النص المفهرس
صفحات 21-40
will abide in that and evil indeed will it be that load for them on the Day of Resurrection". (20:99-101). Truly, Allâh also said: ﴿وَأَنزَلْنَا إِلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ بِالْحَقِّ مُصَدِّقًا لِمَا بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ مِنْ الْكِتَابِ وَمُهَيْمِنَا عَلَيْهِ ﴾ (المائدة: ٤٨) "And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scriptures that came before it and a witness over it (old Scriptures) (5:48), and said: ﴿وَمَا كُنْتَ تَتْلُو مِنْ قَبْلِهِ مِنْ كِتَابٍ وَلَا تَخُطُّهُ بَيَمِينِكَ إِذًا لَارْتَابَ الْمُبْطِلُونَ (٤٨)بَلْ هُوَ آيَاتٌ بَيَِّاتٌ فِي صُدُورِ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ وَمَا يَجْحَدُ بِآيَاتِنَا إِلَّ الظَّالِمُونَ (٤٩) وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا أُنْزِلَ عَلَيْهِ آيَاتٌ مِنْ وَبِّهِ قُلْ إِنَّمَا الْآَيَاتُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ وَإِنَّمَا أَنَا نَذِيرٌ مُبِينٌ (٥٠)أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَا أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَى عَلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَرَحْمَةٌ وَذِكْرَى لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ (٥١) قُلْ كَفَى بِاللَّهِ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمْ شَهِيدًا يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا بِالْبَاطِلِ وَكَفَرُوا بِاللَّهِ أُوْلَتِكَ هُمْ الْخَاسِرُونَ(٥٢)﴾ (العنكبوت: ٤٨-٥٢) "Neither did you read any book before it (this Qur'ân) nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. In that case, indeed, the followers of falsehood 10 might have doubted. Nay, but they, the clear Ayât [i.e. the description and the qualities of Prophet Muhammad # written like verses in the Turât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] are preserved in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge. And none but the wrongdoers, deny Our Ayât (proofs, evidences, signs .. etc). And they say: "Why are not signs sent down to him from his Lord? Say: "The signs are only with Allâh, and I am only a plain warner. Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur'an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder for a people who believe. Say (to them O Muhammad # "Sufficient is Allâh for a witness between me and you. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth." And those who believe in falsehood and disbelieve, in Allâh and (in His Oneness), it is they who are the losers" (29:48-52). Allâh, thus declared that revealing this book to Muhammad - the illiterate Prophet #, the book which contains the reality of what happened before, what will take place (in the future) and what was actually taking place at that time, is sufficient in 11 itself to prove that he is truthful. Allâh Glorified be He, has said: ﴿وَإِذَا تُتْلَى عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُنَا بَيِّئَاتِ قَالَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَرْجُونَ لِقَاءَنَا انْتِ بِقُرْآنٍ غَيْرِ هَذَا أَوْ بَدْلْهُ قُلْ مَا يَكُونُ لِي أَنْ أُبَدِّلَهُ مِنْ تِلْقَاءِ نَفْسِي إِنْ أَبِعُ إِلَّا مَا يُوحَى إِلَيَّ إِنِّي أَخَافُ إِنْ عَصَيْتُ رَبِّي عَذَابَ يَوْمٍ عَظِيمِ (١٥)قُلْ لَوْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ مَا تَلَوْتُهُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَا أَذْرَاكُمْ بِهِ فَقَدْ ◌َبْتُ فِيكُمْ عُمُرًا مِنْ قَبْلِهِ أَفَلَا تَعْقِلُونَ (١٦) فَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ اقْتُرَى عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ كَذِّبَ بِآيَاتِهِ إِنَّهُ لَا يُفْلِحُ الْمُجْرِمُونَ (١٧) (يونس: ١٥ - ١٧ "And when Our Clear Verses are recited unto them, those who hope not for their meeting with Us, say: Bring us a Qur'ân other than this, or change it". Say (O Muhammad #): "It is not for me to change it on my own accord; I only follow that which is revealed unto me. Verily, I fear if I were to disobey my Lord, the torment of the Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)". Say (O Muhammad 5) "If Allâh had so willed, I should not have recited it to you nor would He have made it known to you. Verily, I have stayed amongst you a life time before this. Have you then no sense?" So who does more wrong than he who forges a lie against 12 Allâh or denies His evidences and