Indexed OCR Text

Sîratul-Mustafâ
Life of the Prophet
Bakr Siddîq, Khâlid bin Sa'îd bin 'Âs and his wife Umaniyyah
bint Khalaf, Hâtîb bin 'Amr, Huzaifah bin 'Utbah, Wâqid bin
'Abdullah, the four94 sons of Bukair bin 'Abdyâlîl; Khalid.
'Âmir, 'Âqil and Iyâs, 'Ammar bin Yâsir and Suhaib bin Sinân
-رضي الله عنهم the emancipated slave of 'Abdullah bin Jad'an
Whenever the hour of Salah approached, Rasûlullah & would
secretly perform his Salâh in a secluded valley or mountain
pass. On one occasion, Rasûlullâh % was performing his Salâh
with Hadrat 'Ali رضي الله عنه on an isolated mountain pass when
all of a sudden Abû Tâlib appeared in the distance coming their
way. Up until that time, Hadrat 'Alî had not exposed his
conversion to his parents, uncles and other relatives. Abû Tâlib
'Abdullah in Jannah. [Sîrat Ibn Hisham, refer to Isabah volume 3 page 567
and Tabqât volume 4 page 102]
93 'Âmir bin Fuhairah Licalusò, was martyred in the battle of Bîr Ma'ûnah
and the angels raised his body to the sky. [Rawdul-Anf volume 1 page 168]
94 The same four brothers; Khalid. 'Amir, 'Âqil and Iyas, were the first to
embrace Islâm in Daru Arqam (the house of Arqam) and they pledged
allegiance on the hands of Rasûlullah %. When the command of Hijrah was
revealed, they migrated with their wives and children. Not a single member
of the family remained in Makkah. They locked their houses in Makkah and
set out for Madinah Munawwarah. The family put up at the house of
'Abdul-Munzir. [Tabqât bin S'ad volume 3 page 282] 'Aqil's name was
originally Ghâfil (negligent). Instead of Ghâfil, Rasûlullah & changed his
name to 'Âqil (intelligent). [Isâbah volume 2 page 257] Initially he was
Ghâfil (negligent) of the hereafter and now he is 'Âqil (aware).
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addressed Rasûlullah & saying: "Nephew! What religion is
this? What kind of devotion is this?" Rasûlullah * replied:
"Uncle! This is the Dîn of Allâh Ta'âlâ, his angels and all His
prophets, especially the Dîn of our forebear Hadrat Ibrahim
Allade. Allâh Ta'âlâ 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."
Abû Talib 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 Hadrat 'Alî
asking: "Son! What is this newfangled religion you have
submitted to?" Hadrat 'Alî replied: "Father! I have faith in
Allâh and His Rasûl and I believe in whatever he conveys to us
from Allâh. I join him in Salâh and I am his devoted adherent."
Abû Tâlib remarked: "Very well then! He has unquestionably
invited you to good. Don't ever abandon him." [Sîrat Ibn
Hishâm volume 1 page 87]
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95 رضي الله عنه The Islam of J'afar bin Abi Talib
One day Hadrat "Ali رضي الله عنه was engaged in Salah with
Rasulullah .Hadrat 'All رضى الله عنه was to his right.
Unexpectedly Abû Tâlib happened to pass by. Hadrat J'afar
was also with him. Abû Tâlib addressed J'afar advising: "Son!
Like 'Alî, you should also lend your support to your cousin.
Stand on his left and join them in Salâh. [Asad Al-Ghâbah
volume 1 page 287] J'far رضي الله عنه was also one of the
foremost Sahâbah to embrace Islâm. He was either the twenty-
first or the twenty-fifth person to embrace Islam. [Isabah
volume 1 page 237]
" رضي الله عنه Islam of 'Afif Kindi
95 He was a full brother of Hadrat 'Ali رضي الله عنه.He was ten years elder
than 'Alî. Negus, the king of Abyssinia embraced Islam at his hands. He
was martyred in the battle of Mutah. He sustained more than seventy
wounds on his body. More details will be discussed under the year dealing
with the battle of Mûtâ.
