Indexed OCR Text

Constantinople
Rome
Shaam
Roman Empire
Mediterranean Sea
Damascus
Al-Madaain
. Busra
Jerusalem
· Ammaan
(Baitul Maqdis)
Munka
Alexandria
Basra
Trives Nil
.Tabuk
Persian Gulf
Egypt
Bahrain
Chud
Madinah
Africa
man
Makkah
Hudaybiyah .Taif
Red Sea
Yemen
Arabian Sea
`San'a
Abyssinia (Habsha)
Persia
Khaibar
Badi-
Arabía

Introduction to the Abridged version
Thousands of books on the Seerah of Rasulullah Leaf have been written and
millions of books can still be written on the noble seerah of Rasulullah Leaf,
but justice can never be done to his blessed biography.
Studying and pondering over the life of Rasulullah Uclea is the incumbent
duty of every Muslim. How is it possible for one to profess the kalimah and claim
to be a follower of Nabi Muhammad ,cheauf, but yet not know who ones' Nabi
is.
Among the many books of seerah that have been written in recent times, Allah
Ta'ala has conferred great acceptance to the book titled "Seeratul Mustafa",
authored by the great Muhaddith, Hadhrat Moulana Idrees Kaandhlawi KIS.
Great luminaries such as Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi alds and other
senior Ulama have approved this book and encouraged reading and studying it.
May Allah Ta'ala reward the author abundantly and fill his grave with noor for
having prepared such a masterpiece on the life of our Master Leaf and
presenting it to the Ummah.
By the grace of Allah Ta'ala this book has now been translated into English in
three volumes by the Ulama of Madrasah Arabia Islamia, Azaadville. Mufti
Muhammad Kadwa and Maulana Mahommed Mohammedy have done an excellent
piece of work translating the book into clear, spoken English for the benefit of the
English speaking public.
Many Madaaris and makaatib have been contemplating including this book
into the curriculum. However, since the book is quite voluminous, (each of the
three volumes consists of approximately 600 pages) including it in the curriculum
of the Makaatib in its current form was difficult. Hence a need arose to abridge the
original text into one volume thus making it easier for the public as well as
students to benefit from.
Thus with the kind permission of Moulana Abdullah Amejee Saahib (damat
barakaatuhu), the Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Ta'limi Board took up the task, with the
grace and mercy of Allah Ta'ala, as well as the duas of Hadhrat Mufti Ebraheem
Salehjee Saahib (daamat barakaatuhu), to abridge the present book, focusing more

xxiv
صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
on the life of our beloved Nabi tackauf and omitting the scholarly discussions of
various issues that are derived from the noble seerah. This would Insha-Allah make
it easier to be used as a text book in the Madaaris as well as a handy reference book
. صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ for the general public on the auspicious life of Rasulullah
It is only through the grace of Allah Ta'ala and the duas of our senior Ulama
that this task had been accomplished. May Allah Ta'ala accept this humble effort
and make it a means of attaining His pleasure as well as the closeness of our
beloved and noble Master, Sayyiduna, wa Moulana Muhammadur Rasulullah
.Aameen. صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلُ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيْعُ الْعَلِيْمُ وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ
التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ
28 Sh'abaan 1434
At the Raudha Mubaarak
Aqdaam-e-Aaliyya of Rasulullah ,chešili.
Madinah Munawwarah

Foreword
by Hadhrat Moulana Abdullah Amejee Saahib
(daamat barakaatuhu)
All praise is due to Allah Ta'ala, the Rabb of the universe. Peace and salutations be
upon our noble leader and master, Hadhrat Muhammad Ligaste auf.
As Muslim parents and teachers, we find that one of the very easy ways and
means to inculcate Islam into our children and nurture them in the way of the
Sunnah, is to show them the most perfect and ideal role model. This is none other
than Nabi Muhammad Leaf. The importance of teaching the Seerah to a child
can never be over emphasised. In this day and age, it is of vital importance to
educate every Muslim child about the life of Resulullah kaliteauf. If this is done,
then Insha Allah, at every point in his/her life, the child will tend to hold onto the
example of Rasulullah La ... This is because at some point during a persons'
life, he/she tends to look for a role model, an example, someone to hold onto.
In His infinite grace and mercy, Allah Ta'ala has given every Muslim the
perfect and ideal role model, someone sent to teach us what life is about and what
are our responsibilities. This particular role model has been sent as a mercy to the
universe. Unlike the leaders of other religions, every aspect of his life, private or
public, has been recorded and transmitted to us authentically. There is probably no
other individual about whom so much has been written in such detail and with
such authenticity, like Hadhrat Muhammad Lei.
There were many classic Arabic works available on the life of Rasulullah
LigarTede. The great scholars of Deoband then translated many of them and
compiled various others in Urdu and Persian. One of the classic Urdu works that
has been drawn from the many voluminous Arabic works is the masterpiece of
Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Idrees Kaandhlawi ads5, Seeratul Mustafaa. For a
long time, there was a call and need to have this work translated into English, and
through the mercy of Allah Ta'ala, this has materialised after many years of hard
work.

