“You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah (swt) a beautiful pattern (of conduct)… (33:21)
We were once lost in the gloom of ignorance
Plunged deep in the heart of unawareness
Worshipping dumb idols made of stone
"Who would resurrect us, flesh and bone?"
We would shed blood for petty reasons
Remaining in war throughout the seasons
We would bury baby girls, no mercy did we feel
Nothing seemed cruel to those hearts of steel
And just when it seemed that we were doomed
In front of our eyes our destruction loomed
Allah, the Merciful and the Almighty
Sent us Mohemmed (saww), Guidance, a Mercy
22 April, 571 A.D / 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, 1st year of the Elephant:
Khatm-al-Anbiya (The Seal of Prophecy) was born in Makkah. The blessed being made his appearance from the person of Sayyida Amina (RA) who diverted totally the very stream of human history who uplifted humanity from the lowest pit of degradation and raised it to the zenith of glory and grandeur who heralded a new message of peace and prosperity for the suffering people and bestowed upon them a panacea for all pains and ills. He was named MOHEMMED “the Praised one” or “he who is glorified”. The new-born was of the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh and orphaned before birth. His father Hazrat Abdullah (RA) had died before his birth. According to the custom of Arab noblemen, infants were given into the charge of Bedouin women who suckle and nourish the infants. This blessed child entrusted to Hazrat Halima Sadia (RA) for nourishing.
576 A.D:
He was five years old when Hazrat Halima Sadia (RA) returned him to his mother Sayyida Amina (RA)
577 A.D:
He was six years old when his mother Sayyida Amina (RA) taken him to Madina for a visit. She wanted him to see the grave of his father. It was a long journey, when they returned and encamped at a place named Abwa, Sayyida Amina (RA) fell ill and in a few days she was died.
In this strange and lonely place, young Mohemmed (saww) saw the last agonies of the nearest and the best-loved person he knew, with no one to share his baffled and piercing grief, except a slave girl named Hazrat Umm-e-Aiman (RA).The blessed child was fatherless when he left on this journey and motherless when he returned.
577 A.D:
After the burial of Sayyida Amina (RA), Hazrat Umm-e-Aiman (RA) returned young Mohemmed (saww) to his grandfather. Abdul Muttalib took the responsibility of his grandson.
579 A.D:
He was only eight years old when his grandfather died. After his grandfather’s death, his uncle Abu Talib became his guardian. In later years, he was brought up by his uncle.
583 A.D:
At the age of twelve, he went to Syria for trade along with his uncle. He was then growing up and had begun to look at men and things around with a curious and observant eye. In later years, Abu Talib trained him to be a merchant. With the passage of time, he established himself as a man of high moral status and a trustworthy trader, thus he come to be known as Al-Sadiq (the truthful one) & Al-Ameen (the trusted one)
590 A.D:
At the age of twenty, He took part Harb-ul-Fijar (Sacrilegious War) between the Quraysh and Banu Qais Élan over a trade conflict. He took part in that war on behalf of Quraysh.
590 A.D:
Four months after Harb-ul-Fijar (Sacrilegious War) a peace treaty called Hulf-ul-Fudul (oath of virtue or the pact of chivalry) was renewed by Quraysh aimed protection of trade caravans passing Makkah, being supported by Hazrat Mohemmed (saww).
March, 595 A.D / Zilhaj:
At the age of twenty five, he became the business partner of Sayyida Khadija (RA) a wealthy and prestigious lady of Makkah. She requested him to take her trade articles of merchandise to Syria and he accepted this offer. His visit to Syria proved very successful. Sayyida Khadija (RA) was so stuck by his good sense, his honesty and his blameless ways that she proposed him by her close friend named Nafeesa. He accepted her proposal after the consultation with his uncle.
September, 595 A.D:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Sayyida Khadeja (RA). He was twenty five then and Sayyida Khadeja (RA) was forty. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) had now a home of his own and no further worries regarding his living. Sayyida Khadeja (RA) played a vital role in prophet’s life; she was honored to be the first wife of the prophet and during her life time, the only one. (She spent 25 years with prophet) she bore Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) two sons named Sayyidna Qasim and Sayyidna Abdullah (who both died in infancy) and four daughters named Sayyida Zainab (RA) Sayyida Ruqayya (RA) Sayyida Umm-e Kulsoom and Sayyida Fatima (RA).
598 A.D:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) begun to spend long hours in solitary meditation into a cave he had found in mountain of Hira nearby. Here he pondered and meditated in long and lonely vigils. His periods of loneliness became more frequent and his vigils lengthened as he approached the age of forty.
599 A.D:
At the age of twenty eight, the first baby was born who was named Qasim (RA). This child died in infancy.
600 A.D:
At the age of thirty, his first daughter Sayyida Zainab (RA) was born.
603 A.D:
At the age of thirty three, his second daughter Sayyida Ruqayya (RA) was born.
604 A.D:
At the age of thirty four, his third daughter Sayyida Umm-e-Kulsoom (RA) was born.
605 A.D:
At the age of thirty five, he took part in rebuilding of Khana-e-kaaba and settled a quarrel over the placing of Hajar-e-Aswad (Black stone) and saved Quraysh from a certain blood shed. For their idolatry and pagan customs, the Arabs still revered the Kaaba as the holy of holies. In the Kaaba there is a black stone held to be particularly sacred. When they decided to rebuild Kaaba, there was furious wrangling over the Hajar-e-Aswad (Black stone) whoever was chosen to put it back into its place in the structure, it was felt, would acquire a pride and precedence that would humble all competitors. Every chief of Quraysh therefore, claimed the honour. The quarrel waxed hot and bloodshed seemed imminent. At last they asked Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) to arbitrate and settle the issue among them. He spread out his wrap on the earth, placed the holy stone in the middle and asked all the claimants to lift the wrap and carry it to the Kaaba. Then he picked up the Hajar-e-Aswad (Black stone) himself and fixed it in its place. Thus much bloodshed was avoided.
605 A.D:
At the age of thirty five, his fourth daughter Sayyida Fatima (RA) was born.
12 February 610 A.D / Ramadan-ul-Mubarak:
The beginning of the Prophet’s mission; at the age of forty, he began to receive the revelation of Quran in a cave (Hira) at the summit of a mountain (Jabal-e-Noor) outside Makkah. Where the prophet (saww) was engaged in meditation on one of the last nights of the month of Holy Ramadan, Gabriel (A.S) appeared to him with the first revelation the beginning of verse 96:
“Proclaim! (Or read!) In the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created,
Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood,
Proclaim! (Or read!) And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,
He who taught (the use of) the pen,
Taught man that which he knew not.” (96:1-5)
Gabriel (A.S) disappeared then and Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) came home, strangely troubled, and said to his wife:
“Cover me up, Khadeja, cover me up!”
After a while, he became calmer and spoke his wife of the divine commendments revealed to him. Sayyida Khadija (RA) comforted him:
“Fear not, my noble one, but rejoice.
God will not forsake you in this affair nor expose you to shame.
For you are good and kind a truthful. You are hospitable to the passing stranger;
You aid and comfort the poor and the lowly, and support the virtuous in righteous deeds.”
Sayyida Khadija (RA), without a moment’s hesitation, accepted the truth of his words. She thus became the first to believe that the prophet (saww) had indeed been charged with a divine mission, followed by Sayyidna Ali (RA) his cousin, and Hazrat Zayd b. Harith (RA) his freed servant. The first convert from outside the family circle was Sayyidna Abu Bakr (RA) a respected merchant and best friend of Mohemmed (saww). After this, quietly and unobtrusively, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) went round preaching, relating to whomsoever would listen or seemed likely to accept, the message and the commandments he had received. Thus three years passed. These three years produced only forty followers for his faith. These forty are known as Al-Sabiqun-al-Awwalun (the First and foremost)
614 A.D / 4th Nabawi:
At the beginning of the fourth year of revelation, Devine message came:
“And admonish thy nearest kinsmen” (26:214)
To act upon this Devine order, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) arranged a feast in which he invited his family members, his clan Banu Hashim. The feast is to be known as Dawah-Dhul-Asheerah (the feast of the nearest kinsmen). At the end of this feast, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) declared that there is no god but Allah (swt) who chose him as his messenger. The meantime Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) asked the guests to give up the paganism and to worship the one and the true God. His family members listened to him with growing anger; some of them shouted abuses at him when he insulted their gods. Abu Lahab one of his uncles who later became a violent enemy of Islam was particularly harsh in his words. By and large the Banu Hashim paid no heed to his words, nor did they give them too much importance.
614 A.D / 4th Nabawi:
Few days after Dawah-Dhul-Asheerah (the feast of the nearest kinsmen) the Devine message came:
“Whatever is commanded and ordained, proclaim it openly.” (15:94)
So Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) climbed the hill of safa and called out to the people of Makkah. When a goodly crowd had collected, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) proclaimed the divine message openly, he first of all swore to his own truthfulness and good faith. Then he asked them to abjure false gods, to worship no one except the one true God, to abstain from promiscuity and lewdness, to live in purity and virtue to treat one another with kindness and consideration, to forsake all suppressions and all pagan practices. The people of Makkah listened to him with growing anger; they shouted abuses at him when he insulted their gods. Abu Lahab condemned him as he did earlier and said angrily:
“O, Mohemmed! Your hands were Perish, had you collected us to listen this?”
From that day, Abu Lahab became the most violent enemy of Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) and his followers. Allah (swt) revealed a complete Surah (verse) in condemnation of Abu Lahab. Allah (swt) says:
“Perish the hands of the Abu Lahab! (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 fiber round her (own) neck!” (111:1-5)
By and large the people of Makkah did not pay any heed to his call and refused to give it too much importance. They dismissed his sermon as the passing whim of a temporarily obsessed.
614 A.D / 4th Nabawi:
At the age of forty four, his second son was born who was named Abdullah or Tahir (RA). He died in infancy.
615 A.D / Rajab, 5th Nabawi:
Islam attracted some support but provoked a great deal of hostility from infidels who felt their interests threatened. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) observed the cruelties and hardships visited on his followers. At last he advised his followers to leave their homes and migrate to Abyssinia (Modern-day Ethiopia). Nijashi (Negus) The king of Abyssinia of that time was very merciful and upright; he permitted Muslims to stay in his country and to perform their religious rites according to their belief, despite attempts by infidels of Makkah to turn him against the Muslims.
615 A.D / 5th Nabawi:
Two notable chiefs of Quresh, Sayyidna Hamza (RA) and Sayyidna Umar (RA), embraced Islam. The day Sayyidna Umar (RA) did so, the Muslims felt so elated that they offered their prayers openly and in congregation.
616 A.D / 6th Nabawi:
When the infidels of Makkah felt that they were unable to stop the progress of Islam, the tribal leaders of Quraysh put their heads together and finally they decided upon a scheme. They showed the unity against prophet’s clan Banu Hashim and banned the whole family. They drew up a joint proclamation and hung it upon the walls of Kaaba. It read,
“It has been agreed that henceforth no one in Makkah shall have any dealings or transact any business with Mohemmed b. Abdullah, his family or his followers. No one shall sell food to them nor visit them, nor converse with them. This ban will continue until Banu Hashim hand him over to us to be treated as he deserves.”
This social boycott was so rigidly enforced that Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) and his followers were forced to leave the town and find shelter in a nearby valley called Shib-e- Abi Talib (valley of Abu Talib). This boycott continued for three years.
619 A.D / 10 Nabawi:
Finally, the social boycott came to an end, and Muslims, along with the prophet Mohemmed (saww) returned back to the Makkah.
619 A.D / 10 Nabawi:
Immediately after the end of social boycott, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) experienced the bitter phase of his life when Abu Talib his loving and beloved uncle and protector, head of Banu Hashim died. In the same year, a few weeks later, Hazrat Mohemmed’s (saww) beloved wife, Sayyida Khadeja (RA) also passed away after a tender and faithful association of twenty-five years. Thus Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) lost two of his best beloved and nearest ones within the short span of a few days. So this year came to be known as Aam-ul-Huzn (the Year of sorrow)
619 A.D / 10 Nabawi:
At the age of forty nine, he married Sayyida Sawdah (RA) aged thirty-five; the widow of a late companion of Prophet Mohemmed (saww) named Hazrat Sakran b.Amr (RA).
619 A.D / 10 Nabawi:
Mohemmed (saww) married the daughter of Abu Bakr (RA), Sayyida Ayesha (RA). She was to be the Prophet’s favorite wife, and a presence that kindled his intuition and sense of spiritual immense. Sayyida Ayesha (RA) had a sound knowledge of Hadith and Sunnah that’s why towards the end of her life; she was often consulted on matters of Hadith and Sunnah.
619 A.D / 10 Nabawi:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) went to Taif (a town, sixty miles away from Makkah) for preaching, the people of Taif treated him even more brutally than did the people of Makkah. They set their bullies and street urchins after him, who abused and mocked him and pelted him with stones. Wounded and hurt, his shoes filled with the blood dripping from his cloths, he took shelter in an orchard and sitting under the shade of a tree. His greatness lies in the fact, instead to curse the people of Taif, he asked Allah (swt) to forgive them.
620 A.D / 10 Nabawi:
On the return journey from Taif, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) recited the Quran at night in Nakhlah (Oasis) seven passing Jinn (Genie) stopped and listened.
22 March, 620 A.D / 27th Rajab, 10 Nabawi:
The incident of Mairaj (A Sacred Night journey) took place in which the prophet was taken in one night from Makkah to Jerusalem, mounted on the steed Al-Buraq (the miraculous steed) brought to him by the Angel Gabriel (A.S) From the temple Mount the prophet accompanied by Gabriel (A.S) ascends to the Divine Presence.
22 March, 620 A.D / 27th Rajab, 10 Nabawi:
The same night (at Mairaj) five Ritual prayers were made incumbent on Muslims which must be performed at five appointed times each days.
620 A.D / 10 Nabawi:
Six pilgrims of the tribe of Khazraj of Yathrib (Madina) belong to an agricultural community to the north, came to Makkah. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) preached them and later on they accepted Islam.
621 A.D / 11 Nabawi:
The first Aqabah covenant (oath of allegiance) took place. Twelve men of the tribes of Khazraj and Aws came in the presence of Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) and took the oath of allegiance.
622 A.D / 12 Nabawi:
The second Aqabah covenant (oath of allegiance) occurred. Seventy two men came in the presence of Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) and accepted Islam. They pledged to defend the Prophet and promised to be with Islamic Movement whatever the circumstances will be.
12 September, 622 A.D / 27th Safar.ul.Muzaffar, 13Nabawi:
At the age of fifty two, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) decided to migrate from Makkah to Madina. The position of Muslims had become untenable, but they were saved by an invitation form the people of Yathrib, who wanted Mohemmed (saww) to come and arbitrate in the feuds the racked their community. At last Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) left for Madina accompanied by Sayyidna Abu Bakr (RA). During this journey they took shelter in a cave called Saur, some distance from Makkah. For three days they hide in the cave, the pursuers hovering around. One day a band came so near the mouth of the cave that their voices could be distinctly heard inside. Sayyidna Abu Bakr (RA), greatly troubled in heart, said to Prophet Mohemmed (saww):
“There are only two of us and they are many. What if we are discovered?”.
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) replied,
“Fear not, there are not two of us but three, and the third amongst us is God.”
16 September, 622 A.D / 1st Rabi-ul-Awwal 13th Nabawi:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) and his companion Sayyidna Abu Bakr (RA) left the cave Saur and left for Madina.
27 September, 622 A.D / 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 1st Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) arrived at the city of Madina. He was accorded a red carpet welcome by the people of Yathrib; when the Holy prophet entered the city, the daughters of the Ansar (helpers) welcomed him with the recitation of these words;
“Tala-ul-badr-u-Alaina-min-saniyyat-el-wadaaie”
(The moon has shone upon us from the two hills of Wida’a)
The name of the town was changed to Madina, the city of prophet (saww) There he delivered his first Friday sermon and led the prayer. The year in which the migration from Makkah to Madina took place was a turning point of prophet’s life and milestone of Islamic history called hijrah. The hijrah marked the beginning of the Muslim era and the beginning of Islamic calendar as well.
622 A.D / 1st Hijri:
Masjid-e-Quba (Mosque of the Quba) was built at three miles away from Madina. Quba infect a village outside Madina where the prophet first arrived after his migration from Makkah, and here he built a mosque later known as Masjid-ul-Taqwa (the mosque of Reverence). This is considered to be the first mosque in Islam.
622 A.D / 1st Hijri:
Beginning of Azan (the call to prayer); in addition to the call, mosques would display a white flag as a signal that the prayer was being called, at night, a lamp was lit on the top of the minaret to serve the same purpose.
622 A.D / 1st Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) set a relationship between Muhajriin (Refugees of Makkah) and Ansar (Citizens of Madina or Helpers). This is to be known as Muakhat. In fact most of the Muhajriin (Refugees of Makkah) were prosperous and well-to-do, but now they were all equally destitute. As a preliminary step, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) enjoined the Ansar (Citizens of Madina or helpers) to adopt as brothers their co-religionists namely Muhajriin (Refugees of Makkah) to share with them like their own kith and kin whatever they possessed, in prosperity and in want. These bonds endured and Muhajriin were soon absorbed into the community.
622 A.D / 1st Hijri:
Masjid-e-Nabawi (Mosque of the Prophet) started to build in Madina. It is the second most venerable mosque in Islam, after the Masjid-ul.Haram (the grand Mosque of Makkah). The first mosque on the site of today’s structure was supported by the trunks of standing palm trees that had grown there, and Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) himself worked on its construction. In its time, Masjid-e-Nabawi was the principal mosque in Islam, where the prophet spent much of his time with his companions.
623 A.D / 1st Hijri:
In Madina there was a large Jewish population with whom Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) negotiated an agreement in order to adjust their relation with his followers. This is to be known as Mithaq-e-Madina (Charter of Madina). The salient features of that agreement were as follows:
* Every tribe and clan would manage its affairs and settle its own disputes according to its own law.
* No party in Madina, either Muslim or Jewish would directly negotiate any treaty or agreement at any time with any outside party rising beyond the precincts of Madina.
* In case of war out side Madina no citizen of Madina would be compelled to join either of the warring parties.
* In all disputes in Madina, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) would be the final arbitrating authority.
623 A.D / 1st Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) was privileged the right through divine revelation to fight for defensive reasons.
623 A.D / 1st Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) led the very first battle of Islamic history, named Viden.
623 A.D / 1st Hijri:
Battle of Sawwan took place.
623 A.D / 1st Hijri:
Battle of Dhul-Asheerah took place.
624 A.D: / 1st Hijri:
Hazrat Salman Farsi, the Persian (RA) embraced Islam.
16 March, 624 A.D / 17 Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, 2nd Hijri:
The battle of Badr was fought. Badr a valley lies 90 miles away to the south of Madina, where that battle took place, after the name of that valley (the battle front) the battle is to be known as “the battle of Badr”. It was the first major encounter with infidels and Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) led the 313 devotees. That was a milestone not only in the Islamic history but also in the world history, when a Small army of just three hundred Muslims defeated a strong force of more than one thousand infidels of Makkah. That was the battle in which Angles led by Gabriel (A.S) joined the Muslims. That was the battle in which notable chiefs of Quraysh and bitter enemies of Islam like Ut,ba, Shai,ba, Waleed, Umayyah and Abu-Jahl (father of ignorance, the worst enemy of Islam) were put to death by a small but an enthusiastic Muslim army. Abu-Jahl’s death was an exemplary event of that battle when he was put to death by two young boys of Madina, named Ma,uz and Ma,az. At the beginning of the battle Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) threw a handful of pebbles at the infidels of Makkah, saying:
“Abased be those faces”.
A later revelation of Quran said that:
“It was not he, but Allah (swt) who threw” (8:17)
Another secret of the victory of Muslim force lies in the fact that they fought as a disciplined body with an order of battle. To this the Quran says:
“Allah (swt) loves those who fight in Allah’s (swt) way in ranks” (61:4)
The Muslim casualties were fourteen, those of the infidels seventy among few bitter enemies of Islam were killed, the rest being held for ransom. The battle amounted to be an astonishing victory for the Muslims, and that gained them political credibility for their cause among other tribes and soon they emerged as one of the strong forces of the world.
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
The fasting of the month of Ramadan was made mandatory on Muslims. The prophet (saww) recommended fasting as a spiritual discipline.
