Indexed OCR Text

Verse 89 of Surah Baqarah states:
وَلَمَّا جَآءَبُمْ كِتُبٌ مِّنْ عِنْدِ اللهِ مُصَدِّقٌ لِّمَا مَعَهُمْ " وَكَانُوْا مِنْ قَبْلُ يَسْتَفْتِحُوْنَ عَلَى الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْاٌ فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ مَّا
عَرَفُوْا كَفَرُوا بِم ◌ْ فَلَعْنَةُ اللهِ عَلَى الْكَفِرِيْنَ (٨٩)
TRANSLATION: When a Book (Qur'aan) from Allaah comes to them confirming (supporting)
that (Torah) which is with them, (they reject it) even though before this they used to pray
for victory over the Kuffaar (by saying, "O Allaah! Assist us against our enemies through the
avenue and grace of Your final prophet Muhammad &.") However, when what they recognise
comes to them (the prophethood of Rasulullaah p), they deny it (they reject it fearing that they
will lose their leadership). Allaah's curse is on the Kaafiroon.
Verses 146-147 of Surah Baqarah state:
الَّذِيْنَ أَتَيْتُهُمُ الْكِتُبَ يَعْرِ فُوْنَهَ كَمَا يَعْرِفُوْنَ آَبْنَآءَبُمْ ، وَ إِنَّ فَرِيْقًا مِّنْهُمْ لَيَكْتُمُوْنَ الْحَقَّ وَبُمْ يَعْلَمُوْنَ (١٢٢) الْحَقُّ
مِنْ رَّبِّكَ فَلَا تَكُوْنَنَّ مِنَ الْمُمْتَرِيْنَ (١٣٧)٪
TRANSLATION: Those who have been given the Book (the Jews and the Christians) recognise
him (Rasulullaah p together with his lineage, tribe, place of birth, place of residence, appearance,
qualities and attributes) just as they recognise their very own sons (because the Torah and the
Injeel had described him to them). Without doubt there (still) exists among them a group who
knowingly hide the truth. The truth is from your Rabb so never be among those who
doubt (what has been revealed whether the People of the Book accept it or not).
Verse 29 of Surah Fatah states:
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مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُوْلُ اللهِ * وَ الَّذِيْنَ مَعَمَّ أَشِدَّاءُ عَلَى الْكُفَّارِ رُحَمَاءُ بَيْنَهُمْ تَرْبِهُمْ رُكَّعًا سُجَّدًا يَّبْتَغُوْنَ فَضْلًا مِّنَّ
اللهِ وَ رِضْوَانًا ◌ْ سِيْمَابُمْ فِى وُجُوْبِهِمْ مِّنْ آَثَرِ السُّجُوْدِ ٥* ذَلِكَ مَثْلُهُمْ فِى التَّوْرَةِ 55َ وَ مَثَلُهُمْ فِى
الْإِنْجِيْلِ 65هْ كَزَرْعِ اَخْرَجَ شَطْهُ فَازَرَةً فَاسْتَغْلَظَ فَاسْتَوَى عَلَى سُوْقِه يُعْجِبُ الزُّرَّاعَ لِيَغِيْطَ بِمُ الْكُفَّارَ
٥* وَعَدَّ اللهُ الَّذِيْنَ أَمَنُوْا وَ عَمِلُوا الصُّلِحُتِ مِنْهُمْ مَّغْفِرَةً وَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيْمًا (٢٩)
TRANSLATION: Muhammad & is Allaah's Rasool and those with him (the Sahabah y) are
stern against the Kuffaar and (yet) compassionate among themselves. You will see them
sometimes bowing (in Ruku), sometimes prostrating (in Sajdah, always) seeking Allaah's
bounty and His pleasure. Their hallmark (by which they are recognised) is on their faces
because of the effect of prostration (referring to the illumination and humility apparent on their
faces). This is their description in the Torah. Their description in the Injeel (Bible) is like
that of a plant that sprouts its shoots and strengthens it, after which it becomes thick and
stands on its own stem, pleasing the farmer. (Allaah has nurtured the Sahabah y in this
manner) So that the Kuffaar may be enraged by them (because of their animosity for Islaam
and for the Sahabah w). Allaah has promised forgiveness and a grand reward for those of
them who have Imaan and who do good deeds.
Verses 192-197 of Surah Shu'araa state:
وَ إِنَّهَ لَتَنْزِيْلُ رَبِّ الْعُلَمِيْنَ (١٩٢) ﴿ نَزَلَ بِهِ الرُّوْحُ الْأَمِيْنُ (١٩٣) عَلَى قَلْبِكَ لِتَكُوْنَ مِنَ الْمُنْذِرِيْنَ (١٩٢)
بِلِسَانٍ عَرَبِىِّ مُّبِيْنٍ (١٩٥)﴿ وَ إِنََّ لَفِىْ زُبُرِ الْأَوَّلِنَ (١٩٢) أَوَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَّهُمْ أَيَةَّ أَنْ يَّعْلَمَرْ عُلَمُؤُ بَنِىُّ
إِسْرَاءِيَّلَ (١٩٧)*
TRANSLATION: Without doubt, this (Qur'aan) is a revelation from the Rabb of the universe.
