Chapter II
MECCAN PERIOD
BIRTH:
In the Meccan noble Quraish family, Muhammad (Peace be upon him) (PBUH) was born to Amina, on April 20, 570 AD. It was a Monday, fifty-two years before the year of Hijrat (migration)1. His Mother called him Ahmed (PBUH), meaning the Admirer, and his Grand Father named him, Muhammad, meaning the Admirable (Praiseworthy).
FATHER’S DEATH:
While returning from Syria to Mecca from a business trip, Muhammad’s (PBUH) father, Abdullah suddenly fell ill near Medïna, and died at the young age of twenty, before Muhammad was born.
Therefore, after his birth Abdul Muttalib, the elderly Patriarch of the Quraish and grandfather of Muhammad took over the responsibility of raising him. The Grand old man found solace for the pain of losing a son, in his prime, in the upbringing of his grandson, Muhammad.
WET NURSE:
According to Arabian custom, Muhammad was given to Bedouin wet nurse Halima of Hawâzin family of the Bani-Sa’ad tribe. He was brought up at Halima’s dwelling with great love and care. At Amina’s house, infant Muhammad was also breast-fed by Abu Lahab’s slave, Suwaibah. In his wet nurse’s home, Muhammad when being breast-fed sucked on one breast and left the other for Halima’s own child. Bibi Halima and Suwaibah were highly revered by the Apostle (PBUH) all his life. He played with Halima’s sons and daughters, while he was staying with her and held them dear all his life. On the arrival of Muhammad, Halima’s health improved, and unexpectedly, she began to prosper. By the grace of God, the Apostle (PBUH) was very healthy; at two months of age, he could stand on his feet, could walk at five and talk at nine. Hawâzins spoke pure Arabic and was famous for their eloquence, thus brought up with Hawâzins, Muhammad, before attaining prophet-hood, earned name and fame as an orator.
MOTHER’S DEATH:
Five years old, Muhammad returned to his mother. A year after his return, Amina travelled to Medïna with her beloved son, Muhammad. Mother and son reached Medïna, travelling through 250 miles of desolate, hot and arid desert, on a camel with only Umme-Aymon, a slave woman. This was child Muhammad’s (PBUH) first experience of journeying long distance. Staying a few days with his maternal relations, they went on to visit his father’s (Abdullah) tomb. At Abdullah’s grave, Allah witnessed the heartbreaking scene of a poor, wretched widow and a helpless child paying respect, and writhing in pain, which left a deep impression on child Muhammad’s (PBUH) tender mind. While returning from this visit, Amina, the loving mother, suddenly fell sick at a place called ‘Abwa’. Following the sickness, she died far away from all her kith and keen, in the desert, living her beloved child Muhammad to mourn. In the desolate, endless desert, Muhammad with excruciating pain and sorrow rolled on the hot sand, crying mother, mother, and mother . . .! Only Umme-Aymon, the slave woman was there at his side to comfort and nobody else. What a heart aching sight! With this, in the life of Muhammad, began the long tale of pain and sorrow.
SLAVE UMME-AYMON:
Umme-Aymon nursed child Muhammad with great love and tenderness. Muhammad never forgot that love and care, poured on him in his childhood. Later he got Umme-Aymon married to his adopted son Zaid, the same Zaid the appointed commander of the Syrian Expedition against the Romans, famous as the ‘Muta Campaign,’ in history.
DEATH OF GRANDFATHER:
Child Muhammad, just losing his mother, returned to the care of his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, in Mecca with Umme-Aymon. Allah wished otherwise; he could not enjoy the company of his grandfather for long. In 579 AD, when Muhammad was only nine, his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib left this mundane world at the age of eighty-two. At his deathbed, he gave Muhammad’s (PBUH) charge to his third son Abu Talib, the father of Ali.
CHILDHOOD:
Death of his nearest and dearest ones in his childhood left a deep scare on the tender-hearted Muhammad. Intimate personal experiences of heartbreaking pain made him sensitive to the pain of others, in similar situations. The pain and anguish of the poor, shelter less and the orphans, Muhammad could feel within, himself being through all those states early in life. His deep understanding of human misery made him sacrifice his own and his family’s ease and comfort for others. For this Allah declared him Rahmatullil Al-Amin (Mercy of the universe: Al-Qurän - 21: 107) in the Holy Qurän.
LIFE AT ABU TALIB’S HOUSE, JOURNEYS:
Adolescent Muhammad began his domestic life at Uncle Abu Talib’s house. Abu Talib brought up his dearest nephew Muhammad as his own son with great love and care. Apostle Muhammad had great respect for his Uncle Abu Talib and helped him in his household work. Muhammad used to shop and market for him and looked after Abu Talib’s cattle along with other shepherds of his age.
At the tender age of twelve, Muhammad travelled to many countries with his uncle on business trips. On these trips, he met with peoples from different cultures and beliefs. Travelling to Syria, Hejaj, Basra and Yemen, he met Jewish, Christians and Zoroastrians. He learned about their cultures, religions and heritages.
EXPERIENCES OF EARLY LIFE, GUIDANCE FOR LATER LIFE:
He passed his childhood at his wet nurse’s house in the desert and played with his foster sisters and brothers under the open sky, on the boundless desert. Returning to his mother’s care from the foster-home, first he lost his beloved mother and then the grandfather, early in life. Under the loving care of Uncle Abu Talib, he then took shelter.
In Basra, he saw the green fields, filled with crops and the cool gardens, teeming with trees and flowers, where birds sang in the bushes. He was moved by the contrast to his known world, the barren, arid and hot desert. The music of falling waters from fountains flowing into rivers and rivers meeting the sea impressed Muhammad. On the way to Syria, he saw the ruins of cities inhabited by Äds and Thamüds. He learned about their misfortunes. They were destroyed because they disobeyed Allah. The great diversity in God’s creation and the horror of His wrath, for disobeying Him, left a deep impression on Muhammad’s (PBUH) tender soul.
All these varied experiences were lessons for him. In this way, he learned and gained knowledge about this temporal life. He experienced pains and hardships of worldly life very intimately. Nobody was his teacher but Allah, and since Allah taught Muhammad, there was no need for a formal education. Under the direct Guidance of Allah, Muhammad attained perfection in knowledge and wisdom. Consequently, he is the most learned and talented man ever descended on the earth, as the greatest teacher ever sent by Allah. Allah in the Holy Qurän has attested that the Apostle (PUBH) is the most learned and the wisest. Allah said,
1. HAVEN’T WE EXPANDED (WITH KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM) THEE THY BREAST? AND REMOVED FROM THEE THY BURDEN (AL-QURÄN - 94:1).
Earlier Apostle Muhammad with utmost devotion prayed to God, the All Knowing, Exalted in Power, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, “O my Lord! Advance me in knowledge (Al-Qurän - 20: 114).”
The pitiful state, of the poor, elderly, widows, orphans and the slaves, in the superstitious society, ruled by the powerful, tyrannous tribal leaders, greatly perturbed the Apostle (PBUH). He contemplated social reforms to relieve their miseries at the outset. Benevolence and compassion were prominent traits of Apostle Muhammad’s (PBUH) character.
Returning to Mecca in his adolescence to Uncle Abu Talib’s house, he focussed on household work. Therefore, tragedies, one after another, made him more tender and sensitive rather than cold and unresponsive. In his adolescence, magnanimity, simplicity, uprightness and benevolence were manifest in his character. He treated everybody equally with respect. Human suffering was very painful for soft-hearted Muhammad who always wished well for others. Receiving news of sickness, he immediately visited the sick and began nursing and comforting the patient. To rescue the debtor by taking over the liability, helping the poor, attending guests and helping people in distress were all-important parts of his daily activities.
OKÂZ FARE:
In the desert between Tayef and Nakhla in Arabia, every year in the month of Zul-Qadh, an international fare was held with great pomp and grandeur. This is famous as Okâz Fare in the history of Arabia. Here people earned money and enjoyed themselves through trade, commerce, business, entertainment and recitation. Songsters from Egypt and Persia came to entertain the desert-youth by their lilting rhymes. The whole of Arabia hailed the poet whose poetry was adjudged the best. Apostle Muhammad saw the poets and scholars sing the glory of their own family and tribe. These were contests for eminence. He saw these rivalries turning into bloody battles. Once, many tribes were entangled in war that followed from a minor issue between the Quraish and the Quiyas tribes. This battle is known as the ‘Battle of Fizar.’ Habar bin Ommeyya was appointed as the commander, and Zubair bin Muttalib as the flag bearer of the Quraish. Just returning from Syria, young Muhammad joined his uncle Zubair. Many people died in this five-year long war; weakened both the parties were forced to a truce. Pain and agony suffered by the people saddened Muhammad and caused him great pain. He was greatly moved, because, thousands of women were widowed and lost their sons in this war. Thousands of children become fatherless, hundreds of families perish and localities turn into graveyards in these futile wars. The air thickens with cries of pain and agony. In the resulting chaos, peace and tranquillity are disturbed; looting, theft and burglary increase manifolds. Witnessing deaths, destruction, killing, looting and the havoc wrought by wars, Muhammad began searching for ways to bring peace. He kept praying to God to help him prevent these massacres and devastation.
HILFUL FUDHUL:
The Great Apostle (PBUH) did not idle away time contemplating. He formed Hilful Fudhul, a social welfare organization, with like minded youths. The objective was to redress the sufferings of the distressed, oppressed, deprived, wretched and the sick. Volunteers of the organization took an oath in the name of God that they will:
1. SERVE THE DESTITUTE AND THE DISTRESSED;
2. RESIST TYRANNY WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT;
3. HELP SICKLY AND THE OPPRESSED;
4. MAINTAIN PEACE, LAW AND ORDER IN THE COUNTRY;
5. ESTABLISH PEACE AND HARMONY AMONG TRIBES.
Besides those, they also had vowed to help and serve humanity in few other matters. In the service of the organization to serve and help the destitute, sick and helpless, the Apostle (PBUH) used to stroll through the streets of Mecca. Enlightened and imbued by his magnanimous efforts, other Meccan young men took up humanitarian services to help the sick and the needy. At the inception of an Islamic state, this pioneering attempt at social reform and social welfare became a model, which still guides the world. Emulating this noble idea of the great Apostle (PBUH) the whole world benefited irrespective of caste, creed and religion. This is the very first social welfare and social development organization in the world.
MARRIAGE WITH BIBI KHADIJA (RADIALLAHU-ANHA):
Bibi Khadija, the crown Jewel of the women, acclaimed in the history of Islam for her saintly charming nature and piety. Rasulullah (Messenger of God) found strength anew, marrying Khadijatul-Kubra, a learned, very intelligent rich lady. Khadija’s inspiration gave him strength to devote himself to the service of Islam. She was a devoted, talented and faithful wife, friend, counsel and life partner. Imbued with the humanitarian spirit of the Messenger of God, the Compassionate, she dedicated herself to the cause of humanity. A very devoted lady to her husband, she handed over all her movable and immovable properties, jewellery and cash to the Apostle (PBUH), with the consent of her relatives and guardians. The Holy Messenger of God distributed all the wealth among the poor and needy with the permission of his devout wife, Khadija. He liberated all the slaves and thus the king of the Worlds began the life of a hermit with his wife, Khadija who accepted the arrangement very gladly.
This great lady is the very first convert to the Muslim faith. Therefore, the honour to be the first Muslim belongs to a woman. Bibi Khadija’s contribution and moral support guided the spread of Islam, like the Polestar. In the difficult days of Islam Khadija’s unflinching support earned her a special niche in the annals of Islam, and is a matter of great pride for all the women. At a time when there were no friends, no followers, no sympathizers; and dark hopelessness was prevailing all over, Bibi Khadija , without any reservation, accepted Muhammad as a Prophet and embraced Islam. This moral support relieved the Prophet of the anxiety and strengthened his esprit de corps. At the beginning of his search of truth, Rasulullah (Harbinger of God) found an inalienable friend in his wife. She was an ideal life partner and during her lifetime, Rasulullah did not take another wife.
He had three sons, Qasim, Tyyib and Tahir and four daughters, Joynab Rokayya Umme-Kulthum and Fatima (RAs) from Khadija. All his sons died in their childhood. The eldest daughter, Joynab was married to her maternal cousin, Abul Äs, Rokayya and Umme-Kulthum were married to Abu Lahab’s sons, Othba and Othyba, respectively, and Fatima was married to Ali. After the battle of Badr, Abul Äs accepted Islam and migrated to Medïna where Joynab died after a few days. Othba and Othyba at the behest of their anti- Islamic father, Abu Lahab divorced Rokayya and Umme-Kulthum. Othman first married Rokayya and at her death during the battle of Badr, married Kulthum. Kulthum died in the 9th year of Hegira. Only Fatima stayed alive to see the golden age of Islam until the death of the Prophet.
