Birth Of The Prophet (s.a.w.)
Muhammad (PBUH) (Blessings and Peace be upon him) was born in Makkah,
Arabia, on Monday, 12 Rabi' Al-Awwal (2 August C.E). His mother,
Aminah was the daughter of Wahb bin Abd Al-Manaf of the Zahrah family. His
father, Abdullah, was the son of Abd Al-Muttalib. His genealogy has been
traced to the noble house of Isma'il, the son of Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH)
(May Peace be upon him) in about the fortieth descent.
Muhammad's father had died before his birth and his mother died when he
was about six years old making him an orphan.
In accordance with the tradition of noble families of Makkah, he was
taken by a foster mother, Halimah, to her village where he lived for a few
years. During these years he was taken to Makkah several times to visit his
mother. After the death of his mother, he was placed under the custody of
his grandfather, Abd Al-Muttalib. When the grandfather died, he was under
the care of his uncle, Abu Talib. By this time he used to look after sheep
around Makkah and used to accompany his uncle on trade journeys to Syria.
Youth Of The Prophet (s.a.w.)
In his youth he believed firmly in the Oneness of Allah (God)(SWT). He
lived a very simple life and hated vanity and pride. He was compassionate to
the poor, widows and orphans and shared their sufferings by helping them. He
avoided all vices, which were commonly practiced among young people such as
gambling, drinking wine, vulgarity and others. He was well-known as As-Sadiq
(the truthful) and Al-Amin (the trustworthy). He was always
trusted as a mediator between two conflicting parties in his homeland,
Makkah.
Marriage Of The Prophet (s.a.w.)
When he was about 25 years old, his uncle urged him to work with the
caravan which belonged to a wealthy widow named Khadijah. He accepted and
undertook the journey to Syria. He conducted business with such prudence and
sense of duty that he returned with larger profit than usual. Khadijah was
so impressed by the honest and attractive personality of Muhammad (PBUH)
that she offered to marry him which Muhammad (PBUH) accepted. This marriage
was a happy one. They had children. Khadijah was so far his only wife until
she died at the age of 51.
Prophethood
Muhammad (PBUH) was born amidst a polytheistic (unbeliever) society. He
was saddened and sick of the corrupt society around him. He often went to
Hira cave in the mountain near Makkah, later known as Jabal An-nur
(the mountain of Light) where he meditated and pondered over the
prevailing darkness brought about by ignorance. There he often remained deep
in thought in communion with the unseen yet All-Pervading God of the
Universe.
One night, while he was meditating in the Hira cave, the Angel
Gabriel (peace be upon him) came to him. The Angel aroused him and his
mighty voice reverberated in his ears. He was perplexed and did not know
what to do. He was asked to read. He replied: "I cannot read!" The Angel
repeated three times asking Muhammad (PBUH) to read, but he replied the same
answer. Finally the Angel asked:
[Read in the name of your Lord , who created man from a clot. Read
in the name of your God, the Most Bountiful, who taught by means of the
pen, and taught man what he did not know.] (Qur'an 96: 1-5)
This was the first revelation received by Muhammad (PBUH). He was 40
years old at that time. The revelation continued to come to him from time to
time in a period of 23 years.
These series of revelation were arranged according to the divine guidance
given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and later collected in the form of a
Mushaf (book) the Qur'an (Reading). Most of its verses have clear
meaning. Some verses are interpreted in conjunction with other verses and
some others were interpreted by the Prophet (PBUH) himself through his
words, actions and agreements which are known as his Sunnah (Traditions).
The Qur'an and the Sunnah together constitute the guidance and way
of life for those who submit their life to Allah (God) (SWT). People who
follow this guidance and way of life are guaranteed by Allah (SWT) to
be saved in this world and the Hereafter.
Challenges
When the Prophet (PBUH) called the people to the way of Allah, not
many people listened to his call. Most of them were members of his family
and from the low class society. Among them were Khadijah, Ali, Zayd and
Bilal. When he intensified his mission (da'wah: Call to Islam) by
publicly announcing the religion he preached, he won more followers but at
the same time had to face many challenges from the nobles and leaders who
found their position being threatened and jeopardized. They stood together,
under the pretext of defending the religion of their ancestors, to fight the
new religion.
