النص المفهرس
صفحات 61-80
31 Chapter 2 'You put me into difficulty. I have been waiting here for you for the last three days."" 'Abdullah bin Saaib Meal says: "In the era of ignorance (pre-Islamic era), I was Rasulullah's Uckaf business partner. When I came to Madinah, he asked: "Do you recognise me?" "Surely!" I replied, "Why not? You were my business partner and what a pleasant partner you were. You would never dillydally nor would you squabble over anything." Qays bin Saaib Makhzumi ◌ُرضِي اللَّهُ عَنْه says:"I was Rasulullah's ◌َصَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم business partner in the times of ignorance. He was the most favourable of partners. He would neither quarrel nor raise a dispute." Grazing Goats Just as Rasulullah Uclauf grazed goats in his childhood with his foster brothers whilst in the custody of Hadhrat Halimah (saules, similarly, he grazed goats as he grew older. Jaabir bin 'Abdullah deals narrates: "We were with Rasulullah Lskal. in a place called Zahraan. When we started plucking some fruit off a peelu tree, Rasulullah Leaf advised us to pick the black ones, as they were more succulent and tastier. We then asked him if he had ever grazed goats in his life (because how would he have known this.) Rasulullah cka replied: "There is not a single messenger who did not graze goats." Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah ◌ُرَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْه reports that Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم said: "There was not a single prophet who did not graze goats." The Sahaabah duly asked in amazement: "Even you? O Prophet of Allah!" Rasulullah Leaf replied: "Yes, I used to also graze the goats of the people of Makkah for a few Qaraarit (plural of Qeeraat, a coin weighing approximately 0.2 grams of silver)." Second Journey to Syria and the Encounter with Nastoora, the Monk Hadhrat Khadijah Geakg was an exceedingly wealthy woman of one of the most noble clans of the Arabs. Due to her noble lineage and her chastity, she was titled as Taahirah (pure) during the times of ignorance as well as the era of Islam. When the Quraysh despatched their trade caravans, Hadhrat Khadijah Goals would also despatch her trade goods with some reliable people as a form of Mudaarabah (business partnership). Her goods were equal to all the goods of the Quraysh put together. When Rasulullah chef turned twenty-five and his trustworthiness became the talk of the town and when not a single person of Makkah failed to refer to him with the title of Al-Ameen, Hadhrat Khadijah Geuk sent him a message requesting him to take her goods to Syria with an offer to 32 صَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa double his share of the profits in relation to her other normal business partners. Due to the financial constraints of his uncle Abu Taalib, Resulullah Ligaste auf gladly accepted the offer and in the company of Hadhrat Khadijah's slave, Maysarah, he set off for Syria. When Rasulullah Utal reached Busra, he took a seat under the shade of a tree. A monk by the name of Nastoora lived in the vicinity of this tree. On seeing Rasulullah Leaf beneath this tree, he approached him and said: "From 'Isa bin Maryam "Lige right up to this present moment, besides you no other prophet has sat beneath this tree." He then remarked to Maysarah: "He (Rasulullah )) has this redness in his eyes." Maysarah responded by revealing: "Yes, this redness has never left his eyes." The monk exclaimed: هو هو وهو نبي وهو أخر الانبياء "Yes, surely this is the Prophet. This is the final Messenger." Rasulullah cka thereafter continued engaging in his trading activities. During this time, a person once started arguing with Rasulullah caff. The man demanded that Rasulullah kaf swear an oath on the idols of Laat and 'Uzza. Rasulullah Uckaf very calmly replied: "I have never taken an oath on Laat and 'Uzza. In fact, even if I perchance come across these idols, I try to avoid them altogether." The man replied: "Indisputably, you are right." In other words, you are truthful and trustworthy. The man then commented: "By Allah! This is a man whose description and attributes our 'Ulama find inscribed in their religious manuscripts." Maysarah says: "In the severe heat of the afternoon, I would notice two angels ". صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ offering shade to Rasulullah As he was returning from Syria whilst the two angels were shading him from the fierce midday sun, Hadhrat Khadijah Geals witnessed this extraordinary scene as she was sitting in one of the upper floors of her house. She summoned the women around her to come and view this incredible spectacle as well. This took all of them by surprise. Soon after, Maysarah gave her a detailed account of the strange phenomena and particulars of the journey. He then made over her goods and money to her. Due to the barakah (blessings) of Rasulullah Leaf this time round, Hadhrat Khadijah Geals realised such a huge profit from this trade caravan that she had never before made from a single trade caravan. Hadhrat Khadijah Geals awarded Rasulullah kaf much more than the initial profit she had originally promised him. 33 Chapter 2 Marriage to Hadhrat Khadijah Goals Hadhrat Khadijah Goals, after listening to Maysarah's account of his travels including Nastoora the monk's statement and the spectacle of the angels providing shade etc., went to Waraqah