The trustworthy angel (Jibra'eel v) descended with it (from the heavens, conveying it) on your
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heart (O Rasulullaah p) so that you become of those (Ambiyaa) who warn (people about the
grave consequences of rejecting Imaan) (and it is a revelation) in the clear (easily understood)
Arabic language. Indeed, it (the Qur'aan) was certainly (mentioned) in the scriptures (such as
the Torah and Injeel) of the earlier nations (they therefore knew about its revelation to Rasulullaah
p a long time ago). Is it not sufficient proof for them (the Kuffaar) that the scholars of the
Bani Israa'eel know about it? (The fact that the scholars of the Bani Israa'eel knew about the
coming of the Qur'aan and of Rasulullaah p before Rasulullaah p was born is ample proof that this
was mentioned in their scriptures. Many of their learned scholars who accepted Islaam attested to
this, as did many of them who did not accept Islaam.)
Rasulullaah p said, "I am the reply to the du'aa of Ibraheem v and the good
news that Isa u gave." The du'aa of Hadhrat Ibraheem v that Rasulullaah p was
referring to is quoted in verse 129 of Surah Baqarah, which quotes him as saying,
"O our Rabb! Send to them (to our descendants) a messenger from among them (who was
Rasulullaah p) who will recite Your verses (of the Qur'aan) to them, teach them the Book (the
meanings and necessary explanations of the Qur'aan) and wisdom (the Ahadeeth and the hidden
mysteries and intricate allegories of the Qur'aan) and purify them (from Shirk). Without doubt,
You are the Mighty, the Wise."
Verse 6 of Surah Saff states:
وَ إِذْ قَالَ عِيْسَى ابْنُ مَرْيَمَ يُبَنِئَ اِسْرَاءِيْلَ إِنِّيْ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ إِلَيْكُمْ مُصَدِّقًا لَّمَا بَيْنَ يَدَىَّ مِنَ التَّوْرَةِ وَ مُبَشِّرًّا
بِرَسُوْلٍ يَّأْتِىْ مِنْ بَعْدِى اسْمُمَ أَحْمَدُ ٥* فَلَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ بِالْبَيِّنْتِ قَالُوا بُذَا سِحْرٌ مُّبِينٌ (أ)
TRANSLATION: (Also remember the time) When Isa the son of Maryam said, "O children of
Israa'eel! Indeed I am the Rasool of Allaah (who has been sent) to you, confirming the
Torah before me and giving (you) the good news of a Rasool to come after me (among the
Arabs), whose name will be Ahmad (referring to Rasulullaah p)." When he (Isa v) came to
them (his people) with clear signs (miracles to prove that he was a Rasool), they said, "This is
clear magic."
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The Blessed Morning
Six centuries after the ascent of Hadhrat Isa v, the teachings of over a hundred
thousand Ambiyaa (Ll) posle were forgotten by mankind. Rather than worshipping
the One Allaah, people all over the world worshipped other things. While some
people worshipped the son of God, others worshipped people whom they
claimed were gods and so many even worshipped lifeless idols as gods. Some
people worshipped the heavenly bodies, while others worshipped animals and
stones. Even those who claimed to worship Allaah did not worship Him
exclusively and felt the need to associate others as partners to Him. This age of
darkness and deviation was called the Period of Ignorance.
However, it was in the year known as the Year of the Elephant that a light of
guidance and knowledge was born, which would dispel the prevailing darkness
of ignorance, Kufr and Shirk. It took place one Monday morning on either the 8th,
9th or 12th of Rabee'ul Awwal (the 9th being better substantiated), corresponding
to the 20th of April 571 A.D. This was the day when Rasulullaah p was born in the
house of Abu Taalib in Makkah.459
A narration from Hadhrat Abbaas t in the Tabaqaat460 of Ibn Sa'd il dan, states that
Rasulullaah p was born circumcised. When his grandfather Abdul Muttalib saw
this, he remarked, "It seems that this son of mine is destined to be a great
person."