xxvi
صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
Looking at the need to present this classical work to the young mind, the
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) Ta'limi Board has abridged this wonderful book. We hope
that this service is accepted in the court of Allah Ta'ala, and we make dua that the
entire ummah draws maximum benefit from this beautiful work. Aameen.
(Hadhrat Moulana) Abdullah Amejee (Saahib)
Senior Ustaaz, Darul Uloom Azaadville
Head of Publication Department,
Madrasah Arabia Islamia, Azaadville,
South Africa
18 Zul Qa'dah 1434
24 September 2013

Foreword
by Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf 'Ali Thaanwill
الْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ الْعَلِيِّ الحَكِيْمِ وَالصَّلُوَةُ عَلَى نَبِّهِ ذِى الْخُلُقِ الْعَظِيْمِ
This humble servant Ashraf 'Ali hereby says that I have heard a few selected
portions of the book, as mentioned below - recited before me by the honourable
author himself Maulana Hafiz Muhammad Idrees Kaandhelwi Saahib.
The portions of the book recited to me are: firstly, the preface of the book,
secondly, the topic dealing with the origination of divine revelation (Wahi) in
which the author discusses pious dreams being an element of prophethood and its
wisdom and underlying mysteries, thirdly, the lecture of Hadhrat Ja'far decke, in
the royal court of Najaashi (Negus), fourthly, the part dealing with the As-haabe-
Suffah and fifthly, the section discussing the unblemished nature of the Ambiyaa
philleite even before prophet-hood. Masha Allah, the author certainly discharged
all the vital aspects and necessary dues involved in the compilation of Seerah. May
Allah Ta'ala reward him abundantly.
This humble servant offered the author some advice at some points of the
compilation, which he enthusiastically accepted. This is a stark indication of his
sincerity. Allahumma Zid Fazid. Aameen. If I had the time and ability to listen to
the book from cover to cover, I would have, but my weakness and limited time has
prevented me from this. Nonetheless, I anticipate that the rest of the book will
prove to be a manifestation of the verse:
وَ لَلْأَخِرَةُ خَيْرُ لَّكَ مِنَ الْأُوْلِى
"Certainly the latter would be better for you than the former".
(In other words, I have sampled a few pages of the book and I anticipate the rest of
the book to be more superior to the few pages I have sampled.)
I conclude this note with a word of exclusive advice, a word of general advice
and finally with a dua.

xxviii
صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
My general advice is directed to the readers of the book at large. A person who
has basic knowledge of Urdu should not deprive himself of either teaching or
studying this book. The most beneficial advantage of this would be that the reader
would somewhat familiarise himself with his master, Resulullah stack auf and this
familiarity will naturally increase the love for Resulullah takauf and this love,
as promised, guarantees the company of Rasulullah Leaf in Jannah. Who can
have doubts about this being an immense fortune?
My dua is that may Allah Ta'ala bestow the author with spiritual and physical,
worldly and eternal blessings and May He render this book meritoriously accepted
and beneficial. Aameen.
Ashraf 'Ali
Thaanabowan
9th Shawwaal 1358

Preface
by Hadhrat Moulana Idrees Kaandhlawi aldas
الْحَمْدُ لِلْهِ رَبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ وَالْعَاقِبَةُ لِلْمُتَّقِيْنَ وَالصَّلُوَةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا
وَمَوْلَانَا مُحَمَّدٍ خَاتَمِ الْآَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرسَلِيْنَ وَعَلَى أُلِهِ وَأَصْحَابِهِ وَآَزْوَاجِه
وَذُرِّيَّاتِهِ اجْمَعِيْنَ - آَمَّابَعْدُ-
For every Muslim it is more important to know about the Seerah of Nabi
Muhammad Ucial than to know about himself. In order to be able to protect
and preserve our Imaan and to be able to act on the injunctions of Islam, we need
to be aware of the Sunnah of Rasulullah stugaita and the teachings he left behind
for the Ummat. Allah Ta'ala forbid, if the existence of Rasulullah Lexi is
dismissed, the very survival of a believer's Imaan is in danger. This is why Allah
Ta'ala says:
النَّبِىُّ أَوْلى بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ مِنْ اَنْفُسِهِمْ
"The Nabi is closer to the believers than what they are to their own lives." [Surah
Ahzaab verse 6]
As for the disbelievers, the study of the Seerat of Rasulullah Leaf will be a
form of invitation towards Imaan and towards the truth. A number of nations
compiled biographies and historical accounts of their prophets and other leaders
but their compilations are unfortunately incomplete. Those who could not even
preserve the scripture they regard as a heavenly book, those who are not even
aware of when, how, upon whom and why certain verses were revealed, those who
do not even have the slightest knowledge of the whereabouts of their leaders
graves, how can such nations ever present a comprehensive biography and life
history of their leaders? Let alone their life history, their disciples are unable to
trace with any authenticity the teachings and scriptures of their religion.