The morale of the few people who embraced Islam was heightened
when a small group of the respected people of Makkah joined the religion.
Notable among them were `Uthman bin `Affan, Zubair bin Al-`Awwam, `Abd
Ar-Rehman bin `Awf, Talhah bin `Ubaydullah, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, Arqam bin
Abi Arqam, `Ubaydullah bin Harith, Sa'id bin Zayd, `Amr bin Nufail, Fatimah
(the wife of Nufail), Asma binti Abu Bakr, `Abdullah bin Mas'ud, Ja'far bin
Abi Thalib (May Allah be pleased with them) and many others. Before this
group, Abu Bakr was the first among the earlier followers that impressed the
Prophet (PBUH) very much. The Prophet (PBUH) said about him: "I never
invited anyone to the faith who did not display any hesitation in embracing
it except Abu Bakr. When I had offered Islam, he showed no hesitation
at all in accepting it."
As the result of these challenges from the Makkan unbelievers, some
Muslims were subjected to torture, persecutions, isolations and boycotts.
The Prophet (PBUH) had to be patient and had to look for the protection of
Muslims. He asked Negus, King of Ethiopia to allow Muslims to migrate to his
country. Negus welcomed the Muslims emigrants in his territory and
refused to hand them over to the Makkan unbeliever rulers.
Migration (Hijrah)
By the end of the Makkan period, the Prophet (PBUH) lost two people who
were dear to him. They were his most affectionate uncle, Abu Talib, and his
faithful and loving wife, Khadijah. After their deaths, the Makkans felt
free to do what they wanted to impose to the Prophet and his followers.
In many Makkah was the Ka'bah (the Holy Mosque), which was built
by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) centuries before as a holy place to worship Allah
(SWT), the One. But in the course of time, the place had been converted by
unbelievers to the worship of objects other than Allah (SWT). People added
to it many tradition of their own. They used to visit this place for a few
months in a year for pilgrimage. They came from all parts of Arabia,
representing various famous tribes. The pilgrimage, inspite of its religious
bearing, constituted for the Arabs a yearly festival where people met and
indulge in their cultural activities. The Prophet (PBUH) took this
opportunity to spread Islam.
Among those who were interested in his call, were a group of people from
Yathrib (Madina) in the North of Arabia. They met secretly with the Prophet
(PBUH) and a few Muslims from Makkah in a village called `Aqabah.
After becoming Muslims, they took an oath of allegiance to protect
Islam, the Prophet and the Makkan Muslims.
The following year, the group of Muslims from Yathrib came again to
Makkah. They met the Prophet (PBUH) at the same place where they previously
met. This time, `Abbas bin Abd Al-Muttalib, the Prophet's uncle who was
himself not a Muslim yet, was present at the meeting. They invited the
Prophet (PBUH) and the Muslims from Makkah to emigrate to Yathrib.
They promised to treat them as true brothers and sisters. A long dialogue
was held between the Muslims of Yathrib with the Prophet's uncle to make
sure that they really wanted to welcome the Makkan Muslims in their town.
The Prophet (PBUH) agreed at the end to emigrate to the new land.
Upon knowing that, the Muslims had planned to leave Makkah, the
Makkan unbelievers tried to stop the immigration but the first group had
already migrated to Yathrib. The Makkans had fearthat the movement to
Yathrib would give the Muslims a new base to spread Islam.
Within two months nearly all Muslims fMakkah, except the Prophet, Abu
Bakr, Ali and a few helpless people had migrated. The Makkans then decided
to kill the Prophet (PBUH). They made a plan for this purpose, but Allah (SWT)
had made another plan over them, to quote the Qur'an. With
various tactics and a good planning, the Prophet finally arrived peacefully
in Yathrib, which was later known as Madinat Ar-Rasul (The
city of the Prophet).
New Era
In Madinah the Prophet (PBUH) was able to work freely in spreading Islam.