459 Seeratun Nabi (Vol.1 Pg.172).
460 Vol.1 Pg.64.
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A narration from Rasulullaah p's mother Aamina ( al ) quotes her as saying that
when Rasulullaah p was born, his body was absolutely clean and free from all
impurities. 461
Abdul Muttalib made the Aqeeqah when Rasulullaah p was seven days old and
then named him Muhammad. When the people asked him why he gave his
grandchild a name that was not used by his forefathers, he replied, "I have given
him this name because his praises will be sung in the heavens and the earth." 462
Lineage
Rasulullaah p was an Arab and born in the most esteemed family of the Quraysh
tribe, called the Banu Haashim. The famous expert on Arab lineages Allaama Ibn
Abdul Bir la, writes, "All experts of lineage agree that Rasulullaah p was from
the lineage of Adnaan, who was from the progeny of Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v." The
lineage of Rasulullaah p therefore reads as:
Muhammad &, the son of Abdullaah, who was the son of Abdul Muttalib, who
was the son of Haashim, who was the son of Abd Manaaf, who was the son of
Qusay, who was the son of Kilaab, who was the son of Murrah, who was the son
of Ka'b, who was the son of Luway, who was the son of Ghaalib, who was the
son of Fahr, who was the son of Maalik, who was the son of Nadhr, who was the
son of Kinaanah, who was the son of Khuzaymah, who was the son of Mudrika,
who was the son of Ilyaas, who was the son of Mudhar, who was the son of
Nazaar, who was the son of Ma'd, who was the son of Adnaan, who was the son
of Udwa, who was the son of Muqawwim, who was the son of Taarih, who was
461
Zurqaani (Vol.1 Pg.124).
462 Fat'hul Baari (Vol.7 Pg.124).
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the son of Yashjab, who was the son of Ya'rib, who was the son of Thaabit, who
was the son of Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v, who was the son of Hadhrat Ibraheem U.463
This chain in the lineage up to Adnaan is agreed upon by all historians. However,
the chain from Adnaan up to Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v is disputed. While some say
there are 30 people in between, others say that there are 40. Allaah knows best.
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t said that Rasulullaah p would only state his
lineage up to Adnaan. When he reached this link in the chain, he would say, "The
genealogists have lied." This means that the claim of genealogists to know the
lineage of every family is a lie because only Allaah has this knowledge. 464
The lineage of Rasulullaah p's mother is:
Aamina, the daughter of Wahab, who was the son of Abd Manaaf, who was the
son of Zuhra, who was the son of Kilaab, who was the son of Murrah.
It is therefore evident that Rasulullaah p's mother and father were related, with
their lineages joining at Kilaab.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
Allaah says in verses 2-4 of Surah Jumu'ah:
463 Fat'hul Baari (Vol.7 Pg.125).
464
Ibn Sa'd (Vol.1 Pg.28).
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بُوَ الَّذِى بَعَثَ فِى الْأُمَّيِّنَ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُوْا عَلَيْهِمْ أَيْتِمِ وَ يُزَكَّيْهِمْ وَ يُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتْبَ وَ الْحِكْمَةَ * وَ إِنْ كَانُوْا
مِنْ قَبْلُ لَفِىْ ضَلْلٍ مُّبِيْنٍ ﴾(٢) وَ أَخَرِيْنَ مِنْهُمْ لَمَّا يَلْحَقُوْا بِهِمْ * وَ بُوَ الْعَزِيْزُ الْحَكِيمُ (٣) ذُلِكَ فَضْلُ اللهِ
يُؤْتِيْهِ مَنْ يَّشَآءُ * وَ اللهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيْمِ (٣)
TRANSLATION: It is He Who sent among the unlettered (illiterate) nation (the
Arabs) a Rasool p from themselves (an Arab himself) who recites His Aayaat (of the
Qur'aan) to them, (spiritually) purifies them and teaches them the Book (the
Qur'aan) and wisdom (the Sunnah). Without doubt, they (most of the Arabs) were
in clear deviation before this (before the preaching of Rasulullaah p). And (Allaah
had also sent Rasulullaah p as a prophet to) other people (who will soon be) from
them (Muslims like the Sahabah w) whom they (the Sahabah y) have not yet met. He
is the Mighty, the Wise (guides and uses for the propagation of His Deen whoever He
wills, be they Arabs or non-Arabs). This (sending of Rasulullaah p to guide mankind) is
Allaah's grace which He grants to whoever He pleases. Allaah is the Possessor
of immense grace.
Verse 128 of Surah Taubah states:
لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُوْلٌ مِّنْ آَتْفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ رَءُوْفٌ رَّحِيمٌ (١٢٨)
TRANSLATION: Undoubtedly a Rasool p from yourselves has come to you (someone whose
lineage, morals, manners and integrity you know well). The difficulties that afflict you are very
distressing to him. He is anxious for (good to come to) you and extremely forgiving and
merciful (gentle and kind) towards the Mu'mineen.
What a tremendous deprivation it is to reject a Nabi like this! Some Mufassireen
have recited the word "أَنْفُسِكُم' as "ُأَنْفُسَكُم with a Fatha on the letter ''.The
translation in this case would be: "Undoubtedly a Rasool p from yourselves has come
to you from the noblest of your families ... ".
