Chapter III

MEDINEASE PERIOD

THE FIRST HEGIRA

MEDÏNA BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF MUHAMMAD:

    Allah the Provider of the Worlds has selected Medïna as the place where to His beloved friend Muhammad will migrate and settle. Until the Doom’s Day, this will remain as the main spiritual capital of Islam. God has honoured this ancient city as the final resting- place of Muhammad.
    Medïna is situated at a height of 619 meters from the sea level on the ancient trade route linking the Holy Mecca to Syria. Decorated with abundant date palms, this was a prosperous city from the olden days, named Yathrib.
    ‘Yathrib’ is the Arabic of Egyptian ‘Thermos’. In 1600 BC a section of Amalik tribe were driven out from Egypt who came and settled here. One of them named ‘Thermos’ built this city from thence the name ‘Yathrib’.1 In time, the Amaliks became very powerful in Hejaj. A group of preachers sent by Moses defeated these autocratic Amaliks and thus came and settled the Banu Israelis to this region (Wafah al-Wafah). There is evidence in history that when Bukht-Nasr occupied Babylon, the defeated Jewish people fled from there and came to settle in Yathrib. Abu Huraira narrates that when the Jewish was defeated in Babylon, they met together to decide on the future. Their priests convinced them to move to Hejaj, since they concluded that according to their scripture the ‘promised last prophet’ would appear in Hejaj. They prophesied that he would settle in a city adorned with ‘Date Palms’ and it would become the centre of all his activities. Therefore, they left their birthplace and started for Hejaj. On the way, they settled in Yathrib since, they identified it as the prophesied city of their scripture, surrounded with date palms. Before everybody else, Hazrat Haroon’s (Aaron) descendants came and settled in Yathrib. Gradually, many other tribes came to settle there, resulting into expansion of the settlement spreading to Khaibar and surrounding areas.
    Any priest, leader or prominent person would advice their descendants to become the first to follow the last prophet, if he came in their lifetimes. They warned them to be careful not to disobey the last prophet or oppose him, under any circumstances.
    Alas, how fate changed? When the last prophet really came, then this very Jewish could not overcome their ego and opposed the prophet. Consequently, defeated, they were thrown out of Yathrib and adjacent areas (Rahatul Kulub, Wafah al-Wafah).
    Before the Jewish, the tribe that came and settled in Yathrib was the descendants of Hazrat Ishmael. They were the progeny of two brothers named, ‘Aus’ and ‘Khajraz’. At first, they were in Yemen and hit by the great flood of 115 BC, they left their country and started for Syria. On the way, they found Yathrib suitable and settled there. (Kassasul Qurän, part-iii).
    Business was the main occupation of the Jewish of Torah. They were also cultured and literate. Therefore, they were among the wealthy and the influential. On the other hand, like the Meccans the Medinease were Aus and Khajraz idolaters. Medinease were mainly shepherds and farmers, but they had little land to till and rear cattle. Therefore, they depended heavily on borrowed money from the Jewish rich. As a result, they became subservient and their status laid them bare to exploitation by the Jewish. Occasionally, they rose in protest. Threatened, the Jewish pacified them with the prospect of grave consequences, when the last Prophet came. They told them that the last Prophet would come and establish supremacy over the Arab land. Since they would be his principal companions, they would punish the Medinease for their audacity.
    Nevertheless, surprisingly, when the time came, and the promised Prophet arrived among them migrating from Mecca, the Medinease idolaters accepted and helped the Prophet. Waiting for generations, for this event, the Jewish turned their face and became sworn enemies. Moreover, they were defeated and driven away from the land. (Tarik-e-Medïna, Maulana Abdul Ma’abood).

HISTORIC MEDÏNA:

    Seven hundred years before the arrival of Muhammad, one Asad ibn Karab was the king of Yemen. This powerful King on an expedition to Syria, on the way came to Yathrib and subjugated it. Leaving his son behind as his representative, he went on. As soon as he left, the city rose in revolt and killed the Yemeni prince. On hearing of the revolt, the King returned and raged the city to the ground.
    To help the city dwellers, some scholarly Jewish priests met the King. They tried to impress upon him the importance of the city of Yathrib and its divinity. They told the King that they had concluded interpreting prophecies and other divine signs that Yathrib was the city, to where the last Prophet would migrate. From thence, this would be his abode from where he would direct his mission and this would be the last resting- place of the chosen one, until the ‘Day of Judgement’. The city would be named ‘Tyeba’ meaning Sacred. Angels protect the city and whosoever tries to destroy it would be destroyed.
    After that, they described the qualities of the last Prophet and the distinction his religion will enjoy until the Day of Judgement. The King was an honest, noble and large-hearted man. Believing in the words of the learned priests, he took up the true religion of the time. Later, he built a Palace in the town and given that to an heir with an instruction to the descendents that would occupy the palace at the time of the advent of the promised prophet. He was advised to present himself before the Prophet and request him to kindly consent to live in the palace, since it was built for him.
    Thence on an heir lived in the palace waiting for the promised one. When the time came and the Prophet arrived, Hazrat Ayub Ansari was the occupant of this palace. On hearing the news of Hazrat Muhammad’s (PBUH) arrival, he rushed to the spot and invited the Prophet to occupy the palace. Hazrat Ayub Ansari lived a few yards away from where Muhammad’s (PBUH) camel rested on the ground. The Prophet gracefully accepted the invitation. On the first occasion, Hazrat Ayub Ansari gave the letter of his ancestor king to the Prophet. Whence it was written in the King’s own handwriting: “I declare that Ahmed is the Messenger of God. If I were alive and met him I certainly would be his servant and cooperate with him” (Wafah al-Wafah, part-I, Zuzbul Kulub).
    It is noteworthy that, later, the King went to Mecca with a delegation of Savants and laid a cover on the Ka’aba made of Yemeni fabric, for the first time. From Then on, it became a custom to cover the House of the Lord, which continues until today (Kassasul Qurän).
    According to the letter, Hazrat Ayub Ansari wanted to give the whole house to the Prophet, but Muhammad disagreed. Then Hazrat Ansari requested him to occupy the first floor, but the Prophet keeping his companions’ comfort in the mind chose the ground floor (Wafah al-Wafah).

ARRIVAL IN MEDÏNA: REACHING KOBBA AND BUILDING THE FIRST MOSQUE:

According to Rabiul Awwal 8, in the thirteenth year of divinity, on September 20, 622 AD, Muhammad set his foot in Medïna. On reaching Medïna, he accepted the invitation of an Ansar couple to stay with them at a village called Kobba. This was three miles from Medïna town. Meanwhile, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Abu Bakr and his son Abdullah joined him at Kobba. The Prophet built a Mosque here, called the ‘Kobba Mosque’, which is still situated at the same place at Kobba. This is the First Mosque of Islam. Staying there for fourteen days, the Prophet started for Medïna town with his disciples.

RECEPTION AT MEDÏNA:

In the meantime, All the Medinease irrespective of age, sex, caste and creed came out of their houses to welcome Muhammad and his entourage. The town reverberated with slogans of Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar… (God is Great, God is Great …) and wore a festive look. Irrespective of caste, creed and gender, everybody, accorded the entourage of the Prophet a warm welcome. Ladies on the roof and children on the streets danced with delight chanting, 'God is Great, God is Great'. The, delightedly, presented them before the Prophet and each of them invited him to his home. Prophet Muhammad expressed his gratefulness and prayed for them. Praying, he advanced through the crowd. It was a Friday and the Prophet said his Friday prayers at the entrance of the town.

SETTLEMENT AT MEDÏNA AND ARRIVAL OF FAMILIES FROM MECCA:

At last, the Camel carrying the Prophet stopped at Hazrat Ayub Ansari’s courtyard. Since everybody wanted the Prophet, as his guest, earlier he declared that he would stay at the house where his Camel stops. He therefore, accepted Hazrat Ayub Ansari’s invitation and stayed there for seven months. Then he bought a piece of land to build Masjidun Nabubi (Mosque of the Prophet) and a house for the family. At this time, Zaid was sent to bring the families of the Prophet and Abu Bakr who were still living in Mecca, to Medïna. Muhammad’s (PBUH) family included his second wife Shawda and his two daughters, Hazrats Fatima and Umme-Kulthum. Of the other two daughters, Hazrat Joynab was forced to stay with her husband who was still a non-Muslim, in Mecca, and Hazrat Rokayya was in Abyssinia with husband Othman.
In the family of Abu Bakr were his wife Umme-Rumman and his daughters, Asma, Ayesha and others. Ayesha until now did not live with the Prophet. The Quraish did not stop them and they arrived in Medïna in time. Before finding a place for himself, the great Prophet ensured accommodation for all his followers. Nobody faced any difficulty, as the Medinease cooperated, wholeheartedly, a unique example in history. From here started Muhammad’s (PBUH) dual roles as the religious head and the head of state.

REMINISCENCE AND THANKS GIVING:

Though Muhammad was accepted wholeheartedly by the Medinease and respected by all, he could not forget his days in Mecca. Memories of nearest and dearest relatives in Mecca came flooding into his mind whenever he got an opportunity to relax. Everything, from the Quraish persecution, childhood, adolescent, youth to his blissful married life began to crawl back to his mind. He thanked and prayed to God for His kindness, reflecting on life in Medïna.

ESTABLISHMENT OF MASJIDUN NABUBI AND AZAN:

After the Masjidun Nabubi was built, prayers five times a day in the Mosque were introduced. Also, introduced was Azan (the Call to Prayers) for the first time. These rules are still followed today throughout the world. Next to the Mosque, at a place called Ashab-e-Saffa, a shelter was built and shelter less disciples was housed there. Madrasa-e-Saffa (Saffa-School) was built at the same premises where the Prophet taught his follower-students. Later, at the same site, along with the Madrasa (School), a hospital was opened to treat soldiers wounded in battles. Hazrat Bellal was appointed as the first Muezzin (he who recites Adzan) of Islam to recite the call to prayers. In the same year, Hazrat Salman Farsi took shelter under the umbrella of Islam, at the age of two-fifty years (otherwise three hundred).

MUHAJIRUN2 (MIGRANTS) AND ANSARS3 (HELPERS):

Those Muslims, who came to Medïna like beggars, leaving behind all their properties and wealth in Mecca are called Muhajirun (migrants). Medinease Muslims, who offered them food and shelter, are called Ansars (Helpers). Besides that a leading tribe in Medïna, was also called Ansars. While, the Medinease were farmers, the Meccans were traders. Since the Meccans were innovative, they soon began to earn their own bread. However, they never hesitated to express their gratitude to the Ansars for their self-sacrifice and broadness. Within a short time, Meccans established themselves as traders and businessperson and became self-sufficient. Many of them were counted among the leading businesspeople, in Medïna.

