Indexed OCR Text

Pages 61-80

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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."