XXX
صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
Alhamdulillah, only the Ummah of Rasulullah caf can lay claim to this
honour. This is the only Ummah which is able to present the words and actions of
their Nabi cha. with an uninterrupted chain of narrators. This is the only
Ummah so familiarly attached to their Nabi Leaf ... From the time of Rasulullah
Utkání. right up to this present day, there has never been a single moment when
. صَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ this Ummah was detached from its Nabi
The entire collection of Hadith makes up the Seerah of Resulullah Amigableauf.
However, in the terminology of our earlier predecessors, Seerat referred to a
combination of military expeditions and swift attacks during the lifetime of
. صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Rasulullah
Now I wish to conclude my preface and proceed with my actual objective of
this book. I also make dua: "O Allah! Accept the services of this humble servant and
render this compilation a source of perpetual reward and provision for the
hereafter." Aameen.
اكرچ يبديدنه بيرا قابل منظورب
پر چوچو مقبول کیار حمتت يريدورب
"Although my gift may be unacceptable,
There is nothing beyond Your mercy."
رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيْعُ الْعَلِيْمُ وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ
الرَّحِيْمُ. أُمِيْنَ يَا رَبَّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ
"O Allah! Accept from us. You are all-hearing, all-knowing. And forgive us, You
are all-forgiving, merciful." Aameen
O Allah! Shower your mercy upon him who says Aameen upon this dua whether
he says it audibly or inaudibly. Also forgive the person who raises his hands to
make dua of forgiveness for this humble servant and recites Surah Faatihah and at
least a few verses or whatever possible and conveys the reward to me.
سُبْحُنَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ الْعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُوْنَ وَسَلُمْ عَلَى الْمُرْسَلِيْنَ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلُهِ
رَبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ وَالصَّلُوَةُ وَالسَّلَامُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا وَ مَوْلَانَا مُحَمَّدٍ خَاتَمِ
الْآَنْبِيَاءِ وَالْمُرْسَلِيْنَ وَعَلَى أُلِهِ وَأَصْحَابِهِ وَ آَزْوَاجِهِ وَ ذُرِّيَّاتِهِ اَجْمَعِيْنَ .

Chapter 1
Untainted Family Lineage
Allah Ta'ala says:
لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُوْلُ مِّنْ أَنْفَسِكُمْ
"Verily a messenger has come to you from the best amongst yourselves .... "
Hadhrat Anas ◌ُرَضِّ اللَّهُ عَنْه reports that Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم recited the verse "Laqad Jaa
akum .... " (with a Fat-hah on the word Anfas). In other words, verily a prophet of
Allah has come to you from amongst your most superior, noble and virtuous
families. After the recitation of this verse, Resulullah digital said: "In terms of
family lineage, I am the most noble and superior of you. From the time of Aadam
"Liche right up to me, there was no adultery. All of us (our ancestors) were born in
wedlock."
When the Roman emperor asked Abu Sufyaan about the family lineage of
Rasulullah Uclai. in the following words: "What is his family like amongst
you?" Abu Sufyaan replied: "He is amongst us a man of prominent lineage."
When the Roman emperor heard the response of Abu Sufyaan, he remarked:
"وَكَذلِكَ الرُّسُلُ تُبْعَثُ فِيْ آَحسَابٍ قَوْمِهَا"
"Similarly, all prophets are sent forth from the most distinguished families of their
nations."
The lineage of our holy Prophet Muhammad Laf is the most noble and
dignified lineage of all the diverse family lineages of the world. This golden lineage
is recorded as follows:
Muhammad bin 'Abdullah bin 'Abdul Muttalib bin Haashim bin 'Abdu Manaaf bin
Qusay bin Kilaab bin Murrah bin K'ab bin Luwayy bin Ghaalib bin Fihr bin Maalik
bin Nadr bin Kinaanah bin Khuzaimah bin Mudrikah bin Ilyaas bin Mudar bin
Nizaar bin Ma'ad bin 'Adnaan.
1
1