February, 624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
During the prayer, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) got the revelation of changing the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to Makkah and congregation followed the suit, so Makkah was declared as new Qiblah (Prayer Direction) for Muslims. The mosque where the Prophet turned towards Makkah during the prayers is now called Masjid-ul-Qiblatain (Mosque of the two prayer direction)
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
Battle of Salim took place.
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
Muslims got the felicity of celebrating Eid-ul-Fitar. At the mean time they got the divine order to pay the Fitrah (the Amount at the feast of fast breaking). It is Special alms (Zakat) called Zakat-ul-Fitr, it is consist of a measure of grain for every member of the household (or its equivalent in value) it is given directly to the poor.
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
Zakat was made mandatory on Muslims. Term “Zakat” is taken to mean “purification” from the verb“Zaka” which signifies “to thrive”, “to be wholesome” and “to be pure”. The giving up of a portion of the wealth one may possess, in excess of what is needed for sustenance, to “purify” or legitimize what one retains. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is in effect a tax on one’s possession. It may be paid directly to the poor as alms.
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) tied the knot of his beloved daughter Sayyida Fatima (RA) with his cousin Sayyidna Ali (RA).
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
Battle of Bnu Qaynuqa took place.
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
Battle of Sawweq took place.
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
Battle of Ghatafan took place.
624 A.D / 2nd Hijri:
Battle of Behrain took place.
625 A.D / 3rd Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Sayyida Hafsah (RA) the 21 year-old daughter of Sayyidna Umar (RA). She was the widow of Hazrat Khunays (RA), who had martyred in a battle.
21 March, 625 A.D / 6th Shawwal-ul-Mukarram, 3rd Hijri:
Battle of Uhud took place. Uhud on the western outskirts of Madina is a hill with a plain stretching before it. Infidels of Makkah were gathered there to avenge their defeat at Badr. On the morning of the battle 300 men of Muslim force under Abdullah b. Ubayy (the leader of the hypocrite’s faction in Madina) deserted the prophet as the troops rode out of the city, leaving the Muslims only 700 strong. Nevertheless, the Muslims were close to victory when forty archers whom Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) had stationed on the hill to remain there and guard the flank, saw that the Muslims were wining, most of them abandoned their post, this left the way open for a counter-attack by a detachment of the infidels cavalry. The ten Muslim archers who had remained faithful to their orders proved too small number to hold the cavalry and were cut down. Caught by the break through of the infidel’s cavalry, Muslim force was routed and the prophet (saww) himself was wounded momentarily knocked unconscious. The rumor of prophet’s death caused the infidels to withdraw thinking the battle won. When the infidels learned that the prophet had survived it was too late to launch a counter-attack.
In this battle Sayyidna Hamzah (RA) b. Abdul Muttalib an uncle of the prophet and one of Islam’s most formidable warriors, was martyred speared by a slave named wahshi. Hind, daughter of a slain chief of Quaish at Badr, thirsting to revenge her father and her kinsman killed at Bard, had set her slave to this exploit with promises of reward. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) greatly mourned Sayyidna Hamzah (RA), foremost of the martyrs of Uhud.
625 A.D / 3rd Hijri:
Battle of Hamar-ul-Asad took place.
625 A.D / 3rd Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Sayyida Zainab b. Khuzaymah (RA), a widow of Hazrat Ubaydah (RA), who had martyred in the battle of Badr. She was known as the Umm-ul- Masakin (the mother of the poor) for her generosity. She died not long after the marriage.
625 A.D / 4th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) led the Muslims in the battle of Banu Nadeyr.
625 A.D / 4th Hijri:
Wine was declared prohibited in Islam.
625 A.D / 4th Hijri:
Battle of Dat-ul-Rajee took place.
625 A.D / 4th Hijri:
Battle of Dat-ul-Raqa took place.
625 A.D / 4th Hijri:
Battle of Beir-e-Mauna took place.
626 A.D / 4th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Sayyida Umm-e-Salmah (RA) the widow of Hazrat Abu Salmah (RA), who had martyred in the battle of Uhud.
626 A.D / 4th Hijri:
Battle of Badr-ul-Ukhra took place.
626 A.D / 5th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) led the Muslims in the battle of Daumat-ul-Jandal.
626 A.D / 5th Hijri:
Battle of Banu Mustaliq took place.
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Sayyida Juwayriyyah b.Harith (RA) daughter of the chief of the Banu Mustailq, who thus became allied to the prophet (saww).
627 A.D / 5th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Hazrat Zainab b. Jahash (RA), the divorced wife of his freed man Hazrat Zayd b. Harith (RA).
627 A.D / 5th Hijri:
The order of observing Pardah (The covering of the head, face and body by women in public) was revealed.
23 March, 627 A.D / 28th Shawwal-ul-Mukarram, 5th Hijri:
Madina is besieged by infidels of Makkah: Battle of Khandaq (the Trench) also called Ahzab (War of the Confederates) took place. The Quraysh had made an alliance with certain desert tribes, the Bannu-Ghatafan and Jews of Banu Nadir who had emigrated from Madina to Khyber. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) ordered his devotees a defensive trench to be dug around Madina, a strong hitherto completely unknown to the Arabs but used by the Sassanid (people of Persia) it was Salman Farsi, the Persian, who gave the idea to the prophet, the trench took six days of feverish work to dig only a week before the attack. Army of the infields’ cavalry was stopped by the trench, they attempted to cross the trench but not succeeded, the attackers laid siege for two weeks. At last the Quraysh abandoned the siege and left precipitously the most notable casualty on the Muslim side was Hazrat Saad b. Muadh, chief of one of the clans of the tribe of Aws.
627 A.D / 5th Hijri:
Battle of Banu Quraiza took place.
627 A.D / 6th Hijri:
Battle of Banu Liyhan took place.
March, 628 A.D / Dhu-ul-Qa, dah, 6th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) signed the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah with infidels of Makkah. By virtue of The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the infidels of Makkah had to agree to compromise with the Muslims. Though, few terms of that treaty were seemed completely against the Muslim’s interests but for the long run point of view, they were in favor of Islam and prophet (saww) knew it. Afterwards, the glad tiding of a manifest Victory was revealed which confirmed the prophet’s (saww) vision and sagacity:
“Verily, we have granted thee a manifest Victory” (48:1)
Hudaybiyyah is a place on the road from Jeddah to Makkah; just outside the Haram (restricted precinct) Here Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) stopped and awaited the outcome of events when prevented from making the pilgrimage by the infidels of Makkah. A Quranic revelation (48:27) declared the Prophet would pray at Makkah. He set out to perform pilgrimage at Makkah with a party of about 1000 men unarmed and in Iharam (pilgrim dress). The Quraysh stopped the party at Hudaybiyyah, about ten miles from Makkah. Sayyidna Uthman (RA) was sent to negotiate with infidels when he did not return at the expected time, many thought that he had been killed or captured and that all was lost. In this moment of peril, the prophet’s followers individually made a new oath of fealty to the prophets known as Bait-ur-Ridwan (the pact of felicity). Sayyidna Mohemmed (saww) himself represented the absent Sayyidna Uthman (RA) by proxy in this oath. Sayyidna Uthman (RA) returned with some infidels. The Quraysh agreed to a truce, “the peace of Hudaybiyah”. Under the conditions of this treaty the prophet would be allowed to make the pilgrimage not then but in the following year. Makkah would be emptied for three days for the Muslim pilgrims. The peace also stipulated a truce for ten years, that those who were not free but subjects or dependents of the Quraysh and who defected from the pagans to the Muslim would be returned to the Quraysh by the Muslims, whereas those who were subject to the Muslims and who defected from the Muslims to the Quraysh would not be returned by the Quraysh. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) performed the pilgrimage the following year. The testimony of faith declaring that there is no god but Allah (swt) and Mohemmed (saww) is the messenger of Allah (swt) rang out in the valley of Makkah. The Quraysh camped on the hill of Abu Qubays, heard it, a portent of the coming triumph of Islam. Other effects were equally far-reaching. The desert tribes had seen the infidels of Makkah dealing with the Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) as an equal and as a sovereign, and many turned to the new religion. Shortly thereafter, in the year 630 taking an incident between an allied tribe and the infidels of Makkah as a breach of the truce, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) marched upon Makkah and conquered it, meeting almost no resistance.
628 A.D / 6th Hijri:
Marriage with infidels declared forbidden through divine revelation.
628 A.D / 6th Hijri:
Sayyida Rehana b. Shamun (RA) entered the household of Hazrat Mohemmed (saww). She was originally Jewish and came from Banu Quraiza.
628 A.D / 6th Hijri:
Sayyida Maria Qibtia, the Copt (RA) entered the household of Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) who was originally a slave-girl who was sent to the presence of Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) as gift from Muqawqis, the Byzantine viceroy ruling the Copts in Egypt. She bore Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) a son, Sayyidna Ibrahim (RA) who died eighteen months after his birth.
628 A.D / 6th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Sayyida Umm-e-Habiba (RA) the daughter of Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Quraysh and widow of Ubayd (who had been converted to Christianity in Abyssinia, where he died).
May, 628 A.D / Muharram-ul-Haram, 7th Hijri:
Messengers are sent to Muqawaqis, ruler of Egypt, Kisra of Persia, Qaisar (Heraclius) of Byzantium, the rulers of the Yemen and others, calling them to Islam.
June, 628 A.D/30Muharram-ul-Haram,7th Hijri:
Battle of Khayber took place. Shortly after the Muslims returned from Hudaybiyyah, they learnt that the Jews of Khayber were planning another attack on Madina to avenge their defeat. Their agents, it was reported, were inciting other tribes as well. To forestall these moves the Muslims marched on Khayber with sixteen hundred men and the Khayber fortress, reputed to be impregnable, was stormed and conquered by Sayyidna Ali (RA) after a siege lasting twenty days. As a result the Jewish citadels of Khayber were conquered, and the growing strength of the Muslims became apparent.
628 A.D / 7th Hijri:
To avenge their defeat at Khayber, the Jews made a conspiracy against Muslims; they planned to kill Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) and some of his companions. For implementing the conspiracy, the wife of a Jewish notable slain in the war of Khayber, invited Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) and some of his companions to a meal in her house. The food was poisoned. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) had barely tasted the food when he suspected treachery and stopped eating but one of his companions, Hazrat Bishr b. Bara, died of poisoning. According to the law of the time the whole Jewish community should have been held accountable for this treacherous crime and punished accordingly but Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) held his hand and only the guilty woman was punished.
628 A.D / 7th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Sayyida Safya (RA), the seventeen-year-old widow of Kinanah, chief of the Jews of Khaybar who had been killed at Khaybar. Sayyida Safya (RA) accepted Islam and married the prophet on the return journey to Madina.
628 A.D / 7th Hijri:
The group of Muslims who migrated to Syria returned to Makkah.
628 A.D / 7th Hijri:
Battle of Wadi-ul-Qura took place.
April, 629 A.D / Dhu-ul-Qa, dah 7th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) with two thousand of his trusted followers performed Umra-tul-Qaza (pilgrimage) as agreed in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, and Hazrat Bilal (RA) called the prayer (Azan) from the top of the Kaaba, thus the Kalimah-e-Shahadah (the testimony of the faith) echoes in the valley of Makkah, while the Quraysh watch and listen from the hill of Abu Qubays. The Muslims scrupulously observed the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, even though they were now strong enough to dictate their own terms if they so desired.
629 A.D / 7th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) married Sayyida Maymuna (RA) after the pilgrimage to Makkah. She was the sister in law of Prophet’s uncle Hazrat Abbas, and a widow.
629 A.D / 8th Hijri:
Hazrat Khalid b. Walid (RA) and Hazrat Amr b.Al-Aas (RA) embraced Islam.
629 A.D / 8th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) led the Muslim force in battle of Mauta. That was the battle in which Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) addressed Hazrat Khalid b. Walid (RA) by the name of Saif-Ullah (the Sword of Allah) which then became his honorary title.
12 January, 630 A.D / 20 Ramadan-ul-Mubarak, 8th Hijri:
Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was nearly two years old. The infidels of Makkah now violated one of the terms of the treaty. A tribe allied to them attacked a tribe allied to the Muslims, causing much damage to life and property. The aggrieved tribe brought their complaint to Hazrat Mohemmed (saww). He wrote to the infidels of Makkah and demanded the according to the term of the treaty they should either indemnify the aggrieved tribe for their losses or break their alliance with the aggressor tribe and let the Muslims deal with it as thought best. Alternatively they should terminate the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The infidels of Makkah chose the latter and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was thus terminated. They soon realized how hasty and unwise they had been and sent Abu Sufyan as their envoy to Madina to make amends. It was too late. Muslims were to be fed up of the infidels of Makkah and their patience worn out at last, decided to pull out this thorn from their side. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) ordered his devotees to march towards the Makkah. A large force was accordingly assembled and it marched towards the Makkah. When they approached the end of their journey and Makkah was a few miles away, they halted and encamped for the night. Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) commanded that each group should light a bright fire to give the infidels an idea of their strength. The infidels, he hoped would not give battle once they knew that resistance was hopeless as always he was anxious to avoid unnecessary blood shed and so no blood was shed. The infidels of Makkah gave in, their leader Abu Sufyan presented himself before Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) as their envoy, and accepted Islam. When Abu Sufyan returned to Makkah he made the following proclamation on behalf of the prophet Mohemmed (saww)
“Whoever takes refuge in the house of Abu Sufyan shall be forgiven
Whoever remains indoors and keeps his door shut shall be forgiven.
Whoever enters the Kaaba shall be forgiven.
Whoever goes about his business unarmed shall go in peace.”
No one was forced to change his faith or made to accept the faith of the conquerors as pre-conditions for personal security. Every one was given quarter on one simple condition-peaceful submission. So no resistance was seen then Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) entered in Makkah and conquered it without shedding a single drop of blood.
The Kaaba was purified of idols by Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) himself. On that occasion, Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) was reciting these verses:
"Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood perished,
For Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish." (17:81)
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) announced general pardon for everyone and said:
“I have today abolished all customs and all rituals of the days of jahillya (ignorance) except that arrangements for the distribution of water to the pilgrimage from the holy well of zamzam (pure water) will continue as before.
O, people of Quraysh! Take heed: Allah (swt) has destroyed your factionalism of the days of jahillya, and your pride in blood and lineage. All men are equal. All are descended from the same ancestor, Adam. And Adam was nothing but dust.”
Thus the holy city of Makkah was now Hazrat Mohemmed’s (saww) undisputed domain, his greatness lies in the fact he won Makkah, his native city, without any actual war or blood shed.
1st February, 630 A.D /11 Shawwal-ul-Mukarram, 8th Hijri:
Battle of Hunain took place. Immediately after the conquest of Makkah the Muslims fought a battle against the allied tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif at a point between Makkah and Taif. During the battle field Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) prayed:
“Allah (swt)! I ask of thee thy promise.”
Suddenly the tide of battle turned. Afterwards the revelation came:
“Assuredly Allah (swt) did help you in many battle-fields and on the day of Hunain: Behold! Your great numbers elated you, but they availed you naught: the land, for all that it is wide, did constrain you, and ye turned back in retreat. But Allah (swt) did pour His calm on the Messenger and on the Believers, and sent down forces which ye saw not: He punished the Unbelievers; thus doth He reward those without Faith. Again will Allah, after this, turn (in mercy) to whom He will: for Allah (swt) is Oft-forgiving, most Merciful. (9:25-27)
The Muslim victory in this battle persuaded the desert tribes to accept Islam and shortly thereafter the rebel tribe of Taif also surrendered and entered Islam.
3rd February, 630 A.D/ 13 Shawwal-ul-Mukarram, 8th Hijri:
Battle of Taif took place.
630 A.D / 8th Hijri:
Majority of the people of Hawazin tribe embraced Islam.
630 A.D / 9th Hijri:
The beginning of the year of Deputation; when tribes from all over Arabia accepted Islam.
630 A.D / 9th Hijri:
The Department for alms and charity was established.
630 A.D / 9th Hijri:
Sayyida Maria Qibtiya (RA) bore Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) a son, named Ibrahim (RA).
October, 630 A.D / Rajab-ul-Murajab, 9th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) led a military expedition to Tabuk in North Arabia. It was the last battle who led by Hazrat Mohemmed (saww).
630 A.D / 9th Hijri:
Usury was declared prohibited in Islam.
630 A.D / 9th Hijri:
Tribes Hamadan, Banu Asad and Banu Abbas embraced Islam.
631 A.D / 9th Hijri:
Hajj (the pilgrimage) that year was led by Sayyidna Abu Bakr (RA). Hajj was made obligatory for Muslims who are affluent enough.
631 A.D / 9th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohammed (saww) sent Sayyidna Ali (RA) on a mission to Yemen.
631 A.D / 10th Hijri:
Tribe Ghassan embraced Islam.
27January, 632 A.D / 10th Hijri:
Mohemmed’s (saww) son Ibrahim (RA) died at the age of eighteen months.
632 A.D / 10th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) set off for Makkah to perform the last Hajj.
9 March, 632 A.D / 9th Zilhaj, 10th Hijri:
The “Farewell Pilgrimage” while delivering his last sermon at plain of Arafat to the multitude Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) received the final revelation of Quran. In his last sermon at Arafat, he mounted his camel and said:
“O, people, listen carefully to my words for I may not be among you next year, nor ever address you again from this spot.
O, people, verily Allah (swt) has made inviolable for you each other’s blood and each other’s property, until you meet your lord, even as he has made inviolable this, your day, in this your land, in this your month.
O, people, women have rights over you just as you have rights over them. Be good to them.
O, people, you may soon have to appear before your lord and answer for your deeds. So, beware! Do not go astray after I am gone.
O, people, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born.
O, people, listen to me in earnest! Worship your Allah; say your prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and give of your wealth in charity. All Muslims, free or enslaved, have the same responsibilities. None is higher than other unless he is higher in virtue.
O, people, feed your slaves as you feed yourselves. Do not oppress them nor usurp their rights.”
During the sermon of Arafat the last passage of Holy Quran was revealed:
“Today the unbelievers have despaired of your religion, therefore fear them not, but fear you me. Today I have perfected your religion for you, and I have completed my blessing upon you, and I have approved Islam for your religion. (5:4-5)
Thus Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) turned his blessed face to heaven and said:
“My Lord! Have I delivered aright the Massage I was charged with and fulfilled my calling?”
And the assembly responded with one voice:
“Oh, Prophet (saww) by God! You have!”
Thereupon Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) lifted his fore-finger towards the heaven and then pointing towards people, said:
“O, Lord: Bear Thou witness unto it.”
632 A.D / 13th Zilhaj, 10th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) returned to Madina.
632 A.D / 11th Hijri:
Delegation from Nakaha came to meet Hazrat Mohemmed (saww). It was the last delegations who met him.
632 A.D / 18th Safar-ul-Muzzaffar, 11th Hijri:
Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) fell ill.
8 June, 632 A.D / Rabi-ul-Awwal, 11th Hijri:
On one of the day of the month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, in 11th year of the Hijrah, when the sun was near its zenith, Rehmat-al-il-Aalameen (A mercy to the universe) Hazrat Mohemmed (saww) passed away at 63 (To Allah (swt)We belong, and to Him is our return) in the home of the favorite of his wives Sayyida Ayesha (RA). Hazrat Mohemmed’s (saww) tomb in the mosque of Madina is venerated throughout Islam.
Hazrat Mohemmed’s (saww) grandson Sayyidna Hassan (RA) composed two couplets in a eulogy of his great grandfather. These couplets are the reflection of every Muslim. Sayyidna Hassan (RA) says:
“No eye has ever seen a better person than thee,
And none more handsome than thee was born to any woman;
Thou wast created free from all defects,
As if thou wast created as thou desired to be created.”
Hazrat Mohemmed’s (saww) bounty did not cease to flow and his blessed mission remained continue. His companions and his followers kept his mission alive. The expansion of his message (Islam) carried on, within a hundred years, its realm extended from Spain to India. Today it is found in every corner of the world, and over one billion people are counted as Muslim, who recite as the foundation of their faith, the words:
“There is no God but Allah,
Mohemmed (saww) is the Messenger of Allah.”
In the holy Quran Allah (swt) says:
“Allah (swt) and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.” (33:56)
“O Allah (swt)! Send blessings upon Mohemmed and upon the family of Mohemmed as You sent blessings upon Abraham and upon the family of Abraham; indeed, You are praiseworthy and glorious.