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This fact is further established by the interrogation that the Byzantine Emperor
Heraclius put Hadhrat Abu Sufyaan through. The first question Heraclius posed
was: "How is his lineage amongst you?" "He is of extremely high lineage amongst
us," was the reply. Explaining his reason for the question, Heraclius said, "When I
asked about his (Rasulullaah p's) lineage, he maintained that he is of extremely
high lineage. Such are the prophets who are of high birth." 465
Verse 7 of Surah Shura states:
وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ قُرْأْنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّتُنْذِرَ أُمَّ الْقُرَى وَ مَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَ تُنْذِرَ يَوْمَ الْجَمْعِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيْهِ ٥* فَرِيْقٌ فِى
الْجَنَّةِ وَ فَرِيْقٌ فِى السَّعِيْرِ (٧)
TRANSLATION: In this manner (as We have been sending revelation to you, O Rasulullaah p) did
We reveal the Arabic Qur'aan to you so that you may warn the (inhabitants of the) Mother of
all cities (Makkah), and those around her; and so that you may warn them about the Day of
Gathering (the Day of Qiyaamah), about which there is no doubt. (Once judgement is passed on
the Day of Qiyaamah,) A group (the Mu'mineen) shall be in Jannah, while another (the Kuffaar)
shall be in the Blaze (Jahannam).
Allaah Says in verses 6-8 of Surah Duhaa:
أَلَمْ يَجِدْكَ يَتَيْمًا فَأَوى (أ) وَ وَجَدَكَ ضَالَّا فَهَدَى ﴾(٧) وَ وَجَدَكَ عَائِلًا فَاغْنَى )*(٨)
(Allaah shall continue to bless you with His bounties just as He did in the past. For example,) Did He
not find you orphaned (when your father passed away before your birth and your mother when
465
Bukhaari, Vol. 1
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you were only six) and grant you shelter (when your grandfather and uncle cared for you with
great affection afterwards)? Did He not find you uninformed (about the Shari'ah of Islaam) and
show you the way (by informing you about its details)? Did He not find you poor (without much
wealth) and make you wealthy (when the wealthy lady Khadeeja proposed to marry you and you
accepted)?
Verses 52-53 of Surah Shura state:
وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوْحًا مِّنْ أَمْرِنَا * مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِى مَا الْكِتُبُ وَ لَا الْإِيْمَانُ وَ لَكِنْ جَعَلْتُهُ نُوْرًا نَّهْدِى
بِ مَنْ نَّشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا ن﴿ وَ إِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِى إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِمٍ (٥٢) صِرَاطِ اللهِ الَّذِى لَهَّ مَا فِى السَّمُوَتِ
وَمَا فِى الْأَرْضِ ٥* آَا إِلَى اللهِ تَصِيْرُ الْأُمُورُ (٥٣)
TRANSLATION: In this manner (by these methods of communication) did We send to you (O
Rasulullaah p) revelation of Our command. (Before We sent revelation to you,) You did not
know what was the Book (the Qur'aan) or what was (the requisites and etiquette of perfect)
Imaan, but We made it (the Qur'aan) a light with which We guide those bondsmen of Ours
whom We will. Without doubt (using the Qur'aan and the revelation We sent to you), you (O
Rasulullaah p) guide (others) towards the straight path; (which is) the path of Allaah, to
Whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and in the earth. Behold! All matters return to
Allaah only (He will make the final judgement in all matters).
Verses 1-4 of Surah Inshiraah state:
الَمْ نَشْرَحْ لَکَ صَدْرَکَ ﴾(١) وَ وَضَعْنَا عَنْکَ وِزْرَکَ ﴾(٢) الَّذِى أَنْقَضَ ظَهْرَکَ و(٣) وَرَفَعْنَا لَکَ
ذِكْرَكَ ن*(٣)
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TRANSLATION: (O Rasulullaah p!) Did We not expand your chest for you (by increasing your
knowledge and granting you the ability to tolerate the harassment of the Kuffaar)? And did We not
relieve you of your burden that was breaking your back? (Because of his extraordinary piety,
Rasulullaah p regarded the human errors that he sometimes made as serious violations. This was
naturally very burdensome for him and referred to here as "the burden". By declaring blanket
forgiveness for every past and future error of Rasulullaah p, Allaah relieved him of this burden of his
conscience.) And We have elevated your mention (the esteem with which people hold you).
(Rasulullaah p's name is mentioned together with Allaah's name in the Kalimah, the Adhaan, the
Iqaamah, in sermons and in the introductions of all Islaamic talks and books. When Rasulullaah p was
taken on Mi'raaj, his name was even on the lips of the angels in the heavens. All the previous
scriptures contained mention of Rasulullaah p and all the Ambiyaa were commanded to inform their
people about the coming of Rasulullaah p. In the Aakhirah, Rasulullaah p will enjoy the highest
position among Allaah's creation when he attains the status of "Maqaam Mahmood". His fame will
then be apparent in front of all of Allaah's creation.)
