Qalam Seerah: Life of the Prophet (pbuh)

EP106 – Two more Expeditions

EP105 – The Story of Zainab

EP104 – The Battle of Badr and Surah Al-Anfal

EP103 – The Scene in Makkah after Badr

EP102 – The prisoners and spoils of war from Badr

EP101 – The fall of Abu Jahl

EP100 – The defeat of Quraysh

EP99 – Badr, the Battle Begins

EP98 – Arrival at Badr

EP97 – The Wells of Badr

EP96 – Approaching the Battlefield of Badr

EP95 – Warning signs of the Battle of Badr

Episode 94: The Establishment of Ramadan and the two Eids

EP93 – The Changing of the Qiblah

EP92 – A confrontation before the battle of Badr

EP91 – The first Gazwah

EP90 – The Prophet’s Marriage to Aisha

EP89 – The first Expedition sent by the Prophet

EP88 – The constitution of Madinah

EP87 – The First birth and death in Madinah

EP86 – Instituting the Adhan

EP85 – The Fever of Yathrib

Episode 84: The Prophets Family Joins him in Madinah

Episode 83: A Survey of Madinah Before Migration

Episode 82: The Construction of the Prophets Mosque

Episode 81: The Prophets First Khutbah in Madinah

Episode 80: The House of Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari

Episode 79: The Prophets Arrival in Quba

Episode 78: The Two Thieves

Episode 77: The Story of Suraqah bin Malik

Episode 76: Refuge in the Cave of Thawr

Episode 75: An Assassination Attempt

Episode 74: Stories of Hijrah: Umar & Suhaib

Episode 73: The Hijrah of Abu Salama & his Family

Episode 72: The Story of Amr Bin Jamuh

Episode 71: The Second Oath of Allegiance

Episode 70: The First Oath of Allegiance

Episode 69: The Search for Sanctuary

Episode 68: Al-Isra Wal-Miraj Part 8: The Aftermath

Episode 67: Al-Isra Wal-Miraj Part 7: The Gift of Prayer

Episode 66: Al-Isra Wal-Miraj Part 6: Sidratul Muntaha & Baitul Mamur

Episode 65: Al-Isra Wal-Miraj Part 5: Passing Through the Heavens

EP64 – The Prophets Ascension

Episode 63: Al-Isra Wal-Miraj Part 3: A Congregation of Prophets

Episode 62: Al-Isra Wal-Miraj Part 2: The Journey Continues

Episode 61: Al-Isra Wal-Miraj Part 1: The Journey to Jerusalem

Episode 60: An Unlikely Ally

Episode 59: The Return From Ta’if & the Story of Addas

Episode 58: The Prophet Goes to Ta’if

Episode 57: The Year of Sorrow

Episode 56: The Death of Abu Talib

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The 11th year of Prophethood marks the Year of Sorrow, in which the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) lost his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and dear Uncle Abu Talib. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was eight when he came to the care of Abu Talib, who became a father-figure in his life. The Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) father died before he was born, his mother when he was aged 6, and his grandfather when he was aged 8. Abu Talib and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) became very attached to each other, with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) consulting him about major decisions e.g. with regards to his career and marriage. On proclaiming Prophethood, Abu Talib did not accept, but he defended the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) against the Quraysh.

Abu Talib falls ill

Abu Talib was in his late 70s and very ill. Quraysh realised he was approaching death and they sent a delegation of the leading Qurayshi figures, like Umayyah bin Khalaf and Abu Jahl. The delegation expressed their respect of Abu Talib, but also recognised that he was terminally ill. They wanted to address the political situation without any ambiguity. They did not agree with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), so they asked for him to be called to negotiate something between them: that he should leave them and they would leave him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) came and Abu Talib explained that the dignitaries of his people had gathered for negotiations. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) agreed, but never compromised in Tawhid. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made one request- if they gave this to him, they would rule over all the Arabs and the non-Arabs would come and follow them. Abu Jahl said, ‘Sure, by your father, I am ready, I will agree to 10 things!’ The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Say there is no God but Allah and you leave everything else’. The delegation clapped their hands as a sign of displeasure of this proposition. The delegation started saying to each other that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was not here to compromise, so they would continue the same and see who would come out on top.

Everyone walked away, leaving the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sitting with Abu Talib, who commented, ‘I swear to God, beloved nephew, I do not think you asked them for a lot’. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) thought this was the opportunity to address his uncle. He encouraged him to accept Islam, so that he could vouch for Abu Talib on the Day of Judgement. Abu Talib said, ‘Beloved Nephew, if I was not afraid what these people would do to you and your family and I did not think the Quraysh would assume that I did it to escape death, I would have done it. I will not say it just to please you.’

Abu Talib’s final moments

A few days later, Abu Talib became extremely ill and was breathing his last. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ran to his bedside, as did the Quraysh leaders. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) kneeled in close and said, ‘Dear Uncle, say there is no God but Allah, just once. Just one word and I will fight on your behalf in front of Allah.’ Abu Jahl started screaming, ‘Oh Abu Talib, will you leave the religion of your father, Abu Muttalib?’ They kept saying this, almost heckling the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), to the point where Abu Talib could not hear the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Finally, he looked at the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said, ‘Upon the religion of Abdul Muttalib’, and passed away. Allah knows best whether Abu Talib accepted Islam or not, but this is something we do not need to ruminate over.

Seerah 55: The Prophet Loses Khadijah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

At this point, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is close to 51 years old. It is a decade since he received revelation and started preaching Islam. He has seen many different things, including the initial lack of response from his own family, to the embracing of Islam by those who were nearest and dearest e.g. Abu Bakr (RA), Ali (RA) and Khadijah (RA). A small community was coming together. Opposition was also rising, but he continued on his mission. A group of Muslims had migrated to Abyssinia to escape the persecution, but numbers continued to grow inside and outside Makkah.

In the 11th year of Prophethood, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would start a period that was very difficult and a huge shift in the overall message and his life. This all began with a personal tragedy: the passing of his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) after 25 years of marriage.

Khadijah (RA) was of noble lineage from Makkah and had a great reputation as a dignified, educated and respected individual. She had been widowed and was wealthy. Khadijah (RA) ran her own business and would hire people to buy and sell goods on her behalf. That is how the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) first came to interact with her. Her status is very elevated:  when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was shaking after receiving the revelation, she held his hand and accepted Islam. She was the mother of his children and the first person to make wudu and pray with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) after he was shown by Gibreel (AS). She fully supported the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in his difficult mission, never raising her voice or bothering him.

Gibreel (AS) came to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and asked him to convey salaam on behalf of her Lord and on behalf of himself. She was also given the good news of a home in paradise made from a single hollowed-out pearl, where there would be no noise or difficulty.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) missed Khadijah (RA) dearly after her death. Even the sight of her necklace which she had passed on to her daughter Zaynab brought tears to his eyes as it reminded him of her. Even after her passing, when an animal would be slaughtered, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would distribute some to the friends of Khadijah (RA).

Episode 54: The Undeniable Truth

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to visit a Christian slave regularly. Some leaders of Quraysh accused the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) of scheming ideas together with this servant and propagating them. Allah revealed:

16:103 And We certainly know that they say, “It is only a human being who teaches the Prophet.” The tongue of the one they refer to is foreign, and this Qur’an is [in] a clear Arabic language.The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to recite Quran aloud at night. Abu Sufyan reports that he, Abu Jahl and Akhnas ibn Shariq would go to listen to this recitation as it was so captivating. After listening for a time, they would run back home before being seen. One night, the three ran into each other and tried to explain themselves. After confessing they came to listen to the recitation, they justified it as needing to keep track of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). They all promised not to come again, as it was a bad example for others. The second night, they all return and encounter each other again. Once again, they promise not to return. The third night, the same happened. Abu Sufyan reports that after this, they did not visit too often.Akhnas ibn Shariq asked Abu Sufyan what he thought about the recitation. Abu Sufyan said he understood some but some was beyond the human realm, which he did not understand. However, he felt this was not from Muhamad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Akhnas ibn Shariq also asked Abu Jahl. He replies that Banu Amir have always competed with Banu Abd Manaf. Now that one of them came saying he was a Prophet, Banu Amir needed to provide the same and they could not do this. So, to maintain social order, even though the message was obviously divine, they cannot accept his message.

Episode 53: Uplifting the Fallen

Episode 52: Prophetic Bodyslam: How the Prophet Gave Dawah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was just as determined as ever to continue preaching the message of Islam. A da’ee, preacher, must have the following qualities:

1. Have full conviction that the message preached is the unequivocal truth.
2. Be motivated, driven, passionate and determined.
3. Be tactful when delivering the message.

In this post-boycott period, around the 10th year of Prophethood, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is 50 years old. This story recounts how the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) spread the message of Islam to a man called Rukana, who was famed at the time for being the strongest man in Quraysh. A distant relative of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he came from the tribe of Banu Abd-Manaf. We learn the tactful manner of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)- he understood people and dealt with them according to their personalities.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saw Rukana in one of the outer areas of Makkah. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Do you not have any consciousness of God and that you would accept what I invite you to?’ Rukana replies, ‘Oh Muhammad, if I know what you are saying is the truth, why would I not follow you?’ Some narrations say that Rukana actually challenged the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) challenged Rukana to wrestle with him: if he managed to beat Rukana, would Rukana accept his word as the truth? Rukana agreed to these terms.

Rukana stands and starts to wrestle the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) grabbed him and slammed him on his back. Rukana had never been beaten- being body-slammed was an alien experience to him. He was not able to get up and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had him pinned down.

Rukana challenges him again: the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) slammed him again. Rukana says, ‘This is the most bizarre thing that has happened to me’. He could not believe he was being beaten. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said he would show him something more amazing if he would be conscious of Allah and follow what he told him to follow. Rukana asks further and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says, ‘You see that tree over there, I will call that tree to me and the tree will move towards me’. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) called the tree and the tree moved from the spot and came and stood right in front of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prohet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then told the tree to return to its place and it does so.

There are two versions of what happened next:

1. After seeing this, Rukana goes to his family and says that everything on the earth has been enchanted by the magic of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), and that he had never seen a greater magician than him.
2. The stronger narration recounts that Rukana was slammed three times in total. After seeing the tree move, he declared the Shahadah.

Episode 51: The Amazing Story of Tufayl Bin ‘Amr From Daws

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

 The Amazing Story of Tufayl Bin ‘Amr

In the 10th year of Prophethood, there was a man called Tufayl, a leader of the tribe of Daws. He was considered a great intellectual by his people. Quraysh recognised his status amongst his people- when he came to Makkah, all the leadership gathered to welcome him. They made him aware of the situation in the Makkah, with Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) claiming Prophethood. They wanted to warn him not to approach the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as they anticipated the consequences of him potentially accepting Islam. Tufayl recounts that they forbade him from meeting the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), to the point where he stuffed his ears with cotton before going to the Haram. He saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) praying near the Ka’ba and became intrigued.

Tufayl stood close to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), but he could not hear what he was saying. When Tufayl heard the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) words, he was impressed. Tufayl questioned what was wrong with himself: being an intelligent man who could tell the difference between good and bad, he wondered why he could not listen to what Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had to say for himself. He followed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) home and asked him to present his thoughts so he could decide for himself. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) recited the Quran to him. Tufayl accepted Islam.

He vowed to return to his people and invite them to Islam. The first person he met was his father. He explained that things had changed and on further enquiry as to the reason why, his father accepted Islam. Tufayl said the same to his wife, who also accepted Islam. However, the rest of the people did not accept the message. Tufayl returned a few days after to Makkah, where he asks the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to make dua against them for preferring idolatry. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), however, raised his hands and instead asked for the people of Daws to be guided. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised Tufayl to return to his people and to be gentle and kind with them.

Tufayl returned to his people and spoke to them about Islam. 8 years later, at the Battle of Khaybar time, he meets the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Madina with his people who had accepted Islam. He arrived with 70 or 80 families from Daws. He stayed in Madina until the victory over Makkah.

Episode 50: Uthman Bin Mazh’un Returns to Makkah & Abu Bakr Attempts to Leave

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Uprising against the Boycott

There were a few people who opposed the boycott. Gradually, opposition grew and the people gathered together to speak out against it. Hisham went to Zuhair bin Abi Umayyah bin Mughirah. Hisham questioned his acceptance of the boycott, whilst his family suffered.  Zuhair said he was unhappy, but felt helpless. He felt they needed a third person to oppose the boycott. Mu’tim bin Adi was approached and they discussed the same issue. Mu’tim also disagreed with the boycott. These three influential people approached Abul Bukhtari and they go together to Zama bin al-Aswad, who also joins the opposition. They all agreed to gather together and make a stand at the Haram. This is the start of the abolition of the boycott discussed in the previous episode.

Uthman bin Mazh’un Returns to Makkah

Scholars say that the first return of the companions from Abyssinia occurred after the boycott. They heard rumours that the Makkans had accepted Islam and thought it was safe to return, but the harsh reality was that things were just as dangerous for the Muslims. It was the tradition at the time that if a respectable man would grant his protection to someone, that person would be saved from violence or harm.

Uthman bin Mazh’un, an early companion of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), was looking for protection. Walid bin al-Mughirah granted this to him and announced it to the community at the Ka’ba.  However, Uthman could not reconcile that he was being protected by someone who did shirk, but his fellow Muslim brethren were suffering. Thus, he publicly returned the protection, saying he was happy with Allah as his protector. A heated conversation ensued between Uthman and a poet from the Quraysh, resulting in Uthman being struck and suffering injury to his eye. Walid commented that if he maintained his protection, Uthman’s eye would have been fine, but Uthman retorted that the sacrifice was worth it if it was for the sake of Allah, and the other healthy eye was in need of injury for this cause. Uthman felt he needed no greater protection than the Almighty Allah.

Episode 49: Aftermath of the Boycott – Consolation & Support from Allah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episodes recounts the multiple times Allah supported the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) by sending down revelation to guide him through difficult situations.

1)      1) During the boycott, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) missed visiting the Ka’ba: the confrontations started again when he returned. Abu Jahl told the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to stop cursing their idols, or they would curse his deity. However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never cursed their idols profanely- he just said not to worship them.

Episode 48: Boycott in Makkah & its Annulment

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Boycott in Makkah

The Quraysh resolved to become harsher in their opposition to Islam. They felt the only solution was to kill the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Abu Talib gathered Banu Abu Muttalib and rallied them to protect Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), even if they disagreed with what he said. He advised they all move to a valley owned by him on the outskirts of Makkah, called Shib Abu Talib. This was to protect the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and show solidarity.

Quraysh started a complete social boycott of Banu Abdul Muttalib: they would not marry, sit, talk, visit or do business with anyone from the group, until they agreed to hand over the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for execution. They wrote a physical agreement that was non-negotiable.

The boycott lasted 3 years- the conditions were so severe and eventually the suffering of these people became so dire, you could hear the children screaming from the pangs of hunger. Many died due to starvation and sickness. The general sentiment in Makkah was an increasing intolerance of what was going on- they started to discuss this wretched agreement and how inhumane it was against people they loved.

Abu Talib lived 3 years on high alert. Every night, he would make the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) switch sleeping places. Sometimes he would be so nervous, he stay up all night long, or he fixed a rotation that someone would stay up guarding the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). After making him switch, he sometimes would still come in the middle of the night and make him switch again.

Abu Lahab had decided he was not with Abu Talib and the family and joined the Quraysh. He suffered a horrible ending to his life. He became senile, suffered a stroke and lost control of his bodily functions. His family made him live in a shed separately and servants were made to care for him. He would scream and cry all night. He died alone and the servants were asked to dispose of his remains- they left him to be consumed by wild dogs.

A compassionate nephew of Khadija (RA) and her servant took some food towards the valley. They ran into Abu Jahl and he was upset by what he saw: he threatened to beat and humiliate them for trying to help the outcast group. Khadija’s (RA) nephew tried to reason with him, but Abu Jahl refused to listen. A third man arrived and a brawl started amongst the group as they started to attack Abu Jahl. Hamza (RA) came along with some believers and broke up the fight, saving Abu Jahl. They did not want any blame for the death of Abu Jahl, as well as recognising the need to stop senseless violence.

Episode 47: Christian Delegation Accepts Islam in Makkah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Christian Delegation

The prominence of the Muslims in and around the Arabian peninsula was increasing. A Christian delegation from the an-Najd region, in the northern part of Arabia, came to explore the message of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in his 5th year of Prophethood. Consisting of 20 men, they had a long conversation with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Once they had asked everything they wanted, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked for permission to speak: he presented the message of Islam to them, as well as reciting Quran. The whole delegation attested to the truth of the message. They reported their priests had told of their scriptures detailing the imminent arrival of a warner, and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) fit that description.

When returning home, they encountered Abu Jahl with a group of Quraysh. He was irate that more people were joining Islam and cursed the group. He accused them of being the most foolish delegation, apostating from their religion and cheating their tribe at home. The delegation left expressing greetings of peace, as they did not want to reciprocate his ignorant behaviour.

In light of these events, the following ayahs were revealed:

28: 51 And We have [repeatedly] conveyed to them the Qur’an that they might be reminded.

28:52 Those to whom We gave the Scripture before it – they are believers in it.

28:53 And when it is recited to them, they say, “We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, Muslims [submitting to Allah ].”

It is amazing the effect a few ayahs had upon the delegation. Their lives had changed forever and they became propagators of Islam. This was because they came to the message already in submission. Certain things are a reality e.g. the Quran is the basis of an Islamic revival within the hearts of individuals and communities. This has certain prerequisites, however, which we sometimes overlook. It is our responsibility that we come to the Quran with an open mind and heart to benefit maximally from it. We must reassess ourselves if we find we are reading the whole Quran without it impacting our character and actions in the slightest.

28:54 Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and [because] they avert evil through good, and from what We have provided them they spend.

28:55 And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, “For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.”

Now the Quraysh leadership were highly agitated: extreme action was needed to deal with this ever expanding message of Islam.

Episode 46: Political Unrest in Makkah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).
With Umar (RA) and Hamza (RA) accepting Islam, the Muslims now prayed publicly in congregation at the Haram. Umar (RA) insisted on praying publicly as a student of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), talking through issues out loud. He asked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), ‘Do we not believe in the truth?’, ‘Is not what they believe in wrong?’, ‘Do we not have Allah on our side?’ He appealed as to what prevented the Muslims from praying publicly. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) concurred with these thoughts and also felt the time was right to do this. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not lack courage before this- he had placed a burden of belief on the followers themselves. The question is what are we willing to do for the Deen? The Ummah is a combination of the truth, which remains constant, and our actions. So, they all prayed in congregation at the Haram, but the Quraysh could not do anything.

The Quraysh leadership called a meeting. They did not know how to deal the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his followers. They decided to go back to a previous strategy and talk to his uncle, Abu Talib. They asked for him to reason with his nephew. When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) became emotional, Abu Talib agreed to continue his support.

The Quraysh wanted to approach Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) directly and asked what he wanted: they offered the materials of this life, whereas all he wanted was for Islam to be recognised as a legitimate faith. He said, ‘I do not want position or money. Allah has sent me with a message and I present this to you. If you take this, I am here to tell you you will reap the rewards of Allah here and in the next life. If you reject this, your matter is between you and Allah and he will settle it’.

The Quraysh agreed to accept his message as a legitimate message, but they wanted him to recognise their beliefs as valid as well, but the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) declined this. Chaos broke out in the meeting. The Quraysh started to demand miracles from the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), asking for rivers in the arid desert and lush greenery. Another told him to raise up his forefather Qusayy bin Kilab, who established Quraysh as a power in Arabia. The Quran notes their irrational requests: (8:32) And [remember] when they said, “O Allah , if this should be the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky or bring us a painful punishment.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sat quietly through this meeting, responding calmly and respectfully. He realised this was pointless and left.

Abu Jahl declared his intent to smash the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) head when he was prostrating at the Haram. To date, he had not done this, as the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) family would come after him in retaliation, but he encouraged all the leaders to support him. Abu Jahl was ready with his rock: as he held it above his head, he went pale and his knees shook. He walked away and sat down again. Abu Jahl said, ‘I swear I saw a huge camel, ferocious, like a demon. It had sharp teeth. It appeared out of nowhere and kept growing’. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that this was Jibreel (AS). The following was revealed: (5:67) O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

Episode 45: Umar bin Al-Khattab Accepts Islam

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This episode recounts the acceptance of Islam by Umar bin al-Khattab (RA).

Umar (RA) went to the Ka’ba and heard some people talking about the issues they were having with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He decided to deal with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) himself and thus went searching for him. He held his sword in his hand, demonstrating his intent to take action. On the way, he ran into Nuaym bin Abdullah, a Sahaba, who asked Umar (RA) what his intentions were. Umar (RA) expressed his desire to kill the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Nuaym did not want to cause problems, but he also wanted to protect the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He tried to phase Umar (RA) by asking him if Banu Abd Manaf would let Umar (RA) walk freely if he killed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Unphased by this, Nuaym had to try a different strategy: he then suggested that Umar (RA) dealt with his own family first, disclosing that his brother-in-law, Saeed bin Zayd, and sister, Fatimah, had accepted Islam.

Umar (RA) proceeded immediately to his sister’s house. On reaching the door, he heard three voices reciting the Quran. The third person present was Khabbab ibn al-Aratt. On hearing it was Umar (RA) at the door, Khabbab immediately hides. The Quran pages are still out, while Umar (RA) pounces on his brother-in-law, asking who the third person was and questioning his acceptance of Islam. Fatima tries to grab him, but he strikes her and she starts bleeding. She finally admits they accepted Islam and tells Umar (RA) to go ahead and kill them both for this. Seeing his sister bleeding, Umar (RA) calms down. He asks about the Quran, but Fatima snatches away the pages, saying he cannot touch them. Umar (RA) reassures her he does not want to destroy them, but to read them. Fatima says he is not pure and makes him clean up, before handing Umar (RA) the pages: he starts reading surah 20, Ta-Ha.

Putting down the pages, Umar (RA) asks to be taken to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) immediately to accept Islam. Khabbab comes out of hiding and congratulates Umar (RA), reporting that only the night before, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made dua to Allah to aid Islam through Abu Jahl or Umar bin al-Khattab. They reach Dar al-Arqam and Umar (RA) knocks. A few Sahaba were present: they looked and saw Umar (RA) with his sword at his side. Hamza (RA) says to let him in, saying that if he comes with good, they would do whatever needed to take care of him, but if he comes seeking something bad, then he would kill him with his own sword. Umar (RA) enters and expresses his wish to accept Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) exclaimed the Takbeer and the rest of Sahaba cry out the Takbeer too.

Umar (RA) goes to his uncle Abu Jahl’s house to inform him of his Islam. Abu Jahl is disgusted and calls him a fool. Umar (RA) went to the Haram and a group attacked him on account of his Islam. Some reports say he fought for an hour. Then an old man stood up and dispersed the crowd, asking why they were concerned about his path and warning of retaliation from his family.

Episode 44: Hamza (ra) Accepts Islam and The Aftermath of The Migration to Abyssinia

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

After the Encounter with the Negus

When Amr bin al-Aas came back to Makkah, he locked himself in his house and would not mix with anyone. This was unusual, as he was a leader and a businessman. He was deeply affected by the Negus accepting Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as a Messenger.

Later, some people came to Madina from Abyssinia. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) went and got food and supplies for them. The Sahaba said they would take care of it. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ‘These people honoured my companions when we were few and oppressed. Today, it is my honour that I get to serve them.’ The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had this lasting gratitude towards the people of Abyssinia.

Whenever the Negus was challenged about his faith, he had a piece of paper on which he wrote his testimony of being a Muslim: he kept this hidden in pockets made in shirts over his heart. He would place his hand on his heart and say, ‘This is exactly what I believe’. The Quran confirms that if someone fears for their life, they can say what they need to say, but keep firm on their iman in their heart.

Acceptance of Islam by Hamza (RA)

Hamza (RA) was the uncle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and also a milk brother (Thuwaybah, a slave of Abu Lahab breast fed them both). Close in age, they were friendly and close, growing up as brothers. The majority of scholars say Hamza (RA) accepted Islam after the migration to Abyssinia.

Before Islam, he was a much respected individual. Hamza (RA) was the centre of attention, renowned for his fighting abilities as a warrior, ambidextrous swordsman and hunter. Whilst Hamza (RA) was away one day on a hunting trip, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) went to the Ka’ba and crossed paths with Abu Jahl. Abu Jahl started to berate and insult him. Witnessed by a slave woman, after Hamza (RA) returned from the hunt, she informed him that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was treated abysmally by Abu Jahl. In a rage, Hamza (RA) goes to Abu Jahl and hits him over the head with his bow, making him bleed. Hamza (RA) commented that if Abu Jahl disrespected Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he would have to deal with himself. Abu Jahl remarked that it seemed like he had left their religion: Hamza (RA) affirms his belief in the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). A huge fight is about to ensue, but Abu Jahl tells everyone to back down, confirming that he did curse the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) badly.

Hamza (RA) leaves the scene and is emotional about what just happened: did he really believe or was this a hasty reaction? He makes dua: ‘Oh Allah, if this is true then put the truth into my heart and make me firm and if it is not, then Allah give me a way out’. His night passed in tension and finally he goes to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for support and advice. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) inspires and warns him and eventually Hamza (RA) accepts the iman in his heart. Hamza’s (RA) conversion was a huge source of comfort and confidence for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Three days after this, Umar (RA) accepted Islam.

Episode 43: al-Najashi: King of Abyssinia

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Court of the Negus

The Qurayshi envoy comes before the Negus. They claim that some foolish slaves have run away from their masters and have taken refuge in his Kingdom. The Negus says he cannot just hand them over until he hears both sides of the story. He requests the Muslims to attend the next day: they are very worried as they are unsure as to why they have been summoned, but they are also hopeful, as they had not done anything wrong. Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (RA) was appointed their leader: he was intelligent, well-spoken, and calm and collected.

When Ja’far steps forward, he did not bow down like the Qurayshi envoy. However, he thanked the Negus respectfully. Immediately, Amr ibn Aas and Ammarah speak up and comment that he did not bow down. The Negus calls Ja’far forward and asks why he did not bow down like his relations. Ja’far says that we [the Muslims] do not bow down in front of anyone except Allah. When asked about Allah, Ja’far reports that Allah sent a Messenger to us, who said that we should not bow down to anyone, except for Allah. He commanded them to pray and give charity. He is the same Prophet that Isa (AS) foretold of his coming. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commanded to pray to Allah alone and not to associate partners, to establish prayer, to pay Zakat, do good things (e.g. be good to family, take care of orphans) and stay away from bad things (e.g. stealing, cursing and fornication). The Negus was very impressed by these words and responds that he did not see anything wrong with what they believed in: it was exactly what Isa (AS) asked him to do as well.

Amr bin Aas speaks up and says that they had escaped from them. The Negus asks Ja’far about this: Ja’far is amused at this comment and asks how they can say we are slaves. He reports he is the son of the leader of the people and that they are equals. The claim that they are slaves was false. He asked Amr bin Aas if he had any evidence and he denied it. The Negus said he could not hand these people over and the court dispersed. Amr bin Aas leans over to Ammarah and he swears he will be back tomorrow with a better game plan.

Episode 42: The Wisdom of the Migration to Abyssinia

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised migration as he realised the survival of this small community was paramount and for the solidification of their faith- harder times were to come. There is also wisdom in taking action to protect oneself from the evil of Shayateen and of people.

The Quraysh sent two high profile people to Abyssinia to deal with the Muslims: Amr ibn Aas and Ammarah bin Walid bin Mughirah. Amr ibn Aas (RA) eventually accepted Islam. He was the most well-travelled, having been in the courts of the major Kings at the time. They bought the most expensive gifts they could find e.g. camel hide, a favourite of the Negus. They also tried to find out which minister had the most trust from the Negus, so they could arrange an audience with him by offering the finest gifts.

Ammarah, the son of Walid bin Mughirah, had a distasteful character. Ammarah was one of the individuals present and participating in the incident where the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was praying at the Ka’ba: they placed the intestines of a camel on the back of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) whilst he was in Sujood. The detritus was so heavy he fell under the pressure and got pinned down. Finally, some family members or Abu Bakr came and removed it. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was very upset and angry as they were all laughing immaturely. He warned them all, about seven in total, of the punishment of Allah.

Amr bin Aas brought his wife on the journey to Abyssinia. Ammarah found her attractive and asked Amr if he may behave inappropriately with her. Amr declined emphatically. When no-one was looking, Ammarah grabbed Amr bin Aas and threw him off the boat, not knowing that Amr could swim. When Amr climbed aboard, Ammarah apologised and rudely commented that if he knew Amr could swim, he would not have thrown him overboard!

When they arrive in Abyssinia, the ministers are given the gifts. The Qurayshi visitors explain that the new Muslim migrants will become a problem for them: an appointment is made to meet the Negus.

Episode 41: The Migration to Abyssinia

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The First Migration to Abyssinia

This episode talks about the first migration to Abyssinia. There were about 100 believers in Makkah now, giving the group strength and solidarity. In spite of this, the safety of the believers was of great importance to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had heard the Negus, the King of Abyssinia, also followed a monotheistic religion (Christianity) and he was well known for his religious tolerance. Thus for their own safety, he advised those who felt under threat to migrate to that land. The journey would not be easy.

In this first group of migrants, there were reported to have been 15 or 16 people: 11 or 12 men and 4 women, who were wives. It included people like Uthman bin Affan, his wife Ruqayyah (the daughter of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)), Abu Salamah and Umm Salamah. The Quraysh were not happy about this and sent out a search party for the group. However, the group managed to board a boat to Africa from a port. They arrived quietly in Abyssinia, as instructed by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), choosing residence outside a major city.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) heard about someone coming from Abyssinia and asked him about the welfare of the migrants. He received news that they were well and he prayed ‘May Allah be with them’. He said that Uthman had revived a great tradition of the Prophets of the past- he was the first to migrate with his family for the sake of his faith since Lut (AS). Thus, there is no credibility in accusations that those who emigrated were weaker than those who remained behind in Makkah.

Surah An-Najm

Two months after, a very interesting incident occurs. In Ramadan, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was standing praying in the Haram. He was reciting out aloud and initially, people became irritated. But then, they came closer and he started to raise his voice. Everyone was quiet and listening to him, from surah 53 ayah 19.

Episode 40: The Prophet, Utba bin Rabi’ah & Surah Fussilat

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Encounter with Utbah bin Rabi’ah

A famous conversation occurred between the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and a key opponent of his: Utbah bin Rabi’ah. The incident occurred at the end of the 3rd/beginning of the 4th year of Prophethood. Utbah was a Qurayshi leader, who was very wealthy, politically influential and well-travelled. He had stood in the courts of all the major Kings of that time e.g. Rome and Abyssinia. The Quraysh formed a council to decide who would be best able to recognise a poet, magician or insane person, as they felt the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had divided the community and belittled their way of life. They identified Utbah bin Rabi’ah as the man for the job.

Utbah asked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) if he felt he was better than their forefathers. If yes, then they also worshipped the idols. If no, then he wanted to hear what the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had to say for himself. Utbah commented that they had never seen anyone cause more of a headache for their people than him. Utbah mentioned that the Quraysh were about to raise swords to deal with the situation, but he did not want it to get to that: he offered the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) the best of wealth, women and status. Throughout Utbah’s tirade, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) remained silent. Asking if Utbah was done, he commenced:

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful

41:1 Ha, Meem.

41:2 [This is] a revelation from the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful –

41:3 A Book whose verses have been detailed, an Arabic Qur’an for a people who know,

41:4 As a giver of good tidings and a warner; but most of them turn away, so they do not hear.

41:5 And they say, “Our hearts are within coverings from that to which you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a partition, so work; indeed, we are working.”

41:6 Say, O [Muhammad], “I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness.” And woe to those who associate others with Allah –

41:7 Those who do not give zakah, and in the Hereafter they are disbelievers.

41:8 Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds – for them is a reward uninterrupted.

41:9 Say, “Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds.”

41:10 And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures’] sustenance in four days without distinction – for [the information] of those who ask.

41:11 Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, “Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion.” They said, “We have come willingly.”

41:12 And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

41:13 But if they turn away, then say, “I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt [that struck] ‘Aad and Thamud.

Episode 39: A Diverse Community – Abu Dharr Ghifari & Dhimad Accept Islam

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Abu Dharr al-Ghifari

Abu Dharr was a successful, confident businessman, well respected in the community. When he heard about the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he sent his brother to Makkah to find out everything about him. The brother reported on his return that he saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) telling people to have good character and that he was saying something that was not poetry. Abu Dharr was not satisfied with this information, so he himself set out for Makkah.

Abu Dharr did not know who he was looking for, but also did not want to attract attention and ask of his whereabouts. At night, he lay down in the corner of the Haram. Ali ibn Talib came along and noted Abu Dharr, wondering why this man was sleeping out. Ali offered Aby Dharr a place to stay, which Abu Dharr accepted. The next day, Abu Dharr failed to meet the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and again lay in a corner of the Haram. Ali again offered him a place to stay, which Abu Dharr accepted. The third day, after again failing to locate the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Abu Dharr was offered a place to stay for the night. This time, Ali enquires why Abu Dharr came to Makkah. Abu Dharr takes an oath from Ali that he will help him and he discloses his wish to meet the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Ali leads Abu Dharr to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Once Abu Dharr listened to what he said, he accepted Islam straight away. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked him to return to his people and share the message of Islam. However, Abu Dharr wanted to proclaim his faith to the people of Makkah. Thus, he goes to Haram and screams out the Shahada. The people of Makkah proceeded to beat him up, until the uncle of the Prophet, Abbas, torn through the crowds, physically lay on top of Abu Dharr and covered him to offer protection. Abbas reasoned with the people, asking them to think of the consequences of their actions: Abu Dharr came from the tribe of Ghifar and killing him would affect their business, as the trade route for Sham passed through the tribal area of Ghifar. Thus, they left him. The next day, Abu Dharr woke up and goes to the Haram again to declare the Shahada. Again he is beaten up, until Abbas comes to cover and protect him.  Abbas takes him to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), asking him to talk some sense into Abu Dharr, and he calms down.

Episode 38: The Prophet stands up to Abu Jahl

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This episode recounts the interactions between the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and Abu Jahl.

Abu Jahl and his cronies would often taunt the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Once, when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was making Tawaaf, they were making crude comments to him. Finally, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) walked over to the group and said, ‘ By Allah, Allah has sent me to you with sacrifice.’ They became concerned by this open statement and its meaning, as they knew he never lost his cool and that he always spoke the truth. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) continued and everyone was silent after that.

Once whilst the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was praying at the Ka’ba, the friends of Abu Jahl egged him on to the point where he got a scarf and choked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Abu Bakr saw this and tackled Abu Jahl away. He asked, ‘Do you want to kill this man simply because he worships Allah over all the idols you worship?’

Seerah 37

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode covers how the Quraysh reacted to the new, growing Muslim community in Makkah. They decided to unleash terror and torture on the early converts, in an attempt to scare people away from the message of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). A key orchestrator of this tactic was Abu Jahl.

Abu Jahl

His real name was Amr ibn Hisham and he belonged to the Makhzum tribe. Also known as Abu al-Hakam, he was a leader in Quraysh. As he denied and refused the preaching of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he became known as ‘Abu Jahl’- the father of ignorance.

Episode 36: The Prophet Recruits Talented Young People

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This session talks about the early Muslim community. Of note, many of the young converts were from the younger generation.

Episode 35: Two Uncles with Different Responses – Abu Talib and Abu Lahab

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode contrasts two uncles of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): Abu Lahab and Abu Talib.

Abu Lahab

His real name was Abdul Uzza. His complexion was light, but his cheeks were red. He was an intense individual and his face would become red: ‘Lahab’ is a red, burning coal. Abu Lahab was very wealthy, powerful and influential. He was more of a business leader as opposed to a civic leader, as he was not active in the service of his community.

He was married to Umm Jameel, who was the sister of Abu Sufyan. They were a ‘power couple’ at that time. Both individuals made it their life’s mission to oppose Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his message in the most vile and insulting manner.

Abu Lahab openly demonised the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in public. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would speak to people at local fairs and at Hajj about Islam, approaching people from all walks of life: free and slave, weak and powerful, rich and poor. Abu Lahab would tail him and cry out to any listeners that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had abandoned the religion of his forefathers, and made derogatory accusations of him being crazy, a magician, and a liar. He also carried pebbles, which he would distract the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with as he spoke to people by throwing them at his head.

Abu Lahab even forced his two sons who were engaged to the two daughters of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to cancel the engagement in a humiliating manner. One son simply announced the separation to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), but the other ripped his shirt and spat on him. Later, the daughters went on to marry Uthman ibn Affan during their lifetimes.

Episode 34: The Prophet Presents Islam & Appeals to Banu Hashim

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The second phase of Prophethood was initiated- it was time to take the message public. This did not occur all at once, but occurred as a phased approach.

26:214 And warn, [O Muhammad], your closest kindred.

26:215 And lower your wing to those who follow you of the believers.

Allah had instructed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to warn his closest tribes people, and hinted of the possible negative response of his endeavours, by encouraging the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to show mercy to the believers who would soon encounter difficulties.

The Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) told Ali of his concerns that his family would not like the message, so he hesitated. However, Jibreel came and said ‘Oh Muhammad, if you do not do what your Lord has commanded, your Lord will punish you’. Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was being held accountable for delivering the message.

First Public Invitation

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) called Ali and asked him to prepare a goat, some accompanying food and a big bowl of milk. He was asked to gather the family of Abdul Muttalib. About 40 people came, including the uncles of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): Abu Talib, Hamza, Abbas and Abu Lahab. One of the miracles of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) occurred at this meeting: the spread was not sufficient for the gathering, but everyone ate and drank to their fill.

Just as Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was about to speak, Abu Lahab interjected, commenting on how Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had done magic in relation to the food and got up and left. The rest of the gathering followed suit and exited.

Episode 33: A Community in the Making – Some of the early Companions (ra)

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

A hadith by Imam Ahmad reports that the first seven people to make their Islam known were the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Abu Bakr, Ammar ibn Yasir, his mother Sumayyah, Suhayb, Bilal and Miqdad. As far as the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was concerned, he was defended by means of his uncle, Abu Talib. Abu Bakr was protected by his people, Banu Taym. As for the rest, they were at the mercy of the disbelievers and their harsh treatment e.g. they would grab them, dress them in armour of iron and leave them to scorch in the hot desert sun. All were eventually able to have some reprieve from the torture, except Bilal. He would be handed over to the children of Makkah, who would tie him up and drag him around the streets of Makkah, as he proclaimed the oneness of Allah.

Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) took the message to some prominent, remarkable people: he was the direct means of delivering Islam to the following people in the first few days of himself becoming Muslim:

• ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan
• al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwam
• Talhah ibn Ubaidullah
• Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas
• Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf

He gathered them together, took them to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who presented Islam to them and they all believed.

Abu Bakr had many qualities, including being:

• a leader of his people
• a businessman
• of good character: he was never known to engage in social evils e.g. he was never intoxicated
• an expert in genealogy i.e. of family trees. Later on, when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) engaged in more dawah, Abu Bakr would accompany him; he would start off a conversation by identifying family ties and then would introduce the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who could deliver his message.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that someone who guides towards something that is good, it is as if he has done it himself i.e. he gets the reward for it as well. Also, whoever starts a good practice in Islam gets the reward of it and the reward of whoever will follow that good practice i.e. it is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah.

Episode 32: The Next 3 Converts: Ali bin Abi Talib, Zayd bin Harithah & Abu Bakr (ra)

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Afif the Businessman

Afif was a businessman who attended during the Hajj to do trade with Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was also a businessman. While they were sitting, they saw a man came out of a tent, face the Ka’ba and start praying. Then a woman came out and stood behind him and prayed. Then a boy came and stood to his right and started praying.

One narration states that Afif questioned Abbas about this religion, as it did not seem familiar. Abbas reported that this was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, who believes that Allah had sent him as a Messenger and that that the treasures of the emperors of Rome and Persia would be opened for him and his followers. This was his wife Khadijah, who believes in him and follows him, and this boy was his cousin Ali ibn Abu Talib, who also believes in him. Afif later said he wished he believed that day, as he would have been the second adult to believe.

The second narration describes the prayer. The man went into ru’ku and the boy and woman went into ru’ku with him. After that he stood up and the child and woman stood up with him. Then the man fell into sujood and both of them went into sujood. Afif commented that this was really remarkable. Abbas asked if Afif knew who these people were, commenting that this was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, his nephew; the boy was Ali ibn Abu Talib and the woman was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the wife of the man. ‘He says your Lord, the Lord of the sky, has commanded him to do what you see them doing’. Abbas commented that, ‘I swear by Allah, I do not know anyone other than these three who follows this religion today’.

It is interesting to see that at such an early stage, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) emphasised the importance of praying together as a family and that the prayer was one of the first things he taught new followers.

Episode 31: The First Four Revelations & The First Convert To Islam

Episode 30: Divine Revelation and Inspiration: It’s Nature, Protection, Preservation, Types, and Interaction

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

From this point on, revelation was consistent. This episode discusses revelation in more detail.

Revelation is a treasure that warrants protection from dangers, like the shayateen of the jinn. The jinn are similar to humans in that there are believers and disbelievers amongst them. The shayateen al-jinn would eavesdrop on the discourse of the angels e.g. about the commands of Allah and the rizq and qadr of people.  They would then pass this information on to soothsayers, fortune-tellers and magicians. The latter would then convince people of their abilities to predict the future. The Quran was protected, as fireballs were sent against shayateen trying to steal news from the heavens. When they reported this to Iblis, he said this could only be happening because of an important event, and they were told to travel searching for the answer. It is said the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) stopped to pray Fajr and when they heard the Quran being recited, they stopped, listened and surmised that this is what had come between them and the news of the heavens.  Another narration relates that Iblis himself came to Makkah and he saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) coming down from Hira and Jibreel (alayhi as-salaam), and he then realised what had happened.

How would revelation come to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and what effect did it have upon him? Accounts from throughout his life report that:

• Never did the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) leave a sitting or anyone from his family ever leave the house, except he would receive revelation i.e. it was frequent.
• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would be gripped by the weight and pressure of receiving revelation e.g. he would break into a sweat, even on the coldest of days, with the sweat dripping off his face as if they were pearls falling; his face would become red; his body and face would heat up; Zaid ibn Thabit reports that the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) leg was over his when he received revelation, and it felt as if his leg would be crushed and break.
• Close to his face, you could hear the sounds of bees buzzing.
• The experience did not take away the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) consciousness e.g. he received revelation when he was eating and holding food and he did not spill anything.
• He would pull back from the people around him and not talk or respond to people.
• His eyes would remain open, but his hearing and heart would become devoted to what was coming down.
• He would receive revelation whilst riding his animal- on one occasion, Surah al-Ma’idah came down in its entirety whilst he was riding a camel: it was so heavy it weighed down the camel, so the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) descended as a mercy to the animal.
• The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was seen to be moving his lips rapidly as he would try to read it back to Jibreel(alayhi as-salaam) who was relating the Quran to him. Allah revealed:

Move not your tongue with it, [O Muhammad], to hasten with recitation of the Qur’an. 75: 16 

Indeed, upon Us is its collection [in your heart] and [to make possible] its recitation. 75:17

Episode 29: Pause and Continuation of Revelation

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The next major stage was the pause in revelation. However, some accounts report that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) received a second revelation straight after the first. These are reported to be the first few verses of Surah Qalam (68): some say the first 2 verses, others the first 4-5 verses.

68:1
Nun. By the pen and what they inscribe,

68:2
You are not, [O Muhammad], by the favor of your Lord, a madman.

68:3
And indeed, for you is a reward uninterrupted.

68:4
And indeed, you are of a great moral character.

Some reports say there was a third revelation to provide the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) recourse to cope with what was happening: Surah 73 (Al-Muzzammil).

73:1
O you who wraps himself [in clothing],

73:2
Arise [to pray] the night, except for a little –

73:3
Half of it – or subtract from it a little

73:4
Or add to it, and recite the Qur’an with measured recitation.

73:5
Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy word.

73:6
Indeed, the hours of the night are more effective for concurrence [of heart and tongue] and more suitable for words.

73:7
Indeed, for you by day is prolonged occupation.

This revelation was to emphasise to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that he would only be as solid as his night prayer to ‘charge his batteries’. Surprisingly, Allah is not telling him to rest at night, but to stand and pray and use this time to converse and connect with Allah.

Episode 28: Read. The Right Man For The Job: Aftermath of Revelation, Khadijah & Waraqah bin Nawfal

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was meant for this job as a Prophet: this was no random act. Everything in his life had been leading up to the start of revelation. Iman Ahmad ibn Hanbal reports that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was asked when he was made a Prophet: he said this happened when Adam (alayhi as-salaam) was in the state between dust/clay and before the soul was breathed into him i.e. when Allah created humans.

We sometimes talk about the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in ‘superhero’ terms. However, he experienced pain, difficulty and adversity- he had the true human experience. Imagine the event of the first revelation: this experience must have been earth-shattering, one that could damage someone’s psyche. Allah created a system so the Prophets would be gradually acclimated to the experience. They would have a warm-up period in the form of true dreams. These would make the Prophets trust their heart. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had true dreams for 6 months prior to revelation.

Revelation started on a Monday. When asked about fasting on Mondays, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that was the day he was born and that was the day he received the first revelation. As for the month, the vast majority agree that it started in Ramadan. As for the specific day, opinions vary: the 14th, 17th, 21st or 27th night- Allah knows best! Ibn Ishaaq leans towards the opinion it was the 21st night, in the 40th year of the Prophet’s life. Read more http://www.qalaminstitute.org/2012/10/seerah-life-of-the-prophet-the-right-man-for-the-job-aftermath-of-revelation-khadijah-waraqah-bin-nawfal/

Episode 27: Read. The First Revelation

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This session further discusses the start of the final revelation. The first thing that began from divine revelation was that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) started having true dreams i.e. he would see something in a dream, and that exact thing would then happen in real life. The scholars explain that true dreams taught the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to learn to trust his heart, so that he would not have doubts.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) spent increasing time alone, away from society in contemplation in the mountains. This practice is known as ‘Tahannuth’, which comes from the root ‘to break a promise’. It means to pull away and leave something. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was drawing away from the corruption, idolatry and chaos of society: to clean something, you have to remove it from that environment. His heart was now ready to receive revelation.

One day, the angel Gabriel came to him and said, ‘Read!’ He said, ‘I am not a reader’ i.e. he did not have the ability to read. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said the angel grabbed him and smothered him: he held on, until the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) felt he lost all his energy. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) tried to resist, but he finally gave up, unable to fight further. The angel released him, and again, he said, ‘Read!’ The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) repeated again, ‘I do not read’. The angel grabbed and smothered him again. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) finally desisted in fighting back, and the angel left him. The angel said for the third time, ‘Read!’ He again repeated, ‘I do not read’. The angel squeezed again, until the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) lost all energy, then he let go.

The angel then recited:

96:1     Recite in the name of your Lord who created –

96:2     Created man from a clinging substance.

96:3     Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous –

96:4     Who taught by the pen –

96:5     Taught man that which he knew not.

This story shows that there is a physical as well as a spiritual preparation. If we look into our deen today, we see that the spiritual preparation includes some physical activity e.g. making wudu, praying salah, and fasting: there is a link between the two. You have to apply yourself physically to achieve something.

Episode 26: The Cave of Hira

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This session discusses the background to the momentous occasion of the beginning of revelation. It was a pivotal moment in human history: people had long been entrenched in darkness, as there had been 600 years since revelation had come to man.

In the months prior to revelation, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was nearing 40 years old. He had been reflecting on the immoral nature of society, and took time out to reflect on these issues. To do this, he would often go alone to the mountains, and frequent the cave of Hira on Mount Noor. The cave has enough room for 2 people to stand at most, and narrows at the end. There are openings at both ends, which provided good ventilation. Looking through one opening, the Ka’ba was visible in the distance. Here, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) found quiet, peace and serenity to contemplate life in isolation: this practice is known as at-Tahannuth. The first time he spent a prolonged period at Hira was during Ramadan: he would take food supplies with him so he could spend days there. There is speculation about the specifics of what the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would do i.e. what was his form of praying, what was he actually reflecting on? Allah inspired that desire for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to go into isolation and reflect, to prepare his heart for revelation.

Similarly today, we should observe etiquettes when we make preparations to face Allah in worship, such as during salah and reciting the Quran e.g. by paying full attention to worship, purifying oneself with wudu, and facing the Kiblah.

Episode 25: Salman al-Farsi, Amr bin Murrah al-Juhani & Prophecies About the Coming of Revelation

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode continues with the story of Salman al-Farsi. Salman remained in slavery after accepting Islam- he had to miss the battles of Badr and Uhud. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised him to buy his freedom. Salman’s owner asked him to plant and grow 300 date palms, as well as for 40g of gold. Salman tried to negotiate him down to silver, but he insisted on gold. The owner knew the risks of his demands were high: transplanting trees had a high likelihood of failing. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) announced to the Sahaba to help their brother Salman. They started helping him by bringing date palms, ranging from 1-20 each in number. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said to get the land ready and not to plant the trees, but to call him when they had dug the holes. He came and planted each of the 300 date palm individually with his own blessed hands. Miraculously, not even one tree died, and all 300 flourished. However, the gold was still required. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had just recently been given a gift. Someone had found a gold mine and they chipped out a rock with gold and gifted it to him. He handed this over to Salman, who felt conscious of the debt he owed to the community. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) waived the debt, saying Allah would provide recompense. When Salman handed the block over to his owner, it was found to have exactly 40g gold. Thus, Salman obtained his freedom.

The first battle he participated in was the Battle of the Trench: he was the one to offer the novel strategy for the battle of digging the trench. During this endeavour, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) split the workers into groups of 10 based on family and tribe, so that the teams were familiar with each other and to aid cohesion. Salman did not have any alliances, but each of the Muhajiroun and Ansar argued that Salman belonged to their respective groups. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) settled the matter by saying that Salman belonged with him and his family.

Two stories are recounted about how some people are directly guided to Islam by extraordinary events by Allah’s decree. The first is the story of Amr bin Murrah al-Juhani. In the times of Jahiliyyah, he went to Makkah in the season of Hajj. Whilst sleeping, he awoke and saw a light shooting from the Ka’ba. Startled, he then heard a voice saying that the darkness was about to disappear, light was about to illuminate the earth, and that the final seal of the Prophets was about to be sent. A few nights later, he saw a similar light again, and heard a voice saying that Islam had become apparent and the idols had been broken. He told his people of this occurrence, but no one believed him. He came across a monk, and told him what had happened. The monk said that a man named Ahmed would be sent as a Prophet. Years later, when Amr came to Makkah, he heard people talking about someone who claimed to be a Prophet. He met the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and Amr accepted his call. Amr wanted to preach the message to his own people. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised him to be soft and gentle, and not to be harsh and arrogant. All of his people accepted Islam, except one. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) met all of them individually. Read more http://www.qalaminstitute.org/2012/09/seerah-life-of-the-prophet-salman-al-farsi-amr-bin-murrah-al-juhani-prophecies-about-the-coming-of-revelation/

Episode 24: The Approach of Revelation

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

We are at this point, a few years away from the start of revelation. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is the continuation and the completion of the guidance of Allah. It was six centuries since the last message by Isa (peace be upon him) had come to earth, which was one of the largest gaps between two Prophets. Some people of the scripture were aware of the coming of the last Prophet. So, why was it so shocking when he finally came? Why did not more people believe his message? The answer is that these people were rare, even written off as being ‘on the fringe’, and not well publicly accepted.

Salman asked some businessmen to take him towards that land. However, they betrayed him and sold him as a slave. He eventually ended up as a slave with the Jews of Banu Quraydah of Madina. Salman remained content, as he realised he was where he needed to be. One day, whilst Salman was working in the trees, someone came to his owner and remarked how they might be in trouble: all the idol worshippers were gathering at Quba, as a man had come there claiming to be a Prophet. On hearing this, Salman nearly fell out of the tree. He descended, asking eagerly for more details, but his owner dismissed him and sent him back to work.

Salman slowly gathered money and eventually went to Quba to see the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He brought fruit and presented it to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as charity: the Prophet did not eat from it. Salman again gathered money and a few weeks later, he went again and presented food as a gift: this time the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ate from it. Finally, Salman came again after a few days, wanting to see the mark of Prophethood. Salman went and sat behind the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was wearing an upper and lower garment. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) noticed him and remarked that he knew what Salman was trying to see, thus he dropped the upper cloth and revealed the mark of Prophethood. Salman jubilantly ran up to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and hugged him from behind, kissing the mark of Prophethood. Salman’s long, arduous and difficult search had come to an end and he accepted Islam.

Read more at http://www.qalaminstitute.org/2012/09/seerah-life-of-the-prophet-the-approach-of-revelation/

Episode 23: Placing of the Black Stone and History of the Kabah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

In the renovations, the height of the Ka’ba was made taller, to move the door higher and prevent people from entering easily. There were also originally two doors, but one was removed. There were not enough resources to complete the Ka’ba, thus the Hateem area was left open. The Hateem is considered part of the Ka’ba: praying in there is as if you have prayed inside it. Interestingly, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said at the Conquest of Makkah that if the people were not new converts, he would have done a complete reconstruction of the Ka’ba, with an eastern and western door and including the Hateem area. However, he did not do this as he was sensitive to the culture and traditions of the people. Thus, we should respect sensitivities, as long as they do not compromise the religion itself.

Another fight broke out regarding who would position the Black Stone in its place. Abu Umaiyah bin Mughirah was one of the oldest men amongst the Quraysh, respected for his age and wisdom. He suggested praying to the Rabb of the House that the next man to enter will be the one to place it or the intermediary to make the decision to settle the matter. The person to enter was none other than the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Everyone was relieved to see him, commenting that ‘Al-Amin’, the ‘Trustworthy’, had come.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked for a large sheet to be brought to him; some say he removed his own shawl. He put it on the ground, placed the Black stone onto it, and called for all the leaders of the tribes to hold the sheet and lift the stone together to the Ka’ba. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) placed it himself into the final position. This event put him in the spotlight and highlighted the trust, honour and dignity he held amongst his people prior to the imminent revelation.

This episode elaborates on the history of the Ka’ba, discussing who first established it and how long it has existed. Allah says in the Quran:

Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. (3:96)

In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. (3:97)

In Bukhari, it is mentioned that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the first mosque to be established was the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, and then Masjid al-Aqsa. There were 40 years between each being established.

The origins of the coverings of the Ka’ba by Hajjaj bin Yusuf are discussed, as well as the first expansion of the mosque by Umar ibn Khattab. We learn it is acceptable to beautify and expand mosques.

Episode 22: Muhammad the Family Man & Renovation of the Kabah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

After marrying Khadija (radi Allahu anha) aged 25 years-old, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) dedicated the next 10 years of his life to establishing a home and a family. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the best person among people is the one who is best to his family, and he said that he is the best to his family. Being a role model is more credible if you have experienced the relevant situations: thus, it necessitates that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was the ultimate family man. He offered insights as to how to interact with one’s family e.g. engaging in physical intimacy whole-heartedly; feeding one’s spouse with your own hand; not sacrificing family time for worship e.g. he would pray the fard prayers at the mosque and Sunnah prayers at home. Even in Madina, as a head of state, he was engaged in educating his children e.g. the tasbeeh after prayers is called the ‘Tasbeeh of Fatimah’.

We should learn that dedicating time to one’s family should not be seen as a waste, in terms of financial loss because of reduced time at work, or even as a sign that someone is not religiously committed, because they cannot dedicate so much time to the mosque. Family time is investing in the Akhirah as well as the community, as the community ultimately comprises groups of healthy families.

When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was 35 years-old, a major complete renovation of the Ka’ba occurred. The walls were literally falling apart, from wear-and-tear and water damage. The low door made theft possible as well. The Quraysh were very nervous about the potential consequences of changing the Ka’ba. A distant relative of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), the brother of his paternal grandmother, decided to be the first to start proceedings: he grabbed a stone from its place and it immediately moved back into its original place. He interpreted this as being a sign from Allah that the reconstruction should be approached carefully: the building should not be demolished all at once, but piece-by-piece renovations should occur, and only pure money should be used. We should also be mindful of the sources of money we give in Zakat, Sadaqah, etc. and bring only the purest of wealth. It is also reported that there was a well near the Ka’ba that had been empty and boarded-up for a long time. A huge serpent came bursting out and started circling the Ka’ba. On announcing this pact to only use pure money and approach the project piece-by-piece, the snake receded away or was collected by a large bird.

A fight ensued as to which tribe would be responsible for the reconstruction. The senior leader Walid ibn Mughirah said the project would be approached together: each tribe would have responsibility for separate parts of the Ka’ba. Then, the tribes were too scared to start the project for fear of divine repercussions: Walid ibn Mughirah started the project alone. Once everyone saw nothing happened to him, they all started the reconstruction. They reached the base and hit the foundations of Ibrahim (peace be upon him), causing a mini-earthquake: thus, they decided to leave this in place.

Episode 21: The Prophet Marries Khadijah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Further details about the marriage between Khadija (radi Allahu anha) and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) are explored. The brother and uncle of Khadija (radi Allahu anha) oversaw the marriage process between them. Others say her father was involved. Khadija (radi Allahu anha) sent the official marriage proposal and called the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to meet the family. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) goes to his uncles and asks about the proposal. They all agree and Hamza, his uncle and milk brother, acts as his representative. They attend the house of Khadija (radi Allahu anha) and the nikkah is performed. It is said that Khadija (radi Allahu anha) was aged 40 and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) 25. However, some scholars report she was less than this, with opinions ranging from 28 to mid-30s.

Khadija (radi Allahu anha) addressed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) when he came for the proposal. She explains the reasons why she would like to marry him, which are primarily based on his good character e.g. she mentions he maintained relationships, was the best of his people and honest in speech. Similarly, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) spoke about Khadija (radi Allahu anha), praising her position as an honourable lady of Quraysh and her dignified character.

The mahr (marriage gift) was 20 goats. Some say it was 20 camels. By the standards of that time, it is a respectable mahr, but not extravagant. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not come from an extremely wealthy family, but he was still the grandson of Abdul Muttalib. The mahr should be an expression of love, so it should be given in accordance with a person’s means.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was married to Khadija (radi Allahu anha) for 25 years before her passing. He did not marry any other during their marriage, even though polygamy was common practice at that time. Together, they had 6 children: 2 sons and 4 daughters.

Qasim was their first child, who died when he was a few years old. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) liked being called Abul-Qasim. Their 4 daughters were Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah: all 4 accepted Islam. The three older daughters passed away during the lifetime of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Fatimah witnessed the passing of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), and passed away 6 months afterwards. The youngest child was Abdullah, who was also known as Taiyib (pure one) and Tahir (clean one). He died within days of birth. It is profound to note that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) buried 6 of his 7 children, the 6th being Ibrahim, who was born of his wife Maaria al-Qibtiyya.

Episode 20: Muhammad The Businessman & A Marriage Proposal

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was not inclined towards materialism. In his 20s, he concerned himself with establishing his means of living, as he wanted to marry and settle down, as well as help Abu Talib financially. Some initial proposals did not work out. He pursued business locally, as Abu Talib declined his request to go to Ash-Sham, because of the incident with Bhaira the monk. As he did not have the initial capital, he decided to broker deals between wholesalers and retailers, working on commission.

He had a business partner by the name of Abu Saib, who was trustworthy and honest. They had some success and were able to launch themselves. Even after Prophethood, in the conquest of Makkah i.e. 35-40 years after the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did business with this man, he greeted Abu Saib affectionately. He praised Abu Saib as being the best business partner, even though he was not Muslim at the time. Abu Saib did eventually accept Islam.

Khadija bint Khuwaylid (radi Allahu anha) was a widow, and had been married twice before. She was extremely wealthy, and continued her business by hiring men to do business on her behalf in Ash-Sham. When she heard about the reputation of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), she wanted to hire him: they met to discuss the business proposal and she offered him twice the amount of commission she had offered anyone else. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) agreed to work for her.

It is said that Khadija (radi Allahu anha) convinced Abu Talib to allow the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to travel on business to Ash-Sham with her bodyguard Maisarah. On the trip, Maisarah notices some interesting things:

1) They stop in the same area that was inhabited by Bhaira the monk, as this was the usual rest area for the Qurayshi caravans. However, another monk was resident at that time. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sat under a tree. The monk came to Maisarah and enquired about the man under the tree: the monk reports that no man will sit under that tree at this time except a Prophet.

2) They make more profit than normal in their transactions in both Ash-Sham and in Makkah.

3) On the return journey, Maisarah notices that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) seems very calm despite the extreme heat: looking up, Maisarah sees that he was covered by shade as he travelled, as if two angels were providing the shade.

On their return, the accounts are settled with Khadija (radi Allahu anha). She is impressed by the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) attention to details. Afterwards, Khadija (radi Allahu anha) sits with Maisarah, who recounts the interesting events and amazing character of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) engages in more business deals with Khadija (radi Allahu anha), with similar successful results.

Khadija (radi Allahu anha) was becoming interested in this young man. She speaks to Waraqah, her cousin, who encourages her to pursue the proposal. She then speaks to her friend Nafisa, who offers to discuss the situation with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). She asks him his opinion of Khadija (radi Allahu anha), and he praises her character. She asks if he would consider her for marriage, and he confirms if she is interested in marriage. Nafisa and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then go to Abu Talib to discuss the marriage proposal.

Episode 19: The Virtuous Pact of Social Justice

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Another scenario which highlighted the unjust practice of blind tribal allegiance occurred when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was about 20 years old: this resulted in the formation of the Hilf al-Fudoul: ‘the Virtuous Pact’.

A man came to do business in Makkah from the tribe of Zubaid. The Zubaidi encountered a Qurayshi man, who asked him to handover his merchandise, but he would give payment to the Zubaidi the next day. People from outside Makkah respected the Quraysh, as they were the care-takers of the sacred sanctuary, hence the Zubaidi’s unquestioning trust of the Qurayshi. However, when he went to collect the money the next day, the Qurayshi man denied any knowledge.

The Zubaidi was distraught at the situation. He went to all the leaders and complained of the Qurayshi stealing his merchandise. They dismissed him unjustly, as their loyalties lay with the tribe. The Zubaidi then goes to the Ka’ba at sunrise, which is when the leaders would gather to discuss the day’s agenda. He stood at the door and took his shirt off, as a sign of desperation. He cried out to the people his situation, addressing the people of dignity and honour, asking how theft and oppression could occur in the city Makkah, the site of the sanctuary.

The first to stand up and sympathise with him is the Uncle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Zubair bin Abdul Muttalib, who later accepted Islam. The Qurayshi leaders gather and decide action must be taken. A man by the name of Abdullah bin Juda’an calls a meeting at home and an agreement is formed for injustice to stop: the pact is to support the rights of the oppressed, whatever the tribal backgrounds of the oppressor, even if this is against their own Quraysh.

This pact is called ‘Hilf al-Fudoul’. There are 2 opinions as to the meaning of ‘al-Fudoul’:

1)  From a historical perspective, there were three men present by the name of al-Fadal, hence the plural form ‘al-Fudoul’.

2)  From a linguistic perspective, ‘fadal’ means ‘virtuous’.

Thus, the first act under the Hilf al-Fudoul was that all the men present went to the Qurayshi who mistreated the Zubaidi. The merchandise is returned to the wronged Zubaidi.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) reports when in Medina that he witnessed the pact 30-40 years prior. He said would not trade his presence there for red she-camels i.e. the most valuable things in the world. He also said that if the pact was called in Islam, he would answer. Interestingly, the Hilf al-Fudoul was called upon even after the death of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) by his grandson Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abu Talib, when there was a disagreement over money with Al-Walid bin Utbah bin Abu Sufyan.

Episode 18: The Sacrilegious War

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Between the ages of 15-20 years old, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had some profound experiences which had a huge impact on him. One incident was that of the Harb-ul-Fijar: the ‘Sacrilegious’ war. ‘Fijar’ relates to something which is inappropriate and in violation of the ethics, morals or religion of the people at that time.

The conflict started because of a dispute between two men, one from Quraysh and another from a tribe in Ta’if. The man from Quraysh had some customers, who the man from Ta’if also approached to take their business for himself. Later, the man from Quraysh attacked and killed the man from Ta’if on account of his anger. As well as being unjust, this murder also occurred in one of the 4 sacred months, when killing was forbidden, hence the name ‘Sacrilegious War’.

The infuriated tribe from Ta’if gathers an army and heads to Makkah. The Quraysh were upset with the Qurayshi who killed the man unjustly, but due to tribal allegiances, they felt compelled to defend the tribe’s honour, instead of acting justly e.g. paying blood money. A stalemate ensues: neither tribe wishes to hold a full-scale war, because the stakes are high: neither wanted to see their areas desecrated. The conflict remained for about 5 years, with only 5 days of actual fighting.

The Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) uncles were heading out to fight. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was at an age when it was expected he would participate in defending the tribe. However, he disliked to participate because of the unjust pretext the war was being engaged under. Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) managed to avoid the first 2 days, but had to go on the third and fiercest day. The majority say his role was that of collecting the arrowheads and lining them up for the warriors to use: he never unjustly raised a sword against anyone.

At the end of the 5 years, the leaders of both tribes sat together for discussions: they could not even remember why they were fighting. Both sides agreed to forgiveness.

Episode 17: The Teenage Years

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The session concentrates on the adolescence of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Makkah, which is recognised to be a challenging time from an iman perspective in anyone’s life. However, some incidents show how Allah protects his Messengers and Prophets from falling into any reprehensible behaviour, including the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

One incident related by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) mentions a time when he was a young boy. Together with other young boys, he was shifting rocks. To aid the task, some boys exposed themselves by removing their lower garment and used the sheet to carry the rocks. The boys encouraged the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to do the same. As soon as he did this, he felt a hard slap at the back of his head, but he did not see anyone behind him. Then he heard a voice telling him to put his clothes back on again.

The second incident reports a time when he was an older teenager, when there were renovations of the Kaba in progress. The high ranking members of the noble families were given preference to help in the task first. Thus, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had an early opportunity to help carry the materials for the reconstruction. His Uncle Abbas suggested adjusting his garments, which risked exposure of his body, so as to aid carrying the rocks. As the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) started to do this, Abbas narrates that he collapsed to the ground, with his eyes looking up towards the sky. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then got up, asking for his clothing, and he immediately dressed appropriately again. On enquiry, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that he had been forbidden from walking around not properly clothed in public.

Abu Talib was in some financial difficulty and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) wanted to help him. Belonging to a noble family, it was not appropriate for him to do menial labour. The men of Quraysh were merchants, which was the most prestigious job in that culture. However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was too young to do this and Abu Talib disliked that he travelled. He pursued the job of shepherding, which was regarded respectfully: it was deemed a job that imbued leadership qualities in a person e.g. patience, observation, responsibility and vigilance.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was protected from the evil practices at the time, but was not completely sheltered i.e. he was aware of the happenings, but never felt inclined to participate in lewd behaviour or idol worship. One story recounts how he was encouraged to attend a social gathering, but on two occasions, he passed out before reaching the event. He did not wake up until the following morning, by which time everyone had left.

Episode 16: Bhaira The Monk

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Another well-konown incident is the meeting of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with Bhaira the monk. There is a difference in narrations as to the age of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) when this happened: the minority report that he was 9 years old i.e. that this happened soon after he came under the care of Abu Talib. The majority report he was 1 2 years old.

Abu Talib was a businessman and he decided to go on a business trip to Ash-Sham. At that time in history, Ash-Sham was ruled by the Romans, with a strong Christian presence. Travel was very difficult and initially, Abu Talib planned to leave the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) behind in Makkah. However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) cried profusely and asked not to be left behind. Finally, Abu Talib agrees he can join the business caravan.

While travelling, they stop near a place called Busra, which was the usual stopping place for the Quraysh. Here, there was a temple inhabited by Bhaira ar-Rahib. The majority say he was Christian, but some accounts say he was Jewish. That temple had always been inhabited by academic scholars of the Jewish-Christian tradition. The locals would stay away from Bhaira as he did not like interacting with people. When the Quraysh arrived, he would usually have nothing to do with them.

This time, with the arrival of the Quraysh caravan, something catches the attention of Bhaira: he sees that a cloud is moving along with them. When they stop, the cloud stops. He notices a boy breaks apart from the group and the cloud follows him. Sitting under a tree, the branches seem to move to provide shade for the boy. Bhaira recognises the signs of the last Messenger of all times.

Bahira becomes very intrigued and decides to invite the Quraysh for a feast at the temple. The group is surprised by his pleasant behaviour. They leave the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to look after the precious merchandise. Bhaira does not see the boy at the feast and asks if they brought everyone. After this, they bring him to the feast too. Whilst the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is eating, Bhaira studies him intently. He shows a lot of affection towards the boy, as he wanted to show his hospitality to the boy that he believed to be the Prophet of the last times.

Bhaira speaks to Abu Talib, sharing his concerns that this special boy should not be taken further into Ash-Sham: he feels that other people may recognise what Bhaira himself recognised, but they may not be so merciful towards the boy. Thus, Abu Talib decides the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) should return to Makkah. There are three narrations as to what happens next:

1. A small minority mention that Abu Talib decides to take the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with him to Ash-Sham, but he shortens the business trip.
2. The majority mention Abu Talib returns to Makkah from Busra and he takes the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) home himself.
3. Another account mentions that some young people were with the caravan, including Abu Bakr and Bilal the slave. Others in the business caravan do not want to lose Abu Talib’s company on the trip and suggest that the 3 young people go together to Makkah.

Episode 15: With His Loving Grandfather & Uncle

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode looks at the time the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) spent with his grandfather and uncle. It is interesting to note that Allah never deprived him of the presence of a loving, caring individual, despite him losing his father and mother. These individuals were always people of great character and ethics.

Abdul-Muttalib, his grand-father, was incredibly loving towards the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He was always looking for him and would check on him before going to sleep. There was a cushion for Abdul Muttalib to sit on under the shade of the Ka’ba, where he would meet and greet people, with his back against the Ka’ba. This seat was especially reserved for him and no-one dared to sit on it. His sons would sit immediately around him: even his own children would not dare sit on that seat out of respect for him. However, the Prophet, aged 6, would come and sit on that seat. His uncles would grab him and move him out the way: when Abdul-Muttalib would see them moving him, he would say to leave the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) alone.

When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) reached the age of 8, his grandfather passed away. Abdul-Muttalib called all his family and emphasised the importance of taking care of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He asked Abu Talib to talk care of him, whereas as Abbas was given the responsibility of the well of Zam Zam and arranging water for the visitors of the Ka’ba.

Abu Talib was the most closely related to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), as he had the same mother as Abdullah, the father of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). A simple man, Abu Talib took great care him: he would not eat food until the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had eaten, and would check upon him before going to sleep. He truly loved him more than his own children.

Episode 14: Death of the Prophets Mother

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) went back to being in the care of his mother, Amina, in Makkah. Amina decided to make a trip to Yathrib, which later became the blessed city of Medina. Some say his mother wanted him to meet the extended family members; others report it was because she wanted to visit the grave of her husband, Abdullah, who died in Medina. The two were accompanied by Umm Aiman (Barakah), one of the milk mothers of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). They spent time in Quba and Yathrib, staying for about one month. They left Yathrib and travelled to a place called Abwa: it is here that Amina passed away due to an unknown illness.

Umm Aiman buried the mother of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and embraced Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was 6 years old. Some reports say she returned to Yathrib with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), where they stayed for a few days until his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, came to take him home. Other reports mention Umm Aiman returned to Makkah with Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) alone.

Once, the Sahabah were with the Prophet at a place near Abwa. The Prophet asked them to wait until he came back, requesting that no-one followed him. He returned looking ill and heavy-hearted. He then explained that he went to the grave his mother. Initially, the Prophet had forbidden the visiting of graves, to distance people from idol worship. However, when they had become secure in their faith, he then allowed them to visit graves.

Another narration shows the shear sadness of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) from these memories of his mother. Some Sahabah are reported to have accompanied the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to a grave, where he sat down and cried profusely, to the point where he choked up and lost his breath. The Sahabah also started crying. Umar comforted the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and asked why he was crying so much, to which the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied that the grave was that of his beloved mother. This story shows the human, emotional side of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Episode 13: Splitting of his Chest

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode recounts the story of the splitting of the Prophet Muhammad’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) chest. His brother Abdullah came running one day to his parents looking petrified, crying ‘My brother, my brother!’ He mentions that two men came wearing white clothes, lay the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) down on his back and split his chest open. It was at this point Abdullah went running for help.

A cut was made from the hollow of his neck to his navel. They removed the heart, split it open, and took a black blood clot out and threw it away. They had a dish made of gold, and they washed the heart in ZamZam with ice. The heart was then returned again to the chest.

These men were actually angels: they were seen to come from the sky. A conversation takes place between the two angels, which reports that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would outweigh the whole Ummah.

Halimah and her husband were very worried by this event, and thus they immediately set out to Makkah to return the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to his mother. His mother realised something had occurred, and reassured them that Shaytaan would never be able to get a hold of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). She recounts the miraculous events during her pregnancy e.g. she did not feel any burden whatsoever during the pregnancy.

In respect of the the heart being cleansed, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) encounters a similar event at the time of Isra and Mi’raj.

Episode 12: Halimah’s Blessing

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode discusses Halimah Sadiya, another lady who breast-fed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Arabs in Makkah preferred their children to spend their early years being raised in the desert, where it was felt they were safer from diseases and pollution rife in the city, as well as having the opportunity of learning pure, eloquent Arabic. Women from desert tribes would come to Makkah to collect the children, in return for financial incentives.

Halima was married and had three children of her own. She and her family made an arduous journey to Makkah, recounting that it was a year of drought. Her camel was not able to give milk, thus her own milk dried up. Their mule was very slow, thus they fell behind the group. They did not sleep all night due to hunger and the wailing of their hungry child. Eventually reaching Makkah, they found that all the other women in the tribe had already secured babies from good families with good financial incentives. The one chid left was the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Halima was reluctant to take him, worried that he was an orphan, but she also did not want to return empty-handed.

As soon as Halima collected the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), miracles started: her milk flowed abundantly; the mule suddenly became fit and active; the camel produced milk; their land became green and the livestock grazed to their fill, also producing abundant milk.

When a child reaches 2 years, it is usually time to return them home again. Halima did not want to return the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) because of the blessings he brought, as well as the close attachment that had developed.: she convinced his mother to allow him to return with her, thus he stayed a further time of between 6-18months.

Episode 11: The Women Who Cared for the Prophet

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode discuses the infancy of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was nursed by his own mother, Amina, as well as some other women. When a child is nursed by a women other than the mother, it establishes a relationship such that it is forbidden to marry that  person i.e. she becomes a milk-mother; he also cannot marry her daughters. The lives of two milk-mothers are explored:

a) Barakah (Umm Ayman)

Barakah was originally from from East Africa and a slave. First owned by Abdul Muttalib, she was given to Abdullah, and thus ended up in the home of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): he inherited her from his mother, and when he married Khadijah, he freed her, but she remained close to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Barakah accepted Islam and performed Hijrah. She accompanied the Muslims in some of the battles. Ayman, her son, was born from a previous marriage and was a believer. Her husband also accepted Islam, and was martyred in a battle. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) proposed that whoever would like to marry a women from the people of paradise, that man should marry Umm Ayman. Zaid ibn Haritha, the adopted son of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), chose to marry her. They had a son together called Usama ibn Zaid. Barakah died 20 days after the death of Umar Al-Khattab.

b) Thuwaybah

Thuwaybah was a slave-girl owned by Abu Lahab. When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was born, she came running to Abu Lahab to inform him of the  good news. Abu Lahab was so overjoyed that he freed her on the spot. It is mentioned that Abbas the uncle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), saw Abu Lahab in a dream and asked him what happened after death. Abu Lahab said he had been punished non-stop, but every Monday, he was given a break because when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was born he freed Thuwaybah. Thuwaybah also nursed the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza, and Abu Salamah. She accepted Islam, and died in 7AH.

Episode 10: Birth of the Messenger Pt 2

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Several miraculous events are said to have happened around the time of the birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The issues with the authenticity of these reports are discussed.

It is mentioned that the palace of Kisra, in Persia, shook on the night of the birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Fourteen balconies broke and fell off the palace. A sacred fire, which was the central object of worship in the region, that had not blown out for 1000 years, became extinguished. The Tigris river levels became very low, so that water stopped flowing to some regions.

With these events, the king gathered his people and council. He was advised that that there are suggestions of something interesting going on towards Arabia. The king thus sent a man in the direction of the Arabs to find out what was happening. The leaders of Sham were also found to be asking the same question: what was happening in the direction of the Arabs? An individual who was knowledgable about prophecies reported that these events signified that the man who was to be the Prophet of the last times had been born. He details a prophecy that the reign of the Kisra would see only fourteen more emperors until its demise.

Other prophecies around the person to be the last Prophet include:
– he would be born on a Monday, given Prophethood on a Monday and die on a Monday
– a star would be present that was also seen the night previous Prophets were born
– he would be an orphan
– on his back, between his shoulder blades, was a birth mark like a cluster of moles with hairs growing (the seal of Prophethood)
– he would not live to see the age of 70 years.

Episode 9: Birth of the Messenger Pt 1

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode discusses the birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The majority of scholars say he was born during Rabbi Al-Awwal. The date has a variety of narrations, including the 2nd, 8th, 10th and 17th. The 12th is the popularly known date mentioned by Ibn Ishaaq. His birthday corresponds to the date 25th April 571 CE.

Narrations are explored of miraculous events that occurred during the pregnancy and birth. Amina reports that throughout her pregnancy, she did not feel any discomfort: even the labour was pain-free. She saw a dream where light from her uterus was illuminating the palaces of Syria and Sham.

After the birth, Abdul Muttalib took his grandson to the Kaba and made dua for him. He named him Muhammad, ‘the abundantly praised’, which at the time was a rare name. The Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) other names are also discussed.

Finally there are discussions around the circumcision of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and also about celebrating the Prophet’s birthday (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Episode 8: The Prophets Parents

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode explores the immediate family of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): 1) his great-grandfather Hashim, 2) his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, 3) his mother Amina, and 4) his father Abdullah.

1) Hashim inherited the responsibility of giving water to those who visited the Kaba. He extended this hospitality to include giving food. His name was actually Amr, but the name Hashim occurred as a result of his crushing bread into the broth for the visitors. Hashim also established the economy of the area by starting travelling business caravans in both summer and winter. Whilst on a journey, Hashim married the great-grandmother of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Madina, named Salma bint Amr from the tribe of Banu Najjar. Thus, the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) lineage is split between Makkah and Madina.

2) Hashim died in Gaza, Palestine whilst on a trade journey. Salma was expecting Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). His original name was Shaybah, meaning ‘little old man’, as he had some white hair at birth. He grew up in Madina, as his mother had kept the birth secret from his paternal family in Makkah, for fear of them taking him away. Eventually, the brother of Hashim goes to Madina to retrieve Shaybah once he discovers his existence. Salma reluctantly agrees for her son to go to Makkah. On their arrival in Makkah, people assume the young boy is the slave of Muttalib, hence the name ‘Abdul Muttalib’.

3) When Abdul Muttalib discovered Zam Zam, he vowed to Allah that if he were to be blessed with 10 sons, he would sacrifice one of them for his sake. Once his prayer was realised, he drew lots to determine which son would be sacrificed: every time the name of his most beloved, Abdullah, would arise. Abdul Muttalib was determined to fulfil his oath, despite everyone’s attempt to make him change his mind. A fortune-teller offered a solution to the dilemma: she advised drawing lots between the name of Abdullah and 10 camels- the lots would be drawn until the camels were drawn, with the compensation of 10 camels being totalled up each time Abdullah’s name was picked. The final compensation was 100 camels to avert the sacrifice of Abdullah.

4) Abdullah married Amina bint Wahab. Soon after, Abdullah went on a business trip. He stopped in Madina, where he died. In Makkah, Amina was pregnant with the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode also explores the commonly asked question as to the fate of people, such as the parents of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), in the hereafter.

Episode 7: Invasion of the Elephants

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode continues to review the attack on Makkah by Abraha, the leader of Yemen, with a group of intimidating elephants accompanying his 60,000-strong army.

Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), met Abraha before the attack: he asked to have his 200 camels returned, which had been taken by the army. Abraha reports that with this seemingly nonsensical request, his initial high regard for Abdul Muttalib rapidly dissipated, as he was expecting him to appeal for the attack on the Kaba to be halted. With this, Abdul Muttalib intelligently answered that he was the owner of the camels and the Kaba had an owner, Allah, who would take care of it. Abraha remained intent on destroying the Kaba. Thus, the inhabitants of Makkah evacuated to the hills in anticipation of the attack, with Abdul Muttalib appealing to Allah to protect the Kaba.

Abraha approached Makkah, riding the largest elephant, Mahmood. However, the mighty elephant sat down and refused to walk. He would walk in the opposite direction, but on being turned towards the Kaba, immediately sat down. The army proceeded, but a flock of small birds carrying 3 small stones each, one in the beak and one in each claw, threw the stones down on the army and obliterated it. A flash flood carried the bodies away from Makkah. Abraha died a slow, painful death as a result of the injuries he sustained.

Episode 6: History of Zamzam

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Two significant incidents occurred in the life of the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Abdul-Muttalib. The digging up of the well of Zam Zam and the invasion of the army of elephants both preceded the momentous birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

In multiple dreams, Abdul Muttalib was told to dig up the well of Zam Zam. Drinking Zam Zam has the virtue of being an act of worship, as it is part of the Sunnah in Umrah and Hajj. Zam Zam serves whatever purpose it is drank for. The etiquettes of drinking it include: facing the Kaba, saying ‘Bismillah’ at the start, drinking it in parts by pausing to take three breaths, drinking to your fill, and ending by thanking Allah.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was born in the same year as the invasion of the army of the elephants. Abraha, a ruler of Yemen, wanted to divert people away from the Kaba at Makkah, and thus built a church in Yemen. A man from the Arab tribe of Banu Kinanah defiled the church disrespectfully. This enraged Abraha, who vowed to destroy the Kaba. He gathered 60,000 troops and marched to Makkah. Further details are explored in Episode 7.

Episode 5: Monotheism Before Islam

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Although idol worship was rampant in Pre-Islamic Arabic, there remained a few people who followed the religion of Prophet Ibrahim- the ‘Hunafa’, and these individuals are explored. The singular form ‘Haneef’ means to ‘focus constantly’. Two notable personalities include:

1. Zaid bin Amr bin Nufayl: he travelled outside Arabia in search of the true message. He strongly denied idolatry and its associated practices, as well as saving newborn girls from being buried alive. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is narrated to have said that he will be resurrected as an Ummah by himself between the Prophet Muhammed (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and Isa bin Maryam (alaihissalam).

2. Waraqa bin Nawfal: he also travelled with Zaid bin Amr bin Nufayl to explore the truth, and converted to Christianity. A cousin of Khadija, the wife of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Waraqa was the person consulted after the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) received the first revelation. He proclaimed his belief, but died soon after.

The lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is explored back to Prophet Adam (alaihissalam).

Episode 4: Pre-Islamic Society Pt 2

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

In this episode, the religion of Pre-Islamic Arabia is explored. In surah Yasin, it is mentioned that Prophet Muhammed (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was sent to warn the people.

‘That you may warn a people whose forefathers were not warned, so they are unaware.’ (V36:6)

Guidance had not been sent for a long time: the message of monotheism had been brought by previous prophets. Over time, the message had been diluted and corrupted. Christianity and Judaism were practiced by the fringes of society.

Notably, idol worship was introduced to the area by a leader named Amr bin Luhayy. Although Allah was accepted as the supreme God, the idols were considered to have their own levels of influence as intermediaries. In each area, mini sanctuaries similar to the Kaba in Makkah were established with idols at their centre. Ultimately, the idols became the ends and not the means of worship.

Lack of religious guidance gave rise to the practices of superstition, belief in evil omens, and the use of gambling and divination by shooting arrows, watching the directions of flight of birds, and astrology. The minor remnants of the practices of past prophets were that the Kaba in Makkah was seen as a sacred place and that the idols were accountable to the higher authority of Allah. However, innovations far from the practices of past prophets also crept in, like doing tawaaf naked, whilst clapping and whistling. Religious practice was amended to suit the people, for example, with the rearranging of sacred months during times of warfare.

Episode 3: Pre-Islamic Society Pt 1

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

To understand the Seerah, it important to appreciate the circumstances at that time in Arabia: this gives perspective as to why the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was sent to this region.

The origins of the word ‘Arab’, as well as the geographic, political and economic background of Pre-Islamic Arabia are explored. Essentially, the area was a tribal-dominated system, with deep traditions of culture and language. In some respects, it was insulated from the outside world by the natural barriers of immense bodies of surrounding water and expanses of arid desert areas. Conversely, being bordered by the Persian and Roman empires and sea routes made it a natural epicenter for trade.

Culturally, there were positives and negatives to life in Arabia. Privileges were enjoyed according to social standing: high-society controlled the political situation, and was immune from justice and accountability. Those unfortunate enough to belong to lower social classes were treated unjustly, and in some cases worse than animals. Family life was revered in some cases, with the institution of marriage respected. In contrast, immoralities like infidelity and promiscuity were also rampant. Positive characteristics of the Arab people themselves included their renowned hospitality, being true to their word, having a great respect for genealogy, and giving great weight to knowledge being passed on via oral traditions.

The lack of unifying governance, economy and religion made pre-Islamic Arabia a prime area to receive divine guidance as a fresh start.

Episode 2: Introduction Pt 2

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Further discussion is pursued about the benefits of studying the Seerah: it aids our understanding of the Quran, as the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) makes the Quran come to life.

His (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) perfect example gives us the ultimate role model to emulate in our interactions with all demographics of society: children, youth, women, non-Muslims, students and family members to name a few. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) juggled all this, on top of the epic responsibility of being the Messenger of God.

No human being’s life has been documented like his. Reports are so detailed as to describe physical features, like the light tan colour of his skin, his broad, welcoming face and his dark, almost black eyes, to his perfect conduct and character e.g. he was always concerned about the condition of the people, he did not talk unnecessarily, but was always the first to give salaam, and when conversing, he would turn his body fully to face people.

This section also covers resources to supplement the study of the Seerah, including Ibn Ishaq’s ‘Sirat Rasul Allah’ (The Life of Muhammad), Ibn Kathir’s ‘Al Bidayah Wa Al Nihayah’ (The Beginning and the End), Martin Lings’ ‘Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources’, ‘Fiqh Us-Seerah’ by Muhammad Al-Ghazali, and ‘The Sealed Nectar’ by Safiur Rahman Mubarukpuri.

Episode 1: Introduction Pt 1

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

So what is ‘Seerah’? The word linguistically means ‘a path’, ‘to walk in a particular direction’. More figuratively, it refers to someone’s life biography. Specifically, Seerah refers to the Prophetic biography. It includes everything from the occurrences in the life the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), from his daily practices, attributes, physical characteristics, mannerisms, expeditions, to family life.

Why study Seerah? It goes hand-in-hand with the study of the Quran. The Quran itself states that there is not a better example than the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) himself:

There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. (Quran 33:21)

This series hopes to be different from dry, factual studies, or ‘superhero-tales’, which we may feel we cannot ever aspire to: it aims to humanise the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)  and provide eternal practical lessons for every-day life, as well as engender love for the best of humankind. How can you possibly love someone you do not know?