.

Therein, he saw the Hell dwellers: a. Those who unjustly eat up the property of the orphans. They had flews similar to those

of camels. They were swallowing red-hot stones and then issuing out of their backs. b. There were people who would take usury with bellies too big to be able to move

around. c. He also saw the adulterers who were offered tasty fatty meat and rotten smelly one but

they make option for the latter. d. The immoral women were also there hanging from their breasts.

The disbelievers found it an opportunity to taunt the Muslims and their faith. They asked questions about the description of the Mosque at Jerusalem, where he had never gone before. To the astonishment of many, the Prophet’s gave most accurate information. He gave them the news about their caravans. However, all this increased in them nothing but flight from the Truth, and they accepted nothing but disbelief.

For true Muslims, however there was nothing unusual about the Night Journey. The All-Mighty Allah, Who is Powerful enough to have created the heavens and the earth by an act of His Will, is surely powerful enough to take His Messenger beyond the heavens and show him those signs.

Title of As-Siddiq? The disbelievers went to see Abu Bakr toask about this event, and he immediately said: “Yes, I do affirm it.” It was on this occasion that he earned the title of As-Siddiq (the verifier of the truth).

Allah has showed HIS signs to various Prophets as mentioned in Quran, to strengthen their faith as they are to carry burdens in the process of their mission.

i. After every difficulty (tough times in Makkah, year of sorrow, and in Taif) there is ease and Allah opened the gates of Heaven for Prophet (pbuh).

ii. When you enter a house; take permission, as Jibrael came and took permission iii. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) led the prayers for all prophets, shows his rank

and very high status. iv. Allah used the word ‘Abd’ for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We all are slaves of

Allah. Names like Abd Rasool are not permissible in our religion

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v. When we meet eachother we should say Assalam-o-Alaikum, as prophet did to other messengers.

vi. Allah is on the Arsh. vii. We must understand the importance of five times daily prayers.

viii. There is severe punishment for taking interest, Zina. Prophet (pbuh) saw these people under punishment.

HOMEWORK

Word ISRA means journey from _________________ to ________________

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) met __________________ (Adam, Musa, Ibrahim) on the first sky

What was ordained to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)? ___________________

Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) see Allah (swt)? _________ (Yes / No)

THE FIRST AQABAH PLEDGE (12.12)

In 12th Nabvi, during pilgrimage 12 people (10 from Khazraj and 2 from Aws tribe) from Medinah vowed their faith in Muhammad (pbuh) as a Prophet and swore:

“We will not worship anyone but one Allah; we will not steal; neither will we commit adultery, nor kill our children; we will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood and we will not

disobey you in any just matter.”

After the pledge, Muhammad (pbuh) said: “He who carries it out, Allah will reward him; and who neglects anything and is afflicted in this world, it may prove redemption for him in the Hereafter; and if the sin remains hidden from the eyes of the men and no grief comes to him, then his affair is with Allah. He may forgive him or He may not.”

Mus‘ab bin Umair’s success in Medinah:

After the Pledge Prophet (pbuh) sent Mus‘ab bin Umair with these people so that he can teach them the Quran and Islam. As‘ad bin Zurarah hosted him in Medinah. Due to their efforts Islam spread rapidly from house to house and from tribe to tribe.

Sa‘d bin Mu‘adh the chief of one tribe also embraced Islam. Then he directly turned to his people swearing that he would never talk with them until they had believed in Allah, and in His Messenger. Hardly did the evening of that day arrive when all the men and women embraced Islam.

Mus‘ab stayed in Medinah carrying out his mission diligently until all the houses of Al-Ansar (the future Helpers) had Muslims elements, men and women. Shortly before the following pilgrimage season (13th Nabvi), Mus‘ab bin Umair returned to Makkah with glad tidings about the new fertile soil of Islam in Medinah.

THE SECOND AQABAH PLEDGE (13.12) In 13th Nabvi (June 622 A.D.) during the pilgrimage season, over 70 converts came from Medinah. They agreed to meet secretly at night in Tashreeq Days (11, 12, & 13th days) in Al-Aqabah, the last year’s meeting place. After a third of the night had elapsed, they started to gather near Aqbah. They were 73 men and 2 women.