bin Nawfal and conveyed the details of these miraculous events to him. Waraqah remarked: "Khadijah! If these incidents are true, then most certainly Muhammad is the prophet of this Ummah. I am well aware that this Ummah is patiently waiting to be graced by a prophet whose advent is imminent." On hearing about these miraculous events, Hadhrat Khadijah Gewiss developed a longing to be wedded to Rasulullah caf . As a result, two months and twenty-five days after his arrival from the Syrian trade journey, she sent a proposal to Rasulullah LEaf. Acting on the advice of his uncle, Rasulullah Local. accepted this proposal. On the predetermined date of the Nikah, together with his uncles Abu Taalib and Hamzah and a few other chieftains of the family, Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم set out for Hadhrat Khadijah's رَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا residence. Hadhrat Khadijah's sake, father had already passed away before the battle of Fujjaar. Her uncle 'Amar bin Asad was present at her Nikah. Abu Taalib recited the Khutbah of Nikah, the closing words of which were: اما بعد فان محمدا ممن لا یوازن به فتی من قریش الا رجح به شرفا ونبلا وفضلا وعقلا وان كان فى المال قل فانه ظل زائل وعارية مسترجعة وله فى خديجة بنت خويلد رغبة ولها فیه مثل ذلك "Muhammad is a young man who, if weighed against any other youngster from the Quraysh, Muhammad will outweigh the other in nobility, eminence, intellect and graciousness. He may be lacking in wealth but wealth is after all a passing shadow and a trust to be ultimately surrendered. He is interested in getting married to Khadijah bint Khuwailid and she also cherishes the same interest." At the time of this blessed Nikah, Resulullah stackau was twenty-five years old whilst Hadhrat Khadijah Geaks was forty. The Mahr (dowry) was fixed at twenty camels. According to Seerat Ibn Hishaam and Hafiz Abu Bishr Dawlami, the stipulated Mahr (dowry) was twelve and half awqiyah of silver. Each awqiyah is equivalent to forty Dirhams. Hence, the total dowry was five hundred Dirhams. This was Rasulullah's Leaf first Nikah whilst it was Hadhrat Khadijah's Goals third. We will, Insha Allah Ta'ala, discuss this in more detail in the chapter dealing with the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat (the blessed wives of Rasulullah . (صَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ 34 صَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa The Renovation of the K'abah and Resulullah's gate auf Arbitration From the very inception of this universe, the K'abah was reconstructed five times. Initially it was constructed by Hadhrat Aadam Stillet. 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Aas ◌ُرَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْه reports that Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم said: "Allah Ta'ala delegated Hadhrat Jibraa'eel "Wide to command Hadhrat Aadam Linie to erect the K'abah. When he completed the building, he was instructed to walk around the house (Tawaaf). He was also informed: "You are the first man and this is the first house erected for the devotion of Allah Ta'ala." When the flood of Nuh Swick struck, no sign of the K'abah was left behind. Ibraaheem "Liche was then commanded to reconstruct the K'abah. There was no trace of even the foundation left behind. Hadhrat Jibraa'eel Liche came and retraced the markings of the original foundation. Subsequently, Hadhrat Ibraaheem stille, with the wholehearted assistance of Hadhrat Ismaa'eel phillaile, began reconstructing the holy K'abah. The third occasion the K'abah underwent reconstruction was just before prophethood when Rasulullah caf was thirty-five and the Quraysh decided to reconstruct the K'abah. The original structure erected by Hadhrat Ibraaheem Alice was roofless whilst the walls were not actually very high. The walls were just above the average height of a man, approximately nine hands in height. Over the passage of time, the structure fell into disrepair. Due to it lying on low ground, rainwater would often find its way into the structure itself. This is why the Quraysh decided to demolish the original structure and rebuild it afresh. When all the Qurayshi leaders unanimously agreed to demolish the K'abah and rebuild it, Abu Wahab bin 'Amr Makhzoomi, Rasulullah's kal father's mother's brother, addressed the Quraysh thus: "Bear in mind that whatever we propose to spend in the reconstruction of the K'abah should be from Halaal sources. The income derived from adultery, theft and usury should not be applied to this sacred mission. Only exclusively Halaal wealth should be utilised in its construction. Allah Ta'ala is pure and He only approves of pure. In the erection of this structure, employ your purely Halaal wealth." With the reasoning that not a single person be deprived of this noble assignment of reconstructing the K'abah, the reconstruction was divided over the various clans in such a manner that the responsibility of each phase or element of the K'abah was consigned to a different clan. Each and every tribe or clan was assigned a particular task or portion in the reconstruction process. The portion towards the door was assigned to Banu 'Abdu Manaaf and Banu Zuhrah. The area between the Hajr-e-Aswad and Rukn-e-Yamani was allocated to Banu Makhzoom and other Qurayhsi clans. The rear of the structure was allocated to Banu Jamh and Banu Sahm whilst the Hateem section was