AKHBAR IS ANWA’R - PART 6

THE DISTRIBUTION OF BOOTY AT AL-JI’RANAH

Upon returning from the successful mission of lifting the siege in Ta’if Nabi (SA) waited over ten nights at Al-Ji’ranah, in the hope that Hawazin’s delegation (those defeated in Hunain) might arrive and announce their repentance and consequently reclaim their loss.

Seeing that none of them arrived, Nabi (SA) in order to calm down the tribal chiefs and the nobles of Makkah, started to distribute the booty, and the ones who obtained the greatest number of shares, were the people who had recently embraced Islam.

Abu Sufyan bin Harb was given a hundred camels and forty (gold) ounces and yet he said : “ What about my son, Yazeed’s share? So he was given the same quantity for his son as well. But yet he exclaimed : “ And what about the share of Mu’awiyah, my second son ? 

So Nabi (SA) gave Mu’awiyah as much as he gave his father and brother.

Likewise, Hakim bin Hizam was given a hundred camels , but was given a hundred more when he demanded. Safwan bin Umaiyah was given three hundred camels – a hundred camels at each time. (Ash – Shifa (1/86)

The generosity of Nabi (SA) to the chiefs of Makkah and the newly converts, resulted in a stampede by the Bedouins, so much so, that Nabi (SA) was forced to take refuse against a tree, and they even took away his mantle.

Rehmatul lil A’lameen Nabi (SA) addressed the tumultuous people saying: “O people ! Give me back my mantle. For I swear by the One in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s soul, that if  had as many numerous camels as the number of Tihamah trees, I would have distributed them among you… “ Standing by his camel  he said : “ O people, I swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also goes back to you”

After he had distributed the booty among the new converts, he distributed the remaining among the Muslims, and the Ansaars (Helpers – people of Medinah) were disgruntled and not satisfied, with what little they received compared to the booty received by the new converts.

Hunain represented hard times and they were the first to rush and to fight and stand firm with Nabi (SA) when the fighting was intense, whereas new converts like Abu Sufyan and Hakim bin Hizam, who escaped from the battlefield, when the tide turned against the Muslims, received large booty.

When resentment grew among the Helpers and ill statements spread, Nabi (SA) summoned Sa’d bin Ubadah and told him to gather all the Ansaars, and gave a very passionate speech, saying that although the Ansaars are not telling him directly, he can read their minds – saying  ‘You (Muhammad S.A.) came to us belied and rejected, and we accepted you ; you came to us helpless and we helped you ;  you were a fugitive, and we took you in; you were poor and we comforted you’

‘You Helpers, do you feel anxious for the things of this world. Wherewith I have sought to incline these people unto the Faith  in which you are already established ?

Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah (SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Helpers, their children and their children’s children !

                                     

The audience wept till tears rolled down their beards as they said: “Yes we are satisfied, O Prophet of Allah ! with our lot and share”

ANWA’R

As I read the Akhbaar of the distribution of booty at Ji’rannah which had happened in the year 8 AH and that Abu Sufyan bin Harb, from whose loins came Muawiyah and Yezid bin Muawiyah, was given a large share of the booty, a question arose in my mind.

Nabi (SA) who had been blessed with the I’lm of ‘ma kana sayakoon’ at the time of Me’raj ( the ascension) the event which occurred at Mecca before the Hijrah, was aware, of all the events that will transpire in the future.

Surah al- Isra (verse 1) Allah shows His ayat – proofs, lessons, signs, evidence etc:

Surah al _Najm (Verses 12 to 18) also narrates the entire Me’raj episode.

In Vaaz we hear frequently of Jibraeel showing Nabi (SA) two ‘haveli mubaraks’ and on being asked,  Jibraeel narrates the tragic incidents that will happen, one in Medinah and the other, on the burning sands of Karbala. Nabi (SA) knew, who were the perpetrators of the gruesome crime.

The question than is – why oh ! why! when Nabi (SA) knew that Sufyan bin Harb and his family were the perpetrators of crime against Nabi (SA) progeny, did he give out large booty to them, at the cost of earning resentment of the Ansaars, who had fought with valor and risked their very lives in the hard won battle of Hunain ??

I have found this question very perplexing. If any of you readers have an answer, I will be indebted to know.

On reflection during Sehrullah 1432 H I have tried to understand the historical paradox, in my own humble way, and sharing the same with my readers. Please do correct me, if you feel I have erred in my reflection of this Akhbar.

The Anwa’r I see in this Akhbaar is that Nabi (SA) was the epitome and a living example of ‘salama’ which in the primary sense means – to be tranquil, at rest, to be at perfect peace, to be in absolute submission to the Will of Allah.  The last mentioned is the most important, Nabi (SA) was always living in THE NOW  - THE PRESENT MOMENT.  Nabi (SA) was here to enable the Divine Purpose of the Universe to unfold.

He epitomized the greatest power of the Universe – non resistance and complete submission to TOTALITY -  Will Of Allah – saying YES to the PRESENT MOMENT – honoring the PRESENT MOMENT. ( For this thought process, I am indebted to the teaching of Eckhart Tolle)   

Even after knowing the future, Nabi (SA) was submitting to THE WILL OF ALLAH, accepting and doing his duty in perfect peace. 