Before Announcing his Nubuwwal
Rasulullaah p was only 6 years of age when his mother passed away at a place
called Abwaa as they were returning from visiting her family in Madinah. Since
Rasulullaah p's father Abdullaah had passed away before he was born,
Rasulullaah p went to live with his grandfather Abdul Muttalib. However, just
two years later when he was eight years of age, Abdul Muttalib was also called
from this world. It was then his uncle Abu Taalib who received the honour of
caring for this special child. Abu Taalib was an excellent guardian, who gave
Rasulullaah p all the love of a real father so that the lad never felt like a stranger.
Making mention that Rasulullaah p was an orphan at birth and then given safety
and protection by Allaah, the Qur'aan states, "Did He not find you orphaned (when
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your father passed away before your birth and your mother when you were only six) and grant you
shelter (when your grandfather and uncle cared for you with great affection afterwards)?" 466
Despite losing both parents from such a young age, Allaah provided for
Rasulullaah p everything that he needed and caused him to be nurtured in a
most excellent manner. The details of Rasulullaah p's life as a newborn child
until the time he married are elaborated in the books of Seerah (biographies of
Rasulullaah p). Like all the Ambiyaa Jul , Resulullah p never burdened anyone
with the task of providing for him. He started by grazing animals as a young lad
and then also engaged in trade and commerce as he grew up. In fact, it was one
of his trade expeditions to the commercial town of Busra in Shaam to sell her
goods that led to his marriage with Hadhrat Khadeejah we ala, when he was 25
years of age.
The slave of Hadhrat Khadeejah we al , whose name was Maysarah accompanied
Rasulullaah p on this trade journey and was very impressed by his honesty and
character. What also impressed him was the glad tidings of Rasulullaah p's
Nubuwwah that a Christian monk gave them on the way. When Maysarah
reported all of this to Hadhrat Khadeejah ala, she was also impressed and sent
a proposal of marriage to Rasulullaah p.
It was after his marriage to Hadhrat Khadeejah al, that Rasulullaah p started
to change. He would remain in seclusion in the Cave of Hira, where he engaged
in meditation and worship of Allaah for several days and nights. Although his
people were immersed in idol worship, Rasulullaah p detested the practice and
never once bowed his head before an idol. He also never attended any function
dedicated to the worship of idols.
466 Surah Duhaa, verse 6.
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He thought deeply about his concern to remove his people from idolatry and it
was with this concern that he engaged in worship. He would come down only to
eat and then return to spend more time there. In fact, sometimes it was
necessary for Hadhrat Khadeejah wie wil go, to come up to the cave and take him
home. The famous Muhaddith and historian Allaama Ibn Katheer alla , Writes,
"Rasulullaah p developed a fondness to be alone from a young age and would
spend much time in seclusion, away from the people. This was because the
idolatry and deviation of his people concerned him deeply and made him
restless. The closer the time drew for revelation to start descending upon him,
the more his yearning for seclusion increased."
This later set the scene for the first revelation that came to Rasulullaah p. The
first verses revealed were those at the beginning of Surah Iqra, followed by some
verses of Surah Muddathir. What is established beyond doubt is that Rasulullaah
p always avoided customs of Shirk. It is reported that when he was once served
food that had been dedicated to some idols, he refused to eat it.
The people closest to him during his youth were people of sterling character. At
the head of this list was Hadhrat Abu Bakr t, who had been his close companion
from his early life right until the day he departed from this world. Another was
Hadhrat Hakeem bin Hizaam t, who was the cousin of Hadhrat Khadeeja ( algo).
He was also amongst the leaders of the Quraysh.
When Hadhrat Dimaad bin Tha'laba t from the Azd tribe arrived in Makkah, he
noticed that people jeered at Rasulullaah p and called him a madman. Since he
was a proficient medical man, he approached Rasulullaah p and offered to cure
him of mental illness. However, Rasulullaah p praised Allaah and recited some
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verses of the Qur'aan to him, which so impressed him that he immediately
accepted Islaam.
It was customary amongst the Arabs to perform Hajj even before the coming of
Rasulullaah p. However, the Quraysh did not deem it necessary for them to go
to Arafaat even though other people did. Furthermore, they demanded that
people from outside Makkah dress as they did. Anyone failing to do this would
be stripped of their clothing and made to perform Tawaaf naked. This led to
the custom of people performing Tawaaf naked. Despite the wide acceptance
of this, Rasulullaah p never approved of it and never did it.
It was also customary for the Arabs to spend the nights engaged in story-telling
and experts in narration would entertain large throngs of people all night with
their narratives. Rasulullaah p would not attend these either. It is narrated that
he was on his way to such a gathering when he was young, but happened to pass
by a wedding ceremony along the same path. As he sat watching the wedding,
he fell asleep and awoke only the following morning.