given over to Banu 'Abdud-Daar bin Qusayy and Banu S'ad. During the course of restoration, the 35 Chapter 2 Quraysh got word of a merchant ship that was recently wrecked in the port of Jeddah. On hearing this, Waleed bin Mughirah immediately set off for Jeddah and managed to obtain the timber of this ruined vessel for the roof of the K'abah. Amongst the crewmembers of this vessel was a Roman mason (or carpenter) by the name of Baqum. Waleed bin Mughirah also took him along to assist in the reconstruction. After these initial stages of groundwork, when it came to the actual moment of demolition of the original structure, not a soul had the courage to initiate the tearing down of the first brick. In the end, Waleed bin Mughirah, wielding a shovel, proclaimed before Allah Ta'ala: "O Allah! Our intentions are nothing but good." In other words, Allah Ta'ala forbid, we harbour absolutely no evil intention in razing the K'abah. Saying this, he commenced demolishing the K'abah in the region of Hajr-e-Aswad and Rukn Yamani. The people of Makkah decided to hold back until the forthcoming night to ascertain if Waleed is struck by any divine punishment. If any form of divine reprisal assails him, we will restore the house of Allah Ta'ala to what it was otherwise we will all assist Waleed in demolishing the present structure. The next morning found Waleed hail and hearty wielding a shovel into the Haram area. People interpreted his safety as an indication of Allah Ta'ala's pleasure thereby boosting their courage even further. All of them then earnestly embarked on this task of demolishing the K'abah. They continued digging right down until the original foundation laid by Hadhrat Ibraaheem "Wicie became visible. When a Qurayshi delivered a blow to the Ibraaheemi foundation, a terrible explosion rocked the city of Makkah. At once, they discontinued digging further and started their construction on the same original foundation. As per the preceding division, each tribe amassed their respective stones and started to rebuild their allotted portion of the K'abah. Now when the building reached completion and the crucial moment of placing the Hajr-e-Aswad (black stone) surfaced, intensely violent disputes broke out between all interested parties. Swords were unsheathed and the people became fervently determined to go to war and kill one another to acquire this noble credit of raising the stone to its place. After a few days of severe tension and no lasting solution in sight, Abu Umayyah bin Mughirah Makhzoomi, one of the eldest members of the Quraysh, submitted the opinion that the decision to raise the stone should be conferred upon the first person that enters the doors of the Haram the next morning. All parties expressed their approval to this proposal. The next morning, when they reached the Haram, they saw none other than Muhammad Rasulullah Ucieaf as the first entrant of the Haram that morning. The moment they caught sight of him, with one voice they spontaneously proclaimed: هذا محمد الامين رضينا هذا محمد الامين 36 صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa "This is Muhammad, the trustworthy. We are extremely pleased with him as arbiter. This is after all Muhammad, the trustworthy." Rasulullah Lyckat asked for a sheet and placing the black stone onto it, he directed: "The chief of each tribe should grasp the ends of the sheet so that none of the tribes are deprived of this grand opportunity." All of them wholeheartedly approved of this proposal and each leader grasped a side of the sheet and hoisted it to the vicinity the black stone was to be placed. Rasulullah kais then went forward and with his blessed hands raised the stone and placed it in its proper place. The fourth time the K'abah was reconstructed was during the Caliphate of Hadhrat 'Abdullah bin Zubair Reaks. The entire structure was raised to the ground and reconstructed anew. The Ka'bah was reconstructed a fifth time by that Hajjaaj bin Yusuf whose oppression and transgression was unmatched in history. For further details, research the books of history. His Divine Aversion to Pagan Customs It is reported from Hadhrat Ali ◌ُرَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْه that Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم was once asked if he ever worshiped an idol. He replied in the negative. He was then asked if he ever consumed wine. Rasulullah Leaf again replied in the negative and remarked: "I always considered such deeds to be Kufr even though I possessed no knowledge of Imaan and the Qur-aan at that stage." Hadhrat 'Urwah bin Zubair decks relates that the neighbour of Hadhrat Khadijah رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا narrates that she heard Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم declaring to Hadhrat Khadijah Geals: "By Allah! I will never ever worship Laat. By Allah! I will never ever worship 'Uzza." Zaid bin Haarisah deals narrates: "During the era of ignorance, the disbelievers would respectfully stroke the stone idols of Isaaf and Naa'ilah whenever they performed Tawaaf of the K'abah. Once I accompanied Rasulullah Lockeauf in performing the Tawaaf of the Baitullah. As we passed these idols, I devotedly lay a hand on them. Resulullah Ligaclaus forbade me from doing this. I thought to myself, what harm can there be in touching stone. So I stroked them again. A bit more sternly, he prohibited me again reminding me of the