It was the WILL of ALLAH working through his Nabi (SA) in the NOW – The Present Moment, and Nabi (SA) was fully focused in discharging his obligations, in full compliance with THE WILL OF ALLAH – submitting in humility with grace, knowing ALLAH KNOWS BEST.

A most difficult task for ordinary mortals, knowing if at all,  the future and still accepting the paradox of the Present. 

Now coming to the resentment of the Ansaars, there is so much Anwa’r in the Akhbaar, if one cares to reflect.

Nabi (SA) knows the minds of his followers fully. He well understands and sympathizes fully with the sacrifices made by the Ansaar, and the unequal distribution of the booty. But here again he is simply acting on the Will of Allah.

Nabi (SA) does not desire anything from himself. He articulates forcefully – mark his words :

 “ O people, I swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also goes back to you”

However he fully understand human nature, and his sole mission is to make those who really love him, to unshackle themselves from gross materialism, to become farishta shifat in this world, and how true and meaningful are his words :

‘Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah (SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Helpers, their children and their children’s children !

There is a great lesson for us to be learnt from this Akhbar. Many a times in our worldly journey, we are assailed with doubts, as to the happenings around us. When we see around us people, who do not deserve, who show merely outward profession of faith, their actions do  not reflect their speech, getting rewarded with worldly goods, when we stand at such cross road in life, utterly confused and perplexed, we should be of firm faith and ask ourselves the question.

Do I want the world or my MOULA ?            

Be honest with your self – what you want in this life. Moula knows what is best for you, so accept in humility, be at peace with your self. This is ‘salama’ – Islam.

There are many best selling books in the market, showing you ways and means to achieve what you desire – the question is what is your desire ?  What is the focus in your life. I am not saying you do not desire worldly comforts, or it is not good to aspire for high standard of living – what I am saying is to  ACCEPT WHAT IS.

The doa Mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) ‘ barakAllaho’ does not only mean palatial bungalows, pricey cars, luxurious living, it depending upon what is good for you – Moula knows – it may mean, rise in the spiritual station, nearness to Moula, Ma’ad at jet speed after death etc:

In his Book ‘ The New Earth’  Eckhart Tolle gives a good example of a sapling to a question put forward to him.  He says the sapling does not want anything – if it withers and dies, so be it. If it grows into a big tree – so be it. The reason is, it is one with the Will of Allah – with the Totality of the Universe, it has completely surrendered.

In a National Geographic documentary I was amazed to see the animals standing in lashing rain storm with their heads bowed, completely at ease, till heavy rains subsided.

 A lesson to be learnt from the plants and animals. Accepting WHAT IS.

I am not advocating passivity, we are here to strive and achieve the best for ourselves and our family. But at times, we have to become still have firm faith in the Will of Allah and our MOULA and to be at perfect peace with ourselves, after giving our very best.

The lesson learnt is that – whatever the present moment contains, accept it, as if you had chosen it – there in lies your greatness.

In times of crisis of faith, remember the words of Nabi (SA) – ‘people go with ewes and camels while you go with the Messenger of Allah (SA)’ in our times we are in the saya of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)

  

AKHBAR IS ANWAAR - PART 5

After the frantic search had slowed by the Quraish, Abdullah bin Uraiqit who was a trusted guide, came to the cave with two camels and Muhammad (SA) departed with food provisions for the onward journey through the seldom used ways along the coastal route.

 That was in Rabi'ul Awwal 1^st year A.H.  September 16, 622 C.E. After traveling through many villages they finally reached Quba on Monday , 8^th Rabi'ul Awaal ie: September 23^rd 622 AC in the forteenth year of Prohpethood.  

The shouts of Allahu Akbar  resounded amongst the Muslims, whose joys knew no bounds as they show they beloved Nabi (SA) emerging out of the desert mirage, from their look out point at Harrah. They had been going there each morning, and waiting till noon to catch the glimpse of the Prophet (SA).

Muhaamad (SA) stayed in Quba for 4 days. He built the Masjid and prayed there. Moulana Ali (SA) stayed back in Makkah for three days to return the trusts on behalf of the Prophet (SA) to their respective owners, and emigrated thereafter and reached Quba.

On the fifth day Friday he accompanied by his maternal uncles Bani An-Najjar and others, he rode towards Madinah amidst throngs of joyous Madiense, who had lined his path.

Though not wealthy, every Ansar   (helper) was eager to receive the Messenger in his house. It was indeed a triumphal procession. Around the camel of Muhammad (SA) and his immediate followers, rode the chiefs of the city in their best garments and in glittering armor, the little girls chanting beautiful verses of welcome.

Every one pleading with Muhammad (SA) as he passed their houses to alight and stay with them. Muhammad (SA) used to reply courteously and kindly to each of them " Leave it (camel) on its way, for it is commanded (by Allah)"

The camel moved onward with loosed rein, reached the site were Masjid ul – Nabawi will be built. The camel knelt down, but Muhammad (SA) did not dismount, until the camel rose again, moved forward, turned back, and came back to kneel down in the very former spot. At this spot, Muhammad (SA) alighted in the area inhabited by Banu An-Najjar, a tribe related to the Prophet (SA) from the maternal side.