These incidents occurred because the strength of his inclination towards good
was intrinsically embedded within him. A narration of Tirmidhi states that when
Rasulullaah p was on a trade journey to Busra and sat beneath a tree, all the
branches bowed lower to shade him. It was upon witnessing this that the
monk Buhayrah was convinced that he was to be the final Nabi. Rasulullaah p
also said, "I still recognise the rock that used to greet me before (declaration of)
Nubuwwah." 467
467 Muslim.
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May Allaah shower His choicest mercy and blessings upon our guide Muhammad
&, his family and companions and bless them immensely.
Nubuwwah
How was Rasulullaah p informed that he was Nabi? Although Muhadditheen
have narrated many narrations in this regard, perhaps the most comprehensive
narration is the one narrated from Hadhrat Urwa bin Zubayr t from his aunt
Ummul Mu'mineen Hadhrat Aa'isha wal . Although Hadhrat Aa'isha algo, Was
not born at that time, any narration from one of the Sahabah y would certainly
be heard either directly from Rasulullaah p or from other Sahabah w. This
includes such a narration in the category of Marfoo, which is perfectly reliable.
Hadhrat Aa'isha is algo, narrates that divine revelation to Rasulullaah p
commenced with good dreams. Every dream he saw came true (the following
day) like bright daylight. Rasulullaah p was then inspired with the love of
seclusion because of which he used to remain in seclusion in the cave of Hira,
which is approximately three miles from the Kabah. There he used to worship
Allaah continuously for many days before descending to return to his family.
Since he was not yet taught any special manner of Ibaadah, he worshipped
Allaah as he thought appropriate. He used to take food along with him for the
stay and then return to his wife Hadhrat Khadeeja wie dil go, to take more food as he
required.
This practice continued until the angel came to him while he was in the cave of
Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. "I do not know how to read,"
Rasulullaah p replied. Rasulullaah p himself relates, "The angel then embraced
me and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released
me and again asked me to read. When I again replied that I did not know how to
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read, he embraced me again and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it. He
released me and again asked me to read. Yet again, I submitted that I did not
know how to read. Thereupon he embraced me for the third time and said:
اِقْرَأَ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِى خَلَقَ وَ(١) خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ (٢) اِقْرَأْ وَ رَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ ﴾(٣) الَّذِى عَلَّمَ
بِالْقَلَمِ {(٣) عَلَّمَ الْإِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ ﴾ (٥)
TRANSLATION: Read in the name of your Rabb Who created (everything); Who created
man from a clot of blood. Read and your Rabb is most Magnanimous; Who taught by the
pen. He taught man what he did not know. 468
Rasulullaah p then returned home with his heart racing furiously. He went to
Hadhrat Khadeeja dil was, and said, 'Cover me! Cover me!' She kept him covered
until his fear dissipated. He then told her everything that had happened, saying,
"I fear for my life." Khadeeja wal , comforted him by saying, "Never! I swear by
Allaah that Allaah will never disgrace you. You maintain good relations with
your family, you bear the burdens of people, you feed the needy and the
deserving, you entertain guests and assist those afflicted by calamity."
Khadeeja wal , then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad
bin Abdul Uzza who had became a Christian during the Period of Ignorance and
had written much of the Injeel in Hebrew and in Arabic. However, by then he
was an old man and had lost his eyesight.
"Do listen to the story of your nephew, dear cousin," Khadeeja que al dona, Said.
Waraqa then asked, "What is it that you have seen, dear nephew?" After
468
Surah Alaq, verses 1-3.
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Rasulullaah p had described what had occurred, Waraqa said, "This is the same
spirit (angel Hadhrat Jibra'eel v) whom Allaah had sent to Moosa v. I wish I were
young and could live to the time when your people would drive you out (of your
city)." "Will they drive me out?" Rasulullaah p asked. "Oh yes,' Waraqa replied,
"Anyone who came with something similar to what you have brought was
treated with hostility. If I should remain alive to that day (when you will be
driven out), I would give you my most ardent support.' However, Waraqa did not
live much longer afterwards and passed away. May Allaah bless his soul and
reward him tremendously.
A narration of Tirmidhi states that Hadhrat Khadeeja wie dlouho, once asked
Rasulullaah p about Waraqa who attested to the Nubuwwah of Rasulullaah p but
passed away before Rasulullaah p started to propagate the Deen. Rasulullaah p
replied, "O Khadeeja! I have seen Waraqa in a dream wearing white clothing. He
would never have been wearing these if he was in Jahannam."