O Allah (swt)! Bless Mohemmed and the family of Mohemmed as You blessed Abraham and the family of Abraham: indeed, You are praiseworthy and glorious.”
| Hazrat Muhammad PBUH was regarded as the last and perfect Prophet. Not Only the Muslims but also the non-muslims accept His (pbuh) unchallenged place in Islamic history. |
Prophet Muhammad was born in 570 CE (Common Era) in the city of Mecca in the Arabian Peninsula, part of modern day Saudi Arabia. As his father had died shortly after marriage, his grandfather 'Abd al-Muttalib became his guardian. 'Abd al-Muttalib was the respected head of the clan of Hashim and the tribe of Quraysh, to which his clan belonged. With the Quraysh being the biggest and most influential tribe in Mecca, 'Abd al-Muttalib was seen as the master of all of Mecca. The Quraysh had a special status in Mecca because they used to be in charge of the sacred Ka'ba. The Qur'an tells us that this holy edifice was built by Prophets Abraham and his son Ishmael:
And when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House [Abraham prayed]: "Our Lord! Accept from us; surely You are the Hearing, the Knowing (2.127). Our Lord! Make us Muslims and raise from our offspring a nation of Muslims. Show us our ways of worship, and relent toward us. Surely, Your are the Relenting, the Merciful" (2.128).
This means that the Ka'ba was built around 1900 BCE, which is when Abraham is thought to have lived. The Ka'ba maintained its venerable status as the destination of pilgrimage in the eyes of the pilgrims and the Arab population of the Arabian Peninsula down the centuries. 'Abd al-Muttalib was personally in charge of the Ka'ba.
The Prophet was only about five to six years old when he lost his mother. Orphan Muhammad then lost his grandfather and custodian 'Abd al-Muttalib at the age of eight. Now one of 'Abd al-Muttalib's sons, Abu Talib, became the guardian of his orphan nephew. Though respected by the clan of Hashim and the people of Mecca in general, Abu Talib did not possess the high status and influence of his father. Had he been more fortunate financially, he might have aspired to acquire that special leadership status.
When Muhammad was twenty five years old, he was hired by a woman called Khadija to take her merchandize to Syria. Khadija, a widow fifteen years Muhammad's senior, later proposed marriage to him, which he agreed to. They lived together for almost a quarter of a century, until the death of Khadija about 8-9 years after the revelation of the Qur'an.
It is interesting to note that Muhammad did not get married to any other woman during Khadija's life, despite the fact that polygamy was common practice in that society. Living out his youth with only one woman in that highly polygamous environment contradicts Muhammad's lecherous image in the Western mind.
Muhammad was deeply interested in matters beyond this mundane life. He used to frequent a cave that became known as "Hira'" on the Mountain of "Nur" (light) for contemplation. The cave itself, which survived the times, gives a very vivid image of Muhammad's spiritual inclinations. Resting on the top of one of the mountains north of Mecca, the cave is completely isolated from the rest of the world. In fact, it is not easy to find at all even if one knew it existed. After visiting the cave, I found myself concluding that Muhammad must have been divinely guided to that hideaway, even if he had chosen it consciously. Once inside the cave, it is a total isolation. Nothing can be seen other than the clear, beautiful sky above and the many surrounding mountains. Very little of this world can be seen or heard from inside the cave. The inhabitant of that cave was obviously interested in things beyond this world and its material riches.
It was in that cave in 610 CE, i.e. at the age of forty, that Prophet Muhammad received from Allah the first verses of the Qur'an. Then and there, history changed.
The Qur'an continued to be revealed in fragments to Prophet Muhammad over the following twenty two years. The last words of the Book were revealed to the Prophet shortly before his death in 632 CE. We will read more about the Qur'an in section 2.2.
In the first two to three years after the revelation, the Prophet preached Islam secretly to individuals whom he trusted. When he started calling people to Islam publicly, the new religion gradually attracted more people but, not surprisingly, also increasing hostility from the idol worshipping population of Mecca. The Prophet was subjected to harassment and abuse. However, armed with patience, resilience, and determination, and protected by his uncle Abu Talib and the clan of Hashim, the Prophet was able to carry on preaching the new faith to people.
Converts to Islam, some of whom were slaves, had to suffer all kinds of persecution, including brutal torture and murder, at the hands of the enemies of the new religion in Mecca. In 614 CE, the Prophet had to instruct a group of Muslims to escape the persecution to Abyssinia and seek the protection of its just Christian king. The Quraysh then sent a delegation to the king, carrying precious gifts, to secure the extradition of the Muslim refugees. The king, however, rejected the bribe and let the Muslims stay in Abyssinia.
One year later, the Quraysh imposed economic and social sanctions on the Prophet, his followers, and his clan. As a result, the Muslims withdrew to a mountain in Mecca. The sanctions lasted about three years before collapsing in 618/619 CE without achieving their goals.
Soon afterward, the Prophet lost his wife Khadija. Matters got worse quickly with the death of his uncle and protector. Prophet Muhammad started to suffer more from the disbelievers' relentless attempts to uproot Islam and destroy its followers. During the pilgrimage season in 622 CE, Muhammad met in Mecca with a number of chiefs from the city of Yathrib, where he had previously sent some Muslims to settle in. Having converted to Islam, the chiefs made a secret pledge to protect the Prophet should the Quraysh try to kill him.
However, the Quraysh learned about the agreement, so the people from Yathrib had to return quickly to their city. Sensing that the danger to Muslims has increased, Muhammad instructed them to immigrate individually or in small groups to Yathrib. The Qurayshites tried to prevent Muslims from fleeing Mecca to Yathrib, but the converts continued to sneak out gradually.
The continuing immigration of Muslims to Yathrib where they had allies was already very bad news for the Qurayshites. This could yet get much worse if Muhammad also would move to that city. They decided that they had no other option but to kill him.
The various clans of the tribe of Quraysh agreed to act as one and assassinate the Prophet while asleep. The idea behind acting collectively was that no one party could be blamed for the killing and become embroiled in a war of vengeance with the clan of Hashim.
The assassination plan, however, was sabotaged by divine intervention. The night the murder was planned to take place, Allah informed His Prophet of the danger and ordered him to secretly leave Mecca and head to the city of Yathrib. The latter became known as "al-Madina al-Munawwara" (the illuminated city), or "al-Madina" for brief, after the arrival of the Prophet.
This famous event, known as the "Hijra " (immigration), occurred in 622 CE, about twelve years after the revelation of the first verses of the Qur'an. This flight was destined to have far-reaching consequences in establishing the Islamic community, strengthening the position of Islam, and spreading its message.
The Prophet lived in al-Madina for about ten years. By the time of his departure from this world in 632 CE, Islam had become well established as the religion of the Arabian Peninsula and had made inroads in neighboring regions; Muslims had become a major force to be reckoned with in the area.
There are a number of good, detailed English biographies of Prophet Muhammad. One biography written by a non-Muslim is Karen Armstrong's Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet (London: Phoenix Press, 2001). Another one written by a Muslim is Martin Lings' Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources (Inner Traditions Intl Ltd, 1987).
For easy reference, this is a short chronology of major events in the life of Prophet Muhammad:
| Date (CE) | Event |
| 570 | Birth of the Prophet in Mecca. His father was already dead when he was born. |
| 575-576 | The death of the Prophet's mother. |
| 578 | The death of the Prophet's grandfather and custodian 'Abd al-Muttalib. The Prophet's uncle Abu Talib became his guardian. |
| 610 | The first revelation of the Qur'an. |
| 612-613 | The Prophet started calling people to Islam publicly. |
| 614 | The first immigration of Muslims to Abyssinia escaping the persecution of the idol-worshipping Meccans. They stayed there for three months. A second immigration to Abyssinia, involving more Muslims, took place later on. This time, the immigrants stayed in Abyssinia until 628 CE when they rejoined the Prophet in al-Madina. |
| 615 | The tribe of Quraysh imposed economic and social sanctions on Muslims and the clan of Prophet Muhammad, Hashim. |
| 618-619 | The collapse of the sanctions. |
| 618-619 | The death of Abu Talib, the Prophet's uncle, triggering increased hostility from the Meccans toward the Prophet. |
| 622 | The emigration of the Prophet from Mecca to al-Madina. |
| 624 | The first major battle of the Muslims against the disbelievers, known as the battle of Badr. |
| 630 | The Muslims conquered Mecca without fighting. |
| 632 | The last revelation of the Qur'an. |
| 632 | The departure of the Prophet from this world in al-Madina. |
The life of Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu-Anha) is proof that a woman can be far more learned than men and that she can be the teacher of scholars and experts. Her life is also proof that the same woman can be totally feminine and be a source of pleasure, joy and comfort to her husband.
In her youth, already known for her striking beauty and her formidable memory, she came under the loving care and attention of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) himself. As his wife and close companion she acquired from him knowledge and insight such as no woman has acquired.
Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu-Anha) was born as a Muslim. She says: "When I got to the age of understanding my parents were already Muslims." From this is it clear that not even a brink of Kufr was shadowed upon her.
Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu-Anha) became the Holy Prophet's (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) wife in Makkah when she was in the sixth year of her life but her wedding did not take place until the second year after the Hijrah when she was about nine or ten. About her wedding, she related that: "Shortly before she was to leave her parent's house, she slipped out into the courtyard to play with a passing friend. I was playing on a see-saw and my long streaming hair was dishevelled." She further says: "They came and took me from my play and made me ready."
Marriage to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) did not change her playful ways. Her young friends came to visit her regularly in her own apartment. Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu-Anha) had her life to the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam).
Once the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) went somewhere at night. When Hazrat Aisha's (Radhiyallahu-Anha) eyes opened she did not find the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) present, so she was very disturbed. She started searching for him in the darkness. Finally her hand touched the foot of the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam), who was in prostration, and she was very relieved.
The bulk of her vast treasure of knowledge was obtained while she was quite young. There are 2210 traditions narrated from her.
Hazrat Aisha's (Radhiyallahu-Anha) students were approximately 200, out of which were: Hazrat Abu Hurairah, Hazrat Abu Musa Ashari, Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas and Hazrat Abdullah ibn Zubair (Radhiyallahu-Anhum).
When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) was on his death bed, he had his head on Hazrat Aisha's (Radhiyallahu-Anha) lap. At the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad's (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) death she was only eighteen years old.
May Almighty Allah make the women of today act upon the life of Hazrat Aisha (Radhiyallahu-Anha).
Ameen.
Sayyidah Khadijah (RA)
"When none believed me, Khadijah (RA) did. She made me a partner in her wealth."
Those are the words of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) about his wife the great Muslim lady, Hazrat `Khadija-tul-Kubra' (RA).
Khadijah (RA), married the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) when she was 40 and he was 25. They had six children: two sons, Qasim and Abdullah (also known as Tahir and Tayyib), and four daughters: Zainub, Ruqaiyyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah (Radhiyallahu-Anhum-Ajmaeen).
Khadijah (RA) lived with the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) for 25 years and was his only wife during that time. When the revelations came from Allah and Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) was made the Last Prophet, it was Khadijah (RA) who accepted the faith and became the first Muslim. She was 55 years old at that time. Her acceptance of Islam greatly helped its spread among the Makkans.
She stood by the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) all the time. In moments of trial and difficulty the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) used to come to her and she consoled and comforted her husband and encouraged him. Khadijah's (RA) wealth was used for the cause of Islam. The Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) remained busy in preaching Islam and his devoted and loving wife looked after the children and family affairs.
The Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) and Khadijah (RA) had many sorrows. they had to bear the death of their sons Qasim and Abdullah (Radhiyallahu-Anhum) in their infancy and in the fifth year of Prophet hood (Hijrah) their daughter Ruqaiyyah (RA) left them and migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) with her Husband, Hazrat Uthman bin Affan (Radhiyallahu-Anhu). Ruqaiyyah (RA) left her parents at a very young age and returned after four years; that time was a long and painful separation for her parents, Khadijah (RA) and Muhammad (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam).
During the Prophet hood, the Quraish did all they could to stop the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) preaching Islam. Nothing worked. The Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam) continued his mission, relying on Allah. Hazrat Khadijah (RA) was his source of encouragement and comfort. She also had to bear enormous strain and suffering during the boycott at Sha'bi (the valley of) Abu Talib for three years.
The great Muslim lady Khadijah (RA) passed away on 10th Ramadhan in the tenth year of Prophethood, 620 CE, at the age of 65 three years before Hijrah was made. Her death was a great loss to the Prophet (Sallallahu-Alayhi-Wasallam). He said:
"I cannot bear the scene, I believe that Allah has kept much good in it."
He loved Khadijah (RA) so dearly that after her death he used to remember her often. Hazrat Khadijah's (RA) status was such that the Angel Jibraeel (Alayhis-Salaam) used to bring salaam (greetings) for her from Almighty Allah.
Young Muslim Sisters should know how devoted Khadijah (RA) was to her husband and how much she did for him for the cause of Allah. Any Muslim of today would feel proud to have such a wife. The world could be changed by great Muslim ladies like Hazrat Khadijah (RA).
HAZRAT FATIMAH'S BIRTH:
Hazrat Fatima (RA) was born when Our Prophet's (pbuh) age was 41, which means one year after Our Prophet (pbuh) was bestowed with Prophet hood. According to some Ulamas she was born when Our Prophet (pbuh) was 35 years old.
HAZRAT FATIMAH'S MARRIAGE:
According to the famous tradition she was married to Hazrat Ali (RA) when she was 15 years and 5 and a half months old.
HAZRAT FATIMAH'S CHILDREN:
Hazrat Fatima (RA) had five children, three boys & two girls namely, Hasan, Hussain, Muhasin, Umme Kulsum and Zainab.
HAZRAT FATIMAH'S DEMISE:
Six months after the death of the Prophet (pbuh), in the month of Ramadan, Hazrat Fatima (RA) passed away. It was the 11th Hijrah on Tuesday 3rd of Ramadan, according to the Islamic calendar. At the time of her death she was 29 years old.
HAZRAT FATIMAH 'S QUALITIES & STATUS:
Hazrat Fatima (RA) was the dearest and best daughter of Our Prophet (pbuh). The Prophet (pbuh) loved her the most. So did she love the Prophet (pbuh).
Hazrat Aisha (RA) says: "I have never seen anyone whose habit, character and the manner of speech were as similar to the Prophet (pbuh) as Fatimah's.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radi Allah Unho)
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu's) real name was Abdullah, and he was given the title of "As Siddique"
or"Testifier to the Truth." His father, 'Uthman, was known as Abu Quhafah and his mother, Salma, was known as
Ummul Khair. He was two and a half years younger than Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
He was the first among the Sahaba to accept Islam. He accompanied Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi
wasallam) during the Hijrah to Madinatul Munawwarah. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) was a merchant. He
freed many slaves, including Sayyiduna Bilal (radi Allahu anhu) and Sayyiduna Umayyah bin Qahaf (radi Allahu anhu).
He participated in all the battles in which Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had to fight the Kuffar.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) loved his faith more than anything else. At the Battle of Badr, his son,
Sayyiduna Abdur Rahman (radi Allahu anhu), was fighting on the side of the Kuffar. After accepting Islam, Sayyiduna
Abdur Rahman (radi Allahu anhu) said to his father, "O Father, at Badr, you were twice under my sword, but
my love for you held my hand back." To this, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) replied, "Son, if I had you
only once under my sword, you would have been no more." He was so uncompromising in his faith.
At the time of the Battle of Tabuk, he donated all his wealth to the war effort, and when Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam) asked him, "What have you left for your family,?" he replied, "Allah and His Rasool
(sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)."
After his election as the Caliph, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) addressed the Muslims with these words:
"O People! I have been chosen by you as your leader, although I am no better than any of you. If I do any wrong, set
me right. Listen, truth is honesty and untruth is dishonesty. The weak among you are the powerful in my eyes, as long
as I do not give them their dues. The powerful among you are weak in my eyes, as long as I do not take away from
them what is due to others.
"Listen carefully, if people give up striving for the Cause of Almighty Allah, He will send down disgrace upon them. If
people become evil-doers, Almighty Allah will send down calamities upon them.
"Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Rasul (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). If I disobey Allah and His Rasul (sallal
laahu alaihi wasallam), you are free to disobey me."
Such was the first Caliph of Islam. Indeed, the world would be a better place to live in, if we had leaders like
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu).
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) now sent Sayyiduna Usamah (radi Allahu anhu) on the expedition to Syria to
fight the Romans, even though he had to attend to all the internal problems of the Islamic State.
The news that Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had passed away, made some new Muslims think
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Islamic Article: Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radi Allah Unho)
that the Islamic State would crumble and they refused to pay the Zakaah. These new Muslims could not yet get used
to their faith and its requirements until then. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) declared, "By Allah! Even if a
single thread is due from a man, he must give it. If he refuses, I will declare war against him."
RENEGADES AND IMPOSTERS
Some others became imposters and renegades. Tulaiha, Musailimah, Maalik bin Nuwairah, Aswad Ansi and a woman
named Sajah claimed that they were prophets and caused a great deal of confusion. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu
anhu) was quick to take action against these imposters.
Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was sent to deal with Tulaiha who fled to Syria and later became a
Muslim. Maalik bin Nuwarah was killed. Sayyiduna Ikramah (radi Allahu anhu) and Sayyiduna Surahbil (radi Allahu
anhu) were sent to take action against Musailimah, but they were defeated. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu)
sent Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) to tackle the notorious Musailamah who married Sajah. In the fight
that followed, Sayyiduna Wahshi (radi Allahu anhu) killed Musailamah. Musailamah and Aswad Ansi also claimed to be
prophets while Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was alive. Aswad was killed by the Muslims of
Yemen.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu's) swift and bold steps saved the Islamic State from the serious danger of
chaos and confusion. He could now attend to other urgent problems.
During his Khilaafat, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) had to take action against the Iranian Empire. The
Emperor of Iran, Khusrou Parvez, was killed by his son, Shirooya, and the whole empire fell into chaos and disorder.
Hurmuz, the Persian governor of Iraq, was very hostile to the Arabs and he was also cruel to the Muslims living in that
area.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) sent Sayyiduna Muthamia (radi Allahu anhu) to take action against the
Iranians in Iraq. His forces were not enough and Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) was then sent with
reinforcements. The Muslim army captured vast areas of the Iranian Empire in several battles.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) then turned his attention to the Romans who were causing trouble in the
North-West frontier. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) sent 4 separate armies under Sayyiduna Ubaidah bin
Jarrah, Sayyiduna Amr Ibnul As, Sayyiduna Yazid bin Abu Sufyaan and Sayyiduna Surahbil bin Hasnal (radi Allahu
anhumul ajma'in) to deal with the Roman power.
The four armies joined into one unit to face the Romans more effectively. The Romans had amassed 150 000 soldiers,
but the total Muslim army was only 24 000. Reinforcements were requested. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu)
asked Sayyiduna Khalid bin Walid (radi Allahu anhu) to take charge of the Iraqi front and Sayyiduna Muthanna (radi
Allahu anhu) to rush to the Syrian front to help fight the huge Roman army. The armies met in Yarmuk after
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) passed away. In this battle, the Romans were totally defeated.
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Islamic Article: Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radi Allah Unho)
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) fell ill at this time and passed away on the 21st of Jamadi-ul-Aakhir 13 A.H.
(22 August 634). His rule lasted 2 years and 3 months. He was 63 years old.
One of the many contributions of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) was the collection and compilation of the
Holy Quran.
He lived a very simple, pious and upright life. He was a true servant of Almighty Allah and a meticulous follower of
Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin al Jarrah 
The image of dignity and grace, a handsome, pleasant, well spoken man with a tall, slim physique and bright sharp eyes. These were the physical good looks of a man whom the Prophet 
said: ‘Every Ummah (nation) has a trustee: the trustee of my Ummah (nation) is Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah.’
By character and nature, he was very humble and modest. Amongst his friends, he was gentle and soft as silk. When it came to war, he was as hard as iron. During the battle of Uhud, he lost his two front teeth. It was within this battle that two of the iron links of the Prophet ’s helmet pierced his blessed head. Hazrat Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah pulled them out with his teeth. His integrity and honesty was unparalleled even amongst the companions of the Holy Prophet .