previous prohibition. By Allah! From that day on, I have never touched a single stone idol right up to the time when Allah Ta'ala bestowed his prophethood upon Rasulullah ".and revealed His divine speech upon him صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ صَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ that he heard Rasulullah رَضِي اللَّهُ عَنْهُ It is reported from Hadhrat Ali saying: "The notion of participating in any of these pagan rituals or customs had never crossed my mind except on two occasions when Allah Ta'ala safeguarded me 37 Chapter 2 from their evils. One night, I told my companion who usually grazed goats with us to keep an eye on the animals as I wished to go to Makkah to amuse myself with a bit of story-telling. As I entered Makkah, I was confronted with the sound of music. Upon enquiry I learnt that so and so is getting married. I also joined the ceremony but the moment I sat down, I was overcome with sleep. Moreover, Allah Ta'ala sealed my ears against the music and I dozed off utterly unaware of my surroundings. By Allah! Only the intensity of the sun beating down on my face the next morning jolted me awake. I returned to my companion only to be asked what I saw. I replied that I saw absolutely nothing. I then related my incident of falling off to sleep." The next night, Rasulullah Ucaf again decided to join in the festivities but he fell asleep yet again. Rasulullah Le says: "By Allah! After this occasion I never thought of indulging in any form of such Jaahiliyyah customs until Allah Ta'ala bestowed upon me His divine gift of prophethood." Bukhaari and Muslim narrate on the authority of Hadhrat Jaabir deals that during the reconstruction of the K'abah, Resulullah Matau also joined the people in hauling boulders to the site. His uncle Hadhrat 'Abbaas deale advised him: "Son! Undo your lower garment and throw it over your shoulder so that you may be safe from the constant chafing caused by the boulders." On the advice of his uncle, he was about to undo his lower garment when he suddenly fell unconscious. According to Abu Tufail, a mysterious voice cautioned Resulullah Legale auf thus: "O Muhammad! Safeguard your private part." This was the first time Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم heard this mysterious voice. According to the narration of Ibn 'Abbaas deals, Abu Taalib asked Rasulullah Lucian. what transpired. He replied: "A white-clothed person appeared before me and cautioned me to conceal my private parts." On one occasion, the Quraysh placed some food before Resulullah dugarte altro. Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail was also present in this gathering. Resulullah togaleauf refused to partake of this meal. Subsequently, Zaid also declined to eat this food saying: "I refuse to consume an animal slaughtered on the name of anyone other than Allah Ta'ala. I will not partake of food dedicated to a deity. I will only consume food upon which the name of Allah Ta'ala is taken exclusively." Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail would often reproach the Quraysh thus: "Allah Ta'ala created the goat and Allah Ta'ala Himself produced the grass for it to graze on. Then why do you slaughter the goat upon the name of someone other than Allah Ta'ala?" Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail was the cousin (father's brother's son) of Hadhrat 'Umar deals. He was the father of Sa'eed bin Zaid, one of the 'Asharah Mubasharah (the ten companions conferred with glad tidings of Jannah). He was utterly revolted by idolatry and was in perpetual pursuit of the true religion. He passed away five years prior to prophethood whilst the K'abah was undergoing reconstruction. 38 صَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa Now I wish to return to the original topic. Bukhaari and Muslim narrate that Hadhrat 'Aa'ishah رَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا said: اول ما بدئ به رسول الله صلی الله علیه وسلم من الوحی الرؤیا الصالحة فى النوم فكان لا يرى رؤيا الاجاءت مثل فلق الصبح "Divine revelation upon Rasulullah Labai originated with pious dreams. Whatever he witnessed in his dreams, it would come to pass as true as the crack of dawn." Ibn Abu Jamarah says: "The dreams of Rasulullah clefs are compared to dawn because the sun of prophethood had not as yet risen. Just as the crack of dawn signifies the imminent advent of the sun, similarly, pious dreams were an introduction to the imminent advent of the sun of prophethood." It was as though the 'dawn' of pious dreams is proclaiming: "Soon, the sun of prophethood will rise." Just as the radiance of the morning continues spreading in a flash, similarly, the light of these true dreams continued to flourish until such time that the luminance of prophethood extended to light up the mountains of Makkah. People like Abu Bakr Meals who possessed the spiritual vision of the heart appeared before this sun and benefited from its brilliance whilst people like Abu Jahal who were enveloped in spiritual darkness, closed their eyes to this radiance and like bats they were unable to endure the radiance of this brilliant sun of prophethood. ◌ِثْمَ آخاب راچ کناه بي نصيبى نصيب خفاش است جرة آقاب خود فاش است كرم بيد بروز غيره حثم "If the bat is unable to see during the day, what is the fault of daylight? The face of the sun is naturally radiant, ill-fated is the bat." As for the remainder of the people between