96 'Afif (chaste) was actually his title. Hafiz says: "his name was actually
Shurâhîl. Due to his purity and chastity, he was honoured with the title of
'Afîf (chaste). One of stanzas of his poetry reads as follows: "She beckoned
me towards fun filled recreation, I submitted: "You are well aware of my
chaste nature." [Isabah volume 2 page 487]
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Afif Kindi was a close friend of Hadrat 'Abbas رضي الله عنه .He
was a perfume merchant by trade. By virtue of his commercial
activities, he would often travel to Yemen. 'Afif Kindî
says: "I was once in Mina with Hadrat 'Abbas رضي الله عنه
dicaulso, when a man appeared, performed Wudû
methodically and stood up for Salâh. Thereafter a woman
appeared, performed Wudû in the same manner and stood up
for Salâh. A little while later, an eleven-year-old boy came. He
too performed Wudû and stood for Salah in line with this man.
I asked 'Abbâs: "What religion is this?" He replied: "This is the
Dîn of my nephew Muhammad who professes to be the apostle
of Allâh Ta'âlâ. This youngster is 'Alî bin Abî Tâlib who is
also my nephew whilst this woman is Muhammad bin
'Abdullah's wife." 'Afif later embraced Islam. He would often
lament: "If only I was the fourth person to embrace Islâm."
['Uyun Al-Athar] Ibn 'Abdul-Barr says that this Hadîth is
extremely authentic. Hâfiz Ibn 'Abdul-Barr says that this
Hadîth is exceptionally good and there is no objection
whatsoever to its authenticity. Hafiz 'Asqalânî says that Imam
Bukhârî cites this Hadîth in his Târîkh. Baghawî and Ibn
Mandah also cite this Hadîth. According to this narration,
however, an additional statement of Hadrat 'Abbâs is also
recorded. "My nephew, Muhammad, also asserts that the riches
of the Persian and Roman emperors will be conquered at his
hands." [Isabah volume 2 page 487 under the chapter on 'Afif
Kindî.]
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رضي الله عنه Islam of Talhah
Hadrat Talhah رضى الله عنه narrates: "I was once on a business
trip to Busrâ. One day I was in the market place of Busrâ 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 () made an appearance as yet?" I posed: "Come
again! Who?" The monk replied: "The son of 'Abdullah bin
'AbdulMuttalib. 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. Don't 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 Abû Quhâfah (i.e. Abû
Bakr رضي الله عنه) has committed himself with him." Without
delay, I set out for Abu Bakr رضى الله عنه. He took me to
Rasûlullah , before whom I embraced Islam and I also gave
him a detailed account of what transpired between the monk
and I at Busrâ. [Isabah volume 2 page 229 under the chapter on
[رضى الله عنه Talhah
Islâm of S'ad bin Abî Waqqâs
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S'ad bin Abi Waqqas رضي الله عنه says: "Three nights before
embracing Islâm I saw a dream; I was in an appallingly intense
darkness. It was so dark that I could see absolutely nothing.
Suddenly, a moon appeared and I started trailing behind it. To
my amazement, I observed that Zaib bin Harithah, 'Alî and
Abû Bakr have already beat me to its Nûr (illumination). On
awakening, I set out for Rasûlullah % and enquired: "What do
you preach?" Rasûlullah % replied: "I invite you towards the
oneness of Allâh Ta'âlâ and I invite you to attest that I am the
messenger of Allâh." I submitted: "I bear witness that there is
none worthy of worship besides Allâh and that Muhammad is
Allâh's messenger." [Extracted by Abû Dunya and ibn 'Asâkir
Khasâisu-Kubrâ volume 1 page 122]
رضي الله عنه Islam of Khalid bin Said bin Al-As
He is one of the first people to embrace Islam. He was either
the fourth or fifth person to embrace Islam. [Al-Isabah volume
1 page 406]
Before embracing Islâm, he had rather strange dream. He says:
"I dreamt that I am standing at the edge of a broad and deep
abyss blazing with a gigantic fire. My father, Sa'îd was about
to impel me into the raging blaze when all of a sudden
Rasûlullah % appeared before us. He clutched me by the waist
and hauled me away. I got up saying: "By Allâh! This dream is
true."