His real name was Amir ibn Abdullah bin Al-Jarrah, but he became famous as Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah . Hazrat Abdullah ibn Umar says that amongst the tribe of the Quraish there were three people in whom manners and modesty excelled all others. They also had the gift of eloquent and gentle speech. If people looked at them, they wished to keep on looking at them. In his opinion, the three people were:
- Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique
- Hazrat Uthman ibn Affaan
- Hazrat Abu Ubaidah ibn Al Jarrah
Hazrat Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was amongst those very first distinguished companions who had accepted Islam. He passed every trial and tribulation with flying colours. The difficult situations created by the Quraish were met with courage and patience. During these times of hardship, he and the other companions of the Holy Prophet remained steadfast.
He sincerely and honestly recognized the authenticity and truth of the Prophet as the Messenger of Allah Taa’la. He never gave any signs of despair.
One of the greatest tests faced was at the battle of Badr, it was so critical that it is beyond human comprehension. Hazrat Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah advanced into the midst of the battle field, tearing his way in. This made the people run here and there, helter skelter. Everytime he advanced towards a person on horse back, they made way for him, but there was one man among them who would stand in front of him and challenge him, and try to attack him. When Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah realised that this person was his father, he was stunned and shocked. Hazrat Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was forced to attack him and he was removed from the face of this earth. Anything was possible for such people in Islam, nothing could stop them from believing in one Allah and his beloved Messenger Muhammed .
Towards the latter part of his life, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah took residence in Syria. Within this time a fatal disease of plague spread in the city as it had never before. People were affected by it rapidly. When Hazrat Umar Farooq came to know of this, he sent a letter with a messenger to Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah .
He wrote in the letter that he had some important business with him, and he wanted him to make preparations and immediately set out for Madinah Munawwarah to meet him. He was not to delay. If the letter reached him in the morning, then he was to leave by night and if it reached him by night then he had to set out before morning.
When Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah read the letter, he sorrowfully said that he knew what the important business was. Hazrat Umar wanted to keep alive a man who was not born to live in this world forever. He then wrote a reply to the leader of the Muslims, Hazrat Umar , after greeting him, he said that he knew what work he had for him and that the Muslims were facing severe problems, he could not leave them alone in this state, unless it was Allah Taa’las will as He is the one who decides on their fate.
He appealed to Hazrat Umar to consider him helpless to obey his commands in this matter and requested him to give him permission to stay with the Muslims.
When Hazrat Umar received this letter and read it, his eyes brimmed with tears, the companions sitting around him were shocked to see this and asked him if there was some tragic news, if the commander of the Muslims, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah had passed away. He answered:
“No, but death is very near him.”
Hazrat Umar 's statement turned out to be true and correct. A few days later, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah was struck by the plague.
In Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah ’s last days, he made the following statement to the Muslims:
“Today, I am giving you some advice. If you accept it, you will find peace and security to be your companions:
- Establish ‘Salaah’, be regular in your prayer
- Fast during the month of Ramadhan
- Give sacrifices and be charitable often
- Perform the Hajj
- Perform the Umrah
- Encourage and instruct each other to do good actions
- Wish your rulers well and be loyal to them
- Never deceive your rulers
- Be careful that you perform your duties and not be lost in worldly pursuits
Listen carefully to what I have to say next: ‘Even if a man gets to live a thousand years, one day he will be in the same position in which you see me today, no one can escape death.’
“My greetings of peace to all of you. May there be countless blessings of Allah the merciful on you all.”
He then turned to Hazrat Muaz bin Jabal and said,
“Lead the men well in prayers, May Allah protect you!”
With these humble words on his lips, he became the beloved of Allah Taa’la.
“To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.”
Muaz ibn Jabal stood up and told the people with quivering lips and a trembling voice:
“Brothers in Islam, you are sunk in grief today for a man who was more good hearted than any of us. He had a pure heart free from malice and envy. He was a man who loved the hereafter and was a well-wisher of each one of us.”
He was a man whom was given the title ‘Aminul Ummah’, the trustee of this nation and during his lifetime on this earth given the glad tidings that he would go to paradise by the Prophet . He was a very blessed man, indeed!
Let us all pray for him and his position in paradise be ever exalted.
May Allah Taa’la shower blessings on him and our Prophet . Ameen
The great warrior and companion Hazrat Hamza (Ra) was an uncle of lthe great Prophet (Sm). His conversion to Islam was a sudden incident.
After being bestowed with Prophethood, the Great Prophet Ism) started preaching Islam publicly. For this reason the infidels started opposition and oppression. In the meantime one day the Great Prophet (Sm) was in meditation at the foot of Safa mountain. The wicked Abu Jahl rebuked him in an extremely, objectionable language and struck him. Uttering not a world the Great Prophet (Sm) returned home. Hamza (Ra) had just returned from hunting. He came to know about this incdent. He rushed angrily in that condition to the compound of Kaba. Seeing Abu Jahl sitting among other leaders of Quraish he roared like a lion. Striking Abu Jahl’s head with his bow again and again, he said, what you you dare rebuke my nephew and strike him. Hamza declared so listen I recite la illaha illallahu Muhammad (Sm) is his Messenger) and I accept islam, the religion of Muhammad (Sm). Hamza presently went the great Prophet (Sm) and narrated the whole incident. He also informed him about his conversion to Islam. The great Prophet (Sm) was very pleased by acceptance of Islam by a warrior like Hamza.
Hazrat hamza (Ra) was a mighty brave warrior. He was honoured by the title of the lion of Allah his Prophet’s for his incomparable bravery. After accepting islam hamza (Ra) dedicated himself to the cause of the Great Prophet (Sm) and Islam. He remained like a shadow with the Great Prophet during different crises. When the Great Prophet (Sm) was engaged in preaching Islam security of the Prophet (Sm) and the Muslims rested with Hamza (Ra). Hazrat Hamza (Ra) earned name and fame for his excellent bravery in the battle of Badr. In that battle the Muslims kill many Quraish leaders including Abu Jahl.
In the battle of Uhud, Hamza (Ra) was one of the targets of the infidels for killing, because many Quraish heroes were killed by Hamza (Ra) in the battle of Badr. As a result at one stage of the battle, Abyssinian slave wahshi Ibn Harb with a’spear attacked him. He fell down on the ground and was martyred.
We shall learn about the boundless valour of Hazrat Hamza (Ra) and be able to tell them. We shall follow his ideal.
Imam Abu Hanifa (R)
The original name of Imam Abu Hanifa is numan. His father’s name is Tnabit. His father was a pious business man. Imam Abu Hanifa was born in Hijri 80. seeing his extra- ordinary talent his father arranged everything for his well-education. Within a short time he memorized the whole of the holy Quran and then he attained deep knowledge in Tafsir, Hadith, Arabic language and literature etc. he acquired higher education in different subjects of Islam from the then world famous qualified and virtuous teachers.
He has composed an Islamic law through a comprehensive and extensive analysis and discussion of the Holy Quran and the Hadith. The book was named as Fiqh. In this Islamic law book or Islamic jurisprudence elaborate discussion has made about Salat, Zakat, Siyam, Hajj, business and judgment etc. that was one of his great works. A committee was formed under his leadership consisting of great Islamic scholars for the purpose, which was compiled, it would have ben very different to practice Islamic rules and regulations.
Imam Abu Hanifa Sacrificed much, just fot the cause of compiling the unique and essential book, even he rejected the covetable post of Chief justice offered to him by the then Caliph. He was very pious, having excellent character. Hence, he was respectable to all. This great man died in 150 Hijri.
We shall try to know about him. And shall follow the ideas left by imam Abu Hanif in the field of learning and Islamic sciences.
This is the story of the pious, mystic, Faqhi, intellectual and ascetic, Salman the Persian. He grew up in the town of Isfahan in Persia, in the village of Jayyan. His father was the Dihqan (chief) of the village. He was the richest person there and had the biggest house.His father loved him, more than he loved any other. As time went by, his love for Salman became so strong and overpowering that he feared to lose him or have anything happen to him. So he kept him at home, a virtual prisoner, in the same way that young girls were kept.
Salman became devoted to the Magian religion, so much so that he attained the position of custodian of the fire, which they worshipped. His duty was to see that the flames of the fire remained burning and that it did not go out for a single hour, day or night.
Salman’s father had a vast estate, which yielded an abundant supply of crops. He himself looked after the estate and gathered harvest. One day as he went about his duties as Dihqan of the village, he said to Salman, ‘My son, as you see, I am too busy to go out to the estate now. Go and look after matters there for me today.
On the way to the estate, Salman passed a Christian church and heard voices raised in prayer, which attracted his attention. He did not know anything about Christianity or, for that matter, about the followers of any other religion. His father had kept him in the house away from people. When he heard the voices of the Christians, he entered the church to see what they were doing. He was impressed by their manner of praying and felt drawn to their religion. He said, ‘This religion is better than ours. I shall not leave them until the sunsets.’
Salman's inclination to Christianity
Salman asked and was told that the Christian religion originated in Syria. He did not go to his father’s estate that day and at night, he returned home. His father met him and asked where he had been. Salman told him about his meeting with the Christians and how he was impressed by their religion. His father was dismayed and said: ‘My son, their is nothing good in that religion. Your religion and the religion of your forefathers is better.”
‘No, their religion is better than ours,’ he insisted. His father became upset and afraid that Salman would leave their religion. So he kept Salman locked up in the house and shackled his feet. Salman managed to send a message to the Christians, asking them to inform him of any caravans going to Syria. Before long they contacted him with the information he wanted. He broke the fetters and escaped his father’s estate to join the caravan to Syria. When he reached Syria, he asked regarding the leading person in the Christian religion and was directed to the bishop of the church. He went up to him and said: ‘I want to become a Christian and would like to attach myself to your service, learn from you and pray with you.’
The bishop agreed and Salman entered the church in his service. Salman soon found out, however, that the bishop was corrupt. He would order his followers to give money in charity while holding out the promise of blessings to them. When they gave the bishop anything to spend in the way of Allah, he would hoard it for himself and not give anything to the poor or needy. In this way, he amassed a vast quantity of gold. When the bishop died and the Christians gathered to bury him, Salman told them of his corrupt practices and, at their request, showed them where the bishop had kept their donations. When they saw the large jars filled with gold and silver they said, ‘By Allah, we shall not bury him.’ They nailed him on a cross and threw stones at him. Not long after, the local people appointed another man in place of the first. Salman stayed on, in the service of this person who replaced him. The new bishop was an ascetic who longed for the Hereafter and engaged in worship day and night. Salman was devoted to him and spent much of the time in his company.
Before he passed away, Salman said to him, “O so and so Priest! The time has come for you to witness Allah Ta'ala's decision (meaning death). I swear by Allah, I have never adored anyone as much as I have adored you! So what would you instruct me to do? And who can you recommend for me to see?”
He replied, “O son! I do not know of anyone except for a certain man living in the city of Mosul. Go to him, for you will find that he is similar to me.”
A short while after he passed away, Salman arrived at Mosul and found the priest he had been sent to, and indeed, he was very much like the one before him in terms of simplicity and striving. After he passed away, Salman was referred to another priest who in turn sent him to a priest in Ammuriyah (Ameria, near Rome) , before his demise. Salman stayed by this Roman priest, and decided to make a living. Eventually hemanaged to acquire some sheep and cows.
When his death was near, Salman told him of my story and asked him for his advice just as he had asked those before him. He said: “There is nobody following our ways of life I can send you to. Nevertheless, your life seems to coincide with the era of the predestined Prophet who will arise from the Haram. His migration will be to a city full of date trees. Moreover, he will certainly have some distinct features: Between his shoulder blades, there will be the Seal of the Prophethood. He will eat food, provided it is a gift and not a donation. If you can reach that city, then do so, because you are very close to his era.”
Salman's inclination to the Arabs and Islam
A group of Arab leaders from the Kalb tribe passed through Ammuriyah. Salman asked them to take him with them to the land of the Arabs, in return for whatever money he had. They agreed to take him along. When they reached Wadi al-Qura (a place between Syria and Madinah), the Arabs broke their agreement and made him a slave, then sold Salman to a Jew. Salman worked as a servant for him but he eventually sold him to a nephew of his, belonging to the tribe of Banu Qurayzah. This nephew took Salman with him to Yathrib, the city of palm groves, which is how the Christian at Ammuriyah had described it.
At that time the Prophet was inviting his people in Makkah to Islam but Salman did not know of this because of the harsh duties slavery imposed upon him. When the Prophet reached Yathrib after his hijrah from Makkah, Salman was on top of a palm tree doing some work. Salman’s master was sitting under the tree. A nephew of Salman’s master came up and said, ‘May Allah declare war on the Aws and the Khazraj (the two main Arab tribes of Yathrib). By Allah, they are now gathering at Quba to meet a man, who has just today, arrived from Makkah and who claims to be Prophet.’
Salman felt light-headed upon hearing these words and began to shiver so violently that he had to climb down, in fear that he may fall. He quickly swung down from the tree and spoke to his master’s nephew.
‘What did you say? Repeat the news for me.’
Salman’s master grew angry at this breach of protocol and struck him a terrible blow. ‘What does this matter to you’? Go back to what you were doing,’ he shouted.
Hazrat Salman himself narrates:
I left the house for a while, making inquiries. I asked a woman I met from the city whose entire family had become Muslim. She showed me the way to the Prophet .
When it was evening, I took some food with me and went to the Prophet . The Prophet was in Quba at the time. I said, “Word has reached me that you are a very pious man, and that you have some travellers in your company. I had some charity and thought that you would be most deserving of it. This is it; you may have some to eat.” The Prophet withdrew his own hand, not eating from it, but told his Companions to eat. At the time, I thought, “This is one of the characteristics my Mentor told me of.”
On my way back, I saw that the Prophet was heading to Madinah . Thus, I took the food to him, saying, “I saw that you were not eating from this charity. As a matter of fact, I presented it as a gift and not charity.” This time, the Prophet also ate with his Companions. “That makes two signs,” I thought.
Later on, I approached the Prophet as he was walking behind the corpse in a funeral. I remember that at the time, he was covered in two sheets, and that his Companions were with him.
I was trying to steal a look at the Seal on his back, when the Prophet saw me glancing. Realising that I wanted to verify what someone had told me, he let his cloak drop a little, and I managed to see that the Seal between his shoulder blades was exactly the way my Mentor had described it. I threw myself down before the Prophet (sallallahu-alayhi wasallam) kissing (his blessed hands/feet) and started to cry. The Holy Prophet said, “O Salman! Reveal your story.”
So I sat in front of him, relating my story to him and hoping that his Companions could also hear it. When I had finished, the Prophet said, “O Salman! Make a deal with your owner to free you.”
Consequently, my master did agree to free me, but in exchange for the following: ‘Three hundred date trees, as well as one thousand, six hundred silver coins.' Hence, the Sahaba (Radhiallahu anahum) helped by providing around twenty to thirty date plants each, and a tenth of every man's land in accordance to how much he owned. The Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said to me, “Dig a hole for each date-plant. When you are finished, let me know so that I can personally fix all the date-plants into place with my own hands.” Thus, with the help of my friends, I dug holes wherever the date-plants were to be put.
Later on, the Prophet came. We stood by his side holding the plants as he fixed them into the ground. I swear by The Being Who sent the Prophet with the Truth, not a single plant died out.
Nevertheless, I still had the silver to pay. A man came to the Prophet bringing from the mines some gold which was roughly the size of a pigeon's egg. The Prophet said, “O Salman! Take this and pay off whatever you have to.”
I replied, “O Messenger of Allah! How will this be enough for my debt?”
He said, “Allah will surely make it sufficient for your debt.”
As a result to this statement, I swear By Allah, it outweighed the one thousand, six hundred coins. I not only paid off my dues, but what I had left with me was equivalent to what I had given them.
The strict honesty of the Prophet was one of the characteristics that led Salman to believe in him and accept Islam. Salman was released from slavery by the Prophet , who paid his Jewish master a stipulated price, and who himself planted an agreed number of date palms to secure Salman’s manumission. After accepting Islam, Salman would say when asked whose son he was, ‘I am Salman, the son of Islam from the children of Adam.’
Salman was to play an important role in the struggles of the growing Muslim State. At the battle of Khandaq, he proved to be an innovator in military strategy. It was he who suggested digging a ditch or khandaq around Madinah to keep the Quraysh army at bay. When Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Makkans, saw the ditch, he said, ‘This stratagem has not been employed by the Arabs before.’ Salman participated in all of the other campaigns of the Prophet thereafter. He was also with Saad in the conquest of Iraq. After the grand victory, the Caliph Umar chose him because of his knowledge of the terrain, to select the land upon which Kufa was to be built.
Salman became known as ‘Salman the Good’. Salman was a scholar who lived a rough and ascetic life. He had one cloak, which he wore and slept on. He would not seek the shelter of a roof but stayed under a tree or against a wall. A man once said to him: ‘Shall I not build you a house in which you may live?’ ‘I have no need of a house,’ he replied. The man persisted and said; ‘I know the type of house that would suit you.’ ‘Describe it to me,’ said Salman. ‘I shall build you a house which if you stood up in, the roof would hurt your head and if you were to stretch your legs, the wall would hurt them.’
Later, as a governor of Al-Madain (Ctesiphon) near Baghdad, Salman received a stipend of five thousand dhirhams. This he would distribute as sadaqah. He lived from the work of his own hands. When some people came to Madina and saw him working the palm groves, they said, ‘You are the leader here and your sustenance is guaranteed and yet you do this work?’
‘I like to eat from the work of my own hands,’ he replied. Salman however was not extreme in his ascetism.
It is related that he visited Abu Dardaa with which the Prophet had joined him in brotherhood. He found Abu Dardaa’s wife in a miserable state and he asked, ‘What is the matter with you.’‘Your brother has no need of anything in this world,’ she replied.
When Abu Dardaa came, he welcomed Salman and gave him food. Salman told him to eat but Abu Dardaa said, ‘I am fasting.’‘I swear to you that I shall not eat until you eat also.’
Salman spent the night there as well. During the night, Abu ad-Dardaa got up but Salman got hold of him and said, ‘O Abu ad-Dardaa, your Lord has a right over you. Your family has a right over you and your body has a right over you. Give to each there due.’
Then in the morning, they prayed together and then went out to meet the Prophet . The Prophet supported Salman in what he had said. (Bukhari)
As a scholar, Salman was noted for his vast knowledge and wisdom. Ali said of him that he was like Luqman the Wise. And Kab al-Ahbar said: ‘Salman is bursting with knowledge and wisdom. He is an ocean that does not dry up.’ Salman had knowledge of both the Christian scripture and the Quraan in addition to his earlier knowledge of the Zoroastrian religion. Salman in fact translated parts of the Quraan into Persian during the lifetime of the Prophet . He was thus the first person to translate the Quraan into a foreign language.
According to the most reliable account, he died in either 31 or 34 A.H, at the age of 250 years, during the caliphate of Uthman, at Ctesiphon.
Abu Hurraira narrates, that the Prophet prayed the following verse: ‘If ye turn back, He will substitute in your stead another people, then they would not be like you.’ (Q47:38) The Sahabah asked the Prophet , ‘O Prophet , who are these people that Allah has mentioned, that he would chose them instead of us? That they will not do as we did?’ The Prophet placed his hand on Salman’s thigh and said, ‘It will be his people. And even if faith is near the Surya (the Pleiads), someone from the Persians would attain it.’
Who were the people of Kufa and Iraq? Who was Imaam Abu Hanifah? They were all Persians. The divinely chosen denizens of Kufa were Persians. Their spiritual teachers were Persians and so were the three about whom the Prophet said, ‘Paradise longs for three people. Ali, Amar and Salman.’ (Tirmidhi)
Abu Hurraira narrates in another Hadith, that the Prophet once prayed the following verse: ‘As well as others of them, who have not already joined them.’ (Q62:3) The Sahabah asked, ‘O Prophet of Allah , who are these people,’ The Prophet placed his hand on Salman and said, ‘If faith was near the Pleiads, then someone from them would attain it.’ (Bukhari and Muslim)
Time bore witness to the realisation of the Prophet words. The progeny of the Persians spread their knowledge and populated the world.