the ranks of Abu Bakr Redukse and Abu Jahal, each and every person benefited from this sun of prophethood according to the level of his spiritual vision and luminance of his heart. Ummul-Mumineen Hadhrat 'Aa'ishah Geaks further relates: ثم حبب اليه الخلا وكان يخلو بغار حراء "Thereafter, solitude was made dear to him. He would often go into seclusion in the cave of Hira." 39 Chapter 2 When Allah Ta'ala intends to shower His special mercy upon a person, He cultivates the yearning for solitude and seclusion within this person's heart. Allah Ta'ala discloses in the story of the people of the Kahf (cave): وَإِذِاعْتَزَ لْتُمُوْهُمْ وَمَا يَعْبُدُوْنَ إِلَّ اللهَ فَأوَّا إِلَى الْكَهْفِ يَنْشُرْ لَكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ مِّنْ زَّحْمَتِهِ وَ بُهَسِّئْ لَكُمْ مِّنْ أَمْرِكُمْ مِرْ فَقًّا "And when you withdraw from them and from whatever else they worhisp besides Allah, then seek refuge in the cave so that your Lord may broaden for you His mercy and He may make your affairs easy for you." [Surah Kahf verse 16] This does not necessarily entail that solitude begets prophethood because prophethood is not something that can be earned. Allah Ta'ala appoints as messenger whomsoever He wishes. Chapter 3 The Sunrise of Prophethood on Mount Faran When Rasulullah Leaf reached forty, as per his earlier routine he was in the cave of Hira, when suddenly an angel appeared in the cave. He entered, greeted him with Salaam and said: "Read!" Resulullah Ligakan replied: "I am unable to read." Rasulullah Uckaf recounts: "Upon this the angel embraced me so forcefully that there was no limit to my suffering. He then released me saying, "Read!' Yet again, I responded: ما انا بقارئ "I am unable to read." Continuing further, Rasulullah Leaf relates: "The angel likewise forcefully embraced me a second and then a third time, released me and bade me to recite the following verses: إِقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِى خَلَقَ ﴾ خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ﴾ إِقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَهُ فَيُ الَّذِىْ عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ ﴿ عَلَّمَ الْإِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ "Read (with the aid) of the name of your Rabb Who has created (the entire universe). He has created (above all) man from a clot of blood. Read! And your Rabb is the most gracious Who has taught (knowledge) by the use of the pen. He has taught man that which he did not know." [Surah 'Alaq verse 1] Thereafter, Rasulullah Leaf returned home trembling in anxiety. The moment he entered, he requested Hadhrat Khadijah Goals to wrap him up. When his anxiety and agitation subsided, he related the whole incident to Hadhrat Khadijah "calle, saying: "I was terrified of losing my life." In other words, since the spiritual illumination of divine revelation and the spiritual radiance of the angel were 41 42 صَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa abruptly thrust upon the human nature of Rasulullah chef and due to the magnitude of the divine revelation, Rasulullah af assumed that if the intensity of this Wahi persists in this manner, his human nature would very unlikely be able to withstand the burden of Wahi. It could also mean that saddled by the burden of prophethood, he thought he would perish. The following verse refers to this very burden: إِنَّا سَنُلْقِيْ عَلَيْكَ قَوْلًا ثَقِيْلًا "We will reveal upon you a very burdensome word." [Surah Muzzammil: 5] If Rasulullah ckaf. were receiving divine revelation whilst mounted upon a camel, the camel would be constrained to sit down. Hadhrat Zaid bin Thaabit thigh was on my thigh صَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ narrates: "On one occasion, Rasulullah's رَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ when he started receiving divine revelation. His thigh suddenly became so unbearably heavy that I was afraid of my thigh being reduced to pulp." Thereafter Jibraa'eel Liche appeared before him giving him glad tidings of Allah Ta'ala choosing him as His messenger until Rasulullah Leaf felt at ease. He then bade him to recite. Resulullah tugalauf asked: "How must I recite?" Jibraa'eel Lice replied: "Read in the name of your Rabb Who created .... "up to the verse "that which he knew not." Rasulullah clef accepted the message of Allah and returned. Every tree and stone he passed en route to his home greeted him with "As-Salaamu'alayka Yaa Rasulallah!" This is how he returned home in high spirits and with firm conviction that Allah Ta'ala has conferred upon him a rank of incalculable magnitude; prophethood.' Nonetheless, he returned home and furnished Hadhrat Khadijah Geakse with a detailed account of what transpired. He also expressed his fear of losing his life. Hadhrat Khadijah Csaule consoled him saying: "Congratulations to you! This is a source of glad tidings. Do not panic! By Allah! He will never disgrace you. You maintain favourable family ties. Your efforts at maintaining good family ties are notable. You always speak the truth. You bear the burdens of others. You shoulder the debts of others. You attend to the affairs of the poor. You are trustworthy; you return whatever has been entrusted to your care. You always fulfil the rights of the guests. You are always willing to assist in good works." Hadhrat Khadijah Geals also added: "You have never even been close to an evil woman." In short, a person with such outstanding character, a man of such superior values, a human being with such purity, a man who is an embodiment of virtue and perfection can never be subject to any form of humiliation. He cannot be put to shame, neither in this world nor the hereafter. Whosoever Allah Ta'ala blesses with such exceptional character and virtue, Allah Ta'ala will shield him from all calamities and misfortune as well. 43 Chapter 3 Khadijah Geals consoled him saying: "By Allah in whose absolute control lies Khadijah's life! I firmly expect you to be the messenger of this Ummah." According to other narrations, Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم gave Khadijah رَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا a detailed account of what transpired. She responded: "By Allah! Take heart and accept glad tidings. Allah Ta'ala will never do anything to you but good. So accept whatever status Allah Ta'ala has conferred upon you because it is distinctly authentic. And congratulations to you as I also maintain that you are truly the messenger of Allah." Hadhrat Khadijah Goals then went alone to her cousin Waraqah bin Nawfal. He was a celebrated scholar of the old and the new testaments. He was busy translating the New Testament from Syriac into Arabic. During the pre- Islamic era of ignorance, he steered clear of idolatry and embraced Christianity. By this time he was very old and blind. On hearing the entire episode from Hadhrat Khadijah (salé), Waraqah remarked: لئن کنت صدّقتِنی انه لیاتیه ناموس عیسی "If you are truthful in whatever you say, verily this is the same Angel who used to ". عَلَيْهِالسَّلَامُ come to Isa Subsequent to this, Hadhrat Khadijah رضى اللَّهُ عَنْهَا took Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم along with her to Waraqah bin Nawfal. She addressed him saying: "O cousin! Why don't you hear it from your nephew (in his own words)?" Waraqah then addressed Rasulullah Leaf saying: "O nephew! Tell me, what did you observe? What happened?" Rasulullah Laf then narrated the entire incident. فلما سمِعَ كلامه ایقن بالحق واعترف به "The moment he heard the details, he became absolutely convinced of the truth and he ardently accepted and wholeheartedly submitted to the truth." On listening to these details, Waraqah submitted: "Indeed, this is the same angel that used to appear before Musa philate. If only I was strong enough during your prophethood when your people will banish you from your birthplace or at least I wish I am alive (to see those times)." Stunned by what he just said, Rasulullah Atkal. asked: "Will they really drive me out?" Waraqah replied: "This is not confined to you alone. All the Prophets who came with the divine message faced hostility from their own people. If I am fortunate enough to come across that era, I will assist you in all earnestness." However, not long thereafter, Waraqah passed away. 44 صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa بجرت به كر مصيبت بكل خير است إشرب كم مر جاؤل كبير Urdu Couplet: "There is no calamity more severe than separation from the beloved, it is better to die than suffer such anguish." Nonetheless, whenever Rasulullah Leaf would think about this, Jibraa'eel plainte would appear before him and console him saying: یا محمد انك رسول الله حقا "O Muhammad! You are indeed the true Prophet of Allah." On hearing such comforting words, Resulullah Latau would feel somewhat relieved. صَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ requested Rasulullah رَضِّ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا On one occasion, Hadhrat Khadijah thus: "When the angel approaches you again, please inform me, if possible." When Jibraa'eel ◌ُعَلَيْهِ السَّلَام appeared yet again, Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم apprised her of his arrival. Hadhrat Khadijah رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا then requested Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم to come onto her lap. As he placed his head on her lap, she removed her scarf exposing her head. "Can you still spot Jibraa'eel "Wice now?" she asked. When Rasulullah Ustani replied in the negative, she remarked: "Glad tidings unto you. By Allah Ta'ala! This is an angel, not shaytaan." Date of Prophethood All the Muhadditheen and historians are unanimous over the fact that Rasulullah Stigditauto was bestowed the mantle of prophethood on a Monday. However, there seems to be some disagreement on the actual month of his ordainment. Hafiz Ibn 'Abdul-Barr alds says that he was commissioned with the assignment of prophethood on the eighth of Rabi'ul-Awwal. According to this, Rasulullah gateau was exactly forty years old when he was ordained as a prophet. Salaah - The Primary Obligation after Tauheed and Risaalat Following Tauheed and Risaalat, the very first lesson imparted to Rasulullah stamped عَلَيْهِ السَّلامُ dealt with Wudu and Salaah. At the outset, Jibraa'eel صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ his heel on the ground that caused a spring to gush forth. Jibraa'eel Wicie performed wudhu with this water whilst Rasulullah La continued observing 45 Chapter 3 his actions. Then Rasulullah caf also performed wudhu accordingly. Thereafter Jibraa'eel "Wice performed two Rakaats of Salaah with Rasulullah Lycka. keeping abreast by following him throughout. Following this lesson of Salaah and Wudhu, Rasulullah Ucla returned home and imparted this ritual - رَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا to Hadhrat Khadijah Usaamah bin Zaid Meals narrates from his father Zaid bin Haarisah deals that Rasulullah schaf said: "During the initial stages of my prophethood and divine revelation, Jibraa'eel Liche appeared before me and tutored me about Salaah and Wudhu." وَأَقِمِ الصَّلَوةَ طَرَفَىِ النَّهَارِ "And establish Salaah in both parts of the day (i.e. morning and evening). [Surah Hud verse 114] Surah Muzzammil was revealed in which Qiyaamul-Layl (Tahajjud) was established. In the early stages of Islam, Allah Ta'ala had prescribed two rakaats of Salaah for the morning and two rakaats for the evening. Later on five Salaahs were made compulsory on the night of Mi'raaj. Chapter 4 The Earliest Pioneers The very first person to embrace Islam was the beloved wife of Rasulullah and she was the first person to join رَضِّ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا Hadhrat Khadijatul-Kubraa, صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ him for Salaah (with Jamaat) on a Monday evening. Hence, she is regarded as the earliest member of Ahl-e-Qiblah (people who face the Qiblah as a reference to the Muslims). Thereafter Waraqah bin Nawfal was honoured with embracing Islam followed by Hadhrat Ali ceakg who for some time was under the guardianship of Rasulullah Ustal .. He was ten when he embraced Islam. On the Tuesday following صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ordainment to prophethood, he joined Rasulullah صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Rasulullah's in Salaah as well. When Hadhrat Ali ◌ُرَضِّ اللَّهُ عَنْه observed Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم and Hadhrat Khadijah (saules performing Salaah on the day following his ordainment, he asked: "What is this?" Rasulullah af replied: "This is the Deen of Allah Ta'ala. Each and every one of the Prophets imparted the same Deen to the peoples of this world. I am also inviting you towards Allah. Worship Him alone and renounce (the idols of) Laat and 'Uzza." Hadhrat Ali Meals remarked: "This is something absolutely new to me. I haven't heard of anything quite like this. I am unable to make a decision without mentioning this to my father Abu Taalib." Since Rasulullah Uckaf was a bit reluctant to disclose his secret to anyone else, he said: "'Ali! If you do not wish to embrace Islam, don't mention it to anyone else." Hadhrat Ali Meals remained silent. Not even a night passed when Islam was infused into his heart. The next morning he presented himself to Rasulullah :replied صَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ saying: "What are you inviting us to?" Rasulullah صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ "Bear testimony that Allah is all alone and He has no partner. Renounce Laat and 'Uzza and express your hatred for idolatry." Hadhrat Ali Meals, then embraced Islam and for quite a while - possibly a whole year as mentioned in some narrations - he concealed his conversion to Islam from his father Abu Taalib. 47 48 صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa Following this, Resulullah's trattati freed slave Hadhrat Zaid bin Haarisah deals embraced Islam and performed Salaah with him. Islam of Abu Bakr Siddeeq deals When all his household members embraced Islam, Rasulullah Udleauf invited his intimate friends and close associates to embrace this great blessing of Islam. The first person he extended this invitation to was his devoted friend, his childhood acquaintance and his intimate confidant, Hadhrat Abu Bakr deals. Without even giving it a second thought, Hadhrat Abu Bakr Meals enthusiastically accepted Rasulullah's Ligaste auf invitation the moment it was extended to him. يثم احمد برابوبكر زوه وزي تصديق صديق آده "Rasulullah Askání presented the truth and Abu Bakr submitted to it. A single Tasdeeq (belief) transformed him into a Siddeeq (passionate believer)." In a Hadith, Rasulullah Leaf said: "Whoever I presented Islam to, there was always some degree of hesitation except in the case of Abu Bakr. Without hesitation, he promptly embraced Islam.' When Imaam Abu Hanifah &ld5 was asked who was the first person to embrace Islam, he replied: "Amongst the free men it was Hadhrat Abu Bakr deals. Amongst the women it was Hadhrat Khadijah Gewiss. The first slave to embrace Islam was Hadhrat Zaid bin Haarisah &ecks, whilst Hadhrat Ali decks was the first child to come into the fold of Islam." Hadhrat Abu Bakr &sale, on the other hand, started the propagation of Islam the moment he embraced Islam. Whenever he came into contact with his close friends or they came into contact with him, he would extend the invitation of Islam to them. As a result of his persistent efforts in communicating this message, the following personalities entered the fold of Islam: 'Usmaan bin 'Affaan, Zubair bin ‘Awwaam, 'Abdur-Rahmaan bin 'Awf, Talhah bin 'Ubaidullah and S'ad bin Abi Waqqaas. These dignitaries of the Quraysh and the noble members of their respective families embraced Islam on the invitation of Abu Bakr decks. He brought all of them to Rasulullah Ucla and they all embraced Islam at his blessed hands and joined him for Salaah. After this, the following persons were honoured with Islam: Abu 'Ubaidah Aamir bin Jarraah, Arqam bin Abil-Arqam, the three sons of Maz'oon bin Habib; 'Usmaan bin Maz'oon, Qudaamah bin Maz'oon and 'Abdullah bin Maz'oon, 