The followers of Islam increased day after day. But the threat
by the Makkans did not stop. A few physical confrontations with the Makkans
were ensued. Sometimes the battles were won by the Muslims, and
sometimes by the Makkans. The Prophet (PBUH) also engaged in battles with
the Byzantine and Persian powers that were jeopardizing the existence of
Islam from the north and the east. But confrontation with the Makkans
stopped for a while after the treaty of Hudaibiyah had been signed between
the Muslims and the unbeliever Makkans.
During the Madinah period, the Muslims also established treaties with the
Jews of Madinah and the tribes around the city. The Jews broke the treaty,
which led to their expulsion out of the Arabian peninsula.
In Madinah, the Prophet (PBUH) succeeded in establishing Islam as a way
of life in its true meaning. He was not only giving guidance on purely
religious matters such as salat (prayers), zakat
(almsgiving), Saum (fasting) and Hajj (pilgrimage) and
examples in these matters, and also provided Muslims with rules and laws
covering social, economic, political fields.
Emissaries Entertained in Madinah
It was in Madinah that the Prophet (PBUH) received envoys and emissaries
from various tribes and nationals, asking matters of various sorts,
demanding dialogues, negotiations etc. Among the emissaries were an envoy
representing the Christian community in Najran (South Arabia). The Prophet (PBUH)
welcomed them, entertained them as honoured guests and even allowed them to
conduct their religious service in his city.
It was a good occasion to share each other's views on matters of
religion. Some members of the envoy were deeply impressed by the treatment
they received from the Muslims, thus leading them to embrace Islam.
Liberation of Makkah
The treaty of Hudaibiyah gave the Muslims a big opportunity to exemplify
the true Islam in personal conduct and in relations with peoples and
communities. But the peace did not stay long due to the attitude of the
Makkan tribal chiefs who broke the treaty. Soon the Prophet (PBUH) marched
very quietly to Makkah in the 8th year of the Hijrah
(emigration) to Madinah. The Makkans gave no resistance and by the
whole city surrendered to the Prophet (PBUH). He announced a general amnesty
for all his enemies and treated all citizens of the city with generosity. A
verse of the Qur'an was revealed on the occasion:
[ When the help of Allah and victory comes, and you see the people
enter the religion of Allah in crowds. So glorify the Name of your Lord
and beg His forgiveness. He, verily accept repentance.] (Qur'an 110:
1-3)
After the liberation of Makkah all the remaining hostile tribes in Arabia
began to realize the reality of Islamic faith. People had seen the noble
teachings of Islam. Good examples of forgiveness, tolerance, justice,
fairness, steadfastness and other qualities as exemplified by the Prophet (PBUH)
and his companions had left an impression in the hearts of hundreds of
thousands of people who became Muslims.
Farewell Pilgrimage Of The Prophet (s.a.w.)
In time the whole Arabia had become the land of Islam. The Prophet (PBUH)
intended to perform the Hajj (pilgrimage). He announced his intention to the
Muslims in Madinah and the surrounding areas and asked them to join him.
This was in fact the only Hajj performed by him during his life time.
On this occasion he taught those who were present with him and to the
whole world about the Hajj and the divine message that Allah had entrusted
him to all mankind.
At the last gathering with the Ummah (nation) during the Hajj
season, the Hajj of Wada' (Farewell) a sermon was delivered by the
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at the valley of Arafat about 81 or 82 days
before his death. It contained the very fundamentals of Islam. Seated
on his camel, he spoke with a clear tone and asked who heard his speech to
convey it to those who were not present there. Among others he said:
"O people, lend me and attentive ear, for I know not whether, after
this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I
am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could
not be present here today.
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, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived.
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hopes
that he will 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 rights over you. If they abide by your right
then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in mildness. 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
anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery.
O people, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah (SWT), say your five
daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, 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 the other except by piety and good deeds.
Remember, one day your will appear before Allah (SWT) and
answer for your deeds. So beware, do not go astray from the path of
righteousness after my death.
O people, no Prophet or Messenger will come after me and no new faith
will be born. Reason well, therefore,
O people, and understand my words, which I convey to you. I leave
behind me two things, the Qur'an 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 O' Allah, (SWT) that I have
conveyed Your message to Your slaves."