Once Abu Sufyan came to Madinah and passed by Salman , Bilal and Sohayb . The three companions said, ‘Have not the swords of Allah beheaded this accursed man yet?’ Abu Bakr upon hearing this said, ‘Do not say such things of the leader of Quraish.’ After that, Abu Bakr went to the Prophet and told him of this conversation. The Prophet said, ‘Have you annoyed these three? If you have, then you have annoyed Allah.’ Abu Bakr made haste to the three companions and asked them whether they took offence on his words. They told him that they had not and further said, ‘O brother, may Allah forgive you.’ The annoyance of Salman is the annoyance of Allah. Even the likes of Abu Bakr fear to offend him.
It has come in another Hadith that the Prophet said, ‘Allah has commanded me to love four men, for He too loves them. They are Ali, Abu Dhar, Miqdad and Salman.’It has also come in a Hadith that, ‘Each Prophet had seven helpers and protectors, I was given fourteen. Ali, Hasan and Hussain, Hamzah, Abu Bakr, Umar, Masaab Ibn Ameer, Bilal, Salman, Amar, Abdullah Ibn Masood, Abu Dhar and Miqdad.’
This was Salman Farsi , the Persian who’s quest for the true faith lasted almost all of his 250 years of life. As Muslims and as students, it should be our point of aspiration to achieve at least some of the dedication of Salman Farsi to faith and the gaining of knowledge.
Khalid ibn Walid (592-642) (Arabic: خالد بن الوليد ) also known as Sword of Allah. He is noted for his military prowess, commanding the forces of Prophet Muhammad and those of his immediate successors of the Rashidun Caliphate; Caliph Abu Bakr and Caliph Umar during the Islamic conquest in 7th century.
In having the distinction of being undefeated in over a hundred battles against the numerically superior forces of the Byzantine Roman Empire, Sassanid Persian Empire, and their allies, he is regarded as one of the finest military commanders in history.
Caliph Hazrat Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) notes
Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA): Born: 602 AD Died: 680 AD.
Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) was one of the most respected Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Sayyidna Amir
Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) was born in the year 602 A. D. He was the son of of the Quraish leader Sayyidna Abu Sufyan Bin Harb (RA). He belonged to
the clan of Banu Umayya which was the second most powerful family in Mecca after the Banu Hashim to which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
belonged. When The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started preaching Islam, the Banu Umayya opposed him vehemently. And since the pre-Islamic period
there was rivalry between the houses of Banu Hashim and the Banu Umayya.
Ultimately when Mecca was conquered by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 630 A. D. the family of Sayyidna Abu Sufyan Bin Harb (RA) accepted
Islam. Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) had already accepted Islam in his heart before the conquest of Mecca but he did not disclose
it to anybody. He hid his faith like Sayyidna Abbas Bin Abdul Muttalib (RA).
After conquest of mecca
After the conquest of Mecca, Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) served as Secretary to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and was the
writer of the Revelation. Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) was the brother-in-law of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as Sayyidna Amir
Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA)’s sister Ummul Momineen Sayyidah Umm Habiba Bint Abi Sufyan (RA) was married to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Personality
Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) was tall and was fair and handsome in appearance. He was eloquent in speech and was noted for his forbearance. He was a man of dignified bearing and good manners. He was a shrewd politician and diplomat par excellence. In winning wars
Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) relied more on the use of the tongue than the use of the sword. He was loved and respected by the people
of Syria where he served as the governor for 20 years. He was known to his people as ” The Silver tongued Amir. ” He was a very good
mathematician and an excellent calligraphist. Sayyidna Umar Bin Al Khattab (RA) used to call him as ” The Ceasar of the Arabs. ”
beloved Prophet(PBUH) about Hazrat Amir Muawiyah(RA)
Once the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) came to the house of Ummul Momineen Sayyidah Umm Habiba Bint Abi Sufyan (RA) and found that Sayyidna
Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) was also present there in her house.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked Ummul Momineen Sayyidah Umm Habiba Bint Abi Sufyan (RA) whether she loved Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi
Sufyan (RA). She replied that he was her brother and she definitely loved him. Hearing this, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) smiled and said
that Allah and His Messenger also love Muawiyah.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once prayed for Sayyidna Amir Muawiyah Bin Abi Sufyan (RA) like this:
” O Allah ! Make him a leader of the people and make him a guide through whom the people might be guided.”
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had said:
“The first group of Muslims to make Naval Jihad will be the inhabitants of Heaven. “
One of the instructions of Mu’awiya to a new governor was:
“Open your door to the people; thus you will have information from them. You and they are equal. When you decide on a matter, express it openly to the people, and no one will expect anything or make demands on you, and you will be able to carry it out. When you encounter your enemies, and they defeat you at the border of your territory, do not let them defeat you in its interior. If your companions need you to assist them personally, do so.”
He once wrote to ‘A’isha requesting some succinct advice and she wrote back, “I heard the Messenger of Allah say, ‘If anyone seeks the pleasure of people at the expense of the wrath of Allah, Allah will entrust him to them until the one who praised him becomes his critic. If anyone seeks the pleasure of Allah at the expenseof people, Allah will be enough for him against them.’” He took this to heart and later said on the minbar of Damascus, “No one abandons fearfulness of Allah but that the one who praised him becomes his critic.”
Early life
Mu'awiyah bin Abi-Sufyan was born in 602 C.E. into the Banu Umayya sub-clan of the Banu Abd-Shams clan of the Quraysh tribe. The Quraysh controlled the city of Mecca (in the west of present-day Saudi Arabia) and the Banu Abd-Shams were among the most influential of its citizens. Mu'awiya and the rest of his family were staunch opponents of the Muslims before the ascendancy of Muhammad.
In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers conquered Mecca, and most of the Meccans, including the Abd-Shams clan, formally submitted to Muhammad and accepted Islam. Mu'awiyah, along with his father Abu Sufyan, became Muslims at the conquest of Mecca when further resistance to Muslims became an impossibility.[14][15] Some scholars hold the view that Mu'awiya was the second of the two to convert, with Abu Sufyan convincing him to do it.
Muhammad welcomed his former opponents, enrolled them in his army and gave them important posts in what was to become the Caliphate. After the Prophet Muhammad's death (632) Mu'awiya served in the Islamic army sent against the Byzantine forces in Syria. He held a high rank in the army led by his brother Yazid ibn Abu Sufyan.
Governor of Syria
Caliph Umar (Umar ibn al-Khattab) had appointed Muawiyah Ibn Abu Sufyan as governor of Syria. In the year 640, Umar appointed Muawiyah as governor of Syria when his brother died in an outbreak of plague. Muawiyah gradually gained mastery over the other areas of Syria, instilling remarkable personal loyalty among his troops and the people of the region. By 647, Muawiyah had built a Syrian army strong enough to repel a Byzantine attack and, in subsequent years, to take the offensive against the Byzantines in campaigns that resulted in the capture of Cyprus (649) and Rhodes (654) and a devastating defeat of the Byzantine navy off the coast of Lycia (655). At the same time, Muawiyah periodically dispatched land expeditions into Anatolia.
According to the chronicler Theophanes the Confessor, Muawiyah I, after capturing Rhodes sold the remains of the Colossus of Rhodes to a traveling salesman from Edessa. The buyer had the statue broken down, and transported the bronze scrap on the backs of 900 camels to his home. Pieces continued to turn up for sale for years, after being found along the caravan route.
Introduction
Sayyidina Hazrat Bilal was an Abyssinian slave belonging to a Jew called Umayya Bin Khalf, who was a bitter enemy of Islam.
He embraced Islam in its early days, during times when the non-believers would continuously harass the Muslims and never allow them a moment of peace.
Hazrat Bilal’s love for Allah and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) will always remain a perfect example of devotion and total submission.
Ahad, Ahad – there is only one Allah
In the sweltering heat under the Arabian skies, Hazrat Bilal’s love for Allah shone brighter than the sun itself. So strong was it that he could not conceal it despite the punishment and torture afflicted on him by his cruel master.
There were times when a large boulder would be placed upon his chest as he lay on the scorching sand, his ribs being crushed under the weight. Yet the words ‘Ahad! Ahad! (There is only one Allah!)’ were constantly repeated by Hazrat Bilal, so strong was his faith and love.
His Jewish master would insult him and threaten him to denounce Islam, beat him, whip him and humiliate him on the streets of Makkah, but nothing was able to shake Hazrat Bilal’s heart.
He put his life and soul into the Hands of Allah, and there it would forever remain.
One day, it so happened that Hazrat Abu Bakr was passing that way and saw Sayyidina Hazrat Bilal crying out, "Ahad! Ahad!", despite the immense torture he was being subjected to. As he watched, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique’s heart became agitated upon seeing Hazrat Bilal under such persecution, and tears filled his eyes.
He then called Hazrat Bilal towards himself and advised him to utter Allah's name in solitude and not to utter it in the presence of his persecutor, or he would be subjected to further persecution and torture. Hazrat Bilal replied, "O Honoured One! You are the Siddique of Rasulallah (s.a.w), and therefore I accept your advice and will act accordingly."
The following day, Hazrat Abu Bakr happened to pass that way, and again he witnessed the same sight.
Hazrat Bilal was once more uttering the cry of "Ahad! Ahad!" while the Jew was torturing him to such an extent that again his body became soaked in blood. Seeing this, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique’s heart was filled with pain and he advised Hazrat Bilal, "Brother, why do you utter 'Ahad' in the presence of this persecutor? Utter it silently and secretly within yourself".
Hazrat Bilal replied, "I make tawba (repentance) and in future will not act contrary to your advice."
Hazrat Mawlana Rumi (R.A.) says:
"When Abu Bakr advised him towards silence and secrecy,
Bilal repented again,
But when love overwhelmed, he swallowed the repentance.
It is the message of the troubled heart.
Without You there can be neither peace nor comfort."
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique, on numerous occasions, gave Hazrat Bilal the same advice but on every occasion when he passed that way, he saw the same scene - the Jew persecuting Bilal who was all the time crying, "Ahad! Ahad!”
Hazrat Abu Bakr finally went to Rasulallah (s.a.w) and related the story to him. When Rasulallah (s.a.w) heard the story, he was filled with sorrow and tears flowed from his blessed eyes. He asked, "O Siddique! What is the solution to this problem? How can we save Bilal from this calamity?"
Hazrat Abu Bakr replied: "Ya Rasulallah (s.a.w), I shall buy Bilal. Rasulallah (s.a.w) agreed and said, "Let my share also be therein".
Subhanallah! How great the fortune of Sayidina Hazrat Bilal, that Rasulallah (s.a.w) himself took part in purchasing him.
Hazrat Abu Bakr then approached the Jew while he was again torturing Hazrat Bilal. Hazrat Abu Bakr said to him, "Why are you beating this friend of Allah?" The Jew replied, "If you have so much sympathy for him, then bring the money and take him away as yours".
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique then paid the ransom and freed Hazrat Bilal.
After this, Rasulallah (s.a.w), out of love and joy, embraced Hazrat Bilal and held him to his heart.
Hazrat Mawlana Rumi (R.A.) says:
"Mustafa embraced Bilal and held him against his chest. The ecstasy Bilal felt! Who can ever imagine that?"
Conquest of Makkah
When the Muslims finally conquered the city of Makkah, its people fled to their houses in fear and bolted the doors and windows. They feared that the Muslims would avenge themselves for the wrong done to them years ago.
The Muslims advanced towards the Holy Kabah and then Hazrat Bilal assured the people that they were safe. He announced out loud, "All those who lay down arms are safe. All those in the house of Abu Sufyan are safe. All those behind closed doors are safe."
Heartbreak and immense grief
After the passing away of Rasulallah (s.a.w), Hazrat Bilal was overcome with immense grief. This death had completely shattered his heart and in this state, he decided that he could no longer stay in Madinah Sharif. He then gathered his belongings and left for Syria.
He had just left the border of Madinah Sharif, when sleep overcame him. He found a tree to sleep under and took some rest there. In his sleep, Rasulallah (s.a.w) appeared in his dream and said, “Bilal, why did you leave me?” Hazrat Bilal immediately woke up and, without hesitation, made the journey back to Madinah Sharif.
When the people of Madinah saw Hazrat Bilal returning through the city gates, they were overwhelmed with joy. Word spread through the streets that Bilal, the Holy Prophet’s Muazzin had returned.
As Hazrat Bilal made his way to the Holy Prophet’s Masjid, requests for him to do the Azan were ringing in his ears. People followed him through the streets, pleading for him to deliver the call to prayer once more. The blessed city had been deprived of his beautiful Azan for too long, and the people craved to hear it one last time.
However, since the death of Rasulallah (s.a.w), Hazrat Bilal’s grief had been so immense that he resolved that he would never do the Azan again, and so he refused the pleas of the people.
As he advanced towards the blessed Masjid, he saw the two beloved grandsons of Rasulallah (s.a.w), Hazrat Hassan and Hussain. They too requested for him to do the Azan, and when he looked upon their blessed young faces, his love for them overwhelmed his heart. He knew he could never refuse them anything, and they were, after all, the grandsons of the one whose love had penetrated his heart through and through.
Hazrat Bilal then stood up on the Mimbar, assumed his position as the Muazzin and started to read the Azan. His voice, beautiful as it was, rang through the streets of Madinah Sharif, his pain and heartbreak evident in the painful tune. He read to his heart’s content, and in such a manner that there was not a person in the blessed city whose eyes were not wet with tears.
When Hazrat Bilal reached “Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulallah”, he broke down and could not continue. His pain and the pain of Madinah’s people was unbearable.
Memories of the beautiful days when Rasulallah (s.a.w) sat amongst them penetrated their hearts with hurt and agony.
The emptiness of their lives and their souls without Rasulallah (s.a.w) had devastated them and left them broken inside. Even the strongest amongst them who were usually able to suppress the pain could not hold back any longer.
Passing away of the Prophet’s Muazzin
The great devotee and Muazzin of Rasulallah (s.a.w), the courageous and beloved Abyssinian by the name of Hazrat Bilal Habshi passed away in the middle of reading Azan in Damascus, Syria between the years 638 and 642 (AD).
This was the second time after the death of Rasulallah (s.a.w) that Hazrat Bilal recited the Azan.
Hazrat Haleema Sadia
Blessed foster-mother of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w)
It was the general custom of the Arabs that their children were sent to be raised by Bedouins in the desert. The tough desert atmosphere gave the child a good start in life, and the language of the Bedouins was a much purer form of Arabic. For a few years, they would grww up in this harsh but healthy environment before returning to their parents.
The time had eventually come from Hazrat Aminah to send her child, Rasulallah (s.a.w), to stay with the Bedouins. At that time, Bedouin nurses had arrived in Makkah. They visited each household to find a child to take care of, and would be paid in return for the childcare they would provide.
Many Bedouin wet nurses visited the house of Hazrat Aminah, but were reluctant to take her blessed child into their care. This was because he was an orphan child, with no father. In Arab custom, when a child was returned to his or her home after spending years in the desert environment, the family would reward the wet nurse generously. As Rasulallah (s.a.w) was an orphan child, they couldn’t expect to gain many riches from taking care of him.
Towards the end, every Bedouin lady had a child to bring up except Hazrat Haleema, who had arrived last and did not find a child to foster. She was ready to return home empty-handed, when she decided to turn back and collect Hazrat Aminah's child, even though he was an orphan.
Thus, Rasulallah (s.a.w) was entrusted to Hazrat Haleema. She was a poor lady, and she and her husband, Harith, had only a donkey and an old she-camel. She did not have enough milk to feed the other child in her care, who became Rasulallah (s.a.w)'s foster brother. At this time, it was also the year of famine and drought so they would constantly pray for rain.
However, as soon as she lifted the blessed child, Rasulallah (s.a.w), her luck improved greatly and her life was filled with immense good fortune. Both Rasulallah (s.a.w) and the other foster child were fully fed, even though the previous night there was not enough milk for both children. The old she-camel, which had not given any milk for sometime, was soon producing milk in abundance. This was indeed a great blessing for this poor Bedouin family. Hazrat Haleema’s herd of goats started to return home full of milk, while the rest of the Bedouins' goats used to return to them empty. They would complain to the shepherd and plead him to take the sheep and goats to the same place that Hazrat Halima took her flock. Such were the blessings for this kind-hearted Bedouin family!
Many miracles occurred on a daily basis, and the household which had once been poor & misfortunate was blessed with great fortune. Before long, Hazrat Haleema knew that she had a blessed child in her care, having witnessed all the miracles & blessings which had occurred in his presence.
After two years, Rasulallah (s.a.w) was returned to his mother Hazrat Aminah, but Hazrat Haleema persuaded Hazrat Aminah to return the blessed baby to them for another two years. At that time, Hazrat Haleema told Hazrat Aminah about the great blessings that she had received when Rasulallah (s.a.w) was in her care. She also mentioned that if she could take the child back with her, he would be protected from an illness which had been circulating in Makkah. Hazrat Aminah agreed and Rasulallah (s.a.w) spent another two years in the household of Hazrat Haleema Sadia.
A miraculous incident took place in Rasulallah (s.a.w)’s childhood. Rasulallah (s.a.w), his foster brother and some other children were playing in the yard with the goats, when the angel, Hazrat Jibrail, appeared in front them. He then split open Rasulallah (s.a.w)’s chest, took out his blessed heart, removed a blood clot and washed the heart in Zamzam. The angel then returned the heart to Rasulallah (s.a.w)'s body and then left.
His foster brother ran to Hazrat Haleema in shock, and said that Rasulallah (s.a.w) had been murdered. She rushed out and found Rasulallah (s.a.w) unharmed, but he was standing with a pale white face. She checked over his body and found that he was fine, and there was a small mark on his chest from the incident.
A Hadith Sharif from Sahih Muslim (Book 001, Number 0311) explains this incident further:
"Hazrat Anas bin Malik reported that, Hazrat Jibrail came to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) while he was playing with his playmates. He took hold of him and lay him prostrate on the ground and tore open his breast and took out the heart from it and then extracted a blood-clot out of it and said: 'That was the part of Satan in thee.' And then he washed it with the water of Zamzam in a golden basin and then it was joined together and restored to its place. The boys came running to his mother, i.e. his nurse, and said: Verily Muhammad has been murdered. They all rushed towards him (and found him all right). His color was changed. Anas said, 'I myself saw the marks of needle on his breast.'"
Very shortly she returned him to his mother, Hazrat Aminah. Hazrat Aminah found out from Hazrat Haleema about the events that had taken place. Then, Hazrat Aminah assured her that her child was not under the influence of any jinn or evil, but that even when she was expecting him she had seen & experienced great miracles. Rasulallah (s.a.w) was then returned to the care of his mother Hazrat Aminah and continued to live with her.
Hazrat Khadija (R.A)
Hazrat Khadija (R.A) was the first wife of Rasulallah (s.a.w). Her title is Khadijatul Kubra, or Khadija the Great. She was a devoted wife, companion and councillor who stood by Rasulallah (s.a.w) through every trial and tribulation, and was very dear to him. Rasulallah (s.a.w) married her when he was 25, and she was 40. She passed away 10 years after the first revelation.
Rasulallah said about her: "The noblest women of the world are Hazrat Maryam (R.A) and Hazrat Khadija (R.A)." - Bukhari Sharif
Hazrat Sa'uda (R.A)
Hazrat Sa'uda (R.A) was a widow, and the daughter of Hazrat Zama (R.A). She was generous, affectionate and very kind.
Hazrat Aisha said about her: "It is only Sa'uda, on seeing whom, I wish my soul lived in her body."
Hazrat Aisha (R.A)
(read the full article about Hazrat Aisha)
Hazrat Aisha (R.A) was the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A). She married Rasulallah (s.a.w) at a young age, but did not live with him until she had grown older. Hazrat Aisha was very mature for her age, and was extremely intelligent.
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari says about her: "Never had we (the Companions) had any difficulty for the solution of which we approached Aisha and did not get some useful information from her". - Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Tirmidhi, p. 163.
Hazrat Hafsa (R.A)
Hazrat Hafsa (R.A) was a widow, and was also the daughter of Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A). She was very learned, and spent much time reading and writing. Rasulallah (s.a.w) used to teach her himself, thus she became an authority on Islamic knowledge. She was also given the original hand-written version of the Holy Quran to keep.
Hazrat Zaynab (R.A)
Hazrat Zainab (R.A) was a widow, and the daughter of Khuzaima. She was very poor but was also extremely kind-hearted, and was always ready to help the poor and destitute. She spent all her income on charity, and was titled Ummul Masakin which means Mother of the Poor. She passed away within 3 months of her marriage to Rasulallah (s.a.w).