2
صَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
Maternal Lineage
The family lineage mentioned above was Rasulullah's kaf paternal lineage.
His maternal lineage is as follows:
Muhammad bin Aaminah bint Wahab bin 'Abdu Manaaf bin Zuhrah bin Kilaab
bin Murrah.
His paternal and maternal lineages meet up at Kilaab bin Murrah.
Hereunder is a brief profile of a few of Rasulullah's leaf forefathers.
'Adnaan: He is from the progeny of Qaydar bin Ismaa'eel.
Ma'ad: Ma'ad was an extraordinarily strong and gallant warrior. He spent his
entire life fighting against the Bani Israa'eel and he established his triumph in
every one of these battles. Abu Nazar was his title.
Ma'ad bin 'Adnaan was a twelve year old lad during the reign of the famous
king Bukhtenasr. Allah Ta'ala informed the prophet of that era Armiyaa bin
Halqiyaa "Lice through divine revelation to convey the following message to
Bukhtenasr: "We (i.e. Allah Ta'ala) pledge to grant you (i.e. Bukhtenasr) dominance
over the Arabs. And you O Prophet! Take away this young boy, Ma'ad bin 'Adnaan
with you on your horse (Buraaq) so that he does not suffer any harm. I will extract
from Ma'ad's loins a noble prophet with whom I will seal the succession of
prophets."
Accordingly, Hadhrat Armiyaa "Wice mounted his Buraaq, seated the young
Ma'ad bin 'Adnaan with him and dropped him off in Syria. Here he lived with the
Bani Israa-eel and grew up with them. This is one of the reasons the lineage of
Ma'ad bin 'Adnaan is so well known amongst the 'Ulama of the Ahl-e-Kitaab (Jews
and Christians).
Nizaar: When Nizaar was born, his forehead was glittering with the Nur
(radiance) of Muhammad caf . His father was overjoyed and in celebration
of this joy, invited people over for a feast and remarked: "All this is Nazr (very
little) in lieu of the rights of this child." This is how he got the name Nizaar.
Nizaar was the most strikingly handsome and exceptionally brilliant man of
his times.
Some are of the opinion that Nizaar means skinny and weak. Since he was a
man of slender build, he was referred to as Nizaar.
He is buried in Zaatul-Jaysh, an area close to Madinah Munawwarah.
Mudar: His actual name was 'Amr. Abu Ilyaas was his appellation whilst Mudar
was his title. The name Mudar is derived from Madir, which literally means sour.
He was incredibly fond of sour foods and sour milk.
He was a remarkably talented and wise man. Some of his words of wisdom are
as follows:

3
Chapter 1
من يزرع شرا يحصد ندامة وخير الخير اعجله فاحملوا انفسكم على
مكروهها واصرفوها عن هواها فليس بين الصلاح والفساد الا الصبر
"He who sows evil will reap sorrow. The best form of goodness is that which is done
without delay. So influence your hearts to embrace whatever they loath to carry out
and divert the hearts from succumbing to their base desires. There is no
distinguishing feature between evil and good except patience."
He was a man with a remarkably melodious voice. The technique of Haadi (a
chorus of chants sung to prompt the camels to move at a more rapid pace) was
actually formulated by him.
'Abdullah bin Khaalid narrates that Rasulullah Leaf said: "Do not speak
ill of Mudar as he was a Muslim."
Ibn 'Abbaas deals said: "Adnaan, his father, his sons S'ad, Rabi'ah, Mudar,
Qays, Tameem, Asad and Rudayyah all died on Millat-e-Ibraaheemi (the creed of
Ibraaheem)."
Ilyaas: He was the namesake of Hadhrat Ilyaas Wick. The Sunnah (tradition) of
herding the Hadi (sacrificial) animals towards Baitullaah (in Makkah) was
instituted by Ilyaas bin Mudar. It has been said that Ilyaas bin Mudar would quite
often hear from his own back the Talbiyah of Haj being recited by Rasulullah
said: "Do not speak صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ It has also been narrated that Rasulullah. صَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ
ill of Ilyaas as he was a Muslim."
Mudrikah: Most Ulama are of the opinion that Mudrikah's name was 'Amr.
Mudrikah is derived from Idraak, literally meaning achievement. Since he achieved
virtually every form of stature in his life, he was awarded the title of Mudrikah, the
achiever.
Khuzaymah: Ibn 'Abbaas deals says that Khuzaymah died on Millat-e-
Ibraaheemi (the creed of Ibraaheem "LJidie).
Kinaanah: He was regarded in high esteem amongst all Arabs. Due to his noble
graciousness and vast knowledge, people would travel far and wide just to pay him
a special visit.
Nadr: Nadr is derived from Nadaarah, which means luminous and verdant.
Owing to his exceptional handsomeness he was entitled Nadr. His actual name was
Qays.
Maalik: His first name was Maalik whilst his title was Abul-Haarith. He was one
of the most prominent chieftains of the Quraysh.