The remaining portion of Surah Iqra (verses 6-19) were revealed after
Rasulullaah p started to perform salaah in the Masjidul Haraam and was
threatened by the Mushrikeen, especially by Abu Jahal. When Abu Jahal once
saw Rasulullaah p perform salaah in the Haram, he swore by his idols Laat and
Uzzah that he would trample the neck of Rasulullaah p if he ever saw him
perform salaah in the Haram again. The next time Rasulullaah p performed
salaah, Abu Jahal went forward to fulfil his oath, but, to the surprise of all those
looking, he suddenly hurried back with his hands in front of his face, as if he was
shielding his face from something. When the people asked him what the matter
was, he replied, "There was a huge trench of fire between Muhammad and me
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with a frightening thing inside." Rasulullaah p later said that if Abu Jahal had
gotten any closer, an angel would have torn him to pieces.469
A narration from Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas t states that when Rasulullaah p
was performing salaah at the Maqaam Ibraaheem, Abu Jahal walked by and
shouted, "Hey Muhammad! Did I not forbid you from doing that ?! " He then
started to hurl threats and abuse at Rasulullaah p. However, Rasulullaah p
ignored him and continued. Furious, he then bellowed, "Whom are you
threatening me with, Muhammad ?! I swear by Laat and Uzzah that I have more
support between these valleys than anyone else."
It was in response to these and other such incidents that the remaining verses of
Surah Iqra were revealed.
In the Words of the Qur'aan
Allaah says in verses 1-19 of Surah Iqra:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
إِقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِى خَلَقَ (١) خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقِ ﴾(٢) اِقْرَأْ وَ رَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ ﴾(٣) الَّذِى عَلَّمَ
بِالْقَلَمِ نٌ(٣) عَلَّمَ الْإِنْسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ ٠٥(٥) كَلََّ إِنَّ الْإِنْسَانَ لَيَطْغَى ﴾(أ) أَنْ رَّأْهُ اسْتَغْنَى (٧٠) إِنَّ إِلَى
رَبِّكَ الرُّجْعَى * (٨) أَرَعَيْتَ الَّذِى يَنْهِى (٩) عَبْدًا إِذَا صَلَّى (١٠٥) أَرَعَيْتَ إِنْ كَانَ عَلَى الْهُدَى (١١)
أَوْ آَمَرَ بِالتَّقْوَى (١٢٠) آَرَعَيْتَ إِنْ كَذَّبَ وَ تَوَلَّى (١٣٠) الَمْ يَعْلَمْ بِأَنَّ اللهَ يَرَى (١٢٠) كَلَّا لَئِنْ لَّمْ يَنْتَرِ ﴾
لَنَسْفَغًّا بِالنَّاصِيَةِ (١٥) نَاصِيَةٍ كَاذِبَةٍ خَاطِئَةٍ (١٥) فَلْيَدْعُ نَادِيَهْ (١٧) سَنَدْعُ الزَّبَانِيَةَ (١٨) كَلََّ ن لَا تُطِعْمُ
وَ اسْجُدْ وَ اقْتَرِبْ (١٩٨)
469
Ahmad, Muslim, Nasa'ee.
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TRANSLATION: In the name of Allaah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful
(O Rasulullaah p!) Read (whatever Qur'aan has been revealed to you) in the name of your
Rabb Who created (everything); Who created man from a clot of blood (which forms at
conception and then develops into the child). Read and your Rabb is most Magnanimous;
Who taught (the literate ones) by the pen (through books). (However, even without any
means like books and pens,) He (also directly) taught man what he did not know. (All man's
knowledge comes from Allaah because Allaah gave man the means of acquiring knowledge as
well.) (However,) It is a fact that man (the Kaafir) is rebellious (even exceeding the bounds
of humanity) because he considers himself to be independent. (However, this belief is
foolish because man is often dependent on the creation and always dependent on Allaah. ) Verily
the return (of every person on the Day of Qiyaamah) shall be to your Rabb. (Referring to
Abu Jahal who was the arch-enemy of Rasulullaah p, Allaah says,) Tell Me about the one who
prevents a servant (of Allaah, namely Rasulullaah p) when he performs salaah. Tell Me,
what if the servant (of Allaah) is upon guidance or enjoins Taqwa? (Whereas preventing
someone from worship is a terrible act, it is even worse when the one being prevented is a good
person and the one preventing him is a sinful Kaafir.) Tell Me, what if he (Abu Jahal) rejects
(the truth of Islaam) and turns away (from even listening to it)? (What will then become of
him?) Does he not know that Allaah is watching (everything he does and will punish him for
his evil)? Never! (He should not be doing this!) If (after being cautioned,) he does not desist
(and chooses to still oppose Islaam and the Muslims), We shall definitely drag him (to
Jahannam) by the forelocks; (by) his lying, sinning forelocks. Then let him call his
assembly (of friends and associates to assist him). We shall call those who (forcefully) push
(people into Jahannam, referring to the angels of punishment stationed in Jahannam, each of
whom are more powerful than all of mankind). Never! (His acts cannot be condoned.) You (O
Rasulullaah p) should never obey him (in the future just as you had never done in the past) !