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I then proceeded to Abu Bakr and related the dream to him.
Abu Bakr رضى الله عنه said: "Allah wants good for you. This is
the messenger of Allâh. Follow him and embrace Islam. Inshâ
Allâh, once you adhere to Rasûlullah % and embrace Islâm,
your Islâm will safeguard you from falling into the pit of fire
but it appears your father is falling into the pit of fire." I then
went to Rasûlullah and enquired: "O Muhammad! (3), To
what are you inviting us?" Rasûlullah % replied: "I am inviting
you towards Allâh Who is all alone, He has no partner and
verily Muhammad is His slave and messenger. And I invite you
to relinquish 97 your worship of stones (idols) that neither
control benefit nor harm nor do they even comprehend who
worships them or who desists from worshipping them."
Khalid relates: "I then submitted before Rasûlullah : 'I testify
that Allâh is all alone and you (O Muhammad!) are His true
messenger.' In this manner I embraced Islâm. When my father
got wind of me embracing Islâm, he beat me up so severely that
I sustained a deep gash to the head. He broke a stick on my
head and shrieked: "You are taking after Muhammad
who
is opposed to the whole nation. He condemns our deities and
depicts our forefathers as stupid and ignorant." I responded:
"By Allâh! Muhammad % is true in his proclamations." This
statement enraged my father even further. He hurled acerbic
97 After professing Tauhîd (monotheism) and Risâlat (prophethood), the
injunction of relinquishing kufr and Shirk (disbelief and polytheism) is an
indication of absolute abhorrence to and alienation from Kufr. This is a pre-
requisite for Îmân and Islâm. We will discuss this in more detail soon.
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invectives at me and bellowed: "You contemptible idiot! Get
out of here. Don't ever come close to me. By Allâh! I will cut
off your food." I calmly replied: "If you deprived me of food,
Allâh Ta'âlâ will provide me His sustenance." Upon this, my
father drove me out of the house and warned his children to
sever relationship with me and to refrain from speaking to me.
He cautioned them that if any of them were to speak to me, he
would face the same fate."
Khalid subsequently left his father's house and headed for the
welcoming door of Rasûlullah . Rasûlullah & held Khalid in
high esteem and always welcomed him warmly. [[Al-
Mustadrak volume 3 page 248.] This incident is also narrated
briefly by Hâfiz 'Asqalânî in Isâbah.
A man does not bring dishonour to himself by leaving the door
of anyone but he would definitely not find honour and respect
wherever he goes if he has to leave the door of Allâh Ta'âlâ
and His Rasûl . As Allah Ta'ala declares: "And to Allâh alone
is honour, and to His Rasûl % and to the believers but the
hypocrites are not aware." This verse clearly reveals that
honour lies in Îmân whilst disbelief (kufr) is downright
humiliation and shame. There is no likelihood whatsoever of
honour in kufr.
Persian couplet: "Every beloved who turns his face away from
His divine court will encounter dishonour wherever he goes."
Hadrat Khalid رضى الله عنه says: "My father once fell seriously
ill. He vowed: "If Allâh restores my health from this illness, I
will not allow the deity Muhammad urges us to worship to be
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worshipped here in Makkah." I made Du'a to Allâh Ta'âlâ: 'O
Allâh! Do not allow my father to get up from this illness.' He
eventually died from this illness." [Al-Mustadrak volume 3
page 249]
رضي اللهعنه Islam of 'Uthman bin 'Affan
Hadrat 'Uthman رضى الله عنه says: "I once entered my house
when I saw my aunt (mother's sister), S'uda sitting amongst the
house folks. My aunt frequently engaged in soothsaying. The
moment she laid eyes on me, she said:
"Congratulations and glad tidings to you O 'Uthmân. Thrice,
thrice again and thrice once more.
Then again once more to complete ten. You are fortunate to
acquire good and you are privileged to be protected from evil.