signs? Surely, the criminals will never be successful". (10:15-17). The Prophet # is saying to them: "I cannot change this on my own accord, it is only Allâh the Almighty who blots out what He wills and confirms (what He wills). I am only conveying the Message, and you know how truthful I am concerning what I revealed to you, as I was brought up amongst you and you know my lineage and my honesty. I never lied to any one of you, how could I lie to Allâh the Almighty, to whom belongs the ability to inflict harm or bring about what is beneficial. He has power over all things, and He is the All-Knower of everything. Is there a greater sin than forging a lie against Allâh, and relating to Him what He did not say, as Allâh the Almighty said: ﴿وَلَوْ تَقَوَّلَ عَلَيْنَا بَعْضَ الْأَقَاوِيلِ (٤٤) لَأَخَذْنَا مِنْهُ بِالْيَمِينِ (٤٥)ثُمَّ لَقَطَعْنَا مِنْهُ الْوَتِينَ (٤٦) فَمَا مِنْكُمْ مِنْ أَحَدٍ عَنْهُ حَاجِزِينَ (٤٧)﴾ (الحاقة: ٤٤-٤٧) "And if he (Muhammad) had forged a false saying against Us. We surely should have seized him by his right hand. And then certainly should have cut off his life artery (Aorta). And none of you could withhold Us 13 from (punishing) him" (69: 44-47). This means that if he had lied concerning what was revealed to him, Allah would take His revenge from him, in a most severe way. Not one of the inhabitants of the earth would be able to prevent Allah from taking revenge. Allâh the Almighty said: ﴿وَمَنْ أَظْلَمُ مِمَّنْ افْتَرَى عَلَى اللَّهِ كَذِبًا أَوْ قَالَ أُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ وَلَمْ يُوحَ إِلَيْهِ شَيْءٌ وَمَنْ قَالَ سَأُنزِلُ مِثْلَ مَا أَنزَلَ اللَّهُ وَلَوْ تَرَى إِذْ الظَّالِمُونَ فِي غَمَرَاتِ الْمَوْتِ وَالْمَلَائِكَةُ بَاسِطُوا أَيْدِيهِمْ أَخْرِ جُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ الْيَوْمَ تُجْزَوْنَ عَذَابَ الْهُونِ بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَقُولُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ غَيْرَ الْحَقِّ وَكُنتُمْ عَنْ آيَاتِهِ تَسْتَكْبِرُونَ (٩٣)﴾ (الأنعام: ٩٣) "And who can be more unjust than he who invents a lie against Allâh, or says: "I have received inspiration, " whereas he is not inspired in anything; and who says, "I will reveal the like of what Allâh has revealed." And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the agonies of death, while the angels are stretching forth their hands saying: "Deliver your souls! This day you shall be recompensed with the torment of degradation because of what you used to utter against Allâh other than the truth. And you used to 14 reject His signs with disrespect" (6:93), and said: ﴿قُلْ أَيُّ شَيْءٍ أَكْبَرُ شَهَادَةٌ قُلْ اللَّهُ شَهِيدٌ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمْ وَأُوحِيَ إِلَيَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنُ لِأُنذِرَكُمْ بِهِ وَمَنْ بَلَغَ أَنْتَّكُمْ لَتَشْهَدُونَ أَنْ مَعَ اللَّهِ آلهَةً أُخْرَى قُلْ لَا أَشْهَدُ قُلْ إِنَّمَا هُوَ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ وَإِنْنِي بَرِيءٌ مِمَّا تُشْرِكُونَ (١٩)﴾ (الأنعام: ١٩) "Say ( Muhammad #) "What thing is the most great in witness?" Say: "Allâh (the Most Great!) is Witness between me and you; this Qur'an has been revealed to me that I may therewith warn you and whomsoever it may reach. " (6:19). This means that Allâh is witness over all that is happening and that He is the greatest witness. He is watching over you and I, concerning all that was revealed from Him. What makes these words even stronger is that they imply a solemn oath from the Prophet * in that Allâh sent him to all creation to warn them through this Qur'an. Whoever received the Message, is considered to have received the warning, as Allâh the Almighty said: ﴿ ...... وَمَنْ يَكْفُرْ بِهِ مِنْ الْأَخْزَابِ فَالنَّارُ مَوْعِدُهُ فَلَا تَكُنْ فِي مِرَّةٍ مِنْهُ إِنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّكَ وَلَكِنَّ أَكْثَرَ النَّاسِ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ (١٧)﴾ (هود: ١٧) 15 "but those of the sects (Jews, Christians and all the other non-Muslim nations) that reject it (the Qur'an), the Fire will be their promised meeting-place. So be not in doubt about it. Verily, it is the truth from your Lord, but most of mankind believe not" (11:17). The Qur'an contains all truthful information regarding Allâh, His