The importance of this sermon can be seen from the Prophet's perception
that this occasion may be the last one during his lifetime. He felt that
this was the right time to summarize the principles of Islam to his fellow
brothers and sisters.
By the perfection of this religion, it means that there's no need for
humanity, and for the Muslims in particular, to look for another alternative
way of life. As long as one holds fast to the two things left behind by the
Prophet (the Qur'an and the Sunnah), one will never go astray.
Death
About two months after returning from Makkah for Pilgrimage, the Prophet
(PBUH) became ill but he was still able to perform his prayers in the mosque
and give directives to the companions. His health was deteriorating day by
day. At the last moment he asked Abu Bakr to lead the prayers in the mosque,
Every member of his family and every companion was worried about his health.
It was on Monday, 12th Rabi'Al-Awwal, the year 11A.H.,
when he passed away at the age of sixty three years.
Many people did not believe that he had passed away. They thought that
the Messenger of Allah would live forever. It was Abu Bakr, who had the
feeling, since the Farewell Pilgrimage that the death of the Prophet (PBUH)
was coming near, He convinced the congregation that the Prophet (PBUH) had
actually passed away. Abu Bakr said to the congregation that if they
worshipped Mu, Muhammad had died , and if they worshipped Allah (SWT),
He lives forever. Then hrecited from the Qur'an:
"Muhammad (PBUH) is nought but a Messenger like the Messengers
who had surely passed away before him: will you, then, if he dies or be
slain, turn round on your heels?"
A Guidance to follow
Muhammad as a man had already died, but as a Prophet (PBUH) he left
behind him a legacy in the form of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. He stressed
the urgent need to hold firmly to these two sources during his farewell
speech in the valley of Arafat. If people hold fast to them, they will never
go astray.
The teachings he left for us if put into practice in their true spirit
and proper way will bring a happy life in this world and besides the
indubitable rewards that will be received by those who believed in them in
the life after death. In this sense, Islam is a worldly religion
which cares first for the worldly affairs of humanity. The Hereafter is
merely a continuation of the worldly life. It is difficult to portend that
man can be saved in the Hereafter without being saved in this world. The
safe way is to follow the way shown to us by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
When his wife, `Aishah, was asked by a companion about the Prophet's (PBUH)
daily conduct, `Aishah replied that the conduct of the Prophet (PBUH) was
the Qur'an which is the guidance from Allah and Muhammad (PBUH) was
given authority by Allah to interpret it. That is why his conduct was
the exemplary of human conduct. Islam as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
is very much misunderstood, as a religion perceived to contain souls and
rituals like prayers, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage. Thanks to the new
developments in the world, Islam is now looked upon in a wider perspective
than the narrow-minded view in the past.
The increased interest in Islamic studies by Muslims and
non-Muslims supported by the advanced printing technology has begun to open
the eyes of the world about the true teachings and intrinsic values of
Islam.
Economy (Expertise and Outlook)
In the field of economic development, the goal is not material gain, but
human welfare in general. Islam exhorts that the balance between the
material and physical aspects, between the individual and societal needs, be
maintained in order to narrow the gap between two opposite sides of human
world. It is stated in the Qur'an:
"Say, who is there to forbid the beauty which Allah has brought forth
for His creatures, and the good things from among the means of sustenance.
Say, they are for those who believe [in Allah (SWT)] in this worldly life,
to be theirs alone in the Hereafter on the Day of Resurrection ... Say,
the only things my Lord forbids are the shameful deeds, be they open or
secret, the sin, unjustified envy, the ascribing of divinity to aught
beside Allah (SWT), and the attributing unto Allah (SWT) of aught of which
you have no knowledge"
So everyone is free to conduct any business he likes outside the harmful
and shameful circle he has been warned to refrain from. If he does not
listen to this warning, he will be in trouble. Every good quality set as a
precondition to a successful business is encouraged by Islam.
The Prophet (PBUH) himself was a businessman before he was appointed as a
Prophet. His ability to run business prudently, by his fairness and truthful
conduct in dealing with people had won him the heart of his employer,
Khadijah who later offered him marriage. He advocated Muslims to follow the
spirit of Prophet Daud's (PBUH) (David) industriousness who earned his
living from his own labour. He also said that faith of a Muslim is
not complete if he is not good in his profession. He said:
"If you leave matter to those who are not professional, you are waiting
for a disaster".