By Allâh! You have wedded an incredibly chaste and beautiful
woman. You are an unmarried man and you have married a
virgin."
I was quite shocked at hearing these stanzas. I exclaimed:
"Aunty! What are you saying." Upon this, she recited the
following couplets:
"'Uthman! O 'Uthman! O 'Uthman! You are a man of
exceptional beauty coupled with great honour.
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This is a Prophet who possesses irrefutable proof. The Lord of
reward (Allâh Ta'âlâ) sent him with the truth.
And the divine word, which differentiates between good and
evil, descends upon him.
So adhere to him and do not allow the idols to mislead you."
I responded: "Aunty! You mention such things the names of
which have been unheard of in this city. I don't understand."
Upon this S'udâ elaborated:
"Muhammad bin 'Abdullah, the Rasûl % of Allâh. He has
appeared with the divine word of Allâh beckoning everyone to
come towards Allah. His proclamations are a source of
guidance. His religion is a fountainhead of success. His
condition is one of victory. Screeching against him will be of
no avail despite the numerous swords and abundant spears."
Saying this, she departed but her words left a profound
impression upon my heart. I fell into a state of contemplation
and anxiety. Since I had an excellent friendly relationship with
Abû Bakr, I proceeded to him and sat down with him. Seeing
my pensive mood, he asked: "What seems to distress you?" I
related the entire incident about my aunt and her poetical
predictions to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه.Abu Bakr responded:
"'Uthmân! You are, Ma Sha Allah, intelligent and incisive.
You are very adept in differentiating between the truth and
falsehood. People like you are not bewildered between the truth
and falsehood. What are these idols that our people are bowing
down to? Are these idols not blind and deaf? They can neither
hear nor see. Neither can they cause harm nor are they able to
confer benefit." Hadrat 'Uthman replied: "By Allâh! They are
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رضي الله عنه precisely as you profess." Upon this Abu Bakr
commented: "By Allâh! Your aunt spoke the truth. Muhammad
bin 'Abdullah is the messenger of Allâh. Allah Ta'âlâ
commissioned him with His message to the people. If you
deem it appropriate, you may attend one of his discourses and
listen to what he says."
Hadrat 'Uthmân says: "We were just speaking about this when,
as a stroke of fortune, Rasûlullah % happened to pass by.
Hadrat 'Ali رضى الله عنه was with him. Rasulullah had a cloth
رضي الله عنه in one hand. On seeing Rasulullah , Abu Bakr
stood up and whispered something into his ear. Rasûlullah
approached us and seated himself before us. He then addressed
'Uthman رضى الله عنه saying: "O Uthman! Allah invites you to
Jannah. So accept His invitation. I am the messenger of Allâh
Ta'âlâ sent to you and the entire creation."
Hadrat 'Uthman relates: "By Allâh! The moment I heard this, I
was unable to restrain myself. Without any delay, I embraced
Islâm declaring: "I bear witness that there is none worthy of
worship but Allâh, He is alone and has no partner and I bear
witness that Muhammad is His slave and messenger."
Persian Couplet: "Every Ummatî who cherishes the taste of
Haqq,
for him, the mere vision of the messenger and the perception of
his voice is an incomparable miracle.
Hadrat 'Uthmân relates: "Not even a few days had passed when
Rasulullah 's daughter Hadrat Ruqayya رضي الله عنها came into
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my Nikâh. Everyone viewed this union with a complimentary
eye. To mark this auspicious occasion, my aunt S'udâ
composed the following stanzas:
"Allâh has guided 'Uthmân, His chosen servant. Only Allâh
has guided him and He is the only being Who leads the way.
Owing to his sound discretion, 'Uthman has pursued
Muhammad. After all, he is the son of Arwa. (Arwa literally
means contemplative and understanding. In other words,
'Uthmân acted with judiciousness. Arwa the daughter of Kuraiz
was actually Hadrat 'Uthman رضي الله عنه 's mother.)
And he ('Uthman dicail gio) is a man who does not desist from
the truth.
And the commissioned personality (Rasûlullah %) handed over
one of his daughters to him in marriage. It is as though this
union is a coalescence of the sun and the full moon on the
horizon.
