The Seerah of

Al-Huda Summer Course

Why should we love the Prophet وسلم عليه الله صلى Seerah means a path (from the word seir which

means to walk); history of Islam – history of our religion

Develop proper love for him وسلم عليه الله is صلى‘ibadah; you love someone more when you get to know them more

His وسلم عليه الله character the embodiment of صلىkhulq

Pattern of understanding the progress and process of Islam: private → public

Developing our own identifiable identity: who we are and what we ought to be, and how

How will we be able to truly love the Prophet عليه الله صلى وسلم His وسلم عليه الله ,name means the “praised” one صلى

and name fulfills its meaning – by knowing and then following his seerah we will be praising the one Allah (swt) has Chosen to be the Final Prophet not just for Muslims, but for the entire humanity and worlds

By making the Qur’an part of our lives by knowing and following his وسلم عليه الله Sunnah as his صلى

وسلم عليه الله life is a model that demonstrates صلىwhat Allah expects of us:

ه� الل ول� س� ر� ف�ي �م� �ك ل �ان� ك �ق�د� �ة� ل ن ح�س� �و�ة س�� �و�م� أ �ي و�ال ه� الل ج�و �ر� ي �ان� ك �م�ن� لخ �ر� اآل� ا و�ذ�ك �ير, �ث ك ه� الل

Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad الله صلىوسلم you have a perfect example to follow for him (عليه

who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. (Al-Ahzab: 21)

The Prophet’s عليه الله صلى lineage وسلم Name “Muhammad”: eternally praised,

“Ahmad”: who praises… Allah the most, root: h-m-d: praise

Prophet also called “Mustafa” – the Chosen one; Allah (swt) Chose him وسلم عليه الله صلىas the best in every way; even his الله صلى

وسلم lineage was impeccable: Kinana عليه(descendents of Ismail [as]) → Quraysh (the tribe) → Banu Hashim (the clan)

Born in Arabia, Arabs known for their chivalry and hospitality – values later on polished and perfected by Islam

Lineage contd…

Father of monotheistic faiths: Ibrahim (as) Mother: Hajrah (as) Their (I and H’s) son: Ismail (as) The story of the well of Zamzam; well in a desert attractedtribe of warriors called Jurham who spoke Arabic and

Ismail (as)grew in their company Descendants of Ismail (as) were the Quraysh ‘Hashim’ was named after the Prophet’s great-

grandfather ‘Amr b. Kusaiyi who was nick-named Hashim

‘Abd al-Muttalib (had 10 sons) → ‘Abdullah → Muhammad وسلم عليه الله صلى

Muhammad وسلم عليه الله the صلىPerson before Prophethood – Birth,

Adolescence and Marriage Muhammad’s وسلم عليه الله personality صلى

different from others Hard childhood: lost father, ‘Abdullah even

before he was born, then lost mother, Aaminah when he was six, then lost grandfather, ‘Abd al-Muttalib when eight, then taken care of by uncle, Abu Talib till he was forty; no siblings to support him; lonely orphan’s plight in Arabia

His وسلم عليه الله fitrah: did not indulge in صلىpartying or idol-worship; was contemplative by nature

Muhammad وسلم عليه الله the صلىPerson before Prophethood – Birth, Adolescence and Marriage… Responsibility of ‘shepherd’ – following the

Sunnah of the Prophets: why shepherd…o Accountability of shepherd for his herd, a monitoro Protects herd from seen and unseen danger o Animals closer to earth, has to be in touch with

Nature, closeness to Allah as it pulls you away from artificial, urbanized life-style

o Simplicity yet hardness of the desert Hadith: “You are all shepherds, and each is

responsible for his/her flock.” “Stick with the flock because the wolf

(Shaytan) eats the estranged sheep.”

Muhammad وسلم عليه الله the صلىPerson before Prophethood – Birth, Adolescence and Marriage… Profession ↔ Personality

Our work affects our temperament;Muhammad وسلم عليه الله demonstrated forbearance صلىand patience yet extreme love for his ummah just as a shepherd shows affection and authority for his flock; he is their leader and their caretaker, has responsibility and authority over them

ر� و ف� غ� ف� غ ل ا غ � م� ف� غ� و ف� ف� م� ف� غل م� ف� م� غ� غ ف� غ ل ا ف� ف� م� ف� م� ف� ف�ي و �ف ف� � غ ا غ غ� غ ل ا غ! و �ف ف� �ف م� ف" ف$ن ! ف%ار� ف'ي � غ“…If you (really) love Allah then follow me ( عليه الله صلى follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love ,وسلمyou and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Aal-‘Imran: 31)

Muhammad وسلم عليه الله the صلىPerson before Prophethood – Birth, Adolescence and Marriage… Marriage to Khadija (ra), a powerful

business-woman, hired Muhammad الله صلىوسلم for his honesty and عليه

trustworthiness; admirable qualities, she proposed and he agreed

Values to seek in one whom we are to marry: not his وسلم عليه الله wealth or صلىname or background but integrity

Societal/cultural ideas about marriage: he وسلم عليه الله ;was 25, she (ra) was 40 صلى

bond built on respect of character and mutual understanding

Prophethood

Contemplative by nature; the jahilliyah of his وسلم عليه الله time worried him and صلىhe would think and ponder over the condition of his society (rather than accepting and complaining about the ignorance that surrounded him)

Searched for answers and the Truth of his وسلم عليه الله forefathers Ibrahim and صلى

Ismail (as);; seclusion in Mount Hira to be with himself to ponder

Disillusioned by his people and their ways

Prophethood

Jibrail (as) came in his angelic form asked him عليه الله صلى to recite – twice – the command “recite (or read)” and وسلمthe Prophet وسلم عليه الله being unlettered declined صلى

First Words of Revelation: �ق� ل خ� ذ�ي ال 3ك� ب ر� � م �اس� ب

� أ اق�ر��ق6 ع�ل م�ن� ان� �س� �ن اإل� ل�ق� خ�

م� �ر� ك� األ� ;ك� ب و�ر�

� أ اق�ر� � �م �ق�ل �ال ب م� ع�ل ذ�ي ال

�م� �ع�ل ي �م� ل م�ا ان� �س� �ن اإل� م� ع�ل Read [Recite]! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created, Has created man from a clot. Read [Recite]! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught by the pen, Has taught man that which he knew not.

