The Man Called Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him)

Prologue:

In the tribe of Qureish of Makkah, in what was then the little known
land of Arabia, a posthumous child was born to Aminah on the twelfth of
Rabi-ul-Awwal 570-571 A.D. This child was named Mohammad by his
grandfather " so that his name would be praised on the heavens and the
earth." This was the child who was destined, in the course of time, to
become the Prophet of Islam.
At the time of his birth, the world had completely forgotten the
message of the Creator and was lost in the wilderness of polytheism.
The West was indulged in their theory of the Trinity, and Arabia in the
worst form of idolatry. The Kabah, the most sacred place in the whole
of Arabia was full of idols. As if this was not enough, every household
had its own idol. Earthly objects such as trees and stones were
worshipped and there was no belief in life after death. Because of
this, many Arabs had no feeling of responsibility for their actions and
there was no moral code. Arabs passed their time in drinking, gambling
and other vices. Slaves and orphans were treated in the cruelest
manner. Women occupied the lowest position in the free society. Not
only were they not allowed to own property, but also she herself was
considered as one! They could be bought or sold at will. A man could
marry as many women as he wanted. Stepmothers could be made legal
wives.
There was no settled government and no law in the land. The numerous
tribes living in the Arabian Peninsula lived independently of one
another, and tribal feuds were as common as flies.
It was in these conditions that Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was brought
into this world and it was these conditions that he had to
change.
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Ancestors

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was a direct descendant of Hazrat Ismail,
the eldest son of Prophet Ibrahim (R.A.A). One of Hazrat Ismail's
twelve sons settled on Hejaz- Arabia. His descendant Fihr, known by the
title of Qureish, was a famous personality of that time. His
descendant, Qussai had the custody of the key of the Kabah. He was the
one who entertained the pilgrims.
Hashim, Qussai's grandson, from whom Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) traces
his descent, was the richest and most important of Qussai's
descendants. Hashim and his fellow siblings organized and dispatched
trade caravans, and established trade links with other countries.
With the passage of time, Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) became the most important person in the
Qureish.
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Year of the Elephant

As it was mentioned earlier, The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was a posthumous
child, i.e. his father had died before he was born. The year in which
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was born in is very important in the Arabian
History, because this was the Year of the Elephant.
The king of Abyssinia, Najjashi, had built a magnificent church in
Yemen, as a gift for Abraha, the ruler of that country. It really was a
magnificent church, tall and beautifully crafted and decorated on all
sides.
The Arabs called it Al-Qullays because of its great height. Abraha
decided to force the Arabs to make their pilgrimage to the church, just
as they would perform pilgrimage to the Kabah in Makkah. He announced
this in Yemen, but the Arabs tribes of "Adnan and Qahtan" rejected
this. This infuriated the Qureish so much, that one of them traveled to
the church and answered the call of nature there. When its custodians
saw what he had done, they reported it to the king, Abraha, saying, "
One of the Qureish has done this in anger over their House in whose
place you have appointed this church." Upon hearing this, Abraha swore
that he would march to Makkah and destroy the Kabah stone by
stone.
Muqtail bin Sulayman mentioned that a group of men, from the tribe of
the Qureish, entered the church and burnt this on a windy day. So the
church caught fire and there was no chance of stopping it from burning
to the ground. Due to this Abraha prepared himself and set out with a
huge powerful army so that no one would prevent him from carrying out
this mission. Included in the army were many elephants. The biggest and
most powerful among them was an elephant named Mahmood. It too was a
gift to Abraha from Najjashi. Their intention was to use the elephants
to destroy the Kabah. This was possible by fastening chains to the
pillars of the Kabah and placing the other ends around the necks of the
elephants. They would make the elephant pull on them in order to tear
down the walls of the Kabah.
When the Arabs held of Abraha's intentions, they were very worried.
They held it to be their obligation to defend the sacred house of
God.
The Arabs of Yemen decided to help as well. Dhu Nafr, the noblest man
in Yemen and his army set out to face Abraha. They met him in battle,
but were badly beaten.
Abraha and his army continued towards Makkah, until they came to the
land of Khatham where Nufayl bin Habib and the Shahran and Nahis tribes
confronted them. Abraha's army defeated this army as well and Nufayl
was taken prisoner. Initially, Abraha wanted to kill him, but later
forgave him and took him as a guide to show them the way to
Al-Hejaz.
Abraha and his army passed through Taif to Al- Mughammas, a place near
Makkah, where the Makkans usually grazed their animals. The troops
captured all of the camels including two hundred camels belonging to
Abdul Muttalib.
Then Abraha sent an emissary to enter Makkah, commanding him to bring
the head of the Qureish to him. He also commanded him to inform him
that the king will not fight the people of Makkah unless they tried to
prevent him from the destruction of the Kabah. The emissary went to the
city and relayed to Abdul Muttalib, the message of Abraha.
Abdul Muttalib replied, " By God! We have no wish to fight him, nor are
we in any position to do so. This is the house of God, and of his
khalil, Ibrahim, and if He wishes to prevent him it, it is His House
and His Sacred Place. And if He lets him approach it, by God, We have
no means to defend it."
So the emissary told him to come with him to Abraha, Abdul Muttalib did
so.
When Abraha saw him, he was impressed by him, because of his
appearance. So Abraha descended from his seat and sat with him on his
carpet. Then he asked the translator to say to him, " What do you
need?" Abdul Muttalib replied, " I want the king to return my camels
which are two hundred in number." Abraha then told him, " I was
impressed by you when I saw you, but now I withdraw from you after you
have spoken to me. You are asking me about two hundred camels which I
have taken from you and you leave the matter of a house which is the
foundation of your religion and the religion of your forefathers, which
I have come to destroy and you do not speak to me about it?"
Abdul Muttalib calmly replied, " Verily I am the lord of the camels. As
for the House, it has its Lord Who will defend it."
Abraha said haughtily, " I cannot be prevented (from destroying
it)."
Abdul Muttalib then answered, " Then do so."
Abdul Muttalib returned to Makkah and told the people to leave Makkah
and seek shelter at the top of the mountains.
The next morning, Abraha prepared to enter the city. He readied Mahmood
and faced him towards Makkah. Then he went to check on the army. Nufayl
went to the elephant and said in its ear, " Kneel, Mahmood, and return
from whence you came. For verily, you are in the Sacred City of
God."
Nufayl then hastened and fled to the mountains to join the Makkans,
free from Abraha's army.
The elephant knelt down and when Abraha's men tried to make it move
into the city, it wouldn't. They beat it with axes and sticks, but it
wouldn't budge. They turned him towards Yemen and it rose and walked
quickly. Then they turned him towards Ash-Sham and he did likewise, and
the same thing happened when they turned it towards the east. In a
futile attempt, they turned him again towards Makkah, but it knelt down
again.
The army marched towards Makkah. While in the procession, it was
suddenly overtaken by a flock of birds, flocks after flocks, air
raiding that army with small stones slightly bigger than a lentil seed.
There never fell a stone on a soldier except it dissolved his skin and
burst into pieces. So they perished with total destruction. Some
escaped, and retreated. Abraha was still fleeing, while his flesh was
bursting into pieces, till he died on the way back to Yemen.
Allah the Almighty granted the Makkans victory over the haughty Abraha
and his mighty army. The Makkans, who had never seen an elephant
before, named that year, the "Year of the Elephant".
Allah the Almighty mentions this incident in Surat Al-Fil

In the Name of Allah the Almighty, the Most Gracious, the Most
Merciful.

1. Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the owners of the
Elephant?
2. Did He not make there plot go astray?
3. And He sent against them birds, in flocks,
4. Striking them with stones of baked clay.
5. And He made them like (an empty field of) stalks (of which corn has
been eaten up by cattle)
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Upbringing

In those days, it was the custom of the Arabs to give their suckling
infants in charge of the Bedouin women, who would take them into the
desert, and return them to their parents. The clean desert atmosphere
would make them strong and healthy.
Since Prophet Mohammad's father, Abdullah, had died, his mother was
almost penniless and could not afford the fee. Haleema, a good hearted
but poor woman, took pity on her and despite her financial problems,
agreed to take him.
There are many stories about incidents that took place when she took
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). On leaving, Haleema's donkey, which was
usually the slowest in the group, gained so much speed that the other
Bedouins had to tell her to slow down, while usually they threatened
used to leave her if she didn't catch up.
Then there was the incident with the milking animals. The animals that
hardly ever gave milk were giving so much milk that Haleema was able to
feed Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) as well as her son.
At the age of six, Haleema brought Mohammad (P.B.U.H) back to Aminah,
Prophet Mohammad's mother. He had enjoyed himself thoroughly at the
stay with Haleema. Even when he grew up, he still had the highest
regard for her. He used to call her 'my mother'.
His mother, who was overjoyed to see him, took him to Yasrib to visit
the grave of his father, as well as visit some of her relatives. During
her return from Yasrib, Aminah died and was buried Abwa. His family's
slave girl brought Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) back to Makkah.
Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H), then
took over the charge of his grandson. He showered on Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) all his love and affection. Unfortunately, Abdul Muttalib
died two years later and Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was taken under the
care of his favorite uncle, Abu Talib.
When he was just nine years old, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) showed the
signs of an inquisitive and intelligent mind. His experiences with the
ones he loved had made him mature and wise well beyond his age, leaving
behind the kid he once was.
At the age of twelve, he accompanied his Uncle to Syria, where an old
monk took Abu Talib aside and told him to take good care of Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) because he would become a great man one day.
As he grew up, Prophet Mohammad's honesty, truthfulness, and
righteousness impressed the people to such an extent that he was given
the title of Al-Saddiq, The Truthful, and the title of Al-Amin, The
Trustworthy.
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Marriage to Khadija

There lived in Makkah a wealthy and respectable widow, known as
Khadija, daughter of Khuwalid, who was the great grandson of Qussai.
She had heard about the character of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and
wanted to test him. She requested him to take her merchandise to Syria
against a share in the profits. She also sent her slave, Maisara, with
him. He accordingly undertook the second journey to Syria and returned
with good profits. Maisara spoke of the honest and upright way that
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had conducted his dealings. She was very
pleased and offered to marry him.
Abu Talib accepted the offer on the behalf of Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H). At that time he was twenty-five and she was fifteen years
his senior. The union was very successful. They had two sons and four
daughters. The sons both died in infancy. Of the daughters, only Fatima
outlived Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H).
Khadija remained Prophet Mohammad's only wife until her death, when she
was sixty-five years old. She goes down in history as the first woman
to accept Islam.
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Fixing of the Black Stone

The Kabah is situated at the lowest part of the valley of Faran and was
always flooded by the rainwater. Various methods were tried in vain to
prevent the building to be damaged by the floods. There were heavy
rains in Makkah, and the Kabah was damaged. The Makkans decided to
rebuild it. The task of rebuilding the Kabah was divided amongst the
nobles of Makkah. The work was completed in peace and harmony, without
any disputes. Then the time came to place the Black Stone in its proper
place. Everyone wanted the honor of placing the Holy Stone in its
place. The people were ready to fight for this honor and there was fear
of blood shed. Only God knows what might have happened if a wise old
man had not offered an advice. He said that the first person to enter
the Kabah the next morning would decide what to do. Everyone accepted
this proposal.
The first person to enter the Kabah the next morning was none other
than Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). The people agreed to accept his
decision.
He spread a sheet on the ground and asked the different families of the
Qureish to hold the edges of it. Then he placed the black stone and
asked them to lift it up together. When it reached the proper height,
he picked up the stones and placed it in the proper place. Thus, a
critical situation was solved by the wisdom of Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H).
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Prophet hood

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was disturbed by the corrupt society around
him. He was troubled by the polytheistic ideas of his tribesmen. He
started going to a cave in Mount Hira, where he could ponder over the
questions that bothered him, in peace.
It was during one of these visits that he was charged with the Divine
Faith. Angel Gabriel appeared before him and asked him to read. This
was so sudden and strange that he got scared out of his wits. He
answered in a frightened voice, " I can not read."
The angel kept on repeating the same question, and he kept on giving
the same answer, " I can not read."
The third time, Angel Gabriel said, " Read! In the name of thy Lord and
Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a clot of congealed blood:
Read: And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He who taught (the use of) the
pen- Taught man that which he did not know." (Surat Al- Alaq, Ayat one
till five).
This was the first revelation from God to Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
through Gabriel. It marked the starting of his life as a Prophet.
He was a bit shaken at this incident and went to Khadija and narrated
everything to her. She comforted him and took him to her cousin Warqa
bin Naufal, who was a Christian scholar.
After hearing what had happened, he told Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
that this was Gabriel, the angel who had brought revelations to the
Prophets before him. He also told Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) that he
would be turned out of his city. It is said that Warqa embraced
Islam.
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Preaching the Word of God

At first Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) preached God's word to the few
people he knew. Then he received God's orders to start preaching
publicly.
He climbed upon a hillside called Safa and announced to the people
that he had something very important to tell them. Everyone gathered
around him to hear what he had to say.
He started by asking them if they would believe him were he to say that
an army was about to attack them. They had answered that they would. He
told them that he was the Messenger of Allah the all mighty sent to
show them the right path. He warned them of a terrible punishment that
they would face on the Day of Judgment for their false beliefs and evil
deeds. He invited them to believe in Allah the Almighty and to give up
worshipping idols. He asked them to stop evil practices and to do good
deeds.
The people had not liked these ideas. They felt that Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) had insulted the religion of their forefathers. Abu Lahab,
one of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)'s uncles, stood up and said, " May
you perish! Did you call us here just to tell us this?"
The crowd dispersed feeling angry, and Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was
left alone.
But Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was not a man who would give up. He
tried again, this time it was his family members.
There had been a feast in his house for all his relatives. After the
meal he had gotten up and spoken to them in these words, " O sons of
Abdul Muttalib, I know of no Arab who has come to his people with a
nobler message than I. I have brought you the best of this world and
the hereafter. Allah the Almighty has ordered me to invite you to
Islam, so, who of you will stand by me in this matter?"
The elders at the dinner chose to ignore the invitation. When they were
leaving, Ali, a small boy, and cousin to Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H),
stood up and promised to help Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). The elders
laughed loudly and dispersed.
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Abyssinia or bust

Day by day, the followers of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) increased. The
Qureish continued to oppose Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). They mocked and
abused the followers.
When insults and persecution seemed to have no effect on Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H), the pagans tried bribery, offering him a large
fortune, the fairest girl in the land and many other things which would
tempt a man, but Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H), turned down these
offers.
They gave up and went to his Uncle, Abu Talib. They told him to tell
his nephew to stop 'abusing' their gods. Abu Talib tried but Prophet
Mohammad's reply told him that this was impossible.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had said, " O my uncle, if they place the
sun in my right hand and the moon in my left to renounce my work, I
would not stop until Allah fulfills it for me or destroys me in the
process."
The Qureish had had enough. They doubled their efforts in harassing the
Muslims. The weak and the poor were treated in the cruelest of manners.
One by one, many Muslims started to die.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) told all the Muslims to migrate to
Abyssinia, where Najjashi, a noble Christian king ruled. It was hoped
that he would shelter them.
Of course the Qureish were infuriated when they heard that many Muslims
had slipped out of their hands. They sent some soldiers to bring them
back. The soldiers returned the next day claiming that the footsteps of
the Muslims had stopped at a point and it seemed as if they had
vanished in thin air.
Then word reached them that the Muslims had reached Abyssinia. The
Makkans sent a delegation to Najjashi, determined to get the Muslims
back.
The king asked the Qureish to step forward and state what they wanted.
The Makkans demanded that they wanted the rebels to be handed over to
them.
The king asked, " Rebels? Rebels in what?"
The Qureish explained that the Muslims were rebels in religion. They
were abusing the religion of the Makkans forefathers and should be
punished for it.
The king summoned the Muslims to court. They refused to bow to the king
with everyone else. The king was angry. The Muslims explained that they
did not bow to anyone except God, because no one is greater than
God.
The Muslims would have been handed back to the Qureish if it hadn't
been for the bold and dashing speech made by the brother of Ali,
Jaffar.
Jaffar said, " O king, we were in a state of utter ignorance and
immorality, worshipping idols and stones, eating dead animals,
committing all sorts of injustice, breaking natural ties, treating
guests badly, and strong badly, and strong among the us exploited the
weak. Then Allah the Almighty sent His Prophet to us. He asked us to
worship only Allah the Almighty and give up the bad customs of our
forefathers. We believed in him as a Messenger of God. So the Qureish
attacked our religion and us. We had to leave our homes and we have
come to you, hoping for justice."
The king was impressed with the speech.
" And what does he say about Jesus?" he asked.
The king was told that Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had told them that
this was the same religion that Jesus preached.
This caused uproar in the Qureish. They cried that Jaffar was lying.
The Qureish said that Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said that the
Christians were wrong and that Jesus was not the Son of God.
The king asked if this was true. Jaffar told him that Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) had said that Jesus was not God's son, but was his messenger,
like all those Prophets before him. He said that there was also a
passage in the Quran about Jesus.
" I would like to hear it," said the King.
Jaffar recited some verses of Surat Maryam (Mary).

In the name of Allah the most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

16. And mention in the Book (the Quran, O Muhammad, the story of)
Maryam when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing
east.
17. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them: then We sent her
our Ruh (angel Gabriel), and he appeared before her in the form of a
man in all respects.
18. She said: " Verily, I seek refuge with the Most Gracious (Allah the
Almighty) from you, if you do fear Allah the Almighty.
19. (The angel) said: "I am only a messenger from your Lord (to
announce) to you the gift of a righteous son"
20. She said " How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am
I unchaste?"
21. He said: " So (it will be), your Lord said: ' that is easy for Me.
And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us
(Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed (by Allah).

This was all that the king needed to hear.
He exclaimed," By God: this and the Gospel are the lights of one
candle!"
After this Najjashi returned all the gifts that the Makkans had brought
and allowed the Muslims to live freely in his land.
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The Boycott

The Kuffar (non-believers) of Makkah were sick and tired of Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and his preaching and the losses of their most
influential men to Islam. Therefore they went to Abu Talib to ask him
if they could put him to death. Abu Talib refused.
The Kuffar got very angry and, thereafter the Qureish enforced a total
social and economic boycott on the Banu Hashim tribe.
The Qureish and the other tribes had continued their boycott of the
Bani Hashim and the Muslims for three years and Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) and the people of his family and Companions lay besieged in
Shi'b Abi Talib. The Qureish had blocked up this locality from every
side so that no supplies of any kind could reach the besieged people.
Only during the Hajj season they were allowed to come out and buy some
articles of necessity. But even at that time whenever Abu Lahab noticed
any of them approaching the market place or a trading caravan he would
call out to the merchants exhorting them to announce forbidding rates
of their articles for them, and would pledge that he himself would buy
those articles so that they did not suffer any loss. This boycott which
continued uninterrupted for three years had broken the back of the
Muslims and the Bani Hashim; so much so that at times they were even
forced to eat grass and the leaves of trees.
At last, when the siege was lifted, Abu Talib, Prophet Mohammad's
uncle, who had been shielding him for ten long years, died, and hardly
a month later his wife, Khadija, who had been a source of peace and
consolation for him ever since the beginning of the call, also passed
away. Because of these tragic incidents, which closely followed each
other, Prophet Mohammad used to refer to this year as 'Am-ul-Hazn' the
year of sorrow and grief.
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Visit to Taif

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had tried his best at Makkah, and knew now
it was totally up to the people if they wanted to believe the truth or
not.
At last, the Prophet left for Taif with the intention that he should
invite the Bani Thaqif to Islam, for even if they did not accept Islam;
they might at least be persuaded to allow him to work for his mission
peacefully. He did not have the facility of any conveyance at that
time, and traveled all the way to Taif on foot. According to some
traditions, he had gone there alone, but according to others, he was
accompanied by Zaid bin Harithah. He stayed at Taif for a few days, and
approached each of the chiefs and nobles of the Bani Thaqif and talked
to him about his mission. But not only they refused to listen to him,
but plainly gave him the notice that he should leave their city, for
they feared that his preaching might "spoil" their younger generation.
Thus, he was forced to leave Taif. When he was leaving the city, the
chiefs of Thaqif set their slaves and children behind him, who went on
crying at him, abusing him and pelting him with stones for a long way
from either side of the road till he became broken down with wounds and
his shoes were filled with blood. Wearied and exhausted he took shelter
in the shade of the wall of a garden outside Taif, and prayed:
"O God, to Thee I complain of my weakness, little resource, and
lowliness before men. O Most Merciful, Thou art the Lord of the weak,
and Thou art my Lord. To whom wilt Thou confide me? To one afar who
will misjudge me? Or to an enemy to whom Thou hast given power over me?
If Thou art not angry with me I care not. Thy favor is more wide for
me. I take refuge in the light of Thy countenance by which the darkness
is illumined, and the things of this world and the next are rightly
ordered, lest Thy anger descend upon me or Thy wrath light upon me. It
is for Thee to be satisfied until Thou art well pleased. There is no
power and no might save in Thee."
Sad and heartbroken when he returned and reached near Qarn al-Manazil,
he felt as though clouds overcast the sky. He looked up and saw Gabriel
in front of him, who called out: "Allah has heard the way your people
have responded. He has, therefore, sent this angel in charge of the
mountains. You may command him as you please." Then the angel of the
mountains greeted him and submitted: "If you like I would overturn the
mountains from either side upon these people." The Prophet replied:
"No, but I expect that Allah will create from their seed those who will
worship none but Allah, the One."
After this he went to stay for a few days at Makkah, puzzled as to how
he would face the people of Makkah, who, he thought, would be still
further more against him after hearing what had happened at Taif. It
was here that one night when he was reciting the Quran in the Prayer, a
group of the jinn happened to pass by and listened to the Quran,
believed in it, and returned to their people to preach Islam. Thus,
Allah gave His Prophet the good news that if the men were running away
from his invitation, there were many of the jinn, who had become its
believers, and they were spreading his message among their own
kind.
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Pledges of Aqaba

On his return to Makkah from the unsuccessful Taif campaign, Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) resumed preaching in Makkah, now concentrating more
on strangers that came for pilgrimage to Makkah.
Six pilgrims, from Yasrib, came to Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and he
invited them to Islam. After hearing about the teachings of Islam, they
embraced Islam. This was how Islam reached Yasrib.
Next year, twelve people from Yasrib came to Makkah and embraced
Islam.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said while a group of his companions were
around him, "Swear allegiance to me for:
1. Not to join anything in worship along with Allah.
2. Not to steal.
3. Not to commit illegal sexual intercourse.
4. Not to kill your children.
5. Not to accuse an innocent person (to spread such an accusation among
people).
6. Not to be disobedient (when ordered) to do good deed."
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) added: "Whoever among you fulfills his
pledge will be rewarded by Allah. And whoever indulges in any one of
them (except the ascription of partners to Allah) and gets the
punishment in this world, that punishment will be expiation for that
sin. And if one indulges in any of them, and Allah conceals his sin, it
is up to Him to forgive or punish him (in the Hereafter)."
The new converts then promised to spread Islam in Yasrib. The next
year, seventy-five people came from Yasrib and gave the second pledge
of Aqaba. They invited Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) to come to Yasrib and
pledged full support to Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and his
followers.
Migration to Yasrib

When the Kuffar of Makkah came to know of these developments, they
decided that they had had enough. They tortured the Muslim so severely,
that many of them died.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) advised the followers to migrate to Yasrib,
where they would be welcome. Most of the Muslims soon left
Makkah.
At that time Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was in Mecca, and he said to
the Muslims, "In a dream I have been shown your migration place, a land
of date palm trees, between two mountains, the two stony tracts." So,
some people migrated to Medina, and most of those people who had
previously migrated to the land of Ethiopia, returned to Medina. Abu
Bakr also prepared to leave for Medina, but Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
said to him, "Wait for a while, because I hope that I will be allowed
to migrate also." Abu Bakr said, "Do you indeed expect this? Let my
father be sacrificed for you!" Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "Yes."
So Abu Bakr did not migrate for the sake of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
in order to accompany him. He fed two she-camels he possessed with the
leaves of As-Samur tree that fell on being struck by a stick for four
months.
The Qureish found out about these happenings through a mole and decided
to kill the Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). But there was only one problem.
The Muslims would be ready to kill whichever tribe dared to kill their
Prophet (P.B.U.H). Satan came to them in the shape of a wise old man
and suggested that they select a man from different tribes, and train
them to kill at once, so that not only one tribe can be blamed for the
murder.
But Allah the Almighty found out about this plot and informed Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H). He later revealed these following ayahs:
In the Name of Allah the most Gracious, the most Merciful.
1. Remember how the unbelievers plotted against thee to keep thee in
bonds or slay thee or get thee out (of thy home). They plot and plan
and Allah too plans but the best of planners is Allah.
One day, while they were sitting in Abu Bakr's house at noon, someone
said to Abu Bakr, "This is Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) with his head
covered coming at a time at which he never used to visit us before."
Abu Bakr said, "May my parents be sacrificed for him. By Allah, he has
not come at this hour except for a great necessity." So Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) came and asked permission to enter, and he was
allowed to enter. When he entered, he said to Abu Bakr. "Tell everyone
who is present with you to go away." Abu Bakr replied, "There are none
but your family. May my father be sacrificed for you, O Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H)!" Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "I have been
given permission to migrate." Abu Bakr said, "Shall I accompany you?
May my father be sacrificed for you, O Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)!"
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "Yes." Abu Bakr said, "O Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H)! May my father be sacrificed for you, take one of
these two she-camels of mine." Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) replied, "(I
will accept it) with payment." So they prepared the baggage quickly and
put some journey food in a leather bag for them. Asma, Abu Bakr's
daughter, cut a piece from her waist belt and tied the mouth of the
leather bag with it, and for that reason she was named Dhat-un-Nitaqain
(i.e. the owner of two belts).
That night the Qureish lay in wait for Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) to
come out, but God made them not notice him leaving. The next day they
broke into the house. There was someone sleeping in the bed. They went
towards it and one of them pulled up the blankets. What a shock they
had when they saw Ali, Prophet Mohammad's cousin, in the bed instead of
him.
They asked him where Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was, and he replied
calmly, " Did you leave him in my care that I am answerable unto
you?"
By that time, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and Abu Bakr reached a cave on
the mountain of Thaur and stayed there for three nights. 'Abdullah bin
Abi Bakr who was intelligent and a sagacious youth, used to stay (with
them) overnight. He used to leave them before daybreak so that in the
morning he would be with Qureish as if he had spent the night in Mecca.
He would keep in mind any plot made against them, and when it became
dark he would (go and) inform them of it. 'Amir bin Fuhaira, the freed
slave of Abu Bakr, used to bring the milch sheep (of his master, Abu
Bakr) to them a little while after nightfall in order to rest the sheep
there. So they always had fresh milk at night, the milk of their sheep,
and the milk that they warmed by throwing heated stones in it. 'Amir
bin Fuhaira would then call the herd away when it was still dark
(before daybreak). He did the same in each of those three nights.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and Abu Bakr had hired a man from the tribe
of Bani Ad-Dail from the family of Bani Abd bin Adi as an expert guide,
and he was in alliance with the family of Al-'As bin Wail As-Sahmi and
he was of the religion of the infidels of Qureish. Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) and Abu Bakr trusted him and gave him their two she-camels
and took his promise to bring their two she camels to the cave of the
mountain of Thaur in the morning after three nights later. And (when
they set out), 'Amir bin Fuhaira and the guide went along with them and
the guide led them along the seashore.
The nephew of Suraqa bin Ju'sham said that his father informed him that
he heard Suraqa bin Ju'sham saying, "The messengers of the heathens of
Qureish came to us declaring that they had assigned for the persons why
would kill or arrest Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and Abu Bakr, a reward
equal to their blood money. While I was sitting in one of the
gatherings of my tribe, Bani Mudlij, a man from them came to us and
stood up while we were sitting, and said, 'O Suraqa! No doubt, I have
just seen some people far away on the seashore, and I think they are
Muhammad and his companions.' " Suraqa added, "I too realized that it
must have been they. But I said 'No, it is not they, but you have seen
so-and-so, and so-and-so whom we saw set out.' I stayed in the
gathering for a while and then got up and left for my home, and ordered
my slave-girl to get my horse that was behind a hillock, and keep it
ready for me.
Then I took my spear and left by the back door of my house dragging the
lower end of the spear on the ground and keeping it low. Then I reached
my horse, mounted it and made it gallop. When I approached them (i.e.
Muhammad and Abu Bakr), my horse stumbled and I fell down from it, Then
I stood up, got hold of my quiver and took out the divining arrows and
drew lots as to whether I should harm them (i.e. Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) and Abu Bakr) or not, and the lot which I disliked came out.
But I remounted my horse and let it gallop, giving no importance to the
divining arrows. When I heard the recitation of the Quran by Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) who did not look hither and thither while Abu Bakr
was doing it often, suddenly the forelegs of my horse sank into the
ground up to the knees, and I fell down from it. Then I rebuked it and
it got up but could hardly take out its forelegs from the ground, and
when it stood up straight again, its forelegs Caused dust to rise up in
the sky like smoke. Then again I drew lots with the divining arrows,
and the lot that I disliked, came out. So I called upon them to feel
secure. They stopped, and I remounted my horse and went to them. When I
saw how I had been hampered from harming them, it came to my mind that
the Cause of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) (i.e. Islam) would become
victorious. So I said to him, "Your people have assigned a reward equal
to the blood money for your head." Then I told them all the plans the
people of Mecca had made concerning them. Then I offered them some
journey food and goods but they refused to take anything and did not
ask for anything, but Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "Do not tell
others about us." Then I requested him to write for me a Statement of
security and peace. He ordered 'Amr bin Fuhaira who wrote it for me on
a parchment, and then Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) proceeded on his
way."
Narrated 'Urwa bin Az-Zubair: Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) met Az-Zubair
in a caravan of Muslim merchants who were returning from Sham.
Az-Zubair provided Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and Abu Bakr with white
clothes to wear. When the Muslims of Medina heard the news of the
departure of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) from Mecca (towards Medina),
they started going to the Harra every morning. They would wait for him
till the heat of the noon forced them to return. One day, after waiting
for a long while, they returned home, and when they went into their
houses, a Jew climbed up the roof of one of the forts of his people to
look for some thing, and he saw Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and his
companions dressed in white clothes, emerging out of the desert
mirage.
The Jew could not help shouting at the top of his voice, "O you 'Arabs!
Here is your great man whom you have been waiting for!" So all the
Muslims rushed to their arms and received Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) on
the summit of Harra. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) turned with them to the
right and alighted at the quarters of Bani 'Amr bin 'Auf, and this was
on Monday in the month of Rabi-ul-Awal. Abu Bakr stood up; receiving
the people while Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) sat down and kept silent.
Some of the Ansar, who came and had not seen Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
before, began greeting Abu Bakr, but when the sunshine fell on Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and Abu Bakr came forward and shaded him with his
sheet only then the people came to know Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H).
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) stayed with Bani 'Amr bin 'Auf for ten
nights and established the mosque (mosque of Quba) which was founded on
piety. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) prayed in it and then mounted his
she-camel and proceeded on, accompanied by the people till his
she-camel knelt down at (the place of) the mosque of Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) at Medina. Some Muslims used to pray there in those days, and
that place was a yard for drying dates belonging to Sohail and Sahl,
the orphan boys who were under the guardianship of 'Asad bin Zurara.
When his she-camel knelt down, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "This
place, Allah willing, will be our abiding place." Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) then called the two boys and told them to suggest prices for
that yard so that he might take it as a mosque. The two boys said, "No,
but we will give it as a gift, O Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)!" Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) then built a mosque there. Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) himself started carrying unburnt bricks for its building and
while doing so, he was saying "This load is better than the load of
Khaibar, for it is more pious in the Sight of Allah and purer and
better reward able." He was also saying, "O Allah! The actual reward is
the reward in the Hereafter, so bestow Your Mercy on the Ansar and the
Emigrants." Thus Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) recited (by way of proverb)
the poem of some Muslim poet whose name is unknown to me.
(Ibn Shibab said, "In the Hadiths it does not occur that Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) recited a complete poetic Verse other than this
one.")
The name of Yasrib was then changed to Madinah-un-Nabi, which was later
shortened to Madinah.
The Hijrat, or the emigration, marked the beginning of the Muslim
calendar.
********************************************************************
Azaan (call for prayers)

Since the mosque was built, the Muslims knew where to meet and pray in
congregation. What they did not know was when the prayers would start,
so many Muslims had to stay in the mosque most of the time in order not
to miss the prayers.
Reported 'Abdullah Ibn (Zaid Ibn) 'Abd Rabbih, "When Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) was to order the use of a bell to call the people to prayer,
he disliked it because it resembled the Christian practice. While I was
sleeping, a man came to me carrying a bell. I said to him, 'O slave of
Allah, will you sell me that bell?' Said he, 'What would you do with
it?' I replied, 'I would call the people to prayer with it.' Said he,
'Shall I not guide you to something better than that?' I said,
'Certainly.' Said he, 'You should say, Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar,
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar. Ashhadu alla ilaha illal-lah, ashhadu alla
ilaha illallah, Ashhadu anna Muhammad ar-Rasool-lal-lah, ashhadu anna
Muhammadar-Rasool-lal-lah. Hayya 'alas-salah, hayyah 'alassalah. Hayya
'alal-falah, hayya 'alal-falah. Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar. La ilaha
illal-lah.' Then he went a short distance away and said, 'When you
stand for the prayer, say, 'Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar. Ashhadu alla
ilaha illal-lah, Ashhadu anna Muhammad ar-Rasool-lal-lah Hayya
'alas-salah, hayya 'alal-falah. Qad qaamatis-salah, qad qaamatis-salah.
Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar. La ilaha illal-lah. When the morning came,
I went to the Messenger of Allah to tell him what I had seen. He said,
"Your dream is true, Allah willing. Go to Bilal, tell him what you have
seen, and tell him to make the call to prayer, for he has the best
voice among you.' I went to Bilal and told him what to do, and he made
the call to prayer. 'Umar was in his house when he heard it. He came
out with his cloak, saying 'By the One who has raised you with the
truth, I saw similar to what he saw.' Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H), upon
whom be peace, said, 'To Allah is the praise." Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Ibn
Majah, Ibn Khuzaimah and at-Tirmidhi, who called it hassan sahih,
relate the hadith.
********************************************************************
Work in Madinah

At that time in Madinah, there was no law and order in any part of
Arabia. Each tribe formed a separate and independent body. When Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) arrived in Madinah, he found his own followers
divided into two hostile camps, the Aus and the Khazraj. With one
stroke, he put an end to all these tribal distinctions and introduced
Islam, and one brotherhood. By doing this, he ended years of conflict
between two of the bitterest enemies in the world.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) established a brotherhood between the
emigrants, the muhajirin, and the helpers, the Ansar. According to a
hadith, he told the Ansar to embrace the emigrant standing next to him,
and declared them brothers. The Ansar were ready to share with their
new brothers all their possessions and properties.
The next step was to enter an agreement with the Jews of Madinah. There
were at that time, three tribes of the Jews, i.e. Banu Qainuqa, Bani
Nazir and Banu Quraiza. They were all settled in the suburbs of Madinah
and had strong fortresses.
The agreement stated that the Jews were free to practice their faith in
Madinah, providing that they assist the Muslims against any outside
attack. This agreement granted equal rights to Muslims and Jews
alike.
This treaty shows that Islam is a religion of peace, prior to popular
beliefs that it is a religion of the sword.
Second year in Madinah

Fasting was made obligatory in the month of Ramadan during the second
year of Hijrat, in these words of the Quran,
" O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed upon you as it was prescribed
upon those before you so that ye may learn self-restraint."
Muslims were required to fast from dawn to dusk, and avoid all sorts of
immoral behavior.
Zakat was also made compulsory during the second year of Hijrat. A man
will have to pay two and a quarter percent of wealth that is left over,
unused in a year to the poor. A man who will not pay the zakat will be
severely punished.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "On the Day of Resurrection the Kanz
(Treasure or wealth of which, Zakat has not been paid) of anyone of you
will appear in the shape of a huge bald headed poisonous male snake and
its owner will run away from it, but it will follow him and say, 'I am
your Kanz. (Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) added, "By Allah, that snake
will keep on following him until he stretches out his hand and lets the
snake swallow it." Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) added, "If the owner of
camels does not pay their Zakat, then, on the Day of Resurrection those
camels will come to him and will strike his face with their hooves."
Some people said: Concerning a man who has camels, and is afraid that
Zakat will be due so he sells those camels for similar camels or for
sheep or cows or money one day before Zakat becomes due in order to
avoid payment of their Zakat cunningly! "He has not to pay anything."
The same scholar said, "If one pays Zakat of his camels one day or one
year prior to the end of the year (by the end of which Zakat becomes
due), his Zakat will be valid."
The Qiblah (direction of the Muslim prayers) was also changed in this
year.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) prayed facing Bait-ul Maqdis (i.e.
Jerusalem) for sixteen or seventeen months but he wished that his
Qiblah would be the Kabah (at Mecca). So Allah revealed:
" We see the turning of thy face (for guidance) to the heavens; now
shall We turn thee to a Qiblah that shall please thee. Turn then thy
face in the direction of the Sacred Mosque; wherever ye are turn your
faces in that direction. The people of the book know well that that is
the truth from their Lord nor is Allah unmindful of what they
do."
And he offered 'Asr prayers (in his Mosque facing Kabah at Mecca) and
some people prayed with him. A man from among those who had prayed with
him, went out and passed by some people offering prayer in another
mosque, and they were in the state of bowing. He said, "I, (swearing by
Allah,) testify that I have prayed with Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
facing Mecca." Hearing that, they turned their faces to the Kabah while
they were still bowing. Some men had died before the Qiblah was changed
towards the Kabah. They had been killed and the people did not know
what to say about them (i.e. whether their prayers towards Jerusalem
were accepted or not). So Allah revealed: "And Allah would never make
your faith (i.e. prayer) to be lost (i.e. your prayers offered (towards
Jerusalem). Truly Allah is Full of Pity, Most Merciful towards
mankind."
*****************************************************************
The Battle of Badr

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was having many problems in Madinah. The
Jews, with whom the Muslims had made a peace treaty with, were starting
to make trouble for the Muslims. Secondly, the Qureish had planted
spies in the Muslims, hypocrites, who pretended to be very religious,
but in fact were there to destroy Islam and cause disputes amongst the
Muslims. Both these problems were starting to be very hard to
control.
Then came the Qureish themselves. They had written a letter to the note
stating that the Ansar should handover Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) or
kill him themselves.
The Ansar, who had invited Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) over in the first
place, refused to do so.
The Qureish, being very angry, looted the houses that the emigrants had
left behind. The emigrants were now dependant on the Ansar for a
living.
At that time, Abu Sufyan, a rich and influential leader of the Qureish,
was returning from Syria with a caravan, carrying lots of merchandise.
In his youth, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and he had been best friends,
they were inseparable. So naturally, when Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
called the people to Islam, one would expect him to be the first to
respond, but no, that was not the case. Their steady string of
friendship snapped there and then. Abu Sufyan then became one of the
bitterest enemies of Islam.
Since the Qureish had stolen all that the emigrants had had, Abu
Sufyan was afraid that the Muslims would attack his caravan and loot
him in revenge. He called the Qureish in a plea to escort him safely to
Makkah.
In reply, the Qureish sent him an army of one thousand men. Since no
attack from the Muslims materialized, Abu Sufyan told the army to go
back. But the army had come so far, and they were not willing to accept
that they had just wasted their time, so they decided to attack Madinah
anyway.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) learnt of the Qureish's plans and called the
Ansar and the emigrants together to make necessary plans. God had
already given the permission to fight with their enemies: " Fight in
the way of Allah the Almighty with those who fight with you."
Three hundred and thirteen men were willing to fight and they had only
two horses and a few camels. The Muslims were lacking all those means
of war, but they had one thing that the Qureish lacked: the zeal and
enthusiasm to get out there and fight in the name of their God.
When Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and his army reached Badr, they were
all very tired, and the place which thy occupied had no water. Before
the battle started, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) prayed to God to help
them against the enemies of Islam. The prayer was answered by in these
words:
" Remember ye implored the assistance of your Lord, and He answered
you: " I will assist you with a thousand of the angels, rank upon
rank."
Meanwhile there was heavy rain and the Muslims collected sufficient
amount of water for their use.
Ultimately the two armies met and the battle started. Meanwhile,
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) prayed to God, "O Allah! If this small band
of men perish, there will be no one alive to worship You, and your
faith will be destroyed forever."
The battle was very fierce. Finally God granted victory to the Muslims
and the infidels retreated.
On the day (of the battle) of Badr, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and his
companions had caused the pagans to lose 140 men, seventy of who were
captured and seventy were killed.
When the news of the defeat reached Makkah, the whole town was filled
with grief. Pledges were taken to avenge this death and the
preparations were started at an extensive level.
Meanwhile in Madinah, the Muslims were pondering over what to do with
the prisoners of war. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) told the Muslims to be
kind with them. All the captives who could pay their ransom were freed.
Those who were poor were granted freedom for nothing and those who were
literate were told to teach a number of Muslims to read and write in
order to gain their freedom.
************************************************************
Battle of Uhud

In order to avenge their defeat in Badr, the following year the pagans
of Makkah again decide to attack Madinah, with three thousand fully
armed men. The Muslims gathered in a meeting and it was decided that
the Muslims would fight the infidels outside Madinah. Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) was against this idea, but he decided not to argue since most
of the people agreed with this.
The Makkans had camped at a hill known as Uhud. The Muslims made their
way there with a thousand men. On the way, Abdullah bin Ubbay, a
hypocrite, left with three hundred of his men. The Muslim army was down
to seven hundred men now.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) appointed 'Abdullah bin Jubair as the
commander of the infantrymen (archers) who were fifty on the day (of
the battle) of Uhud. He instructed them, "Stick to your place, and
don't leave it even if you see birds snatching us, till I send for you;
and if you see that we have defeated the infidels and made them flee,
even then you should not leave your place till I send for you."
There was a very fierce battle and then the infidels were defeated. So,
the companions of 'Abdullah bin Jubair said, "The booty! O people, the
booty! Your companions have become victorious, what are you waiting for
now?" 'Abdullah bin Jubair said, "Have you forgotten what Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said to you?" They replied, "By Allah! We will go to
the people (i.e. the enemy) and collect our share from the war
booty."
Khalid bin Walid, the head of the enemy cavalry, found the opening in
the mountain undefended, since the archers had left their post. He
turned his army around and went back to fight the Muslims. The Muslims
were caught off-guard and Prophet Mohammad was unprotected.
The victory was soon turned into defeat because of the greed of some of
the men. Because of them, the Muslims lost seventy men and forty of
them were injured.
Hamza, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)'s uncle, also died in this
battle.
Wahshi (after becoming Muslim) related:
"Hamza killed Tuaima bin 'Adi bin Al-Khaiyar at Badr (battle) so my
master, Jubair bin Mut'im said to me, "If you kill Hamza in revenge for
my uncle, then you will be set free." When the people set out (for the
battle of Uhud) in the year of 'Ainain ('Ainain is a mountain near the
mountain of Uhud, and between it and Uhud there is a valley) I went out
with the people for the battle. When the army aligned for the fight,
Siba' came out and said, "Is there any (Muslim) to accept my challenge
to a duel?" Hamza bin 'Abdul Muttalib came out and said, "O Siba! O Ibn
Um Anmar, the one who circumcises other ladies! Do you challenge Allah
and His Apostle?" Then Hamza attacked and killed him, causing him to be
non-extant like the bygone yesterday. I hid myself under a rock, and
when he (i.e. Hamza) came near me, I threw my spear at him, driving it
into his umbilicus so that it came out through his buttocks, causing
him to die. When all the people returned to Mecca, I too returned with
them. I stayed in (Mecca) till Islam spread in it (i.e. Mecca). Then I
left for Taif, and when the people (of Taif) sent their messengers to
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H), I was told that Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
did not harm the messengers; so I too went out with them till I reached
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). When he saw me, he said, "Are you Wahshi?"
I said, "Yes." I replied, "What happened is what you have been told
of.' He said, ''Can you hide your face from me?"
Hinda had then mutilated the corpse and chewed his liver, in order to
avenge her father.
************************************************************
Jews of Madinah

Although the Jews had come to an agreement with Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H), they were working against the interest of the Muslims.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) told the tribes of Banu Qainuqa and Banu
Nazir to get out of Madinah.
Battle of the Trench
(Research done from the Alim)
It was in fact a combined raid by many of the Arab tribes, who wanted
to crush the power of Madinah. It had been instigated by the leaders of
the Bani an-Nadir, who had settled in Khaibar after their banishment
from Madinah. They went round to the Qureish and Ghatafan and Hudhail
and many other tribes and induced them to gather all their forces
together and attack Madinah jointly. Thus, in Shawwal, A.H. 5, an
unprecedented large army of the Arab tribes marched against the small
city of Madinah. From the north came Jews of Bani an-Nadir and Bani
Qainuqa who after their banishment from Madinah, had settled in Khaibar
and Wad il Qura. From the east advanced the tribes of Ghatafan, Bani
Sulaim, Fazarah, Murrah, Ashja, Sad, Asad, etc. and from the south the
Qureish, along with a large force of their allies. Together they
numbered from ten to twelve thousand men.
Had it been a sudden attack, it would have been disastrous. But the
Prophet was not unaware of this in Madinah. His intelligence men and
the sympathizers of the Islamic movement and the people influenced by
it were present in every tribe, who kept him informed of the enemy's
movements. Even before the enemy could reach his city, he got a trench
dug out on the north-west of Madinah in six days, and having the Mount
Salad their back, took up a defensive position with 3,000 men in the
protection of the Trench. To the south of Madinah there were many
gardens (even now there are) so that it could not be attacked from that
side. To the east there are lava rocks that are impassable for a large
army. The same is the case with the southwestern side. The attack,
therefore, could be made only from the eastern and western sides of the
Uhud, which the Prophet had secured by digging a trench. The
disbelievers were not at all aware that they would have to counter the
trench outside Madinah. This kind of a defensive stratagem was unknown
to the Arabs. Thus, they had to lay a long siege in winter for which
they had not come prepared.
After this, only one alternative remained with the disbelievers: to
incite the Jewish tribe of Bani Quraiza, who inhabited the southeastern
part of the city, to rebellion. As the Muslims had entered a treaty
with them that in case of an attack on Madinah they would defend the
city along with them, the Muslims had made no defensive arrangement
there and had even sent their families to take shelter in the forts
situated on that side. The invaders perceived this weakness of the
Islamic defenses. They sent Huyayy bin Akhtab, the Jewish leader of the
Bani an-Nadir, to the Bani Quraiza so as to induce them to break the
treaty and join the war. In the beginning, they refused to oblige and
said that they had a treaty with Muhammad (upon whom be Allah's peace)
who had faithfully abided by it and given them no cause for complaint.
But when Ibn Akhtab said to them, "Look, I have summoned the united
force of entire Arabia against him: this is a perfect opportunity to
get rid of him. If you lose it, you will never have another
opportunity," the anti Islamic Jewish mind prevailed over every moral
consideration and the Bani Quraiza were persuaded to break the
treaty.
The Prophet received news of this. He at once told Sad bin Ubadah, Sad
bin Muadh, Abdullah bin Rawahah and Khawwat bin Jubair, chiefs of the
Ansar, to go and find out the truth. He advised them that if they found
Bani Quraiza still loyal to the treaty, they should return and say so
openly before the Muslim army; however, if they found that they were
bent upon treachery they should only inform him so that the common
Muslims would not be disheartened. On reaching there the Companions
found the Bani Quraiza fully bent on mischief. They told the Companions
openly, "There is no agreement and no treaty between us and Muhammad."
At this they returned to the Islamic army and submitted their report to
the Prophet, saying, "'Adel and Qarah." That is, "The Quraiza are bent
upon doing what the Adel and Qarah had done with the preachers of Islam
at Raji."
This news spread among the Muslims and caused great consternation among
them, for they had been encircled and their city had been endangered on
the side where there existed no defensive arrangement and where they
had also sent their families to take shelter in the forts. This further
increased the activities of the hypocrites and they started making
psychological attacks to break the morale of the Muslims. One said,
"How strange! We were being foretold that the lands of Caesar and
Chosroes would fall to us, but here we are that not one of us can go
out even to relieve him." Another one asked for permission to leave his
post at the Trench so that he could go and protect his own house that
was in danger. Another one started making secret propaganda to the
effect: "Settle your affair with the invaders yourselves and hand over
Muhammad to them." This was a highly critical hour of trial, which
exposed every person who harbored any hypocrisy in his heart. Only the
true and sincere Muslims remained firm and steadfast in their resolve
and devotion.
The Prophet at that critical moment initiated peace negotiations with
the Ban Ghatafan and tried to persuade them to accept one third of the
fruit harvest of Madinah and withdraw. But when he asked Sad bin Ubadah
and Sad bin Muadh, chief of the Ansar, for their opinion about the
conditions of peace, they said, "O Messenger of Allah: Is it your
personal wish that we should agree on these conditions, or is it
Allah's Command that we have no option but to accept it? Or, are you
giving this proposal only in order to save us from the enemy?" The
Prophet replied, "I am proposing this only to save you: I see that the
whole of Arabia has formed a united front against you. I want to divide
the enemy." At this the two chiefs protested; saying, "Sir, if you want
to conclude this pact for our sake, kindly forget it. These tribes
could not subdue us under tribute when we were polytheists. Now that we
have the honor of believing in Allah and His Messenger, will they make
us sink to this depth of ignominy? The sword now shall be the arbiter
till Allah passes His judgment between them and us." With these words
they tore up the draft for the treaty that had not yet been
signed.
In the meantime Nuaim bin Masud, a member of the Ashja branch of the
Ghatafan tribe, became a Muslim and came before the Prophet and
submitted: "No one as yet knows that I have embraced Islam: You can
take from me whatever service you please." The Prophet replied: "Go and
sow the seeds of discord among the enemy."' So, first of all, Nuaim
went to the Quraiza with who he was on friendly terms, and said to
them, "The Qureish and the Ghatafan can become wearied of the siege and
go back, and they will lose nothing, but you have to live here with the
Muslims. Just consider what will be your position if the matter turns
that way. Therefore, I would advise you not to join the enemy until the
outsiders should send some of their prominent men as hostages to you."
This had the desired effect upon the Bani Quraiza and they decided to
demand hostages from the united front of the tribes. Then he went to
the chiefs of the Qureish and the Ghatafan and said to them, "The Bani
Quraiza seems to be slack and irresolute. May be they demand some men
as hostage from you, and then hand them over to Muhammad (upon whom be
Allah's peace) to settle their affair with him. Therefore, be very firm
and cautious in your dealing with them." This made the leaders of the
united front suspicious of Bani Quraiza, and they sent them a message,
saying, "We are tired of the long siege; let there be a decisive
battle; let us, therefore, make a general assault simultaneously from
both the sides." The Bani Quraiza sent back the word, saying, "We
cannot afford to join the war unless you hand over some of your
prominent men to us as hostages." The leaders of the united front
became convinced that what Nuaim had said was true. They refused to
send hostages. And the Bani Quraiza, on the other side, also felt that
Nuaim had given them the correct counsel. Thus, the strategy worked: it
divided the enemy against itself.
The siege was prolonged for more than 25 days. It was winter. The
supply of food and water and forage was becoming more and more scarce
everyday and division in the camp was also a great strain on the state
of morale of the besiegers. Then, suddenly one night a severe windstorm
accompanied by thunder and lightning hit the camp. It added to the cold
and darkness. The wind overthrew the tents and put the enemy in
disarray. They could not stand this severe blow of nature. They left
the battleground even during the night and returned to their homes.
When the Muslims awoke in the morning, there was not a single enemy
soldier to be seen on the battlefield. The Prophet, finding the
battlefield completely empty, said: "The Qureish will never be able to
attack you after this: now you will take the offensive." This was a
correct assessment of the situation. Not only the Qureish but also the
united front of all the enemy tribes had made their final assault
against Islam and had failed. Now they could no longer dare invade
Madinah; now the Muslims were on the offensive.
*****************************************************************************
Banu Quraiza

The tribe of Banu Quraiza had deceived the Muslims and had sided with
the non-Muslims, in the battle of the trench. Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) went to them in order to find out what type of punishment
they expected.
The people of (Banu) Quraiza agreed to accept the verdict of Sad bin
Muadh. So Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) sent for Sad, and the latter came
(riding) a donkey and when he approached the mosque, Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) said to the Ansar, "Get up for your chief or for the best
among you." Then Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said (to Sad), "These (i.e.
Banu Quraiza) have agreed to accept your verdict." Sad said, "Kill
their (men) warriors and take their offspring as captives, "On that
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "You have judged according to Allah's
Judgment," or said, "according to the King's judgment."

Treaty of Hudaibiya

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) set out at the time of Al-Hudaibiya
(treaty), and when they proceeded for a distance, he said, "Khalid bin
Al-Walid leading the cavalry of Qureish constituting the front of the
army, is at a place called Al-Ghamim, so take the way on the right." By
Allah, Khalid did not perceive the arrival of the Muslims till the dust
arising from the march of the Muslim army reached him, and then he
turned back hurriedly to inform Qureish. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
went on advancing till he reached the Thaniya (i.e. a mountainous way)
through which one would go to them (i.e. people of Qureish). The
she-camel of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) sat down. The people tried
their best to cause the she-camel to get up but in vain, so they said,
"Al-Qaswa' (i.e. the she-camel's name) has become stubborn! Al-Qaswa'
has become stubborn!" Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "Al-Qaswa' has
not become stubborn, for stubbornness is not her habit, but she was
stopped by Him Who stopped the elephant." Then he said, "By the Name of
Him in Whose Hands my soul is, if they (i.e. the Qureish infidels) ask
me anything which will respect the ordinances of Allah, I will grant it
to them."
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) then rebuked the she-camel and she got up.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) changed his way till he dismounted at the
farthest end of Al-Hudaibiya at a pit (i.e. well) containing a little
water that the people used in small amounts, and in a short while the
people used up all its water and complained to Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) of thirst. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) took an arrow out of
his arrow-case and ordered them to put the arrow in that pit. By Allah,
the water started and continued sprouting out till all the people
quenched their thirst and returned with satisfaction. While they were
still in that state, Budail bin Warqa-al-Khuza'i came with some persons
from his tribe Khuza'a and they were the advisers of Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) who would keep no secret from him and were from the people of
Tihama. Budail said, "I left Kab bin Luai and 'Amir bin Luai residing
at the profuse water of Al-Hudaibiya and they had milch camels (or
their women and children) with them, and will wage war against you, and
will prevent you from visiting the Kabah." Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
said, "We have not come to fight anyone, but to perform the 'Umra. No
doubt, the war has weakened Qureish and they have suffered great
losses, so if they wish, I will conclude a truce with them, during
which they should refrain from interfering between me and the people
(i.e. the 'Arab infidels other than Qureish), and if I have victory
over those infidels, Qureish will have the option to embrace Islam as
the other people do, if they wish; they will at least get strong enough
to fight. But if they do not accept the truce, by Allah in Whose Hands
my life is, I will fight with them defending my cause till I get
killed, but (I am sure) Allah will definitely make His cause
victorious." Budail said, "I will inform them of what you have said."
So, he set off till he reached Qureish and said, "We have come from
that man (i.e. Muhammad) whom we heard saying something which we will
disclose to you if you should like." Some of the fools among Qureish
shouted that they were not in need of this information, but the wiser
among them said, "Relate what you heard him saying." Budail said, "I
heard him saying so-and-so," relating what Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
had told him.
Urwa bin Masud got up and said, "O people! Aren't you the sons? They
said, "Yes." He added, "Am I not the father?" They said, "Yes." He
said, "Do you mistrust me?" They said, "No." He said, "Don't you know
that I invited the people of 'Ukaz for your help, and when they refused
I brought my relatives and children and those who obeyed me (to help
you)?" They said, "Yes." He said, "Well, this man (i.e. Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H)) has offered you a reasonable proposal, you'd better
accept it and allow me to meet him." They said, "You may meet him." So,
he went to Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and started talking to him.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) told him almost the same as he had told
Budail. Then Urwa said, "O Muhammad! Won't you feel any scruple in
extirpating your relations? Have you ever heard of anyone amongst the
Arabs extirpating his relatives before you? On the other hand, if the
reverse should happen, (nobody will aid you, for) by Allah, I do not
see (with you) dignified people, but people from various tribes who
would run away leaving you alone." Hearing that, Abu Bakr abused him
and said, "Do you say we would run and leave Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
alone?" Urwa said, "Who is that man?" They said, "He is Abu Bakr." Urwa
said to Abu Bakr, "By Him in Whose Hands my life is, were it not for
the favor which you did to me and which I did not compensate, I would
retort on you." Urwa kept on talking to Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and
seizing Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)'s beard as he was talking while
Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba was standing near the head of Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H), holding a sword and wearing a helmet. Whenever Urwa
stretched his hand towards the beard of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H),
Al-Mughira would hit his hand with the handle of the sword and say (to
Urwa), "Remove your hand from the beard of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)."
Urwa raised his head and asked, "Who is that?" The people said, "He is
Al-Mughira bin Shu'ba." Urwa said, "O treacherous! Am I not doing my
best to prevent evil consequences of your treachery?"
Before embracing Islam Al-Mughira was in the company of some people. He
killed them and took their property and came (to Medina) to embrace
Islam. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said (to him, "As regards your Islam,
I accept it, but as for the property I do not take anything of it. (As
it was taken through treason). Urwa then started looking at the
Companions of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H). By Allah, whenever Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) spat, the spittle would fall in the hand of one of
them (i.e. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)'s companions) who would rub it on
his face and skin; if he ordered them they would carry his orders
immediately; if he performed ablution, they would struggle to take the
remaining water; and when they spoke to him, they would lower their
voices and would not look at his face constantly out of respect. Urwa
returned to his people and said, "O people! By Allah, I have been to
the kings and to Caesar, Khosrau and An-Najashi, yet I have never seen
any of them respected by his courtiers as much as his companions
respect Muhammad. By Allah, if he spat, the spittle would fall in the
hand of one of them (i.e. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)'s companions) who
would rub it on his face and skin; if he ordered them, they would carry
out his order immediately; if he performed ablution, they would
struggle to take the remaining water; and when they spoke, they would
lower their voices and would not look at his face constantly out of
respect." Urwa added, "No doubt, he has presented to you a good
reasonable offer, so please accept it." A man from the tribe of Bani
Kinana said, "Allow me to go to him," and they allowed him, and when he
approached Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and his companions, Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "He is so-and-so who belongs to the tribe that
respects the Budn (i.e. camels of the sacrifice). So, bring the Budn in
front of him." So, the Budn were brought before him and the people
received him while they were reciting Talbiya. When he saw that scene,
he said, "Glorified be Allah! It is not fair to prevent these people
from visiting the Kabah." When he returned to his people, he said, "I
saw the Budn garlanded (with colored knotted ropes) and marked (with
stabs on their backs). I do not think it is advisable to prevent them
from visiting the Kabah." Another person called Mikraz bin Hafs got up
and sought their permission to go to Muhammad, and they allowed him,
too. When he approached the Muslims, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said,
"Here is Mikraz and he is a vicious man." Mikraz started talking to
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and as he was talking, Suhail bin Amr
came.
When Suhail bin Amr came, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "Now the
matter has become easy." Suhail said to Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
"Please conclude a peace treaty with us." So, Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) called the clerk and said to him, "Write: By the Name of
Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful." Suhail said, "As for
'Beneficent,' by Allah, I do not know what it means. So write: By Your
Name O Allah, as you used to write previously." The Muslims said, "By
Allah, we will not write except: By the Name of Allah, the most
Beneficent, the most Merciful." Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said,
"Write: By Your Name O Allah." Then he dictated, "This is the peace
treaty which Muhammad, Allah's Apostle has concluded." Suhail said, "By
Allah, if we knew that you are Allah's Apostle we would not prevent you
from visiting the Kabah, and would not fight with you. So, write:
"Muhammad bin Abdullah." Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "By Allah! I
am Apostle of Allah even if you people do not believe me. Write:
Muhammad bin Abdullah." (Az-Zuhri said, "Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
accepted all those things, as he had already said that he would accept
everything they would demand if it respects the ordinance of Allah,
(i.e. by letting him and his companions perform 'Umra.)" Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said to Suhail, "On the condition that you allow us
to visit the House (i.e. Kabah) so that we may perform Tawaf around
it." Suhail said, "By Allah, we will not (allow you this year) so as
not to give chance to the 'Arabs to say that we have yielded to you,
but we will allow you next year." So, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) got
that written.
Then Suhail said, "We also stipulate that you should return to us
whoever comes to you from us, even if he embraced your religion." The
Muslims said, "Glorified be Allah! How will such a person be returned
to the pagans after he has become a Muslim? While they were in this
state Abu-Jandal bin Suhail bin 'Amr came from the valley of Mecca
staggering with his fetters and fell down amongst the Muslims. Suhail
said, "O Muhammad! This is the very first term with which we make peace
with you, i.e. you shall return Abu Jandal to me." Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) said, "The peace treaty has not been written yet." Suhail
said, "I will never allow you to keep him." Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
said, "Yes, do." He said, "I won't do." Mikraz said, "We allow you (to
keep him)." Abu Jandal said, "O Muslims! Will I be returned to the
pagans though I have come as a Muslim? Don't you see how much I have
suffered?"
Abu Jandal had been tortured severely for the cause of Allah. Umar bin
Al-Khattab said, "I went to Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and said,
'Aren't you truly the Apostle of Allah?' Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)
said, 'Yes, indeed.' I said, 'Isn't our cause just and the cause of the
enemy unjust?' He said, 'Yes.' I said, 'Then why should we be humble in
our religion?' He said, 'I am Allah's Apostle and I do not disobey Him,
and He will make me victorious.' I said, 'Didn't you tell us that we
would go to the Kabah and perform Tawaf around it?' He said, 'Yes, but
did I tell you that we would visit the Kabah this year?' I said, 'No.'
He said, 'So you will visit it and perform Tawaf around it?' " Umar
further said, "I went to Abu Bakr and said, 'O Abu Bakr! Isn't he truly
Allah's Prophet?' He replied, 'Yes.' I said, 'Then why should we be
humble in our religion?' He said, 'Indeed, he is Allah's Apostle and he
does not disobey his Lord, and He will make him victorious. Adhere to
him as, by Allah, he is on the right.' I said, 'Was he not telling us
that we would go to the Kabah and perform Tawaf around it?' He said,
'Yes, but did he tell you that you would go to the Kabah this year?' I
said, 'No.' He said, "You will go to Kabah and perform Tawaf around
it." (Az-Zuhri said, " 'Umar said, 'I performed many good deeds as
expiation for the improper questions I asked them.' ")
When the writing of the peace treaty was concluded, it contained these
points:
1. Muslims would return to Madinah that year.
2. They would be permitted to come for pilgrimage next year but would
stay only for three days.
3. If a Qureish from Makkah should join the Muslims without permission
from the Makkans, he would be sent back, but if a Muslim comes back to
Makkah, he will not be sent back.
4. There would be no fighting for ten years.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said to his companions, "Get up and
slaughter your sacrifices and get your head shaved." By Allah none of
them got up, and Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) repeated his order thrice.
When none of them got up, he left them and went to Um Salama and told
her of the people's attitudes towards him. Um Salama said, "O Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) of Allah! Do you want your order to be carried out?
Go out and don't say a word to anybody till you have slaughtered your
sacrifice and call your barber to shave your head." So, Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) went out and did not talk to anyone of them till he
did that, i.e. slaughtered the sacrifice and called his barber who
shaved his head. Seeing that, the companions of Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) got up, slaughtered their sacrifices, and started shaving the
heads of one another, and there was so much rush that there was a
danger of killing each other.
*******************************************************************
After the treaty of Hudaibiya, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) decided to
send letters to the rulers of neighboring countries.
Among those to whom Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) sent his letters to
were:
1. Cyrus, Ruler of Egypt: He treated Prophet Mohammad's messenger with
great honor and sent a polite reply and some presents for Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H). These included Maria, whom Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) later married, and a horse named Duldul.
2. The rulers of Bahrain and Oman: Both of them embraced Islam.
3. Heraclius, emperor of Rome: This hadith explains what happened after
the messenger of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) gave him the letter.
Abdullah bin Abbas narrated that: Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that
Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a
caravan from Qureish. They were merchants doing business in Sham
(Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan), at the time when Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had truce with Abu Sufyan and Qureish infidels. So
Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya (Jerusalem).
Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman
dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating
Heraclius's question said to them, "Who amongst you is closely related
to that man who claims to be a Prophet?" Abu Sufyan replied, "I am the
nearest relative to him (amongst the group)."
Heraclius said, "Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his
companions stand behind him." Abu Sufyan added, Heraclius told his
translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions
to me regarding that man (Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)) and that if I
told a lie they (my companions) should contradict me." Abu Sufyan
added, "By Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a
liar, I would not have spoken the truth about Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H). The first question he asked me about him was:
'What is his family status amongst you?'
I replied, 'He belongs to a good (noble) family amongst us.'
Heraclius further asked, 'Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same
(i.e. to be a Prophet) before him?'
I replied, 'No.'
He said, 'Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?'
I replied, 'No.'
Heraclius asked, 'Do the nobles or the poor follow him?'
I replied, 'It is the poor who follow him.'
He said, 'Are his followers increasing decreasing (day by day)?'
I replied, 'They are increasing.'
He then asked, 'Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion
become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?'
I replied, 'No.'
Heraclius said, 'Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his
claim (to be a Prophet)?'
I replied, 'No. '
Heraclius said, 'Does he break his promises?'
I replied, 'No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he
will do in it.' I could not find opportunity to say anything against
him except that.
Heraclius asked, 'Have you ever had a war with him?'
I replied, 'Yes.'
Then he said, 'What was the outcome of the battles?'
I replied, 'Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.'
Heraclius said, 'What does he order you to do?'
I said, 'He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to
worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors
had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to
keep good relations with our kith and kin.'
Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, I asked
you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a very
noble family. In fact all the Apostles come from noble families amongst
their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else amongst
you claimed such a thing; your reply was in the negative. If the answer
had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was
following the previous man's statement. Then I asked you whether anyone
of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it
had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted
to take back his ancestral kingdom.
I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he
said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered
how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie
about Allah. I then asked you whether the rich people followed him or
the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in
fact this very class of people has followed all the Apostles. Then I
asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You
replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is the way of true
faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether
there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased
and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact
this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts
and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever
betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles never
betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he
ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship any
thing along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you
to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is
true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew
it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know
that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would
go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly
wash his feet.' Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) that was delivered by Dihya to the Governor
of Busra, who forwarded it to Heraclius to read. The contents of the
letter were as follows: "In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the
Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His
Apostle to Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him, who
follows the right path. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you
become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward,
and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin
by misguiding your Arisiyin (peasants). (And I recite to you Allah's
Statement:)
'O people of the scripture! Come to a word common to you and us that we
worship none but Allah and that we associate nothing in worship with
Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords beside Allah. Then,
if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who
have surrendered to Allah).' (3.64).
Abu Sufyan then added, "When Heraclius had finished his speech and had
read the letter, there was a great hue and cry in the Royal Court. So
we were turned out of the court. I told my companions that the question
of Ibn-Abi-Kabsha) (the Prophet Muhammad) has become so prominent that
even the King of Bani Al-Asfar (Byzantine) is afraid of him. Then I
started to become sure that he (Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)) would be
the conqueror in the near future till I embraced Islam (i.e. Allah
guided me to it)."
The sub narrator adds, "Ibn An-Natur was the Governor of Ilya'
(Jerusalem) and Heraclius was the head of the Christians of Sham. Ibn
An-Natur narrates that once while Heraclius was visiting Ilya'
(Jerusalem), he got up in the morning with a sad mood. Some of his
priests asked him why he was in that mood? Heraclius was a foreteller
and an astrologer. He replied, 'At night when I looked at the stars, I
saw that the leader of those who practice circumcision had appeared
(become the conqueror). Who are they who practice circumcision?' The
people replied, 'Except the Jews nobody practices circumcision, so you
should not be afraid of them (Jews).
'Just Issue orders to kill every Jew present in the country.'
While they were discussing it, a messenger sent by the king of Ghassan
to convey the news of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) to Heraclius was
brought in. Having heard the news, he (Heraclius) ordered the people to
go and see whether the messenger of Ghassan was circumcised. The
people, after seeing him, told Heraclius that he was circumcised.
Heraclius then asked him about the Arabs. The messenger replied, 'Arabs
also practice circumcision.'
(After hearing that) Heraclius remarked that sovereignty of the Arabs
had appeared. Heraclius then wrote a letter to his friend in Rome who
was as good as Heraclius in knowledge. Heraclius then left for Homs (a
town in Syria) and stayed there till he received the reply of his
letter from his friend who agreed with him in his opinion about the
emergence of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and the fact that he was a
Prophet. On that Heraclius invited all the heads of the Byzantines to
assemble in his palace at Homs. When they assembled, he ordered that
all the doors of his palace be closed. Then he came out and said, 'O
Byzantines! If success is your desire and if you seek right guidance
and want your empire to remain then give a pledge of allegiance to this
Prophet (i.e. embrace Islam).'
(On hearing the views of Heraclius) the people ran towards the gates of
the palace like onagers but found the doors closed. Heraclius realized
their hatred towards Islam and when he lost the hope of their embracing
Islam, he ordered that they should be brought back in audience.
(When they returned) he said, 'What already said was just to test the
strength of your conviction and I have seen it.' The people prostrated
before him and became pleased with him, and this was the end of
Heraclius's story (in connection with his faith).
It is still unclear whether he became a Muslim or not.
4. Chosroes, emperor of Persia: He insulted the messenger and tore
Prophet Mohammad's letter into little pieces.
5. Najjashi, emperor of Abyssinia: He became a Muslim, and sent
presents for Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H).
*************************************************************************
Khyber Expedition

Khyber is a small city, which lies two hundred miles from Madinah. It
contained many fortresses and was the Jewish stronghold of those days.
The Banu Nazir and other Jewish tribes had settled there after being
exiled from Madinah. There they had the support of the Ghatafan tribe
and the hypocrites of Madinah. These people were constantly plotting to
overthrow the Muslim rule.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) knew of these developments and marched there
with an army of sixteen hundred men. Seeing a big army approaching
them, the Jews shut themselves up in their fortresses and hurled stones
and shot arrows on the Muslims from there.
After a siege of twenty days, the Jews gave up. They were pardoned on
the condition that they would live in peace and cultivate their land
and give half of the produce to the Muslims.
A Jewess from the inhabitants of Khyber poisoned a roasted sheep and
presented it to the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) who took its
foreleg and ate from it. A group of his companions also ate with him.
The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) then said: Take your hands
away (from the food). The Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) then
sent someone to the Jewess and he called her. He said to her: Have you
poisoned this sheep? The Jewess replied: Who has informed you? He said:
This foreleg that I have in my hand has informed me. She said: Yes. He
said: What did you intend by it? She said: I thought if you were a
prophet, it would not harm you; if you were not a prophet, we should
rid ourselves of him (i.e. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)). The Apostle of
Allah (peace be upon him) then forgave her, and did not punish her. But
some of his companions who ate it, died. The Apostle of Allah (peace be
upon him) had himself cupped on his shoulder on account of that which
he had eaten from the sheep. Abu Hind cupped him with the horn and
knife. He was a client of Banu Bayadah from the Ansar.
******************************************************************
Umra

According to the treaty, the Muslims were allowed to perform Umra the
next year, so Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and his followers went and
performed Umra in Makkah and left after three days.
Battle of Mutah

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had sent a messenger to the Roman Emperor
who was a Christian. The messenger was killed at Mutah, a place near
Syria. Therefore an army of three thousand men was sent under the
commandership of Zaid bin Haris to avenge him. Zaid was martyred in the
battle and the captainship was taken over by Jafar. He too was later
martyred and Abdullah bin Rawahah took over. Finally under the
commandership of Khalid bin Walid, who had turned Muslim, was the army
able to defeat the enemy.
**************************************************************************
Conquest of Makkah

After the treaty of Hudaibiya, the Khuza'a tribe joined the Muslims,
while the Banu Bakr tribe became an ally of the Qureish. One of the
terms of the treaty was that there would be no fighting for ten
years.
So when the Qureish and the Banu Bakr attacked and savagely killed the
men of the Banu Khuza'a tribe, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had to do
something about it.
He sent a messenger to the Qureish offering them three choices:
1. To pay compensation or blood money for the men.
2. To finish their alliance with Banu Bakr.
3. To declare the treaty null and void.
The Qureish took the third choice, and Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) knew
that it was time for all the sufferings to come to an end. It was time
for the final confrontation with the Qureish.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) approached Makkah with an army of ten
thousand men. Scholars say that this was predicted in the Bible.
He divided the army into four groups and gave instructions that there
would be no blood shed unless they were attacked. The Qureish, who had
never seen this huge an army, gave up without resistance. But the
foolish Banu Bakr attacked the unit under the command of Khalid bin
Walid. Khalid had no choice but to fight. Twenty-eight men were killed
before Banu Bakr gave up.
Before entering Makkah, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) pardoned all the
people of Makkah. All the enmity and the pain that the Makkans had
inflicted on him were forgotten as Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) entered
his birthplace.
He told the Makkans not to worry, as there would be no blood shed that
day. He said that whosoever took shelter in the house of Abu Sufyan,
his old time friend and enemy, would be safe. And whosoever remained in
their homes with the doors closed would be safe.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) proceeded to the Harem and performed the
Tawaf around the Kabah. Then he went inside it and with his cousin,
Ali, he destroyed three hundred idols, reciting: " And say: Truth has
now come and Falsehood perished, for Falsehood by its nature, was bound
to perish."
When Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) came outside, all his enemies were now
his captives. All those who had caused woe to him, persecuted him and
tortured his followers, were now his captives.
He asked them what treatment they expected.
They cried: " You are but a noble brother and a noble cousin."
On this, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) said, "There shall be no reproach
against you this day, go, you are free!"
History can never tell another tale of mercy shown to the conquered by
the conqueror. Stanley Lane Pole in his book, The Speeches and Table
Talk of Prophet Mohammad, writes:
"He freely forgave the Qureish all the years of sorrow and cruel scorn
in which they had afflicted him and gave amnesty to the whole
population of Makkah- the army followed his example, and entered
quietly and peacefully: no house was robbed, no women insulted- it was
thus Prophet Mohammad entered again his native city. Through the annals
of history there is no triumphant entry comparable to this one."
Arthur Gilman in his book, The Saracens, says:
" It is greatly to Prophet Mohammad's praise that on the occasion of
the conquest of Makkah, when his resentment for ill usage in the past
might naturally have incited him to revenge, he restrained his army
from shedding blood, and showed every sign of humanity and thanksgiving
to Allah the Almighty for His goodness."
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) stayed in Makkah for fifteen days, mainly to
explain the principles of Islam to the crowds of people and tribes that
came to embrace Islam.
The conquest of Makkah started a new era and marked the advancement of
Islam.
******************************************************************
Battle of Hunain

Before Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) left Makkah, he received a report
stating that the Hawazin and Saqeef, the two very strong and warring
tribes of Taif, had collected a strong army and were preparing to
attack the Muslims.
So Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) set out with an army of twelve thousand
men. The Muslims were proud and overconfident because of their number,
they were sure they were going to win.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) warned them not to be over-confident and
proud, for Allah the Almighty hated those men who were proud.
The Muslims were taught a lesson by God, for the enemy had received
reports regarding the army's route and had planted archers to ambush
them.
As soon as the Muslim army passed the valley near Hunain, they were
showered with arrows. This caused disorder in the Muslims and the
Muslims retreated, leaving Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) alone. Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H) called out for his companions to return and after a
while, they responded. Within no time, the infidels were rounded up and
defeated.
The Quran says:
"Assuredly Allah did help you in many battle-fields and on the day of
Hunain: Behold! Your great numbers elated you but they availed you
naught: the land for all that it is wide did constrain you and ye
turned back in retreat."
The Muslim army had taken six thousand prisoners of war, twenty four
thousand camels and forty thousand goats as the spoils of war. The
delegates of the tribe of Hawazin, after embracing Islam, came to
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) and they requested him to return their
properties and captives, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) stood up and said
to them, "I have other people with me in this matter (as you see) and
the most beloved statement to me is the true one; you may choose either
the properties or the prisoners as I have delayed their distribution."
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had waited for them for more than ten days
since his arrival from Taif. So, when it became evident to them that
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was not going to return them except one of
the two, they said, "We choose our prisoners." Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) got up amongst the people and glorified and praised Allah as
He deserved and said, "Then after, these brethren of yours have come to
us with repentance, and I see it logical to return them the captives.
So, whoever amongst you likes to do that as a favor, then he can do it,
and whoever of you likes to stick to his share till we recompense him
from the very first war booty which Allah will give us, then he can do
so (i.e. give up the present captives)." The people unanimously said,
"We do that (return the captives) willingly." Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) said, "We do not know which of you has agreed to it and which
have not, so go back and let your leaders forward us your decision."
So, all the people then went back and discussed the matter with their
leaders who returned and informed Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) that all
the people had willingly given their consent to return the
captives.
So another troublemaking tribe was forgiven by the kindness of Prophet
Mohammad (P.B.U.H).
*********************************************************************
Tabuk expedition

In the ninth year of Hijrat, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) received
information that the roman emperor had gathered an army to fight the
Muslims. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) knew that an army was needed to
protect the people.
At that time, there was famine in Hejaz and water was scarce. Also it
was the time of the ripening of the fruits and the plucking of the
dates, so not many people were willing to join. Moreover arms and
equipment, which would match the strength of the Roman army, were
needed. This battle is referred to in the Quran as the Expedition of
Straitness.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) made an appeal for donations and many people
willingly donated all they had. Omar Ibn Khattab donated half oh his
property, while Abu Bakr donated all that he had. People were even seen
selling their beds to buy swords!
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) left Madinah with an army of three thousand
men and camped at Tabuk. It was a difficult journey because of the
scarcity of water and the intense heat of the sun. But the Muslims
remained steadfast. The strength of the army demoralized the Romans,
who fled without fighting. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) stayed in Tabuk
for twenty days in which many tribes became Muslims.
The Tabuk expedition was the last expedition in which Prophet Mohammad
(P.B.U.H) personally took part.
**********************************************************************
Farewell pilgrimage

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) decided to go to Makkah to perform Hajj.
Messengers were sent all over the Muslim world to tell them of their
Prophet's intentions and to invite them to join him.
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) left on Madinah on the twenty-fifth of
Ziqad, ten Hijrat, in the company of one hundred fourteen thousand of
his followers. On the fourth day, they reached Makkah and performed the
pilgrimage.
It was on the plain of Arafat that Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) delivered
his last sermon. This sermon contains the first human rights act and is
a sign for all of mankind.
He said:
"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after
this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what
I am saying to you carefully and take these words to those who could
not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred,
so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust.
Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one
so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your
Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden
you to take usury (Interest); therefore all interest obligations shall
henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for your safety of your religion. He has lost all hope
that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware
of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your
women, but they also have right over you. If they abide by your right
then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do
treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners
and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make
friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to
commit adultery.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily
prayers (Salah), fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth
in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to. You know that every Muslim
is the brother of another Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has
superiority over other except by piety and good action.
Remember, one day you will appear before Allah and answer for your
deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I
am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith
will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words
that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my
example, the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go
astray.
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 listen to me directly. Be my witness oh Allah that I have
conveyed your message to your people."
When he finished his sermon, the following revelation came to
him:
" This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor
upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your way of life."
********************************************************************
Illness and death

By the eleventh year of Hijrat, Islam had spread to all parts of the
Arabian Peninsula. Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) had fulfilled his life's
mission, and everyone knew that his end was near.
One day, Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) turned very ill, and on his fifth
day, he was shifted to Aisha's house.
Aisha related that:
When Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was healthy, he used to say, "No soul
of a prophet is captured till he is shown his place in Paradise and
then he is given the option." When death approached him while his head
was on my thigh, he became unconscious and then recovered his
consciousness. He then looked at the ceiling of the house and said, "O
Allah! (With) the highest companions." I said (to myself), "Hence, he
is not going to choose us." Then I realized that what he had said was
the application of the narration that he used to mention to us when he
was healthy. The last word he spoke was, "O Allah! (With) the highest
companion."
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) died on the twelfth of Rabi-ul-Awwal, when
he was sixty-three years old.
The Muslims could not believe that such a great person would ever die.
Many people just refused to accept that fact. One of these people was
Omer Ibn Khattab, who threatened to hurt anyone who claimed that false
news.
He believed it only when Abu Bakr came out and said:
" He who worshipped Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) let him know that
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) being a mortal is dead; and he who worships
Allah the Almighty, let him know that Allah lives forever."
****************************************************************************
Character of Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)

Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was a perfect man, whose noble life served
as the standard of conduct for his followers. He was born an orphan and
had to earn his living by the sweat of his brow, traveling with his
merchandise across the hot sands of the desert.
He married a widow and raised a family, setting an example of a model
husband and father. There were no complaints from his family regarding
him.
He underwent untold suffering, countless insults and persecution while
preaching what he believed, and finally had to flee his homeland and go
to Madinah.
He united into a nation the scattered tribes of Arabia and led them in
battle as well as in prayer. There was not a sign of cowardice or
ruthlessness in him; on the contrary he is regarded as the kindest man
on earth.
After Uhud, when he was injured and his two teeth were broken, one of
his followers entreated him to pray for the destruction of the Makkans.
He just raised his hands in prayer and said, "O God, forgive my people
for they know not what they do."
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) has been praised on countless occasions for
his simplicity and kindness. He was an orphan, yet he lived to be the
head of the commonwealth of Islam. This rise however did not bring the
slightest change in his way of living. He led a simple life, patching
his own clothes and mending his own shoes.
He tried his utmost to soften the poor and the downtrodden and did
everything he could, to make the people help them. With whosoever he
met, he left a good impression, one that the person would never
forget.
Hind bint 'Utba bin Rabia, after embracing Islam, came and said, "O
Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H)! By Allah, there was no family on the
surface of the earth, I like to see in degradation more than I did your
family, but today there is no family on the surface of the earth whom I
like to see honored more than yours."
This statement proved that deep down in their hearts, even the worst
enemies of Islam knew that Prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H) was a great
man.
So it was no surprise that the whole world mourned with the Muslims on
the death of this great man.