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) came with his uncle Al-Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib who (was not a Muslim till that time) was the first to speak:

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“O you people of the Khazraj, you all know the position that Muhammad holds among us. We have protected him from our people as much as we could. He is honored and respected among his people. He refuses to join any party except you. So if you think you can carry out what you promise while inviting him to your town, and if you can defend him against the enemies, then assume the burden that you have taken. But if you are going to surrender him and betray him after having taken him away with you, you had better leave him now because he is respected and well defended in his own place.” The Messenger of Allah then preached the Faith, and the pledge was taken:

i) To listen and obey in all circumstances. ii) To spend in plenty as well as in scarcity. iii) To enjoin good and forbid evil. iv) In Allah’s service, you will fear the censure of none. v) To defend me in case I seek your help, and protect me from anything you protect

yourself, your spouses and children from. And for you is Paradise. With respect to the two women, the pledge was taken orally, for Prophet (pbuh) had never shaken hands with a strange lady. Twelve deputies were made to preach Islam in Medinah.

Muslims start to move from Makkah to Medinah After 2nd Aqabah Pledge, Muslims in Makkah were asked to migrate to Medinah, the promising Muslim state. Migrants sacrificed their wealth, they had the risk of being robbed or even killed. The polytheists spared no effort in creating obstruction to stop them.

i) The first one to migrate was Abu Salamah, a year before the great Aqabah Pledge. His in-laws detained his wife, snatched his son, dislocating his hand. Umm Salamah, after the departure of her husband and the loss of her son spent a year by herself weeping. A relative of hers eventually had pity on her and insisted to release her son and let her join her husband. She then set out on a long journey with no help whatsoever. At a spot called At-Tan‘im, Uthman bin Talhah offered to give her a ride to Medinah.

ii) Another instance of the atrocities of the Makkan polytheist against migration, is about Suhaib. The polytheist stopped him to leave beacause he had come into Makkah as a worthless person, and then managed to make lot of money and has became wealthy. Seeing this, he offered to give away all his wealth to them to migrate. Prophet (pbuh) heard about it and said: “Suhaib is the winner, after all.”

However, when Umar bin Al-Khattab migrated, he took 20 Muslims with him and openly challenged the mushrikeen, but no body dared to come out and stop him…!

Believers managed to escape in successive groups and within two months of the second Aqabah Pledge, entire quarters of Makkah were deserted, except Abu Bakr, Ali, and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and those helpless who had been detained in confinement or were unable to escape. Prophet (pbuh) was waiting for the command from his Lord to migrate. Muslims who had earlier migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) also came to Medinah.

HOMEWORK

After 1st pledge of Aqaba, who was sent by Prophet (pbuh) to teach people in Medinah? __________________

Immediately after 1st pledge if Aqaba Muslims were asked to migrate to Medinah. ___________ True / false)

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PLOT TO MURDER PROPHET (peace be upon him)

The polytheists were paralysed and were caught in unprecedented anxiety by the carefully planned and speedy movement of Muhammad’s followers towards Medinah. Al-Aws and Al-Khazraj tribes, the would-be-hosts of the Makkan Muslims, were also known in Arabia for their might and power in war, and judicious and sensible approach in peace. Medinah, the prospective headquarters of Muslims enjoyed a very strategic position, with close by trade routes for Makkans, who used to deal about a quarter of a million, gold dinar worth commodities every year. Will their caravan be secure? The polytheists felt they were in the grip of a serious threat. To avert this growing danger, they convened a most serious meeting on Thursday, 26th Safar, 14 Nabvi (12th September 622 A.D.), i.e. 2 ½ months after the 2nd Aqabah Pledge in Dar an-Nadwah. Delegates representing all the Quraishite tribes attended the meeting. Iblis (Shaitan) also showed up as an elderly man, standing at the door, introduced himself as Sheikh Najdi from Najd curious enough to attend the meeting, listen to the debate and wish them success to reach a sound opinion. He was readily admitted in. After lengthy debate, several proposals were put forward.

i) Expulsion of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from Makkah: Sheikh Najdi said this is not a good suggestion; don’t you see that his words are sweet & heart-touching that could persuade the other Arabs to attack you in your own city.

ii) Imprisonment for life till death: Sheikh Najdi said, if you imprison him then his followers might increase in number, overpower you and release him by force.

iii) Assassinate Muhammad (pbuh): Abu Jahl suggested that a group of young men, one from each tribe, should strike Muhammad simultaneously with their swords and assassinate him, so that the blood money would be spread over them all. Sheikh Najdi said this is the best suggestion.