May my life be sacrificed for you O Son of the Hashimites!
(Ref to Rasûlullah .) You are the trusted personage whom
Allâh Ta'âlâ has sent to His creation." [Al-Isâbah volume 1
page 327]
Subsequent to the day Hadrat Uthman رضى الله عنه embraced
Islam, Hadrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه brought the following
luminaries to Rasûlullah : 'Uthmân bin Maz'ûn 98, Abû
98 'Uthmân bin Maz'ûn was disgusted with alcohol even in the times of pre-
Islamic ignorance. He would often exclaim: "I would never put to my lips
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'Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrâh 99, Abû Salimah 100 bin 'Abdul-Asad
Arqam bin Al-Arqam. All of them embraced Islam at the same
time in one sitting. [Al-Riyad Al-Nadrah volume 1 page 85]
Yazîd bin Rumân narrates: "'Uthmân bin Maz'ûn, 'Ubaidah
bin Al-Harith, Abû 'Ubaidah Al-Jarrah, 'Abdur-Rahmân bin
'Awf and Abu Salimah bin 'Abdul Asad all got together and
something that dispossesses me of my intellect and offers the most common
and weak person a chance to poke fun at me and may perhaps cause me to
hand my daughter in marriage to someone I despise." When the verse of
Sûrah Mâidah prohibiting alcohol was revealed, someone came up to him
and recited the verse. He exclaimed: "May Allâh destroy this alcohol. From
the very beginning, I had a clear perception of the (evils) associated with
this sin." [Tabqât Ibn S'ad volume 3 page 286]
99 Abû 'Ubaidah was his appellation. His first name was 'Amir whilst Amîn
Al-Ummah was his title. He was amongst the foremost Muslims. He was
also enumerated as one of the 'Asharah Mubasshaarah (the ten who were
honoured with glad tidings of Jannah). He migrated twice; once to
Abyssinia and the second time to Madinah Munawwarah. He actively
participated in all the military campaigns. During the Caliphate of Hadrat
،Umar رضي الله عنه, he was appointed as commander-in-chief of the Syrian
forces. He passed away in Syria during the plague of 'Amwas in 18 A.H. As
Hadrat Umar رضي الله عنه was approaching his departure from this world, he
would repeatedly say: "If Abû 'Ubaidah was alive, I would have appointed
him the Khalifah."
100 Abû Salimah was the milk brother of Rasûlullah % and the first husband
of Ummu Salimah رضي الله عنها - the wife of Rasulullah
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appeared before Rasûlullah . Rasûlullah % presented them
with Islam and enlightened them about the injunctions of Islam.
All of them embraced Islâm with one voice. These personages
embraced Islâm before they had taken refuge in Dâru Arqam.
[Tabqât Ibn S'ad volume 43 page 286]
رضي الله عنهما Islam of 'Ammar and Suhaib
'Ammar bin Yasir dicail , says: "I met Suhaib bin Sinan at
the door of Dare Argam whilst Rasulullah # was inside. I asked
Suhaib what his intention was. He surprised me by asking me
the same question. "What is your purpose for turning up here?
He enquired. I replied: "I intend to go to him (Rasûlullah )
and listen to what he has to say." Both of us then entered Dare
Arqam where Rasûlullah % presented before us the teachings of
Islâm. Both of us, without more ado, embraced Islâm." [Tabqât
Ibn S'ad volume 3 page 212]
رضي الله عنه Islam of 'Amr bin 'Abasah
'Amr bin 'Abasah says: "From the very outset, I had a horrid
revulsion towards idolatry. I always considered these idols to
be mere chunks of stone that possess absolutely no control over
benefit or harm. I once came across a scholar from the Ahle-
Kitâb (people of the scriptures - Jews or Christians) and asked
him about the best and most virtuous religion. The Scholar
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replied: "A man is bound to appear in Makkah, who would
invite people away from idolatry towards the unity of Allâh. He
will bring forth the best and most virtuous religion. And if you
happen to meet him, make sure you adhere to his teachings."