angels, His Throne, and His upper and lower creatures. It also includes knowledge about the heavens and the earth and all that is between them. As well as all the great events taking place therein, supported by decisive evidence, which is to be conceived by the sound mind, as Allâh the Almighty says: ﴿وَلَقَدْ صَرَّفْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِي هَذَا الْقُرْآنِ مِنْ كُلِّ مَثَلٍ فَأَبَى أَكْثُرُ النَّاسِ إلَّا كُفُورًا (٨٩)﴾ (الإسراء: ٨٩) "And indeed We have fully explained to mankind, in this Qur'ân, every kind of similitude, but most mankind refuse (the truth and accept nothing) but disbelief" (17:89). Allâh the Almighty also said: ﴿وَتَلْكَ الْأَمْثَالُ نَصْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ وَمَا يَعْقِلُهَا إِلَّا الْعَالِمُونَ (٤٣)﴾ (العنكبوت: ٤٣) 16 "And these similitudes We put forward for mankind, but none will understand them except those who have knowledge (of Allâh and His Signs, etc .. )" (29:43), and said: ﴿وَلَقَدْ ضَرَبْنَا لِلنَّاسِ فِي هَذَا الْقُرْآنِ مِنْ كُلِّ مَثَلٍ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ (٢٧) قُر آنًا عَرَبِيًّا غَيْرَ ذِي عِوَجٍ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ (٢٨)﴾ (الزمر: ٢٧-٢٨) "And indeed We have put forth for men, in this Qur'ân every kind of similitude in order that they may remember. An Arabic Qur'ân, without any crookedness (therein) in order that they may avoid all evil which Allâh has ordered them to avoid, fear Him and keep their duty to Him" (39: 27-28). The Glorious Qur'an also tells us the truth concerning the events that happened in the past, as evidenced by what was written in the books of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) themselves, even though the Qur'an was revealed to an illiterate man. This man, never witnessed any of the events of the previous nations, or read any of their books. Nevertheless, he surprised people by what was revealed to him, of those events that are mentioned, so that people can take lessons from the 17 stories of the previous Prophets with their nations, how they suffered with them, and how Allâh the Almighty, saved the believers and destroyed the unbelievers. These stories were revealed to the Prophet # in a language with which nothing can compare. Stories are told briefly but using very eloquent and well-versed language. The same story is told again in other places but in detail with the same superb linguistic structures. The one who reads or hears these verses of the Qur'an, feels as if he is watching the scene live; being present in the midst of events as they are unfolding. Allâh the Almighty said: ﴿وَمَا كُنْتَ بِجَانِبِ الطُّورِ إِذْ نَادَيْنَا وَلَكِنْ رَحْمَةً مِنْ رَبِّكَ لِتُنذِرَ قَوْمًا مَا أَتَاهُمْ مِنْ تَذِيرٍ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ (٤٦)﴾ (القصص: ٤٦) "And you (O Muhammad; were not at the side of the Tur (Mount) when We did call. But (you are sent) as a mercy from the Lord, to give warning to a people to whom no Warner had come before, in order that they may remember or receive admonition" (28:46), and said: ﴿ذَلِكَ مِنْ أَثْبَاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا كُنْتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يُلْقُونَ أَقْلَامَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ يَكْفُلُ مَرْيَمَ وَمَا كُنْتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ يَخْتَصِمُونَ (٤٤)﴾ (آل عمران: ٤٤) 18 "You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed" (3:44). Allâh, Glorified be He, also said in Sûrah Yusuf ﴿ذَلِكَ مِنْ أَثْبَاءِ الْغَيْبِ نُوحِيهِ إِلَيْكَ وَمَا كُنتَ لَدَيْهِمْ إِذْ أَجْمَعُوا أَمْرَهُمْ وَهُمْ يَمْكُرُونَ (١٠٢) وَمَا أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ وَلَوْ حَرَصْتَ بِمُؤْمِنِينَ (١٠٣) وَمَا تَسْأَلُهُمْ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ أَجْرٍ إِنْ هُوَ إِلَّا ذِكْرٌ , لِلْعَالَمِينَ(١٠٤)) (يوسف: ١٠٢-١٠٤) "This is of the news of the unseen which We reveal by Inspiration to you. You were not (present) with them when they arranged their plan together, and (also, while) they were plotting. And most of mankind will not believe even if you desire it eagerly. And no reward you ask of them for it, it (the Qur'ân) is no less than a Reminder and an advice unto the men and Jinn"" (12:102-104), until