The fortunate host Abu Ayyub Ansari, whose house was the nearest to the spot escorted Muhammad (SA) to his dwelling. The first task to which Muhammad (SA) attended was the building of the Masjid, at the spot where his camel had knelt down. The land which belonged to two orphans was purchased, the ground was cleared of weeds and shrubs, and leveled. Muhammad (SA) himself carried bricks and stones and recited verses, in praise of Allah.

A brotherhood between the Ansar ( Helpers) and Muhajirun (Emigrants) was established, the most unique in the history of the world. A gathering of 90 men, half of them Helpers and half of them Emigrants assembled in the house of Anas bin Malik, where Muhammad (SA) gave the spirit of brotherhood his blessings.

Muhammad (SA) attached to that brotherhood a valid contract : it was not just meaningless words but rather a valid practice relating to blood and wealth. The atmosphere of brotherhood created a spirit of selflessness infused deeply in the hearts of his followers, and produced healthy results.

The Helpers were extremely generous to their brethren –in-faith. Abu Hurairah reported that once the Helpers approached the Prophet (SA) with the request that their orchards of palm trees, should be distributed equally between the Muslims of Madinah and their brethren from Makkah. But Muhammad (SA) was hesitant to put this heavy burden on them. It was, however, decided that the Emigrants would work in the orchards along  with the Helpers and the yield would be divided equally among them.

The Emigrants took only what helped them make a reasonable living. This mutual brotherhood was so wise and timely, that many problems were resolved, and progress achieved wonderfully.

concluded.

NOTE : I have written posts on Battle of Badr and Battle of Uhud, and for other Akhbar posts, please log to my home page :  

www.hikmaah.com 

AKHBAR IS ANWAAR - PART 4

Next year during the pilgrimage season,  a group of twelve people came from Madinah, which included five who had met the Prophet (SA) the previous year. They took a pledge, which is known as the First 'Aqabah Pledge. 

After the pledge (in the form of an oath had been taken) the Prophet (SA) sent with the group the first Muslim ambassador Mus'ab bin Umair, to teach the people there, the doctrine of Islam, give them practical guidance and propagate Islam among those who still professed polytheism.

So prepared was the ground and so zealous the propagation, that Islam spread rapidly from house to house, from tribe to tribe.

In the next year, thirteenth of Prophethood, June 622 CE during the pilgrimage season, over seventy converts from Madinah came along with others. The oft repeated question among them was – " Isn't it high time, we protect Muhammad (SA) instead of leaving him abandoned in Makkah ?"

They met secretly at night with the Prophet (SA) during the Tashreeq Days (the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th day of Dhul-Hijjah) on a hillock at Al- Aqabah, the last year's meeting place.

After events dealing with the conditions of allegiance had ended, and all had agreed to endorse it, two early converts, explained to others of the serious step they were about to take, so that they could give the pledge fully aware of the whole affair, and consequently be ready for the sacrifices they were expected to make.

Muhammad (SA) then asked the group to appoint twelve people to represent their people, being responsible in regard to the articles of the pledge.

Next year during the pilgrimage season,  a group of twelve people came from Madinah, which included five who had met the Prophet (SA) the previous year. They took a pledge, which is known as the First 'Aqabah Pledge. 

After the pledge (in the form of an oath had been taken) the Prophet (SA) sent with the group the first Muslim ambassador Mus'ab bin Umair, to teach the people there, the doctrine of Islam, give them practical guidance and propagate Islam among those who still professed polytheism.

So prepared was the ground and so zealous the propagation, that Islam spread rapidly from house to house, from tribe to tribe.

In the next year, thirteenth of Prophethood, June 622 CE during the pilgrimage season, over seventy converts from Madinah came along with others. The oft repeated question among them was – " Isn't it high time, we protect Muhammad (SA) instead of leaving him abandoned in Makkah ?"

They met secretly at night with the Prophet (SA) during the Tashreeq Days (the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th day of Dhul-Hijjah) on a hillock at Al- Aqabah, the last year's meeting place.

After events dealing with the conditions of allegiance had ended, and all had agreed to endorse it, two early converts, explained to others of the serious step they were about to take, so that they could give the pledge fully aware of the whole affair, and consequently be ready for the sacrifices they were expected to make.

Muhammad (SA) then asked the group to appoint twelve people to represent their people, being responsible in regard to the articles of the pledge.

After the endorsement of the Second 'Aqabah Pledge and the establishment of a small Muslim state in a vast desert surging with disbelief and ignorance – the most significant gain in terms of Islam – Muhammad (SA) gave his leave for the Muslims to migrate to Madinah, the emerging Muslim state.

The polytheists spared no effort in hindering and debarring the Muslims, who had to bear with much hardship. Abu Salamah when he decided to leave Makkah, his in-laws, in a desperate bid to raise obstacles detained his wife and snatched his son, and dislocated his hand. There were many such instances, but within two months of the "Aqabah pledge many migrated leaving their land, houses and wealth behind.