'Amr bin 'Abasah says: "From that day onwards, the city of
Makkah was constantly in my thoughts. I would attempt to
glean some information about Makkah from every traveller to
the holy city until one day I got wind of Rasûlullah 's
appearance." This narration is cited in M'ujam Tabrânî and
Dalâil Abî Nu'aim under the chapter dealing with 'Amr bin
-رضي الله عنه Abasah،
The moment I received news of Rasulullah 's appearance, I
set out for Makkah. I met with Rasûlullah & covertly and asked
him: "Who are you?" "I am the messenger of Allâh." He
replied. I asked: "Did Allâh Ta'âlâ commission you to this
earth as a messenger?" He replied in the affirmative. I then
asked him what message Allâh Ta'âlâ has communicated
through him to us. Rasûlullah % replied: "The message from
Allâh Ta'âlâ is that He (Allâh) be accepted as one, no partner
be assigned to him, idols should be destroyed and favourable
family ties maintained." I then enquired: "In this regard, who is
with you?" He replied: "A free man and a slave." In other
words, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and Bilal رضي الله عنه.I finally
submitted: "I am also your ardent follower. I also wish to
remain with you." Rasûlullah % advised: "At this point in time,
I suggest you return home. When you learn of my dominance,
you may return."
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'Amr bin 'Abasah says: "I embraced Islam and returned home
but I continued keeping track of Rasûlullah # and his sustained
progress. When Rasûlullah % ultimately migrated to Madinah
Munawwarah, I presented myself before him and asked: "O
Prophet of Allâh! Do you remember me" Rasûlullah % replied:
"Of course, you are the person who approached me whilst I was
in Makkah (during the earlier times of Islam)." I responded:
"Yes, I am the same person. O Prophet of Allâh! Teach me
something ..... " The complete Hadîth is mentioned in Musnad
Ahmad. This Hadîth is also cited in Sahîh Muslim. [Al-Isâbah
volume 3 page 6]
رضي الله عنه Islam of Abu Zarr
Ibn 'Abbas رضى الله عنه narrates that when Abu Zarr Ghifari
learnt of Rasulullah 's prophethood, he requested رضي الله عنه
his brother, Unais101, to proceed to Makkah saying: "Travel to
Makkah and gather some information on this man who claims
that he is the messenger of Allâh Ta'ala and that divine
revelation descends upon him from the heavens. Also listen to
his discourse"
As per Abû Zarr's proposal, Unais came to Makkah, met with
Rasûlullah % and returned home. When asked by Abû Zarr,
what information he returned with, Unais replied: "When I
101 He was elder than Abu Zarr رضي الله عنه [Al-Isabah volume 1 page 76]
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landed in Makkah, I found some people referring to him as a
fraud or a sorcerer whilst others referred to him as a soothsayer
or poet. By Allâh! He is definitely not a poet or soothsayer."
Unais himself was a celebrated poet. This is why he remarked:
"I have heard the speech of soothsayers but the discourses of
this man does not bear any resemblance to the speech of
soothsayers. I also appraised his discourses on poetical scales
but I realised that it is not even poetry. By Allâh! This man is
truthful and honest." He also declared:
"I have only witnessed him enjoining good and restraining evil.
I have observed him bidding good character. And I have heard
his discourse, which is definitely not poetry."
On hearing this report, Abu Zarr رضى الله عنه submitted: "I am
رضي الله عنه not abundantly convinced." Perhaps Abu Zarr
aspired to listen to additional details about Rasûlullah . Such
sketchy and condensed information was probably not sufficient
for him. This is why he took some provisions and a water bag
and set out for Makkah by himself. Through the good offices of
Hadrat "Ali رضى الله عنه he reached Rasulullah # and after
listening to Rasûlullah % firsthand, he embraced Islâm. He
immediately thereafter proceeded to the Haram and publicly
proclaimed his conversion to Islâm. The infidels thrashed him
so severely that he fell to the ground. The intervention of
'Abbas barely saved him from further beating.