He says at the end of the Sûrah: ﴿لَقَدْ كَانَ فِي قَصَصِهِمْ عِبْرَةٌ لِأُوْلِي الْأَلْبَابِ مَا كَانَ حَدِيثًا يُفْتَرَى وَلَكِنْ تَصْدِيقَ الَّذِي بَيْنَ يَدَيْهِ وَتَفْصِيلَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدَى وَرَحْمَةً لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ (١١١)﴾ (يوسف: ١١١) 19 "Indeed in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Qur'ân) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of Allâh's existing books (the Torah, the Gospel and other scriptures of Allâh) and a detailed explanation of everything and a guide, and a Mercy for the people who believe" (12:111). Truly, Allâh also says: ﴿وَقَالُوا لَوْلَا يَأْتِينَا بِآيَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّهِ أَوَلَمْ تَأْتِهِمْ بَيِّنَةُ مَا فِي الصُّحُفِ الْأُولَى (١٣٣)﴾ (طه:١٣٣) "They say: "Why does he not bring us a sign (proof) from his Lord?" Has there not come to them the proof of that which is (written) in the former books (Scriptures, about the coming of the Prophet Muhammad #)" (20:133), and said: ﴿قُلْ أَرَأَيْتُمْ إِنْ كَانَ مِنْ عِنْدِ اللَّهِ ثُمَّ كَفَرْتُمْ بِهِ مَنْ أَضَلُّ مِمَّنْ هُوَ فِي شِفَاقٍ بَعِيدٍ( ٥٢) سَنُرِيِهِمْ آيَاتِنَا فِي الْآَفَاقِ وَفِي أَنْفُسِهِمْ حَتَّى يَتَبِّيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ شَهِيدٌ (٥٣)) (فصلت: ٥٢-٥٣) "Say: "Tell me, if it (the Qur'ân) is from 20 Allâh, and you disbelieve in it, who is more astray than one who is in opposition far away (from Allâh's Right path and His obedience). We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur'an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?" (42:52-53). Allâh the Almighty, promised that He will prove the truth of the Qur'an and the truth of the one to whom it was inspired, through what He created in the universe, of the signs which prove that this book (the Qur'ân) is the truth. This evidence (of creation) is also to be seen in themselves, i.e. those who are denying the Qur'ân, which in itself is an evidence against them, in order that they are sure that this Qur'ân is revealed by Allâh through inspiration to His truthful Prophet . Allâh then directed them to another independent proof by saying: "Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?" i.e. knowing that Allâh is a Witness over this matter, is sufficient to know the truth of the Messenger, because if he was forging a lie against Allâh, he would have been severely punished, as mentioned earlier. The Qur'ân also tells us about what will take place in the future, as much as it tells us about the 21 past. The following is an example: ﴿ ... عَلِمَ أَنْ سَيَكُونُ مِنْكُمْ مَرْضَى وَآخَرُونَ يَضْرِبُونَ فِي الْأَرْضِ يَبْتَغُونَ مِنْ فَضْلِ اللَّهِ وَآخَرُونَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ (المزمل: ٢٠) "He knows that there will be some among you sick, others travelling through the land, seeking of Allâh's Bounty; yet others fighting in Allâh's Cause" (73:20). This was one of the very first chapters that were revealed in Makkah. There is another example mentioned in Sûrah al-Qamar (the Moon), which was also revealed in Makkah - with no dispute among the scholars as to the place of its revelation- (سَيُهْزَمُ الْجَمْعُ وَيُؤَلُّونَ الدُّبْرَ (٤٥) بَلْ السَّاعَةُ مَوْعِدُهُمْ وَالسَّاعَةُ (القمر: ٤٥ - ٤٦) أَدْهَی وَأَمَرُّ(٤٦)﴾ "Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs. Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter" (54:45-46). The defeat mentioned here, was that of the non believers, which actually took place in the battle of 22 Badr, later on1. Allâh the Almighty said in the Qur'ân : ﴿هُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ رَسُولَهُ بِالْهُدَى وَدِينِ الْحَقِّ لِيُظْهِرَهُ عَلَى الدِّينِ كُلّهِ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْمُشْرِكُونَ (٣٣)﴾ (التوبة: ٣٣) "'t is He Who has sent His Messenger · nunammad with guidance and the eligion of truth (Islâm)" (9:33), .c. He has sent His Messenger with useful knowledge and guidance to the path of piety. It was reported on the authority of 'Alî Ibn Abû Tâlib (may Allâh be pleased with him) who said: "It is the book of Allâh that has the news of those who were before your time and the judgment of what takes place among you, and the news of what takes place in the Sa'îd bin Jubair