The polytheists were paralyzed by the carefully planned and speedy movement of the Muslims towards their new abode in Madinah.

As Madinah was inhabited by the powerful  Al- Aws and Al-Khazraj tribes and controlled the commercial routes leading to Makkah, the Quriash started to feel threatened.

So on 26^th Safar, Thursday morning (12^th September 622 CE) ie: two and half months after the Great 'Aqabah Pledge, all the Quraishite tribes attended the meeting at An –Nadwah (Council House)

At the meeting at An-Nadwah, there was a lengthy debate and several proposals were put forward. The arch enemy Abu Jahl bin Hisham suggested that they kill the Prophet (SA) and this heinous crime to carried out by a band of young men each form one tribe. This sinful proposal was unanimously accepted and the representatives went back homewith full determination for immediate implementations.

Muhaamd (SA) immediately came to know of the diabolic plot by a Revelation in which he was also granted permission to leave Makkah. The eleven polytheists surrounded the house of Prophet(SA) as night fell, and Abu Jahl strutted around the house with pride, confident that they will succeed before dawn. Occasionally they use to peep inside the house making sure that Muhammad (SA) and Moulana Ali (SA) were there. They had planned to strike in a group as Muhammad (SA) emerged for morning namaz.

Before dawn break Muhammad (SA) left the house, making Moulana Ali (SA) sleep on his bed wearing his mantle. Muhammad (SA) left the house casting a handful of dust on the assassins and reciting the verses from Quran.

In the early morning the assassins were bewildered to find Moulana Ali (SA) sleeping on the bed, and by this time Muhammad (SA) had long left Makkah and tricked the polytheists by taking the road least expected lying south of Makkah and leading towards Yemen, than the usual road going to Makkah.

Muhammad (SA) hid in the cave on mount Thawr with his companion for three nights.

to be contd:

AKHBAR IS ANWAAR - PART 3

The polytheists after failing to negotiate with Muhammad (SA) tried to harm him, an unsuccessful attempt was made by Abu Jahl to take his life by throwing a big rock. 

'Uabah bin Abi Mu'ait tried to choke the Prophet by pressing his feet firmly on the neck of Muhaamd (SA) while he was prostrating himself in prayer.

Moulana Abu Talib (SA) became very worried of this machinations of the heathen Quraish to kill the Prophet (SA) He persuaded his clan of Banu Hashim and Banu Al-Muttalib to support his nephew and protect him.

The Quraish countered by entering into a pact of injustice and aggression. They held a meeting at a place called Wadi Al-Muhassab and took an oath not to have any dealings with Banu Hashim and Banu Al_Muttalib,  to severe all social relations, visits and even verbal contacts until the Prophet (SA) was given up to them to be killed. This they wrote down, drawing up a pact and a covenant. This treaty was hung up on the wall of Ka'bah.

Moulana Abu Talib (SA) wisely and quietly took stock of the situation and decided to withdraw to a valley on the eastern outskirts of Makkah. The two tribes were thus confined within a narrow pass (Shi'b of Abu Talib) from the beginning of Muharram, or later as per some accounts, in the seventh year of the Prophethood till the tenth year viz: a period of three years.

It was a horrible and deadly siege. The supply of food was almost stopped and the people in confinement faced great hardship. Cries of little children suffering from hunger used to be heard clearly.

Nothing eatable reached them except, on few occasions, some small quantities of food was smuggled by some compassionate Makkans. During the prohibited months – when hostilities traditionally ceased, they would leave their confinement, and buy food from outside Makkah. 

  In the tenth year of the Prophethood,  a disagreement arose between a group of Makkans with regard to the severance of relations pact. Hisham bin 'Amr who used to smuggle some food to Bani Hashim secretly at night, managed to form a pressure group who set out to abolish the pact and declare all relevant clauses null and void. They decided to meet in their assembly place, and Zuhair bin abi Umaiyah along with his colleagues, after circumambulating Ka'bah seven times approached the hosts of people assembled there, and swore that they will tear the parchment. Abu Jahl said that he will never let this happen.

Meanwhile, as argument and counter arguments were being traded, Moulana Abu Talib was sitting in a corner of the Masjid. He told the assembled people that a Revelation had been sent to his nephew Muhammad (SA) to the effect that ants had eaten away all their declaration, that had points of injustice and aggression except those parts that bore the Name of Allah. 

He proposed that he would be ready to give up Muhammad (SA) up to them, if his words proved untrue, otherwise, they would have to withdraw and cancel their boycott.

The Makkans agreed to the soundness of his proposition, Al-Mut'im went to see the parchment and there he discovered that it was eaten away by ants and nothing was left except the part bearing the Name of Allah.

The declaration was thus cancelled and Muhammad (SA) and others were permitted to leave Ash-Sh'ib and return home.   

Allah's Messenger (SA) left his confinement and went on preaching his Faith. 

Quraish likewise, cancelled the boycott but went on in their atrocities and oppression of the Muslims. Moulana Abu Talib had by now reached eighty years of age,  and in spite of failing health, was shielding his beloved nephew.