Rasûlullah ¿ advised him to return home and apprise his
people about this message of Islam. Rasûlullah ¿ counselled
him to return only when he hears of the Muslims' dominance.
Subsequently, he returned home where both brothers invited
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their mother to embrace Islam. She very enthusiastically
embraced Islâm. He later invited his people, the Ghiffar tribe,
towards Islam. Half of them accepted Islam there and then."
[Al-Isabah volume 2 page 62]
Note: The aforementioned narratives of 'Amr bin 'Abasah
distinctly indicate that رضي الله عنه Abu Zarr رضي الله عنه
Rasûlullah had a firm conviction of the future dominance of
this divine religion. And such committed conviction in the face
of limited resources and against all odds is not possible without
divine revelation.
Assembly of the Muslims in Daru Arqam
As people steadily embraced Islâm, a small group of Muslims
subsequently evolved. Thus it was proposed that all of them
would congregate in the house of Arqam 102 رضي الله عنه .Hadrat
Arqam رضي الله عنه was one of the earliest Muslims. He was
either the seventh or the tenth person to embrace Islam. His
house was on Mount Safa. Right up to the Islam of Hadrat
رضي الله عنهم Rasulullah and the Sahabah,رضى الله عنه Umar،
would congregate at Arqam رضي الله عنه 's house. After Hadrat
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Arqam رضي الله عنه participated in the battle of Badr and in a number of
other expeditions. He passed away in 55 A.H. during the Caliphate of
-رضي الله عنه Hadrat Mu awiyah
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Sîratul-Mustafa
Life of the Prophet
،Umar رضى الله عنه embraced Islam, the Muslims would assemble
wherever they preferred. [Al-Isabah volume 1 page 28]
Hafiz Iraqi رحمة الله عليه sums up in the following stanzas:
"And Rasûlullah procured Dar Al-Arqam for his companions
where they were concealed from their people.
And it is said that they would emerge one after the other and
secretively proceed towards the gorges and canyons for Salâh.
Until three years had elapsed and Allâh Ta'âlâ exposed this
Dîn.
And Rasûlullah ¿ came out openly with the truth and explicitly
proclaimed it in compliance with the divine commandment
'and openly convey that which you have been directed to'.
And he set out cautioning the families mentioned when the
verse 'and warn your close relatives' was revealed."
Open proclamation of Islam
Over a period of three years, Rasûlullah * continued inviting
people to Islâm secretly and people steadily embraced Islâm.
After this period of three years, Rasûlullah # was instructed to
proclaim this invitation openly. The following verse were
revealed:
"Therefore proclaim (Islam) openly that which you have been
instructed and turn away from the polytheists." [Sûrah Al-Hijr
verse 94]
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Sîratul-Mustafa
Life of the Prophet
"And warn your close relatives and treat with affection those
believers who have followed you." [Sûrah Shû'arâ verses 214-
215]
"And say (O Muhammad!) I am indeed an open warner."
[Sûrah Al-Hijr verse 89]
In response to such verses, Rasûlullah ascended Mount Safa
and summoned each of the tribes by name. When they had all
assembled around him, he asked them: "If I caution you about a
marauding party on the other side of this mountain that is about
to attack you, would you believe me?" In one voice they all
responded: "Surely, why not! We have only known you to be
honest and truthful." Rasûlullah said: "I am warning you
about a severe punishment that may befall you (if you do not
accept my message from Allâh Ta'âlâ)." Abû Lahab retorted:
"Woe unto you. May you perish. Did you assemble us here for
this reason only?" Upon this the Sûrah 'Tabbat Yada Abî
Lahab' (may the hands of Abû Lahab perish.) This entire Sûrah
was revealed on account of this incident. [Bukhârî]
Invitation to Islâm and Ta'âm (meals).
Hadrat "Ali رضى الله عنه narrates: "When the verse 'And warn
your close relatives' was revealed, Rasûlullah % instructed me
to bring a Sâ' (app.3.2 kg) of grain, a shoulder of a goat and a
bowl of milk. He then requested me to summon all the children
of Muttalib. I executed his instructions as directed.
Approximately forty people assembled in response to his
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