LIVELIHOOD:
Before attaining Prophet-hood, Muhammad, in his domestic life, got involved in various worldly affairs. He liked trade and commerce as a means of livelihood, from the early days of his life. In his professional life, he achieved fame as a devoted businessperson. Because of trade and commerce, most of the time, he had to stay in foreign lands. The Messenger of God was bestowed with qualities like honesty, commitment, truthfulness and mild manners, which were rare among the business communities. He used to deal with people with utmost honesty. His reputation as a gentle and a pure soul spread everywhere. Everybody, who had business dealings with him, unanimously lauded his sincere and simple manners.
RESTORATION OF THE KA’ABA (HOUSE OF THE LORD):
Restoration of Ka’aba had been due for a long time. In repairing the Ka’aba, the Quraish played a pioneering role. During the restoration of Ka’aba, replacement of the holy Black Stone (Hajre-Aswad) provoked argument about the right to place the holy stone at its new site. Every chief of tribe claimed the right to place the stone himself. The Emissary of God was asked to arbitrate. He placed the black stone on his cloak and let all the tribal chiefs hold that from all around and carry the stone. They carried the stone to the selected site and Muhammad himself placed that at the South-eastern corner of the Ka’aba. Everybody was pleased and thus the Meccan avoided a serious confrontation.
Naturally, Muhammad was born in a family of diehard idolaters. From his childhood to adolescence, he lived in a superstitious chaotic society. Even before attaining prophet-hood, he neither worshiped idols nor equated God with anything or anyone, directly or indirectly. Once a member of the Quraish tribe gave him some meat of an animal, sacrificed in the name of a deity, he refused.
THE FIRST STEP TO ABOLISH SLAVERY:
After the wedding, Khadijatul-Kubra gave her fifteen years old slave, Zaid bin Haris to her husband as a wedding gift. The Prophet set him free. Zaid was so moved by the kindness of the Prophet that instead of moving to his father’s house he stayed back, to live in the Prophet’s (PBUH) divine company. The Messenger of God loved him like his own son. Zaid is known in history as the adopted son of Muhammad, whom he tied into marriage to his own beautiful cousin Joynab. There shall be no slaves. Fourteen hundred years ago, Muhammad had shown the world by not only setting Zaid free, but also getting him married with a relation. This is how the Great Apostle (PBUH) had shown that all human beings are equal, nobody is superior due to birth, complexion or otherwise. Towards the abolishment of slavery, this is his very first step.
DEDICATION TO HUMAN WELFARE WORLDWIDE:
The evidence of the mission for which God has created Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH), began to manifest itself and gradually became known to the world. He was blessed with a faithful, devoted wife like Khadija who had sacrificed her wealth at his call. Meccans loved and respected him and moved by his truthfulness, the Quraish glorified him with such titles as ‘Al-Amin’ and ‘As-Sadique,’ meaning the ‘Dependable’ and the ‘Truthful’, respectively. His reputation as an honest businessperson began spreading in Mecca and throughout the Arab world. His house glowed with the radiance of his beautiful daughters with which that Allah blessed him. His mentors were Hamza, the valiant Quraish and uncle like Abu Talib, who sheltered him under their loving care. Ali was his constant companion. Muhammad was at the prime of his life in all respects. It was the proper time for him to enjoy the charms and bliss of temporal life. In spite of all these glory and wealth at his command, he still felt hollow within. Muhammad had no peace of mind, since he wanted peace and prosperity for all the humankind, not possessions and comforts for himself. He was engrossed in thoughts of providing relief to the shelter less, wretched, orphans and the poor since he experienced the pain and sorrow of living through all those states early in life. All the mundane activities of this temporal life seemed very trivial to him. The worldly callisthenics and pleasures appeared worthless.
He enjoyed being alone and therefore, often stayed very deeply engaged in meditation in a cave, three miles away from Mecca at mount Hira. For days, he would remain thus absorbed in meditation. Bibi Khadija carried food and water for him at intervals, during these meditations. He only prayed for peace and well-being of the human race, since, the desire for worldly and spiritual advancement and welfare of the human beings inspired him to contemplate, in the cave at mount Hira. During such a prayer, one night Gabriel descended from the heaven with the first divine message to Muhammad, the Messenger of God, while deeply immersed in worshipping God, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds.
REVELATION OF THE FIRST DIVINE MESSAGE:
The time was the Night of Power (Lailatul Kadr) the 27th of Ramadhan 610 AD, Muhammad was forty years old. Gabriel appeared before Muhammad and said he, “Read!” Muhammad replied, “I can’t Read.” Gabriel said again, “Read!” Muhammad repeated, “I can’t Read.” Gabriel repeated, “Read!” Muhammad answered, “I can’t Read.” Gabriel now, embraced Muhammad three times, saying ‘Read’ each of the times. Muhammad, gradually with each of the embrace got enlightened and he recited:
2. “READ! IN THE NAME OF THY LORD AND CHERISHER, WHO CREATED- CREATED MAN OUT OF A (MERE) CLOT OF CONGEALED BLOOD: PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD IS MOST BOUNTIFUL- HE WHO TAUGHT (THE USE OF) THE PEN, - TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE KNEW NOT.” (AL-QURÄN - 96: 1-5)
This is the first proclamation of God, revealed unto Muhammad. As soon as it was decreed unto him, he attained Prophet-hood and expressed himself to the people, as the Messenger of God. Gabriel descended with the revelation through which beloved Muhammad, the As-Sadique, Al-Amin of the Meccans was ordained as the Prophet. The whole world reverberated with “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger (La Ilaha Illallahu, Muhammadur Rasulullah).” After that for long twenty-three years, the Holy Qurän was gradually revealed to Muhammad, and he made that known to all. Strictly abiding by the covenants and commands of the divine messages, Muhammad created such examples, which no other great man could. These divine verses, recited by the Great Prophet, are preserved in the Holy Qurän in writing and in the hearts of those millions of peoples, all over the world, who committed these Holy Verses to memory. No other Holy Book could be committed to memory, as the Holy Qurän has been.
At the attainment of Prophet-hood, Muhammad also became the Messenger of God (Rasulullah). Allah Commanded, “O Apostle! Proclaim the message which has been sent to thee from thy Lord (Al-Qurän - 5:70).” Hence, the Great Prophet revealed himself unto the people as the Messenger and Ambassador of God the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds, and so began his divine duties. Muhammad’s (PBUH) divine duty and responsibility was to proclaim to the Worlds the Commands of God, Most Exalted, and carry those to the doorsteps of the people. The Great Prophet ignoring the ease and comforts of this mundane life strictly carried out God’s Commands until the end of his life.
PROMOTION OF EDUCATION AMONG MUSLIMS:
To urge his companions to acquire knowledge and wisdom were his very first act to accomplish his mission of preaching the truth. As instructed by God, the Cherisher and Sustainer, through the first revelation (Al-Qurän - Süra Iqraa), the Prophet establishes the First School. At the foot of Mount Safa, in one of his companion’s residence, the school begins. Necessary arrangements are done there to teach Muslim men and women. Besides that the Prophet, goes to the dwellings of his companions (Sahabas) and recites the revealed messages about education. At the behest of God, he teaches and trains, as he did before divinity, through Hilful Fudhul. For long ten years, he preaches untiringly, the ‘Oneness of Allah,’ inviting the Meccans to the true faith (Islamic Faith). Simultaneously, he devises appropriate measures to educate and enlighten his followers. Consequently, his disciples not only contributed as Religious leaders, but also left their mark as Rulers, Judges, Commanders, Educators and Physicians par excellence. Wherever they went, they left their mark in administration and social activities. Their achievements are written in history in golden letters.
BEGINNING OF ISLAM: INTRODUCTION OF SALAT PRAYERS):
Islam begins in the house of the Prophet. The very first believer in Islam is Muhammad’s (PBUH) wife, the Cradle Bearer, the Mother of the Muslim Nation, Hazrat Khadija. Without any doubt, this great lady by being the very first to place her faith in Islam has etched out an incomparable status, in Islam. Immediately after her, Hazrat Ali pledged faith in Islam. He is the first Muslim Man.
The revelation of the Holy Qurän continues. Immediately after the revelation of ‘Süra Fatiha’ Gabriel teaches Muhammad, the ritual of Salat (prayer). The great Prophet first teaches the process of Salat to Bibi Khadija and then Hazrat Ali. Those who adopted Islam after the earliest believers are: Zaid , the adopted son of the Prophet, Hazrats Bellal, Abu Bakr Siddique, Othman, Umme-Aymon, Zubair bin Awas, Talha bin Obaidullah, Sa’ad bin Wakkas, Abdullah bin Masoud, Abdur Rahman (RAs), and few others. A few ladies, including Hazrat Abu Bakr’s daughter Asma, Hazrat Omar’s Sister Fatima and Hazrat Abbas’ wife Umme-Fadhal, are among those who have pledged their faith in Islam in its early days.
At the outset of Islam, Rasulullah began preaching secretly, among his very obedient disciples. New Believers lived in Mecca, under constant threat of reprisals from the Quraish. They could not pray or discuss religion, openly. Apprehension of brutality of the Quraish and the love of relatives deterred many Meccans from accepting Islam. This is the reason that Prophet’s (PBUH) uncle, Abu Talib, the paramount benefactor of Islam has not abandoned his ancestral religion. Though his Uncle Hazrat Abbas embraces Islam much later, he has been dispatching reports of activities of the enemy, to the Prophet in Medïna from Mecca.
DECLARATION: QURAISH HOSTILITY AND REPRISALS ON NEW BELIEVERS:
The Messenger faces extreme difficulties, performing his duties as the Prophet. His duty was to illuminate the Arab world, nay the whole world with the brilliance of Faith. In the age of idolatry, Arabs, especially the Meccans, establishing themselves as superiors by their image of icon worshippers, gave leadership to the whole country. To suddenly convert them or persuade them to leave their ancestral religion and adopt Islam was a very difficult task. It meant stripping them of leadership, authority, aristocracy, wealth and other mundane facilities and comfort. For ages, the Hashemite and Umayyad had been engaged in fights for supremacy. In this instance, the mighty and powerful Umayyad leader, Abu Sufiyan, was the sworn enemy of the Hashemite Prophet and Islam. Anticipating strong opposition, at every step, the Prophet very secretly continues preaching the truth, slowly but steadily.
After secretly promoting Islam during the first three years, the number of Muslims has grown to about forty. Then at the behest of God, the Prophet gathers the Meccans and his relatives, in the courtyard of the Ka’aba (House of God). There he declares, unequivocally, in a serene voice, “There is no God, but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger” (La Ilaha Illallahu Muhammadur Rasulullah) and so he invites them to the faith of Islam. This extremely enrages the Meccan idolaters. It was beyond their imagination that some young man from among them could invite them to abandon their generations old ancestral faith. Offended the non-Muslims take it as a grave insult to the House of the Lord. Invitation to abandon their ancient customs and religion highly displeased them. Only displeasure was not the end, rude and ill treatment of the Messenger of God followed. Later, this misbehaviour turned into intolerable taunting and torture, which made the Prophet’s (PBUH) life miserable.
Thence begins the bloody and inhuman persecution of the Muslims. Quraish non-Muslims swear to resist the handful of Muslims, and even tyrannize them. Indeed, no master even flipped their eyelids while inhumanly torturing, even killing the Muslims, at their command. New converts, generally, the slaves or those employed with the rich, suffer most. Among them, many die of starvation or savage beatings. Abu Jahl very cruelly killed Yasir and Sumaiya, the father and mother of Ammar a fresh Muslim, respectively. While, Hazrat Bellal’s master was savagely torturing him, Hazrat Abu Bakr bought him, paying a handsome amount, and set him free. Quraish idolaters persecuted not only slaves and servants, but also persecuted all new converts. The heathens did not spare Hazrat Zubair, Hazrat Sa’ad bin Wakkas and even powerful persons like, Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Omar and the Prophet. They threw decomposed guts of a camel onto him while he was praying in the Ka’aba. Five years old, Fatima removed the guts. Once, when he was praying, they tried to kill him by strangling him with a cloak. Unexpectedly, Hazrat Abu Bakr appeared on the scene and saved the Prophet. Enraged the Quraish attacked Abu Bakr and battered him. Quraish heathens made loud noises to interfere with the recitation of the Holy Qurän.
For glorifying the monotheist doctrine and describing the emptiness of idolatry, the infidel Quraish attack the Prophet, in the House of the Lord. Just then realizing that the Prophet is under armed attack, Haris the son of Khadija from her earlier husband intervenes. He is beaten to death on the spot. Haris is the first martyr of the conflict between truth and false. Islam is glorified by the tribute of his sacred blood.
QURAISH TEMPTATION & THREAT: UNWAVERING ABU TALIB:
Never ending indescribable oppressions, tortures and death threats could not dissuade Muhammad from his duty. This makes the Quraish more desperate. Since many of them disagree to strike the Prophet with all their might, they change their strategy. A proposal is sent to Abu Talib, the eminent leader of Mecca, the father of Ali and Muhammad’s (PBUH) mentor and uncle. It proposes that if Muhammad refrains from his mission, the most beautiful woman in Arabia shall be given in marriage to him. He also shall be made the King of Mecca along with enormous wealth and a Palace to live in, permanently. Pressure is put on Abu Talib to deter Muhammad from his path or accept their proposal. Abu Talib is familiar with the savage and revengeful nature of the Quraish. Therefore, naturally, perturbed and worried he requests Muhammad to stop his mission. In reply, the Prophet says that he shall not deviate from his mission of righteousness, not even if he were rewarded with the Sun in one hand and the Moon in the other. Either Allah shall reward him with victory or he shall perish. Abu Talib is temporarily dumbfounded, at the firmness of the Apostle (PBUH) and the unwavering faith of his followers in monotheism. He loves his beloved nephew Muhammad very much. Apprehending the imminent danger to the Apostle (PBUH) and his disciples, he decides his strategy. “If anybody harms my nephew Muhammad,” he unequivocally warns all, “as long as I live, I shall appropriately take revenge.” Immediately afterwards he urgently confers with all the Hashemite and the Muttalibs and they unanimously vow to protect Muhammad, at any cost.
THE FIRST AND SECOND HIJRAT (Migration) TO ABYSSINIA:
Thus, in this way, five years have elapsed. The intensity of persecution by the heathen Quraish increased day by day. Consequently, the faithful could not easily observe their religious rites. Muhammad after consulting his followers thought it better to move away from the oppressors. Abyssinian Christian Emperor Najjasi (Negus) was renowned for his righteousness and fairness outside his country. For trade and commerce, the Arabs used to travel via the sea to Abyssinia. A group of Muslims, comprising men and women, was allowed to migrate to far away Abyssinia, by the Prophet. Rokayya and Othman the daughter and son-in-law of Muhammad, respectively, were among them. Emperor Najjasi allows these new Muslims to live in his country on their arrival. This is a rare occasion, of which there are not many examples that people have braved the sea, just for their faith in God, the Almighty. Informed of the migration, the Quraish sent an emissary to try to bring them back but did not succeed. After a few days, one hundred more migrated to Abyssinia, at Prophet’s (PBUH) command, along with Ja’afar, the younger brother of Ali. Quraish infidels try to prevent them from leaving but fail. Enraged they intensify their persecution of the Meccan Muslims.
At the time of the migration to Abyssinia, Muslims are few but their morale is very high. Faith in God, the Almighty is their only hope: they have no other support. Greed or temptation is unknown to them. Since they have weakened the foundation of the ancient religion, votaries newly ordained into Islam are subjected to persecution, torture, insults and invectives. Many lost their wealth and fortune, others were wounded or maimed and many were killed. Nevertheless, not only men, many women abandoning their generations old belief accepted the new faith. To advance the cause of Islam, these pioneers respond to the call of Muhammad and risk treading a precariously dangerous path. They were firm in their faith and determination, nothing, not even all the extreme torture and punishment of the infidel Quraish, could deter them from the path of God. History will remember them for their courage, tolerance and determination.
HAMZA AND OMAR’S ORDINATION IN ISLAM:
Crossing the sea, Islam spread in the African continent, endowed with Jungles, mountains and desert. On the other hand, in Muhammad’s (PBUH) own country, Mecca, persecution of the handful of Muslims and Uncle Abu Talib continues with more vigour. Abu Jahl’s group does not even spare the non-Muslim Hashemite and Muttalibs. One day Abu Jahl stoned the Prophet while he was praying in the house of the Lord. He was wounded and blood was oozing out from the wounds. Hamza informed about the incident taught Jahl a lesson and the same day accepted Islam. Within a few days of Hamza’s conversion, Omar the second Caliph of Islam accepts Islam. These incidences enormously enhance the morale of the Muslims. They prayed at Ka’aba to thank God. Incensed by their success, the infidel Quraish escalates persecution of the Muslims. Nonetheless, the Prophet continues his mission. Encouraged by the induction of Hazrat Hamza and Hazrat Omar, the Muslims begin praying at Ka’aba openly. During the Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) every year, the Prophet explains the monotheist doctrine of Islam to all pilgrims, coming from different tribes and countries. He then invites them to adopt Islam. On the other hand, the infidels change their strategy when all the attempts and conspiracy to assassinate the Prophet fail. They boycotted the Muslims and stopped all social, commercial and other exchanges with them.
THE VALLEY OF SHIABAY:
When the persecution by the heathens became intolerable, Abu Talib with the Hashemite, Muttalibs and the Prophet with his disciples, took shelter at the valley of Shiabay, near Mecca. Here they lived like prisoners for three years (otherwise two years). Non-Muslims put the valley under siege and stop supply of food and water. Near famine prevails at the camp, and inhabitants are forced to eat leaves or dry skin. The air fills with cries of starving women and children but alas, the heartless Quraish is unmoved. The Prophet and his followers face starvation, death, destruction and misery with courage and determination and do not budge a bit from their faith in God. In the face of all the persecution, torture and extreme odds, they do not lose their hearts, on the contrary, their faith deepened. They kept their march on with their morale high. At the end of three years, in the tenth year of divinity, disagreement among the infidels causes the end of the siege. Abu Talib returns with Muhammad and all his followers, the Hashemite and the Muttalibs to Mecca.
DEATH OF ABU TALIB AND UMMUL MUMININ KHADIJA :
Released from the siege of Shiabay, the Prophet could not live in peace for long. In the Tenth year of the divinity, his ardent protector and well-wisher, Uncle Abu Talib dies at the age of eighty-five. Though he did not adopt Islam, Islam prospered and strengthened with his support. The Messenger of God loses his last trusted refuge, even before he recovers from this shock, his beloved wife, Ummul Muminin (Mother of the Muslim Nation) Khadija dies. She dies in Ramadhan, the same year, at the age of sixty-five, leaving Muhammad among savage enemies to mourn. She is the first to adopt Islam and was a constant companion of the Prophet in the turbulent days of Islam. The Prophet buries her with his own sacred hands, at a place called Jihun in Mecca.
This is the most trying and saddest time in the Prophet’s (PBUH) life. Nobody is there to comfort him. For Islam it is the most difficult period and the Prophet passes this year as ‘Amul Huzn’ the year of Mourning. Deaths of the two dearest persons intensely sadden Muhammad, then in his fiftieth year. There is nobody, very near and very dear to call his own, at the deaths of Abu Talib and Khadija. After Abdul Muttalib, Uncle Abu Talib was his great mentor and protector. After marriage, Khadija was his best friend, sympathizer, inspirer and trusted companion for long twenty-five years. Memories of his blissful married life with an angelic woman, who sacrificed all her wealth at his feet, constantly torment him. A constant guide, a friend, a comforter, an inspirer, Khadija, always comforted the Prophet. She would comfort him whenever he became sad, hopeless and dejected due to the perpetual persecution by the Quraish unbelievers. Khadija told the Prophet that a man like him who helped the oppressed, shelter less, rescued those in danger or debt, surely succeed in the mission of God. “Allah Shall Help you, His will shall be done,” Khadija would tell the Prophet. This intelligent, learned lady of many qualities is the first to discern greatness in Muhammad. She rightly spots him to be the chosen one and marries Muhammad. The departure of such an incomparable life partner, forever to heaven, is very painful. In this great calamity, nobody is there to comfort him, but these trial, tribulations and sufferings are blessings from God. Muhammad without any hesitation accepted God’s Will.
RENEWED PERSECUTION BY THE PAGAN QURAISH:
The heathens initiated heinous schemes with renewed vigour at the deaths of Khadija and Abu Talib, to harass the Prophet. Until now Abu Talib and Khadija’s presence checked the unbelievers from doing anything drastic to harm Muhammad. The Prophet is now utterly unprotected. In this state, the non Muslims very eagerly begin harassment and persecution of the Prophet with greater zeal. The Apostle (PBUH) becomes the target of continuous harassment, invectives, taunts and obscenities. To injure him they spread thorns in his way, threw rotten, smelly garbage at him and mix excreta in his food. Once while, he was praying at Ka’aba, a non Muslim tried to kill him by strangling with a sheet of cloth. Hazrat Abu Bakr appeared there in time to save him. Enraged the pagans attacked Abu Bakr and beaten him mercilessly. Unbridled, the persecution of Muhammad and his followers continued.
Helpless, the Prophet remembers his mentor and protector, dear Uncle Abu Talib and the beloved consort Khadija. They sheltered him from the wrath of the enemies, but they are no more in this world. No adult issues are there to come to his help, only adolescent daughters, who can only shed tears at their father’s plight. Disciples are also not in a much better position. Under these circumstances, the Prophet advises his followers to bear all the hardships by keeping faith in God and to pray for better days.
JOURNEY TO TAYEF TO PREACH: PERSECUTION BY TAYEFIANS:
When the tyranny of the Meccans surpassed all bounds and it became very risky to stay in Mecca he decided to move. To preach Islam anew outside Mecca, he started towards Tayef a city seventy miles to the Northwest of Mecca. He travelled with his adopted son Zaid. Crossing difficult mountainous terrain, he reached Tayef and met the leaders. He invited them to Islam. In markets, bazaars he preached and even from door to door, he went to invite Tayefians. He requested them for support and sought their cooperation and compassion for his mission of Truth of God.
Tayefians did not respond kindly to the Prophet’s (PBUH) invitation. Infuriated, they insulted and tormented the Apostle (PBUH) of God. They proved more savage than the Meccans and were very rude and disrespectful to the Prophet. Throwing stones, they mercilessly wounded the Messenger of God. Zaid carried his bloodied body to a nearby orchid and nursed him. Feeling a bit better, he prayed to God to forgive those who caused him pain. He asked God to give them good sense and prayed for their well-being. Oh God, show them the path of truth, he prayed!
Dejected the Apostle (PBUH) was returning to Mecca. On the way through emissaries, he requested Muathem, an infidel for help. On humanitarian consideration, Muathem’s people escorted Muhammad and his companions to their homes in Mecca. After that, the Apostle (PBUH) started preaching Islam in the markets and bazaars. He told people about the Unity of God and invited them to accept Islam. This infuriated the Quraish, and they desperately tried to destroy the Prophet. The Prophet kept praying to God for them.
MUHAMMAD’S (PBUH) SECOND AND THE THIRD MARRIAGES:
After the death of Khadija, the Prophet mostly stayed busy outside preaching and there was nobody to look after his young daughters and household chores. He therefore, married Hazrat Shawda, a fifty-five years old widow. She was vulnerable to taunts, torments, and lived helplessly at the death of her first husband. Muhammad provided the much needed support and refuge to Hazrat Shawda. He made her the mistress of the house. Around this time at the earnest request of his friend Abu Bakr, Muhammad married his six-year-old daughter, Ayesha. Apparently, it looked incompatible, because, Muhammad was 51 years old, but later the world immensely benefited from God’s design.
ME’RÄJ AND INTRODUCTION OF SALAT (PRAYERS):
Few years before the emigration to Medïna, while he was with Shawda, Muhammad went on Me’räj (Audience with Allah) for an audience with Allah the Master of the Worlds. In the Holy Qurän God has said,
3. GLORY TO (GOD) WHO DID TAKE HIS SERVANT FOR A JOURNEY BY NIGHT FROM THE SACRED MOSQUE TO THE FARTHEST MOSQUE2, WHOSE PRECINCTS WE DID BLESS, - IN ORDER THAT WE MIGHT SHOW HIM SOME OF OUR SIGNS: (AL-QURÄN - 17: 1).
In the Süra called, Najm God Said,
4. BY THE STAR WHEN IT GOES DOWN, - YOUR COMPANION IS NEITHER ASTRAY NOR BEING MISLED. NOR DOES HE SAY (AUGHT) OF (HIS OWN) DESIRE. IT IS NO LESS THAN INSPIRATION SENT DOWN TO HIM: HE WAS TAUGHT BY ONE MIGHTY IN POWER, ENDUED WITH WISDOM: FOR HE APPEARED (IN STATELY FORM) WHILE HE WAS IN THE HIGHEST PART OF THE HORIZON: THEN HE APPROACHED AND CAME CLOSER, AND WAS AT A DISTANCE OF BUT TWO BOW-LENGTHS OR (EVEN) NEARER; SO DID (GOD) CONVEY THE INSPIRATION TO HIS SERVANT- (CONVEYED) WHAT HE (MEANT) TO CONVEY. THE (PROPHET’S)(MIND AND) HEART IN NO WAY FALSIFIED THAT WHICH HE SAW. WILL YE THEN DISPUTE WITH HIM CONCERNING WHAT HE SAW? FOR INDEED HE SAW HIM AT A SECOND DESCENT, NEAR THE LOTE-TREE BEYOND WHICH NONE MAY PASS: NEAR IT IS THE GARDEN OF ABODE. BEHOLD, THE LOTE-TREE WAS SHROUDED (IN MYSTERY UNSPEAKABLE!) (HIS) SIGHT NEVER SWERVED, NOR DID IT GO WRONG! FOR TRULY DID HE SEE, OF THE SIGNS OF HIS LORD, THE GREATEST! (AL-QURÄN - 53: 1-18).
It was midnight, everywhere it was darkness, there were no sounds, complete silence ruled. Nature stood still with an unusual calmness. The Prophet was sleeping in the courtyard of the Ka’aba, somebody called Muhammad. He woke up and saw Gabriel standing at his head. A little, further ‘Burraq’ a curiously glowing transport was waiting. This fast-moving transport looked like a winged horse. Gabriel examined Muhammad’s (PBUH) heart. He caused his mind to strengthen for the journey. Then Gabriel asked the Prophet to mount the ‘Burraq’.
The Prophet mounted the Burraq. In an instant, it flew Muhammad to Jerusalem. Gabriel nodded at Muhammad to dismount there. He entered the Mosque and prayed with devotion. This Mosque at Jerusalem built by Hazrat Suleiman (Solomon) bears the memories of Hazrat Musa (Moses) and Hazrat Isa (Jesus Christ). Muhammad all the while prayed facing this Mosque and was delighted to see it for the first time.
From here, Gabriel raced into the space with Muhammad. Within moments, they reached the door of the First Sky. They knocked at the door. “Who is there?” asked somebody from within. “It’s I,” said Gabriel. “Who is with you? Is he ordained?” asked the voice again. Gabriel answered, “He is Muhammad the Messenger of God. The door opened immediately and Muhammad entered. Gabriel introduced him to Hazrat Adam (Alaihe Wasallam) (AS) and asked Muhammad to salute him. Muhammad saluted him with respect. In reply, Adam embraced him and warmly welcomed him saying, “Welcome the Glory of my family.”
Then Gabriel along with Muhammad reached the Second Sky. There they met Jesus Christ (AS). After exchanges of salutations, Christ welcomed him saying, “Welcome, Oh, righteous Brother.” In that manner, they travelled to the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and the seventh sky. There they met Hazrats Yusuf (AS), Idris (AS), Haroon (AS), Musa (AS) and Ibrahim (AS), respectively. Muhammad exchanged salutations with them and they were all delighted to meet him.
Muhammad then climbed to ‘Sidratulmuntaha’.3 Gabriel could not travel beyond ‘Sidratulmuntaha’. However, Muhammad did not stop; he kept on advancing at the behest of an unseen force. This may be the first journey of a man beyond Space. What a beautiful sight! How daring the Journey into the Cosmos! All alone guided by some mystic force Muhammad is moving forward to meet Allah. Burraq is his carrier, faster than light. Into the unending space they went, where will it stop who knows. Strange and mysterious was the journey beyond human perception. The mind stopped, only he moved on filled with a heavenly feeling, inspired by God.
The Burraq stopped at Baitul Mamur. Baitul Mamur is the Noumenon of the Ka’aba. It is situated exactly at the same place as the Ka’aba on the Seventh Sky. Angels are always busy praying here. The place radiates with a divine glow very soothing and pleasant. Here Muhammad was granted an audience with Allah. Allah revealed Himself to Muhammad removing a curtain. They talked about many confidential matters. Muhammad properly comprehended the truth about the Creator and His creations through this audience with God. He could fully comprehend that which was beyond him before. His understanding and perception of Allah and His creations was blessed with perfection and was complete. At this rendezvous with God, he was also blessed with the covenant of Salat (prayer) five times a day, and he returned a content man with knowledge that was beyond all other lesser souls.
THE FIRST PLEDGE OF AQABA:
The Quraish idolaters did not believe in Me’räj. They called him a maniac and tauntingly asked him questions. An appropriate reply did not satisfy them and they brushed aside all answers laughingly. Quraish infidels continued their persecution and opposition to the Prophet. In spite of everything, the Apostle (PBUH) continued with his mission of preaching ‘Oneness’ of God. The number of his followers kept on increasing. He preached at the Quraish-exhibitions at Okâz and Majanna. In their attempt to discredit Muhammad, they tried to confuse people by calling him an Astrologer. Abu Lahab even threw stones at the Prophet but no humiliations could deter Muhammad from the path of truth.
Besides, the regular exhibitions, Muhammad began preaching from door to door. His efforts were awarded with many conversions from among tribe-chiefs, poets and the rich. In the eleventh year of the divinity, during the Hajj season, thousands of people from various tribes gathered at the courtyard of Ka’aba in Mecca, from all around Arabia. At this time, Muhammad went wandering to the annual exhibition at the Aqaba valley, near Mecca. Here, he met a group of visitors from Medïna and invited them to Islam. A few leaders, among them, very eagerly responded to the invitation and accepted Islam. They entered a friendly pact with the Prophet and took the following oath:
6. WE WILL ONLY WORSHIP ALLAH AND WILL NOT COMPROMISE HIS ‘ONENESS’,
7. WE WILL SHUN ADULTERY AND FORNICATION,
8. WE WILL SHUN STEALING,
9. WE WILL SHUN INFANTICIDE,
10. WE WILL ABSTAIN FROM CALUMNY AND SLANDER,
11. WE WILL ABIDE BY GOD AND HIS PROPHET IN EVERY HONEST ENDEAVOUR AND
12. WE WILL NOT OPPOSE THE PROPHET IN ANY RIGHTEOUS DEEDS.
The First Pledge of Aqaba at Aqaba is a historically important and memorable event in the Prophet’s (PBUH) life. This was the first ray of hope in the darkness. The triumphant march forward of Islam actually began from here. It should be borne in the mind that the Prophet did not ask for any self- aggrandizing clause from the new converts. The only demand he made was obedience of his honest actions. This bears testimony to his honesty, courage and magnanimity. In the eleventh year of divinity, few more Medinease accepted Islam. They requested the Prophet for a competent teacher, to teach them the rules and rituals of Islam. The Prophet sent Musayeb bin Omar, one of his disciples to Medïna. Due to him, the light of Islam illuminated the dwellings of the Medinease. Many tribe-chiefs, at this time embraced Islam with their tribes and Abujor Gifari was among them.