A delegation of Quraish comprising of 25 notables again approached Moulana Abu Talib, paying tribute to him and confirming their high esteem of his character and position among them  They tried to negotiate with him but failed because Muhammad (SA) would not refrain from preaching the religion of Allah and calling people  to Tawheed.

In the tenth year of Prophethood, Moulana Abu Talib fell ill and passed away. According to some in the month of Rajab, six months after leaving the confinement at Ash- Sh'ib.

In that same year in the month of Ramadan Moulatena Khadijah also passed away, she was sixty five year old. She, for twenty five years, shared with him the toils and trails of life, especially in the first ten years of his Prophethood. He deeply mourned over her death.

These two painful events took place within a short period of time and added a lot to his grief and suffering. The Makkans now openly declared their campaign of torture and oppression. He set out for At' Taif seeking a supportive atmosphere.   

Muhammad (S.A.) set out from Mecca in the year 619 C.E.  to bring the Quraish polytheists into the fold of Islam. He went with his freed slave Zaid bin Harithhah to Al – Taif a prosperous town having fruit and vineyard farms, located at a distance of 60 kms from Mecca.

He first approached the family of Umair, reckoned as among the nobility of the town. All the three sons of Umair turned a deaf year and used abusive language, as regards the cause for which he had been striving.

For ten days, he stayed in al Taif, delivering the message of  Islam to all the noble people, one after another, but to no avail. Contrary to Arab tradition of  hospitality, he was hooted at and pelted with stones, and obliged to flee pursued by a merciless crowd.

So much so, that blood flowed down his legs and thus tired and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous fruit farms, and rested against the wall of a vineyard belonging to 

Walid bin Ukaba . 

Seeing the plight of a stranger he sent with his slave Adras, who was a practicing Christian, a bunch of luscious grapes – 18 in all. Nabi Muhammad (S.A.) quenched his thirst and felt refreshed, and prayed for Walid, who himself died a polythist, fighting the Muslims, but  in his descendents, the flower of  Islam bloomed, so much so, that as a direct result of Nabi Muhammad (S.A.) prayer, on that eventful day at Al – Taif the Fatemi Dawat of Yemen was resplendent with 18 Doat ul Mutlaqeen, the first and foremost being Syedna Ali bin Mohammad  Walid (RA) whose story of tawajo and khusu in well known in the annals of Fatemi Dawat, and it is not mere coincidence that  Syedna Mohammad bin Walid  (RA) wrote 18 kutubs,  and lived till the ripe old age of 100 years, and till end, use to go to Masjid to offer Namaz.

At Al Taif at a time when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, Muhammad (S.A.) turned to his Lord, and started praying, those touching words are still preserved, as those through which his wronged soul expressed distress and anguish.

HE WAS TIRED AND WOUNDED BUT AT THE SAME TIME CONFIDENT OF THE HELP OF HIS LORD.

'O Allah ! To you alone I complain of my weakness, my insufficient ability and my insignificance before the people.

You are the Most Merciful of the merciful. You are the Lord of the helpless and the weak.

O Lord of mine ! Into whose hands would You abandon me: into the hands of any unsympathetic distant relative, who would angrily frown at me or to the enemy, who has been given control over my affairs ?

But if your wrath does not fall upon me, there is nothing for me to worry about !

Your pardon is ample enough for me, I seek pardon in the light of your Face, which illuminates the darkness, fixing the affairs in this world and in the Hereafter.

May it never be that I should incur Your wrath, or that  You should be wrathful to me. And there is no power nor resource, but Yours alone.'

After bracing hostility of the people of al Taif, Muhammad (S.A.) slowly proceeded towards Mecca, where he had been persecuted by the heathen Quraish led by Abu Jahl and  Abu Lahab. He recalled how the early converts, simple people and freed slaves, like Ammar bin Yasir, Bilal, Khabab bin Al- Arath, Sumaiyah and many more had braved unspeakable tortures. Muhammad (S.A.) himself  had to bear taunts and uncouth behavior. Once while he was praying in Kaba, Utaibah bin Abu Lahab threw intestines of camel, while he was in sujood. Ma Fatema (S.A.) was a helpless witness to this cowardly act, and cried a lot as she cleaned the back of her beloved father. 

After feeling refreshed by the prayer he had offered to His Lord and bracing to face the hostility of the polytheist, as Muhammad (S.A.) made his way towards Mecca, angel Jibraeel came along with the angel of the Mountains, and said:'O Muhammad (S.A.) Order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akhshabain ( name of the mountain surrounding Mecca) to fall on them.'  

Muhammad (S.A.) was sent as Rehmatul –lil  –'Alam'in, and in spite of inhuman tortures and persecutions, this is what he said : " No, I hope that Allah will let them beget children, who will worship Allah alone, and will worship none besides Him"  (Sahih Muslim 2/109)

How prophetic were his words, and the general good of the people and humanity seeped, in every word and action of his.

AKHBAR IS ANWAAR - PART 2

For  the first three years after the first Revelation,  Muhammad (SA) propagated Islam in secret, to a selective  few. In spite of the secretive call, news leaked to the Quraish, but they paid little attention to it, since the Prophet was not assaulting their religion nor speaking about their gods.