If he works in the production line, his products must be compatible with
product of other companies or factories. In order to be marketable, it must
suit the taste of buyers and their standards of living. In this regard,
Islam teaches not to cheat in offering the product to the market. It must be
shown as it is without any publicity it does not deserve. In the lifetime of
the Prophet (PBUH), he found many cases in market places where the merchants
tried to cheat the customers. The Prophet (PBUH) said to them:
"Whoever cheats is not one of us (Muslim Book of Iman 164 and
Ahmed V.3 PP 498)".
Islam laid many regulations the field of economy such as trade, leasing,
business transaction, contract and others to prevent unfair dealing within
the community and in the world of business at large. What is also prevented
by Islam is a monopoly and exploitation by one man or one group at the
expense of the others.
Cleanliness
The first thing in the religion brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is
the concern for cleanliness. The concept of cleanliness in Islam covers
physical and spiritual, mundane and religious domains.
Before performing any rituals prescribed by Islam, one should cleanse his
body, and his dress, his place of worship and his environment should also be
clean.
Prior to carrying out his prayers or starting for pilgrimage, one has to
make his Wudu (ablution). If he or she is in a state of impurity
after having had a lawful intimate intercourse or post-natal period or other
reasons, he or she has to take a complete bath by pouring clean water over
the whole body.
In the case of daily prayer, every Muslim has to clean his/her
private parts, face, hands, feet, mouth, nose, and ears at least five times
every day for the five daily prayers. This also reminds him/her to keep
his/her soul clean from unlawful deeds.
Cleanliness is not in the physical sense only. The body should be
purified as well from evil doings that might harm his relationship with
others and with Allah (SWT). He has to clean his mind from bad intentions or
committing unlawful acts. He has to clean his heart from jealously,
hypocrisy and other evil desires. He has to embody hope, truthfulness,
forgiveness, compassion, holiness, the sense of brotherliness,
neighborliness and other noble qualities.
He has to pay special attention to his diet against all unhealthy food
medically and religiously. He has to keep his eyes, ears, tongue from evil.
These are among the noble characteristics as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH).
To clean the wealth, Islam instituted the zakat system (way of
purifying wealth). A person whose wealth has reached a certain point is
obligated to pay zakat (alms) which is a duty enjoined by God and
undertaken Muslims in the interest of society as a whole.
For those capable persons whose wealth does not reach the minimum
chargeable rate, he can also give voluntary contribution to the needy. This
does not mean that the needy should always be receiving help from the
affluent ones.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"The upper hand (giver) is better than the lower one (receiver)".
Muslim Kitab Zakat No. 124
If the receiver of zakat can grasp the spirit of the
Prophet's (PBUH) saying, he will try his best to be the giver instead of the
receiver by endeavoring to better his life as encouraged by the teachings of
Islam.
In Islam the possession of more wealth does not raise a man's dignity,
nor does poverty degrade him. It is true that wealth is necessary for man to
live on this earth but it is only a means, not the end. The end is happiness
in life by attaining the higher values and not losing sight of in the
pursuit of wealth.
Among the great virtues of Islam is the command to do good and the
prohibition to do evil. The good should be preserved and the evil should be
discarded. In short, Islam is actually composed of a series of commands and
prohibitions. Allah the most Knowing, the Most Merciful, did not decree any
law and regulations but for the good and benefit of his creatures.
The prohibition was decree because of its evil implications to humanity.
The evils were created to test the human conscience and challenge their
freewill in choosing between right and wrong.
All the commands and prohibitions from Allah as transmitted through His
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was intended to purify the human soul in order to
live a pure and clean life adored by Allah (SWT) and human
beings.
Orderliness
One of the teachings of Islam is about orderlin. Discipline, regulation,
management, planning and all other terms relating to organization are mostly
considered as alien to Islam. On the contrary, Islam exhorts people to live
in orderliness and to put the right thing in the right place. The foundation
of Islamic order rests on two main principles, the crucial faith in one
Allah (God) and the oneness of humanity. All the frame works were laid down
in the Qur'an and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) applied himself to
working out the essential details of that order.