4
صَلَّاللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
Fihr: Fihr was his first name whilst Quraysh was his title. According to some, his
name was Quraysh whilst his title was Fihr. His descendants are referred to as
Qurayshi whilst other Arab descendants not hailing from Fihr are referred to as
Kinaani. Some 'Ulama are of the opinion that the term Quraysh is used to refer to
the progeny of Nadr bin Kinaanah.
Hafiz 'Iraaqi writes:
جماعها والاكثرون النضر
اما قریش فالاصح فھر
As for Quraysh, the most authentic (opinion) is that they are (the descendants) of
Fihr but most are of the (opinion) that they (are the descendants) of Nadr.
Reason for the name of Quraysh
Quraysh is actually the name of a marine animal, which, owing to its great
strength, dominates all other marine animals. It promptly devours all other sea
creatures but none dares to overwhelm it. Similarly, the Quraysh, owing to their
unrivalled valour and incredible courage, always maintained their dominance over
the other tribes. None dared to overwhelm them. This is why they were referred to
as Quraysh.
K'ab: The person to initiate the weekly congregation on Fridays was K'ab bin
Luway. K'ab bin Luway would assemble all the people every Friday and deliver a
sermon. He would firstly praise Allah Ta'ala and explain that Allah Ta'ala created
the skies, the earth, the moon, the sun and all other forms of creation. He would
then go on to give them some advice. He would encourage them to maintain
favourable family ties. He would also mention: "A prophet is to appear amongst my
descendants. If you happen to encounter that time, make sure you follow him." At
times he would recite the following stanza:
إِذَا قُرَيْشُ تَبَغَّى الْحَقَّ خُذْلَانًا
يَالَيْتَنِى شَاهِدُ فَحُوَاءَ دَعْوَتِهِ
"If only I could be present when he (Rasulullah ,cliff_) proclaims his message,
when the Quraysh will irrationally shun the truth and forsake him rather
deplorably."
'Abdu Manaaf: Imaam Shaafi'ee aldas says that 'Abdu Manaaf's name was
Mughirah. He was exceptionally handsome and striking. This is why he was
known as Qamar Al-Bathaa (the moon of the valley of Makkah). The following
statement was found inscribed on a stone:
انا المغيرة بن قصى أُمر بتقوى الله وصلة الرحم

5
Chapter 1
"I, Mughirah bin Qusayy, enjoin Allah-consciousness and maintenance of
favourable family ties."
Haashim: Imaam Maalik aldas and Imaam Shaafi'ee aldas say that Haashim's
actual name was 'Amr. During a severe drought in Makkah, Haashim fed its
inhabitants with roti crushed into gravy, hence the name Haashim. (Haashim
means the crusher).
As a poet says:
ورجال مكة مسنتون عجاف
عمرو العلا هشم الثريد لقومه
"The exalted 'Amr crushed bread into Thareed (meat dish) and fed it to his people
and to all others when the people of Makkah were left pathetically feeble by the
drought."
This did not occur only once, but he fed them in this manner on a number of
occasions. He was exceedingly generous. His food table was enormously wide. His
table was open to every newcomer or traveller. He would provide the poor
travellers with camels to complete their journeys. He was exceptionally handsome.
The noor of prophethood would glimmer on his forehead. The Ulama of the Bani
Israa'eel would fall into sajdah and kiss his hands whenever they caught sight of
him.
A number of Arab tribes and the Ulama of the Banu Israa'eel would offer their
daughters' hands in marriage to Haashim. In fact, on one occasion, Heraclius, the
Byzantine emperor wrote to Haashim thus: "I have learnt of your unrivalled
generosity. I wish to grant you my daughter's hand in marriage. She is a princess
unparalleled in beauty. In order to perform the nikah with the princess, kindly
come over to us." However, Haashim refused to accept the proposal. In actual fact,
the emperor's key objective was to transmit the noor of prophethood that was
glimmering on Haashims forehead into the royal family. It is said that Haashim
passed away at the age of twenty-five.
Haashim was the first to initiate the custom of sending off two trade caravans
a year; a caravan to Syria in summer and a caravan to Yemen in winter. According
to this unvarying custom, a caravan would set out in every season of the year. Over
desolate swathes of land, through scorching deserts and dangerous journeys by
land and sea, these caravans would travel in winter towards Yemen and beyond
going right up to as far as Ethiopia. Negus, the emperor of Ethiopia was
exceedingly hospitable towards Haashim and would present a number of gifts to
him. In summer, the caravans would travel to Syria (including Jordan and
Lebanon), Gaza and Ankara (which was then the capital of Rome). Heraclius, the
Byzantine emperor would also approach Haashim with utmost respect and would
often present gifts to him.
A poet encapsulates:

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صَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
سَفَرَ الشِتَآءِ وَرِحْلَةَ الْأَصْيَاف
سَفَرَيْنِ سَنَّهَا لَهُ وَلِقَوْمَهِ
"Haashim initiated two journeys for himself and for his people, A journey in winter
whilst another journey in summer."
Haashim secured assurances of extensive protection from the Yemeni as well as the
Roman governments for his trade caravans. Since the trade routes of Arabia were
not really safe from robbers, Haashim put in place a pact with all various tribes of
the peninsula assuring them that we (the Makkans) would freely transport your
basic necessities to you whilst you in turn should pledge a safe passage to all our
caravans passing through your tribal lands. As a result of Haashim's brilliant
strategy, all the trade routes leading to and from Makkah were rendered safe.
Allah Ta'ala also draws the attention of the Quraysh to this bounty in the
following words:
لِيْلَفِ قُرَيْشِ ﴾ إِلْفِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ الشِتَآءِ وَالصَّيْفِ ﴾ فَلْيَعْبُدُواْ رَبَّ هَذَا اُلْبَيْتِ
٣
الَّذِئْ أَطْعَمَهُمْ " مِنْ جُوْعٍ وَأُمَنَهُمْ مِّنْ خَوْفٍ
"(With the grace of Allah) Due to the habituated custom of the Quraysh, their
habitual custom of setting forth in winter and summer, (as a form of gratitude),
they should worship Allah, the Lord of this house, He who has fed them against
hunger and shielded them from fear." [Al-Quraysh verses 1-4]
During the days of Haj, Haashim would feed all the pilgrims with meat, roti,
saweeq and dates. He would also provide water for them. He would make similar
provisions for them at Mina, Muzdalifah and 'Arafaat.
Umayyah bin 'Abdu Shams was incredibly perturbed by Haashim's generosity
and he became upset over Haashim's influence over the Arabs. Umayyah also
attempted to feed the pilgrims just as Haashim was feeding them. However, in spite
of his privileged affluence, he was unable to compete with Haashim.
This is the catalyst that sparked off a succession of the relentless hostilities
between the Banu Haashim and the Banu Umayyah clans.
On one occasion, Haashim accompanied a trade caravan that halted at
Madinah (probably en route to Syria). His gaze fell on a woman in the market place
of Madinah. Apart from her exceptional beauty, her exquisite facial features
portrayed a woman of noble reputation and keen intelligence. Haashim made some
enquiries to establish whether she was married or single. He learnt that she was
married to Asihah bin Jallah from whom she mothered two sons; 'Amr and
Ma'bad. Asihah later divorced her.
Haashim sent her a proposal of marriage, which, due to his nobility of lineage
and gracious character, she enthusiastically accepted and this Nikah was
performed. The lady's name was Salma binte 'Amr who was from the Banu Najjaar

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tribe. After the Nikah, Haashim gave a ceremonial feast from which all his co-
travellers partook and a few people from the Khazraj tribe were also invited.
Haashim stayed on in Madinah for a few days after the Nikah. Salma fell
pregnant subsequent to which 'Abdul Muttalib was born. He was born with a
single strand of white hair. This is why he was referred to as Shaybah (which
means to turn white in old age). In the meantime, Haashim departed for Gaza with
the trade caravan. He passed away in Gaza and he is also buried there.
'Abdul Muttalib: His name was Shaybatul-Hamd. He was incredibly handsome.
A poet describes his beauty thus:
يضي ظلام الليل كالقمر البدرى
علی شیبة الحمد الذی کان وجهه
"Like the luminance of the fourteenth moon, Shaybatul-Hamd's face brightens the
darkness of the night."
'Abdul Muttalib literally means 'the slave of 'Muttalib'. On the death of Haashim,
'Abdul Muttalib's mother lived with her people, the Banu Khazraj, for some time in
Madinah Munawwarah. As he grew older, his uncle Muttalib from Makkah came
to Madinah to fetch him. As they entered Makkah, 'Abdul Muttalib was seated on
the camel behind his uncle. Shaybah's (i.e. 'Abdul Muttalib's) clothes were dirty
and his features showed his orphaned status. When asked who this boy was, out of
fear of embarrassment, Muttalib replied: "He is my slave." He did not want to
declare that this was his nephew because people would question as to why his
nephew was in such filthy attire. This is how he stuck with the name 'Abdul
Muttalib (the slave of Muttalib). When he reached Makkah itself, Muttalib dressed
him up in fine clothing and then revealed that this boy was his nephew.
Amongst the Quraysh, 'Abdul Muttalib was the most handsome, the most
strong and robust, the most tolerant and composed, the most charitable and noble
and the most shunning of evil and immorality. He was admittedly the greatest
leader of the Quraysh.
'Abdul Muttalib's generosity significantly outshone that of his father
Haashim. 'Abdul Muttalib's hospitality went beyond humankind to embrace even
the beasts and birds. This is why the Arabs fondly remembered him as Fayyad
(extremely generous) and Mut'imu Tayris-Sama (the sustainer of the birds of the
sky). He made alcohol forbidden upon himself. He paid particular attention to
feeding the destitute in the holy month of Ramadhaan. He initiated the tradition of
seclusion and isolation in the cave of Hira.
'Abdul Muttalib's Dream and the Well of Zam Zam
The birthplace of the Jurhum tribe was actually Yemen. Due to divine intervention,
a severe drought struck Yemen and this forced the Banu Jurhum to leave Yemen in
search of more promising livelihood. During the course of their travels, they