For three underground years of activism, a group of believers emerged stamped by a spirit of  brotherhood and cooperation, with one definite objective in their mind, that of, propagating and deeply establishing the call of Islam.

Then came the Revelation : ' And warn your tribe of near kindred'  [ 26:214]

Now the time had come to preach the faith openly, the duty to publicize it for his people, to confront them, invalidate their falsehood, and crush down their idolatrous practices.

In obedience to Allah's Commands, Muhammad (SA) called his kinsmen of Bani Hashim. There counted forty five men.

Abu Lahab showed his enmity by taking the initiative of speaking in a threatening tone, in reply to which Moulana Abu Talib (SA) replied : " We love to help you, accept your advice and believe in your words. These are your kinspeople whom you have gathered and I am one of them and I am the fastest to do what you like. Do what you have been ordered, I shall protect and defend you…"

Once Muhammad (SA) became sure of Moulana Abu Talib's commitment to protect him, while he called the people unto Allah, he stood up on Mount Safa one day and called out loudly 

" Ya Sabahah!" (this is an Arabic expression used when one appeals for help or draws the attention of others to some danger) Groups of Quraish came to him. He called them to Tawhid, faith in Allah, his Messengership and the Day of Resurrection.

The Prophet's voice kept reverberating in Makkah and the following Verse was revealed:

 ' Therefore proclaim openly that which you are commanded, and turn away from Al-Mushrikun (polytheists) [15:94]

Allah's Messenger (SA) began to proclaim the invitation to Islam at the gatherings and assemblies of the polytheists. He began to worship Allah right before their eyes, praying aloud in Ka'bah during the day time while they watched. He started disapproving the superstitious practices of idolatry, and revealing its worthless reality and utter uselessness.

All this resulted in increased acceptance of the call, people were entering Allah's religion one after another. This caused enmity to develop between the converts and their relatives, and it all made the Quraish shudder in disgust over what they saw.

Having fully perceived that Muhammad (SA) could never be prevented from accomplishing his mission, the Quraish became really frightened and in a desperate attempt to suppress the tidal wave started resorting to cheap means. They started taunting, degrading, ridiculing, especially the new converts in general and Muhammad (SA) in particular.

Among the early converts, there was a group who had unfortunately no strong clan to support them These innocent souls faced inhuman torture.

They started distorting Muhammad (SA) teachings, creating doubts, circulating false propaganda, allegations etc: An-Nadr who got himself acquainted with old history and tales, would follow Muhammad (SA) and after him would narrate the stories of yore, and taking help of female singers and their body charms, would try to entice away from Islam anyone developing the least attachment to Muhammad (SA)

By the middle of the fourth year of the Call, the Quraish realized that their taunts and propaganda had failed to stem the tide, and becoming desperate they started torturing the converts.

(In one of my earlier article entitled "Make your Choice') I have narrated in detail some of the inhuman tortures inflicted to the hapless victims.

The pagans would also throw some of the converts into animal enclosures and then drag them into hot sun. They would put iron armor on some of them and throw them upon boulders to fry in the desert sun.

As for the prophet, it was not easy to harm him because he had such significance, nobility and matchless perfection of character that prevented his enemies from committing any act of foolishness against him. Moreover, there was also full support of Moulana Abu Talib (SA)

The Quraish infidels found to their horror the power of Islam rapidly and steadily marching to cancel their religious and worldly authority.  The notables approached Moulana Abu Talib (SA) and pleaded with him to restrain Muhammad (SA) from cursing their gods, finding faults with their way of life etc: When they came a second time Moulana Abu Talib (SA) called his nephew and narrated the appeals made by the Quraish chieftains, to refrain from propagating Islam.

Muhammad (SA) replied : ' O my uncle ! By Allah, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left on condition that I abandon this course. I would not abandon it until Allah has made me victorious or I perish therein.'

Thus saying as Muhammad (SA) got up and turned away, his uncle called him and said: ' Come back my nephew' and when he came back , he said, ' Go and preach what you please, for by Allah, I will never forsake you.'

He then recited two lines of verse with significant meanings of full support to the Prophet (SA) and absolute gratification by the course that his beloved nephew had chalked out in Arabia.

"Wal'lahey Layn Yasallu ilaiyka Bey'jamihim;

Hatta O Was'sada Fit Turabey Dafina"

Wallah! They (Mushrikeen of Quraysh) will never hurt you even if they have large force and power, till the time I am buried in the grave.

"F'asd'a Bey Amreka Ma Aliyka Ghizazah;

W'abshir Bey'zaka Waqarra Minka Uyuna"

You continue Dawat with full force, no one has power to stop you; be happy and may Allah always cool your eyes.

Note: The above verses are taken from the article : 

The Founder of N'aat Legacy by Qazi Dr. Shaikh Abbas Borhany.

 The heathen Quraish now became desperate and started atrocities against Allah's Messenger. Abu Lahab took the initiative in the new series of persecutions. He started throwing stones at Muhammad (SA) until his ankles bled, showing delight on his second son's  death and calling Muhaamd (SA) ' the man cut off  with offsprings'  Allah revealed Surat Al Kawthar to assuage his Prophet.