Prophethood…

The first Word: أ and the Word “Qur’an” are اق�ر�phonetically similar: emphasis on Knowledge, and no Knowledge being comparable to the Knowledge given to us by Allah through the Qur’an for we “know not” and what He has Taught us in the Qur’an and through His Messenger وسلم عليه الله is Perfect صلى

Allah is Our Creator and our birth is a miracle (man made from a clot) just as the Qur’an is the Final Miracle of the Final Prophet عليه الله صلى who recited the Revelation despite his being وسلمunlettered

Hadith: “Knowledge precedes action”; The jahilliyah lacked knowledge and hence were

ignorant

Prophet’s عليه الله صلى reaction وسلم He وسلم عليه الله said to Khadija (ra): “Wrap صلى

me, wrap me in a garment”; she (ra) said: “Allah will never forsake you as you are righteous”

His وسلم عليه الله reaction was normal: he صلىwas terrified and thought it were a hallucination or magic and his wife comforted him rather than doubting or ridiculing him; she gave him the support that he needed at the time

Waraqah b. Nawfal (ra), Christian scholar (who embraced Islam immediately henceforth) and cousin to Khadija (ra) reassured them both – the Truth was confirmed and the Final Prophet had been Chosen

Order of Subsequent Revelations The Second and Third Revelations: Al-

Muddathir, Chapter 74 and Al-Muzzammil, Chapter 73

3ر� �م�د ث ال ;ه�ا ي� أ �ا ي�ذ�ر� ن

� ف�أ ق�م�3ر� �ب ف�ك ك� ب و�ر�

O you (Muhammad وسلم عليه الله (صلىenveloped (in garments)!

Arise and warn! And your Lord (Allah) magnify!

Order of Subsequent Revelations

م3ل� �م�ز ال ;ه�ا ي� أ �ا ي

�يال, ق�ل �ال إ �ل� ي الل � ق�م�يال, ق�ل �ه� م�ن �ق�ص� ان و�

� أ �ص�ف�ه� ن�يال, ت �ر� ت آن� �ق�ر� ال 3ل� ت و�ر� �ه� �ي ع�ل ز�د� و�

� أ�ق�يال, ث ق�و�ال, �ك� �ي ع�ل �ق�ي �ل ن س� ا �ن إ

O you wrapped in garments (i.e. Prophet Muhammad الله صلىوسلم !(عليه

Stand (to pray) all night, except a little. Half of it, or a little less than that, Or a little more; and recite the Qur’an (aloud) in a slow,

(pleasant tone and) style. Verily, We shall send down to you a weighty Word (i.e.

obligations, legal laws, etc.)

Order of Subsequent Revelations Order: أ ق�م� → ق�م� →اق�ر� Entire programme of action for Islam laid

in this order: Knowledge → Action → Worship

Knowledge will enable one to act and one must act as Allah’s slave and according to His Teachings

The movement of da‘wah should be from the Private to the Public

The ignorance or reluctance that one is “wrapped” in must be cast off

First Public Revelation and Response The First Public Revelation: Ash-Shu‘ara, Chapter 26, Verse

214�ين ب ق�ر�

� األ� �ك� ت ير� ع�ش� �ذ�ر� ن� و�أ

And warn your tribe (O Muhammad وسلم عليه الله of near (صلىkindred.

Response to the Reaction: Al-Masadd, Chapter 111, Verses 1 and 2

�ب و�ت �ه�ب6 ل �ي ب� أ �د�ا ي ت� �ب ت

ب� �س� ك و�م�ا �ه� م�ال �ه� ع�ن Pى� غ�ن� أ م�ا

Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab (an uncle of the Prophet صلىوسلم عليه الله

) and perish he! His wealth and his children (etc.) will not benefit him.

First Public Revelation and Response Asked to “Warn” his وسلم عليه الله صلى

kindred and society The Truth that went against the norm (of

the jahilliyah) was challenged and hence was met with doubt, mockery defiance, and later and eventually persecution

The Response was expressed as a Curse that all those who oppose the Truth would “Perish” and what we still hold dear to: our wealth, children, status would do us no good

Events Leading to Persecution First believer and First Lady of Islam:

Khadija (ra), first slave to embrace Islam: Zaid b. Harith (ra), first child: Ali b. Abi Talib (ra), first free man: Abu Bakr

Sadiq and Amin, the two names given to Muhammad وسلم عليه الله due to his صلىintegrity; again, focus on his righteousness

Gathered his وسلم عليه الله people and صلىcalled on to them at Mount Saffa using the word, “Wasubha” which was for alarm and warning; people testified to the truth of his character; first public speech was simple: “I am here to warn you of a punishment that’ll befall if you do not pay heed.”

Events Leading to Persecution Abu Lahab’s blunt reaction: “You’ve عليه الله صلى :gathered us for this!”; Response from Allah وسلمSurah Al-Masadd

Love for duniya blinds us and makes us indifferent towards the reality of akhirah; Arabs were rich and busy tradesmen and talk of Jannah and Jahannum was a waste of time for them; Allah’s Response: wealth and children (what you run after) would not benefit you and you will perish

Arch-enemies of Islam then: Abu Jahl (Father of Ignorance), Abu Lahab, Utba b. Rabi’ah, Mughirah b. Utbah, Ummayah b. Khalaf, Uqbah b. Abi Mo’id; reported by ‘Abdullah b. Masud: “I have seen with my own eyes that all these men were killed in the Battle of Badr.”

Pattern of Persecution

The Prophet وسلم عليه الله faced opposition in the صلىfollowing ways:

o Mockeryo Insultso Injuryo Defamation of the Messageo Bargaining and negotiation (by the opponents)o Allurements o Setting challenges o Jealousyo Attempts of assassination The Prophet وسلم عليه الله and his steadfast followers صلى

were patient during each of the above schemes intended to undermine their mission and they did not give up but stood firm; examples: the plight of Bilal (ra), Summaiya (ra) and her husband Yasir (ra), Prophet’s journey to Taif

Later Events

Migration to Abyssinia: i) 12 men and 4 women; ii) 83 men, 19 women; Jafar b. Abi Talib (ra) selected as spokesperson in front of the ruler, Najashi

Skill of da‘wah: Surah Maryam selected to be recited: message of Tawhid, common grounds of Christianity and Islam, and general morals of the deen of Islam; the Muslims were therefore protected as Najashi was moved by the Message and the plan of the opponents was duly foiled

Why the minor hijrah to Abyssinia: o To flee persecution o Safeguard faith o Giving up social and cultural heritage/status for the deen o In search of justiceo Arabs familiar with Abyssiniao Abysinnians were Christians (a monotheistic faith as

opposed to the mushriks of Makkah)

Later Events

Reversion of Hamza b. Abi Muttalib (ra), his uncle and Umar b. Khattab (ra), one of the most powerful men of Makkah; Islam’s force being fortified

Base in Abysinnia, Umar (ra) and Hamza (ra) led to mounting frustration of the Quraysh; embargo began in Makkah and Banu Hashim was boycotted until the Prophet وسلم عليه الله ;was surrendered صلىembargo eventually lifted after 2-3 years due to the efforts of Hisham b. Harith

Later Events

Splitting of the moon:The Makkans kept asking for a sign despite the ayahs of the

Qur’an;

�ق�م�ر� ال ق و�انش� اع�ة� الس �ت� ب �ر� اق�ت

The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder

Sم�ر� ت م;س� �ح�ر س� �وا �ق�ول و�ي �ع�ر�ض�وا ي �ة, آي و�ا �ر� ي �ن و�إ

And if they see a sign, they turn away, and say: “This is continuous magic.”

Sق�ر� ت م;س� م�ر6� أ �ل; و�ك ه�و�اء�ه�م�

� �ع�واأ ب و�ات �وا �ذ ب �و�ك

They belied (the Qur’an), and followed their own lusts. And every matter will be settled.

Later Events

The Prophet وسلم عليه الله was accused صلىof magic, revelation of Surah Qamar; Makkans gathered at Mina

Importance of the splitting of the moon: this sign cannot be compared to any of the Signs of the Prophets as this was witnessed in the vastness of the universe going beyond the laws of Nature confirming the Truth brought forth by the Prophet الله صلى

وسلم as the miracle took place in the عليهskies and was witnessed on earth.

Later Events

‘Aam al-Huzn, the Year of Grief After embargo, Abu Talib, his uncle and man who

had supported him despite his disbelief died on the “religion of my father Abu Muttalib” despite the Prophet’s وسلم عليه الله plea to make him recite صلىthe shahadah – the man who supported him الله صلى

وسلم from the age of 8 to 50 left him and he عليهوسلم عليه الله was Forbidden by Allah to seek صلى

forgiveness for him: mission is to convey, not to convert

Two months later, Khadija (ra) died; the Prophet الله صلى

وسلم was completely dismayed and prayed to عليهAllah and set all his reliance on Him alone through tawwakul despite his loneliness and plight

Later Events

Reward – the Night Journey or the Me‘raj The Prophet وسلم عليه الله traveled from صلى

Makkah to the Heavens up to Bayt ul-Ma‘mur (The Ka‘bah of the Heavens) to Jerusalem and back during one night accompanied by Jibrail (as) and he وسلم عليه الله met with the following صلىanbiya respectively at each of the 7 levels: Adam (as), ‘Isa and Yahya (as), Yusuf (as), Idris (as), Harun (as), Musa (as) and lastly, Ibrahim (as)

Then he وسلم عليه الله saw the Sidrah-tul صلىMuntaha (end of the Heavens and beginning of the realm of the afterlife) then he عليه الله صلى went higher up till he met and spoke to وسلمAllah (swt)… Who Commanded nothing but salah – the daily prayer

The Lessons of the Night Journey The importance of the commandment of salah – the only Order

Given by Allah from the Heavens to the Prophet عليه الله صلى the number of the daily prayers reduced on Musa’s (as) ;وسلمinsistence and advice from 50 to 5 (and the reward of the 5 being set at 50) and the Muslims’ negligence for the commandment made by Allah to the Prophet وسلم عليه الله in صلىperson

The Prophet وسلم عليه الله leading all the anbiya in prayer at صلىJerusalem’s Bayt al-Muqqadas signifying his stature as the Seal of the Prophets and the testimony of all the anbiya; the importance of Jerusalem as the Holy Land

Reward from Allah in the time of the Prophet’s وسلم عليه الله صلىdifficulty and dismay; the best is Reserved for you by Allah even in the hardest of times; one must be patience and have trust in Allah’s Mercy

A Sign for the people of Makkah to yet again believe in the Prophet وسلم عليه الله although he was still denied صلى

The Hijrah – Background

Yathrib divided into tribes of Aws and Khazraj (who after hijrah became the Ansar or the Protectors/Helpers), plus the Jewish population (tribes of Thalabah, Hudl, Qurayzah, Nadir and Qaynuqa)

The Prophet وسلم عليه الله met with the Khazraj and صلىthey accepted Islam; Aws and Khazraj in constant warfare and needed a promising leader to herald peace, monotheism of Islam appealed to them as they were familiar with Jewish beliefs

Acceptance of Islam by six men, after one year the Pledge of Aqabah took place, the next year 70 people embraced Islam

The search and need for a base to safeguard Islam was rewarded after nearly 12 years of struggle

The Hijrah – Background

After 12 years of struggle and strife hope for Islam’s progress was seen; The Prophet وسلم عليه الله was Commanded by Allah to صلىmigrate despite his love for Makkah, where he had lived for 52 years:

(Command of Hijrah): Az-Zumar, Verse 10

م�ا �ن إ �ع�ة ه�و�اس� الل ر�ض�� و�أ ��ة ن �اح�س� �ي الد;ن Pذ�ه� ه�ـ ف�ي �وا ن �ح�س� أ ذ�ين� �ل ل �م� ك ب ق�وار� ات �وا آم�ن ذ�ين� ال �اد� ب ع� �ا ي �ق�ل� � �

�ر�ح�س�اب6 �غ�ي ج�ر�ه�م�ب� أ �ر�ون� �و�ف ىالص اب ي

Say (O Muhammad وسلم عليه الله O My slaves who believe, be“ :(صلىafraid of your

Lord and keep your duty to Him. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this

world, and Allah’s earth is spacious (so if you cannot worship Allah at a place, then go to

another)! Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.”

Hijrah – The Journey, Concept and Process Revelation to emigrate for the Cause of Allah:

whoever leaves something for Allah, He’ll bestow something greater

Plots to kill The Prophet وسلم عليه الله mainly) صلىheaded by Abu Jahl); but Allah is the Best of Planners (3:54);

He وسلم عليه الله made special dua‘ for safe entry صلىand exit and of a supporting authority to accompany him (17:80); Abu Bakr (ra) asked him the next day if he could accompany him وسلم عليه الله he ;صلىagreed and he (ra) wept for it was an honour to make that momentous journey with the Prophet الله صلى

وسلم عليه

The Hijrah…

Journey was that of fear yet trust; no risk can be taken without faith; tawwakul on Allah despite the real threat of the persecutors, The Prophet وسلم عليه الله comfort to Abu صلىBakr (ra)

In the Cave: At-Taubah, Chapter 9, Verse 40ف� غ ال غ( غ* م� غ+ا غ � غنا �غ غ- غ� غ ال !غ ف%ا م! غ* م� �غ غ/ا ف� ف� ف' غ0ا فل ف( ف1و غ� م� ف%ا ف� غ�ا مل ا ف ي غ2ا ف3 م� ف%ا ف4 مي غن م5 ا غي ف� غ5ا ف� ا غ� غ$ غ4 ف�6 ل غ ا ف� غ7 غ� م8 غ+ا م� ف%ا ف� غ ال ف9 غ� غ0 غ� م: غ1 غ ف9 ف� ف0 من �غ /ا غ ف%ا

ر� ف�ي غ' ر* ف*� غ; ف� غ غ ال � غيا م �ف مل ا غي ف3 ف� غ ال ف> غ2 ف غ$ غ � ى= غ م� ?ف ال ف� ا غ� غ$ غ4 ف�6 ل غ ا غ> غ2 ف غ$ غ@ �غ غ7 غ غ3ا م غ� �غ م� غل Aد فنو Cف ف� ف9 غ: � غ غ+ا غ ف� مي غ غ; ف� غ" غن ف�ي DغIf you help him (Muhammad وسلم عليه الله not (it does ( صلىnot matter), for Allah did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of two, when they (Muhammad وسلم عليه الله and Abu Bakr) were in the صلىcave, and he ( وسلم عليه الله said to his companion (Abu (صلىBakr): “Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us;” then Allah sent down His Sakinah upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while it was the Word of Allah that became the uppermost, and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

The Hijrah…

Soldiers of Allah: even the weakest of Creation can be His soldier: The spider – its web the most feeble of houses yet Used to protect them

Stayed for 3 days; meeting with Suraha who later became their bodyguard, stay at Umm-e Ma’bat’s house who later became Muslim

The Hijrah…

Hadith: “Hijrah is to leave what Allah (swt) Dislikes.” From (move from) sin → (submit to) obedience; make hijrah (h-j-r: to separate) from something impure to pure

Rationale: o Unlike hijrah to Abyssinia, this was to establish an

Islamic community o economic boom: brought talents of the Makkans and

the Medinians together; o manifestation of the conflict between good and evil; o Sunnah of the anbiya’ – to face harship and then

emigrate for the Cause of Allah

Arrival to Medina

Arrived at Quba (September 4, 622), zenith of sun, the Prophet وسلم عليه الله was first spotted by the صلىJews of Yathrib; first mosque built at Quba (reward for offering 2 rak‘ah prayer = ‘umrah); Long-awaited arrival, Medinians rejoiced, gave gifts, offered lodgings etc)

Ethnic variety in Medina: 2 tribes of Aws and Khazraj (who became the Ansar) were Arabs, 3 tribes of Jews (Qurayzah, Nadir and Qaynuqa’); conflict and bitter relations between themselves (A + K) and the Jews; different beliefs and practices – Islam expected to unify which was not easy

‘Abdullah b. Ubayy; chief of the Khazraj tribe showed resentment as he was to be the next leader but the Prophet وسلم عليه الله was chosen by the people as صلىtheir leader; later became the head of the Munafiquun (hypocrites)

At Medina

4 major projects: o Institution of the Masjid – organized worshipo Establishment of Brotherhood between

Ansar (people of Medina, the Aws and Khazraj and the Muhajirs (people of Makkah, the migrants)

o Covenant that governed relationship between the different people of Medina (The Arab tribes, the Muhajirs and the Jews)

o Establishment of the army

At Medina… The Masjid

At Quba and then Masjid-al Nabawi; o Center for learning for Muslims, expansion of the role of

the Dar al-Arqam (at Makkah) which was private, this was public and out in the open; halaqahs (study circles) carried out for tarbiyah of the Muslims

o Location of his وسلم عليه الله living quarters صلىo Organized worship and establishment of salah and adhan; house

where His Name could be exalted; a place of sakinah and Allah’s Rahma, surrounded by Angels, and those gathered therein will have their names mentioned in a gathering better than theirs

o Social/community center; function of the jam‘at to signify unityo Dwelling place for the wayfarers and poor (Ahl-al Suffa and

Abu Hurayrah [ra]) o Departure point of armieso Center for da‘wah (Christians from Najran and Yemen)

At Medina… Brotherhood

Command: Aal-‘Imran, Verse 103 and An-Anfal, Verses 72 and 74

ق�وا �ف�ر ت و�ال� ج�م�يع,ا ه� الل �ل� ب �ح� ب �ص�م�وا ف�  و�اع�ت �ل ف�أ �ع�د�اء, أ �م� �ت �ن ك �ذ� إ �م� �ك �ي ع�ل ه� الل �ع�م�ت� ن وا �ر� و�اذ�كع�ل�ى �م� �ت �ن و�ك ,ا �خ�و�ان إ �ه� �ع�م�ت �ن ب �م� ت �ح� ص�ب

� ف�أ �م� �ك �وب ق�ل �ن� �ي �ه�ا Pب م�ن �م� �ق�ذ�ك ن� ف�أ ار� الن م�ن� ة6 ح�ف�ر� ف�ا  ش�

�ذ� �د�ون Pك �ه�ت ت �م� ك �ع�ل ل �ه� �ات آي �م� �ك ل ه� الل 3ن� �ي �ب ي �ك� ل

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (i.e. the Qur’an), and be not

divided among yourselves, and remember Allah’s Favor on you, for you were enemies one

to another but He joined your hearts together, so that, by His Grace, you became brethren

and you were on the brink of a pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus Allah makes

His Ayat clear to you, that you may be guided.

وا �ص�ر� و�ن آو�و�ا ذ�ين� و�ال ه� الل �يل� ب س� ف�ي ه�م� �ف�س� ن� و�أ �ه�م� م�و�ال

� �أ ب و�ج�اه�د�وا وا و�ه�اج�ر� �وا آم�ن ذ�ين� ال �ن إ�ع�ض�ه�م� ب �ك� Pئ �ـ ول

� �ع�ض6 أ ب �اء� �ي و�ل� ىP  أ ت ح� ي�ء6 ش� م�ن� �ه�م� �ت ي و�ال� م�ن� �م� �ك ل م�ا وا �ه�اج�ر� ي �م� و�ل �وا آم�ن ذ�ين� و�ال

وا �ه�اج�ر� �اق�  ي �ه�م�م�يث �ن �ي و�ب �م� �ك �ن �ي 6ب ع�ل�ىPق�و�م �ال إ ص�ر� �م�الن �ك �ي ف�ع�ل ف�يالد3ين� �م� �ص�ر�وك �ن اس�ت �ن� ر�  و�إ ي ف0 غ� غ! و ف غ2 �م �غ ا غ2 ف� ف� غ ل ا غ

Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allah as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, - these are (all) allies to one another. And as to those who believed but did not emigrate (to you O Muhammad وسلم عليه الله you owe no duty of protection to them ,( صلىuntil they emigrate, but if they seek your help in religion, it is your duty to help them except against a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, and Allah is the All-Seer of what you do.

ح�قdا �ون� �م�ؤ�م�ن ال ه�م� �ك� Pئ �ـ ول� أ وا �ص�ر� و�ن آو�و�ا ذ�ين� و�ال ه� الل �يل� ب س� ف�ي و�ج�اه�د�وا وا و�ه�اج�ر� �وا آم�ن ذ�ين�  و�ال

ر� ف�� غ$ Eر Fم ف� غ Gر غ� ف� م� غ- م� Hف غل

And those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard in the Cause of Allah (Al-Jihad), as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid; - these are the believers in truth, for them is forgiveness and Rizqun Kareem (a generous provision i.e. Paradise).  

At Medina… Brotherhood

Basis of bond of brotherhood was iman – faith-based community; not built on family ties, social-standing, tribal bonds etc.; question of loyalty: who should be considered an ally and WHY?; loyalty should be given to none but Allah and His Messenger وسلم عليه الله ,and those who صلىtherefore, follow Islam

Migrants in need of help; the Ansar pledged to help them; brotherhood established in pairs at first which later on was dissolved when circumstances stabilized

The Prophet وسلم عليه الله ,instilled spirit of gratitude صلى“one who is not grateful towards people is not grateful towards Allah”

Hadith: “Only a believer would love them (the Ansar) and only a munafiq (hypocrite) will hate them. Whoever loves them, Allah will love him; whoever hates them, Allah will hate him.”

At Medina… The Covenant

The covenant or the Al-Waseeqa was written to govern the relationship between the different ethnic groups in Medina

It stipulated conditions for the welfare of the citizens of Medina and was issued in the Name of Allah and on grounds of justice and equality

The good was to upheld and enjoined and the bad was to be forbidden

Believers were urged to offer all forms of help, shelter, sanctuary; rules for fighting in and for Allah’s Cause were established; rules for retaliation and punishment were also instated

Jews were to pay their own expenses along with Muslims as long as they were allies in warfare; Jews were to have their own religion and Muslims their own but none would go to war except with the permission of Muhammad وسلم عليه الله صلى

All matters of difference must be referred to Allah and His Messenger وسلم عليه الله صلى

War and War Ethics

Threat from Quraysh in Makkah real; Muslims established their army whose fidelity was to Allah and His Cause only

The tradition of the ghazu: an acquisition raid which was was an unavoidable necessity during times of scarcity and a custom of the Bedouin tradition upheld by the Prophet صلى

وسلم عليه الله The last day of Rajab and Muslims drew first

blood; Prophet’s وسلم عليه الله confusion صلى(Rajab one of the four sacred months in which fighting forbidden)

War and War Ethics…

Revelation of Confirmation: Al-Baqarah, Verse 217د� ج� �م�س� و�ال �ه� ب ��ف�ر و�ك ه� الل �يل� ب س� ع�ن Sو�ص�د ��ير �ب ف�يه�ك ��ال ق�ت ق�ل� ف�يه� �ال6 ق�ت � ام �ح�ر� ال ه�ر� الش ع�ن� �ك� �ون �ل أ �س� �

�ل� �ق�ت ال م�ن� �ر� �ب ك� أ �ة� �ن �ف�ت و�ال ه� ع�ند�الل �ر� �ب ك

� أ �ه� م�ن �ه� ه�ل� أ اج� �خ�ر� و�إ � ام �ح�ر� �ال

They ask you concerning fighting in the Sacred Months (i.e. 1st, 7th, 11th and 12th

months of the Islamic calendar). Say “Fighting therein is a great (transgression) but a

greater (transgression) with Allah is to prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah,

to disbelieve in Him, to prevent access to Al Masjid-Al-Haram (at Makkah), and to

drive out its inhabitants, and oppression (Al Fitnah) is worse than killing.

19 battles (major and minor) fought in all by the Prophet عليه الله صلى وسلم

Jihad (j-h-d = struggle or to exert oneself) to be understood as struggle for Allah against one own base self (nafs) and against all others who “prevent mankind from following the Way of Allah” (2:217)

Summary of Significant Battles Badr: 2 A.H.; (favors mentioned by Allah in Al-Anfal) 314 Muslims vs. Makkans led by Abu Jahl; Angels sent

down as Allah’s Soldiers: د�ف�ين� م�ر� �ة� �ك ئ �م�ال� ال م3ن� �ل�ف6 �أ ب �م م�م�د;ك 3ي ن

� أ �م� �ك ل �ج�اب� ت ف�اس� �م� ك ب ر� �ون� �غ�يث ت �س� ت �ذ� :إ(Remember) when you sought help of your Lord and He answered you (saying): “I will help you with a thousand of the angels each behind the other (following one another) in succession.” (8:7)

Quraysh deprived of water and rain sent down by Allah to remove doubt from the fighters’ hearts and terror was cast into the disbelievers’ hearts

Other events: Muhammad وسلم عليه الله married Hafsa صلى(ra); Ali (ra) married Fatima (ra), Ruqqayah (ra) died; Banu Qaynuqa’ broke the Covenant, siege of 2 weeks but no violence

Summary of Significant Battles Uhad: 3 A.H.; Abu Sufyan leading 3000 men vs 1000 Muslims

(3:1 ratio); Jews refused to fight (Banu Nadir broke agreement and helped Abu Sufyan; later tribe expelled to Khyber after 2 weeks siege), Ibn Ubayy withdrew;

Issue of the archers, disobeyed Muhammad’s صلىوسلم عليه command to hold ground (3:121) الله

Other events: 2 years 2 Jewish tribes expelled, Muslims began to control markets held by Jews; Muhammad وسلم عليه الله married Umm-e صلىSalamah ([ra] daughter of Abi Ummayah)

Summary of Significant Battles Trench: 5 A.H.; (details mentioned in Al-Ahzab) 10,000 Makkans vs. 3000 Muslims; all sides of

Medina protected except the North; Salman Farsi’s (ra) idea to dig the trench; one-month heavy siege in which Muslims showed extreme forbearance (33:10-11); Ibn Ubayy and munafiqs raised doubt (33:12); Abu Sufyan recognized defeat

Treason of the Jews: Banu Qurayzah supported the Quraysh; exiled Banu Nadir chief tried to persuade Qurayzah to enter and attack from rear or smuggle 200 Nadiris to slaughter women and children; initial reluctance but eventually agreed but Qurayzah failed to deliver

Battle of The Trench…

Punishment of the Jews: Jews asked Sa‘d b. Muadh, a former ally of the Jews to be an arbiter and todeliver a verdict; Muhammad وسلم عليه الله agreed; Sa‘d’s judgment صلى

overthe security risk and manifest treason of the Jews: 700 men to be

executed,women and children taken as slaves and property to be taken by Muslims;decision confirmed by Allah in 29:46 and approved by Muhammad الله صلى

وسلم You have judged according to the ruling of Allah above the“ :عليهseven

skies.” Violation of trust and threat to the Muslim ummah; decision moderated

by their former trusted confidante but crime inexcusable and far worse than Banu Nadir and Qaynuqa’s

Events Preceding Return to Makkah… Hudaibiyyah March 628, 6 A.H.; Muhammad وسلم عليه الله dreamed of صلى

Hajj, pilgrims to enter without arms to the Holy City – nature of Makkah as sanctuary, Hajj as pinnacle of ‘ibadah

2000 men led by Khalid b. Walid to attack pilgrims Qaswa’s refusal to budge at Hudaibiyyah; “sit-in” of the

pilgrims; Uthman b. Affan (ra) sent as goodwill ambassador but false news of his death

Oath of Rizwan (Good Pleasure); Uthman not killed after all, negotiations with the Quraysh

Suhayl b. ‘Amr, chief of the clan of Amir in Makkah, pious pagan, stipulated conditions that were clearly disadvantageous to the Muslims; a proper “secular” document

Rituals of Hajj to be completed at Hudaibiyyah; pilgrims’ anxiety, Muhammad’s وسلم عليه الله confusion; Umm-e صلىSalamah’s (ra) suggestion for him وسلم عليه الله to take صلىinitiative and others followed suit

Hudaibiyyah

Return to Medina; Revelation of Surah Al-Fath; “open victory”:

,ا �ين م;ب �ح,ا ف�ت �ك� ل �ا ن �ح� ف�ت ا �ن إVerily, We have given you (O Muhammad وسلم عليه الله a (صلى

manifest victory.�ق�يم,ا ت م;س� اط,ا ص�ر� �ك� �ه�د�ي و�ي �ك� �ي ع�ل �ه� �ع�م�ت ن �م �ت و�ي خ ر�

� �أ ت و�م�ا �ك� ذ�نب م�ن �ق�د م� ت م�ا ه� الل �ك� ل �غ�ف�ر� 3ي لThat Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future,

and complete His Favouron you, and guide you on the Straight Path,

ا ع�ز�يز, ا �ص�ر, ن ه� الل ك� �نص�ر� و�يAnd that Allah may help you with strong help.

�ه�م� �يم�ان إ م ع� ,ا �يم�ان إ د�اد�وا �ز� �ي ل �ين� �م�ؤ�م�ن ال ق�ل�وب� ف�ي �ة� �ين ك الس ل� نز�� أ ذ�ي ال �ه�و�

He it is Who sent down As-Sakinah into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more

in Faith along with their (present) Faith.

Hudaibiyyah…

Treaty of Hudaibiyyah managed to canvass much support; many embraced Islam henceforth, Revelation of Surah Nasr:

�ح� �ف�ت و�ال ه� الل �ص�ر� ن اء� ج� �ذ�ا إWhen there comes the Help of Allah (to you, O Muhammad

وسلم عليه الله .and the conquest (صلىا ف�و�اج,� أ ه� الل د�ين� ف�ي ل�ون� �د�خ� ي اس� الن �ت� ي

� أ و�ر�And you see that the people enter Allah’s religion (Islam) in

crowds.,ا �و اب ت �ان� ك ه� �ن إ ه� �غ�ف�ر� ت و�اس� 3ك� ب ر� �ح�م�د� ب 3ح� ب �ف�س�

So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask His Forgiveness. Verily, He is

the One Who accepts repentance and Who forgives.

Events Preceding Return to Makkah 629, 7 A.H.; the month of Hajj; 2600

pilgrims departed for ‘umrah Defeat at Mu’tah: death of Ja‘far, Zayd

and ten other Muslims, death of his صلىوسلم عليه daughter Zaynab الله

November 629, Quraysh broke the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah; the tribe of Bakr attacked the tribe of Khuza’ah that had joined Muhammad’s وسلم عليه الله صلىconfederacy

Return to Makkah

630, 10 Ramadhan, 8 A.H.; largest force of Muslims (nearly all the men of the ummah volunteered) plus Bedouin allies who joined the force along the road: number rose to 10,000

Abu Sufyan awe-struck by the zeal and spirit of the Muslim army, told the Makkans that defiance was now useless

Suhayl, Safwan and Ikrimah decided to attack a small band of Khalid b. Walid’s (ra) soldiers but fled soon after

Muslim army entered without striking a single blow

Conquest of Makkah

ه�وق,ا ز� �ان� ك �اط�ل� �ب ال �ن �اط�ل� إ �ب ال ه�ق� و�ز� �ح�ق; ال ج�اء� و�ق�ل� And say: “Truth has come and Batil (falsehood)

has vanished. Surely! Batil is ever bound to vanish.”

Al-‘Isra, Verse 81 Muhammad وسلم عليه الله – as the Iconoclast صلى

idols broken, shirk created by the jahilliyah removed; the Haram sanctified once more according to the values of his forefather, Ibrahim’s (as) deen; Hanif – the straight way i.e. Tawhid, the only deen i.e. Islam, the last Prophet وسلم عليه الله صلى

Conquest of Makkah

�ل� �ائ و�ق�ب ,ا ع�وب ش� �م� �اك �ن ع�ل و�ج� Pى� نث� و�أ �ر6 ذ�ك م3ن �م �اك �ق�ن ل خ� ا �ن إ اس� الن ;ه�ا ي

� أ �ا ي ��ير �يم�خ�ب ه�ع�ل الل �ن إ �م� �ق�اك ت

� ه�أ ع�ند�الل �م� �ر�م�ك ك� أ �ن إ �ع�ار�ف�وا �ت ل

O Mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)

Mount Safa, another declaration and invitation to Islam, full circle, he وسلم عليه الله began his صلىda‘wah from there

Quraysh pledged fealty to Islam; 10 people on the black-list who had injured Muhammad’s عليه الله صلى ;his family or spread anti-Muslim propaganda , وسلمsome on the list asked for pardon and they were spared

From Makkah Back to Medina January 630, Battle of Hunayn between

tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif who were ready for battle at Taif, Hawazin joined Muhammad وسلم عليه الله صلىconfederacy

Prayer made at the time hijrah fulfilled: Medina had made been more loving in his وسلم عليه الله eyes; chose to صلىreturn to Medina

Munafiquun and the Masjid-e Dharar

I Jف غHا غ� ?ف ال غ-4 آا غ2ا غ$ ف4 ف- Lم ف� غ+ا فلوا غMا Nف نا غ ال غ4 غ- آا غ2ا غ$ فنوا ف- آا م� Hف غل غ@ فMي غ�ا ف%ا غ! غ و ف2 غ �م غ� ا / غ ف�4 Oى غل غ Jف ا Hغ غ� ?ف ل ا ف� ف3 م� Hف � غ ف%ا ا غ/ غ+اAnd when it is said to them (hypocrites): “Believe as the people (followers of Muhammad وسلم عليه الله Al-Ansar ,صلىand Al-Muhajirun) have believed,” they say: “Shall we believe as the fools have believed?” Verily, they are the fools, but they know not.ف4 م� غ� ا غ2 � غ ف%ا م� ف� �غ غ- ا � غ ف%ا ا و فل ا Mغ م� Hف فن ي Pف ا غي Qغ ى= غل ف%ا ا مو غ غ8 ا غ� ف%ا غ ا ن غ غ- آا ا و فل ا Mغ ا و فن غ- آا غ4 � ف6 ل غ ا ا و ف1 غل ا غ� ف%ا غ

غ! و Rف ف* Hم غ" م? ف-And when they meet those who believe, they say: “We believe,” but when they are alone with their Shayatin, they say: “Truly, we are with you; verily, we were but mocking.”

غ! و Hف غ2 �م غ� م� Hف ف� ا غي م� Pف ي ف م� ف3 :ف ف2 غ� غ م� Hف ف� Sف ف* Hم غ" م? غ� ف� غ لAllah mocks at them and gives them increase in their wrong-doing to wander blindly.

Surah al-Baqarah: 13-15

Munafiqun and the Masjid-e Dharar Camp of Ibn Ubayy gained strength in his

وسلم عليه الله absence; mosque built by صلىthe Munafiqs called the Masjid-e Dharar which was destroyed on his وسلم عليه الله صلىarrival;

Death of Ibn Ubayy Mosque: a symbol of the unity and fraternity

of the Muslim ummah but its foundation built on anything other than love for the deen and the unity of ummah

Comparison with other mosques built on purity of iman

The Last Sermon (Khutbatul Wada’) Last Hajj of the Prophet وسلم عليه الله sermon ;صلى

given at Mosque Namira near Mount ‘Arafat “Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether

after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.”

Emphasis on the life of a Muslim as a sacred trust just as the city of Makkah, the ritual of Hajj, and the month of Hajj, of justice, of equity in money matters; of bewaring Shaytan; rights and duties towards wives and viceversa; the duty of Hajj; of mankind being one family; what sets apart is taqwa and good deeds;

Meeting with Allah when we would be Questioned

The Last Sermon (Khutbatul Wada’)… People, no prophet or apostle will come after me

and no new faith will be born. Reason well therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.

Affirmation and acknowledgement of his الله صلىوسلم :mission being duly fulfilled عليه

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listened to me directly.

Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your Message to Your people

The Last Sermon (Khutbatul Wada’)… Lend an attentive ear: same tone as his عليه الله صلى sermon at Mount Saffa وسلم

Much emphasis on those who could not be present on that day: may the last ones understand it better than those who heard the words directly: trust and hope in his وسلم عليه الله ummah to carry his صلىmission forward

To hold life and pledges, duties and rights sacred; to be one ummah and the oneness to be established on holding onto the Qur’an and his Sunnah which will guide mankind to do good so that it is successful in its Meeting with Allah

To live by His deen Chosen as a Completed Favor upon us (5:3) as no one else would come again to explain it as perfectly as Muhammad عليه الله صلى has وسلم

Last Hours and Demise

He وسلم عليه الله remained sick for 13-14 days; when condition صلىpersisted he asked all his wives (ra) where he should stay and they all knew that he wanted to stay with ‘Aishah (ra)

12 Rabi-ul Awwal, 11 A.H.; last fajr which was his وسلم عليه الله صلىlast prayer: Abu Bakr (ra) leading the prayer as he had been doing since the past 3 days; he وسلم عليه الله raised the curtain and صلىsmiled to see his ummah in jama‘t offering salah; Abu Bakr (ra) stepped aside for him وسلم عليه الله صلى to lead the prayer but he صلى

وسلم عليه وسلم asked him (ra) to continue, he الله عليه الله prayed صلىseated;

He وسلم عليه الله asked to meet daughter Fatimah (ra), his صلىgrandsons (ra) and all his wives (ra)

His وسلم عليه الله last command which he said repeatedly: Be صلىcareful of prayer and of those whom you possess or have under your charge

Last words: With those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace with the Prophets and the Truthful ones, the martyrs and the good doers. O Allah, forgive me and have mercy upon me and join me to the Companionship on high…The most exalted Companionship on high. To Allah we turn and to Him we turn back for help and last abode

Last Hours and Demise

Abu Bakr’s words: And now, he who worships Muhammad, Muhammad وسلم عليه الله is dead now. But he who صلىworships Allah, He is Ever Living and He never dies. Allah says: ‘Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah, and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful.’ (3:144)

Last hours: he وسلم عليه الله met with his family and spend صلىhis final moments with his most beloved wife after Khadijah (ra): the Prophet’s وسلم عليه الله attitude as a family man صلىand yet his concern and joy over his ummah as he watched the fulfillment of his mission by seeing it aligned in jam‘at; the importance of salah and to have responsibility when one is in authority

Last words: even as Prophet he وسلم عليه الله begged for صلىAllah’s Forgiveness and Mercy and for his ranks to be Raised and fulfilled his duty that to Allah is his and everyone’s return

Muhammad عليه الله صلى The Best There Ever – وسلمWould Be ه�ر� �ج� ك �ق�و�ل� �ال ب �ه� ل وا �ج�ه�ر� ت و�ال� �ي3 ب الن ص�و�ت� ف�و�ق� �م� �ك ص�و�ات

� أ ف�ع�وا �ر� ت ال� �وا آم�ن ذ�ين� ال ;ه�ا ي� أ �ا ي

ون� ع�ر� �ش� ت ال� �م� �ت ن� و�أ �م� �ك ع�م�ال

� أ �ط� ب �ح� ت �ن� أ �ع�ض6 �ب ل �م� �ع�ض�ك بO you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet وسلم عليه الله nor speak aloud to him in talk , صلىas you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not. (Al-Hujraat, Verse 2)

Prophet Muhammad وسلم عليه الله is the Greatest Rahma صلىthat Allah has bestowed on all of humanity and as he was Chosen by Allah as the Final Messenger and the Message he was Commanded to Deliver was of Islam, that Message like Its Messenger وسلم عليه الله is Perfect and has been sent صلىfor all of humanity

ه� الل ط�اع�� أ ف�ق�د� س�ول� الر �ط�ع� ي م ن

He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad صلىوسلم عليه has indeed obeyed Allah (4:80) ,(الله