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صَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
coincidentally met Hadhrat Ismaa'eel Liche and his honourable mother Hadhrat
Haajrah Gears in the vicinity of the Zam Zam well. Banu Jurhum grew fond of
this area and decided to settle down here. After some time, Hadhrat Ismaa'eel
Philate married a lady from the same tribe. Once he was privileged with the title of
prophethood, he was commissioned to the 'Amaliqah, Jurhum and the people of
Yemen. He passed away at the age of one hundred and thirty and was buried in the
Hateem area close to the grave of his honourable mother.
After his demise and in accordance with his parting advice, his son Qaydar
assumed the role of trustee of the K'abah. In this manner, the Banu Ismaa'eel
remained as trustees of the K'abah for quite some time. With the passage of time,
hostilities and aggression erupted between the Banu Ismaa'eel and the Banu
Jurhum. In due course the latter prevailed and subsequently established their rule
over Makkah. Before long, the Jurhum rulers unleashed an aggressive bout of
tyranny and cruelty over the people of Makkah. This ruthless brutality drove the
Banu Ismaa'eel out of Makkah and forced them to settle on the outskirts. When
their brutal tyranny, ghastly immorality and their disrespect of the Baitullah went
beyond tolerable boundaries, all the Arab tribes joined hands to challenge their
transgressions. As a consequence, the Banu Jurhum were compelled to flee from
Makkah. However, as they were departing from Makkah, they buried a number of
relics of the K'abah in the well of Zam Zam, filled sand into it and brought it level
to the ground in such a manner that no sign of the well could be detected. After the
evacuation of the Banu Jurhum, the Banu Ismaa'eel returned to Makkah and settled
down but not a soul paid any attention to the well of Zam Zam. With the passage
of time, not a single trace of the well was left and it fell into total oblivion.
When the rule of Makkah fell onto the shoulders of 'Abdul Muttalib and the
divine will of Allah Ta'ala decreed that the well which had been totally forgotten
should now be disclosed, by means of pious dreams 'Abdul Muttalib was directed
to dig up the area of the well. Distinguishing markings and distinctive clues
pointing out the whereabouts of the well were also revealed to him in the dream.
'Abdul Muttalib himself says: "I was once asleep in the Hateem area when a person
came up to me in a dream and instructed: 'Dig up Barrah.' As I enquired, 'What is
Barrah?' he departed. On the second day I was sleeping on the same spot when the
same man again directed me in my dream: 'Go and dig up Al-Madnunah.' When I
asked him: 'What is Al-Madnunah?' he went away. On the third day I was sleeping
at the same spot when he again appeared in my dream and commanded: 'Go and
dig up Tayyibah.' As I enquired what Tayyibah is, he once again headed off. On
the fourth day, he ordered me: 'Go and dig up Zam Zam.' Again I asked: 'What is
Zam Zam?' Upon this he replied: 'It is a well whose water neither runs dry nor
decreases in volume and it provides countless number of pilgrims with drinking
water.' He then went on to point out a few distinctive clues precisely indicating
where I should dig."
The recurring nature of the dream coupled with a detailed location of the area
convinced 'Abdul Muttalib that this is a true dream. 'Abdul Muttalib informed the