Abu Lahab's wife Umm Jamil bint Harb, the sister of Abu Sufyan had also her share  in this merciless campaign. She proved she was no less than her husband in the enmity and hatred . In order to cause bodily injury to Muhammad (SA) she used to tie bundles of thorns with ropes of twisted palm leaf fiber and scatter them in the paths of the Prophet (SA)

She was really an ill mannered and bad tempered woman with abusive language, skilled in the art of hatching intrigues and en-kindling the fire of enmity and hatred. She was deservedly stained as ' the carrier of firewood' in the Noble Qur'an. 

Ibn Ishaq said: ' The group of those who used to harm Allah's Messenger (SA) in his house included Abu Lahab, Al-Hakam bin Abul-'As bin Umaiyah, 'Uqbah bin Abi Mu'ait, 'Adi bin Hamrah' Ath Thaqafi and Ibn Al-Asda' Al-Hudhali. All these were his neighbours. One of them would throw the womb of  a sheep on him while he was praying, another would throw it in his prepared pot (of food)

To this insensitive torture Muhammad (SA) would say " O Bani 'Abd Manaf ! what kind of neighborly treatment is this ?" He would bear this inhuman tortures with fortitude and continue with his Mission.

 The first migration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) took place in Rajab in the fifth year of the Prophethood. A group comprising of twelve men and four women left in the dark of the night,  and reached the Port of Shu'aibah were two boats were ready to take them to the court of Ashamah, who held the title of Negus, and this group of emigrants were received warmly and accorded due hospitality.

The news of the hospitality and good treatment accorded to the emigrants reached the Makkans, and the polytheists became more annoyed and started to inflict more horrible ill-treatment and tortures to the Muslims.

In due course, another group managed to evade the Makkans and managed to emigrate to Abyssinia. This group comprised of eighty three men and nineteen, or in some versions eighteen women. It included Moulana Ja'far bin Abi Talib.

The Quraish could not tolerate the prospect of secure and safe place available for the Muslims in Abyssinia, so they dispatched tow messengers to demand their expulsions. They were the wily 'Amr bin Al-'As and Abdullah bin Abi Rabi'ah. They had taken with them valuable gifts to the king and his clergy, and had been able to win some courtiers over to their side.

However, the eloquence of Moulana Ja'far bin Abi Talib made a very favorable impression on Negus, who was convinced of the Truth. He returned the gifts of the Quraish and sent both the messengers back, licking their wounds. He assured the Muslims full protection. The Muslims lived in Abyssinia undisturbed for a number of years.  

to be contd: 

AKHBAR IS ANWAAR - PART 1

A series of Akhbar is Anwaar mails during the Ayyamul Ta'budaat of 97th Milad Mubaraka were posted on Bohra mailing lists, which  were greatly appreciated. In all 35 mails were posted each day during tha Ta'budaat period. 

Here for those who may have not got a chance to read the Akhbar I am compiling the same in this EID IZ ZAHABI  blog, as I found that three new Akhbar posts in this blog, received a very encouraging response.  

Muhammad (S.A.) was born in the Bani Hashim section of Makkah on 12^th Rabi-ul-Awaal (20^th April 571 CE) in the same year of the Elephant incident, and during the 40^th year reign of Kisra (Khosru Nushirwan)

The elephant incident took place in the month of Muharram. It was a Divine Sign from Allah of the advent of a Prophet in the Arab land, who will vanquish polytheism and bring in Islam.

Abrahah As-Sabah Al-Habashi, who was the viceroy in Yemen, built a large church in San'a in order to attract the Arab pilgrims, to the exclusion of Makkah.

A man from the Kinanah tribe understood his motive, therefore he entered the church under the cover of night, smearing excrement on its front walls. When Abrahah learned of this, he became enraged and led a great army- of sixty thousand warriors, to demolish Al-Ka'bah. He chose the biggest elephant for himself. His army included between 9 – 13 elephants. He continued marching until he reached a place called Al-Magmas. There he mobilized his army and prepared his elephants to enter Makkah.

When he reached the Muhassir Valley, between Muzdalifah and Mina, the elephants knelt down and refused to go forward. When ever they directed it to the north, south or east, the elephants moved quickly but when directed towards al-Ka,bah in the west, it knelt down. Meanwhile, Allah sent birds in flight upon them, throwing forcefully stones of baked clay upon them and made them like scattered chaff. A large number of Abrahah's soldiers were killed in this way and otheres fled and died every where. Abrahah himself had an infection that required his fingertips to be cut off. When he reached San'a, he was in a miserable state and died soon after.

Abdullah the father of Muhammad (SA) was the most chaste and loved amongst the sons of Abdul-Muttalib. His mother was Fatimah, daughter of Amr bin A'idh Imran bin Makhzum bin Yaqzah bin Murrah.

Abdul-Muttalib chose Aminah to be the wife of his most beloved son Abdullah. She was daughter of chief of Bani Zahra – Wahb bin "abd Manaf bin Zuhrah bin Kilab. She thus, in the light of this ancestral lineage, stood eminent, in respect of nobility of position and descent.