Continue prostrating (performing salaah without being intimidated by anyone) and (continue)
drawing closer (to Allaah).
Allaah says in verse 2 of Surah Jumu'ah:
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بُوَ الَّذِئْ بَعَثَ فِى الْأُمَّيِّنَ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْهُمْ يَتْلُوْا عَلَيْهِمْ أَيْتِمِ وَ يُزَكَّتِهِمْ وَ يُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتُبَ وَ الْحِكْمَةَ * وَ إِنْ كَانُوْا
مِنْ قَبْلُ لَفِىْ ضَلَلٍ مُّبِيْنٍ ﴾(٢)
It is He Who sent among the unlettered (illiterate) nation (the Arabs) a Rasool p
from themselves (an Arab himself) who recites His Aayaat (of the Qur'aan) to them,
(spiritually) purifies them and teaches them the Book (the Qur'aan) and wisdom
(the Sunnah). Without doubt, they (most of the Arabs) were in clear deviation
before this (before the preaching of Rasulullaah p).
Verses 128-129 of Surah Taubah state:
لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُوْلٌ مِّنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ رَءُوفٌ رَّحِيمٌ (١٢٨) فَإِنْ تَوَلَّوْا
فَقُلْ حَسْبِىَ اللهُ وْ لَا إِلَهَ الََّبُوَ ﴿ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَبُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيْمِ (١٢٩)٪
TRANSLATION: Undoubtedly a Rasool p from yourselves has come to you (someone whose
lineage, morals, manners and integrity you know well). The difficulties that afflict you are very
distressing to him. He is anxious for (good to come to) you and extremely forgiving and
merciful (gentle and kind) towards the Mu'mineen. If they turn away, then say, "Allaah is
sufficient for me (even if the whole world turns against me). There is none worthy of worship
besides Him. On Him only do I rely and He is the Rabb of the glorious Throne." (I therefore
do not fear you if you turn against me. However, you have to worry about your own condition if you
refuse to accept Imaan.)
Verse 164 of Surah Aal Imraan states:
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لَقَدْ مَنَّ اللهُ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِيْنَ إِذْ بَعَثَ فِيْهِمْ رَسُوْلًا مِّنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ يَتْلُوْا عَلَيْهِمْ أَيْتِهِ وَيُزَكَّتِهِمْ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمُ الْكِتُبَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَ
إِنْ كَانُوْا مِنْ قَبْلُ لَفِئَ ضَلْلٍ مُّبِيْنِ (١٢٣)
TRANSLATION: Allaah has certainly favoured the Mu'mineen by sending in their midst a
Rasool (Rasulullaah p) from among them who recites to them His verses (of the Qur'aan),
purifies them (from corrupt beliefs, Shirk, disobedience) and teaches them the Book (Qur'aan)
and wisdom (the Sunnah). There is no doubt that these people were in open error before
this (before the coming of Rasulullaah p).
Verse 7 of Surah Shura states:
وَكَذَلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ قُرْأَنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَتُنْذِرَ أُمَّ الْقُرَى وَ مَنْ حَوْلَهَا وَ تُنْذِرَ يَوْمَ الْجَمْعِ لَا رَيْبَ فِيْهِ ٥* فَرِيْقٌ فِى
الْجَنَّةِ وَ فَرِيْقٌ فِى السَّعِيْرِ (٧)
TRANSLATION: In this manner (as We have been sending revelation to you, O Rasulullaah p) did
We reveal the Arabic Qur'aan to you so that you may warn the (inhabitants of the) Mother of
all cities (Makkah), and those around her; and so that you may warn them about the Day of
Gathering (the Day of Qiyaamah), about which there is no doubt. (Once judgement is passed on
the Day of Qiyaamah,) A group (the Mu'mineen) shall be in Jannah, while another (the Kuffaar)
shall be in the Blaze (Jahannam).
Verses 52-53 of Surah Shura state:
وَكَذْلِكَ أَوْحَيْنَا إِلَيْكَ رُوْحًا مِّنْ آَمْرِنَا * مَا كُنْتَ تَدْرِى مَا الْكِتُبُ وَ لَا الْإِيْمَانُ وَ لَكِنْ جَعَلْتُهُ نُوْرًا نَّهْدِى
بِ مَنْ نَّشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِنَا * وَ إِنَّكَ لَتَهْدِىُّ إِلَى صِرَاطٍ مُسْتَقِيمٍ (٥٢) صِرَاطِ اللهِ الَّذِىْ لَمَّ مَا فِى السَّمُوتِ
وَمَا فِى الْأَرْضِ ٥* أَلَا إِلَى اللهِ تَصِيْرُ الْأُمُورُ (٪٥٣)
959