The sinful proposal was unanimously accepted, and the representatives went back home with full determination for immediate implementation.

MIGRATION OF PROPHET (Peace be upon him)

When polytheists made the wicked decision to murder Prophet (pbuh), JIbrael (a.s) was sent down to reveal this plot and give Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) his Lord’s Permission to leave Makkah and instructed not to sleep that night in his usual bed. At noon, Prophet (pbuh) went to Abu Bakr and arranged plans for migration. As night advanced all 11 Makkans surrounded the Prophet’s house, waiting to kill him the moment he would leave his house early in the morning. Abu Jahl was too confident of the success of his wicked plan. Allah, the All-Mighty, however, in Whose Hands lie the sovereignty of the heavens and earth, does what He desires; He later said to His Prophet:

“And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you [O Muhammad (pbuh) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting and Allah too was

planning, and Allah is the Best of the planners.” [8:30] At that critical time the plans of Quraish utterly failed despite the tight siege they laid to the Prophet’s house. Prophet (pbuh) and Ali were inside the house. Prophet (pbuh) told Ali to sleep in his bed and cover himself with his green mantle and assured him full security under Allah’s protection. Prophet (pbuh) then came out of the room and cast a handful of dust at the besiegers, and managed to walk through them reciting verses of the Noble Quran:

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“And We have put a barrier before them, and a barrier behind them, and We have covered them up, so that they cannot see.” [36:9]

He went to the house of Abu Bakr, who was ready. Both set out southwards (opposite direction of

Medinah) to distract the Quraish. They walked for about 5 miles and climbed up the lofty rough rocky

peak of Mount Thawr to take a refuge in the cave. The assassins were waiting for the zero hour when

someone came and informed them that Prophet (pbuh) had already left. They rushed in and to their

utter surprise, found that Ali was lying in the Prophet’s bed. This created a stir in the whole town.

Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) carried him up to the mountain top. He first entered to explore the cave, closed all holes with pieces torn off from his clothes, cleaned it and then asked Prophet (pbuh) to step in. Prophet (pbuh) went in, laid his head in Abu Bakr’s lap and fell asleep. Suddenly Abu Bakr’s foot was stung by a poisonous insect. It hurt so much that his tears fell on the Prophet’s face. Prophet (pbuh) applied his saliva on Abu Bakr’s foot and the pain was relieved immediately.

Cave of Thawr

They confined themselves to this cave for three nights, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Abdullah, the son

of Abu Bakr would go to see them after dusk, stay the night there, apprise them of the latest situation

in Makkah, and then leave in the early morning. Amir bin Fuhairah, tending his master Abu Bakr’s

flock, used to steal away unobserved every evening with a few goats to the cave and furnished its

inmates with a plentiful supply of milk.

Quraish were baffled and irritated when the news of their escape was confirmed. They brought Ali to Al-Ka‘bah, beat him brutally to know the secret disappearance of the two ‘fugitives’, but to no avail. They then went to see Asma’, Abu Bakr’s daughter, but here also their attempts went in vain. While at her door Abu Jahl slapped the girl so severely that her earring broke up.

The notables of Makkah convened an emergency session to determine the future course of action and explore all areas that could help arrest the two men. They blocked all avenues leading out of Makkah and imposed heavy armed surveillance over all potential exits. A price of 100 camels was set upon the head of each one.

Once they even reached the mouth of the cave where Prophet (pbuh) and Abu Bakr were hiding. On this Abu Bakr whispered to Prophet (Pbuh): “What, if they were to look through the gap and find us?” Prophet (pbuh) in his God-inspired calm replied:

“Silence Abu Bakr! What do you think of those two with whom the Third is Allah.”

100

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It was really a Divine miracle, the chasers were only a few steps from the cave. For three days Muhammad (pbuh) and Abu Bakr stayed in the cave and Quraish continued their frantic efforts to get hold of them. Abdullah bin Uraiquit, who had as yet not embraced Islam, but was trusted by Abu Bakr had been hired by him as a guide. He reached the cave after three nights according to a plan bringing with him Abu Bakr’s two camels. His report satisfied the noble ‘fugitives’ that the search had slackened. They had some food provisions that Asma bint Abu Bakr, brought and tied in a bundle of her waistband, after tearing it into two parts, (hence the appellation attached to her: “Asma of the two waistbands”). Prophet (Pbuh)… Abu Bakr …. Amir bin Fuhairah departed, and their guide Abdullah bin Uraiquit led them on hardly ever trodden ways along the coastal route. It was Rabi‘ Al-Awwal, 1st year A.H., i.e. September 622 A.D. They travelled through many villages on their way to Quba.

some interesting incidents that happened during this journey:

1. Guide: Whoever asked Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) about the identity of his honourable companion, he would reply that he was a man who guided him on his way. The questioner would think that Muhammad (pbuh) was a guide, in terms of roads, whereas Abu Bakr used to mean guide to the way of righteousness!