Hazrat Umme Salma (R.A)
Hazrat Umme Salma (R.A) was a widow. When her husband passed away, she was left with 4 children and no income to maintain her household. She was very beautiful, and lead a pious life. Hazrat Umme Salma (R.A) was also very learned, almost as learned as Hazrat Aisha (R.A) and she had good knowledge of Hadith. She could teach about Islamic matters, and used to read the Holy Quran in the same style as Rasulallah (s.a.w). She lived longer than any other Ummuhatul Mu'mineen, passing away at the age of 84.
Hazrat Zainab (R.A)
Hazrat Zaynab (R.A) married Rasulallah (s.a.w) after she divorced Hazrat Zaid bin Harith (R.A) over a dispute between them. She was very generous to the poor people of Madinah Sharif. She passed away at the age of 53.
When she passed away, Hazrat Aisha (R.A) said, "Alas, the pious and respected lady is no more and has left the orphans and widows broken-hearted."
Hazrat Juwairiyah (R.A)
Hazrat Juwairiyah (R.A) was a widow, and was a captive of war. Rasulallah (s.a.w) set her free and when they married, he also set free all the prisoners from her tribe. She was very self-respecting and religious minded. She was very learned, and spent most of her time in Namaz. She passed away at the age of 65.
Hazrat Umme Habiba (R.A)
Hazrat Umme Habiba was a widow, and was also the daughter of Abu Sufyan (R.A). She was a dedicated wife, and feared Allah. She had much regard for the poor, down-trodden and destitute. She prayed alot for the Muslims and passed away at the age of 73.
Hazrat Safiyah (R.A)
Hazrat Safiyah (R.A) used to be a Jewess, but then converted to Islam. Her behaviour was very dignified, polite and she was very patient. She was very attached to Rasulallah (s.a.w) and used to have dreams about her marriage to him before they met. She was generous, kind-hearted and very learned. She passed away at the age of 50.
Hazrat Maimuna (R.A)
Hazrat Maimuna (R.A) was a widow. She was pious, humble and very learned. She also had a fondness of freeing slaves & giving advice to the Muslim women on various issues.
Hazrat Maria Qibtiya (R.A)
Hazrat Maria (R.A) was from Egypt. She was pious, and her marriage improved ties with the Egyptians. She passed away 5 years after her son.
| Imam Malik |
Kh. Jamil Ahmad
| During his visit to Medina, the celebrated Abbasied Caliph Harun-ar-Rashid, wished to attend the lectures of Muwatta (collection of Traditions) delivered by Imam Malik. He sent for the Imam who sermonised him: ‘Rashid, Tradition is a learning that used to be patronised by your forbears. They had utmost regard for it. If you don’t venerate it as the Caliph, no one else would. People come in search of knowledge but knowledge does not speak people.’ At last the Caliph himself came to attend the lectures of the Imam, which were attended by all classes of people. Harun wanted others to leave the class, but the Imam opposed it saying, ‘I cannot individual’. Hence, the great Caliph as well as his sons had to sit along the common people and listen patiently to the Imam’s illuminating discourse on the Traditions of the Prophets (sws). |
Nuʿmān ibn Thābit ibn Zūṭā ibn Marzubān[4] (Persian/Arabic:نعمان بن ثابت بن زوطا بن مرزبان), better known as Imām Abū Ḥanīfah, (699 — 767 CE / 80 — 148 AH) was the founder of the Sunni Hanafi school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah is regarded by some as one of the Tabi‘un, the generation after the Sahaba, who were the companions of the Islamic prophet Muḥammad because he saw the Sahabi Anas ibn Malik. There are some reports that he even transmitted Ahadith from him and other Sahaba.[5] However, it should also be noted that there are views that Imām Abū Ḥanīfah (only) saw around half a dozen companions (possibly in young age), in other words, did not directly narrate Ahadith from them. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged that he learnt Ahadith from fellow Tabi'een including Ibrahim al Nakha'i.[6]
Contents[show] |
[edit] Name, birth and ancestry
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah was born in the city of Kufa in Iraq, during the reign of the powerful Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. Acclaimed as Al-Imām al-A'zam, or Al-A'dham (the Great Imam), Nu’man bin Thabit bin Zuta bin Mah was better known by his Kunya Abū Ḥanīfah. None of his sons or daughters is reported as having the name "Hanifah," so it was a type of Kuniya like Abu Hurairah or Abu Turaab etc., i.e., an epithetical name meaning "pure in monotheistic belief."
His father, Thabit bin Zuta, a trader from Kabul, Afghanistan, was 40 years old at the time of Abū Ḥanīfah's birth. Some called Abū Ḥanīfah "al-Taymi." The origin of this name may be that Abū Ḥanīfah's grandfather Zuta was a slave and a member of the tribe of Taym and purchased his freedom; but this is only weakly supported, as some people mix the Arabic word Maula, which was used to denote a slave master and also the person on whose hands a person accepted Islam. So it is mostly accepted that his grandfather accepted Islam on his hands, the same as Imaam Bukahri, whose name contains "Jafa'e," which is the name of a tribe of the Sahabi, on whose hands ancestors of Imaam Bukhari accepted Islam and hence are called their Maula.
His ancestry is generally accepted as being of non-Arab origin as suggested by the etymology of the names of his grandfather (Zuta) and great-grandfather (Mah). The historian, Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, records a statement from Imām Abū Ḥanīfah's grandson, Ismail bin Hammad, who gave Abū Ḥanīfah's lineage as Thabit bin Numan bin Marzban and claiming to be of Persian origin. The discrepancy in the names, as given by Ismail of Abū Ḥanīfah's grandfather and great-grandfather are thought to be due to Zuta's adoption of the Arabic name (Numan) upon his acceptance of Islam and that Mah and Marzban were titles or official designations in Persia, with the later meaning a margrave refers to the noble ancestry of Abū Ḥanīfah's family as the Sasanian margraves of Kabul. Those stories maintain for his ancestors having been slaves purchased by some Arab benefactor are, therefore, untenable and seemingly fabricated. There is a discussion on being of Turkic or Persian origin. But the widely accepted opinion, however, is that most probably he was of Persian ancestry.[2][3]
[edit] Status as a Tabi‘i
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah was born 67 years after the death of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, but during the time of the Sahaba of Muhammad, some of whom lived on until Abū Ḥanīfah's youth. Anas bin Malik, Muhammad's personal attendant, died in 93 AH and another companion, Abul Tufail Amir bin Wathilah, died in 100 AH, when Abū Ḥanīfah was 20 years old.
However the author of al-Khairat al-Hisan collected information from books of biographies and cited the names of the Sahaba whom it is reported that the Imam has transmitted hadith from. He counted them as sixteen of the Sahaba. They are: Anas ibn Malik, Abdullah ibn Anis al-Juhani, Abdullah ibn al-Harith ibn Juz’ al-Zabidi, Jabir ibn Abdullah, Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa, Wa’ila ibn al-Asqa`, Ma`qal ibn Yasar, Abu Tufail `Amir ibn Wa’ila, `A’isha bint Hajrad, Sahl ibn Sa`d, al-Tha’ib ibn Khallad ibn Suwaid, al-Tha’ib ibn Yazid ibn Sa`id, Abdullah ibn Samra, Mahmud ibn al-Rabi`, Abdullah ibn Ja`far, and Abu Umama. Hadith Reported by Abū Ḥanīfah upon the authority of Anas ibn Malik "Seeking of knowledge is an obligation on each and every Muslim." [7]
It is perceived this is due to the strict age requirements for learning the discipline of hadith that existed at the time in Kufa where no one below the age of 20 was admitted to a hadith school. The scholars of the time felt anyone below this age would not have attained the maturity required toIn 767, Abū Ḥanīfah died in prison. The reason of his death is not clear, as some say that Abū Ḥanīfah issued a legal opinion for bearing arms against Al-mansoor, and the latter had him poisoned to death.[9] It was said that so many people attended his funeral that the funeral service was repeated six times for more than 50,000 people who had amassed before he was actually buried. Later, after many years, a mosque, the Abū Ḥanīfah Mosque was built in the Adhamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad.
The tomb of Imām Abū Ḥanīfah and other Sunni sites including tomb of Abdul Qadir Gilani were destroyed by Shah Ismail of Safavi empire in 1508.[10] In 1533, Ottomans reconquered Iraq and rebuilt the tomb of Imām Abū Ḥanīfah and other Sunni sites.[11]
[edit] Works
- Kitaab-ul-Aathaar narrated by Imaam Muhammad al-Shaybani – compiled from a total of 70,000 hadith
- Kitabul Aathaar narrated by Imaam Abu Yusuf
- Aalim wa'l-muta‘allim
- Fiqh al-Akbar
- Musnad Imaam ul A'zam
- Kitaabul Rad alal Qaadiriyah
be able to understand the meaning of the narrations.
The Life and works of Imam Bukhari (RA)
Introduction:
Who is not aware of Hadhrat Imam Bukhari (R.A) and his kitaab ‘Saheehul- Bukhari’?
However in this present day, the majority of Muslims use his kitaab to refer to whenever in need of a supporting reference for their actions or deeds without the knowledge of the life of the great author.
Kitaabe-Bukhari has been given the status of being the most authenticated book after the Holy Qur’an. But why?
Although all aspects of Imam Bukhari’s life and great works cannot be covered in any book; this concise booklet aims to cover in general the life of Imam Bukhari (R.A) and as to how he compiled his kitaab so one may discover as to why it has been said that:
The dua that is made after completing Bukhari is accepted.
May the Almighty Allah shower His blessings upon such a great personality who has been the source of guidance for many through compiling such a kitaab. And may He also accept our humble effort. Ameen.
Background:
The famous and respected Muhaddith, Imam Bukhari’s (R.A) genealogy is as follows: Mohammed Ibn Ismail Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Mugheera Ibn Bardizbah.
His father Ismail was a well-known and famous Muhaddith in his time and had been blessed with the chance of being in the company of Imam Malik, Hammad Ibn Zaid and also Abdullah Ibn Mubarak (R.A.).
Imam Bukhari (R.A) was born on the blessed day of Friday 13 Shawwaal 194 (A.H). He had lost the use of his eyes in the early stages of his childhood. However, due to the pious and lengthy prayers of his mother his eyesight was returned miraculously. The news had reached his mother through a dream in which Hadhrat Ibrahim (A.S) had appeared and said, "Due to your bountiful and sacred prayers Allah Ta’alaa has returned the eyesight of your son."
The dream was proven to be true in the morning.
Ismail the father of Imam Bukhari (R.A) had died in Imam Bukhari’s childhood, leaving him in the care of his mother where he was nourished with love and care. At the age of sixteen after having memorized the compiled books of Imam Waki and Abdullah Ibn Mubarak, he performed Haj with his elder brother and mother. After the completion of Haj Imam Bukhari remained in Makkah for a further two years and upon reaching the age of eighteen headed for Medinah, and spent his nights next to the grave of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam compiling the books of ‘Qadhaayas-Sahaabah Wat-Taabi’een’ and ‘Taareekhul-Kabeer’ with the moonlight as a means of lighting.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) traveled a great deal in order to expand his knowledge. He made two trips to Syria and Egypt and stayed six years in Arabia. He also happened to return to Kufa, Baghdad and Basra four times and at times remained there for a period of five years. Also at Haj season he used to return to Makkah.
Teachers:
Imam Bukhari ( R.A) first started listening and learning ahaadeeth in 205 A.H., and after profiting from the Ulamaa of his town he started his travels in 210 A.H. There are a great number of teachers from whom Imam Bukhari (R.A) actually gained his much respected knowledge. It has been known to be said by Imam Bukhari (R..A) himself that, "I have written ahaadeeth from 1080 different people all of whom were scholars." However, he profited most from Ishaq Ibn Rahway and Ali Ibn Madeeni (R.A). Imam Bukhari (R.A) has narrated ahaadeeth from Ulamaa of five different categories. He has also narrated ahaadeeth from his students believing in the fact that no person shall be titled a scholar of ahaadeeth until he has narrated from his elders, youngsters and contemporaries.
Students:
Imam Bukhari (R.A) also had a vast amount of students. It has been stated that approximately 9 000 people were privileged to sit in his lessons where he taught his Kitab ‘Sahih-Ul-Bukhari’. There were travelers amongst these from all corners of the world in order to join these pious sittings and to be honoured with a glimpse of the knowledge that he held and which never failed to astonish anybody.
Memory:
Imam Bukhari’s (R.A) memory was considered to be exceptional, for as soon as the recitation of a hadith would finish Imam Bukhari (R.A) would repeat it orally. It has been known that in his childhood he had memorized 2 000 ahaadeeth.
There is one spectacular incident which took place in Baghdad when Imam Bukhari (R.A) took up temporary residence there. The people having heard of his many accomplishments, and the attributes which were issued to him, decided to test him so as to make him prove himself to them. In order to do that they chose one hundred different ahaadeeth and changing the testimonials and the text of the ahaadeeth they were then recited by ten people to Imam Bukhari (R.A).
There was a crowd of gathered people from within and outside the city to witness the outcome of such a test. When the ahaadeeth were recited Imam Bukhari (R.A) replied to all in one manner, "Not to my knowledge." However, after the completion of all the ahaadeeth Imam Bukhari (R.A) repeated each text and testimonial which had been changed followed by the correct text and testimonial, such was the memory of Imam Bukhari (R.A).
Abstinence:
His abstinence was also an attribute which was incomparable and undauntless. He had been left a considerable amount of wealth by his father however, due to his generosity he spent it all in the path of Allah so that at the end he had been left with no money forcing him to spend his day on one or two almonds.
He never took advantage from the generosity of any king or ruler, although many occasions arose. Once he fell ill and when his urine was tested, the results showed that he had not consumed curry for a long time. Upon questioning he said, "I have not consumed curry for the last forty years.
Special Attributes:
Imam Bukhari (RA) had one very special attribute which was to put everyone’s happiness before his own. One incident which proves this is when Imam Bukahri’s (RA) slave-girl was entering the room in which Imam Bukhari was seated however, approaching the door she stumbled; causing Imam Bukhari to warn, "Be careful as to where you are walking.’’ The slave-girl replied haughtily "How shall I walk when there is no place?’’ Upon hearing this Imam Bukhari threw up his hands and cheered," I have now given you the freedom to walk where you wish as of now you are freed." Someone later questioned Imam Bukhari if he had reacted out of anger, however, he replied "No, I have just pleased myself with my conduct.’’
Imam Bukhari always took notice of all things little which could help him earn the happiness of Allah Ta’ala. There is one such incident where there was a gathering. A man from within the crowd found a feather within his beard which he threw on the floor. Imam Bukhari followed the mans action and looking around to make sure no-one was looking and then bent in order to pick it up and placed it in his pocket. After leaving the mosque he threw it away aware of the fact that he had just done something in order to help keep the mosque clean.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) states himself that, "From the time of learning the prohibitions of backbiting till now, I have refrained from such an act."
There is also one incident when Imam Bukhari (R.A) was involved in Zohar prayers. After completing his salaah he started to pray his Nafl. On finishing this he turned towards his companions and lifting the bottom of his shirt said, “Is there anything inside this?" Suddenly a wasp fell out leaving 17 places which were swelling due to the violent stings of the wasp. One companion asked why the salaah was not discontinued. He replied, "I felt a certain pleasure from my salaah which I was reluctant to let go of."
Steadfastness:
The Governor of Bukhara made a special request for Imam Bukhari (R.A) to make daily visits to his home in order to teach his children. Imam Bukhari (R.A) declined stating that, "I give greater respect to knowledge rather than to people, for it is they who are in need of the knowledge and it is they who should seek it."
Upon hearing this the Governor was further annoyed by Imam Bukhari’s (R.A) answer and made a second request that Imam Bukhari (R.A) make a special arrangement to teach his children alone without anyone else being present which was also refused by Imam Bukhari (R.A). The Governor was infuriated by the second refusal and ordered Imam Bukhari (R.A) out of Bukhara. The people of Samarqand hearing of this quickly issued an invitation to Imam Bukhari (R.A) to come to their town. However, there was also a difference of opinion within the people of Samarqand which forced Imam Bukhari (R.A) to turn towards Khartang.
Death:
It was here that he spent the month of Ramadaan and in the month of Shawwaal headed towards Samarqand, where death found him whilst he was traveling. Imam Bukhari died in the month of Shawwaal 256 A.H., at the age of 62.
(To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.)
| Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal |
| Hassan Ahmad |
| Al-Jumu'ah Magazine Volume 12 - Issue 3 – Rabi’ul Al-Awwal 1421 H |
Abu Abdullah, Ahmad ibn Hanbal ash-Shaibani, was born in the city of Baghdad in the year 780 CE (164 AH). He studied various subjects in his hometown and traveled extensively in quest of knowledge.
In his great book, ‘Siyar A’lam an-Nubala’, Imam ath-Dhahabi described Ibn Hanbal as, “The true Shaikh of Islam and leader of the Muslims in his time, the hadith master and proof of the religion”.
He was chiefly interested in acquiring knowledge of Ahadeeth and traveled extensively through Iraq, Syria, Arabia and other places in the Middle East studying religion and collecting the ahadeeth of Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. His travels occupied several years of his early life.
After returning home, he became a student of Imam Shafi’ee who taught him the subject of Islamic Fiqh and its fundamentals. This and the fact that he was a scholar of hadith, were responsible for his deep devotion to the textual views on Islam, and his opposition to innovation of any kind.
The strength of his faith in Allah and the steadfastness on his understanding of the Deen were tested when under Khalifah al-Mamum and the Khalifah al-Mu’tasim, a Fitnah or a kind of ‘inquisition court’ was created to deal with people among whom were many acknowledged scholars who would not profess the doctrine of “the creation of the Qur’an”. Imam ibn Hanbal too, suffered as a result when he was arrested and brought in chains before the court. But he patiently submitted to corporal punishment and imprisonment and resolutely refused to deviate from his beliefs.
His trial, and the Ummah’s for that matter, were to come to an end on the hands of the Khalifah al-Mutawakkil who did not believe in the doctrine of ‘the creation of the Qur’an’. From then onwards the Imam was accorded honour befitting his greatness. His steadfastness helped preserve the correct Islamic belief regarding the Book of Allah. His fame spread far and wide. His learning, piety and unswerving faithfulness to traditions gathered the Ummah and its scholars around his understanding and teachings. He died in Baghdad in the year 855 CE (241 AH).
Among the works of Imam ibn Hanbal is the great encyclopedia of ahadeeth called al-Musnad, compiled during his life time, completed by his son Abdullah, and amplified by supplements. Al-Musnad contains more than thirty thousand ahadeeh. His other works include ”Kitab-us-Salah”, on the discipline of making salah and “Kitab-us-Sunnah”, on matters of aqueedah as they are understood from the hadith of the prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the sayings and commentaries of the companions of the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
Imam ath-Dhahabi related many of the praises stated by the scholars who knew Ibn Hanbal personally. The biography of Ibn Hanbal spread over at least 113 pages of ath-Thahabi’s, “Siyar A’lam an-Nubala”.
Abdullah ibn Ahmad, the Imam’s son, said: “I heard Abu Zur’ata Rrazi say: ‘Your father had memorised a million hadith, which I rehearsed with him according to the topic,’”
Ali ibnul-Madini, the great Imam of Hadeeth said: “Truly, Allah reinforced this religion with Abu Bakr as-Siddiq the day of the great apostasy (ar-Riddah), and He reinforced it with Ahmad ibn Hanbal the day of the Inquisition (al-Mihnah).”
Harmala said: “I heard ash-Shafi’ee say: ‘I left Baghdad and did not leave behind me anyone more virtuous, more learned, more knowledgeable than Ahmad ibn Hanbal.’”
Hazrat Shah Badar Diwan(R.A)
Name and Nasab:
His real name is Hazrat Syed Badaruddin Gilani Qadiri Baghdadi.He is Hassani,Hussaini,Razaqqi,Gilani syed.In Lahore he is known as Hazrat Shah Badar Diwan and in India as Hazrat Shah Badar Gilani(R.A).His pedigree is as under:
Hazrat Shah Badar Diwan bin Hazrat Sharaf-ud-Din Gilani bin
Alla-ud-din gilani bin Shamas-ud-din Muhammad gilani bin
Ahmad Ma-laqab ba rayza chean gilani bin Qasim gilani bin Sharaf-ud-din yahyaha katal shaheed tatar gilani bin Syed Shahab-ud-din gilani bin Syed Abu Saleh Nasr Gilani bin Syed Abdul Razaqq Gilani Bin Qutab-e-Rabani,Ghous-e-Samdani,Mehboob-e- Subhani,Miran Mohi-ud-din Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani Baghdadi(R.A).
Birth:
He was born in Baghdad in 7th nov.1457a.d.on Monday.According to this Persian verse:
ZA HIJRAT HUSHAT SAAD NAU KUM HUFTAAD
TAWALAD GUSHAT BADAR-UD-DIN BA BAGHDAD
In Lahore:
He left his home in 1493a.d.and came to Lahore,where he spend five years to preaching of Islam.In Lahore he has a Chillah,where he spend forty days of meditation.
King Akbar,built a Khangah on this CHILLAH and the place is now called Chillah Shah Badar Diwan.
In Massanian:
In 18 august 1498a.d.,he came to Batala and founded Massanian.Massanian is a hindi word which means,One who remove an evil spirits.It is also spelled as Masania,Masanian and Masaniyan.And this place is also called as Masani.A popular verse in Punjabi about it as:
KABE DA GHAROOR KAR DE
MASANI PIND WALE
Shadi:
He got married Bibi Murassa,daughter of Hazrat Daud Bokhari in village Sohal Gurdaspur.
Aulaad:
He has four sons and one daughter from Bibi Murassa:
1-SYED ALI SABIR GILANI QADIRI
2-SYED HABIBULLAH GILANI QADIRI
3-SYED ABDUL LATIF GILANI QADIRI
4-SYEDA BIBI ALLAH BANDAHI(FATIMA) KNOWN AS BIBI PAK DAMAN
5-SYED MUHAMMAD SADIK GILANI QADIRI
All of his children was able to do marvels.
Death:
One of the instructions of Mu’awiya to a new governor was:
“Open your door to the people; thus you will have information from them. You and they are equal. When you decide on a matter, express it openly to the people, and no one will expect anything or make demands on you, and you will be able to carry it out. When you encounter your enemies, and they defeat you at the border of your territory, do not let them defeat you in its interior. If your companions need you to assist them personally, do so.”
He once wrote to ‘A’isha requesting some succinct advice and she wrote back, “I heard the Messenger of Allah say, ‘If anyone seeks the pleasure of people at the expense of the wrath of Allah, Allah will entrust him to them until the one who praised him becomes his critic. If anyone seeks the pleasure of Allah at the expenseof people, Allah will be enough for him against them.’” He took this to heart and later said on the minbar of Damascus, “No one abandons fearfulness of Allah but that the one who praised him becomes his critic.”
Early life
Mu'awiyah bin Abi-Sufyan was born in 602 C.E. into the Banu Umayya sub-clan of the Banu Abd-Shams clan of the Quraysh tribe. The Quraysh controlled the city of Mecca (in the west of present-day Saudi Arabia) and the Banu Abd-Shams were among the most influential of its citizens. Mu'awiya and the rest of his family were staunch opponents of the Muslims before the ascendancy of Muhammad.
In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers conquered Mecca, and most of the Meccans, including the Abd-Shams clan, formally submitted to Muhammad and accepted Islam. Mu'awiyah, along with his father Abu Sufyan, became Muslims at the conquest of Mecca when further resistance to Muslims became an impossibility.[14][15] Some scholars hold the view that Mu'awiya was the second of the two to convert, with Abu Sufyan convincing him to do it.
Muhammad welcomed his former opponents, enrolled them in his army and gave them important posts in what was to become the Caliphate. After the Prophet Muhammad's death (632) Mu'awiya served in the Islamic army sent against the Byzantine forces in Syria. He held a high rank in the army led by his brother Yazid ibn Abu Sufyan.
Governor of Syria
Caliph Umar (Umar ibn al-Khattab) had appointed Muawiyah Ibn Abu Sufyan as governor of Syria. In the year 640, Umar appointed Muawiyah as governor of Syria when his brother died in an outbreak of plague. Muawiyah gradually gained mastery over the other areas of Syria, instilling remarkable personal loyalty among his troops and the people of the region. By 647, Muawiyah had built a Syrian army strong enough to repel a Byzantine attack and, in subsequent years, to take the offensive against the Byzantines in campaigns that resulted in the capture of Cyprus (649) and Rhodes (654) and a devastating defeat of the Byzantine navy off the coast of Lycia (655). At the same time, Muawiyah periodically dispatched land expeditions into Anatolia.
According to the chronicler Theophanes the Confessor, Muawiyah I, after capturing Rhodes sold the remains of the Colossus of Rhodes to a traveling salesman from Edessa. The buyer had the statue broken down, and transported the bronze scrap on the backs of 900 camels to his home. Pieces continued to turn up for sale for years, after being found along the caravan route.
Introduction
Sayyidina Hazrat Bilal was an Abyssinian slave belonging to a Jew called Umayya Bin Khalf, who was a bitter enemy of Islam.
He embraced Islam in its early days, during times when the non-believers would continuously harass the Muslims and never allow them a moment of peace.
Hazrat Bilal’s love for Allah and the Holy Prophet (s.a.w) will always remain a perfect example of devotion and total submission.
Ahad, Ahad – there is only one Allah
In the sweltering heat under the Arabian skies, Hazrat Bilal’s love for Allah shone brighter than the sun itself. So strong was it that he could not conceal it despite the punishment and torture afflicted on him by his cruel master.
There were times when a large boulder would be placed upon his chest as he lay on the scorching sand, his ribs being crushed under the weight. Yet the words ‘Ahad! Ahad! (There is only one Allah!)’ were constantly repeated by Hazrat Bilal, so strong was his faith and love.
His Jewish master would insult him and threaten him to denounce Islam, beat him, whip him and humiliate him on the streets of Makkah, but nothing was able to shake Hazrat Bilal’s heart.
He put his life and soul into the Hands of Allah, and there it would forever remain.
One day, it so happened that Hazrat Abu Bakr was passing that way and saw Sayyidina Hazrat Bilal crying out, "Ahad! Ahad!", despite the immense torture he was being subjected to. As he watched, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique’s heart became agitated upon seeing Hazrat Bilal under such persecution, and tears filled his eyes.
He then called Hazrat Bilal towards himself and advised him to utter Allah's name in solitude and not to utter it in the presence of his persecutor, or he would be subjected to further persecution and torture. Hazrat Bilal replied, "O Honoured One! You are the Siddique of Rasulallah (s.a.w), and therefore I accept your advice and will act accordingly."
The following day, Hazrat Abu Bakr happened to pass that way, and again he witnessed the same sight.
Hazrat Bilal was once more uttering the cry of "Ahad! Ahad!" while the Jew was torturing him to such an extent that again his body became soaked in blood. Seeing this, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique’s heart was filled with pain and he advised Hazrat Bilal, "Brother, why do you utter 'Ahad' in the presence of this persecutor? Utter it silently and secretly within yourself".
Hazrat Bilal replied, "I make tawba (repentance) and in future will not act contrary to your advice."
Hazrat Mawlana Rumi (R.A.) says:
"When Abu Bakr advised him towards silence and secrecy,
Bilal repented again,
But when love overwhelmed, he swallowed the repentance.
It is the message of the troubled heart.
Without You there can be neither peace nor comfort."
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique, on numerous occasions, gave Hazrat Bilal the same advice but on every occasion when he passed that way, he saw the same scene - the Jew persecuting Bilal who was all the time crying, "Ahad! Ahad!”
Hazrat Abu Bakr finally went to Rasulallah (s.a.w) and related the story to him. When Rasulallah (s.a.w) heard the story, he was filled with sorrow and tears flowed from his blessed eyes. He asked, "O Siddique! What is the solution to this problem? How can we save Bilal from this calamity?"
Hazrat Abu Bakr replied: "Ya Rasulallah (s.a.w), I shall buy Bilal. Rasulallah (s.a.w) agreed and said, "Let my share also be therein".
Subhanallah! How great the fortune of Sayidina Hazrat Bilal, that Rasulallah (s.a.w) himself took part in purchasing him.
Hazrat Abu Bakr then approached the Jew while he was again torturing Hazrat Bilal. Hazrat Abu Bakr said to him, "Why are you beating this friend of Allah?" The Jew replied, "If you have so much sympathy for him, then bring the money and take him away as yours".
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique then paid the ransom and freed Hazrat Bilal.
After this, Rasulallah (s.a.w), out of love and joy, embraced Hazrat Bilal and held him to his heart.
Hazrat Mawlana Rumi (R.A.) says:
"Mustafa embraced Bilal and held him against his chest. The ecstasy Bilal felt! Who can ever imagine that?"
Conquest of Makkah
When the Muslims finally conquered the city of Makkah, its people fled to their houses in fear and bolted the doors and windows. They feared that the Muslims would avenge themselves for the wrong done to them years ago.
The Muslims advanced towards the Holy Kabah and then Hazrat Bilal assured the people that they were safe. He announced out loud, "All those who lay down arms are safe. All those in the house of Abu Sufyan are safe. All those behind closed doors are safe."
Heartbreak and immense grief
After the passing away of Rasulallah (s.a.w), Hazrat Bilal was overcome with immense grief. This death had completely shattered his heart and in this state, he decided that he could no longer stay in Madinah Sharif. He then gathered his belongings and left for Syria.
He had just left the border of Madinah Sharif, when sleep overcame him. He found a tree to sleep under and took some rest there. In his sleep, Rasulallah (s.a.w) appeared in his dream and said, “Bilal, why did you leave me?” Hazrat Bilal immediately woke up and, without hesitation, made the journey back to Madinah Sharif.
When the people of Madinah saw Hazrat Bilal returning through the city gates, they were overwhelmed with joy. Word spread through the streets that Bilal, the Holy Prophet’s Muazzin had returned.
As Hazrat Bilal made his way to the Holy Prophet’s Masjid, requests for him to do the Azan were ringing in his ears. People followed him through the streets, pleading for him to deliver the call to prayer once more. The blessed city had been deprived of his beautiful Azan for too long, and the people craved to hear it one last time.
However, since the death of Rasulallah (s.a.w), Hazrat Bilal’s grief had been so immense that he resolved that he would never do the Azan again, and so he refused the pleas of the people.
As he advanced towards the blessed Masjid, he saw the two beloved grandsons of Rasulallah (s.a.w), Hazrat Hassan and Hussain. They too requested for him to do the Azan, and when he looked upon their blessed young faces, his love for them overwhelmed his heart. He knew he could never refuse them anything, and they were, after all, the grandsons of the one whose love had penetrated his heart through and through.
Hazrat Bilal then stood up on the Mimbar, assumed his position as the Muazzin and started to read the Azan. His voice, beautiful as it was, rang through the streets of Madinah Sharif, his pain and heartbreak evident in the painful tune. He read to his heart’s content, and in such a manner that there was not a person in the blessed city whose eyes were not wet with tears.
When Hazrat Bilal reached “Ash-hadu anna Muhammadur Rasulallah”, he broke down and could not continue. His pain and the pain of Madinah’s people was unbearable.
Memories of the beautiful days when Rasulallah (s.a.w) sat amongst them penetrated their hearts with hurt and agony.
The emptiness of their lives and their souls without Rasulallah (s.a.w) had devastated them and left them broken inside. Even the strongest amongst them who were usually able to suppress the pain could not hold back any longer.
Passing away of the Prophet’s Muazzin
The great devotee and Muazzin of Rasulallah (s.a.w), the courageous and beloved Abyssinian by the name of Hazrat Bilal Habshi passed away in the middle of reading Azan in Damascus, Syria between the years 638 and 642 (AD).
This was the second time after the death of Rasulallah (s.a.w) that Hazrat Bilal recited the Azan.
Hazrat Haleema Sadia
Blessed foster-mother of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w)
It was the general custom of the Arabs that their children were sent to be raised by Bedouins in the desert. The tough desert atmosphere gave the child a good start in life, and the language of the Bedouins was a much purer form of Arabic. For a few years, they would grww up in this harsh but healthy environment before returning to their parents.
The time had eventually come from Hazrat Aminah to send her child, Rasulallah (s.a.w), to stay with the Bedouins. At that time, Bedouin nurses had arrived in Makkah. They visited each household to find a child to take care of, and would be paid in return for the childcare they would provide.
Many Bedouin wet nurses visited the house of Hazrat Aminah, but were reluctant to take her blessed child into their care. This was because he was an orphan child, with no father. In Arab custom, when a child was returned to his or her home after spending years in the desert environment, the family would reward the wet nurse generously. As Rasulallah (s.a.w) was an orphan child, they couldn’t expect to gain many riches from taking care of him.
Towards the end, every Bedouin lady had a child to bring up except Hazrat Haleema, who had arrived last and did not find a child to foster. She was ready to return home empty-handed, when she decided to turn back and collect Hazrat Aminah's child, even though he was an orphan.
Thus, Rasulallah (s.a.w) was entrusted to Hazrat Haleema. She was a poor lady, and she and her husband, Harith, had only a donkey and an old she-camel. She did not have enough milk to feed the other child in her care, who became Rasulallah (s.a.w)'s foster brother. At this time, it was also the year of famine and drought so they would constantly pray for rain.
However, as soon as she lifted the blessed child, Rasulallah (s.a.w), her luck improved greatly and her life was filled with immense good fortune. Both Rasulallah (s.a.w) and the other foster child were fully fed, even though the previous night there was not enough milk for both children. The old she-camel, which had not given any milk for sometime, was soon producing milk in abundance. This was indeed a great blessing for this poor Bedouin family. Hazrat Haleema’s herd of goats started to return home full of milk, while the rest of the Bedouins' goats used to return to them empty. They would complain to the shepherd and plead him to take the sheep and goats to the same place that Hazrat Halima took her flock. Such were the blessings for this kind-hearted Bedouin family!
Many miracles occurred on a daily basis, and the household which had once been poor & misfortunate was blessed with great fortune. Before long, Hazrat Haleema knew that she had a blessed child in her care, having witnessed all the miracles & blessings which had occurred in his presence.
After two years, Rasulallah (s.a.w) was returned to his mother Hazrat Aminah, but Hazrat Haleema persuaded Hazrat Aminah to return the blessed baby to them for another two years. At that time, Hazrat Haleema told Hazrat Aminah about the great blessings that she had received when Rasulallah (s.a.w) was in her care. She also mentioned that if she could take the child back with her, he would be protected from an illness which had been circulating in Makkah. Hazrat Aminah agreed and Rasulallah (s.a.w) spent another two years in the household of Hazrat Haleema Sadia.
A miraculous incident took place in Rasulallah (s.a.w)’s childhood. Rasulallah (s.a.w), his foster brother and some other children were playing in the yard with the goats, when the angel, Hazrat Jibrail, appeared in front them. He then split open Rasulallah (s.a.w)’s chest, took out his blessed heart, removed a blood clot and washed the heart in Zamzam. The angel then returned the heart to Rasulallah (s.a.w)'s body and then left.
His foster brother ran to Hazrat Haleema in shock, and said that Rasulallah (s.a.w) had been murdered. She rushed out and found Rasulallah (s.a.w) unharmed, but he was standing with a pale white face. She checked over his body and found that he was fine, and there was a small mark on his chest from the incident.
A Hadith Sharif from Sahih Muslim (Book 001, Number 0311) explains this incident further:
"Hazrat Anas bin Malik reported that, Hazrat Jibrail came to the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) while he was playing with his playmates. He took hold of him and lay him prostrate on the ground and tore open his breast and took out the heart from it and then extracted a blood-clot out of it and said: 'That was the part of Satan in thee.' And then he washed it with the water of Zamzam in a golden basin and then it was joined together and restored to its place. The boys came running to his mother, i.e. his nurse, and said: Verily Muhammad has been murdered. They all rushed towards him (and found him all right). His color was changed. Anas said, 'I myself saw the marks of needle on his breast.'"
Very shortly she returned him to his mother, Hazrat Aminah. Hazrat Aminah found out from Hazrat Haleema about the events that had taken place. Then, Hazrat Aminah assured her that her child was not under the influence of any jinn or evil, but that even when she was expecting him she had seen & experienced great miracles. Rasulallah (s.a.w) was then returned to the care of his mother Hazrat Aminah and continued to live with her.
Hazrat Khadija (R.A)
Hazrat Khadija (R.A) was the first wife of Rasulallah (s.a.w). Her title is Khadijatul Kubra, or Khadija the Great. She was a devoted wife, companion and councillor who stood by Rasulallah (s.a.w) through every trial and tribulation, and was very dear to him. Rasulallah (s.a.w) married her when he was 25, and she was 40. She passed away 10 years after the first revelation.
Rasulallah said about her: "The noblest women of the world are Hazrat Maryam (R.A) and Hazrat Khadija (R.A)." - Bukhari Sharif
Hazrat Sa'uda (R.A)
Hazrat Sa'uda (R.A) was a widow, and the daughter of Hazrat Zama (R.A). She was generous, affectionate and very kind.
Hazrat Aisha said about her: "It is only Sa'uda, on seeing whom, I wish my soul lived in her body."
Hazrat Aisha (R.A)
(read the full article about Hazrat Aisha)
Hazrat Aisha (R.A) was the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A). She married Rasulallah (s.a.w) at a young age, but did not live with him until she had grown older. Hazrat Aisha was very mature for her age, and was extremely intelligent.
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari says about her: "Never had we (the Companions) had any difficulty for the solution of which we approached Aisha and did not get some useful information from her". - Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Tirmidhi, p. 163.
Hazrat Hafsa (R.A)
Hazrat Hafsa (R.A) was a widow, and was also the daughter of Hazrat Umar Farooq (R.A). She was very learned, and spent much time reading and writing. Rasulallah (s.a.w) used to teach her himself, thus she became an authority on Islamic knowledge. She was also given the original hand-written version of the Holy Quran to keep.
Hazrat Zaynab (R.A)
Hazrat Zainab (R.A) was a widow, and the daughter of Khuzaima. She was very poor but was also extremely kind-hearted, and was always ready to help the poor and destitute. She spent all her income on charity, and was titled Ummul Masakin which means Mother of the Poor. She passed away within 3 months of her marriage to Rasulallah (s.a.w).
Hazrat Umme Salma (R.A)
Hazrat Umme Salma (R.A) was a widow. When her husband passed away, she was left with 4 children and no income to maintain her household. She was very beautiful, and lead a pious life. Hazrat Umme Salma (R.A) was also very learned, almost as learned as Hazrat Aisha (R.A) and she had good knowledge of Hadith. She could teach about Islamic matters, and used to read the Holy Quran in the same style as Rasulallah (s.a.w). She lived longer than any other Ummuhatul Mu'mineen, passing away at the age of 84.
Hazrat Zainab (R.A)
Hazrat Zaynab (R.A) married Rasulallah (s.a.w) after she divorced Hazrat Zaid bin Harith (R.A) over a dispute between them. She was very generous to the poor people of Madinah Sharif. She passed away at the age of 53.
When she passed away, Hazrat Aisha (R.A) said, "Alas, the pious and respected lady is no more and has left the orphans and widows broken-hearted."
Hazrat Juwairiyah (R.A)
Hazrat Juwairiyah (R.A) was a widow, and was a captive of war. Rasulallah (s.a.w) set her free and when they married, he also set free all the prisoners from her tribe. She was very self-respecting and religious minded. She was very learned, and spent most of her time in Namaz. She passed away at the age of 65.
Hazrat Umme Habiba (R.A)
Hazrat Umme Habiba was a widow, and was also the daughter of Abu Sufyan (R.A). She was a dedicated wife, and feared Allah. She had much regard for the poor, down-trodden and destitute. She prayed alot for the Muslims and passed away at the age of 73.
Hazrat Safiyah (R.A)
Hazrat Safiyah (R.A) used to be a Jewess, but then converted to Islam. Her behaviour was very dignified, polite and she was very patient. She was very attached to Rasulallah (s.a.w) and used to have dreams about her marriage to him before they met. She was generous, kind-hearted and very learned. She passed away at the age of 50.
Hazrat Maimuna (R.A)
Hazrat Maimuna (R.A) was a widow. She was pious, humble and very learned. She also had a fondness of freeing slaves & giving advice to the Muslim women on various issues.