FOUNDATION OF AN ISLAMIC STATE AND THE CALIPHATE:

    The arrival of the great Prophet in Medïna unveiled a new horizon for Islam and the Medinease. As the Spiritual leader of the Muslims and the recognized leader of the Medinease, Muhammad’s (PBUH) very first task was to unite the tribes. He, in fact, performed the duties of a Head of State. Muhammad concluded a peace agreement with the non-Muslims, specially, the Jewish and the Medinease idolaters. To improve the social system, he reformed the system by equally dividing the wealth among the citizens. For creating a peaceful atmosphere, he arranged for realization of all just dues. In this manner at the outset of the Islamic-state, he focussed on building a strong ideal state by unifying and integrating the Muslims.
    Near the Ohud hills, two-fifty miles to the North of Mecca, surrounded by three hilly ranges was the city of Yathrib, named after its founder. With the arrival of Muhammad, this city became Medïnatun Nabi or Medïna Munawwara, now known as Medïna. The Golden era of Islam began here in this sacred city. This is the first capital of the Pan Islamic nation where Muhammad assumed the duties of a head of state.
    Before the arrival of the Muslims a sizeable number of idolaters and Jewish lived in and around Yathrib (Medïna). Like the Meccan Idolaters, the idolaters were the natives of Yathrib. They were illiterates and generally depended on farming for a livelihood. Their neighbours, the Jewish, came and settled here from Egypt, Rome, Greece, Iraq and Palestine. These Jewish people were ousted from their homelands for their misdeeds. Since, they were educated, intelligent and wealthy they were an advanced and strong community. They controlled trade and commerce and they had strong influence in the management of the society and the state. They were not only crafty and clever but also greedy of wealth and selfish. Their source of strength was, even today is, unity and living together as a community. Due to their superior qualities, they enjoyed unusual influence on the idolaters of Medïna, in all spheres of life, which continued for some time even after the arrival of the Muslims.
    The Muslims started living in Medïna as the third community with the Idolaters and the Jewish. Besides the Meccan Muslims and the new converts of Medïna a few Jewish also accepted Islamic faith. A few among these Jewish converts were Munafiques (pretenders). Though outwardly known as Muslims, they were in fact sworn enemies of Islam. These three communities were very different from each other and on top of that, hatred among groups was intense. The rise of Islam as a force made them envy Muhammad. Muhammad observed and realized that mutual understanding among the communities is very important for peace and stability of a country. This is more important in a country where many communities, belonging to different religion, live together. The basic principle to follow in the citizens’ life is “Live and let live.” The Prophet did not get this basic right from the Quraish. Therefore, he could feel the need for “Live and let live” much more in Medïna. He realized that discipline is necessary for peace to flourish in the country and it is essential that law should be enacted and enforced irrespective of caste and creed.
    As mentioned above there were pretenders among the newly initiated Muslims from the Jewish, who were secretly conspiring against the Prophet and Islam, from the outset. The Prophet knew about them but did not take any strong action against them. He tried to win them through love, tolerance, kindness and equality rather than by force. Coercion was not his way and it is not tolerated by Islam. His purpose was to unite all the people divided into various caste and creed. Recognizing everybody as equal, he granted citizenship to all, irrespective of race and religion. For a diverse population, he proceeded to establish a welfare state in Medïna. So that people of different race, religion, tribe and ethnicity may live there, side by side, keeping intact their culture and heritage.
    In the Meccan period, Muhammad taught his disciples religious rules, regulations and precepts. By examples and recitation of divine messages, he motivated his disciples to engage in social work and mass education programs. He inspired them to be benevolent, honest, ideal, virtuous and enlightened. In Mecca, the number of Muslims was much lesser than that in Medïna. Muhammad is now the Head of a State founded by him in Medïna. Besides the Muslims, many other communities of diverse culture and heritage live here. This is the Islamic welfare state, he had envisioned long ago. He discussed and deliberated on, the political and social structure of this very state with his followers. God gave him the opportunity now, to realize that holy vision. Given the opportunity, the very first task that he took unto himself was to establish peace among the communities, in the nascent state. Immediately, he devoted himself to solving the inter-communal conflicts by uniting the citizens.

MEDÏNA SANAD (PACT OF MEDÏNA AND ESTABLISHMENT OF INTER-COMMUNITY PEACE):

The great Prophet called a convention of the leaders of the idolaters and Jewish of Medïna. In the presence of the leaders, he discussed the law and order situation in the country to make them comprehend the need of communal harmony, for peace and tranquillity. He laid before the convention his well-considered and honest proposals for the purpose. On unanimous agreement, he presented the draft of a written agreement containing the duties of the citizens. All leaders agreeing to the terms signed the agreement. Muhammad also put his signature on the document. Through this pact, Muhammad brought harmony among the various communities. This is an important historic Pact, known as the ‘Medïna Sanad’ (Medïna Pact). In this region, nay in the world, nobody has ever before concluded such an agreement. This event is a perfect demonstration of his political acumen and far-sightedness, in international affairs. Leaders attending the convention took the following oath:

ALL COMMUNITY LEADERS SIGNING THIS COVENANT ALONG WITH THEIR COMMUNITIES, IRRESPECTIVE OF CASTE AND CREED, SHALL BE CONSIDERED THE CITIZENS OF A SINGLE STATE.
ALL CITIZENS, IRRESPECTIVE OF GENDER, SHALL ENJOY EQUAL RIGHTS AND LIVE IN HARMONY AND PEACE.
EACH COMMUNITY SHALL ENJOY THE RIGHT TO ITS OWN RELIGION. THEY SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN EACH OTHER’S RELIGION.
THEY SHALL NOT SHELTER ADVERSARIES OF EACH OTHER AND SHALL NOT ENTER INTO ANY PACT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE OTHERS.
ALL PARTIES TOGETHER SHALL FIGHT AGAINST ANY EXTERNAL AGGRESSION AND ALL COMMUNITIES BEAR THE EXPENSES OF WARS.

This practice of international pacts initiated by the Prophet, fourteen hundred years ago, is an integral part of international trade, commerce and diplomacy today. He laid the foundation of a true Islamic Welfare State based on benevolence and universal fellowship. The Prophet ensured peace and harmony in this multi-racial and multi-religious state. Nobody until today could give so much privilege, specially, to the minorities. Many non-Muslim Arabs searching for the Truth could now comprehend the sublime qualities of the state of Medïna and took shelter under the umbrella of Islam. They were thankful to God for providing them the opportunity. The Prophet ensuring equality, peace and fraternity among the communities of the new state marched onwards. Thus, the new state advanced steadily and surely to peace, prosperity and strength.

EXPANSION OF EDUCATION IN MEDINEASE MALES AND FEMALES:

To shape a new social order, the Prophet had to eradicate the old superstitious beliefs from the minds of the desert Arabs. Given their stubborn and cruel nature, to persuade them to discard the customs of their ancestors was a challenging task, even for a renowned leader. Muhammad did that by educating the people, irrespective of age and gender. Through mass education, he made them see the disadvantages of superstitious practices. Since the new generation is the future of a nation, the Prophet initiated an education system for the children, hitherto unknown to the Arabs. He made the parents, primarily, responsible for the education and upbringing of the children. The Prophet through his own example taught the parents the skill of raising children to become honest, responsible and ideal citizens. He instructed his followers on the methods of teaching the children, the appropriate conduct with the parents and elders and about their rights and duties. So, that the future citizens could competently do their duties and meet their obligations, toward the society and the country. Therefore, earn deliverance in both the Worlds and bring laurels for their nation. Parents, guardians and elders should possess ideal characters; he emphasized, to develop the children into ideal citizens. They must be pious, truthful, honest, righteous and diligent. Elder citizens must live an honest and clean life and behave kindly with everyone. Naturally, the good, honest and the virtuous beget good, honest and virtuous children. Muhammad gave extensive sermon to Muslims on mundane and spiritual matters for the peace and welfare of the world. Today even the non-Muslims benefit by these elaborate instructions and examples.

ADMINISTRATION:

    The great Prophet founding the Islamic nation in Medïna shouldered the heavy burden of running its affairs until the end of his life. He executed duties of a Head of a State, Spiritual Leader, Chief Justice and Supreme Military Commander. Appointments of administrators, ambassadors, and judges for arbitration in tribal conflicts and disagreements among communities or parties, enactment and enforcement of law, etc., were all done personally by him.
    He appointed some of his disciples as his representatives to the distant provinces, but kept the administration of Medïna and the adjoining areas in his own hand. These representatives administered the provinces on his behalf. Though he personally, interpreted the Islamic doctrines and answered inquiries, he appointed some of his disciples to give rulings (Fatwa) on religious matters. To settle disputes, he established courts of law. Muhammad, individually, settled disputes in Medïna and its surrounding areas, and appointed some of his disciple as judges for the purpose. For distant provinces, he appointed additional Kazis (Judges). To establish camaraderie among the Arabs, the Prophet always gave priority on litigating disputes, differences and disagreements among them, over all other matters.
    Maintenance of law and order in the country was entrusted to the police. Separate departments were created for Zakat (tithe), Zizia (capitulation tax), Taxation, Excise & Tariff and Land Settlement. By awarding ownership of fallow lands to the tillers, the Apostle (PBUH) encouraged his disciples to farm. Distributing land among the land-less people, Muhammad ended feudal system where property owners ruled supreme. To enforce truth and honesty in trade, commerce and all other transactions he established Anti Corruption Department. Clerks and other employees were appointed to announce Government ordinances, to keep records of divine sayings, and to maintain military register. The Prophet founded a system of mass education to tutor the people. He built Mosques in villages and appointed Imams (Head Priest) and Muezzins (Deputy to the Imam) with strict instruction to do their duties, truthfully. Teachers deputed by the Holy Prophet used mosques as Madrasas (schools) to teach men, women and children. He prepared Law inheritance so that the surviving family members like - wife, sons, daughters, parents, brothers, and sisters can inherit the deceased property. He introduced the systems of Wasiat Nama (Bequest) and Wakf (Charitable Endowment). Statutes of marriage and divorce were given. In addition, ordinances were promulgated about Haram (Forbidden) and Halal (Permitted) foods. He stopped all anti social activities by banning Gambling, Alcoholic beverages and interest on loans, etc. All this was done strictly, according to the Qurän.4
    Muhammad thoroughly revolutionizing the method of administration, through social, administrative and judicial reforms, became an example for the world. The Apostle (PBUH) made tremendous development, in advancing peace and prosperity, by enforcing law and order, and concluding friendly agreements and international pacts with many countries. The world, not only remembers his contribution with gratitude, but also follows his tradition. Among his legacies, Islamic Inheritance Law has earned the accolade of the lawyers and jurists, alike. By enacting such laws, he has benefited the average person so much that no other Preacher, Social Reformer or Spiritual Leaders have done before.

CONSPIRACY OF THE ENEMY: RECOURSE TO ARMS FOR DEFENCE:

    While, the Prophet was busy consolidating the foundation of the new state, the enemy, out of spite, was conspiring to unsettle his efforts. The Jewish in collaboration with the non-Muslim Quraish and the Medinease Munafiques (Pretenders) conspired against the new state, being jealous of Muhammad’s (PBUH) success. In Mecca, the only opposition was from the infidel Quraish, but now in Medïna, with them joined the Jewish and the Pretenders. These three forces did everything possible to make the Prophet’s (PBUH) life miserable by their heinous schemes. At every turn, they opposed the Prophet but Muhammad was well prepared to deal with them. Since, his informers kept him informed of the hideous designs of his enemies he successfully foiled all their conspiracies.
    Now that he is the Head of State of Medïna, unlike, Mecca where a few adherents only surrounded him, he is responsible for the whole population. Their life and wellbeing depended on him. Responsible for the whole of the population, he could no longer silently brush aside the provocative and oppressive acts of the enemies. Now, if he quietly endures the oppression of the Jewish, Quraish and the Pretenders, thousands of innocent men, women and children would suffer at the hands of these cruel, heartless adversaries. Like Mecca, people will die mercilessly at the hands of these barbarous enemies. On the other hand, it is simply cowardice to suffer at the hands of the enemy without rising to protest. Opposing the enemy collectively would cause a war but he was against wars, for he witnessed the horror of war in and at the battle of Fizar. His whole life, he tried hard to unite the humanity through love and affection, to bring peace and happiness. For the peace and prosperity of the people, he shunned the way of discord and preached the message of love and tolerance. With that ideal of Love, Peace and Happiness, the thought of war and chaos was totally out of place. Therefore, he prayed to the Almighty for divine guidance. At this time, God had sent guidance to him through His revelations (Al-Qurän - 2: 190, 191 & 193). In the first two verses 190, 191 God enjoined upon the Muslim to take up arms against the enemy and fight even in the confines of the Ka’aba, if attacked. In a later verse (Al-Qurän - 2: 216), God said that though some injunctions, apparently, seem enigmatic but great benefits are hidden in them, which has been proven in later events of conflicts, repeatedly.
    On receiving these divine injunctions, the Prophet saw the ray of hope. Getting divine guidance, he understood that love, compassion and forgiveness are great virtues of man. However, to tread the path of truth, it is our sacred duty to resist the tyrants, to protect the lives and properties of the innocent citizens. To reach his goal of Love, Peace and Prosperity, falsehood, tyranny and oppression should be resisted. ‘Slapped on one cheek turn the other’, would only encourage the wicked, and their oppression would continue unbridled. Peace would not be achieved.
    Prophet Muhammad realized that defence is a sacred duty, and in doing so, the rule of the game is to destroy the enemy. To ensure mere existence, there was no option other than to follow this basic condition, in the face of threats. That is why the civilized world follows this natural Quränic law, in times of wars. The first and foremost duty of the Muslims is to establish the Truth, but if anybody attacks to destroy them, they should resist, for the sake of peace and tranquillity. Fight, they must to enforce peace by defeating the evil forces. Dropping of atomic bombs on Japan by America was justified on that ground by the Allied Forces.