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Quraysh of his dream and informed them of his decision to dig up a certain point
of the Haram. The Quraysh opposed him but he could not be bothered with their
resistance. Hoisting his pick and shovel, he set out with his son Haaris and
commenced digging at the designated spot. 'Abdul Muttalib would go on
burrowing whilst Haaris would scoop up and dispose of the sand. On the third day,
he came across a deep hole. Out of extreme delight, he burst out chanting "Allahu
Akbar, Allahu Akbar!" He then happily remarked:
هذا طوى اسمعيل
"This is evidently the well of Ismaa'eel."
'Abdul Muttalib thereafter constructed a few ponds close to the well of Zam Zam.
He would fill these with Zam Zam water and readily provide it to the pilgrims.
However, during the hours of darkness, some distressingly jealous people would
maliciously cause damage to these ponds. 'Abdul Muttalib would then repair the
damage early the next morning. Upset with such recurrent nasty acts, 'Abdul
Muttalib implored Allah Ta'ala in dua. He was divinely instructed in a dream to
recite the following dua:
اللُّهُمَّ انى لا احلها لمغتسل ولكن هى لشارب حل
"O Allah! I do not render the water of Zam Zam Halaal for bathing but it is
permitted only for drinking purposes."
The very next morning, 'Abdul Muttalib publicly announced this verdict.
Thereafter, whoever attempted to damage any of the ponds, would indeed fall prey
to some ailment or the other. When such woeful incidents of misfortune multiplied,
the jealous people stopped damaging the ponds.
'Abdul Muttalib's Vow
Whilst in the process of excavating through the earth to get to the well of Zam
Zam, besides his only son Haaris, 'Abdul Muttalib had no other assistant to lend a
hand. This is why he took an oath to the effect that if Allah Ta'ala blesses him with
ten sons, who would grow up to be his helping hands, he would slaughter one of
them in the name of Allah.
When Allah Ta'ala fulfilled this cherished aspiration by granting him ten sons,
he was fast asleep one night in front of the K'abah when he saw a vision of a
person instructing him:
يا عبد المطلب اوف بنذرك لرب هذا البيت
"O 'Abdul Muttalib! Fulfil your vow that you had pledged for the Lord of this sacred
house."

10
صَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ Seeratul Mustafa
On awakening from this dream, 'Abdul Muttalib summoned all his sons and
revealed his vow and subsequent dream to them. With one voice they all
submitted:
اوف بنذرك وافعل ما شئت
"Fulfil your vow and do as you please."
'Abdul Muttalib drew lots for all his sons and 'Abdullah, his most beloved son's
name came up in the draw. He grasped 'Abdullah's hand and proceeded with a
knife towards the sacrificial quarters. When 'Abdullah's sisters witnessed this
distressing sight, they were moved to weeping in anguish. One of them pleaded
with the father to draw another lot with ten camels against 'Abdullah's name. If
the lot is drawn in favour of the ten camels, slaughter the camels but we implore
you to leave 'Abdullah alone. At that time, ten camels was the blood money paid to
a murdered victim's family. When he drew lots a second time, 'Abdullah's name
came up again. 'Abdul Muttalib added on ten camels and drew lots again. Once
more, 'Abdullah's name came up. 'Abdul Muttalib continued adding ten camels
each time he drew lots but on every occasion, 'Abdullah's name came up. When he
eventually reached a hundred camels, he was spared when finally the camels' name
came up. At that instant, 'Abdul Muttalib and the bystanders cried out in delight:
"Allahu Akbar." 'Abdullah's sisters carried him away from there and 'Abdul
Muttalib slaughtered his hundred camels between mounts Safa and Marwah.
Ibn 'Abbaas deals says that initially, ten camels made up the blood money
paid to a murdered victim's family. Amongst the Quraysh and other Arabs, 'Abdul
Muttalib initiated the tradition of paying one hundred camels instead of the
customary ten camels as blood money. Resulullah gateau also maintained this
Sunnah in Islam. Following this incident, 'Abdullah was described with the title of
Zabeeh (the sacrificed or slaughtered one). This is the reason Rasulullah Leaf
was referred to as Ibnuz Zabeehain (the son of two Zabeeh's).
Hadhrat Mu'aawiyah edhe says that he was once in the blessed company of
Rasulullah ◌َصَلَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم when a Bedouin addressed Rasulullah ◌َصَلَّ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم as "O son of
the two Zabeehs!" Rasulullah chauff merely smiled at him.
After narrating this incident, one of the attendees asked whom the two
Zabeehs were. In response, Hadhrat Mu'aawiyah Medkg went on to recount this
incident of 'Abdullah and said: "One was 'Abdullah whilst the other was Ismaa'eel
د. عَلَيْهِالسَّلَامُ
'Allaamah Zarqaani aldas says that whenever the Quraysh were afflicted by
severe drought, they would take 'Abdul Muttalib to Mount Thabir. With his blessed
presence they would then beg Allah Ta'ala for rain. Time and again the Quraysh
solved their problems with the Barakah (sanctified presence or blessings) of 'Abdul
Muttalib.