2. Suraqah bin Malik: He was also on the lookout for Prophet (pbuh) and his companion. He had received some information that four people are heading for Medinah. So, he mounted on a swift horse in their search. On the way the horse stumbled and he fell on the ground. Once more he met with the same fate but paid no heed to it. Again, he jumped onto the saddle and galloped at a break-neck speed till he came quite close to Prophet (Pbuh). Abu Bakr’s was worried and kept looking back while Prophet (pbuh) remained calm and continued reciting verses of the Quran. The repeated stumbling of Suraqah’s horse and his falling off made him realize that it was a constant warning of Allah for his evil design against Prophet (Pbuh). He approached the travelling group in an apologetic manner and begged of Prophet (pbuh) forgiveness in all humility. He said: “the Quraishites have promised a generous reward to anyone who captures you.” Prophet (pbuh) asked him not to tell anyone about this incident. Suraqah hurried back to Makkah and tried to foil the attempts of those who were in pursuit of Muhammad (pbuh) and his noble companions. The sworn enemy was converted into an honest believer. Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “We emigrated while the Makkans were in pursuit of us. None caught up with us except Suraqah bin Malik bin on a horse. I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, this one has caught up with us. Prophet (pbuh) replied:

“Don’t be cast down, verily, Allah is with us.’”

North

Migration Route

Medina

Makkah

Badr

Rabigh

Qudeed

Usfan

Cave of Thor

Red Sea

Jeddah

Normal Route

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3. During the journey they reached to solitary tents belonging to a woman called Umm Ma‘bad

Al-Khuza‘iyah. Fatigued and thirsty, Prophet (pbuh) and his companions wanted to refresh themselves with food and some milk. The lady told them that the flock was out in the pasture and the goat standing nearby was almost dry. It was a rainless year. Prophet (Pbuh), with her permission, touched its udders, reciting over them the Name of Allah, and to their great joy, there flowed plenty of milk out of them. Prophet (pbuh) first offered that to the lady of the house, and he shared what was left with the members of the party.

4. On his way to Medinah, Prophet (pbuh) met Abu Buraidah, one of those driven by their lust for the reward of Quraish. No sooner did he face Prophet (pbuh) and talk with him, he embraced Islam along with seventy of his men.

5. They also met Az-Zubair at the head of a caravan returning from Syria. There was warm greeting and Az-Zubair presented to them two white garments which they thankfully accepted.

ARRIVAL IN QUBA On Monday, 8th Rabi‘ Al-Awwal, the fourteenth year of Prophethood, i.e. September 23rd. 622, the Messenger of Allah arrived at Quba’. People of Medinah were expecting the prophet’s arrival. They would come every morning and wait eagerly for his appearance. One day they had gone as usual, and after a long wait, when a Jew, catching a glimpse of three travelers clad in white winding their way to Medinah, shouted from the top of a hillock: “O you people of Arabia! Your Senior has come! He, whom you have been eagerly waiting for, has come!”

The Muslims immediately rushed holding their weapons to greet their noble guest. “The shouts of

Allahu Akbar’ resounded in Banu Amr bin Auf. He sat down silently, and Al-Ansar (the Helpers) came

in to greet him. It was an unprecedented day in Medinah. He stayed in Quba for four days (Mon, Tue,

Wed and Thursday). During this period the foundation of Quba’ Mosque was laid.

Ali stayed back in Makkah for 3 days to return the trusts, on behalf of Prophet (pbuh) to their owners.

HOMEWORK

Who accompanied Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) during migration to Medinah? ________________________

In which cave Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) confined himself for 3 nights? _________________________

In search of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), ______________ bin Malik riding on his horse reached very close.

The migration journey to Medinah took ___________ (2, 4, 8) days on camel.

Name the two tribes, who would be the HOST to Muhajreen in MEDINAH? ________________ & __________________

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