One of the great values taught by Islam in this regard is to make
use of the time left to humanity. The Qur'an and the Sunnah
(Prophetic traditions) mentioned about time, day, week, month, year and
century. People are lost if they did not spend the time available to them
during this life for good things. It is a great loss if people have to waste
the valuable time they have at their disposal for useless activities. It is
true that life should be enjoyable but not at the expense of human resources
and values which are essential for the continuation of their well-being.
Allah the Most Knowing had created time and space suitable for human
activities for they can attain achievements in life. There are times for
work, study, recreation, resting and even celebration. All are parts of
activities in worshipping Allah (SWT) and serving His cause. The Qur'an
says that Allah (SWT) had created the day for earning and night
for resting and enjoyment. He created the sun, the moon and all outer-space
objects so that man on the earth can fix the time and arrange the calendar.
By having standard time and standard calendar and the movements of
astronomical objects, people are able to regulate their timetable in
choosing the right moment for them in doing business and carrying out their
activities.
Islam prescribes certain times for the daily prayers, certain month for
the obligatory fasting and certain time in one's life time for performing
the Hajj or pilgrimage which indicates that the religion brought by Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) places the life of Muslims in systematic order. For
every move and occasion made by Muslims there is a rule governing it,
be it in the form of advice, spiritual guidance or practical directive. If
all these directives are followed and understood properly, people will have
high discipline and a well-managed life.
Islam encourages people to think correctly before taking any decision.
This means planning. There are many verses in the Qur'an admonishing against
doing things unthinkingly and jumping to conclusions.
The Prophet (PBUH) also showed a good example in fulfilling promise and
staying true to treaty, agreement or contract made between parties.
As a man of honour he always remained true to the principles agreed in
the treaty, depicting his high discipline and inclination of doing
everything in proper order.
Friendliness
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a warmhearted and faithful friend. He loved
his companions. He extended greeting to those he knew and to those he did
not know. He treated all people around him with kindness and affection.
He was very courteous to all those who met him. He never contradicted
anybody who is not opposed to the teachings of Islam. He treated
equally the humble and the lofty. He claimed no distinction and lived
amongst his companions as if he was not their leader.
Neighborliness
He regarded the neighbors as brother and sisters because of their
closeness and living in the same vicinity. He once smelt the aroma of the
soup cooked by his wife. He told her to give some of it to the neighbours
who also smelt it. He said it was not right a Muslim to sleep with a
full stomach after having had a good meal but let his neighbour starve. He
laid down the foundation for a friendly relation and co-operation among
neighbours exemplifying that living as a neighbour, one has one's right and
responsibility.
In regard to the rights of a neighbour, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Gibreel (PBUH) used to advise me to take good care of the neighbour
until I thought he would make him my heit." (Bukhari Kitab Al
Adab No. 28 and Muslim Kitab Al Bir No. 146)
Goodwill
He was a good exemplar to those who subscribe to a harmonious society.
Islam exhorts people not to violate the rights of others and injure
their interest, but should positively cooperate with each other and
establish a mutual relationship and social cohesion.
To safeguard the unity and solidarity of the nation and to achieve the
welfare and well-being of the community, Muslims have been enjoined
to avoid mutual hostility, social dissension, backbiting one another, and
hurting others with their hand or tongue.
Islam as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) exhorts Muslims to
visit the sick, to help to the needy and assist the weak. Islam makes
no discrimination on the basis of race, colour or language. Its appeal is to
the entire humanity.
Respect for Women
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought changes for the betterment of womens
conditions.
Woman is recognized by Islam as a full and equal partner of man in the
procreation of humankind. He is the father, she is the mother, and both are
essential for life. Her role is no less vital than his. By this partnership
she has an equal share in every aspect; she is entitled to equal rights; she
undertakes equal responsibilities, and in her there are many qualities and
so much humanity as there are in her partner.
She is equal to man in bearing personal and common responsibilities and
in receiving rewards for her deeds.
She is equal to man in the pursuit of education and knowledge.