narrated that: "Sa'd bin Abî Waqgas said: "When the words of Allâh "Their multitude will be put to flight and they will show their backs", were revealed, I did not know, which multitude would be put to flight. But on the day of Badr, I saw the Prophet jump into his shield and say: "O Allâh! The conceited and haughty Quraishites are already here defying You and belying Your Messenger. O Allâh ! I am waiting for Your victory which You have promised. I beseech You Allâh to defeat them (the enemies)" and then he said # : "Their multitude will be put to flight, and they will show their backs". Sa'd then said: "It was only then that I knew the interpretation of the verse". This is also one of the miracles of the Prophet , as he told about a future event , which took place as he said. (See the Tafsir of Imâm al-Qurtubî) ". 23 future". The miracle of his morals and attributes: From among the moral miracles of the Prophet #, are his pure manners and perfect morals, his courage and stamina, his patience, forgiveness and clemency, his generosity and asceticism, his pleasant companionship and giving preference to others over himself, his honesty and truthfulness of speech, his piety and worship, his nobility, honorable birth and upbringing. Imâm Ibn-Taymiyah said in a chapter in which he wrote about the signs of Prophecy2. "The biography of the Prophet , his attributes and manners, his sayings and deeds, his Sharî'ah, his nation, the knowledge of his nation and their religion, and the pious people of his nation, are all signs of his Prophecy. This is made clear by a critical study of his biography from the day of his birth to the beginning of his message, and from the date of his message to the day he died. It is also made clear through studying his lineage, origin and environment". His honorable lineage 2 This chapter was written at the end of his book, in which he answered back the different sects of the people of the Scripture; i.e. the sects of the Jews and Christians. 24 Muhammad # is one of the most honorable people in regards to lineage. He is a descendant of Ibrâhîm, of whom Allâh ordained from among his offspring, Prophethood and the Book, so all the Prophets who came after Ibrahim are of his offspring. Allâh the Almighty, gave him two sons: Ismâ 'îl and Ishaq, who are both mentioned in the Torâh. The good news was mentioned in the Torch, that there will be a Prophet from the children of Ismâ 'îl. None of the children of Isma 'îl had the signs of Prophecy except Muhammad *. Ibrâhîm made a Du'â' (supplication) to Allâh to send a Messenger from his offspring3. Moreover, the Prophet # is of the Quraish tribe which is selected from the children of Ibrâhîm, and the sons of Hâshim who are selected from the sons of the Quraish. The honor of the area where he was born and raised: The Prophet & was born in Makkah, the Mother of the towns (Umm al-Qura), the place where 3 He is referring to the verse: "Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur'an) and wisdom and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise". (2:129). That is why the Prophet used to say "I am the Da wah of Ibrahim, and the last to give the glad tidings about me was Isâ". Narrated by Ibn 'Asâkir on the authority of 'Ibâdah ibn As-Sâmit, and reported to be a good (Hasan) Hadîth by Imam as-Siûtî. 25 Ibrâhîm built the House of Allâh ((the Ka'bah at Makkah) and invited people to come to it for Hajj (pilgrimage). People have been coming to the Ka'bah for Hajj since the time of Ibrâhîm, and it is mentioned in the books of the Prophets, with the best description. His perfect discipline and upbringing: The Prophet # was raised with the most perfect discipline. He was known for being honest, righteous, just, and for abandoning all forms of evil acts (such as adultery) and oppression. He was known for these qualities by all those who knew him before the Message, and by all, who believed in him, as well as those who disbelieved in his Message. Nothing disgraceful was ever known about him, in his sayings, deeds or manners. He was never known to have ever lied, practiced oppression or committed any sin. His perfect creation and image: The Prophet * was the most perfect and beautiful creation, which combined all the merits and charms which signify