CHANGE OF QIBLA:

The Muslims, at first, prayed (performed salat) facing Jerusalem (Al-Aqsa Mosque). Once, in the middle of a prayer, the Prophet received divine instruction (Al-Qurän - 2: 144) to face Baitullah (the House of God) or Ka’aba, from thence the Muslims have been praying, facing the Ka’aba.

THE SECOND HEGIRA:

The Great Apostle remembers his days in Mecca. There, just because his adherents wanted to worship the only and one God and live a peaceful mundane life, the heathen Quraish mercilessly persecuted them. Neither did the Muslims interfere with their faith nor did they attack them. Nevertheless, they were tortured, tormented and killed, and had to leave their place of birth to seek refuge in Medïna, leaving all their belongings, property and wealth behind. Even the migration to Medïna, did not pacify the Quraish and they continued conspiring to destroy the Muslims. There were no Muslims in Mecca, but even then, they were not left alone in Medïna. Constantly, the Quraish in collaboration with the Pretenders and the Jewish were hatching schemes to exterminate them. News of those conspiracies worried the Prophet. Sensing their nefarious schemes, he realized that the Muslims had to fight to establish their faith in ‘Oneness’ of Allah. He therefore, began preparing his adherents. In this way, through trials and tribulations the new state gained experience, and established itself as an unconquerable and leading nation in the world.

THE BATTLE OF BADR:

    The Meccan Quraish were displeased with the Medinease for sheltering Muhammad and his Companions, and prepared to take revenge. They began with sudden raids into the suburbs of Medïna. They would attack villages and flee with the booties. Occasionally, getting the opportunity, they would raid the farmland, haul herds of cattle and disappear. Korj bin Jaber, a Meccan leader looted a few domestic animals of the Prophet. Sensing their purpose, the Messenger (PBUH) of God entered into friendly pacts with some tribes, living between Mecca and Medïna. At first, Muhammad sent his emissaries to the leaders of the Johaina tribe and himself met the Bani-Jumra tribe at Abwa, where his mother rests forever. Muhammad concluded friendly treaties with these tribes. He also entered into friendly alliances with Bani-Mujdila and Bani-Jumra tribes. All the parties agreed to help each other against any foreign assault. The Apostle (PBUH) constituted four surveillance teams, headed by four of his celebrated Companions. From among them, a team led by Abdullah ibn Ahas went towards Nakhla. On the way, they fought Omar bin Alhajrani and his comrades, in which fight Hajrani was killed and his comrades were taken to Medïna as prisoners, in the month of Rajab. The Prophet was irritated because, Rajab was a month of peace. Just at this point, descended the Quränic verse (Al-Qurän - 2: 217), where God has allowed war, in spite of the ban, against enemies who taking the opportunity of the holy month, attack the Muslims.
    God’s support to Abdullah’s actions pacified the Prophet, and stopped the other critics. Nevertheless, the Meccan Quraish got furious, and thus began preparation to attack Medïna. Abu Sufiyan was sent to Syria to obtain arms, ammunition and provisions. Since, the Meccans had to pass Medïna on the way to Syria, it was decided that Abu Jahl, advancing from Mecca would meet with Abu Sufiyan and attack Medïna, together.
    Accordingly, the Quraish idolaters march with their entourage towards Medïna. The Prophet gets news of their movement through his spies. Consulting with the Muhajirs and Ansars, he decides to face them before they reach Medïna. Muslims neither have the required strength nor are they properly trained for warfare. Nevertheless, the Apostle gathers a small band of 313 Muhajirs and Ansars included among them is an adolescent man. They come out of Medïna and advancing about sixty miles, block the Quraish army of Abu Sufiyan, at a place called Badr. Abu Jahl along with a thousand well-equipped soldiers awaits Abu Sufiyan, at Badr. On the other hand, Abu Sufiyan avoiding the advancing Muslim troops reached Mecca, without ever joining Abu Jahl. Abu Jahl deciding that he can defeat the handful of Muslims, easily, engages them in battle against the advice of the other leaders with him.
    Ramadhan 18, the second Hegira, is a memorable day for the Muslims. On this day, they met the infidel Quraish in an armed battle for the first time. Muhammad, the great Messenger of God, with only 313 Muhajirs and Ansars engaged in a battle, renowned in history as the ‘Battle of Badr’. He and his companions fought for the cause of the truth, against a formidable army consisting of their relatives and friends. Muslims fought against their Brothers, Fathers, Nephews, Uncles and other relatives who were the targets of their swords. It was an extremely demanding task but the Muslims succeeded with courage and determination. Only for the true believers, such a daunting task is possible. For God, no sacrifice was impossible for them. They only kept those relations that God asked them to and severed all others, howsoever dearest.
    When his own tribe, the infidel Quraish advanced to wipe him out, he had no other option than to resist them. Muslims encountered the toughest test of their Faith. They were not only outnumbered by a great margin but were also poorly armed and armoured. Many of them did not have arms and mounts. Against an army three times larger and thrice well armed, their only inspiration was fighting against the falsehood. Depending only and only on God to establish the truth and monotheism, they affronted the enemy, bravely.
    According to the custom of Arabia, Hazrats Hamza, Ali and Obaidah accepted challenges to single combats and defeated three non-believers. Abu Jahl then ordered his forces to attack the Muslims in a body. Both the forces fought fiercely. The great Prophet detailed troops in such a way that the enemy could not penetrate formation. In this war, close relatives fought against each other, as never before.
    Though the Muslims were numerically outnumbered overwhelmingly, they were totally committed to their cause of upholding the truth. Emboldened by the passion of their faith, they had no fear of death. They fought to attain martyrdom and in the end, the Truth won. With a much larger and better-armoured army, the heathen Quraish suffered a crushing defeat. Seventy infidels, including their Commanders Abu Jahl and Othba died. Abbas, the uncle and Abul Äs, the son-in-law of the Prophet and Ali’s brother Aquil along with seventy enemy soldiers were taken prisoners. Rest of the Quraish troops fled to Mecca. Muslims suffered fourteen dead, including Abu Obaidah, a relative of the Apostle (PBUH). Burying the dead, the Prophet returned to Medïna and held thanksgiving prayers. Determination, commitment, perseverance and above all, unflinching faith in God decided the outcome, not the numerical strength of the opposing troops. The lessons of ‘Badr’ are unique in the history of the world. On the instruction of the Prophet, the prisoners were treated with such kindness that they never expected. Prisoners bought their freedom with ransom, which was not very harsh. Some even bought their freedom by promising to bear the expenses of education for ten Muslims.
    Returning from Badr, Muhammad concentrated on the administration of the new state, as the Head of State. On the one hand, he was busy building the nation, and on the other was constantly perturbed by the conspiracy of the defeated forces. They made forays into the suburbs of Medïna and fled when confronted. Abu Sufiyan contacted the Jewish and connived with them against the Muslims. In spite of the friendly treaty, the Jewish embarrassed Muhammad by their collusion with the enemy. Muhammad was forced to fight the Jewish, and at last defeated they fled from Medïna.

HAZRAT FATIMA’S MARRIAGE AND INTRODUCTION OF FASTING:

The youngest daughter of the Prophet, Fatima Zohra was married to Ali in a very simple ceremony in the month of Zul-Qadh of the second Hegira. The same year Siam (fasting) for a month in Ramadhan was introduced. Siam does not simply mean fasting; it also has a connotation of self-sacrifice and self-restraint. This is one of the five pillars of Islam. Regulations, regarding Fitra (Charity) on Eidul-Fitr, at the end of Ramadhan and Qur’bani (Oblation) on Eidul-Azha, on the tenth of Zul-Hajj were issued at the same time.

THE THIRD HEGIRA:

BATTLE OF OHUD:

    The nation so revengeful that one single murder causes sanguinary wars for years, which does not know compassion, kindness and benevolence, cannot forget a humiliating defeat like Badr. Lacking tolerance and self-control whose only motto in life is killing and destroying the enemy- a nation cannot but contemplate revenge. Therefore, the defeated Quraish, returning to Mecca, began preparation afresh for another war to avenge defeat. News of the crushing defeat at Badr caused Abu Lahab great pains and consequently, he fell ill and died within a week. At the death of all the famous warriors, Abu Sufiyan assumed the leadership of the Meccans. His wife Hinda and Ikrama, the son of Abu Jahl, joined the band. Ikrama joined to avenge the death of his father.
    Abu Sufiyan in the third Hegira went to Medïna with a troop of three thousand strong, well-armed soldiers. At the head of the 200-mounted legion was Khalid, the great warrior. With the strong armoured corps comprising 700 soldiers, they brought huge reserve of armours and provisions. Aristocratic ladies like, Hinda, Abu Sufiyan’s wife, Abu Jahl’s daughter, Ikrama’s wife and Khalid’s sister, accompanied the expedition to spur the troops with stimulating war tunes. Abu Sufiyan, along with his forces, reached the Ohud Plains near Medïna. Informed about the enemy’s movement, in advance, Muhammad with one thousand soldiers marched past the Ohud hills to face the enemy. He advanced to confront the Quraish forces, after Juma prayers on the fourteenth of Shawwal, the third year of Hegira, at the head of his army. On the way, Abdullah bin Obey, the Munafique (Hypocrite) leader, deserted him with three hundred men under his command, on the pretexts that the proceedings were not to his liking. At Ohud, female volunteers were recruited, for the first time, to participate in a war. They treated the wounded, fetched water for the thirsty, gathered arrows from the field and handed those over to the Muslim warriors (Bukhari). At last with seven hundred soldiers including two mounted and seventy armoured men, the Prophet, fought the infidels at the plains of Ohud. Keeping the Ohud hills behind, the Apostle (PBUH) placed his men to form a cordon.
    The Quraish forces fought a fierce battle with the Muslims. Just at the beginning, Talha, the flag bearer of the Quraish was killed, infuriated, they attacked the Muslims. Unable to withstand fierce counter attack of the Muslims, enemy forces were completely disarrayed and began to flee from the field. At this stage, some Muslim warriors anticipating the enemy’s defeat ran after plunder, leaving their posts. Before the battle commenced, Muhammad carefully prepared his strategy, and deployed his troops. He particularly, placed archers on top of the hills to guard the rear with strict instructions not to leave their positions under any circumstances, whatsoever. Disobeying the injunction of the Prophet, archers went after booties, bypassing the archer-commander, Abdullah bin Zubair. One Commander of the Quraish among many, Khalid bin Walid realizing that the rear was unguarded attacked the Muslim forces from the rear. The Muslims were trapped into an immensely disadvantageous situation. Thus, an imminent victory was turned into the humiliation of a failure. Muhammad, noticing the reversal, called upon his troops to regroup, but by then they were already disoriented. The heathen Quraish attacked the Prophet with renewed vigour. His Companions surrounded him and took the arrows and the blows on their own persons, protecting the Prophet with all their might. Among them was Hazrat Umme-Ammar, a woman.
    Temptation caused neglect of duty and that led to the misfortune. Many brave warriors were martyred; among them was the uncle of the Prophet, Hamza the bravest of the brave. Muhammad was injured too, and lost four teeth. Despite his injury, depending on God, he kept his position and led his Companions in repulsing the attack of the enemy. He truly acted like a General, in dire adversity. Repeatedly, the Quraish tried to kill the Prophet; but he raised his hand and prayed for them, “Oh God! They are ignorant; they are misguided, forgive them.”
    Defiance of the order of the Commander brought failure of the army, but God saved the honour of His Beloved Prophet. For no Muslims were forced to surrender, no looting occurred or no women were molested, since the troop realized their mistake, and fought gallantly to save their honour; though, they did not win, they could hold back, and save themselves from a humiliating defeat. The Quraish unable to force a decisive defeat lost the courage to attack Medïna. They left without further consolidating their advantage, against a spirited Defence; but before leaving the Ohud plains, they savagely dismembered the bodies of the martyrs, to quench their thirst of vengeance. Abu Sufiyan’s wife Hinda, tore out the heart of Hazrat Hamza and others, and made earrings and bracelets with the ears and noses of the dead. Before leaving for Mecca, Abu Sufiyan threatened to return the next year, with his forces.
    Muhammad’s (PBUH) army suffered a loss of seventy dead men, while the Quraish infidels incurred a loss of twenty-two or twenty-three dead men. Prominent Muslim ladies like, Hazrats Ayesha, Umme-Salma, Umme-Ammar and Umme-Aymon, etc. participated in the war for the first time. They not only nursed the wounded but also even took up arms. This was a farsighted move by the Prophet of Islam. Disobedience under temptation was the reason for the debacle suffered by the Muslims. That greed engenders disaster has been amply epitomized, at Ohud. Tombs of the Shaheeds (Martyrs) at the foot of the Ohud hills are a tribute to the brave warriors, who laid their lives for the Truth. The cemetery, where the seventy Shaheeds including Hazrat Hamza are buried, is a holy place of the Muslims. After the Quraish left the plains of Ohud, the Prophet burying the slain, returned to Medïna, before dusk. Medïna was in mourning; the air was thick with wailing for the slain. Muhammad, after Asr Prayers, went around and consoled the bereaved families. Entreated them to endure their pain, in the name of God, and took precautionary measures to protect Medïna from further attacks.
    In the third Hegira, Hazrat Imam Hassan, the first child of Fatima was born. The same year, Hazrat Othman married Hazrat Kulthum the daughter of the Prophet. Hazrat Omar’s daughter Hazrat Hafsa lost her husband in the war. The Prophet took her as his wife. Under the same condition, Joynab binte Khujayma was also married to Muhammad. Within three months of this marriage, Joynab died. At this time, injunction regarding the heirs of the dead was issued, and marriage with idolaters, without conversion, was prohibited.

THE FOURTH HEGIRA:

BETRAYAL BY THE IDOLATERS AT RAJEE AND BEER-E-MOWNA:

After the Battle of Ohud, in the fourth year of Hegira, Abu Sufiyan advanced to attack Medïna, but went back to Mecca, after marching eight miles toward Medïna. Receiving prior information through his informers, Muhammad advanced to Badr Plains and waited for the enemy. After eight days, he returned with his army to Medïna. This is known as the second Badr Expedition.
The Apostle (PBUH) sent a few of his followers to preach Islam in the non-Muslim villagers as requested by some Munafiques. Unfortunately, the treacherous infidels killed these emissaries sent by the Prophet at a place called, Rajee and Beer-e-Mowna.

REASON OF THE JEWISH HOSTILITY:

    On the arrival of Muhammad in Medïna, all the tribal leaders agreed and signed a Pact. A clause of the pact was to confront any external enemy together, not providing any help to the enemy and not cooperating with the aliens, against their country. In spite of this accord, the Jewish repeatedly conspired and intrigued against the state and Islam, in collusion with the enemy. Their only intent was to kill the Prophet and to destroy Islam by misleading his followers from the path of God.
    Primarily, the Jewish were antagonistic to Islam and its Prophet. While Muhammad recognized all the prophets before him, and praised and honoured them, the Yiddish insulted Jesus Christ (AS) by branding him illegitimate and cursed. Contrary to that, Muhammad acknowledged Jesus (AS) and his mother Mary, and praised and proclaimed their nobility and sanctity. Adultery and booze were common among Jewish elite class. Their paid priest and religious leaders had no courage to protest. Usury was common among them, and they mainly did business with the poor farmers of Medïna. Inability to repay loans would result in, not only the appropriation of the borrowers’ property, but even their women to satiate the lascivious nature of the Jewish. In this manner, the Jewish had been economically enslaving the Medinease Idolaters and Christians.
    Against the personal stakes of the Jewish people, Muhammad declared both borrowing and lending with interest, illegal. Usury was condemned as a sin. He did not stop only at protesting against adultery, oppression and all illegal activities, but took stern measures to eliminate them. Severe punishments were prescribed for all breaches; adultery was made punishable by death. Measures were taken to lend interest free loans to the poor from the Baitul Mal (Treasury). All these social and monetary reforms went against the rich and powerful Jewish aristocracy. Freed from the shackles of rapidly multiplying loans and threat of confiscation of properties, the Medinease started to prosper. Due to Muhammad’s (PBUH) Social, Political and Administrative reforms, Medinease shunning conflicts and disputes lived in peace and harmony. That caused jealousy and heartaches among the clever and influential Jewish merchants. Usury, adultery, intrigue, treachery, tyrannies, etc., were inherent traits of the Jewish. They realized that Muhammad with his reforms was a threat to their hegemony, through intrigue, conspiracy, treachery, suppression and oppression. With him around, they could never divide and rule. Therefore, they conspired to unsettle Muhammad’s (PBUH) efforts at reforms. Though openly they agreed to cooperate with the Prophet, in all his righteous efforts, secretly they connived to assassinate him. In these circumstances, the Quraish sought help from the Jewish to destroy the Muslims; the Jewish did not hesitate to seize the opportunity and gladly consented. Consequently, the infidel Quraish and the monotheist Jewish of Medïna and the adjacent areas collaborated to blight the Muslims, openly or stealthily advancing on them. With them joined a few Medinease Idolaters and some Bedouin Christians; simultaneously, the rich Nazr Jewish tribe rose in revolt at their behest, to hasten the end of the nascent Muslim Commonwealth. They also plotted to kill the Prophet, luring him to their territory. Getting intelligence in advance, through his agents, the Prophet always took precautionary measures and survived. In this year God’s divine message descended, prohibiting alcohol and Muhammad married helpless widow Umme-Salimah.

THE FIFTH HEGIRA:

DEFIANCE OF CHARTER AND REBELLION BY THE JEWISH:

When the Jewish Bani-Nazr tribe openly denounced the charter and rebelled, the Prophet was constrained to act against them. The Muslim army laid siege to the fortress of the Bani-Nazr. When neither the Meccan Quraish, nor any other Medinease tribes came to their rescue, they begged permission to leave Medïna, abandoning hostility. Soft-hearted Muhammad could not contemplate revenge and so, he granted their prayers. He even did not demand reparation from the vanquished. The Yiddish voluntarily left Medïna, with all their movable properties, cattle and even doors and windows of their houses, excluding weapons. Repeatedly, the Jewish people broke promises, breached agreements and hatched schemes, to exterminate the Prophet and destroy his adherents but the Prophet repeatedly had shown them clemency. Idolaters killed Muslims, mercilessly, and the Jewish collaborated. Taking the opportunity of the Prophet’s (PBUH) magnanimity, the leader of the Bani-Mustâlik, Haris bin Abu Zirâr took preparation to attack Medïna. Knowing that, the Prophet along with his adherents, advanced to confront him, on the second of Shaban, the fifth Hegira, overwhelmed with fear, Haris fled, but the Mustâliks attacked the Muslims with arrows. Defeating them, the Muslims took two hundred prisoners of war; among them was Harith’s daughter, Juwaiera whose husband died in the battle. She was given to Sabeth ibn Quiyas, as a share in war booties, but she demanded freedom by ransom. Unable to pay the ransom, she sought help from the Prophet. Muhammad arranged for her ransom and got her freed. Impressed by this act of kindness, she expressed her desire to stay with him. Muhammad complied by granting her, her wish; he accepted her as his wife. United in marital relation with the Bani-Mustâliks, the Muslims freed all the prisoners and returned all their properties. Thus, the Bani-Mustâliks turned into an ally through marriage. Joynab binte Jahash was divorced and Muhammad, instructed by God took her as his wife, in the same year.

THE LAST BID OF ABU SUFIYAN: THE BATTLE OF KHANDAQ (DITCH):

    Unsuccessful at Badr and Ohud, Abu Sufiyan organized a rebellion, in Arabia, against the Muslims. After Badr and Ohud, the Apostle (PBUH) brought the perpetually conniving Jewish, in and around Medïna, under control. Defeated, they surrendered and entreated for forgiveness; the Prophet granted them clemency. In the name of God, Huyai bin Akhtab, Sallam bin Abu’l Hukaik, Kinana bin Rabi, etc., the leaders of the Bani-Nazr tribe, pledged in writing not to collaborate with adversaries of Islam. Nevertheless, as wretched and lowly as they were, they betrayed and again joined the enemy forces to hatch secret plans. As their hearts filled with fear at the bravery, tenacity, perseverance, spirit of sacrifice of the Muslim soldiers with high morale, they became restless. They thought that if the Muslims were not destroyed then, given their peculiar unity and discipline would soon be an irresistible force. If their advancement continued unchecked, in the future it would be hard, save destroying, even to confront this formidable force.
    Therefore, the exiled Banu-Nazr leader, Huyai bin Akhtab went to Mecca to discuss with the Quraish. Kinana ibn Rabi went to Bani-Ghatafân tribe and incited them against the Muslims. In this way, they provoked the other Yiddish tribes, including the Bani-Kuraizha, who pledged peace with the Muslims, and others like them were instigated to attack the Muslims. Confronted with open mutiny of the Bani-Kuraizha tribe, the Prophet sent Sa’ad bin Mu’âz and Sa’ad bin Ubâda to them. They were sent to remind them their pledge and request them to shun conflict and abide by their vow. However, Ka’ab bin Asad and Huyai bin Akhtab haughtily refused to listen to them. This encouraged and elated Abu Sufiyan. He organized the opposing forces to raise a well-armed army of ten thousand soldiers. He advanced toward Medïna at the head of this strong army to exterminate Muhammad and his religion. Muhammad through his secret agents was constantly monitoring enemy movements. He sat with his Companions to decide the strategy to affront the enemy. Decision was taken to fight the opposing army from within the city of Medïna. As recommended by Hazrat Salman Farsi, it was resolved to dig a trench encircling the city. In the north of Medïna was an open field; therefore, the digging began from that side. The side, protected by trees, orchards and enclosures or walls, was reinforced by check-posts. Medïna’s boundary inhabited by the Jewish and the non-Muslims were put under surveillance, and the walls were joined and reinforced. Enough food, water and provisions were stocked. Women and the children were moved to a comparatively safer fortress.
    In length, the northern trench was more than three and half miles long. Taking advantage of the natural landscape, the trench was dug only in open spaces. Naturally, elevated and depressed contour of the valley was deftly used to construct the barrier. Consequently, the natural barricades made up a large section of the trench. Alwal hills were situated at the Western side of Medïna, which well protected that border. A trench ten feet deep by ten feet wide was dug so that mounted troops could not jump across into the city. Three thousand men working day and night for three weeks completed the moat. With soil obtained by digging, the inner side of the trench was raised and boulders were placed there, to use against the opponent. The Apostle (PBUH) worked along with his men.
    On the Shila hills, Muhammad set his headquarters, and tents were put between Shila and Khabab mounts, in a protected zone. A mosque was built there, in memory of this event. Three thousand men were divided into different groups and were given specific duties to protect the city. Archers took position on top of the hills; while some soldiers were on patrol duties, the rest stayed at the base waiting for orders from the Commander-in-Chief, the Prophet. Salma bin Aslam and Zaid bin Haris were given the charge of maintaining law and order of the city.
    Abu Sufiyan, on the other hand, with a large strong of ten thousand men pompously marched toward Medïna. Flaunting countless horses, camels, men and provisions, the Quraish camped near Medïna. The Medinease never before saw such a large force. Abu Sufiyan was happy to see that the Muslims did not come out, of the city, to confront him. He thought he could destroy Medïna in a day. The unforeseen trench sent his mind twirling as he was forced to camp just outside Medïna. Pertinent to Arabian convention, first they engaged in debating contests, then followed the single combat and then brick batting and dart throwing continued from both the sides of the trench. By crossing the trench, the pagan forces tried to invade Medïna but failed. Amr bin Abdud Zirâr, Zobira and Nawfal crossed the trench with their mounts but were subdued by Ali. Repeatedly, throughout the day, Abu Sufiyan’s men tried hard to negotiate the trench but without success. Meanwhile, the Jewish Bani-Kuraizha sent a spy to gather information to plan an onslaught on the fortress occupied by Muslim women and children. Muhammad’s (PBUH) Aunt Hazrat Safiya killed the spy with a boulder and threw the dead body outside the fortress. That acted as a deterrent for the Jewish who lost the courage to attack. In this battle, female volunteers were employed, as well. A lady called Rafida was engaged to nurse the wounded soldiers in the battlefield.
    A month went by without any outcome. Days after days went by, but the Quraish could not attain their dream of conquering and exterminating the Muslims, once for all. Their provisions began to dwindle and the Jewish collaborators could not come to their help. It was a terribly cold winter and suddenly the nature turned cruel. Dark clouds covered the wintry sky, rain and blizzard played havoc in the pagan camp. Totally dislodged by the natural calamity, losing all their horses, camels and provisions, the Quraish was compelled to retreat to Mecca. God’s curse fell on the heathen enemy and they were bewildered by the ferocity of the blizzard.
    Abu Sufiyan withdrawing to Mecca saved himself. Bani-Ghatafân and the other tribes followed him. Jewish people in and around Medïna took refuge in their citadels. Arab idolaters were destroyed and silenced for good. The Medinease Jewish was put on trial for treason and was found guilty. According to the Torah, men found guilty of treason were condemned to death and the women and children were reduced to slavery. All their properties were distributed among the Muslim soldiers.

THE SIXTH HEGIRA:

HUDAIBIYA PACT:

    The infidel Quraish and the treacherous Jewish were permanently silenced by the defeat in the Battle of Khandaq. Meanwhile, six years had passed. The Meccan Muhajirs who sacrificed all their worldly possessions and migrated from their birthplace, petitioned the Prophet to visit Mecca. Though they were very comfortable and had no complaints in Medïna, they were eager to visit Mecca, the dearest place of their birth. Mecca had the added attraction of Ka’aba, the house of the Lord. Islam was only nineteen years old. The Prophet decided to perform Hajj (Pilgrimage) and instructed fifteen hundred companions to accompany him. Members of his entourage and the Prophet wore Ihram (Cloth for Pilgrimage). Save a sword, the men were prohibited to carry any other weapon. Muhammad advised his followers that the purpose was non-political, non-military and purely religious.
    The great Prophet took seventy camels to sacrifice and went to Mecca. Nearing Mecca, Muhammad camped at Hudaibiya and sent his emissaries to appraise the reaction of the Quraish. Through them, he came to know that the Quraish infidels are readying for war, to prevent him from entering the Ka’aba. Representatives of both the parties met to discuss the tense situation to avoid a bloody conflict.
    The heathen Meccan Quraish, initially, refused to listen to the Muslims. The Prophet through his envoys told the Quraish that he had no intention other than to perform Hajj. At last, he sent Hazrat Othman and expressed his willingness to conclude a peace pact with the Quraish. He told them, if they could come to an understanding, it would be beneficial for all the parties. Abu Sufiyan, the Quraish leader and other leading Quraish infidels, after their repeated failures to vanquish the Muslims, could realize that it was a difficult proposition to conquer them. Therefore, they agreed to a Peace Pact subject with the following conditions:

6. THAT THE MUSLIMS WOULD RETURN TO MEDÏNA THIS YEAR WITHOUT PERFORMING HAJJ.
7. THAT THEY WOULD BE ALLOWED TO VISIT MECCA TO PERFORM HAJJ NEXT YEAR AND TO STAY THERE FOR THREE DAYS, DURING THOSE DAYS, THE MECCANS WOULD MOVE TO THE HILLS AROUND MECCA.
8. THAT THE MUSLIMS WOULD NOT CARRY ANY ARMS EXCEPT THEIR ‘SCIMITARS IN SHEATHS.’
9. THAT ANYONE COMING TO MEDÏNA FROM MECCA, WITHOUT THE PERMISSION FROM THE CHIEFTAINS, SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE INFIDEL MECCANS, BUT ANY MUSLIM CROSSING OVER TO MECCA WOULD NOT BE RETURNED.
10. THAT NO MEDINEASE WOULD TAKE ANY RESIDENT-MUSLIM IN MECCA TO MEDÏNA AND WOULD NOT PREVENT ANY MUSLIM FROM STAYING IN MECCA.
11. THAT ANY INDEPENDENT ARAB TRIBE WILLING TO ENTER INTO AN ALLIANCE WITH PARTIES, EITHER QURAISH OR MUSLIM WOULD BE AT LIBERTY TO DO SO.
12. THAT THERE WOULD BE TRUCE FOR TEN YEARS BETWEEN THE MUSLIMS AND THE HEATHEN MECCAN QURAISH, DURING WHICH ALL HOSTILITIES WOULD BE KEPT IN ABEYANCE.

Discontent in the Companions of Muhammad was widespread, about the seemingly derogatory elements of the Pact. Only Abu Bakr kept silent. The Prophet of the Worlds took it as Allah’s Wish and struck to his decision. This pact is famous as the Hudaibiya Pact. Allah in the Qurän described it as the Great Victory (Fathum Mubin). Due to this Peace Pact, the atrocity, hatred, jealousy and malevolence of Quraish was defeated by the Love, Kindness and Magnanimity of the Prophet.

Benefits of Hudaibiya:

The manifestly disparaging Peace Treaty was a blessing in disguise for the propagation of Islam. Due to this treaty, the respite offered was deftly used by the Muslims to advance their cause. At last, the heathens realized that the Prophet had no other motive but peace for concluding such an apparently derogatory pact. That mellowed their fierce opposition to the Messenger of God. This change in attitude was well used by the Muslims; they preached Islam among the pagans successfully, and quickly gained ground. With great success, they continued trade and commerce with the other nations and thus ensured economic stability of the new nation. Unhindered they made great strides in their missionary and commercial endeavours. Medïna again was in the centre of peaceful activities. The rupture between Mecca and Medïna healed. They began to live together, which replaced hatred with love, affection and understanding of each other. Meccans began to accept Islam spontaneously, impressed by the glorious nobility of the religion of God.

CONVERSION OF KHALID BIN WALID AND AMR BIN ÄS:

It was a miracle that the great warriors Khalid bin Walid and Amr bin Äs voluntarily accepted Islam, at the hands of Muhammad. For chivalry and courage, they became renowned in the annals of Islam and Khalid was bestowed with the title of the ‘Sword of Allah.’ They went on to conquer Syria (Rome) and Egypt, which made them famous all over the world.

DEPUTATION TO OTHER COUNTRIES:

Right from the beginning of the human race on the earth, prophets, sages and great reformers, came with missions. These missions were to improve and enrich temporal and spiritual lives of specific peoples, tribes or nations. To Hindu religious leaders, sages and reformers, India was the world; their vision did not reach beyond that. Activities of the Hindus and the Zoroastrians were confined to India and Persia, respectively. Similarly, the activities of the Ahle Kitabs (nations bestowed with divine books) were limited to their own people. Before Muhammad, prophets belonging to one race did not preach to others. Jesus Christ said, “I have descended only for the misguided Israelis.” None of the divine books declared any of the prophets as a universal messenger, except Muhammad. Muhammad was declared as the Prophet of the human race irrespective of any other consideration like ethnicity, origin, colour or nationality and called the ‘Mercy of the Universe’ (Rahmatullil Al-Amin). Therefore, his mission cannot be restricted to only Arabia. He came for the whole world, for all the time to come, to bring the human race to the ‘True and Righteous Path’. To the eternal path of the Almighty God, he called the people of the earth, irrespective of their caste, creed, age and sex. Peace was his mission. To establish peace and harmony by exterminating all the causes of rivalry, disparity and divisions was his duty. Therefore, when he was given the ministry, he put all his might into his divine duty.
After the Peace Treaty of Hudaibiya, the threat from the enemies of Islam was effectively extinguished. Freed from the nagging opposition of the Quraish and the Jewish, the Prophet now concentrated on the duties of the state. Administrative reforms, land distribution and social reforms, etc. were at the top of his agenda. He was extremely busy, yet he had to send ambassadors to different nations, seeking their friendship and cooperation. To propagate God’s Message to everybody, to every nation, he had to educate the world about Tawhid (the Unity of Godhead). Therefore, he wrote letters to Emperors, Kings and Head of States, explaining the concept of Islam and finally inviting them to the true Faith.

He wrote to the Roman emperor Heracles. He dictated all the letters and at the end, he stamped them with his personal seal. ‘Allah’ (ﺍﷲ), ‘Rasul’ (ﺭﺳﻮ ﻝ) and ‘Muhammad’ were engraved on the seal, meaning, Muhammad, the Messenger of God. In the letter to Hercules, he wrote:

“Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (ﺑﺳﻢ ﺍﷲ ﺍﻟﺮﺣﻤﻦ اﻟﺮﺣﻴﻢ- Begin in the name of God Most Gracious, Most Merciful).

From: Muhammad, the Servant of God and His Messenger

To:      The Roman Emperor, Heracles:

   Peace (Salaam) on those that are searching for the ‘Truth’. Then I am inviting you to Islam. Accept Islam, and you shall profit. If you shall accept Islam, Allah Shall amply Reward you. However, if you refuse, you shall be held responsible for the sins of your subjects.”
    Similarly, he wrote to the Persian King Khusru Perviz, Abyssinian Emperor Najjasi (Negus), Egypt’s Mukawookis, Bahrain’s Munzir, Oman’s Abdoo Ja’afar, Yemen’s Hawza and Damascus’s Ghassani. Besides that Muhammad sent deputation around Arabia, to all the Chieftains, Leaders and Kings inviting them and their subjects and people to adopt Islam. Many Arab traders had trading relations with the countries and regions where Muhammad sent his deputation with the invitation to adopt Islam. Emperor Heracles received Muhammad’s (PBUH) message while he was on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Abu Sufiyan was also present there. Heracles asked him about Muhammad’s (PBUH) disposition, character and mission. Heracles was satisfied that Muhammad was the Messenger of God with a divine mission. With a respectful reply, he had sent befitting gifts for the Prophet of God. All but the Kings of Persia and Damascus, received Muhammad’s envoy with due respect and returned them with gifts in the honour of the Prophet. Egypt’s King sent two (in some historian’s opinion three) aristocrat maidens (otherwise princesses), one horse and dresses as gifts. Of the two maidens, one was Maria whom the Prophet accepted as a wife. She bore him a son, Ibrahim. The horse called Dul Dul. Muhammad once rode to a battle on Dul Dul.
    The King of Abyssinia was on good terms with the Muslims from before; he sheltered the followers of Islam earlier and treated them with kindness. He received and treated Muhammad’s (PBUH) envoys very courteously, and adopted Islam. Slowly but steadily, in this way, Muhammad spread Islam in Asia, Africa and even in Europe. The Message of Islam had revolutionized the intellect of the human race. Emperors, Kings and renowned personalities sought protection of Islam and adopted Islam. Inconspicuously from Medïna, the Apostle (PBUH) of God silently conquered the hearts of the people through the propagation of Allah’s Message. A silent revolution was set in motion, which continues until today.

MARRIAGE WITH UMME-HABIBA :

Umme-Habiba migrated to Abyssinia with her Husband, and became destitute on her husband’s death. Knowing of her plight, the Prophet took her under his protection as a wife.

THE SEVENTH HEGIRA:

THE BATTLE OF KHAIBAR:

The Jewish expelled from Medïna for their treacherous collaboration with the pagan Quraish, violating their pledge, took up residence in well-fortified fortresses at Khaibar. Settled there at approximately one hundred miles away from Medïna, the Jewish in their characteristic way began to intrigue against the Muslims. From Khaibar, they were planning an invasion of the commonwealth of Medïna for which they were working on a coalition of the enemy forces. News of this conspiratorial move, prompted the Prophet to take action against the Jewish. He quickly raised an army and swiftly marched to Khaibar. Reaching Khaibar the Prophet offered conditions for truce to the enemy but the treacherous Jewish arrogantly declined. So began the battle of Khaibar.
On the first day, Muhammad gave command of his troops to Abu Bakr. As he could not succeed in forcing a defeat, the next day Omar assumed the mantle of the commander. Omar also was unsuccessful and thus Ali was called upon to command the Muslim forces on the third day. Ali lived up to his reputation and finally conquered the strongly fortified fortresses at Khaibar. Defeated the Jewish prayed for truce, the Prophet for the sake of Peace, agreed. Chieftain Kinana of the Jewish was killed and his widow was taken prisoner among others. Fascinated by the magnanimity and kindness of the Apostle of God, Kinana’s widow expressed her desire to become his spouse. Muhammad granted her, her wish and accepted her as his bride. She is Safiya, the Jewish princess and a descendant of Moses and Haroon. Ummul Muminin (Mother of the Faithful) Hazrat Safiya, thus, earned the coveted distinction of being a daughter and a wife of a prophet.

A JEWISH WOMAN POISONS THE PROPHET:

In spite of the crushing defeat, the Jewish did not give up their quest of killing the Messenger of God. A Jewish woman named Joynab invited the Prophet and his Companions to eat at her home and served poisoned food. Muhammad tasting the first helping knew that the food was poisoned. Unfortunately, before he could warn, a Companion had already eaten and as a result died instantly. At the trial, the Jewish woman admitted that out of hatred for the Muslims she did poison the food, and was condemned to death.

PILGRIMAGE (HAJJ):

    Returning to Medïna from the Khaibar campaign, the Harbinger of God begins preparation for pilgrimage to Mecca. A year has passed, the Zul-Hajj moon has been sighted and according to Hudaibiya Pact this year, the Muslims shall be allowed in Mecca. Accordingly, the Prophet starts for Mecca with two thousand Companions to perform Hajj. He took sixty camels to sacrifice. Complying with the treaty, the Muslims carried no weapons but only sheathed swords. The Prophet led the two thousand followers to Mecca and at the sight of the Ka’aba recited ‘Labbaik’ (O God! We have come), ‘Labbaik’, all the members of his entourage excitedly repeated, ‘Labbaik’, ‘Labbaik’, after him.
    After long seven years, Muhammad returns to his place of birth. Everything is there, the Houses, the Ka’aba, the Hira, everything; only missing are the days bygone. Missing are his mother, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, uncle Abu Talib and his dearest wife, companion and friend Khadija . For some moments, the Prophet is overwhelmed with thoughts of the past, but quickly regains himself. Since the whole world was depending on him for guidance, he did not have time for self-indulgence.
    As Muslims approach Mecca, the Meccan Quraish evacuates the city, and takes residence on the surrounding hills. From there, they observe the rituals of Hajj, intently. Muhammad enters Ka’aba with all his followers. Hazrat Bellal gives the call (Azan) for public prayers from the rooftop. Muslims from Mecca join the pilgrims from Medïna in the midday (Zohr) prayers and together they pray. They make the circuits round the Ka’aba and perform the rapid running between Safa and Marwa hills. At the end, the ritual of Hajj concludes with the sacrifice of the camels. Thus, the three days ended as stipulated in the Hudaibiya Treaty.
    During these three days, the Muhajir-Muslims stayed in the tents outside the city, and did not visit their vacated houses or their relatives but talked freely with them. At this time a distant relative of the Apostle (PBUH), Maimuna aged over fifty years, offered herself in marriage to Muhammad. Muhammad granted her desire and took her as his last wife.

THE EIGHT HEGIRA:

THE BATTLE OF MUTA:

    On his return From Mecca to Medïna, Muhammad came to know that the Byzantine governor of Basra has murdered Haris bin, his favourite disciple. The murder of an envoy was a flagrant violation of international diplomatic norms and thus justice demands punishment. An expedition of three thousand men sent under the command of Zaid bin Haris, the first husband of Hazrat Joynab, to exact reparation. Emperor Heracles, who earlier had always shown deference to the Prophet, turned into an enemy due to adverse influences.
    Anyway, it is notable that despite the presence of the famous and the renowned leaders like, Khalid bin Walid and Ali’s brother Ja’afar, Zaid bin Haris, the freed slave was put in charge. The Prophet thus, created a glorious precedence of equality in Islam. He gave instructions that if Zaid attained martyrdom, Ja’afar would take over and on his martyrdom, Abdullah bin Rawwaha would assume the mantle of the commander. In case, all the three embraced martyrdom, the soldiers would elect one of them as their General. Farther, he enjoined his army not to kill needlessly, not to kill women or children, not to burn, plunder, or fell trees; but only to fight the enemies of Allah. Be afraid of God, was his orders.
    Reaching the Syrian borders, Zaid found that the Roman Emperor himself has come with a strong army of hundred thousand, to obliterate the Muslims. In the name of Allah, inspired by their Faith in the Almighty, the Muslim warriors gallantly confronted the massive Byzantine army, at Muta. Thus, commenced an unprecedented event in which three thousand warriors were fighting an incredible one hundred thousand strong detachment. Enormously outnumbered, Muslim soldiers fought relentlessly, the whole day with courage and chivalry. In the process three Generals, Zaid, Ja’afar and Abdullah bin-Rawwaha embraced martyrdom. At their martyrdom, the Muslims elected Khalid bin Walid the commander. Muhammad speedily sent reinforcement to the war front. Fierce fighting continued. Strengthened, the Muslim army fought valiantly to destroy the enemy. The Byzantine army under extreme pressure dispersed and fled from the field. Victorious the faithful returned to Medïna. Prophet Muhammad conferred the title of ‘Saifullah’ (the Sabre of Allah) on Khalid bin Walid.

THE CONQUEST OF MECCA:

Bani-Bakr and Bani-Khuza’a two rival tribes perpetually at daggers’ end with each other was protected by the Quraish and the Muslims, respectively. Contrary to the expectation of the Quraish, Hudaibiya Treaty proved propitious for the Muslims. Medinease taking the opportunity of the peace flourished commercially and in their mission of truth. Pagan Meccan impressed by the spiritual and mundane superiority of the Islamic-commonwealth began adopting Islam. The number of Muslims quickly multiplied. This caused heartburn of the Quraish. They provoked the Bani-Bakr to attack Bani-Khuza’a, and supplied them with weapons, violating Hudaibiya Pact. Massacred by the Quraish and the Bani-Bakr, the Bani-Khuza’a sought redress from the Prophet. Entreated thus, the Apostle (PBUH) reminding the Quraish of the Hudaibiya Truce sent his envoy with the following proposals:
13. BANI-BAKR SHOULD PAY RELATIVES APPROPRIATELY FOR EACH OF THE DEAD OF BANI-KHUZA’A.
14. IN CASE OF FAILURE TO PAY, THE QURAISH WOULD SEVER ALL TIES WITH BANI-BAKR.
15. ALTERNATIVELY, ANNUL THE TREATY OF HUDAIBIYA.
The Quraish was waiting for this chance. They accepted the third proposal and declared the Hudaibiya Pact void. Clearly therefore, the Quraish took the blame of massacring the Bani-Khuza’a, on them. Without any delay, the Prophet with a force of ten thousand men marched toward Mecca to teach the Quraish a lesson. Before the Quraish could suspect anything, on the tenth of Ramadhan, 8th Hegira (January 630 AD) camping at Maruz Zahra, the Prophet laid siege on Mecca. Maruz Zahra valley reverberated with thundering slogans of Allahu Akbar (God is Great) of the Muslims. Torches were lighted in the check-posts on hilltops and the hearths made the valley a beautiful sight to watch and induced terror in the hearts of the heathen Meccans.

CONVERSION OF ABU SUFIYAN:

Abu Sufiyan along with two accomplices was caught spying by a patrolling team, led by Omar. When he was brought before the great Prophet, Omar asked for death penalty for the Quraish Abu Sufiyan, the bitterest enemy of Islam. None of the allies of the Quraish came forth to help them, since they were subdued by the fear of the valiant Muslims. They were too engrossed in devising ways to protect themselves from the wrath of the great Muslim warriors. At the imprisonment of their prime leader, the pagan Meccan Quraish were stupefied and were terrified and worried about their security. However, a captive Abu Sufiyan refused to surrender completely to the Prophet and prayed for time. He wished to continue as before maintaining the status qua. Abbas pleaded for mercy for the Quraish chief. The Prophet granted him time but Abu Sufiyan had a change of heart and adopted Islam. Muhammad pardoned him.
Hazrat Abbas, the uncle of the Messenger of God, acted as an informer for him, in heart a Muslim for a long time, now openly declared his faith. He requested the Prophet to treat Abu Sufiyan gracefully as the leader of the Quraish. Muhammad did so, declaring that anybody taking shelter in the Ka’aba or in their own homes or with Abu Sufiyan or provoke his name would not be touched. At this, the panic-stricken Meccan hastened to take refuge in safe places as proclaimed.

ENTERING MECCA AND DECLARATION OF GENERAL AMNESTY:

    The next day at dawn the Prophet entered Mecca. He instructed his forces not to take recourse to arms. Leaders were ordered to approach Mecca from different sides. Accordingly, they entered the city loudly chanting Allahu-Akbar. The Prophet from a high ground supervised the proceedings. Some Munafiques and a few Quraish blinded by jealousy attacked Khalid and his men killing two Muslims. Muslim soldiers were forced to defend and in the skirmishes when some Quraish infidels were killed, they retreated.
    With Osama bin Zaid beside him on a camel, the Apostle of God silently marched through the city. This is the city from where he was forced into exile with his helpless disciples. They were not only forced to migrate but also subjected to inhuman torture, suppression and repression. However, today Muhammad was not contemplating revenge neither was he planning to convert people under duress. His heart was filled with only compassion, benevolence and love. Truth had at last, triumphed over the falsehood; this is not his victory this is the victory of an ideal. This is a great victory; a victory that had began a new era.
    The Prophet of God, the Harbinger of truth overcomes and forgets all the inhuman treatment, barbarous persecution, calumny, vociferous tirades and violations. He felt indebted to the Almighty for His Kindness. With his entourage, he circumvented the Ka’aba seven times. Ka’aba reverberated with the slogan of Allahu-Akbar (Allah is Great). Then he performed the public prayers at Ka’aba with all the Muslims. His heart was filled with compassion and pity, thinking of the mighty Meccans, trembling with fear and anticipation of revenge. Muhammad’s magnanimity came to their rescue; addressing them, he announced a general amnesty. He told them, “Today I have no complaints against you: all your past misdeeds are forgiven; you are set free and would enjoy freedom as you did before.”
    Meccan idolaters were flabbergasted; they could not believe their ears. Are they awake? Are they dreaming? They simply could not comprehend. In an unprecedented move, Muhammad let the enemy go free. He only asked them to become one, rich and poor, by abandoning the pride of aristocracy, and to shake off the misconceptions of the Age of Ignorance by recognizing that all people are born equal. Addressing the city dwellers, he declared general amnesty and offered them sanctuary. Within the city-limits killing was prohibited. The Prophet again established the claim as the Harbinger of Peace. The world has never before seen such an act of magnanimity; it is unique in the history of humankind. No plunder, burning, revenge killing, torture or violation of women occurred; the victory was peaceful and serene.
    Muhammad repairing the Ka’aba retained all those who were entrusted with the management of Ka’aba. Meccans rejuvenated with love could perceive the dawn of a new era. In this way, Love conquered hatred, Truth triumphed over Falsehood, Benevolence won over Malevolence and Light dislodged Darkness.
    People en masse adopted Islam and the Quraish again regrouped, bonded by fellowship. The Ansars and the Muhajirs revoking old enmity became friends with the Quraish. Muhammad pardoned Hinda, wife of Abu Sufiyan and a Muslim hater like Ikrama bin Abu Jahl, Abdullah bin Jabra and Safwan bin Ommeyya, though she displayed extreme audacity during her first meeting with the Prophet. Those not willing to adopt Islam were left alone. For Islam do not allow coercion and Muhammad in all matters, strictly followed the injunctions of the Holy Qurän. After passing fifteen days in Mecca, appointing Mu’âz bin Jabal as the Muallim and Attar as the Governor of Mecca, the Prophet left for Medïna. Joynab, the eldest daughter of the Prophet died this year.

THE BATTLE OF HUNAIAN:

In the eighth Hegira, after the conquest of Mecca, all the tribes from around Mecca began accepting Islam. Nevertheless, the formidable Hawâzin and Thakif tribes continued to oppose Muhammad. They were preparing for armed battle with the Muslims. Informed of their plan, the Prophet marched with twelve thousand soldiers to meet the enemy. The Muslims were inspired by their recent conquest of Mecca and was a bit proud of their might, as well. They were overconfident, and at the particular stage relied more on their strength than on Allah. Their greed betrayed them at the Battle of Ohud; here, their pride made them complacent. Consequently, the Bedouins almost defeated the Muslim army, but for Muhammad whose clarion call rallied his forces back, they came to their senses and rewarded with victory. Thus, God had taught them again not to deviate away from Him. The moment they realized their mistake and repented, God helped them.
In the Battle of Hunaian, the Muslims took hundreds of prisoners and huge quantities of booties. All these wealth were distributed among the war veterans. Knowing that among the prisoners were his foster-sister Shayma, the Prophet set her free and sent her back to her tribe with gifts. Later he also set the other Hawâzins free. These acts of kindness caused en masse conversion of the Hawâzins to Islam.

THE SIEGE OF TAYEF:

From Hunaian the Prophet marched to Tayef and besieged the city. Without stiff resistance, the Tayefians were not expected to surrender, given their obstinate nature. These ferocious, cruel Tayefians had already shown their savage character in persecuting the Prophet and his Companions. Though afraid to face the Muslim-warriors, the Tayefians resisted from within the city. In three weeks, many soldiers were killed. This greatly hurt the Prophet and to avoid further bloodshed, the Apostle (PBUH) returned to Medïna. However, acceptance of Islam by Hawâzins started hostility with their former allies, the Sakias. After sometime, a change was perceptible in the leaders of the Tayefians. Instead of extreme enmity, friendly feelings caused their hearts to soften toward Islam. They voluntarily went to Medina and initiated into Islam by the Prophet. Thus, harsh and ferocious idolatrous Tayefians took shelter under the peaceful umbrella Islam.

THE NINTH HEGIRA:

THE EXPEDITION OF TABUK:

    In the month of Rajab, the Ninth Hegira, Muhammad receives intelligence that the Roman Emperor with his mighty army is coming to destroy the commonwealth. Muhammad appealed to his nation to contribute to the war fund and hastened to raise an army and to obtain armour and provisions. At his call, the citizens unhesitatingly subscribed to the War Fund. According to the chroniclers, Abu Bakr deposited all his wealth, Omar contributed half of his properties and Othman gave three hundred camels to the War Fund. Before proceeding to war, Muhammad appointed Ali his Caliph at Medïna. At this, the Munafiques misconstrued the purpose to hurt Ali and by their propaganda, Ali was deeply perturbed. Muhammad consoled and said, “You are to me, like Haroon was to Musa.”
    Due to drought and desiccation of the summer, Arabia was stricken by a famine, at this time. The Munafiques and the non-Muslims, violating the terms of the pledge, backed out of the campaign. Including some Muslims, they were frightened of the powerful Roman Emperor, the conqueror of the Persian Empire, miles away from Medïna. In spite of that, the Prophet raised a grand army of twenty thousand infantry and ten thousand cavalrymen. Leading, this strong army, Muhammad advanced toward the Syrian border in the month of Rajab, the ninth Hegira (635 AD). Between Medïna and Damascus, the Muslim forces camped at Tabuk. Muhammad stayed there for three weeks.
    The Roman Emperor pusillanimously venerated the Prophet and in his heart was convinced of his prophet-hood. His mystic power and grace of character impressed him. Therefore, the Emperor did not confront the Prophet and went back to his capital.
    Observing the Romans retreat, the Christian and the Yiddish inhabitants, of Tabuk and the adjacent areas, were petrified. Frightened, they instantly appeared before Muhammad to submit to him. If he wanted, the Apostle (PBUH) could kill them and occupy their land and properties. He could easily enslave their men and women, according to the custom of the day. However, the Prophet not intended to subjugate the people, for his only aim was to promote Peace and Truth. With that goal in his mind, the Prophet stayed there for some time. Due to the healthy weather and climatic condition, the health of Muslim soldiers improved a lot, also the animals gained strength. Then beaming with joy and gloriously motivated, the Prophet returned to Medïna.

USURY PROHIBITED AND INTRODUCTION OF ZAKAT (REGULAR CHARITY):

To the Arabs, the Ka’aba had been a holy place for ages. It has been an inspiration for the Arabs. They would circumvent the Ka’aba seven times before going on a mission and after coming back. However, some of them would make the circuit nakedly in an intoxicated state. It all shows the great respect and attachment the Arab had for the Ka’aba. Muhammad Islamized the reverence of Ka’aba. Naked circumventing was prohibited and non-Muslims were debarred from the Ka’aba. At the end of the Ninth Hegira, the Prophet Islamized the circuits of Ka’aba and made Hajj mandatory, with certain conditions, for the Muslims.
Around this time, the idolaters began flocking to Muhammad to adopt Islam. Consequently, there were no heathens left in Mecca. Rivalry to Islam, thus, died a natural death. Peace and tranquillity had returned to tumultuous Arabia. This year usury was prohibited and zakat (Regular Charity), compulsory tax payable by only Muslims was introduced. Meanwhile, delegation after delegation from different tribes continued to come in procession to Muhammad pay their allegiance to him and accept Islam. In this way, the whole of Arabia came under Islam. Muhammad sent his companions to different provinces to teach the new converts, the basics of the new religion. Thus, the ignorant pagan Arabs, living in abysmal depths of moral and spiritual deprivation, were lifted to an unforeseen state of refinements. Hazrat Umme-Kulthum, the wife of Hazrat Othman and the 3rd daughter of Muhammad died this year.

THE TENTH HEGIRA:

THE FAREWELL PILGRIMAGE:

    Accomplishing his mission, the Prophet anticipating the approaching end, decides to perform the Hajj.5 Accordingly, on a Saturday, Zul-Qadh 26, 10 AH, he starts for Mecca, along with his wives and a hundred thousand followers. At Zul Halifah, about six miles from Medïna, his entourage rests for the night. After bathing and saying their prayers (two raka’at) in the morning, they wear Ihram6 (two pieces of seamless cloth). Then riding a camel, named Kaswa, Muhammad advances toward Ka’aba (Baitullah: House of the Lord), reciting, Allahumma Labbaik . . . Labbaik. His companions now numbering two hundred thousand (people joined his entourage on the way), follow him. On Sunday, Zul-Hajj 4, 10 AH, Muhammad and his followers reach Mecca.
    Ali was in Yemen, he joined the Pilgrims in Mecca. Mecca wore a festive look; it was a gloriously beautiful sight. Entering the city, Muhammad raised his hands and with a heavy voice prayed for Ka’aba, and the people circumventing Ka’aba. He made seven mandatory rounds of the Ka’aba and said prayers (two raka’at) at the ‘Sanctuary of Ibrahim’ (Mukam-e-Ibrahim), then ran seven times between Es-Safa and Marwa. After that, raising his hands, the Prophet proclaimed the Unity of God: “There is no god but Allah; He is Unique and Complete; He is the Lord of the worlds, He Gives and Takes life. He is the Almighty: There is no god but Allah; He is the One and Only God. He has kept His promise, helped His servant and destroyed the enemy.”
    On Thursday, Zul-Hajj 8, 10 AH, the Prophet stayed at Mina and after the Morning-prayers (Fazr) reached Arafat. On Friday, Zul-Hajj 9, 10 AH, at noon, mounted on a camel named Kaswa, he delivered his famous ‘Farewell Sermon’. A pillar built at the site, standing where the Prophet delivered the famous speech, immortalizes the event. The place is famous as the ‘Jabalul-Rahmat’. The plains at the foot the hills, where the Prophet rested beneath the shade of a bush, have been carrying his sacred memory, ever since.
    Before completing all the rites of Hajj, the Prophet addressed the gathering from Jabalul-Rahmat. Famous as the ‘Farewell Sermon’, the speech still guides the Muslim world:
The Farewell Sermon: 7

     “Ye people! Listen to my word, for I know not whether another year will be vouchsafed to me this year to find myself amongst you at this place.”
    “Yours lives and property are sacred and inviolable among one another until ye appear before the Lord, as this day and this month is sacred for all; and (remember) Ye shall have to appear before your Lord, who shall demand from you an account of all your actions. ...Ye people, ye have rights over your wives, and your wives have rights over you. ... Treat your wives with kindness and love. Verily you have taken them on the security of God, and have made their persons lawful unto you by the words of God.”
    “Keep always faithful to the trust reposed in you, and avoid sins.”
    “Usury is forbidden. The debtor shall return only principal; and the beginning will be made with (the loans of) my uncle Abbas, son of Abdul Muttalib. ...Henceforth the vengeance of blood practised in the days of paganism (Jahilyat) is prohibited; and all blood feud abolished, commencing with the murder of Ibn Rabia son of Haris son of Abdul Muttalib…”
    “And your slaves! See that ye feed them with such food as ye eat yourselves, and clothe them with the stuff ye wear; and if they commit a fault which ye are not inclined to forgive, then part from them, for they are the servants of the Lord, and not to be harshly treated.”
    “Ye people! Listen to my words and understand the same. Know that all Muslims are brothers unto one another. Ye are one brotherhood. Nothing, which belongs to another, is lawful unto his brother, unless freely given out of goodwill. Guard yourselves from committing injustice.”
    “Let him that is present tell it unto him that is absent. Haply he that shall be told may remember it better than he who hath heard it.”

This Sermon on the Mount, less poetically beautiful, certainly less mystical, than the other, appeals by its practicality and strong common sense to higher minds, and is adapted to the capacity and demands of inferior natures, which require positive and comprehensible directions for moral guidance.

Toward the conclusion of the sermon, the Prophet, overcome by the sight of the intense enthusiasm of the people as they drank in his words, exclaimed, “O Lord! I have delivered my message and accomplished my work.” The assembled host below with one voice cried, “Yea, verily thou hast.” “O Lord, I beseech Thee bear Thou witness unto it.”

With these words, the Prophet concluded his address, which, according to the traditions, was remarkable for its length, its eloquence, and enthusiasm. Soon after the necessary rites of the pilgrimage finished, the Prophet returned with his followers to Medïna.

DESCENT OF THE LAST DIVINE MESSAGE (WAHY):

After the ‘Farewell Speech’, the last divine message from God descended on Muhammad: “Ye (Muhammad)! Perfected today is your religion and My Reward on you is Absolute. Islam is ordained your religion (Al-Qurän - 5:4).” “This day have I Perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion (Al-Qurän - 5:3).” Comprehending the implication, Abu Bakr started crying. He understood the sign of the approaching end of the Prophet’s (PBUH) life, since he has completed his mission.
The Prophet, after the sermon, said both the Zohr (Midday) and Asr (Afternoon) prayers, along with his disciples. Then mounted on the camel, facing the Ka’aba supplicated to God for the emancipation and wellbeing of his Umma (Followers). Before sunset, he started for Muzdalifa, where he said the Isha (Night) prayers, immediately after the Maghrib (Dusk) prayers and stayed there overnight.

APOSTLE’S ADDRESS AT GADIR-E-KHAM AND ADMIRATION OF ALI:

    The next day, Zul-Hajj 10, 10 AH, early in the morning, the Prophet left Muzdalifa, and reached Jumra, the Stone Column; and threw pebbles at the Column. Then arriving at Mina sacrificed 100 Camels and distributed the meat. Afterwards, shaving their heads they returned to Mecca from Mina. On their return they performed circumambience (Tawaf)8 of Ka’aba and drank the water of Zamzam (a natural spring), facing the West. Back to Mina, they said their Zohr (Midday) prayers and stayed there until the twelfth of Zul-Hajj, every day they threw pebbles at the Stone Column, at midday. On Zul-Hajj 13, at dawn they performed tawaf of the Ka’aba and said their Fazr (Morning) prayers. Then with his entourage of Ansars and Muhajirs, the Prophet started for Medïna. On the way, they rested at Gadir-e-Kham and the Prophet delivered the following sermon:
    “Ye people! Listen, I am a human being just as you are, and probably soon the Angel of the Lord will arrive, and I will have to taste death. I am leaving behind two things amongst you, one is the Holy Qurän, the light that will lead you to the Truth, the other is my Traditions; hold these firmly in your heart, and you will not stray.”
    Here, when delivering his sermon, the Prophet said, “Of whom I am the Master, Ali is also the Master.” Remembering the earlier pronouncement, the Shiites all over the world commemorate the event as “Eid-e-Gadir.”
    It is notable that the Prophet at different times placed Ali , in order of precedence, before all others. Once all the doors facing Masjidun Nabubi were closed, except that of Ali. At this, all the Companions complained to the Apostle (PBUH). Even Hamza said, “O Prophet! You have retained Ali at the expense of your Uncle.” The Prophet replied, “I am told to do so by Allah, and have no right to do otherwise.”
    Prophet’s (PBUH) assertion that He was the House of Knowledge and Ali was the Gate; put Ali on a much higher pedestal than others.
    It is noteworthy that while the Companions rated Abu Bakr, Omar and Othman in that order, Omar described otherwise. He said, “If Allah had given even one of the three qualities that He bestowed on Ali, I would think myself as the best in the world.” The three qualities, according to Omar, were:

16. THAT HE IS MARRIED TO THE PROPHET’S (PBUH) DAUGHTER, WITH ISSUES;
17. THAT ALL THE DOORS TO THE MOSQUE WERE CLOSED EXCEPT ALI’S;
18. THAT ON THE DAY OF VICTORY AT KHAIBAR, ALI WAS THE FLAG BEARER.9

    Once, the Prophet said, “Allah through a divine message instructed Musa to build a Mosque; where, except Musa, his brother Haroon and his sons, Shabbor and Shabbir, nobody else would be allowed. Thus, God asked me through His divine message to build a Mosque where nobody else will be accommodated except me, Ali his sons, Hassan and Hussein.10
    Another tradition has it that once the Prophet sitting on a blanket invited Hazrat Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussein to join him. Hazrat Ayesha was interested to join but the Apostle (PBUH) stopped her, saying that the place was reserved only for those five, already seated there. The descendants of Muhammad, through Hazrat Ali and Fatima, are known as Ahlu’l-bait (the Household of the Holy Prophet.
    A Quränic verse descended on Muhammad at Ummul Muminin Hazrat Salma’s room about Ahlu’l-bait. Calling Fatima, Hassan and Hussein to him, the Prophet holding them together under his blanket prayed “O God! They are the members of my house (Ahlu’l-bait), protect them and cleanse them of any impurity. Hearing that, Hazrat Umme-Salama inquired if she was also included in the Ahlu’l-bait. The Prophet replied, “You are at the right place and are fine there.”
    After the descent of the above verse of the holy Qurän followers asked, “O Rasulullah who are those people nearest to your soul that deserve our love?” The Prophet replied, “Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussein.”
    Another historic fact about Ali is that the Abbasid Caliph of Baghdad, Mamoon ar-Rashid decreed: “After the Prophet, Ali is the best creation of God,” in 826 AD (211 AH).

RETURN TO MEDÏNA:

Completing his sermon Muhammad with his entourage reached Zul-Halifah and resting there for the night and arrived in Medïna the next morning.

MISSION COMPLETED:

Concluding his mission as has been attested by divine message (Al-Qurän - 5: 3)11 after his Farewell speech during Hajj, the Prophet began preparation for the eternal journey. God informed the Apostle (PBUH) that his mission was concluded and it was time to leave the mundane life. After accomplishing his mission, the Prophet on different occasions suggested about his impending journey to the heavens. The wiser among the companions, could interpret the hints properly and was saddened, deep in their hearts. Muhammad immersed in furnishing final strokes to his temporal assignments and committed himself more and more to saying prayers. He prayed for the martyrs of Ohud and went to Jannatul Baki graveyard to pray for the departed souls. After the Farewell Hajj, Muhammad lived for only three months. During this period, the Messenger of God engaged himself in teaching the covenants of Islam, focussing on the new converts.
Dreams of his youth, of an ideal society based on truth, took shape during his lifetime. Accomplished is the great mission, for which Muhammad came to earth, with great perfection. He came to establish peace, prosperity, happiness and universal Muslim brotherhood that he did in a short span of ten years. Muhammad established a commonwealth, which rose to eminence in every respect, in his lifetime of which there is no example.

THE ELEVENTH HEGIRA:

DEATH:

God in the Qurän said,

1. TRULY THOU WILT DIE (ONE DAY), AND TRULY THEY (TOO) WILL DIE (ONE DAY), (AL-QURÄN - 39: 30).

Wednesday, Safar 19, 11 AH, at night in Maimuna’s room, Muhammad started feeling sick. Generally, the Prophet by rotation stayed with his wives and it was Maimuna’s turn. In also his private life, Muhammad practiced justice that is an example for his followers. He never strayed from this except with the permission of the respective wife.
Five days passed, the Apostle was due to leave Ayesha’s room, but because of aggravation of ailment, with the acquiescence of all his wives, he stayed with Ayesha. Even during his illness, the Prophet led the public prayers, until Maghrib prayers on the day. He had high fever accompanied with headache and was even unable to support himself on his legs. Hazrat Abu Bakr led the Isha prayers and from thence, he became the Imam of the Muslims. Prophet’s (PBUH) life was fast approaching its end but still if strength allowed he lectured his Companions.

THE LAST KHUTBA (SERMON) OF THE PROPHET: (DELIVERED IN THE MASJIDUN-NABUBI):

THE FOLLOWING TRADITIONS ARE QUOTED FROM THE LAST KHUTBA:

ALLAH GAVE A PERSON TO CHOOSE BETWEEN THE WEALTH, OPULENCE AND COMFORTS OF THIS WORLD, AND THE CONTENTMENT, LUXURY AND ABUNDANCE OF HEREAFTER, WHICH IS KEPT IN HIS CUSTODY. HE CHOSE THE LATTER.
BY WHOSE WEALTH AND COMPANY I HAVE BEEN BENEFITED THE MOST, IS ABU BAKR. IF I HAD BEFRIENDED ANYBODY HERE, IN THIS WORLD, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN ABU BAKR; BUT THE BOND OF ISLAM IS SO THAT IT IS ENOUGH TO FORM ANY FRIENDSHIP. CLOSE ALL THE DOORS EXCEPT ABU BAKR’S12 WITH THE MOSQUE.”
LISTEN, BEFORE YOU MANY NATIONS TURNED THEIR PROPHETS’ TOMBS INTO PLACES OF WORSHIPING. BE CAUTIOUS, I AM FORBIDDING YOU; NEVER DO THAT. THOSE WHO TURN THE SEPULCHRE OF SAINTS INTO RELIGIOUS SHRINES ARE THE MOST LOATHED BY GOD. DO NOT WORSHIP MY GRAVE. MANY A NATIONS HAVE BEEN RUINED FOR THIS SIN.
DUTIES OF THE PROPHETS ARE TO CONVEY THE INSTRUCTIONS OF GOD THROUGH THEIR SAYINGS AND DOINGS, TO THE PEOPLE. THE FOLLOWERS OF OTHER PROPHETS CONSIDERED THEM AS THE ORIGINATORS OF COVENANTS; AND EVEN DID THE SIN OF ASSOCIATING THEM WITH GOD BY HOLDING THEM AS A PART OF GOD.
DO NOT CONSIDER ME AS AN AUTHORITY ON HARAM (PROHIBITION) AND HALAL (PERMISSION), I HAVE ONLY FOLLOWED THE QURÄN AND GAVE INJUNCTIONS AS HARAM AND HALAL, ACCORDINGLY.

    Every man will reap the fruits of his deeds. Except God, nobody will be of any help to him. There will be no privileges as to this matter. To clarify the point the Prophet then uttered, O Fatima daughter of the Prophet, O Safiya, aunt of the Prophet, do deed, acceptable to God, for I myself could not save you from the wrath of God.
    Rabiul Awwal 11, 11 AH the Prophet’s (PBUH) condition does not show any sign of improvement but kept on deteriorating. He comes back to his senses fleetingly and again relapses back into slumber. In this condition suddenly, remembering that a gold coin was kept with Ayesha, he asked to give that in charity, immediately. His dearest daughter Fatima was weeping at the sight of the Prophet in pain. The Apostle (PBUH) said something in her ear and she wept, then the Prophet again said something and she smiled. Later, Fatima narrated that the Prophet first told her about his imminent death, hearing which she wept. The second time consoling her, he asked her not to weep, as she would be the first in the family to meet him in heaven, after his death. It need not be mentioned that the Prophets (PBUH) prediction came true and Fatima died within six months of his death.
    Instructed by Prophet on that day, Abu Bakr led the Isha prayers. The Rasul (PBUH) said his prayers sitting beside Abu Bakr. Islamic religious doctors believe that that was an indication to evolution of leadership of the Muslims, after him. After the prayers, the Messenger of God addressed the gathering as follows: “O! My disciples, I am leaving you to Allah. Follow His instructions and He will protect you. Farewell … ..”
    Sunday, Rabiul Awwal 11, Muhammad was in much distress and the next morning, the twelfth, he was unable to leave his bed. As he could not attend the morning prayers, Abu Bakr led the prayers. When in the beginning of the day he felt comparatively better, he told his followers, “All prophets are given the choice to choose between this World and the Hereafter. But I would stay with them on whom God had bestowed His generosity.”
    Almost at the end of his life, the Prophet asked for divine blessings for his disciples. He prayed, “O the faithful! May God grant you peace! And be pleased on you! By His Grace, He may grant you success in your lives and occupations. Be safe in uninhibited prosperity. Let me convey my Salaam and Blessings to all the Muslims, until the end of this world, through you.”
    Muhammad’s (PBUH), the greatest of the great apostles, condition deteriorated every moment, he uttered, “O Allah, my Greatest Comrade . . .!”
    In one of the fleeting moments, between journeys into consciousness and unconsciousness, seeing Omar, the Prophet asked for ‘pen and ink’. He apparently wanted to leave behind certain written instructions. But Omar discouraged him from doing so, saying: “O Rasulullah, (Messenger of God) what is the need for written instructions? For us the Qurän and your sayings are adequately enough.” Then at the Apostle’s request Ayesha cleaned his teeth with a Mishawka (stick used for brushing tooth). Gradually, the Prophet lost his strength and his soul left his temporal body and took the eternal flight to God (Innalillahe Wa Inna Ilaihe Raziu’un).
    Before the end came, the Prophet kept on whispering, “I want nothing but the company of the Greatest Benefactor: O the Great Friend, the Most Intimate, take me to You.”
    Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH) left this world on Monday, June 7, 632 AD, Rabiul Awwal 12, 11 AH He was buried on the next day (June 8, 632 AD, Rabiul Awwal 13, 11 AH). In these twenty-four hours, the Muslims took two important decisions: First, where to bury the Prophet and the second, the successor of the Prophet as the head of the Muslim world. According to Hadith, ‘prophets are buried where they die’, and thus, Muhammad was buried in Ayesha’s room. With the Concurrence of most of the Muslims, Abu Bakr, the oldest among them, was elected the Caliph.
    Ali and Abbas bathed the dead body of Muhammad; Aus ibn Khawla Ansari fetched water for the rite. Ali held the body, while Abbas and his two sons, Qasim and Fazl helped. On the anointed body of the Prophet Osama poured water. After the Gusal (Bath), the body was covered with three pieces of white cotton cloth. First, the males said the Funeral Prayers (Janajah) and then followed women and children. They all said their prayers, individually, in small groups without any Imams. Meanwhile, Abu Talha dug the grave. Ali, Fazl ibn Abbas, Osama ibn Zaid and Abdur Rahman ibn Auf, lowered the body of Muhammad into the grave.
    Before the body was laid in the grave, the first Caliph, Abu Bakr along with all the Muslims prayed for the departed soul, “O Rasulullah! May God bless your divine soul with eternal peace! We affirm that you have properly delivered the Divine Message of God, and fought (Jihad) with all the might until victory kissed your feet. Moreover, you have taught us that ‘There is no god but Allah’. You have brought us to Allah and have always been kind to the Faithful. Never you have claimed any return for dispatching God’s Message from door to door and have not sold religion to anybody. O the benevolent friend, May Allah immerses your soul in His Eternal Kindness! Amen!”

1 Tariqul Ambia, Ibn Khuldun, Part-I.
2 Meccans those who migrated with the Prophet to Medïna.
3 Medinease residents who gave shelter and helped the Meccans.
4 Please bear in mind that the Prophet did nothing or said nothing without Allah’s direction.
5 Hajj: Hajj is conventionally translated Pilgrimage, but the meaning of Hajj is far richer and signifies much more. It means directing oneself toward one God, to endeavor to shun all desires and ego.
6 Ihram: Ihram is the simplest garments consist of two unstitched pieces of cloth, a loin clothes and a shoulder cover.
7 Syed Amir Ali, The Spirit of Islam; pp. 113-115.
8 Tawaf: circumventing the Ka'aba: This is done seven times.
9 Zazbul-Kulub Ila Dyaril Mahbub: Maulana Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddis-e-Dehlavi: Translation Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, Pir Sahib Baitus-Sharaf, Chittagong).
10 Zazbul-Kulub Ila Dyaril Mahbub: Maulana Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddis-e-Dehlavi: Translation Muhammad Abdul Jabbar, Pir Sahib Baitus-Sharaf, Chittagong).
11 ‘Ye (Muhammad)! Perfected today is your religion; and My Reward on you is Absolute. Islam is ordained your religion.’
12 According to the learned religious doctors, this is the door of the Caliphate, i.e., an indication that Abu Bakr would be the vice-regent of the Prophet after his death.

Monday 8 December 2008

IPP (Part-1 Ch-3) Medinease Period-pl

﻿Chapter III