49 Chapter 4 'Ubaidah bin Haaris, Sa'eed bin Zaid bin 'Amr bin Nufail and his wife Faatimah bint Khattaab - in other words, the sister of 'Umar bin Khattaab - Asma bint Abi Bakr, Khabbaab bin Arat, 'Umair bin Abi Waqqaas (brother of S'ad bin Abi Waqqaas), 'Abdullah bin Mas'ood, Mas'ood bin Qari, Salit bin 'Amr, 'Ayyaash bin Abi Rabi'ah and his wife Asma bint Salaamah, Khunais bin Huzaafah, 'Aamir bin Rabi'ah, 'Abdullah bin Jahsh and his brother Abu Ahmad bin Jahsh, Ja'far bin Abi Taalib and his wife Asma bint 'Umais, Haatib bin Haaris, his wife Faatimah bint Mujallal and his brother Khattaab bin Haaris with his wife Fakihah bint Yasar, M'amar bin Haaris, Saaib bin 'Usmaan bin Maz'oon, Mutallib bin Azhar with his wife Ramlah bint Abi 'Awf, Na'im bin 'Abdullah Al-Nahhaam, 'Aamir bin Fuhairah the emancipated slave of Abu Bakr Siddeeq, Khaalid bin Sa'eed bin Aas and his wife Umaniyyah bint Khalaf, Haatib bin 'Amr, Huzaifah bin 'Utbah, Waaqid bin 'Abdullah, the four sons of Bukair bin 'Abdyaalil; Khaalid, Aamir, 'Aqil and Iyaas, 'Ammaar bin Yaasir and Suhaib bin Sinaan the freed slave of 'Abdullah bin Jad'aan peaks. Whenever the hour of Salaah approached, Rasulullah kaf would secretly perform his Salaah in a secluded valley or mountain pass. On one occasion, Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم was performing his Salaah with Hadhrat Ali ◌ُرَضِّ اللَّهُ عَنْه on an isolated mountain pass when all of a sudden Abu Taalib appeared in the distance coming their way. Up until that time, Hadhrat Ali Meals had not exposed his conversion to his parents, uncles and other relatives. Abu Taalib addressed Rasulullah Lchf saying: "Nephew! What religion is this? What kind of devotion is this?" Resulullah Lackauf replied: "Uncle! This is the Deen of Allah Ta'ala, His angels and all His prophets, especially the Deen of our great grandfather, Hadhrat Ibraaheem Wick. Allah Ta'ala has selected me as His messenger to all His servants. You are most eligible for my advice. I invite you towards goodness and divine guidance. You ought to accept this divine guidance and true religion first and prove your support and assistance towards me." Abu Taalib replied: "Nephew! Personally I am unable to renounce my ancestral religion but I assure you that in my presence nobody will hurt you." He then turned to Hadhrat Ali Meals asking: "Son! What is this religion you have submitted to?" Hadhrat Ali Meals replied: "Father! I have faith in Allah and His Rasool Lycka and I believe in whatever he conveys to us from Allah. I join him in Salaah and I am his devoted adherent." Abu Taalib remarked: "Very well then! He has unquestionably invited you to good. Don't ever abandon him." The Islam of Ja'far bin Abi Taalib deals One day Hadhrat Ali Meals was engaged in Salaah standing on the right of Rasulullah LEaf . Unexpectedly Abu Taalib happened to pass by. Hadhrat Ja'far was also with him. Abu Taalib addressed Ja'far advising: "Son! Like Ali, you 50 صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa should also lend your support to your cousin. Stand on his left and join them in Salaah." Ja'far Meals was also one of the foremost Sahaabah Acals to embrace Islam. He was either the twenty-first or the twenty-fifth person to embrace Islam. رَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ Islam of 'Afeef Kindi 'Afeef Kindi was a close friend of Hadhrat 'Abbaas deals. He was a perfume merchant by trade. By virtue of his commercial activities, he would often travel to Yemen. 'Afeef Kindi Medle says: "I was once in Mina with Hadhrat 'Abbaas dedulse when a man appeared, performed wudhu methodically and stood up for Salaah. Thereafter a woman appeared, performed wudhu in the same manner and stood up for Salaah. A little while later, an eleven-year-old boy came. He too performed wudhu and stood for Salaah in line with this man. I asked 'Abbaas: 'What religion is this?' He replied: 'This is the Deen of my nephew Muhammad who professes to be the apostle of Allah Ta'ala. This youngster is Ali bin Abi Taalib who is also my nephew whilst this woman is Muhammad bin 'Abdullah's wife."" 'Afeef later embraced Islam. He would often lament: "If only I was the fourth person to embrace Islam." رَضِ اللّهُ عَنْهُ Islam of Talhah Hadhrat Talhah &dkg narrates: "I once went on a business trip to Busraa. One day I was in the market place of Busraa when I heard a monk shouting out: 'Ascertain if there is anyone from the Haram of Makkah (amongst these traders).' I responded: 'I am from the Haram of Makkah.' The monk asked: 'Has Ahmad Leaf made an appearance as yet?' I posed: 'Come again! Who?' The monk replied: 'The son of 'Abdullah bin 'Abdul Muttalib. This is the month of his impending appearance. He is expected to appear in the Haram of Makkah and migrate to a rocky land abundant in date palms. He is the final messenger. Be vigilant. Do not get left behind.' This statement had a profound effect upon my heart. I immediately returned to Makkah enquiring if anything new had transpired recently. They replied: 'Yes, Muhammad, the trustworthy, has claimed prophethood and the son of Abu Quhaafah (i.e. Abu Bakr Medl) has committed himself with him.' Without delay, I set out for Abu Bakr ◌ُرَضِ اللَّهُ عَنْه .He took me to Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم , before whom I embraced Islam and I also gave him a detailed account of what transpired between the monk and myself at Busraa."