Hazrat Maria Qibtiya (R.A)
Hazrat Maria (R.A) was from Egypt. She was pious, and her marriage improved ties with the Egyptians. She passed away 5 years after her son.
| Imam Malik |
Kh. Jamil Ahmad
| During his visit to Medina, the celebrated Abbasied Caliph Harun-ar-Rashid, wished to attend the lectures of Muwatta (collection of Traditions) delivered by Imam Malik. He sent for the Imam who sermonised him: ‘Rashid, Tradition is a learning that used to be patronised by your forbears. They had utmost regard for it. If you don’t venerate it as the Caliph, no one else would. People come in search of knowledge but knowledge does not speak people.’ At last the Caliph himself came to attend the lectures of the Imam, which were attended by all classes of people. Harun wanted others to leave the class, but the Imam opposed it saying, ‘I cannot individual’. Hence, the great Caliph as well as his sons had to sit along the common people and listen patiently to the Imam’s illuminating discourse on the Traditions of the Prophets (sws). |
Nuʿmān ibn Thābit ibn Zūṭā ibn Marzubān[4] (Persian/Arabic:نعمان بن ثابت بن زوطا بن مرزبان), better known as Imām Abū Ḥanīfah, (699 — 767 CE / 80 — 148 AH) was the founder of the Sunni Hanafi school of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence).
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah is regarded by some as one of the Tabi‘un, the generation after the Sahaba, who were the companions of the Islamic prophet Muḥammad because he saw the Sahabi Anas ibn Malik. There are some reports that he even transmitted Ahadith from him and other Sahaba.[5] However, it should also be noted that there are views that Imām Abū Ḥanīfah (only) saw around half a dozen companions (possibly in young age), in other words, did not directly narrate Ahadith from them. Nevertheless, it is widely acknowledged that he learnt Ahadith from fellow Tabi'een including Ibrahim al Nakha'i.[6]
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[edit] Name, birth and ancestry
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah was born in the city of Kufa in Iraq, during the reign of the powerful Umayyad caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan. Acclaimed as Al-Imām al-A'zam, or Al-A'dham (the Great Imam), Nu’man bin Thabit bin Zuta bin Mah was better known by his Kunya Abū Ḥanīfah. None of his sons or daughters is reported as having the name "Hanifah," so it was a type of Kuniya like Abu Hurairah or Abu Turaab etc., i.e., an epithetical name meaning "pure in monotheistic belief."
His father, Thabit bin Zuta, a trader from Kabul, Afghanistan, was 40 years old at the time of Abū Ḥanīfah's birth. Some called Abū Ḥanīfah "al-Taymi." The origin of this name may be that Abū Ḥanīfah's grandfather Zuta was a slave and a member of the tribe of Taym and purchased his freedom; but this is only weakly supported, as some people mix the Arabic word Maula, which was used to denote a slave master and also the person on whose hands a person accepted Islam. So it is mostly accepted that his grandfather accepted Islam on his hands, the same as Imaam Bukahri, whose name contains "Jafa'e," which is the name of a tribe of the Sahabi, on whose hands ancestors of Imaam Bukhari accepted Islam and hence are called their Maula.
His ancestry is generally accepted as being of non-Arab origin as suggested by the etymology of the names of his grandfather (Zuta) and great-grandfather (Mah). The historian, Al-Khatib al-Baghdadi, records a statement from Imām Abū Ḥanīfah's grandson, Ismail bin Hammad, who gave Abū Ḥanīfah's lineage as Thabit bin Numan bin Marzban and claiming to be of Persian origin. The discrepancy in the names, as given by Ismail of Abū Ḥanīfah's grandfather and great-grandfather are thought to be due to Zuta's adoption of the Arabic name (Numan) upon his acceptance of Islam and that Mah and Marzban were titles or official designations in Persia, with the later meaning a margrave refers to the noble ancestry of Abū Ḥanīfah's family as the Sasanian margraves of Kabul. Those stories maintain for his ancestors having been slaves purchased by some Arab benefactor are, therefore, untenable and seemingly fabricated. There is a discussion on being of Turkic or Persian origin. But the widely accepted opinion, however, is that most probably he was of Persian ancestry.[2][3]
[edit] Status as a Tabi‘i
Imām Abū Ḥanīfah was born 67 years after the death of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, but during the time of the Sahaba of Muhammad, some of whom lived on until Abū Ḥanīfah's youth. Anas bin Malik, Muhammad's personal attendant, died in 93 AH and another companion, Abul Tufail Amir bin Wathilah, died in 100 AH, when Abū Ḥanīfah was 20 years old.
However the author of al-Khairat al-Hisan collected information from books of biographies and cited the names of the Sahaba whom it is reported that the Imam has transmitted hadith from. He counted them as sixteen of the Sahaba. They are: Anas ibn Malik, Abdullah ibn Anis al-Juhani, Abdullah ibn al-Harith ibn Juz’ al-Zabidi, Jabir ibn Abdullah, Abdullah ibn Abi Awfa, Wa’ila ibn al-Asqa`, Ma`qal ibn Yasar, Abu Tufail `Amir ibn Wa’ila, `A’isha bint Hajrad, Sahl ibn Sa`d, al-Tha’ib ibn Khallad ibn Suwaid, al-Tha’ib ibn Yazid ibn Sa`id, Abdullah ibn Samra, Mahmud ibn al-Rabi`, Abdullah ibn Ja`far, and Abu Umama. Hadith Reported by Abū Ḥanīfah upon the authority of Anas ibn Malik "Seeking of knowledge is an obligation on each and every Muslim." [7]
It is perceived this is due to the strict age requirements for learning the discipline of hadith that existed at the time in Kufa where no one below the age of 20 was admitted to a hadith school. The scholars of the time felt anyone below this age would not have attained the maturity required toIn 767, Abū Ḥanīfah died in prison. The reason of his death is not clear, as some say that Abū Ḥanīfah issued a legal opinion for bearing arms against Al-mansoor, and the latter had him poisoned to death.[9] It was said that so many people attended his funeral that the funeral service was repeated six times for more than 50,000 people who had amassed before he was actually buried. Later, after many years, a mosque, the Abū Ḥanīfah Mosque was built in the Adhamiyah neighborhood of Baghdad.
The tomb of Imām Abū Ḥanīfah and other Sunni sites including tomb of Abdul Qadir Gilani were destroyed by Shah Ismail of Safavi empire in 1508.[10] In 1533, Ottomans reconquered Iraq and rebuilt the tomb of Imām Abū Ḥanīfah and other Sunni sites.[11]
[edit] Works
- Kitaab-ul-Aathaar narrated by Imaam Muhammad al-Shaybani – compiled from a total of 70,000 hadith
- Kitabul Aathaar narrated by Imaam Abu Yusuf
- Aalim wa'l-muta‘allim
- Fiqh al-Akbar
- Musnad Imaam ul A'zam
- Kitaabul Rad alal Qaadiriyah
be able to understand the meaning of the narrations.
The Life and works of Imam Bukhari (RA)
Introduction:
Who is not aware of Hadhrat Imam Bukhari (R.A) and his kitaab ‘Saheehul- Bukhari’?
However in this present day, the majority of Muslims use his kitaab to refer to whenever in need of a supporting reference for their actions or deeds without the knowledge of the life of the great author.
Kitaabe-Bukhari has been given the status of being the most authenticated book after the Holy Qur’an. But why?
Although all aspects of Imam Bukhari’s life and great works cannot be covered in any book; this concise booklet aims to cover in general the life of Imam Bukhari (R.A) and as to how he compiled his kitaab so one may discover as to why it has been said that:
The dua that is made after completing Bukhari is accepted.
May the Almighty Allah shower His blessings upon such a great personality who has been the source of guidance for many through compiling such a kitaab. And may He also accept our humble effort. Ameen.
Background:
The famous and respected Muhaddith, Imam Bukhari’s (R.A) genealogy is as follows: Mohammed Ibn Ismail Ibn Ibrahim Ibn Mugheera Ibn Bardizbah.
His father Ismail was a well-known and famous Muhaddith in his time and had been blessed with the chance of being in the company of Imam Malik, Hammad Ibn Zaid and also Abdullah Ibn Mubarak (R.A.).
Imam Bukhari (R.A) was born on the blessed day of Friday 13 Shawwaal 194 (A.H). He had lost the use of his eyes in the early stages of his childhood. However, due to the pious and lengthy prayers of his mother his eyesight was returned miraculously. The news had reached his mother through a dream in which Hadhrat Ibrahim (A.S) had appeared and said, "Due to your bountiful and sacred prayers Allah Ta’alaa has returned the eyesight of your son."
The dream was proven to be true in the morning.
Ismail the father of Imam Bukhari (R.A) had died in Imam Bukhari’s childhood, leaving him in the care of his mother where he was nourished with love and care. At the age of sixteen after having memorized the compiled books of Imam Waki and Abdullah Ibn Mubarak, he performed Haj with his elder brother and mother. After the completion of Haj Imam Bukhari remained in Makkah for a further two years and upon reaching the age of eighteen headed for Medinah, and spent his nights next to the grave of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam compiling the books of ‘Qadhaayas-Sahaabah Wat-Taabi’een’ and ‘Taareekhul-Kabeer’ with the moonlight as a means of lighting.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) traveled a great deal in order to expand his knowledge. He made two trips to Syria and Egypt and stayed six years in Arabia. He also happened to return to Kufa, Baghdad and Basra four times and at times remained there for a period of five years. Also at Haj season he used to return to Makkah.
Teachers:
Imam Bukhari ( R.A) first started listening and learning ahaadeeth in 205 A.H., and after profiting from the Ulamaa of his town he started his travels in 210 A.H. There are a great number of teachers from whom Imam Bukhari (R.A) actually gained his much respected knowledge. It has been known to be said by Imam Bukhari (R..A) himself that, "I have written ahaadeeth from 1080 different people all of whom were scholars." However, he profited most from Ishaq Ibn Rahway and Ali Ibn Madeeni (R.A). Imam Bukhari (R.A) has narrated ahaadeeth from Ulamaa of five different categories. He has also narrated ahaadeeth from his students believing in the fact that no person shall be titled a scholar of ahaadeeth until he has narrated from his elders, youngsters and contemporaries.
Students:
Imam Bukhari (R.A) also had a vast amount of students. It has been stated that approximately 9 000 people were privileged to sit in his lessons where he taught his Kitab ‘Sahih-Ul-Bukhari’. There were travelers amongst these from all corners of the world in order to join these pious sittings and to be honoured with a glimpse of the knowledge that he held and which never failed to astonish anybody.
Memory:
Imam Bukhari’s (R.A) memory was considered to be exceptional, for as soon as the recitation of a hadith would finish Imam Bukhari (R.A) would repeat it orally. It has been known that in his childhood he had memorized 2 000 ahaadeeth.
There is one spectacular incident which took place in Baghdad when Imam Bukhari (R.A) took up temporary residence there. The people having heard of his many accomplishments, and the attributes which were issued to him, decided to test him so as to make him prove himself to them. In order to do that they chose one hundred different ahaadeeth and changing the testimonials and the text of the ahaadeeth they were then recited by ten people to Imam Bukhari (R.A).
There was a crowd of gathered people from within and outside the city to witness the outcome of such a test. When the ahaadeeth were recited Imam Bukhari (R.A) replied to all in one manner, "Not to my knowledge." However, after the completion of all the ahaadeeth Imam Bukhari (R.A) repeated each text and testimonial which had been changed followed by the correct text and testimonial, such was the memory of Imam Bukhari (R.A).
Abstinence:
His abstinence was also an attribute which was incomparable and undauntless. He had been left a considerable amount of wealth by his father however, due to his generosity he spent it all in the path of Allah so that at the end he had been left with no money forcing him to spend his day on one or two almonds.
He never took advantage from the generosity of any king or ruler, although many occasions arose. Once he fell ill and when his urine was tested, the results showed that he had not consumed curry for a long time. Upon questioning he said, "I have not consumed curry for the last forty years.
Special Attributes:
Imam Bukhari (RA) had one very special attribute which was to put everyone’s happiness before his own. One incident which proves this is when Imam Bukahri’s (RA) slave-girl was entering the room in which Imam Bukhari was seated however, approaching the door she stumbled; causing Imam Bukhari to warn, "Be careful as to where you are walking.’’ The slave-girl replied haughtily "How shall I walk when there is no place?’’ Upon hearing this Imam Bukhari threw up his hands and cheered," I have now given you the freedom to walk where you wish as of now you are freed." Someone later questioned Imam Bukhari if he had reacted out of anger, however, he replied "No, I have just pleased myself with my conduct.’’
Imam Bukhari always took notice of all things little which could help him earn the happiness of Allah Ta’ala. There is one such incident where there was a gathering. A man from within the crowd found a feather within his beard which he threw on the floor. Imam Bukhari followed the mans action and looking around to make sure no-one was looking and then bent in order to pick it up and placed it in his pocket. After leaving the mosque he threw it away aware of the fact that he had just done something in order to help keep the mosque clean.
Imam Bukhari (R.A) states himself that, "From the time of learning the prohibitions of backbiting till now, I have refrained from such an act."
There is also one incident when Imam Bukhari (R.A) was involved in Zohar prayers. After completing his salaah he started to pray his Nafl. On finishing this he turned towards his companions and lifting the bottom of his shirt said, “Is there anything inside this?" Suddenly a wasp fell out leaving 17 places which were swelling due to the violent stings of the wasp. One companion asked why the salaah was not discontinued. He replied, "I felt a certain pleasure from my salaah which I was reluctant to let go of."
Steadfastness:
The Governor of Bukhara made a special request for Imam Bukhari (R.A) to make daily visits to his home in order to teach his children. Imam Bukhari (R.A) declined stating that, "I give greater respect to knowledge rather than to people, for it is they who are in need of the knowledge and it is they who should seek it."
Upon hearing this the Governor was further annoyed by Imam Bukhari’s (R.A) answer and made a second request that Imam Bukhari (R.A) make a special arrangement to teach his children alone without anyone else being present which was also refused by Imam Bukhari (R.A). The Governor was infuriated by the second refusal and ordered Imam Bukhari (R.A) out of Bukhara. The people of Samarqand hearing of this quickly issued an invitation to Imam Bukhari (R.A) to come to their town. However, there was also a difference of opinion within the people of Samarqand which forced Imam Bukhari (R.A) to turn towards Khartang.
Death:
It was here that he spent the month of Ramadaan and in the month of Shawwaal headed towards Samarqand, where death found him whilst he was traveling. Imam Bukhari died in the month of Shawwaal 256 A.H., at the age of 62.
(To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.)
| Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal |
| Hassan Ahmad |
| Al-Jumu'ah Magazine Volume 12 - Issue 3 – Rabi’ul Al-Awwal 1421 H |
Abu Abdullah, Ahmad ibn Hanbal ash-Shaibani, was born in the city of Baghdad in the year 780 CE (164 AH). He studied various subjects in his hometown and traveled extensively in quest of knowledge.
In his great book, ‘Siyar A’lam an-Nubala’, Imam ath-Dhahabi described Ibn Hanbal as, “The true Shaikh of Islam and leader of the Muslims in his time, the hadith master and proof of the religion”.
He was chiefly interested in acquiring knowledge of Ahadeeth and traveled extensively through Iraq, Syria, Arabia and other places in the Middle East studying religion and collecting the ahadeeth of Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. His travels occupied several years of his early life.
After returning home, he became a student of Imam Shafi’ee who taught him the subject of Islamic Fiqh and its fundamentals. This and the fact that he was a scholar of hadith, were responsible for his deep devotion to the textual views on Islam, and his opposition to innovation of any kind.
The strength of his faith in Allah and the steadfastness on his understanding of the Deen were tested when under Khalifah al-Mamum and the Khalifah al-Mu’tasim, a Fitnah or a kind of ‘inquisition court’ was created to deal with people among whom were many acknowledged scholars who would not profess the doctrine of “the creation of the Qur’an”. Imam ibn Hanbal too, suffered as a result when he was arrested and brought in chains before the court. But he patiently submitted to corporal punishment and imprisonment and resolutely refused to deviate from his beliefs.
His trial, and the Ummah’s for that matter, were to come to an end on the hands of the Khalifah al-Mutawakkil who did not believe in the doctrine of ‘the creation of the Qur’an’. From then onwards the Imam was accorded honour befitting his greatness. His steadfastness helped preserve the correct Islamic belief regarding the Book of Allah. His fame spread far and wide. His learning, piety and unswerving faithfulness to traditions gathered the Ummah and its scholars around his understanding and teachings. He died in Baghdad in the year 855 CE (241 AH).
Among the works of Imam ibn Hanbal is the great encyclopedia of ahadeeth called al-Musnad, compiled during his life time, completed by his son Abdullah, and amplified by supplements. Al-Musnad contains more than thirty thousand ahadeeh. His other works include ”Kitab-us-Salah”, on the discipline of making salah and “Kitab-us-Sunnah”, on matters of aqueedah as they are understood from the hadith of the prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and the sayings and commentaries of the companions of the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.
Imam ath-Dhahabi related many of the praises stated by the scholars who knew Ibn Hanbal personally. The biography of Ibn Hanbal spread over at least 113 pages of ath-Thahabi’s, “Siyar A’lam an-Nubala”.
Abdullah ibn Ahmad, the Imam’s son, said: “I heard Abu Zur’ata Rrazi say: ‘Your father had memorised a million hadith, which I rehearsed with him according to the topic,’”
Ali ibnul-Madini, the great Imam of Hadeeth said: “Truly, Allah reinforced this religion with Abu Bakr as-Siddiq the day of the great apostasy (ar-Riddah), and He reinforced it with Ahmad ibn Hanbal the day of the Inquisition (al-Mihnah).”
Harmala said: “I heard ash-Shafi’ee say: ‘I left Baghdad and did not leave behind me anyone more virtuous, more learned, more knowledgeable than Ahmad ibn Hanbal.’”
Hazrat Shah Badar Diwan(R.A)
Name and Nasab:
His real name is Hazrat Syed Badaruddin Gilani Qadiri Baghdadi.He is Hassani,Hussaini,Razaqqi,Gilani syed.In Lahore he is known as Hazrat Shah Badar Diwan and in India as Hazrat Shah Badar Gilani(R.A).His pedigree is as under:
Hazrat Shah Badar Diwan bin Hazrat Sharaf-ud-Din Gilani bin
Alla-ud-din gilani bin Shamas-ud-din Muhammad gilani bin
Ahmad Ma-laqab ba rayza chean gilani bin Qasim gilani bin Sharaf-ud-din yahyaha katal shaheed tatar gilani bin Syed Shahab-ud-din gilani bin Syed Abu Saleh Nasr Gilani bin Syed Abdul Razaqq Gilani Bin Qutab-e-Rabani,Ghous-e-Samdani,Mehboob-e- Subhani,Miran Mohi-ud-din Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani Baghdadi(R.A).
Birth:
He was born in Baghdad in 7th nov.1457a.d.on Monday.According to this Persian verse:
ZA HIJRAT HUSHAT SAAD NAU KUM HUFTAAD
TAWALAD GUSHAT BADAR-UD-DIN BA BAGHDAD
In Lahore:
He left his home in 1493a.d.and came to Lahore,where he spend five years to preaching of Islam.In Lahore he has a Chillah,where he spend forty days of meditation.
King Akbar,built a Khangah on this CHILLAH and the place is now called Chillah Shah Badar Diwan.
In Massanian:
In 18 august 1498a.d.,he came to Batala and founded Massanian.Massanian is a hindi word which means,One who remove an evil spirits.It is also spelled as Masania,Masanian and Masaniyan.And this place is also called as Masani.A popular verse in Punjabi about it as:
KABE DA GHAROOR KAR DE
MASANI PIND WALE
Shadi:
He got married Bibi Murassa,daughter of Hazrat Daud Bokhari in village Sohal Gurdaspur.
Aulaad:
He has four sons and one daughter from Bibi Murassa:
1-SYED ALI SABIR GILANI QADIRI
2-SYED HABIBULLAH GILANI QADIRI
3-SYED ABDUL LATIF GILANI QADIRI
4-SYEDA BIBI ALLAH BANDAHI(FATIMA) KNOWN AS BIBI PAK DAMAN
5-SYED MUHAMMAD SADIK GILANI QADIRI
All of his children was able to do marvels.