THE SECOND PLEDGE OF AQABA AND PREPARATION FOR MIGRATION (HIJRAT):
Next year, the twelfth of divinity, five hundred Medinease came to Mecca for business and pilgrimage in the Hajj season. There were seventy-three new Muslim men and women among them. Both parties met at the Aqaba valley, held discussion in a cordial atmosphere. Listening to Muhammad’s (PBUH) divine discourse, the Medinease were so impressed that they invited the Apostle (PBUH) to Medïna. Their leaders wanted to take Muhammad along with them to Medïna. He agreed to migrate to Medïna if all his followers were allowed to settle in Medïna and given all the support to preach the Truth of God. Gladly they accepted the proposal and took the following oath:
13. ALL MECCAN MUSLIM BRETHREN WILL BE SHELTERED IN MEDÏNA,
14. IN LIFE AND DEATH THEY (MEDINEASE AND MECCANS) WILL STICK TOGETHER, IGNORING ALL OBSTACLES OR DIFFICULTIES,
15. FOR ALMIGHTY GOD AND HIS PROPHET, THEY WILL SACRIFICE THEIR LIFE AND PROPERTY,
16. IF NEEDED, THEY SHALL FIGHT THE ENEMIES OF ISLAM.
This is famous in history as the Second Byaat (Pledge) of Aqaba. All other clauses of the First Pledge of Aqaba remained in force.
In 622 AD, in the month of Zul-Hajj, the Prophet appointed twelve representatives, selected by the Medinease, from among the new Muslims. The power and influence of these representatives helped propagate Islam. Consequently, all the Ansars (Helpers) accepted Islam. By welcoming and giving shelter to Meccan Muslims and nurturing the nascent Islamic faith, Medinease Muslims created a permanent niche in the heart of the Meccans. Muhammad will remain theirs’ forever. In this way, Medïna became the foremost sanctuary of the Muslims. Instructed by the Prophet, Meccans migrated to Medïna leaving all their wealth, friends and relatives behind for the sake of Islam. Though they migrated secretly, words leaked and the heathen Quraish caught and tortured many. In spite of concerted effort by the infidels to stop them, they kept on migrating to Medïna. Only Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Ali and the Prophet waited in Mecca for Allah’s instructions. When in the beginning of the thirteenth year of divinity almost all disciples had migrated to Medïna, Muhammad instructed by God, prepared to leave Mecca.
RETURN OF AMANATS (ENTRUSTED DEPOSITS): HIJRAT:
Those very idolaters who forced Muhammad to leave his birthplace used to entrust him with their valuables for safekeeping. He was their Al-Amin (The Truthful) and As-Sadique (The Dependable). Muhammad therefore, assigned Hazrat Ali with the duty to return those deposited valuables to their owners. Leaving Ali behind in his own house, Muhammad accompanied by Hazrat Abu Bakr, in the darkness of the night, left Mecca for Medïna. This is the Historic Hijrat (Migration), every Muslim remembers, reverently. From the day of this event, the Hegira year is counted.
The great Prophet migrated on fourth of Rabiul Awwal, 622 AD After seventeen years of this event, the second Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Omar, enforced the Hegira Calendar from the month of Muharram of the lunar year. That Calendar is still followed around the world. Meanwhile, Meccan Quraish non-Muslims conspired to assassinate the Prophet. During the night, they cordoned his house and waited. In the morning, they entered his house to kill him and were disappointed to find Ali in his bed instead. Frustrated, they announced that the captor of Muhammad and Abu Bakr dead or alive would be rewarded with hundred camels. Meanwhile, according to their plans, Muhammad and Abu Bakr left the house at night. They took refuge in a cave at Jabel Sawor (Sawor Hills). Mercenaries sent to kill or arrest them returned failing to locate them, searching around the cave. After three days and three nights in the cave, Muhammad and Abu Bakr proceeded to Medïna along the Red Sea. They travelled on camels brought by Abu Bakr’s son Abdullah. Amr bin Fuhaiera, the freed slave of Abu Bakr accompanied them. Suraka, a hardhearted ferocious Arab rider, renowned for his speed and skill, followed them for the reward. However, nearing them he fell from his horse, he rode again and fell again, and thus falling repeatedly fear seized him. Admitting his sin to Muhammad, he prayed for forgiveness. Muhammad not only forgave him but also granted him written assurance of protection (Farman-e-Aman), so that the Muslims did not subject him to revenge for his unscrupulous act.
Prophet’s (PBUH) predicament was not over. He encountered Chieftain Baridah. Baridah with seventy Arab Bedouins blocked his way lured by Reward. However, they were awed and enamoured by the sweet rhythmic recitation of the Holy Qurän by the Prophet. Their souls shivered with fear and they abandoning their mission accepted Islam and with the consent of the Prophet joined him as fellow travellers. Then, it was an amazing sight, the Prophet riding in the middle escorted by Baridah leading his mercenaries, flying a flag made with his turban tied at the top end of his spear. Muhammad was given a rousing reception at Medïna. Thousands of people male, female and children turned out to greet him in a festive atmosphere. They waited at gate of the city to welcome the Prophet.
1 Muhammad migrated to Medïna in 622 AD, along with some of his followers to avoid Quraish persecution that become intolerable and from thence, the Hegira year is counted.
2 Almost all the interpreters of the Holy Qurän are of the opinion that by the Farthest Mosque, Baitul Mukaddas has been referred to but I think by the Farthest Mosque God has not meant Baitul Mukaddas. It is difficult to understand why the Farthest Mosque should mean Baitul Mukaddas. If Baitul Mamur is referred to as the Farthest Mosque, the meaning becomes consistent.
3 Sidratulmuntaha: (Space Frontier). This audience with God has been described in the Holy Qurän and in Al-Mishkat. This great event occurred on the 27th of Rajab (Hegira), the tenth year of divination of Muhammad when he was fifty. Fourteen hundred years ago, ignorant non-Muslims could not believe the event; it was beyond their comprehension. Today science has proved that Me’räj is possible (Time, Space and Speed: the theory of Relativity. (The Translation and Meaning of the Glorious Qurän by Ali, Abdullah Yusuf.)
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