Islam enjoined the seeking of knowledge upon Muslim, it makes no
distinction between man and woman, who is entitled to freedom of expression
as much as man is. Her sound opinions are taken into consideration and
cannot be disregarded just because she is a female.
Islam grants woman equal rights to contract, to enterprise, to earn and
possess independently. Her life, her property, her honor are as sacred as
those of man.
Islam has also given woman a share of inheritance. Before Islam, she was
not only deprived of that share, but was herself considered as property to
be inherited by man.
Statesmanship
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) arrived at Madinah, he initiated the
formation of an Islamic state. After establishing politics, brotherhood and
the authority of the state of Madinah, he began negotiations with various
tribes around the city and made treaties with them.
When the Makkan unbelievers launched a series of attacks on Madinah,
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was able to confront them, and when the Makkans were
finally defeated in the battle of Al-Khandaq (Trenches), he was able to make
truce with them at Hudaibiyah for ten years. This treaty was a masterpiece
of practical statesmanship on the part of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
His diplomacy in sending and receiving envoys to and from the various
chiefs of tribes and foreign rulers, his fairness in conducting judiciary,
and his general pardon at the liberation of Makkah, was another proof of his
lofty statesmanship.
The State he established in Madinah was not a matter of chance. It was
the very nature of his mission that he would establish a state to enforce
the way of Allah. People might accept a new faith but it would take
time to change their habits, custom and ways of life. And even if a small
group of people succeeded in changing their ways of life there would be many
others who would not let these people practice their belief and try to stop
them by force. So the Islamic State became an urgent necessity to protect
the Islamic way of life.
The State founded by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was built physical force, as
every state must necessarily be, to fulfill its function of stopping
aggression and oppression.
A democratic system in Islam is expressed through the term shura
(council). The Qur'an translation reads:
[ And those who respond to their Lord and keep up prayer and
their affairs [of government] by counseling among themselves and who spend
out of what We have given them.] (Qur'an 42: 38)
References:
- Abdul Hamid Siddique, The life of Muhammad. Beirut: Dar El Fath.
- Afzalur Rehman, Muhamma, Blessing for Mankind.
- London: The Muslim Schools Trust London.
- Ministry of Religious Affairs Pakistan, Universality of the
Prophet's Message.
- Mohammed Hussein Hikal, Hayat Mohammed. Cairo: Dar Al Ma'arif.
Messengers of Allah (PBUT)
Below are the names of the 25 Rasul (Messengers of Allah)
- Adam(PBUH); (Peace be upon him)
- Idris(PBUH).
- Nuh (Noah)(PBUH).
- Hud(PBUH).
- Saleh(PBUH).
- Lut (Lot)(PBUH).
- Ibrahim (Abraham) (PBUH).
- Ismail (Shmael) (PBUH).
- Ishak (Isaac) (PBUH).
- Ya'kub (Jacob) (PBUH).
- Yousuf (Joseph)(PBUH).
- Shuaib (PBUH).
- Harun (Aaron) (PBUH).
- Musa (Moses) (PBUH).
- Dawood (David) (PBUH).
- Sulaiman (Solomon) (PBUH).
- Ayub (Job) (PBUH).
- Zulkifl (Ezekiel) (PBUH).
- Yunus (Jonah) (PBUH).
- Elyas (Elijah) (PBUH).
- Al-Yasa' (Elisah) (PBUH).
- Zakariyah (Zechariah) (PBUH).
- Yahya (John) (PBUH).
- `Isa (Jesus) (PBUH).
- Muhammad (PBUH)
Remembering Allah (SWT) at all times.
When starting to do something
Bism-illah
When intending to do something in future
Insha-Allah
When in pain and distress
Ya-Allah
When expressing appreciation
Masha-Allah
When thanking someone
Jazak-Allah Khayran
When awakening from sleep
La-ilaha-illallah
When thanking Allah or When sneezing
Alhamdu-lillah
When someone else sneezes
Yar-Hamuk-Allah
When repenting of a sin
Astagh-Firullah
When taking oath
Wallah/Billah
When someone supplicates
Ameen
When death message is received
Inna-Lillahi-wa- inna-ilaihi Raji-oun.