his perfection. He was illiterate, and grew up among an illiterate nation, where neither he nor them knew of the knowledge of the people of the Scripture, i.e. the Torah and the Bible. He never read or heard any of the knowledge of the people of his time. He did not 26 claim Prophethood, until he was forty, but after that, he came with wondrous words (i.e. the Qur'an) the like of which was never known before by the people of previous or later times. He was followed by those who were deemed weak, and was belied by the leaders of his people, who persecuted him and exerted every possible effort to destroy him and his followers, just as the disbelievers have always done to the Prophets and their followers. Those who followed him did not do so for any worldly incentive or due to fear of him, as he did not have any property to give them or ranks to appoint them to. He did not even have a sword. It was his enemies who inflicted every type of torture on his followers, who in turn tolerated all this with patience, awaiting the reward from Allâh. They never turned away from their religion, as they felt the beauty of faith and knowledge in their hearts. His Migration from Madinah: Since the age of Prophet Ibrahim, the Arabs used to come to Makkah for pilgrimage every year. So, the Prophet # used to go out at that season, when all the Arabian tribes gathered for pilgrimage, to convey the Message to them, calling them to Allâh and exhorting them to enter the fold of Islam. He used to do so, with patience with those who belied him, who were averse to him and those who 27 turned away. He continued until he the the inhabitants of Madinah, who were the neighbors of the Jews, who knew about him and his description from their books. When they met with the Prophet # they knew that he was the awaited Prophet, that the Jews used to speak about. As well as that, they heard the news of his Message that was spreading all over the area, ten years or so after the beginning of his mission. They believed in him, gave him the pledge of allegiance for his migration and the migration of his companions to Madinah, and also to fight with him in the Cause of Allâh (i.e. perform Jihâd). Consequently, the Prophet and his followers migrated to Madinah, where the emigrants and the Ansâr4, settled together. None of them embraced Islâm for any worldly pleasure or for fear, except for a few of the Ansâr who apparently embraced Islam (i.e. the hypocrites), but then, some of them repented and became better in their Dîn (religion and faith). The Prophet # was then allowed to go out for Jihâd, and was ordered to fight the disbelievers. He continued in the cause of Allâh in the most perfect way, observing honesty, justice and fulfilling every promise. He was never known to tell any lie, and never known to inflict oppression or injustice on 4 The companions of the Prophet from the inhabitants of Madinah. 28 anyone. Rather, he was the most honest, most just and the first to fulfill his promise to all people. He observed all this throughout all the different circumstances that they underwent, between war and peace, security and fear, wealth and poverty, power and incapability. They were few in number but steadily increasing, and they remained steadfast during times of victory over their enemy and during times of defeat. Throughout all these phases, he continued on the same path, until his Da'wah was established throughout all the Arabian Peninsula, which was dominated by paganism, soothsaying, obeying Allâh's creations while disbelieving in Allâh, shedding blood which is prohibited to shed, severing the ties of kinship, and on top of that, they did not believe in the Hereafter or the Day of Judgment. Yet, when those same people discovered Islâm and followed its guidance, they became the most knowledgeable people on earth, and moreover the most religious, the most just and the best of all people, so much so, that even when the Christians saw the Muslims upon their arrival in Syria, they said: "Those who accompanied Jesus, were not better than those people (i.e. the Muslims)". The effects and impressions left by them on earth, concerning their deeds and knowledge, in comparison to the impressions left by others, are obvious to every wise man. Even though, the 29