 Muhammad (SA) when he was 12 years old undertook a trip to Syria in the company of Moulana Abu Talib, and in this journey he met Buhirah.

When they reached Busra (which was a part of Syria, under the Roamn domain) they met the monk named Buhirah. He came out to meet them, and readily recognized the Prophet, and said while taking his hand –" This is the master of all humans, Allah will send him with a Message, which will be a mercy to all beings"

Abu Talib (SA) asked: How do you know that? He replied: " When you appeared from the direction of 'Aqabah, all stones and trees prostrated, which they never do except for the Prophet. I can also recognize him by the Seal of Prophethood, which is below his shoulder like an apple. He also asked Abu Talib (SA) to send Muhammad (SA) back to Makkah and not to take him to Syria for the fear of Romans and Jews. Thus Muhammad (SA) was sent back to Makkah in company of men servants.

At the age of 25 Muhammad (SA) went to Syria as a merchant on behalf of Khadija (SA) in company of Maisarah the servant of Khadijah (SA).  Maisarah narrated to Khadija(SA) the sincerity, honesty, noble virtues and manners of Muhammad (SA) who returned with more profits and greater blessings.

Many prominent men had asked for her hand, but she had refused. Now she disclosed here wish to her friend Nafisa, daughter of Muniyah, who immediately conveyed the tidings to Muhammad (SA)

The marriage was witnessed by Bani Hashim and the chiefs of Mudar. He gave 20 camels as dowry. Khadijah (SA) daughter of Khuwailid was forty year of age, and was considered the best of women in lineage, fortune and wisdom.

With the exception of Ibrahim, Khadijah (SA) bore all of his children. Al-Qasim, Zainab, Ruqaiyah, Umm Kulthum, Fatimah and Abdullah, who was called Taiyeb and Tahir. All his sons died in their childhood and all daughters except Ma Fatimah died during his life time. All his daughters witnessed Islam, embraced it, and emigrated to Madinah.

When Muhammad (SA) was 35 years of age the Quraish started rebuilding of Al-Ka'bah 

-it was not more than 9 arm's length and roofless from the time of Ishmael (SA) Heavy rains had damaged the edifice.

The chiefs of Quraish decided to use licit money in re-building the Ka'bah, so all money derived from immoral means, usury or unjust practice was excluded. They were at first too fearful to knock down the walls, but Al Walid bin Al- Mughirah began the task. Seeing that no harm had happened to him, the others participated in demolishing the walls, until they reached the basis laid by Ibrahim Nabi (SA) When they started rebuilding the walls, they divided the work among the tribes.

The man who laid the stones was a Roman named Baqum. The work went on in harmony, until the time came to place the sacred Black stone in its position. Then strife broke out among the chiefs, and lasted for four or five days. Daggers were on the point of being drawn and great blood shed seemed imminent. Luckily, the oldest among the chiefs, Abu Umaiyah bin Mughirah Al-Makhzumi made a proposal that was accepted by all. He said: ' Let him, who enters the Sanctuary first of all, decide on the point.'

It was then Allah's Will that the Messenger of Allah (SA) should be the first to enter Ka'bah. On seeing him, all of them cried out aloud Al Ameen (trustworthy) has come. We are content to abide by his decision."

They informed him of their objective. He asked for a mantle spreading it on the ground and placing the stone in its center. He then asked the representatives of different clans among them to lift the mantle. When it reached the proper place, Muhammad (SA) laid it in the proper place, with his own hands. This is how a very tense situation was eased and a grave danger averted by the wisdom of the Prophet (SA)

When the building of Al –Ka'bah was finished, it assumed a square form about 15 mtrs: high. The side with the Black Stone and the one opposite were 10 mtrs: long each. The Black Stone was 1.5 mtrs: from the ground level, The two other sides were 12 mtrs: long each. The door was 2 mtrs: high from the level ground.  A roof was erected which rested on 6 columns.

Muhammad (SA) was accustomed to pass long hours meditating and speculating over all aspects of creation around him. He used to provide himself with Saweek ( barley porridge) and water and directly head towards the hills and ravines in the  neighborhood of Makkah. His favorite resort was a cave named HIRA.

Hira on Mount An-Noor was 2 niles from Makkah – a small cave 4 arms length long & 1.75 arm's length wide. In  Ramadan he used to meditate there, and this seclusion attended with sort of reflective approach, must be understood in its Divine perspective. It was a preliminary stage to the grave responsibilities that he was to shoulder very soon. It was a rich period of privacy, which lasted for three years  prior to the beginning of his mission.

When he was forty, the signs of Prophethood  started to appear and twinkle on the horizons of life. The stones of Makkah would greet him with Salam. He would not have a dream except that it would become a reality, as clear as dawn, this lasted for six months.

In Ramadan, in his third year of solitude, in the cave of Hira, Allah's Will desired His mercy to flow on earth, and the light of Revelation of the Qur'an burst upon him in the cave of Hira.

After a pause of a few days, Revelations started coming strongly, frequently and regularly.

to be contd: