Wednesday, December 22, 2010
EEMAN IN THE PROPHET – SAL ALLAAHU ALAYHI WA SALLAM
One day the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – sat with his companions when a Bedouin came. Immediately the man asked the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam, “When is the final hour?” A question the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – disliked. The Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – replied, “What have you prepared for it?” The Bedouin said, “I have not prepared much Salah, or much Sawm, or much Sadaqah, but one thing: I love Allah and His Messenger.” Then the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “You shall be with whom you love!” Anas – Radi Allahu Anhu – the narrator of the hadith said, “By Allah, nothing brought us more happiness after our Islam than that statement: ‘you shall be with whom you love.’ I love Allah and His Messenger, and Abu Bakr and Umar; And I hope to be with them (on the final day) eventhough I have not done as much as they did. – Muslim
In the hadith of Jibraeel, when he came to the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – in front of the companions in the form of a man and asked him – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – about Islam, Iman, and Ihsan. He said when asked about Iman, “Iman is to believe in Allah, His angels, His books, His Messenger, the Final Day and the divine decree, the good and the bad thereof.” Today we shall talk about Iman in the messengers. And specifically, Iman in the final Messenger, Muhammad ibn Abdillah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam.
When the Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – performed Hijra from Makkah to Medinah, he and his companion Abu Bakr – Radi Allahu Anhu – stopped at the home of Umm Ma’bad. They asked her for food/milk and she said that there was none. Then, seeing a weak, frail calf in the corner, the Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – asked if he could milk it. The Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – pet the calf on the back, praying, until it opened it’s legs in preparation for milking. The milk poured and poured as Umm Ma’bad watched in shock.
Later, when her husband came home with the frail flock he saw the blessing shine from the walls and inquired, “What has happened here?” Umm Ma’bad then described the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Her description of the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – is one of the most detailed. Amongst the things she said was that his face was like a moon and his voice was beautiful. His beard was long and full, his hair reached his shoulders. Tranquility befell him when he was silent, and if he spoke he was magnificent. From far he was the handsomest man, and from near he was the greatest. Flanking him were men, if he spoke they listened, and if he commanded, they hastily complied.
Abu Ma’bad knew who he was. He said, “Verily this is the man that Quraish is looking for. I once thought of following him, and when I meet him I shall.” He then called out poetry that all the inhabitants of Makkah heard on the horizon:
Jaz Allahu Rabbin Naasi Khayra Jazaa’ihi / Rafeeqayn Qaala Khaymati Umma Ma’badi
Huma Nazalaaha bil Huda, fah tadat bihi / Faqad Faza man Amsa Rafeeqa Muhammadi
What can you say in only one Khutbah about a man that Encyclopedias were written on only his character. I would like in these short moments however to reflect on some of the things Allah blessed His Messenger – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – with, in this world and the next.
1. The Final Messenger. Muhammad ibn Abdullah was the final Messenger of Allah, There shall be no Prophets or Messengers after him. And whoever claims such is a liar. He – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “The example of myself and the prophets before me is that of a man who built a house, beautifying it, except for a corner where a brick was missing. People would go around admiring the structure but remarking, ‘if only it was completed here.’ The Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – then said, “I am that brick, I am the last of the Prophets.” – Muslim
2. Security for the Ummah. Rasul Allah – Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam – – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – was a protection for the Ummah. Allah would not punish them so long as he was amongst them. Allah declared [And Allah would not punish them (so long) as you are amongst them. Nor shall he punish them so long as they seek forgiveness.] Anfal 8/34
3. His wives are our Mothers. Rasul Allah’s – Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam – wives are our mothers. Allah declared [The prophet is closer to the believers (those of Eeman) than their ownselves and his wives are their mothers.] Al-Ahzaab 33:6
4. Protected by Allah. No one could harm the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – because Allah was his protector. [And Allah will protect you from the people…] Al ma’idah 5/67
5. The Greatest. He was the greatest human. He – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – told us, “I am the chief son of Adam, with no boast.”
6. The Greatest Followers. He lived amongst the greatest men and women, his companions. He – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said , “The best generation is my generation…”
7. A witness over us all. Rasul Allah – Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam – – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – shall be a witness over the entire Ummah of Islam. Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – says [ How (will it then ) be, when we bring from each nation a witness and we bring you ( O Muhammad – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam –) as a witness against these people?] This is the verse that made Him weep. Nisa 4:41
8. Allah Swore by Him. And Allah testified by his life in the Qur’an. [By your life (O Muhammad – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam –) verily they are in their intoxication wandering blindly] Al Hijr 15/72
9. The Most Followers. And he will have the most followers than any other Prophet. He – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “Amongst the Prophets on the day of resurrection I shall have the most followers.”
And on the day of judgement, Rasul Allah – Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam – will claim the highest position amongst creation: Al Maqaam Al Mahmood. Allah will give him the fountain of Al-Kawthar. And He will be allowed to intercede for his Ummah.
Mustafa Ar-Rifaee commented “It’s interesting how many Muslims have failed to recognize the wisdom behind the name of the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – being called 5 times across the world: Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadur Rasullullaah. Not only that, but in every Salaah and Nafilah, his name is whispered all across the body: Allahumma Salli ala Muhammadin … Could the wisdom be nothing other than the Ummah not cutting off the remembrance of their Prophet for not a single day of history, for not even a portion of the day.” And Allah knows best.
Part II: The Prophet’s – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – Rights over Us
Some have exaggerated the status of Rasul Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – attributing to him things that are only befitting of Allah. Others sought to show their love by holding bithday parties, what is known as Mawlid An-Nabi for the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam. This is not how someone should show his love, for it is a form of worship unauthorized by the Sunnah or the practice of the early Muslim generations. And whatever is not authorized by the Shariah is rejected by Allah.
Love can only be expressed by following the Messenger of Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – everyday of our lives.
Do you know why Allah – Subhaanahu wa Ta ‘Aala – sent Muhammad – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam? Allah sent him to be obeyed and imitated, a living example of the Quran. Rasullualah has rights over us, and these rights include the following.
· He must be loved more than our family, children, more than oneself. He – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “One of you shall not believe until I am more beloved to him than his children, parents, and all of humanity.” This was how the Companions, male and female were.
Ali ibn Abi Talib said, “By Allah, he was more beloved to us than our wealth, more than our children and fathers and mothers, more than cold water when dying of thirst.”
· Rasul Allah – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – must be respected and revered. Allah states [O you who believe, Do not put yourselves forward before Allah and His Messenger And fear Allah. Verily Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.] al Hujarat 1. The Arabic La-tuqaddimu means do not walk ahead of. This happens when someone is hasty in matters of religion, deciding contrary to the decision of Allah and His Messenger.
· We must pray constantly for our Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam. Everything we know in Islam came to us through him. Jibraeel came to Rasul Allah – Sal Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam – as he was climbing the mimbar and prayed, “Perished be he to whom you are mentioned to and he does not pray for you. Say ameen.” And the Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam – said, “Ameen!”
Dear brothers and sisters, is it not time we started learning more about our Prophet – Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam?
A call to Prayers
The greatness of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) can be understood still today, with the help of the following story:
It was a wintry morning with much snow falling, coupled with the blowing of a strong cold wind. It was not easy to come out in the open air. Yet one could see people rushing to their work and students with books in their hands hastening to their schools.
In one of the Mosques in Hamadan – Iran, religious students were assembling in order to attend a morning class. It was an important school of Islamic Theology and the tutor was also a very great learned one. His discourses were indeed very thought-provoking and so were his students quite intelligent. The tutor was none else but the world famous and a great Persian thinker and philosopher
‘Ibn Sina’, popularly known in Europe as Avicenna. His lectures and writings on various science subjects had become the standard text books for hundreds of years in the universities of Europe. Students admired his deep philosophical thinking. They felt honored to sit in his class and hear his inspiring lectures.
That cold morning, students had already assembled in the Mosque and were still anxiously awaiting the arrival of their learned tutor.
They were wondering if the intense cold weather that day had delayed his coming. A few minutes had passed when suddenly the students witnessed the graceful arrival of ‘Ibn Sina’, their great learned tutor. They felt very happy and stood up as a mark of reverence and respect for him. He sat down at his usual place and exchanged greetings with his students. He commenced his discourse in his usual lucid manner that held his students spellbound. He also gave satisfactory answers to their questions.
Among the students was one very young and enthusiastic by name ‘Bahman Yar’. He was much closer and attached to ‘Ibn Sina’ the learned tutor. He was also the foremost among the clever and advanced students of the class. Every time he listened to the lectures of his tutor, he became more and more fascinated with his deep philosophy and knowledge on every subject.
He would say to his class-mates: “I wonder why our tutor ‘Ibn Sina’ does not claim to be a prophet despite his supreme intelligence and magic personality”.
It is said that one day by chance ‘Ibn Sina’ was standing at a baker and loaf-seller shop. His attention was drawn to a very smart young boy who was displaying signs of much intelligence. The boy was saying to the baker: “My mother is requesting for a little fire.” The baker responded: “Have you brought any pot to carry the fire?” “No! But I know how to carry it”, replied the boy instantly. So saying he applied some ash over his palm and stretched his hand to the baker who placed a piece of burning firewood over his palm. Without any hesitation, the boy took it and went home.
‘Ibn Sina’ was rather amazed to see the intelligence and courage of this boy. He thought of having him for special training and education under his personal care. The proposal was communicated to the parents who agreed and entrusted the boy to his full care. Thus ‘Bahman Yar’ since then was staying at no other place except at the house of his tutor and care-taker, ‘Ibn Sina’. They were all the time to be seen
together. The boy being highly intelligent derived the best of the knowledge that his tutor could impart. Years passed and ‘Bahman Yar’ grew up not only in age but also in knowledge and understanding under the patronage of his tutor. The learned tutor was also very proud of this most capable student. It was one of the coldest nights of the wintry season. Midnight had passed and the snow-falling was very heavy. Both ‘Ibn Sina’ and ‘Bahman Yar’ were sleeping in one room under warm thick blankets.
The light in the room was already extinguished but the student was still asking intricate questions on some deep subjects. The tutor was replying in his usual impressive manner. Fascinated by the supreme knowledge and deep philosophy of his tutor, he again made the suggestion which he had made before:
“Oh my learned tutor!” he pleaded, “with all this high status of knowledge that you enjoy and being master of all the sciences, why not declare yourself a prophet? Sir! Don’t you think that you even excel some of the previous prophets in knowledge and your status today is unparalleled in the world! Should you decide to claim prophethood, no one would dare challenge you. Let me assure you that I shall be
the first to offer my allegiance and would serve you with full faith.”
Since ‘Bahman Yar’ was still young and immature, his above proposal to his tutor was rather emotional than logical. ‘Ibn Sina’ smiled but did not give any reply.
That night the cold weather had become extreme and there was heavy snow-falling. Both were already fast asleep. It was past midnight and suddenly ‘Ibn Sina’ woke up and raised his head out of the warm blanket. Incidentally he was very thirsty and the water-mug in the room was empty. So he decided to wake up his student to go out and bring him some water.
“Oh ‘Bahman Yar’! My son ‘Bahman Yar’! Please wake up and bring me some drinking water from outside”, he said repeatedly.
“Is there no water in the water-mug near your goodself, Sir?” asked ‘Bahman Yar’.
“No!” replied ‘Ibn Sina’.
‘Bahman Yar’ raised his head and saw heavy snowfall outside. The thrilling sound of the strong cold wind also made him nervous to go out. Again ‘Ibn Sina’ grumbled: “Oh ‘Bahman Yar’! Why the delay?
Bring me some water, I am too thirsty.”
‘Bahman Yar’ dared not come out of the warm blankets to face the cold weather outside the room. He was, therefore, putting forward lame excuses to his tutor.
“Oh my respected tutor! It is harmful for you to drink water now that you have just come out of the warmth of thick blankets. It is better you go to sleep again till the early morning which is not far off”, said ‘Bahman Yar’.
“My son! Bring me water, I am too thirsty. I myself am a medical expert and know better what is harmful than you do. I am unable to sleep, please bring me some water from outside”, again appealed ‘Ibn Sina’.
In response ‘Bahman Yar’ again put forward excuses and argued that he would catch cold and fall sick if he were to go out in that extreme cold weather. So saying he went back to sleep.
There was dead silence everywhere and no sound of anything was to be heard. Outside it was still pitch dark except the first light of Subhe Sadiq (true dawn)
in the eastern horizon had commenced to appear.
Suddenly the silence broke with a melodious voice of a Muezzin – caller to prayer from the top of a Minaret at the nearby Mosque. After reciting some verses of
the, Holy Qur’an, the Muezzin in a loud voice said, “Allaho Akber” – Allah is the Greatest. “Ash-Hado An La Ilaha Illallah” – I bear witness that there is no god
except Allah.
Both the tutor and his student quietly listened to the melodious voice of the Muezzin. The call to prayers then followed to the words “Ash-Hado Anna
Muhammadan Rasoolullah” – I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. On hearing this, ‘Ibn Sina’ thought of taking the opportunity of responding to the repeated proposal made to him by ‘Bahman Yar’. He said:
“Listen to me, oh my son ‘Bahman Yar’. Now I wish to reply to your repeated suggestion”. The student sat up to hear attentively of what his learned tutor
abruptly wanted to say. ‘Ibn Sina’ then proceeded:
“You have been suggesting to me several times to claim prophethood, that people would put full faith in me and that you would be the first one to do so. Now look, you have been my close student for several years and benefited from me a great deal, yet you did not think it prudent to obey me by coming out of your warm bed for a moment and bring me water that I badly needed to quench my thirst. Instead
you chose to put forward lame excuses.”
But think of this man who is now calling to prayers at the top of the Minaret after coming out in the coldest weather and making ablution with cold water in the early hour of this morning. It is for no other purpose but in obedience to and respect for the command of Almighty as conveyed by His apostle Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh) some four hundred years ago.
“What a great difference there is between me and that Prophet sent by Almighty God!”
It was a wintry morning with much snow falling, coupled with the blowing of a strong cold wind. It was not easy to come out in the open air. Yet one could see people rushing to their work and students with books in their hands hastening to their schools.
In one of the Mosques in Hamadan – Iran, religious students were assembling in order to attend a morning class. It was an important school of Islamic Theology and the tutor was also a very great learned one. His discourses were indeed very thought-provoking and so were his students quite intelligent. The tutor was none else but the world famous and a great Persian thinker and philosopher
‘Ibn Sina’, popularly known in Europe as Avicenna. His lectures and writings on various science subjects had become the standard text books for hundreds of years in the universities of Europe. Students admired his deep philosophical thinking. They felt honored to sit in his class and hear his inspiring lectures.
That cold morning, students had already assembled in the Mosque and were still anxiously awaiting the arrival of their learned tutor.
They were wondering if the intense cold weather that day had delayed his coming. A few minutes had passed when suddenly the students witnessed the graceful arrival of ‘Ibn Sina’, their great learned tutor. They felt very happy and stood up as a mark of reverence and respect for him. He sat down at his usual place and exchanged greetings with his students. He commenced his discourse in his usual lucid manner that held his students spellbound. He also gave satisfactory answers to their questions.
Among the students was one very young and enthusiastic by name ‘Bahman Yar’. He was much closer and attached to ‘Ibn Sina’ the learned tutor. He was also the foremost among the clever and advanced students of the class. Every time he listened to the lectures of his tutor, he became more and more fascinated with his deep philosophy and knowledge on every subject.
He would say to his class-mates: “I wonder why our tutor ‘Ibn Sina’ does not claim to be a prophet despite his supreme intelligence and magic personality”.
It is said that one day by chance ‘Ibn Sina’ was standing at a baker and loaf-seller shop. His attention was drawn to a very smart young boy who was displaying signs of much intelligence. The boy was saying to the baker: “My mother is requesting for a little fire.” The baker responded: “Have you brought any pot to carry the fire?” “No! But I know how to carry it”, replied the boy instantly. So saying he applied some ash over his palm and stretched his hand to the baker who placed a piece of burning firewood over his palm. Without any hesitation, the boy took it and went home.
‘Ibn Sina’ was rather amazed to see the intelligence and courage of this boy. He thought of having him for special training and education under his personal care. The proposal was communicated to the parents who agreed and entrusted the boy to his full care. Thus ‘Bahman Yar’ since then was staying at no other place except at the house of his tutor and care-taker, ‘Ibn Sina’. They were all the time to be seen
together. The boy being highly intelligent derived the best of the knowledge that his tutor could impart. Years passed and ‘Bahman Yar’ grew up not only in age but also in knowledge and understanding under the patronage of his tutor. The learned tutor was also very proud of this most capable student. It was one of the coldest nights of the wintry season. Midnight had passed and the snow-falling was very heavy. Both ‘Ibn Sina’ and ‘Bahman Yar’ were sleeping in one room under warm thick blankets.
The light in the room was already extinguished but the student was still asking intricate questions on some deep subjects. The tutor was replying in his usual impressive manner. Fascinated by the supreme knowledge and deep philosophy of his tutor, he again made the suggestion which he had made before:
“Oh my learned tutor!” he pleaded, “with all this high status of knowledge that you enjoy and being master of all the sciences, why not declare yourself a prophet? Sir! Don’t you think that you even excel some of the previous prophets in knowledge and your status today is unparalleled in the world! Should you decide to claim prophethood, no one would dare challenge you. Let me assure you that I shall be
the first to offer my allegiance and would serve you with full faith.”
Since ‘Bahman Yar’ was still young and immature, his above proposal to his tutor was rather emotional than logical. ‘Ibn Sina’ smiled but did not give any reply.
That night the cold weather had become extreme and there was heavy snow-falling. Both were already fast asleep. It was past midnight and suddenly ‘Ibn Sina’ woke up and raised his head out of the warm blanket. Incidentally he was very thirsty and the water-mug in the room was empty. So he decided to wake up his student to go out and bring him some water.
“Oh ‘Bahman Yar’! My son ‘Bahman Yar’! Please wake up and bring me some drinking water from outside”, he said repeatedly.
“Is there no water in the water-mug near your goodself, Sir?” asked ‘Bahman Yar’.
“No!” replied ‘Ibn Sina’.
‘Bahman Yar’ raised his head and saw heavy snowfall outside. The thrilling sound of the strong cold wind also made him nervous to go out. Again ‘Ibn Sina’ grumbled: “Oh ‘Bahman Yar’! Why the delay?
Bring me some water, I am too thirsty.”
‘Bahman Yar’ dared not come out of the warm blankets to face the cold weather outside the room. He was, therefore, putting forward lame excuses to his tutor.
“Oh my respected tutor! It is harmful for you to drink water now that you have just come out of the warmth of thick blankets. It is better you go to sleep again till the early morning which is not far off”, said ‘Bahman Yar’.
“My son! Bring me water, I am too thirsty. I myself am a medical expert and know better what is harmful than you do. I am unable to sleep, please bring me some water from outside”, again appealed ‘Ibn Sina’.
In response ‘Bahman Yar’ again put forward excuses and argued that he would catch cold and fall sick if he were to go out in that extreme cold weather. So saying he went back to sleep.
There was dead silence everywhere and no sound of anything was to be heard. Outside it was still pitch dark except the first light of Subhe Sadiq (true dawn)
in the eastern horizon had commenced to appear.
Suddenly the silence broke with a melodious voice of a Muezzin – caller to prayer from the top of a Minaret at the nearby Mosque. After reciting some verses of
the, Holy Qur’an, the Muezzin in a loud voice said, “Allaho Akber” – Allah is the Greatest. “Ash-Hado An La Ilaha Illallah” – I bear witness that there is no god
except Allah.
Both the tutor and his student quietly listened to the melodious voice of the Muezzin. The call to prayers then followed to the words “Ash-Hado Anna
Muhammadan Rasoolullah” – I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. On hearing this, ‘Ibn Sina’ thought of taking the opportunity of responding to the repeated proposal made to him by ‘Bahman Yar’. He said:
“Listen to me, oh my son ‘Bahman Yar’. Now I wish to reply to your repeated suggestion”. The student sat up to hear attentively of what his learned tutor
abruptly wanted to say. ‘Ibn Sina’ then proceeded:
“You have been suggesting to me several times to claim prophethood, that people would put full faith in me and that you would be the first one to do so. Now look, you have been my close student for several years and benefited from me a great deal, yet you did not think it prudent to obey me by coming out of your warm bed for a moment and bring me water that I badly needed to quench my thirst. Instead
you chose to put forward lame excuses.”
But think of this man who is now calling to prayers at the top of the Minaret after coming out in the coldest weather and making ablution with cold water in the early hour of this morning. It is for no other purpose but in obedience to and respect for the command of Almighty as conveyed by His apostle Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (pbuh) some four hundred years ago.
“What a great difference there is between me and that Prophet sent by Almighty God!”
9 Point Muslim Inreach Campaign
1. Salat
Salat is considered a duty and is the most important act of worship in Islam. We must encourage our sisters and brothers to perform prayer everyday in a timely fashion.
2. Sajada – A reminder in every room
Every Muslim home should have a sajada in its rooms. The prayer rug helps to keep the worshipper clean and comfortable during the prostrations of prayer and is a sign that the home is sanctified for Allah (swt) and enjoys His protection.
3. Quran
Study a portion of the Quran daily. Even a few lines contain the infinite wisdom and knowledge of Allah (swt).
4. Zakat
Give charity daily. When you give to the needy, you are serving as Allah’s (swt) emissary to provide for His Ummah. A Muslims home is a classroom, and keeping a charity box in your home – and offering zakat to it every day – will teach you and your children the noble value of regular giving.
5. A home filled with religious books
Furnish your home with as many religious books as possible. At the very least, get a hold of the Quran, ahadith collections, and the stories of the Sahaba.
6. Halal
Eating is one of the basics of life. Shouldn’t it be done with wisdom? For a healthy and sound soul, eat only halal foods, for when you eat differently, your Islam becomes more than just metaphysical, but part of your very being.
7. Love Your neighbour
The Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “If you are kind to your neighbour, you will be a believer. If you like others to have what you like for yourself, you will be a Muslim” (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1334). Reaching out to your fellow Muslim with patience, love, concern and unity is among the greatest interpersonal act a Muslim can do.
8. Education
Every Muslim boy and girl should receive a Islamic education. Teach your children everything you know about your faith, and provide them with a quality Islamic education – you will be ensuring Muslim integrity, Muslim identity and a Muslim future.
9. Observe Family Purity
Observance of the Islamic marital laws allows you to make the most of your marriage, bringing you and your spouse to new, undiscovered depths of intimacy and sacredness in your relationship.
Salat is considered a duty and is the most important act of worship in Islam. We must encourage our sisters and brothers to perform prayer everyday in a timely fashion.
2. Sajada – A reminder in every room
Every Muslim home should have a sajada in its rooms. The prayer rug helps to keep the worshipper clean and comfortable during the prostrations of prayer and is a sign that the home is sanctified for Allah (swt) and enjoys His protection.
3. Quran
Study a portion of the Quran daily. Even a few lines contain the infinite wisdom and knowledge of Allah (swt).
4. Zakat
Give charity daily. When you give to the needy, you are serving as Allah’s (swt) emissary to provide for His Ummah. A Muslims home is a classroom, and keeping a charity box in your home – and offering zakat to it every day – will teach you and your children the noble value of regular giving.
5. A home filled with religious books
Furnish your home with as many religious books as possible. At the very least, get a hold of the Quran, ahadith collections, and the stories of the Sahaba.
6. Halal
Eating is one of the basics of life. Shouldn’t it be done with wisdom? For a healthy and sound soul, eat only halal foods, for when you eat differently, your Islam becomes more than just metaphysical, but part of your very being.
7. Love Your neighbour
The Prophet Muhammad (saws) said: “If you are kind to your neighbour, you will be a believer. If you like others to have what you like for yourself, you will be a Muslim” (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1334). Reaching out to your fellow Muslim with patience, love, concern and unity is among the greatest interpersonal act a Muslim can do.
8. Education
Every Muslim boy and girl should receive a Islamic education. Teach your children everything you know about your faith, and provide them with a quality Islamic education – you will be ensuring Muslim integrity, Muslim identity and a Muslim future.
9. Observe Family Purity
Observance of the Islamic marital laws allows you to make the most of your marriage, bringing you and your spouse to new, undiscovered depths of intimacy and sacredness in your relationship.
IIFTAR ((BREAK THE FAST))
Anas bin Malik (RA) was one of the companions who had served the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) for many years. He therefore knew the Prophet’s habits very well.
When Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) observed a fast, he usually broke it with milk and dates, and in the small hours of the night, he would take simple food for his Sahar. One day, Anas knew that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was fasting; so he arranged for his Iftar. He kept the milk and dates ready. At the time of Iftar the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not appear, for the breaking of the fast. Anas thought that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) might have accepted an invitation and broken his fast elsewhere. So Anas ate the food himself and retired.
When Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) entered the house with another companion, Anas inquired from the companion whether the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had already eaten. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) had been dealing with some urgent work and was delayed, and he had not eaten.
Anas felt so ashamed. There was nothing left he could offer to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),if he asked for food. Still he waited expectantly, ready to explain the situation to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) immediately sensed that Anas was hesitant, so he remained silent and retired to bed hungry with a cheerful face. The next day he also fasted.
Anas used to say: “The Messenger of God never mentioned this incident during his lifetime to anyone.”
The above actions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) provide us the finest example of a leader unaffected by power and position whereas when we look at the lives of despots and other petty potentates, we see them sporting arrogant airs, trying to humiliate people, and always keeping a distance from the oppressed and the poor.
It will not be out of context here to cite another example from the Prophet’s life. Once a man came to the Messenger of Almighty God but on entering his presence, started trembling with fear. Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) seeing the visitor terribly shaken and nervous, smiled and comforted him with utmost tenderness, saying: “Relax man take it easy, I am no king but the son of a Quraishite
woman who used to eat dried meat.”
How wonderfully he comforts a frightened Arab nomad, who accustomed to the days of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) was scared to death on entering the Prophet’s presence. This is one of the many instances, which prove that he is the Mercy for the human race and not one of those power-drunk despots who kill and terrorize Almighty God’s creatures.
Such supreme examples of kindness and generosity helped build a strong and coherent society and spread love and affection among the believers. Therefore it is obligatory for Muslims to learn a lesson from these admirable manners and tread the brilliant path blazed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). All Muslims should endeavor to acquire these lofty morals, especially those invested with power and authority, so that peace, love and harmony may prevail all around. If it is a real Islamic society, it will naturally be just and free, where everyone can defend their right and even advise those in authority if they happen to err.
When Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) observed a fast, he usually broke it with milk and dates, and in the small hours of the night, he would take simple food for his Sahar. One day, Anas knew that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was fasting; so he arranged for his Iftar. He kept the milk and dates ready. At the time of Iftar the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not appear, for the breaking of the fast. Anas thought that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) might have accepted an invitation and broken his fast elsewhere. So Anas ate the food himself and retired.
When Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) entered the house with another companion, Anas inquired from the companion whether the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had already eaten. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) had been dealing with some urgent work and was delayed, and he had not eaten.
Anas felt so ashamed. There was nothing left he could offer to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),if he asked for food. Still he waited expectantly, ready to explain the situation to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) immediately sensed that Anas was hesitant, so he remained silent and retired to bed hungry with a cheerful face. The next day he also fasted.
Anas used to say: “The Messenger of God never mentioned this incident during his lifetime to anyone.”
The above actions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) provide us the finest example of a leader unaffected by power and position whereas when we look at the lives of despots and other petty potentates, we see them sporting arrogant airs, trying to humiliate people, and always keeping a distance from the oppressed and the poor.
It will not be out of context here to cite another example from the Prophet’s life. Once a man came to the Messenger of Almighty God but on entering his presence, started trembling with fear. Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) seeing the visitor terribly shaken and nervous, smiled and comforted him with utmost tenderness, saying: “Relax man take it easy, I am no king but the son of a Quraishite
woman who used to eat dried meat.”
How wonderfully he comforts a frightened Arab nomad, who accustomed to the days of ignorance (Jahiliyyah) was scared to death on entering the Prophet’s presence. This is one of the many instances, which prove that he is the Mercy for the human race and not one of those power-drunk despots who kill and terrorize Almighty God’s creatures.
Such supreme examples of kindness and generosity helped build a strong and coherent society and spread love and affection among the believers. Therefore it is obligatory for Muslims to learn a lesson from these admirable manners and tread the brilliant path blazed by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). All Muslims should endeavor to acquire these lofty morals, especially those invested with power and authority, so that peace, love and harmony may prevail all around. If it is a real Islamic society, it will naturally be just and free, where everyone can defend their right and even advise those in authority if they happen to err.
The Meaning of Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Why not earlier? In Makkah the economic conditions of the Muslims were bad. They were being persecuted. Often days would go by before they had anything to eat. It is easy to skip meals if you don’t have any. Obviously fasting would have been easier under the circumstances. So why not then?
The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah.
Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab – two full months before Ramadan – the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, used to supplicate thus: “O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha`ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health).”
During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. “If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan,” said the great scholar and reformer Shaikh Ahmed Farooqi. It offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him.
“Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven,” said Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. “Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven.” As other ahadith tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.
Along with the possibility of a great reward, there is the risk of a terrible loss. If we let any other month pass by carelessly, we just lost a month. If we do the same during Ramadan, we have lost everything. The person who misses just one day’s fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life. And of the three persons that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed, one is the unfortunate Muslim who finds Ramadan in good health but does not use the opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy.
One who does not fast is obviously in this category, but so also is the person who fasts and prays but makes no effort to stay away from sins or attain purity of the heart through the numerous opportunities offered by Ramadan. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned us: “There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep.”
Those who understood this, for them Ramadan was indeed a very special month. In addition to fasting, mandatory Salah, and extra Tarawih Salah, they spent the whole month in acts of worship like voluntary Salah, Tilawah (recitation of Qur’an), Dhikr etc. After mentioning that this has been the tradition of the pious people of this Ummah throughout the centuries, Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi notes: “I have seen with my own eyes such ulema and mashaikh [scholars and men of religious knowledge] who used to finish recitation of the entire Qur’an everyday during Ramadan. They spent almost the entire night in prayers. They used to eat so little that one wondered how they could endure all this. These greats valued every moment of Ramadan and would not waste any of it in any other pursuit…Watching them made one believe the astounding stories of `Ibadah and devotion of our elders recorded by history.”
This emphasis on these acts of worship may sound strange – even misplaced – to some. It requires some explanation. We know that the term `Ibadah (worship and obedience) in Islam applies not only to the formal acts of worship and devotion like Salah, Tilawah, and Dhikr, but it also applies to worldly acts when performed in obedience to Shari`ah and with the intention of pleasing Allah. Thus a believer going to work is performing `Ibadah when he seeks Halal income to discharge his responsibility as a breadwinner for the family. However a distinction must be made between the two. The first category consists of direct `Ibadah, acts that are required for their own sake. The second category consists of indirect `Ibadah – worldly acts that become `Ibadah through proper intention and observation of Shari`ah. While the second category is important for it extends the idea of `Ibadah to our entire life, there is also a danger because by their very nature these acts can camouflage other motives. (Is my going to work really `Ibadah or am I actually in the rat race?). Here the direct `Ibadah comes to the rescue. Through them we can purify our motives, and re-establish our relationship with Allah.
Islam does not approve of monasticism. It does not ask us to permanently isolate ourselves from this world, since our test is in living here according to the Commands of our Creator. But it does ask us to take periodic breaks from it. The mandatory Salah (five daily prayers) is one example. For a few minutes every so many hours throughout the day, we leave the affairs of this world and appear before Allah to remind ourselves that none but He is worthy of worship and of our unfaltering obedience. Ramadan takes this to the next higher plane, providing intense training for a whole month.
This spirit is captured in I`tikaf, a unique `Ibadah associated with Ramadan, in which a person gives up all his normal activities and enters a mosque for a specific period. There is great merit in it and every Muslim community is encouraged to provide at least one person who will perform I`tikaf for the last ten days of Ramadan. But even those who cannot spare ten days are encouraged to spend as much time in the mosque as possible.
Through direct `Ibadah we “charge our batteries”; the indirect ones allow us to use the power so accumulated in driving the vehicle of our life. Ramadan is the month for rebuilding our spiritual strength. How much we benefit from it is up to us.
The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah.
Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab – two full months before Ramadan – the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, used to supplicate thus: “O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha`ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health).”
During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. “If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan,” said the great scholar and reformer Shaikh Ahmed Farooqi. It offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him.
“Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven,” said Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. “Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven.” As other ahadith tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.
Along with the possibility of a great reward, there is the risk of a terrible loss. If we let any other month pass by carelessly, we just lost a month. If we do the same during Ramadan, we have lost everything. The person who misses just one day’s fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life. And of the three persons that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed, one is the unfortunate Muslim who finds Ramadan in good health but does not use the opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy.
One who does not fast is obviously in this category, but so also is the person who fasts and prays but makes no effort to stay away from sins or attain purity of the heart through the numerous opportunities offered by Ramadan. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned us: “There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep.”
Those who understood this, for them Ramadan was indeed a very special month. In addition to fasting, mandatory Salah, and extra Tarawih Salah, they spent the whole month in acts of worship like voluntary Salah, Tilawah (recitation of Qur’an), Dhikr etc. After mentioning that this has been the tradition of the pious people of this Ummah throughout the centuries, Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi notes: “I have seen with my own eyes such ulema and mashaikh [scholars and men of religious knowledge] who used to finish recitation of the entire Qur’an everyday during Ramadan. They spent almost the entire night in prayers. They used to eat so little that one wondered how they could endure all this. These greats valued every moment of Ramadan and would not waste any of it in any other pursuit…Watching them made one believe the astounding stories of `Ibadah and devotion of our elders recorded by history.”
This emphasis on these acts of worship may sound strange – even misplaced – to some. It requires some explanation. We know that the term `Ibadah (worship and obedience) in Islam applies not only to the formal acts of worship and devotion like Salah, Tilawah, and Dhikr, but it also applies to worldly acts when performed in obedience to Shari`ah and with the intention of pleasing Allah. Thus a believer going to work is performing `Ibadah when he seeks Halal income to discharge his responsibility as a breadwinner for the family. However a distinction must be made between the two. The first category consists of direct `Ibadah, acts that are required for their own sake. The second category consists of indirect `Ibadah – worldly acts that become `Ibadah through proper intention and observation of Shari`ah. While the second category is important for it extends the idea of `Ibadah to our entire life, there is also a danger because by their very nature these acts can camouflage other motives. (Is my going to work really `Ibadah or am I actually in the rat race?). Here the direct `Ibadah comes to the rescue. Through them we can purify our motives, and re-establish our relationship with Allah.
Islam does not approve of monasticism. It does not ask us to permanently isolate ourselves from this world, since our test is in living here according to the Commands of our Creator. But it does ask us to take periodic breaks from it. The mandatory Salah (five daily prayers) is one example. For a few minutes every so many hours throughout the day, we leave the affairs of this world and appear before Allah to remind ourselves that none but He is worthy of worship and of our unfaltering obedience. Ramadan takes this to the next higher plane, providing intense training for a whole month.
This spirit is captured in I`tikaf, a unique `Ibadah associated with Ramadan, in which a person gives up all his normal activities and enters a mosque for a specific period. There is great merit in it and every Muslim community is encouraged to provide at least one person who will perform I`tikaf for the last ten days of Ramadan. But even those who cannot spare ten days are encouraged to spend as much time in the mosque as possible.
Through direct `Ibadah we “charge our batteries”; the indirect ones allow us to use the power so accumulated in driving the vehicle of our life. Ramadan is the month for rebuilding our spiritual strength. How much we benefit from it is up to us.
Ramadhan
Assalaamu’alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh -
May God’s peace and blessings be upon you
Wishing you a very blessed and prosperous Happy Ramadan. May Allah (God) bring happiness, peace, reward, and joy to all of you and your families and to all of humanity. We hope that this sacred month is a source of blessing and happiness and that all good works are accepted.
In this blessed month of Ramadan,
May Allah the Almighty shower his choicest blessings on all of us.
May HE make our Iman stronger.
May HE forgive all our sins, short comings and mistakes.
May HE fulfill all our desires.
May HE safeguard us from all calamities and troubles.
May Allah assist us all in rushing towards good deeds and staying away from the bad. May all of our efforts and prayers (duas) in this blessed month be accepted by Allah. Ameen.
“We are also reminded that our iman (faith) cannot be blind faith; it must be active in reflecting, pondering, enriching our understanding, expanding our knowledge and contemplating our successes in this life and in the Hereafter. Insha Allah, this month will provide us all with the opportunity to continue to act upon such deeds. The opportunity to nourish our deen (Way of life) and increase the noor (light) in our hearts. The opportunity to fortify ourselves for the challenges of today, tomorrow, the next day, the next month, and beyond.”
Muslims believe Ramadan is a month in which the rewards for good deeds and generosity are multiplied. Let us do all that we can to reap the benefits of this blessed month. May God Almighty make this month a source of light and strength and may He uplift our condition through His Mercy.
Please remember all Muslims and for the well being of all humanity in your daily prayers/duas. Ramadan Mubarak (Blessings) and may God Almighty reward you abundantly.
Respectfully in Prayers & Duas always/ wa Salaam,
Benefits from Ramadan
1. It strengthens one’s ties with Allah and trains the soul to observe duties of devotion in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh).
2. It enforces patience and determination in the Muslim individual.
3. It promotes the principle of sincerity by keeping the Muslim away from arrogance and showing off, since it is an act between the individual and his Creator.
4. It promotes good character, particularly truthfulness and trust-worthiness.
5. It encourages the Muslim to do away with bad habits and change his/her circumstances for the better.
6. It enhances generosity, hospitality, and spending on charitable causes.
7. It reinforces feelings of unity and brotherhood among Muslims.
8. It instills orderliness and close observance of the value of time.
9. It serves as an opportunity for children to perform acts of obedience and to practice Islamic acts of worship.
10. It offers a chance to balance one’s attention to both physical and spiritual needs.
Herewith, we share with you once again:
Allah’s Apostle said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:”… whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
“…whoever witnesses the Month of Ramadan should fast through it…” Quran [2:185]
“Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong)” [Quran 2:183]
“Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and rightousness” [Quran, al-Baqarah, 2:183]
“…And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.” [Quran 2:184]
On the last day of one Sha’ban, Prophet Muhammad (saws), gave a Khutbah about the upcoming month of Ramadan. It is a very important Khutbah that we should carefully read before every Ramadan to prepare ourselves mentally for the sacred month.
It begins:
“Oh people! A great month is coming to you. A blessed month. A month in which there is one night that is better than a thousand months. A month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night.
Whoever draws nearer to Allah by performing any of the voluntary good deeds in this month shall receive the same reward as is there for performing an obligatory deed at any other time. And whoever discharges an obligatory deed in this month shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time.
It is the month of Sabr (patience), and the reward for sabr is Heaven. It is the month of kindness and charity. It is a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased.
Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without the latter’s reward being diminished at all.” [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
May God’s peace and blessings be upon you
Wishing you a very blessed and prosperous Happy Ramadan. May Allah (God) bring happiness, peace, reward, and joy to all of you and your families and to all of humanity. We hope that this sacred month is a source of blessing and happiness and that all good works are accepted.
In this blessed month of Ramadan,
May Allah the Almighty shower his choicest blessings on all of us.
May HE make our Iman stronger.
May HE forgive all our sins, short comings and mistakes.
May HE fulfill all our desires.
May HE safeguard us from all calamities and troubles.
May Allah assist us all in rushing towards good deeds and staying away from the bad. May all of our efforts and prayers (duas) in this blessed month be accepted by Allah. Ameen.
“We are also reminded that our iman (faith) cannot be blind faith; it must be active in reflecting, pondering, enriching our understanding, expanding our knowledge and contemplating our successes in this life and in the Hereafter. Insha Allah, this month will provide us all with the opportunity to continue to act upon such deeds. The opportunity to nourish our deen (Way of life) and increase the noor (light) in our hearts. The opportunity to fortify ourselves for the challenges of today, tomorrow, the next day, the next month, and beyond.”
Muslims believe Ramadan is a month in which the rewards for good deeds and generosity are multiplied. Let us do all that we can to reap the benefits of this blessed month. May God Almighty make this month a source of light and strength and may He uplift our condition through His Mercy.
Please remember all Muslims and for the well being of all humanity in your daily prayers/duas. Ramadan Mubarak (Blessings) and may God Almighty reward you abundantly.
Respectfully in Prayers & Duas always/ wa Salaam,
Benefits from Ramadan
1. It strengthens one’s ties with Allah and trains the soul to observe duties of devotion in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh).
2. It enforces patience and determination in the Muslim individual.
3. It promotes the principle of sincerity by keeping the Muslim away from arrogance and showing off, since it is an act between the individual and his Creator.
4. It promotes good character, particularly truthfulness and trust-worthiness.
5. It encourages the Muslim to do away with bad habits and change his/her circumstances for the better.
6. It enhances generosity, hospitality, and spending on charitable causes.
7. It reinforces feelings of unity and brotherhood among Muslims.
8. It instills orderliness and close observance of the value of time.
9. It serves as an opportunity for children to perform acts of obedience and to practice Islamic acts of worship.
10. It offers a chance to balance one’s attention to both physical and spiritual needs.
Herewith, we share with you once again:
Allah’s Apostle said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a): The Prophet said:”… whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]
“…whoever witnesses the Month of Ramadan should fast through it…” Quran [2:185]
“Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong)” [Quran 2:183]
“Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and rightousness” [Quran, al-Baqarah, 2:183]
“…And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.” [Quran 2:184]
On the last day of one Sha’ban, Prophet Muhammad (saws), gave a Khutbah about the upcoming month of Ramadan. It is a very important Khutbah that we should carefully read before every Ramadan to prepare ourselves mentally for the sacred month.
It begins:
“Oh people! A great month is coming to you. A blessed month. A month in which there is one night that is better than a thousand months. A month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night.
Whoever draws nearer to Allah by performing any of the voluntary good deeds in this month shall receive the same reward as is there for performing an obligatory deed at any other time. And whoever discharges an obligatory deed in this month shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time.
It is the month of Sabr (patience), and the reward for sabr is Heaven. It is the month of kindness and charity. It is a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased.
Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without the latter’s reward being diminished at all.” [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
Medicine for Diabetics
A woman (65) was diabetic for the last 20+ years and was taking
insulin twice a day,
she used the enclosed homemade medicine for a fortnight and now
she is absolutely free of diabetes and taking all her food as normal
including sweets ………… ………. ……
The doctors have advised her to stop insulin and any other blood sugar
controlling drugs.
I request you all please circulate the email below to as many people
as you can and
let them take the maximum benefit from it.
AS RECEIVED :
DR. TONY ALMEIDA ( Bombay Kidney Speciality expert ) made the extensive
experiments with perseverance and patience and discovered a successful
treatment for diabetes.
Now a days a lot of people, old men & women in particular suffer a lot
due to Diabetes.
Ingredients:
1 – Wheat flour 100 gm
2 – Gum(of tree) (gondh) 100 gm
3 – Barley 100 gm
4 – Black Seeds (kalunji) 100 gm
Method of Preparation Put all the above ingredients in 5 cups of water.
Boil it for 10 minutes and put off the fire. Allow it to cool down by itself.
When it has become cold, filter out the seeds and preserve the water
in a glass jug or bottle.
How to use it?
Take one small cup of this water every day early morning when your
stomach is empty.
Continue this for 7 days. Next week repeat the same but on alternate
days. With these 2 weeks of treatment you
will wonder to see that you have become normal and can eat normal food
without problem.
Note: A request is to spread this to as many as possible so that
others can also take benefit out of it.
insulin twice a day,
she used the enclosed homemade medicine for a fortnight and now
she is absolutely free of diabetes and taking all her food as normal
including sweets ………… ………. ……
The doctors have advised her to stop insulin and any other blood sugar
controlling drugs.
I request you all please circulate the email below to as many people
as you can and
let them take the maximum benefit from it.
AS RECEIVED :
DR. TONY ALMEIDA ( Bombay Kidney Speciality expert ) made the extensive
experiments with perseverance and patience and discovered a successful
treatment for diabetes.
Now a days a lot of people, old men & women in particular suffer a lot
due to Diabetes.
Ingredients:
1 – Wheat flour 100 gm
2 – Gum(of tree) (gondh) 100 gm
3 – Barley 100 gm
4 – Black Seeds (kalunji) 100 gm
Method of Preparation Put all the above ingredients in 5 cups of water.
Boil it for 10 minutes and put off the fire. Allow it to cool down by itself.
When it has become cold, filter out the seeds and preserve the water
in a glass jug or bottle.
How to use it?
Take one small cup of this water every day early morning when your
stomach is empty.
Continue this for 7 days. Next week repeat the same but on alternate
days. With these 2 weeks of treatment you
will wonder to see that you have become normal and can eat normal food
without problem.
Note: A request is to spread this to as many as possible so that
others can also take benefit out of it.
The Family and Ramadan
The family and Ramadaan
Praise be to Allaah.
It is one of the blessings of Allaah to the Muslim that He enables him to fast in Ramadaan and to spend its nights in prayer. It is a month in which good deeds are multiplied and people are raised in status, when Allaah frees some people from the Fire. So the Muslim should strive to make the most of this month and the goodness it brings; he should hasten to spend his life in worship. How many people have been deprived of this month because of sickness, death or misguidance.
The Muslim must make the most of his time during this month; he has an unavoidable duty towards his children, to raise them well and bring them up properly, to urge them to do all kinds of goodness and make them get used to that – because the child will grow up in the manner to which his father makes him get accustomed.
During these blessed days, the father and mother have a role to play in making the most of this time, and we can offer parents the following advice:
1 – Checking on the children’s fasting and encouraging those who fall short in this regard.
2– Reminding them about the real nature of fasting, and that it is not just giving up food and drink, but it is a means of attaining taqwa (piety), and that it is an opportunity for sins to be forgiven and expiated.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ascended the minbar and said: “Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.” It was said to him, “O Messenger of Allaah, why did you do that?” He said, “Jibreel said to me, `May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, `Ameen’. Then he said, `May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise,’ and I said, `Ameen’. Then he said, `May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, `Ameen.’”
Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 1888; al-Tirmidhi, 3545; Ahmad, 7444; Ibn Hibbaan, 908. See Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3501.
3 – Teaching them the etiquette and rulings on eating, such as eating with the right hand from what is directly in front of them; reminding them that extravagance is haraam and is harmful to the body.
4 – Not letting them spend too long on eating iftaar so that they miss praying Maghrib in congregation.
5 – Reminding them about the situation of the poor and destitute who cannot find even a mouthful of food to quench the fires of hunger; reminding them of the situation of those who have migrated or are fighting in jihad for the sake of Allaah in all places.
6 – These gatherings offer an opportunity to bring relatives together and uphold the ties of kinship. This custom still exists in some countries, and it is an opportunity to reconcile and mend broken ties between relatives.
7 – Helping the mother to prepare the food, and to clean up and keep the food fit for eating.
8 – Reminding them to pray qiyaam (taraweeh) and to prepare for it by not eating too much and to get ready in time to perform the prayer in the mosque.
9 – With regard to suhoor, the parents should remind the family of the barakah (blessing) of suhoor and that it gives a person the strength to fast.
10 – Allowing enough time before Fajr prayer so that those who have not prayed Witr may do so, and so that those who have delayed their prayer until the end of the night may pray, and so that each person may make du’aa’ to his Lord as he wishes.
11 – Paying attention to praying Fajr on time in congregation in the mosque, for those who are required to do so. We have seen many people who wake up at the end of the night to eat, then they go back to bed and neglect Fajr prayer.
12 – It was the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the last ten days of Ramadaan to stay up at night and wake his family. This indicates that the family should pay attention to making the most of this blessed time in doing things that are pleasing to Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted. So the husband should wake his wife and children to do that which will bring them closer to their Lord.
13 – There may be small children in the house who need to be encouraged to fast, so the father should urge them to get up for suhoor, and encourage them to fast by praising them and giving a reward to the one who fasts the whole month or half of it, and so on.
It was narrated that al-Rubayyi’ bint Mu’awwidh said: On the morning of `Ashoora’ the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent word to the villages of the Ansaar saying, “Whoever started out not fasting, let him not eat for the rest of the day, and whoever started the day fasting, let him fast.” She said: We used to fast and make our children fast, [and take them to the mosques] and make toys for them out of wool, then if one of them cried for food we would give him that toy until iftaar.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1859; Muslim, 1136 – the words in square brackets were narrated by Muslim.
Al-Nawawi said:
This hadeeth shows that we should train children to do acts of worship and get them used to that, but they are not accountable. Al-Qaadi said: It was narrated from `Urwah that when they are able to fast it becomes obligatory upon them. This is a mistake which is disproven by the saheeh hadeeth, “The Pen is lifted from three: from the child until he reaches adolescence…” And Allaah knows best.
Sharh Muslim, 8/14
14 – If possible, the father and mother should take the family for `Umrah in Ramadaan, and that is something that will benefit them in the Hereafter,, themselves and their family, for `Umrah during Ramadaan has the same reward as Hajj. It is better to go at the beginning of Ramadaan so as to avoid the crowds.
15 – The husband should not overburden his wife with more than she can bear of having to prepare food and sweets. Many people take this month to prepare fancy foods and drinks, and they go extremes in that. This detracts from the sweetness of this month and goes against the reason for fasting, which is to attain piety.
16 – The month of Ramadaan is the month of the Qur’aan, so we suggest that each family gets together to read Qur’aan. The father should teach his family to recite Qur’aan and help them to understand the meanings of the verses. In the same gathering they may also read a book about the rulings and etiquette of fasting. Allaah has enabled many scholars and seekers of knowledge to write books which can be used for preaching and teaching during Ramadaan; the books are divided into thirty parts, so one topic can be read each day, and this will benefit everyone.
17 – They should be encouraged to spend and check on their neighbours and the needy.
It was narrated that Ibn `Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous during Ramadaan when Jibreel met him. He would meet him each night and revise the Qur’aan with him. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was more generous than the blowing wind.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308.
18 – The parents should prevent their families and children from staying up late at night and wasting their time in things that are of no benefit, let alone things that are haraam. For the devils among mankind are more active in this month in promoting evil things and acts of immorality to those who are fasting, during the nights of Ramadaan and during the days.
19 – They should remember the family’s meeting in Allaah’s Paradise in the Hereafter, and the great joy of meeting there under the shade of His throne. These blessed gatherings in this world and coming together to obey Allaah by seeking knowledge, fasting and praying are only the means that lead to attaining that happiness.
Praise be to Allaah.
It is one of the blessings of Allaah to the Muslim that He enables him to fast in Ramadaan and to spend its nights in prayer. It is a month in which good deeds are multiplied and people are raised in status, when Allaah frees some people from the Fire. So the Muslim should strive to make the most of this month and the goodness it brings; he should hasten to spend his life in worship. How many people have been deprived of this month because of sickness, death or misguidance.
The Muslim must make the most of his time during this month; he has an unavoidable duty towards his children, to raise them well and bring them up properly, to urge them to do all kinds of goodness and make them get used to that – because the child will grow up in the manner to which his father makes him get accustomed.
During these blessed days, the father and mother have a role to play in making the most of this time, and we can offer parents the following advice:
1 – Checking on the children’s fasting and encouraging those who fall short in this regard.
2– Reminding them about the real nature of fasting, and that it is not just giving up food and drink, but it is a means of attaining taqwa (piety), and that it is an opportunity for sins to be forgiven and expiated.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ascended the minbar and said: “Ameen, Ameen, Ameen.” It was said to him, “O Messenger of Allaah, why did you do that?” He said, “Jibreel said to me, `May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who Ramadaan comes and his sins are not forgiven,’ and I said, `Ameen’. Then he said, `May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person who lives to see his parents grow old, one or both of them, but he does not enter Paradise,’ and I said, `Ameen’. Then he said, `May Allaah rub his nose in the dust, that person in whose presence you are mentioned and he does not send blessings upon you,’ and I said, `Ameen.’”
Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah, 1888; al-Tirmidhi, 3545; Ahmad, 7444; Ibn Hibbaan, 908. See Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3501.
3 – Teaching them the etiquette and rulings on eating, such as eating with the right hand from what is directly in front of them; reminding them that extravagance is haraam and is harmful to the body.
4 – Not letting them spend too long on eating iftaar so that they miss praying Maghrib in congregation.
5 – Reminding them about the situation of the poor and destitute who cannot find even a mouthful of food to quench the fires of hunger; reminding them of the situation of those who have migrated or are fighting in jihad for the sake of Allaah in all places.
6 – These gatherings offer an opportunity to bring relatives together and uphold the ties of kinship. This custom still exists in some countries, and it is an opportunity to reconcile and mend broken ties between relatives.
7 – Helping the mother to prepare the food, and to clean up and keep the food fit for eating.
8 – Reminding them to pray qiyaam (taraweeh) and to prepare for it by not eating too much and to get ready in time to perform the prayer in the mosque.
9 – With regard to suhoor, the parents should remind the family of the barakah (blessing) of suhoor and that it gives a person the strength to fast.
10 – Allowing enough time before Fajr prayer so that those who have not prayed Witr may do so, and so that those who have delayed their prayer until the end of the night may pray, and so that each person may make du’aa’ to his Lord as he wishes.
11 – Paying attention to praying Fajr on time in congregation in the mosque, for those who are required to do so. We have seen many people who wake up at the end of the night to eat, then they go back to bed and neglect Fajr prayer.
12 – It was the practice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) in the last ten days of Ramadaan to stay up at night and wake his family. This indicates that the family should pay attention to making the most of this blessed time in doing things that are pleasing to Allaah, may He be glorified and exalted. So the husband should wake his wife and children to do that which will bring them closer to their Lord.
13 – There may be small children in the house who need to be encouraged to fast, so the father should urge them to get up for suhoor, and encourage them to fast by praising them and giving a reward to the one who fasts the whole month or half of it, and so on.
It was narrated that al-Rubayyi’ bint Mu’awwidh said: On the morning of `Ashoora’ the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sent word to the villages of the Ansaar saying, “Whoever started out not fasting, let him not eat for the rest of the day, and whoever started the day fasting, let him fast.” She said: We used to fast and make our children fast, [and take them to the mosques] and make toys for them out of wool, then if one of them cried for food we would give him that toy until iftaar.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1859; Muslim, 1136 – the words in square brackets were narrated by Muslim.
Al-Nawawi said:
This hadeeth shows that we should train children to do acts of worship and get them used to that, but they are not accountable. Al-Qaadi said: It was narrated from `Urwah that when they are able to fast it becomes obligatory upon them. This is a mistake which is disproven by the saheeh hadeeth, “The Pen is lifted from three: from the child until he reaches adolescence…” And Allaah knows best.
Sharh Muslim, 8/14
14 – If possible, the father and mother should take the family for `Umrah in Ramadaan, and that is something that will benefit them in the Hereafter,, themselves and their family, for `Umrah during Ramadaan has the same reward as Hajj. It is better to go at the beginning of Ramadaan so as to avoid the crowds.
15 – The husband should not overburden his wife with more than she can bear of having to prepare food and sweets. Many people take this month to prepare fancy foods and drinks, and they go extremes in that. This detracts from the sweetness of this month and goes against the reason for fasting, which is to attain piety.
16 – The month of Ramadaan is the month of the Qur’aan, so we suggest that each family gets together to read Qur’aan. The father should teach his family to recite Qur’aan and help them to understand the meanings of the verses. In the same gathering they may also read a book about the rulings and etiquette of fasting. Allaah has enabled many scholars and seekers of knowledge to write books which can be used for preaching and teaching during Ramadaan; the books are divided into thirty parts, so one topic can be read each day, and this will benefit everyone.
17 – They should be encouraged to spend and check on their neighbours and the needy.
It was narrated that Ibn `Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was at his most generous during Ramadaan when Jibreel met him. He would meet him each night and revise the Qur’aan with him. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was more generous than the blowing wind.
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308.
18 – The parents should prevent their families and children from staying up late at night and wasting their time in things that are of no benefit, let alone things that are haraam. For the devils among mankind are more active in this month in promoting evil things and acts of immorality to those who are fasting, during the nights of Ramadaan and during the days.
19 – They should remember the family’s meeting in Allaah’s Paradise in the Hereafter, and the great joy of meeting there under the shade of His throne. These blessed gatherings in this world and coming together to obey Allaah by seeking knowledge, fasting and praying are only the means that lead to attaining that happiness.
Tahajjud Prayer
Tahajjud Prayer
(Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith)
1. The superiority of Tahajjud prayerHadith 2.221
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (Radhiallah hu Taala anhu) When the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) got up at night to offer the Tahajjud prayer, he used to say:
Allahumma lakal-hamd. Anta qaiyimus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, Laka mulkus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, anta nurus-samawati wal-ard. Walakal-hamd, anta-l-Haq wa wa’duka-l-Haq, wa liqa’uka Haq, wa qualuka Haq, wal-jannatu Haq, wan-naru Haq wan-nabiyuna Haq, wa Muhammadun, sallal-lahu’alaihi wasallam, Haq, was-sa’atu Haq. Allahumma aslamtu Laka, wabika aamantu, wa ‘Alaika tawakkaltu, wa ilaika anabtu, wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu, faghfir li ma qaddamtu wama akh-khartu wama as-rartu wama’a lantu, anta-l-muqaddim wa anta-l-mu akh-khir, la ilaha illa anta (or la ilaha ghairuka).
(O Allah! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth And all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; And all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, And to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth And Paradise is true And Hell is true And all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true; And Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) is true, And the Day of Resurrection is true. O Allah ! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You. And repent to You, And with Your help I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers) And I take You as a judge (to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but you . Sufyan said that ‘Abdul Karim Abu Umaiya added to the above, ‘Wala haula Wala quwata illa billah’ (There is neither might nor power except with Allah
(Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith)
1. The superiority of Tahajjud prayerHadith 2.221
Narrated by Ibn Abbas (Radhiallah hu Taala anhu) When the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) got up at night to offer the Tahajjud prayer, he used to say:
Allahumma lakal-hamd. Anta qaiyimus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, Laka mulkus-samawati wal-ard wa man fihinna. Walakal-hamd, anta nurus-samawati wal-ard. Walakal-hamd, anta-l-Haq wa wa’duka-l-Haq, wa liqa’uka Haq, wa qualuka Haq, wal-jannatu Haq, wan-naru Haq wan-nabiyuna Haq, wa Muhammadun, sallal-lahu’alaihi wasallam, Haq, was-sa’atu Haq. Allahumma aslamtu Laka, wabika aamantu, wa ‘Alaika tawakkaltu, wa ilaika anabtu, wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu, faghfir li ma qaddamtu wama akh-khartu wama as-rartu wama’a lantu, anta-l-muqaddim wa anta-l-mu akh-khir, la ilaha illa anta (or la ilaha ghairuka).
(O Allah! All the praises are for you, You are the Holder of the Heavens and the Earth, And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You have the possession of the Heavens and the Earth And whatever is in them. All the praises are for You; You are the Light of the Heavens and the Earth And all the praises are for You; You are the King of the Heavens and the Earth; And all the praises are for You; You are the Truth and Your Promise is the truth, And to meet You is true, Your Word is the truth And Paradise is true And Hell is true And all the Prophets (Peace be upon them) are true; And Muhammad (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) is true, And the Day of Resurrection is true. O Allah ! I surrender (my will) to You; I believe in You and depend on You. And repent to You, And with Your help I argue (with my opponents, the non-believers) And I take You as a judge (to judge between us). Please forgive me my previous And future sins; And whatever I concealed or revealed And You are the One who make (some people) forward And (some) backward. There is none to be worshipped but you . Sufyan said that ‘Abdul Karim Abu Umaiya added to the above, ‘Wala haula Wala quwata illa billah’ (There is neither might nor power except with Allah
Hadith On Friday *Happy Jumah*
A Hadith on Friday
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was expelled (from Paradise), on it his contrition was accepted, on it he died, and on it the Last Hour will take place. On Friday every beast is on the lookout from dawn to sunrise in fear of the Last Hour, but not jinn and men, and it contains a time at which no Muslim prays and asks anything from Allah but He will give it to him.”
Ka’b said: “That is one day every year.”
So I said: “It is on every Friday.”
Ka’b read the Torah and said: “The Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) has spoken the truth.”
Abu Hurayrah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said: “I met Abdullah ibn Salam (Radhi Allahu Anhu) and told him of my meeting with Ka’b.”
Abdullah ibn Salam (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said: “I know what time it is.”
Abu Hurayrah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said: “I asked him to tell me about it.”
Abdullah ibn Salam said: “It is at the very end of Friday.”
I asked: “How can it be when the Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) has said: “No Muslim finds it while he is praying….” and this is the moment when no prayer is offered.”
Abdullah ibn Salam said: “Has the Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) not said: “If anyone is seated waiting for the prayer, he is engaged in the prayer until he observes it.”
I said: “Yes, it is so.”
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (Radhi Allahu Anhu): The Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) said:
“The best day on which the sun has risen is Friday; on it Adam was created, on it he was expelled (from Paradise), on it his contrition was accepted, on it he died, and on it the Last Hour will take place. On Friday every beast is on the lookout from dawn to sunrise in fear of the Last Hour, but not jinn and men, and it contains a time at which no Muslim prays and asks anything from Allah but He will give it to him.”
Ka’b said: “That is one day every year.”
So I said: “It is on every Friday.”
Ka’b read the Torah and said: “The Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) has spoken the truth.”
Abu Hurayrah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said: “I met Abdullah ibn Salam (Radhi Allahu Anhu) and told him of my meeting with Ka’b.”
Abdullah ibn Salam (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said: “I know what time it is.”
Abu Hurayrah (Radhi Allahu Anhu) said: “I asked him to tell me about it.”
Abdullah ibn Salam said: “It is at the very end of Friday.”
I asked: “How can it be when the Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) has said: “No Muslim finds it while he is praying….” and this is the moment when no prayer is offered.”
Abdullah ibn Salam said: “Has the Apostle of Allah (Sallallahu ‘Alayhi wa Sallam) not said: “If anyone is seated waiting for the prayer, he is engaged in the prayer until he observes it.”
I said: “Yes, it is so.”
Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)
Crowning Glory
Laylatul Qadr is the crowning glory of the holy month of Ramadhaan. It is associated with the sending down of the Qur’an Majeed, the last Book of Allah on His last Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), for the guidance of mankind. The Qur’an Majeed describes this Night.
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ
لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
سَلاَمٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ
“We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the Angels and the Spirit (Jibraeel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of Morn!” (Surah 97)
The Night of Power is the night of spiritual bliss. Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said concerning Ramadhaan:
“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person”. (Ibn Majah)
“Whosoever stands up (in prayer) at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”(Targhib)
Better than a thousand months
A thousand months are equivalent to 83 years and 4 months. Fortunate is the person who spends this night in prayer. The man or woman, who prays for the whole night during this Night, will deserve blessings and reward for the period as if he or she had been praying for eighty three years and four months consecutively. Since the Night of Power is better than one thousand months no one can actually measure the extent as to how much better it is.
Exclusive
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Laylatul Qadr has been bestowed by Allah to my Ummah (People). It was not given to any people before this.” (Dur-Mansoor).
How manifest and replete the special bounties and mercies of Allah Ta’ala are upon this Ummat is quite really beyond imagination. It will therefore be extremely foolish to allow ourselves to be deprived of these great blessings at the expense of sheer laziness and a few hours of extra sleep.
Which Night is it?
Although there are different reports in different traditions regarding the exact night, it is almost unanimous that the blessed night occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night.
The popular opinion is, however, in favour of the 27th Night of Ramadhaan but that is not absolutely certain. The traditions indicate that it is to be sought in one of the last ten nights and preferably in the last three odd nights. It was therefore the practice of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his companions to make I’tikaaf in the Mosque for the whole time offering Divine service during the last ten days of Ramadhaan.
Hazrath Aisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reported that the Apostle of Allah said: “Search for the Blessed Night in the odd (nights) from the last ten (nights) of Ramadhaan” (Bukhari).
Hazrath Aisha has narrated another saying:
“I asked: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I were to find a Night of Power, what should I recite therein?” Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised her to recite:
Al-laa-hum-ma in-na-ka ‘afoow-wan tu-hib-bul-’af wa fa-fu ‘an-ni.
O Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me. (Bukhari).
Special attention should therefore be given to the excessive recitation of this dua on the blessed night. Furthermore one may engage in lengthy rakaats of Tahajjud salaat, Tilaawat of the Qur’an� Dua, Zikr, etc.
The worship and the vigil of the Night of Power are a treat to the soul. The heart tends to melt into tears of heartfelt gratitude. The body is in a state of angelic ecstasy The soul strives to reach nearer to Almighty Allah. In this holy month of Ramadhaan let us strive to seek the Night of Power and its bliss. May Allah reward us with His bountiful blessings. Aameen.
Laylatul Qadr is the crowning glory of the holy month of Ramadhaan. It is associated with the sending down of the Qur’an Majeed, the last Book of Allah on His last Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), for the guidance of mankind. The Qur’an Majeed describes this Night.
إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ
لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
سَلاَمٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ
“We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the Angels and the Spirit (Jibraeel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of Morn!” (Surah 97)
The Night of Power is the night of spiritual bliss. Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said concerning Ramadhaan:
“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person”. (Ibn Majah)
“Whosoever stands up (in prayer) at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”(Targhib)
Better than a thousand months
A thousand months are equivalent to 83 years and 4 months. Fortunate is the person who spends this night in prayer. The man or woman, who prays for the whole night during this Night, will deserve blessings and reward for the period as if he or she had been praying for eighty three years and four months consecutively. Since the Night of Power is better than one thousand months no one can actually measure the extent as to how much better it is.
Exclusive
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Laylatul Qadr has been bestowed by Allah to my Ummah (People). It was not given to any people before this.” (Dur-Mansoor).
How manifest and replete the special bounties and mercies of Allah Ta’ala are upon this Ummat is quite really beyond imagination. It will therefore be extremely foolish to allow ourselves to be deprived of these great blessings at the expense of sheer laziness and a few hours of extra sleep.
Which Night is it?
Although there are different reports in different traditions regarding the exact night, it is almost unanimous that the blessed night occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night.
The popular opinion is, however, in favour of the 27th Night of Ramadhaan but that is not absolutely certain. The traditions indicate that it is to be sought in one of the last ten nights and preferably in the last three odd nights. It was therefore the practice of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his companions to make I’tikaaf in the Mosque for the whole time offering Divine service during the last ten days of Ramadhaan.
Hazrath Aisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reported that the Apostle of Allah said: “Search for the Blessed Night in the odd (nights) from the last ten (nights) of Ramadhaan” (Bukhari).
Hazrath Aisha has narrated another saying:
“I asked: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I were to find a Night of Power, what should I recite therein?” Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised her to recite:
Al-laa-hum-ma in-na-ka ‘afoow-wan tu-hib-bul-’af wa fa-fu ‘an-ni.
O Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me. (Bukhari).
Special attention should therefore be given to the excessive recitation of this dua on the blessed night. Furthermore one may engage in lengthy rakaats of Tahajjud salaat, Tilaawat of the Qur’an� Dua, Zikr, etc.
The worship and the vigil of the Night of Power are a treat to the soul. The heart tends to melt into tears of heartfelt gratitude. The body is in a state of angelic ecstasy The soul strives to reach nearer to Almighty Allah. In this holy month of Ramadhaan let us strive to seek the Night of Power and its bliss. May Allah reward us with His bountiful blessings. Aameen.
Ramadan Duas Day 01 To Day 10
Ramadan Dua: DAY 1
ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 2
ALLAH, on this day, take me closer towards Your pleasure, keep me away from Your anger and punishment, grant me the opportunity to recite Your verses (of the Qur’an), by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 3
ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by You generosity, O the most Generous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 4
ALLAH, on this day, strengthen me in carrying out Your commands, let me taste the sweetness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your graciousness, that I give thanks to You. Protect me, with Your protection and cover, O the most discerning of those who see.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 5
ALLAH, on this day, place me among those who seek forgiveness. Place me among Your righteous and obedient servants, and place me among Your close friends, by Your kindness, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 6
ALLAH, on this day, do not let me abase myself by incurring Your disobedience, and do not strike me with the whip of Your punishment, keep me away from the causes of Your anger, by and Your power, O the ultimate wish of those who desire.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 7
ALLAH, on this day, help me with its fasts and prayers, and keep me away from mistakes and sins of the day, grant me that I remember You continuously through the day, by Your assistance, O the Guide of those who stray.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 8
ALLAH, on this day, let me have mercy on the orphans, and feed [the hungry], and spread peace, and keep company with the noble-minded, O the shelter of the hopeful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 9
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share from Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the hope of the desirous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 10
ALLAH, on this day, make me, among those who rely on You, from those who You consider successful, and place me among those who are near to you, by Your favor, O goal of the seekers.
ALLAH, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 2
ALLAH, on this day, take me closer towards Your pleasure, keep me away from Your anger and punishment, grant me the opportunity to recite Your verses (of the Qur’an), by Your mercy, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 3
ALLAH, on this day, grant me wisdom and awareness, keep me away from foolishness and pretension, grant me a share in every blessing You send down, by You generosity, O the most Generous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 4
ALLAH, on this day, strengthen me in carrying out Your commands, let me taste the sweetness of Your remembrance, grant me, through Your graciousness, that I give thanks to You. Protect me, with Your protection and cover, O the most discerning of those who see.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 5
ALLAH, on this day, place me among those who seek forgiveness. Place me among Your righteous and obedient servants, and place me among Your close friends, by Your kindness, O the most Merciful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 6
ALLAH, on this day, do not let me abase myself by incurring Your disobedience, and do not strike me with the whip of Your punishment, keep me away from the causes of Your anger, by and Your power, O the ultimate wish of those who desire.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 7
ALLAH, on this day, help me with its fasts and prayers, and keep me away from mistakes and sins of the day, grant me that I remember You continuously through the day, by Your assistance, O the Guide of those who stray.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 8
ALLAH, on this day, let me have mercy on the orphans, and feed [the hungry], and spread peace, and keep company with the noble-minded, O the shelter of the hopeful.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 9
ALLAH, on this day, grant me a share from Your mercy which is wide, guide me towards Your shining proofs, lead me to Your all encompassing pleasure, by Your love, O the hope of the desirous.
Ramadan Dua: DAY 10
ALLAH, on this day, make me, among those who rely on You, from those who You consider successful, and place me among those who are near to you, by Your favor, O goal of the seekers.
The last Friday (Jum’ah) of Ramadan
Last Friday of Ramadan
Our Beloved Prophet, the Prince of the Universe, the Light Personified Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said that Friday is the Prince of all days and more blessed than all the days. He who spends this day in worship, and in devotional prayers, Allah Almighty will protect him from the calamites of the entire week. In another Hadith Shareef it is stated : ” Friday is the Day of Eid for the Believers. ” There are many similarities of deeds between Friday and Eid. On Friday it is Sunnat to take a Ghusal, wear clean clothes and apply perfume, all of which are Sunnat on the day of Eid as well. On both these days two Rakaats Namaaz are offered congregationally, on both these days congregation and Khutbahs are incumbent. There is no Qaza for Jum’ah Prayer nor for Eid Prayer. If a person misses Jama’at for the Friday Prayer he cannot read this on his own. If Jum’ah is missed the person has to offer Dho’har (Zohr) Namaaz instead. The Noble Qur’an has mentioned the laws pertaining pertaining to Friday in Surah ‘Jumuah’. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said there comes a moment on Friday during which every du’a made is accepted. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam also said that the one who comes first to the Mosque for Friday Namaaz receives the reward of the charity of a camel, the second person will be rewarded with the charity of a cow, the third will receive the reward of a sheep, the fourth the charity of a chicken, the fifith charity of an egg. When the Khateeb (Imam) stands on the Mimbar to recite the Khutbah, Angels enter the Mosque to listen to him. The above reward is only for going early to the Mosque, while the reward for the Namaaz is different and in abundance. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said that Allah Almighty forgives the sins commited between two Fridays of the one who performs his Friday Namaaz regularly.
While the Friday of any week is a source of blessings, mercy, forgiveness and salavation for the Believers, the Last Friday of Ramadan popularly known as ‘Jummat’al-Wida’, is light upon light and felicitation of the Noble Qur’an. It is the symbol of splendour, dignity and greatness for the Believers. It is a supreme expression of awe and majesty. On this day people walk towards the Central Mosque proclaiming the Glory and Praise of Almighty Allah aloud. On the way they are surrounded by the Angels and from the boundary of the Ka’abah pours in joyous torrents of mercy and forgiveness.
Without any shadow of a doubt the Last Friday of Ramadan is the day for the acceptance of du’as. Thus it is absolutely important that on this great day sincere prayers should be offered for the success, well-being and victory of the Muslim Ummah.
Our Beloved Prophet, the Prince of the Universe, the Light Personified Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said that Friday is the Prince of all days and more blessed than all the days. He who spends this day in worship, and in devotional prayers, Allah Almighty will protect him from the calamites of the entire week. In another Hadith Shareef it is stated : ” Friday is the Day of Eid for the Believers. ” There are many similarities of deeds between Friday and Eid. On Friday it is Sunnat to take a Ghusal, wear clean clothes and apply perfume, all of which are Sunnat on the day of Eid as well. On both these days two Rakaats Namaaz are offered congregationally, on both these days congregation and Khutbahs are incumbent. There is no Qaza for Jum’ah Prayer nor for Eid Prayer. If a person misses Jama’at for the Friday Prayer he cannot read this on his own. If Jum’ah is missed the person has to offer Dho’har (Zohr) Namaaz instead. The Noble Qur’an has mentioned the laws pertaining pertaining to Friday in Surah ‘Jumuah’. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said there comes a moment on Friday during which every du’a made is accepted. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam also said that the one who comes first to the Mosque for Friday Namaaz receives the reward of the charity of a camel, the second person will be rewarded with the charity of a cow, the third will receive the reward of a sheep, the fourth the charity of a chicken, the fifith charity of an egg. When the Khateeb (Imam) stands on the Mimbar to recite the Khutbah, Angels enter the Mosque to listen to him. The above reward is only for going early to the Mosque, while the reward for the Namaaz is different and in abundance. The Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam said that Allah Almighty forgives the sins commited between two Fridays of the one who performs his Friday Namaaz regularly.
While the Friday of any week is a source of blessings, mercy, forgiveness and salavation for the Believers, the Last Friday of Ramadan popularly known as ‘Jummat’al-Wida’, is light upon light and felicitation of the Noble Qur’an. It is the symbol of splendour, dignity and greatness for the Believers. It is a supreme expression of awe and majesty. On this day people walk towards the Central Mosque proclaiming the Glory and Praise of Almighty Allah aloud. On the way they are surrounded by the Angels and from the boundary of the Ka’abah pours in joyous torrents of mercy and forgiveness.
Without any shadow of a doubt the Last Friday of Ramadan is the day for the acceptance of du’as. Thus it is absolutely important that on this great day sincere prayers should be offered for the success, well-being and victory of the Muslim Ummah.
A Remarkable Story!
The undermentioned incident is narrated by Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak
(RA). He was a man of great learning and he lived in the era of the
Abbasids. This incident reflects the love and attachment with the Noble
Quran. It also Manifestates the comprehensiveness of the Noble Quran.
An elderly Arab lady was sitting at the trunk of a tree, on the way to
Haj. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) happened to pass that way. He was
also heading for Baitullah, for Hajj, and to the Sacred tomb of the Holy
Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). Seeing this lady very disturbed
and in a state of despair, (distressed) he spoke to her. The discussion
is recorded as follows:
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullah
The lady: “The word from a merciful Lord is Peace” (Surah 36 Aayat 58).
She meant that the reply of salaam is from Allah, Most High, Himself.
She said further: “Those whom Allah sendeth astray, there is no guide
for them.” (Surah 7 Aayat 186). She meant that she has lost her way.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Where are you coming from?
The lady: “Glorified be He who carried His servant by night from the
Musjid-e-Aqsa (invioble place of worship) to the Musjid-e-Haraam” (Far
distant place of worship) (Surah17 Aayat1). She meant that she had come
from Musjid-e-Aqsa.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): How long are you in this place?
The lady: “For three nights” (Surah 19 Aayat10).
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What arrangements are made for your
food?
The lady: “And who (Allah) feedeth me and watereth me” (Surah 26 Aayat
79). She meant that somehow or the other, her food is provided to her by
Allah.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Is there any water for Wudhu?
The lady: “And ye find not water, then go to high clean soil and (make
tayammum) rub your faces and hands.” (therewith) (Surah 4 Aayat 43). She
meant that she makes tayammum, due to not finding water.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Here is some food. Partake of it.
The lady: “Strictly observe the fast till nightfall” (Surah 2 Aayat
187). She indicated that she is fasting.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): This is not the month of Ramadaan.
The lady: “And he who does good of his own accord (for him) lo! Allah is
responsive, aware”. (Surah 2 Aayat158) meaning that I have observed an
optional (nafl) fast.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): It is permitted to break the fast
when in a journey.
The lady: “And that ye fast is better for you, if you did but know.”
(Surah 2 Aayat 184)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Speak like how I speak.
The lady: “He (man) uttereth no word but there is with him an observer
ready” (Surah 50 Aayat 18). She meant that since every word of a person
is observed and recorded, she is taking precaution by speaking only in
the words of the Holy Quran.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Which clan do you belong to?
The lady: “Follow not that whereof thou hast no knowledge, lo! The
hearing and the sight and heart of each of these it will be asked”
(Surah 17 Aayat36). She meant those things that you have no knowledge
of, nor do they concern you, you are wasting your strength (senses) by
enquiring about them.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Forgive me. I have certainly made a
mistake.
The lady: “Have no fear this day. May Allah forgive you” (Surah 12 Aayat
92)
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Would you like to travel on my camel
and meet your caravan?
The lady: “And whatsoever good ye do Allah knoweth it” (Surah 2 Aayat
197). Meaning that if you will do this good deeds towards me, Allah will
recompense you for it.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Well, then you may mount it.
Saying this he made the camel to sit down.
The lady: “Tell the believing men (when confronted by women) to lower
their gaze”. (Surah 24 Aayat 30). Hadhrat Abdullah understood and
(turned) looked away. While she was mounting, the camel jerked and her
clothes got estrangled in the saddle (dorsers) and she proclaimed:
“whatever of misfortune striketh you, it is what your hands have
earned.” (Surah 42 Aayat 30). In other words she was drawing Hadhrat
Abdullah bin Mubarak’s (RA) attention towards this mishap.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood and he tied the legs of the
camel and he straightened the straps of the saddle (or dorser). She
applauded him for his proficiency and capability by saying “And we made
Sulaiman to understand” (Surah 21 Aayat 79). When the journey was about
to begin, the lady recited the Aayats which are read when undertaking a
journey “Glorified be he who hath subdued these unto us, and we were not
capable (of subduing them). And lo, unto our Lord we are returning.”
(Surah 43 Aayat 13).
Hadhrat Abdullh bin Mubarak (RA) held the bridle (or nose string) of the
camel. He began to hum the (Huddi) famous Arabic song for travelling,
and he started walking very fast.
The lady: “Be modest in thy bearing and subdue thy voice” (Surah 31
Aayat 19). Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) understood. He began
walking slower and he lowered his voice.
The lady: “Recite of the Quran that which is easy for you.” She meant
that instead of humming the Huddi, he should rather recite the Holy
Quran.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) began reciting the Holy Quran.
The lady became very pleased and said “but none remember (accept advice)
except men of understanding” (Surah 2 Aayat 269).
After reciting the Holy Quran for a while, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak
(RA) asked (the lady if she had a husband) (if he was alive) “O Aunt,
have have you a husband? (meaning is he living)
The lady: “O you who believe, ask not of things which if they were made
known unto you, would trouble you” (Surah 5 Aayat 101). She meant that
no questions should be asked regarding this matter which indicated that
her husband has most probably passed away. Finally they (caught up) met
the caravan.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Do you have any son or relative
(friend) in this caravan who has connection (contact) with you?
The lady: “Wealth and children are an ornament of life of the world”
(Surah 18 Aayat 46). She meant that her sons were with this caravan and
he has provisions with him.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): What work are your sons doing for the
caravan? (Hadhrat Abdullah’s object for asking was to make it easy for
him to recognise her son).
The lady: “And landmarks, and by the star they find a way” (Surah 16
Aayat 16). She meant that he is a guide for the caravan.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA): Can you tell me their name?
The lady: “Allah chose Ibrahim as (for) a friend” (Surah 4 Aayat 125).
And Allah spoke directly unto Moosa” (Surah 19 Aayat 12). By reciting
these Aayats the lady informed him that her sons names were Yahya,
Ibrahim and Moosa.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) called out these names in the caravan
and immediately three young people came forward.
The lady: (addressing her children) “Now send one of you with this your
silver coin unto the city. And let him see what food is purest there and
bring you a supply thereof” (Sura 18 Aayat 19) In other words she
instructed them to feed Hadhrat Abdullah (RA).
When the food was brought, she told Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA):
“Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in the past
days.” (Surah 69 Aayat 24), and with this Aayat she recited another
Aayat, the object of which was to convey (show) her gratefulness to him
for his good conduct and courtesy. The Aayat was: “Is the reward of
goodness aught save goodness?” (Surah 55 Aayat 60).
Their conversation terminated on this Aayat. The lady’s son informed
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mubarak (RA) that his mother has been speaking in
this manner, i.e. using only the Aayats of the Holy Quran in her speech,
for the last forty years.
Who Wrote the Holy Quran
Quran, in Arabic, could only have been written by ONE of 3
possible sources:
1 the Arabs
2 Mohammad (peace be upon him)
3 Allah (GOD)
(NOTE: The first part is not meant to be a rigorous proof. It is
something to ponder upon. However, the second part, about
Mohammad [pbuh] wrote it’ contains more extensive proof.)
Besides the above mentioned sources, Quran couldn’t possibly
have been written by ANYONE else.
No other source is possible, because Quran is written in pure,
rich, and poetic Arabic, which was not known to anyone other
than the above mentioned sources, at that time. The Arabic
language was at its peak in expression, richness, vocabulary,
artistic, and poetic value during the time the Quran was being
revealed. Anyone speaking the classical Arabic ( the Arabic of
Quran at the time it was revealed) would argue that a non-Arab
entity couldn’t possibly have written such an extensive and
brilliant piece of literature in the Arabic language. Quran
could only have been written by an Arabic speaking entity. An
entity, who’s knowledge, style, vocabulary, grammar, and way of
expression was so powerful that it impacted the entire Arabian
peninsula, the east, the west, and continues to impact people
all over the globe today!
At no other time, in the history of Arabic language, had it ever
achieved its peak in expression, literature, and development,
than the time of Arabia during the 6th Century, the time when
Quran was being revealed. At no other time in the history of
Arabic language had the language ever achieved its highest
potential than the time of Arabia during the 6th Century, the
time when Quran was being revealed. The language reached its
peak in richness, artistic value, and poetry, during that
time. With the Arabic language at its peak, and the best of
Arabic writers, poets present in Arabia, it is impossible that a
non-Arabic speaking entity would write a book like Quran and
have such a dynamite impact on the Arabs!
So only an Arabic speaking entity could have write Quran. With
that in mind, we’re left with three choies:
1 – the Arabs wrote it
2 – Mohammad (pbuh) wrote it
3 – Allah (swt) wrote it
Lets examine the three choces one by one.
(1) Arabs Wrote it ? ———————
What Quran teaches goes DIRECTLY against the pagan Arab culture,
religion, and gods, that existed before the Quran was revealed.
Quran condemns idol worshipping, but the Arabs, loved their idol
gods, and worshipped them regularly. Quran raised the status
of women; the Arabs treated women next to animals. The Arabs
would never write something that goes against their most
important belief of idol worshipping. Quran goes against most
of the social habbits (such as backbiting, slandering, name
calling, etc) which the Arabs were heavily indulged into. For
example, the Arabs would call insulting nicknames such as Abu
Jahal (the father of ignorance). Quran condemns and prohibits
taking interest on money, whereas, the Arabs freely levied heavy
interest rates in loans and businesses. Quran condemns and
prohibits Alcohol drinking, whereas, the Arabs consumed alcohol
freely. The Quran condemns and prohibits gambling, whereas,
the Arabs were some of the worst gamblers. The Arabs would
never write something so comprehensively against just about all
of their customs and culture and religious beliefs, as the Quran
is.
During the time of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), the Arabs would
indulge in all the social habbits that the Quran condemns and
prohibits. How can Arabs then write something that would negate
their entire society’s norms and ideologies ?
Did a group of Arabs or an individual Arab write Quran? Perhaps
a rebel Arab beduoin, or a society’s misfit, or someone with
different ideals and norms decided one day to write Quran? The
answer to those questions are also ‘no’. Because, if we read
Quran, we notice that there is no author ! No individual has
his/her name written on the cover of Quran! Anytime an
individual writes a book, he/she writes his/her name on the
cover. The author’s name always appears on his/her book, and
there is always an author who is credited for writing that book.
No one in the history of the world has EVER claimed to have
written the Quran, nor anyone’s name ever appeared in front of
the Quran as bein the ‘author’. This is the only book in the
world without an author. No one in the world has ever been
accused of writing the Holy Quran, except the Prophet Mohammad
(peace be upon him), by non-muslims.
Quran has no author, and no group or individual in Arabia ever
claimed to have written it, nor any group or an indvidual
recited, taught, and explained Quran except the Prophet Mohammad
(pbuh) and his followers. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon
him) was the only Arabian who first practiced, explained, and
preached Quran, and ended up making a lot of Arab tribes
enemies. Any historian, Muslim or non-Muslim would argue that
the only possible source of Quran can be the Prophet Mohammad
(pbuh), the man responsible to recite it, teach it, and expalin
it to the people of Arabia. In fact, many historians today
still think that only Mohammad (pbuh) could possibly have
written it.
This leads one to conclude that the Prophet (pbuh) must have
written it !
(2) Mohammad (pbuh) wrote it ? ——————————
First, he was illiterate !! How can an illiterate person come
up with such a rich, poetic, intellectual, and inspiring text
that it rocked the entire Arabia ?
Mohammad (pbuh) never went to school ! No one taught him. He
had no teacher of any kind in any subjects. How can he have the
knowledge of all the science, astronomy, oceanography, etc that
is contained in the Quran ? ( For example, the mention of
ocean currents, stars, earth, moon, sun and their fixed paths in
Soorah Rahman; and many other scientific statements that are
found in Quran, that I cannot state in this short article)
When Quran was revealed, the Arabic language was at its peak in
richness, poetic value, literature, etc. Quran came and
challenged the best literature in Arabic, the best poetry in
Arabic of the time. Mohammad (pbuh) being illiterate couldnt
possibly have come up with something so immaculate that it even
exceded the best of poetry, and literature in Arabic at the time
of the language’s PEAK development. Arabic language had never
been so rich in expression, poetic value, vocabulary, and
variety in literature, as it was in the time of Quran. At a
time like this, Quran came and exceeded the best of Arabic in
all aspects of the language: poetry, literature, expression,
etc. Any classical Arabic speaker would appreciate the
unbeatten, unchallenged, and unmatched beauty of the language of
Quran.
An illiterate man is simply not capable of writing such a book.
Mohammad (pbuh) had no reason to come up with something like
Quran, and cause the entire society of Arabia to become his
enemy. Why would he do something like that? Why would he write
something going against almost all of the norms of the society,
and lose his family, relatives, friends, and other loved ones ,
and not to mention all the wealth he lost ?
Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years ! A very long
time! Is it possible for someone to maintain the same exact
style of Arabic speech , as demonstrated in Quran, for over 23
years ?
Also, what the prophet Mohammad (saaw) used to say is recorded
in what we call his hadeeth (sunnah). If we look at the Arabic
style of the hadeeth, and compare it with the style of Quran, we
can clearly see that they are clearly DIFFERENT, and
DISTINGUISHABLE Arabic styles. The prophet (saaw) spoke in
public. It does not make sense that a man has two UNIQUE,
Distinguishable, and completely different styles of speech in
public. Yet another reason why Mohammad (saaw) couldn’t
possibly have written Quran.
Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years ! A very long
time! Is it possible for someone to maintain the same exact
style of Arabic speech , as demonstrated in Quran over 23 years
?
Here’s what our famous Muslim Scholar, Ahmad Deedat said:
[From Ahmed Deedat]
WAS QURAN WRITTEN OR INSPIRED? ——————————
“Behold! The angels said: “O Mary! God has chosen you and
purified
you – Chosen you above the women of all nations.”
Qur’an-3:42
THE SOURCE OF HIS MESSAGE
“Chosen you above the women of all nations.” Such an honour is
not to be found given to Mary even in the Christian Bible!
………..
Knowing full-well, and believing as we do, that the whole Quran
is the veritable Word of God, we will nevertheless agree, for
the sake of argument, with the enemies of Muhammed (pbuh) for a
moment, that he wrote it. We can now expect some cooperation
from the unbeliever.
Ask him, “Have you any qualms in agreeing that Muhammed (pbuh)
was an Arab?” Only an opinionated fool will hesitate to agree.
In that case there is no sense in pursuing any discussion. Cut
short the talk. Close the book!
With the man of reason, we proceed. “That this Arab, in the
first instance, was addressing other Arabs. He was not talking
to Indian Muslims, Chinese Muslims, or Nigerian Muslims. He was
addressing his own people – the Arabs. Whether they agreed with
him or not, he told them in the most sublime form – words that
were seared into the hearts and minds of his listeners that Mary
the mother of Jesus -A JEWESS- was chosen above the women of all
nations. Not his own mother, nor his wife nor his daughter, nor
any other Arab woman, but a Jewess! Can one explain this?
Because to everyone his own mother or wife, or daughter would
come before other women.
Why would the Prophet of Islam honour a woman from his
opposition! and a Jewess at that! belonging to a race which had
been looking down upon his people for three thousand years? Just
as they still look down upon their Arab brethren today.
SARAH AND HAGAR
There is a Chapter in the Holy Quran, named Sura Maryam “Chapter
Mary” (XIX) named in honour of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ
(pbuh); again, such an honour is not to be found given to Mary
in the Christian Bible. Out of the 66 books of the Protestants
and 73 of the Roman Catholics, not one is named after Mary or
her son. You will find books named after Matthew, Mark, Luke,
John, Peter, Paul and two score more obscure names, but not a
single one is that of Jesus or Mary!
If Muhammed (pbuh) was the author of the Holy Quran, then he
would not have failed to include in it with MARYAM, the mother
of Jesus, his own mother – AMINA, his dear wife – KHADIJA, or
his beloved daughter – FATIMA. But No! No! this can never be.
The Quran is not his handiwork!
Another Muslim writes:
———————————————–FORWARDED
ARTICLE—
From: Abu Abdullah; Subject: Re: Mohammad Wrote the Quran ??
[KORAN] Date: Sat, 05 Aug 95 12:44:14 EDT
——————————————————–
I was reading about the charge that the prophet, Mohammed
(pbuh), has written the Quran himself. Before you go any further
in reading this post, please ask yourself whether you are a
honest truth seeker or just another argumentative person, if the
former, continue, otherwise, save your time and jump to the next
post.
Islam is based on faith that is supported by a number of
strong miracles such as knowing what events to take place
ahead of time or coming up with supernatural deeds in front of
people. The holy Quran has these signs and much more. First, The
holy Quran predicted many events to take place ahead of the time
of the revelation of that verse; for example, predicting the
destruction of Persian empire at a time where the later had a
monumental victory over Rome. If the prophet, as some people
claim, has written the Quran, then he would have put his future
in real jeopardy (50% chance) since neither satellite photos nor
on-ground intelligence personnel were available to him at the
revelation time. Further, numerous details about many natural
phenomena were detailed in the Quran and, until recently, they
were proven by experts to be amazingly accurate. For example of
the physical development of the fetus inside the womb along with
timing given by many verses matches exactly what leading
authorities in Embryology are claiming to be recent
discoveries. Moreover, verses that gives descriptions about the
creation of the universe and the function of mountains in
balancing earth and many other descriptions/explanations are
available to be read and to be understood. If the prophet was
the author, wouldn’t he be prone to make weak inferences similar
to those who claim that earth is square and whoever says
otherwise should be killed?
The prophet also has demonstrated many supernatural
miracles not by his own power, but by the power of the
creator. He went to Jerasalem back in one night and gave a
detailed description of the carnival that was traveling on that
route and also specific accedint happend to them at that noght
(in those days, it takes a month or so for a round-trip). In
another ocasion, he provided water for an entire army from a
small plate between his hands. There are many other miracles
that require serious truth seeker to read about and to think
about it.
From the above, it reasonable to conclude that the Quran is
not the
PROPHET CREATION. HE HAD NO WAY TO PREDICT ALL THESE EVENTS AND
TO BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME, ESPECIALLY WHEN KNOWING THAT THE
PROPHET HIMSELFE WAS ILLITERATE !!!
—————————–end-forwarded-article—
————————————————————
Embryology and Life Sciences in Quran
————————————————————-
“The Developing Human. Clinically Oriented Embryology”
K.L. Moore
5th Edition, Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders Co. (1982) ISBN
07216 4662-X $33.95
——————————————————————–
The work by Prof. Keith Moore is probably the most detailed
study of the subject. Prof. Keith Moore is Professor and
Chairman of the Department of Anatomy, University of Toronto.
His books on anatomy and on embryology are used at many medical
school as standard instruction books. The Yale Medical school
uses both his books. The Yale Bookstore phone number for
Medical books is: (203) 772-2081. Their general information
number is (203) 432-4771. (New Haven, Connecticut)
He is *the* authority on embryology. I strongly recommend the
latest edition of the latter book as it mentions how accurately
the Qur’an describes embryo development.
Prof. Moore has said:
“It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify
statements in
the Qur’an about human development. It is clear to me that
these statements must have come to Muhammed from God or Allah
because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until
many centuries later. This proves to me that Mohammed must
have been a messenger of God or Allah.”
Prof. Marshal Johnson, Professor and Chairman of the Department
of Anatomy and Director of the Daniel Baugh Institute, Thomas
Jefferson University, Philadelphia
He says:
“The Qur’an describes not only the development of external
form but emphasizes also the internal stages — the stages
inside the embryo of its creation and development, emphasizing
major events recognized by contemporary science…. If I were
to transpose myself into that era, knowing what I know today
and describing things, I could not describe the things that
were described. I see no evidence to refute the concept that
this individual Mohammed had to be developing this information
from some place, so I see nothing in conflict with the concept
that Divine Intervention was involved….”
————————————————————-
To receive a copy of the article that Moore wrote about
‘Highlights of Human Embryology in the Koran and Hadith’ please
e-mail me at adam3@netcom.com
————————————————————–
That leaves us to our third option: God wrote it !
May Allah Guide Us All to Straight Path. Ameen.
QURAN: Chapter 4, Verse 82:
“Do they not consider (ponder) on the Quran?
If it had been from anyone except Allah, they would
surely have found in it much discrepency
(contradictions).”
ALLAH CHALLENGES:
Still unsure or doubtful ? Quran is the word of Allah. Allah
challenges to His creations:
Chapter 2, Verses 23 & 24
2: 23. “And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed
to our servant, Then produce a Chapter like thereunto;
And call your witnesses or helpers besides Allah, If
you are true.”
2: 24. “But if you cannot, and surely you cannot, Then fear
the fire Whose fuel is men and stones, Which is
prepared for those who reject.”
Try reading and understanding the meaning with explanation of
the following verses also !
Chapter 10, verse 38 Chapter 11, verse 13 Chapter 17 verse 88
Wa salamo alaykum,
May Allah Guide Us All to Straight Path. Ameen.
this article is from
http://www.jannah.org/articles/quranwrote.html
possible sources:
1 the Arabs
2 Mohammad (peace be upon him)
3 Allah (GOD)
(NOTE: The first part is not meant to be a rigorous proof. It is
something to ponder upon. However, the second part, about
Mohammad [pbuh] wrote it’ contains more extensive proof.)
Besides the above mentioned sources, Quran couldn’t possibly
have been written by ANYONE else.
No other source is possible, because Quran is written in pure,
rich, and poetic Arabic, which was not known to anyone other
than the above mentioned sources, at that time. The Arabic
language was at its peak in expression, richness, vocabulary,
artistic, and poetic value during the time the Quran was being
revealed. Anyone speaking the classical Arabic ( the Arabic of
Quran at the time it was revealed) would argue that a non-Arab
entity couldn’t possibly have written such an extensive and
brilliant piece of literature in the Arabic language. Quran
could only have been written by an Arabic speaking entity. An
entity, who’s knowledge, style, vocabulary, grammar, and way of
expression was so powerful that it impacted the entire Arabian
peninsula, the east, the west, and continues to impact people
all over the globe today!
At no other time, in the history of Arabic language, had it ever
achieved its peak in expression, literature, and development,
than the time of Arabia during the 6th Century, the time when
Quran was being revealed. At no other time in the history of
Arabic language had the language ever achieved its highest
potential than the time of Arabia during the 6th Century, the
time when Quran was being revealed. The language reached its
peak in richness, artistic value, and poetry, during that
time. With the Arabic language at its peak, and the best of
Arabic writers, poets present in Arabia, it is impossible that a
non-Arabic speaking entity would write a book like Quran and
have such a dynamite impact on the Arabs!
So only an Arabic speaking entity could have write Quran. With
that in mind, we’re left with three choies:
1 – the Arabs wrote it
2 – Mohammad (pbuh) wrote it
3 – Allah (swt) wrote it
Lets examine the three choces one by one.
(1) Arabs Wrote it ? ———————
What Quran teaches goes DIRECTLY against the pagan Arab culture,
religion, and gods, that existed before the Quran was revealed.
Quran condemns idol worshipping, but the Arabs, loved their idol
gods, and worshipped them regularly. Quran raised the status
of women; the Arabs treated women next to animals. The Arabs
would never write something that goes against their most
important belief of idol worshipping. Quran goes against most
of the social habbits (such as backbiting, slandering, name
calling, etc) which the Arabs were heavily indulged into. For
example, the Arabs would call insulting nicknames such as Abu
Jahal (the father of ignorance). Quran condemns and prohibits
taking interest on money, whereas, the Arabs freely levied heavy
interest rates in loans and businesses. Quran condemns and
prohibits Alcohol drinking, whereas, the Arabs consumed alcohol
freely. The Quran condemns and prohibits gambling, whereas,
the Arabs were some of the worst gamblers. The Arabs would
never write something so comprehensively against just about all
of their customs and culture and religious beliefs, as the Quran
is.
During the time of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), the Arabs would
indulge in all the social habbits that the Quran condemns and
prohibits. How can Arabs then write something that would negate
their entire society’s norms and ideologies ?
Did a group of Arabs or an individual Arab write Quran? Perhaps
a rebel Arab beduoin, or a society’s misfit, or someone with
different ideals and norms decided one day to write Quran? The
answer to those questions are also ‘no’. Because, if we read
Quran, we notice that there is no author ! No individual has
his/her name written on the cover of Quran! Anytime an
individual writes a book, he/she writes his/her name on the
cover. The author’s name always appears on his/her book, and
there is always an author who is credited for writing that book.
No one in the history of the world has EVER claimed to have
written the Quran, nor anyone’s name ever appeared in front of
the Quran as bein the ‘author’. This is the only book in the
world without an author. No one in the world has ever been
accused of writing the Holy Quran, except the Prophet Mohammad
(peace be upon him), by non-muslims.
Quran has no author, and no group or individual in Arabia ever
claimed to have written it, nor any group or an indvidual
recited, taught, and explained Quran except the Prophet Mohammad
(pbuh) and his followers. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon
him) was the only Arabian who first practiced, explained, and
preached Quran, and ended up making a lot of Arab tribes
enemies. Any historian, Muslim or non-Muslim would argue that
the only possible source of Quran can be the Prophet Mohammad
(pbuh), the man responsible to recite it, teach it, and expalin
it to the people of Arabia. In fact, many historians today
still think that only Mohammad (pbuh) could possibly have
written it.
This leads one to conclude that the Prophet (pbuh) must have
written it !
(2) Mohammad (pbuh) wrote it ? ——————————
First, he was illiterate !! How can an illiterate person come
up with such a rich, poetic, intellectual, and inspiring text
that it rocked the entire Arabia ?
Mohammad (pbuh) never went to school ! No one taught him. He
had no teacher of any kind in any subjects. How can he have the
knowledge of all the science, astronomy, oceanography, etc that
is contained in the Quran ? ( For example, the mention of
ocean currents, stars, earth, moon, sun and their fixed paths in
Soorah Rahman; and many other scientific statements that are
found in Quran, that I cannot state in this short article)
When Quran was revealed, the Arabic language was at its peak in
richness, poetic value, literature, etc. Quran came and
challenged the best literature in Arabic, the best poetry in
Arabic of the time. Mohammad (pbuh) being illiterate couldnt
possibly have come up with something so immaculate that it even
exceded the best of poetry, and literature in Arabic at the time
of the language’s PEAK development. Arabic language had never
been so rich in expression, poetic value, vocabulary, and
variety in literature, as it was in the time of Quran. At a
time like this, Quran came and exceeded the best of Arabic in
all aspects of the language: poetry, literature, expression,
etc. Any classical Arabic speaker would appreciate the
unbeatten, unchallenged, and unmatched beauty of the language of
Quran.
An illiterate man is simply not capable of writing such a book.
Mohammad (pbuh) had no reason to come up with something like
Quran, and cause the entire society of Arabia to become his
enemy. Why would he do something like that? Why would he write
something going against almost all of the norms of the society,
and lose his family, relatives, friends, and other loved ones ,
and not to mention all the wealth he lost ?
Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years ! A very long
time! Is it possible for someone to maintain the same exact
style of Arabic speech , as demonstrated in Quran, for over 23
years ?
Also, what the prophet Mohammad (saaw) used to say is recorded
in what we call his hadeeth (sunnah). If we look at the Arabic
style of the hadeeth, and compare it with the style of Quran, we
can clearly see that they are clearly DIFFERENT, and
DISTINGUISHABLE Arabic styles. The prophet (saaw) spoke in
public. It does not make sense that a man has two UNIQUE,
Distinguishable, and completely different styles of speech in
public. Yet another reason why Mohammad (saaw) couldn’t
possibly have written Quran.
Quran was revealed over a period of 23 years ! A very long
time! Is it possible for someone to maintain the same exact
style of Arabic speech , as demonstrated in Quran over 23 years
?
Here’s what our famous Muslim Scholar, Ahmad Deedat said:
[From Ahmed Deedat]
WAS QURAN WRITTEN OR INSPIRED? ——————————
“Behold! The angels said: “O Mary! God has chosen you and
purified
you – Chosen you above the women of all nations.”
Qur’an-3:42
THE SOURCE OF HIS MESSAGE
“Chosen you above the women of all nations.” Such an honour is
not to be found given to Mary even in the Christian Bible!
………..
Knowing full-well, and believing as we do, that the whole Quran
is the veritable Word of God, we will nevertheless agree, for
the sake of argument, with the enemies of Muhammed (pbuh) for a
moment, that he wrote it. We can now expect some cooperation
from the unbeliever.
Ask him, “Have you any qualms in agreeing that Muhammed (pbuh)
was an Arab?” Only an opinionated fool will hesitate to agree.
In that case there is no sense in pursuing any discussion. Cut
short the talk. Close the book!
With the man of reason, we proceed. “That this Arab, in the
first instance, was addressing other Arabs. He was not talking
to Indian Muslims, Chinese Muslims, or Nigerian Muslims. He was
addressing his own people – the Arabs. Whether they agreed with
him or not, he told them in the most sublime form – words that
were seared into the hearts and minds of his listeners that Mary
the mother of Jesus -A JEWESS- was chosen above the women of all
nations. Not his own mother, nor his wife nor his daughter, nor
any other Arab woman, but a Jewess! Can one explain this?
Because to everyone his own mother or wife, or daughter would
come before other women.
Why would the Prophet of Islam honour a woman from his
opposition! and a Jewess at that! belonging to a race which had
been looking down upon his people for three thousand years? Just
as they still look down upon their Arab brethren today.
SARAH AND HAGAR
There is a Chapter in the Holy Quran, named Sura Maryam “Chapter
Mary” (XIX) named in honour of Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ
(pbuh); again, such an honour is not to be found given to Mary
in the Christian Bible. Out of the 66 books of the Protestants
and 73 of the Roman Catholics, not one is named after Mary or
her son. You will find books named after Matthew, Mark, Luke,
John, Peter, Paul and two score more obscure names, but not a
single one is that of Jesus or Mary!
If Muhammed (pbuh) was the author of the Holy Quran, then he
would not have failed to include in it with MARYAM, the mother
of Jesus, his own mother – AMINA, his dear wife – KHADIJA, or
his beloved daughter – FATIMA. But No! No! this can never be.
The Quran is not his handiwork!
Another Muslim writes:
———————————————–FORWARDED
ARTICLE—
From: Abu Abdullah; Subject: Re: Mohammad Wrote the Quran ??
[KORAN] Date: Sat, 05 Aug 95 12:44:14 EDT
——————————————————–
I was reading about the charge that the prophet, Mohammed
(pbuh), has written the Quran himself. Before you go any further
in reading this post, please ask yourself whether you are a
honest truth seeker or just another argumentative person, if the
former, continue, otherwise, save your time and jump to the next
post.
Islam is based on faith that is supported by a number of
strong miracles such as knowing what events to take place
ahead of time or coming up with supernatural deeds in front of
people. The holy Quran has these signs and much more. First, The
holy Quran predicted many events to take place ahead of the time
of the revelation of that verse; for example, predicting the
destruction of Persian empire at a time where the later had a
monumental victory over Rome. If the prophet, as some people
claim, has written the Quran, then he would have put his future
in real jeopardy (50% chance) since neither satellite photos nor
on-ground intelligence personnel were available to him at the
revelation time. Further, numerous details about many natural
phenomena were detailed in the Quran and, until recently, they
were proven by experts to be amazingly accurate. For example of
the physical development of the fetus inside the womb along with
timing given by many verses matches exactly what leading
authorities in Embryology are claiming to be recent
discoveries. Moreover, verses that gives descriptions about the
creation of the universe and the function of mountains in
balancing earth and many other descriptions/explanations are
available to be read and to be understood. If the prophet was
the author, wouldn’t he be prone to make weak inferences similar
to those who claim that earth is square and whoever says
otherwise should be killed?
The prophet also has demonstrated many supernatural
miracles not by his own power, but by the power of the
creator. He went to Jerasalem back in one night and gave a
detailed description of the carnival that was traveling on that
route and also specific accedint happend to them at that noght
(in those days, it takes a month or so for a round-trip). In
another ocasion, he provided water for an entire army from a
small plate between his hands. There are many other miracles
that require serious truth seeker to read about and to think
about it.
From the above, it reasonable to conclude that the Quran is
not the
PROPHET CREATION. HE HAD NO WAY TO PREDICT ALL THESE EVENTS AND
TO BE RIGHT ALL THE TIME, ESPECIALLY WHEN KNOWING THAT THE
PROPHET HIMSELFE WAS ILLITERATE !!!
—————————–end-forwarded-article—
————————————————————
Embryology and Life Sciences in Quran
————————————————————-
“The Developing Human. Clinically Oriented Embryology”
K.L. Moore
5th Edition, Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders Co. (1982) ISBN
07216 4662-X $33.95
——————————————————————–
The work by Prof. Keith Moore is probably the most detailed
study of the subject. Prof. Keith Moore is Professor and
Chairman of the Department of Anatomy, University of Toronto.
His books on anatomy and on embryology are used at many medical
school as standard instruction books. The Yale Medical school
uses both his books. The Yale Bookstore phone number for
Medical books is: (203) 772-2081. Their general information
number is (203) 432-4771. (New Haven, Connecticut)
He is *the* authority on embryology. I strongly recommend the
latest edition of the latter book as it mentions how accurately
the Qur’an describes embryo development.
Prof. Moore has said:
“It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify
statements in
the Qur’an about human development. It is clear to me that
these statements must have come to Muhammed from God or Allah
because almost all of this knowledge was not discovered until
many centuries later. This proves to me that Mohammed must
have been a messenger of God or Allah.”
Prof. Marshal Johnson, Professor and Chairman of the Department
of Anatomy and Director of the Daniel Baugh Institute, Thomas
Jefferson University, Philadelphia
He says:
“The Qur’an describes not only the development of external
form but emphasizes also the internal stages — the stages
inside the embryo of its creation and development, emphasizing
major events recognized by contemporary science…. If I were
to transpose myself into that era, knowing what I know today
and describing things, I could not describe the things that
were described. I see no evidence to refute the concept that
this individual Mohammed had to be developing this information
from some place, so I see nothing in conflict with the concept
that Divine Intervention was involved….”
————————————————————-
To receive a copy of the article that Moore wrote about
‘Highlights of Human Embryology in the Koran and Hadith’ please
e-mail me at adam3@netcom.com
————————————————————–
That leaves us to our third option: God wrote it !
May Allah Guide Us All to Straight Path. Ameen.
QURAN: Chapter 4, Verse 82:
“Do they not consider (ponder) on the Quran?
If it had been from anyone except Allah, they would
surely have found in it much discrepency
(contradictions).”
ALLAH CHALLENGES:
Still unsure or doubtful ? Quran is the word of Allah. Allah
challenges to His creations:
Chapter 2, Verses 23 & 24
2: 23. “And if you are in doubt as to what We have revealed
to our servant, Then produce a Chapter like thereunto;
And call your witnesses or helpers besides Allah, If
you are true.”
2: 24. “But if you cannot, and surely you cannot, Then fear
the fire Whose fuel is men and stones, Which is
prepared for those who reject.”
Try reading and understanding the meaning with explanation of
the following verses also !
Chapter 10, verse 38 Chapter 11, verse 13 Chapter 17 verse 88
Wa salamo alaykum,
May Allah Guide Us All to Straight Path. Ameen.
this article is from
http://www.jannah.org/articles/quranwrote.html
The Prophets reasons for his various marriages
- Introduction
- Khadijah
-A’isha
-Umm Salamah
-Umm Habibah
-Zainab bint Jahsh
-Juwayriyah b. Harith
-Safiyyah
-Sawdah b. Zam’ah b. Qays
-Hafsah
Introduction
Some critics of Islam, either because they are not aware of the facts about
the marriages of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, or because they
are not honest and objective about those facts, have reviled the Prophet as
a self-indulgent libertine. They have accused him of character failings
which are hardly compatible with being of average virtue, let alone with
being a prophet and God’s last Messenger and the best model for all mankind
to follow. However, if the facts are simply recounted-and they are easily
available from scores of biographies and well-authenticated accounts of his
sayings and actions-it becomes clear that the Prophet lived the most
strictly disciplined life, that his marriages were a part of that
discipline, a part of the many, many burdens that he bore as God’s last
Messenger.
The reasons behind the Prophet’s several marriages are various, but even in
the privateness of some of those reasons, they all had to do with his role
as the leader of the new Muslim ummah, guiding his people towards the norms
and values of Islam. In the following pages we shall try to explain some of
those reasons and, in so doing, demonstrate that the charges levelled
against the Prophet on this count are as vile and indecent as they are
utterly false.
The Prophet, not at that time called to his future mission, first married at
the age of twenty-five. Given the cultural environment in which he lived,
not to mention the climate and other considerations such as his youth, it is
remarkable that he should have enjoyed a reputation for perfect chastity as
well as integrity and trustworthiness generally. As soon as he was called to
the prophethood he acquired enemies who did not hesitate to publicise false
calumnies against him-but not once did any of them (and in their jahiliyya
(ignorance) they were not scrupulous men) dare to invent against him what
no-one could have believed. It is important to realise that his life was
founded upon chastity and self-discipline from the outset, and so remained.
At the age of twenty-five, then, and in the prime of life, Muhammad, upon
him be peace, married Khadijah, a woman much his senior in years. This
marriage was very high and exceptional in the eyes of the Prophet and God.
For twenty-three years, his life with Khadijah was a period of uninterrupted
contentment in perfect fidelity. In the eighth year of prophethood, however,
Khadijah passed away and the Prophet was once again single, as he had been
until the age of twenty-five, though now with children. His enemies cannot
deny, but are forced to admit that, during all these long years, they cannot
find a single flaw in his moral character. During the lifetime of Khadijah,
the Prophet took no other wife, although public opinion among his people
would have allowed him to do so had he wished to. After Khadijah’s death, he
lived a single life for four or five years. All his other marriages began
after he reached the age of fifty-five, an age by which very little real
interest and desire for marriage remains. The allegation that his marriages
after this age were an expression of licentiousness or self-indulgence, is
as groundless as it is foul.
A question people often ask is: How can the plurality of his marriages be in
accord with his role as the Prophet? There are three points to be made in
answering this question, but first let us recognize that those who
continually raise such questions are either atheists (who themselves have no
religion) or are ‘people of the Book’ i.e. Christians or Jews. Both these
classes of critics are equally ignorant of Islam and religion, or wilfully
confuse right with wrong in order to deceive others and spread doubt and
mischief.
Those who neither believe in nor practise any religious way of life have no
right to reproach those who do. They have relations and unions with many
women without following any rule or law or ethic. However they may pretend
otherwise, what they do is unrestrained self-indulgence with, in practice,
little regard for the consequences of their life-style upon the happiness
and well-being of even their own children, let alone of the young in
general. In certain circles who advertise themselves as the most ‘free’,
sexual relations which most societies condemn as incestuous are regarded as
permissible; homosexuality is as ‘normal’ for them as any other kind of
relationship; some even practise polyandry-that is, one woman having at the
same time many ‘husbands’-the agony of any children from such unions who may
never be sure of who their father is, we leave to the reader’s imagination.
The only motive that people who live in this way can have for criticising
the Prophet’s marriages is the foolish hope that they can drag Muslims down
with them into the mess of moral confusion and viciousness in which they
themselves are trapped.
Jews and Christians who attack the Prophet for the plurality of his
marriages can only be motivated by their fear and jealous hatred of Islam.
They plainly forget that the great patriarchs of the Hebrew race, named as
prophets in the Bible as well as the Qur’an, and revered by the followers of
all three faiths as exemplars of moral excellence, all practised
polygamy-and indeed on a far greater scale than the Prophet Muhammad, upon
him be peace.
Polygamy was not originated by the Muslims. Furthermore, in the case of the
Prophet of Islam, as we shall see, polygamy (or, more strictly, polygyny)
has, from the viewpoint of its function within the mission of prophethood,
far more significance than people generally realise.
In a sense, the plurality of wives was a necessity for the Prophet through
whose practice (or Sunna) the statutes and norms of Muslim law were to be
established. Religion may not be excluded from the private relations between
spouses, from matters that can only be known by one’s partner. Therefore,
there must be guidance from women who can give clear instruction and advice
without using an allusive language of hints and innuendoes which leaves the
meaning obscure and incomprehensible. The chaste and virtuous women of the
Prophet’s household were the teachers responsible for conveying and
communicating to the people the norms and rules that concern the conduct of
Muslims in their private lives.
Some of the marriages of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, were
contracted for specific reasons to do with his wives:
1) Since there were young, middle-aged and old women amongst them, the
requirements and norms of Islamic law could be exemplified in relation to
their different life stages and experiences. These provisions of the law
were first learnt and applied within the Prophet’s household and then passed
on to other Muslims through the teaching of his wives.
2) Since each of his wives was from a different clan or tribe, the Prophet
established bonds of kinship and affinity throughout the ummah. This enabled
a profound attachment to him to spread amongst the diverse peoples of the
new ummah, creating and securing equality and brotherhood amongst them in a
most practical way and on the basis of religion.
3) Each of his wives, from their different tribes, both whilst the Prophet
was living and after he passed away, proved of great benefit and service to
the cause of Islam. They conveyed his message and interpreted it to their
clans; the outer and inward experience, the qualities, the manners and faith
of the man whose life, in all its details, public and intimate, was the
embodiment of the Qur’an-Islam in practice. In this way, all the members of
their clan, men and women, learnt about the Qur’an, Hadith, tafsir
(interpretation and commentary on the Qur’an), and fiqh (understanding of
the Islamic law), and so became fully aware of the essence and spirit of the
Islamic religion.
4) Through his marriages, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace,
established ties of kinship throughout the Arabian peninsula. What this
meant was that he was free to move and be accepted as a member in each
family, each of whose members regarded him as one of their own. For that
reason each felt that they could go to him in person to learn about the
affairs of this life and of the life hereafter, directly from him. Equally,
the tribes benefited collectively also from this proximity to the Prophet;
they esteemed themselves to be fortunate and took pride in that
relationship, such as the Ummayads through Umm Habibah, the Hashimites
through Zaynab bint Jahsh, and the Banu Makhzum through Umm Salamah.
What we have said so far is general and could, in some respects, be true of
all the Prophets. However, now we will discuss the life sketches of ummahat
al-mu’min-the mothers of the believers-not in the order of the marriages but
in a different perspective.
I
Khadijah, radi Allahu anha, was the first among the Prophet’s wives. At the
time of her marriage, she was forty years old and Muhammad, upon him be
peace, was twenty-five. She was the mother of all his children except a son,
Ibrahim, who did not live long. As well as being a wife, Khadijah was also a
friend to her husband, the sharer of his inclinations and ideals to a
remarkable degree. Their marriage was wonderfully blessed; they lived
together in profound harmony for twenty-three years. Through every contumely
and outrage heaped upon him by the idolaters, through every persecution,
Khadijah was his dearest companion and helper. He loved her very deeply and
did not marry any other woman during her lifetime. This marriage is the
ideal of intimacy, friendship, mutual respect, support and consolation, for
all marriages. Though faithful and loyal to all his wives, he never forgot
Khadijah after her death and mentioned her virtues and merits extensively on
many occasions. The Prophet did not marry for another four to five years
after Khadijah’s death. Providing their daily food and provisions, bearing
their troubles and hardships, Muhammad, upon him be peace, looked after his
children and performed the duties of mother as well as father. To allege of
such a man that he was a sensualist or suffered from lust for women, is as
disgraceful and as stupid a lie as can be imagined. For if there were even
the least grain of truth in it, he could not have lived as we know that he
did.
II
‘A’isha, radi Allahu anha was his second wife, though not in the order of
marriages. She was the daughter of his closest friend and devoted follower,
Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr, one of the earliest converts to Islam had long hoped to
cement the deep attachment that existed between himself and the Prophet, by
giving to him his daughter in marriage. By marrying ‘A’isha the Prophet
accorded the highest honour and courtesy to a man who had shared all the
good and bad times with him throughout his mission. In this way, Abu Bakr
and ‘A’isha Siddiqa acquired the distinction of being spiritually and
physically near to the Prophet.
Moreover, ‘A’isha, who proved to be a remarkably intelligent and wise woman,
had both the nature and temperament to carry forward the work of prophetic
mission. Her marriage was the schooling through which she was prepared as a
spiritual guide and teacher to the whole of the female world. She became one
of the major students and disciples of the Prophet and through him, like so
many of the Muslims of that blessed time, her skills and talents were
matured and perfected, so that she joined him in the abode of bliss both as
wife and as student. Her life and her services to Islam after her marriage
prove that such an exceptional person was worthy to be the wife of the
Prophet. For, when the time came, she proved herself one of the greatest
authorities on Hadith, an excellent commentator on the Qur’an and a most
distinguished and knowledgeable expert (faqih) in Islamic law. She truly
represented the inward and outward qualities and experiences (zahir and
batin) of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, through her unique
understanding. This is surely why the Prophet was told in his dream that he
would marry ‘A’isha, and thus, when she was innocent and knew nothing about
men and worldly affairs, she was prepared and entered into the Prophet’s
household.
III
Umm Salamah, radi Allahu anha, was from the clan of Makhzum. She was first
married to her cousin. The couple had embraced Islam at the very beginning
and emigrated to Abyssinia, to avoid the persecutions of the Quraysh. After
returning from Abyssinia, the couple and their four children migrated to
Madinah. Her husband participated in many battles and received severe wounds
at the battle of Uhud from which he later died. Abu Bakr and ‘Umar proposed
marriage to Umm Salamah, aware of her needs and suffering as a widow with
children to support and no means of doing so. She refused because, according
to her judgement, no-one could be better than her late husband.
Some time after that, the Prophet himself offered to marry her. This was
quite right and natural. For this great woman who had never shied from
sacrifice and suffering for her faith in Islam was now alone after having
lived many years in the noblest clan of Arabia. She could not be neglected
and left to beg her way in life. Considering her piety, sincerity and all
that she had suffered, she certainly deserved to be helped. By taking her
into his household, the Prophet was doing what he had been doing since his
youth, namely befriending those who were lacking in friends, supporting
those who were unsupported, protecting those who were unprotected. In the
circumstances in which Umm Salamah found herself, there was no kinder or
more gracious way to give her what she lacked.
Umm Salamah was intelligent and quick in comprehension just as ‘A’isha was.
She had all the capacities and gifts to become a spiritual guide and
teacher. When the gracious and compassionate Prophet took her under his
protection, a new student to whom all the female world would be grateful,
was accepted into the school of knowledge and guidance. Let us recall that,
at this time, the Prophet was approaching the age of sixty. For him to have
married a widow with many children, to have accepted the expenses and
responsibilities that entailed, cannot be understood otherwise than in
humble admiration for the infinite reserves of his humanity and compassion.
IV
Umm Habibah, radi Allahu anha, was the daughter of Abu Sufyan who, for a
long time had been the most determined enemy of the Prophet’s mission, and
the most determined supporter of kufr (unbelief). Yet his daughter was one
of the earliest converts to Islam. She emigrated to Abyssinia because of
persecution by the unbelievers. Whilst there, her husband converted to
Christianity. As she remained a Muslim, she separated from him. When,
shortly after that, her husband died she was all alone, and desperate, in
exile.
The Companions of the Prophet were then few in number and had little in the
way of material wealth to support themselves, let alone to support others.
What then were the practical options open to Umm Habibah? She might convert
to Christianity and so obtain support from the Christians, but that was
unthinkable. She might return to her father’s home, now a headquarters of
the war against Islam, but that too was unthinkable. She might wander from
household to household as a beggar, but again it was an unthinkable option
for one who belonged to one of the richest and noblest Arab families to
bring shame upon her family name by doing so.
God recompensed Umm Habibah for all that she lost or sacrificed in the way
of Islam. She had suffered a lonely exile in an insecure environment among
people of a race and religion different from her own; she was made wretched
too by her husband’s conversion and death. The Prophet, on learning of her
plight, responded by sending an offer of marriage through the king Negus.
This was an action both noble and generous, and a practical proof of the
verse: We have not sent you save as a mercy for all creatures (al-Anbiya’,
21.107).
Thus Umm Habibah joined the Prophet’s household as wife and student, and
contributed much to the moral and spiritual life of the Muslims who learnt
from her and, in their turn, passed on their knowledge to future
generations.
Through this marriage, the powerful family of Abu Sufyan came to be linked
with the person and household of the Prophet, something that led them to
adopt a different attitude to Islam. It is also correct to trace the
influence of this marriage, beyond the family of Abu Sufyan, on all the
Umayyads, who ruled the Muslims for almost a hundred years. The clan whose
members had been the most fanatical in their hatred of Islam produced some
of Islam’s most renowned warriors, administrators and governors in the early
period. Without doubt it was the marriage to Umm Habibah that began this
change: the Prophet’s depth of generosity and magnanimity of soul surely
overwhelmed them.
V
Zainab bint Jahsh, radi Allahu anha, was also a lady of noble birth,
descended and a close relative of the Prophet. She was, moreover, a woman of
great piety, who fasted much, kept long vigils, and gave generously to the
poor. When the Prophet asked for the hand of Zainab for Zaid, Zainab’s
family and Zainab herself were at first unwilling. The family had hoped to
marry their daughter to the Prophet. Naturally, when they realized that it
was the Prophet’s wish that Zainab should marry Zaid, they all consented out
of deference to their love for the Prophet and his authority. In this way,
the marriage took place.
Zaid had been taken captive as a child in the course of tribal wars and sold
as a slave. The noble Khadija whose slave he was, presented him to Muhammad,
upon him be peace, on the occasion of her marriage to the future Prophet.
The Prophet immediately gave Zaid his freedom and shortly afterwards adopted
him as his son. The reason for his insistence on Zaid’s marriage to Zainab
was to establish and fortify equality between the Muslims, to make this
ideal a reality. His desire was to break down the ancient Arab prejudice
against a slave or even freedman marrying a ‘free-born’ woman. The Prophet
was therefore starting this hard task with his own relatives.
The marriage did not bring happiness to either Zainab or Zaid. Zainab, the
lady of noble birth, was a good Muslim of a most pious and exceptional
quality. Zaid, the freedman, was among the first to embrace Islam, and he
too was a good Muslim. Both loved and obeyed the Prophet, but their marriage
was unsustainable because of their mutual incompatibility. Zaid found it no
longer tolerable and on several occasions expressed the wish to divorce. The
Prophet, however, insisted that he should persevere with patience and that
he should not separate from Zainab. Then, on an occasion while the Prophet
was in conversation, the Angel Gabriel came and a divine revelation was
given to him (Bukhari, Tawhid, 22). The Prophet’s marriage to Zainab was
announced in the revealed verses as a bond already contracted: We have
married her to you (al-Ahzab, 33.37). This command was one of the severest
trials the Prophet, upon him be peace, had yet had to face. For he was
commanded to do a thing contrary to the traditions of his people, indeed it
was a taboo. Yet it had to be done for the sake of God, just as God
commanded. ‘A’isha later said: Had the Messenger of God been inclined to
suppress anything of what was revealed to him, he would surely have
suppressed this verse (Bukhari and Muslim).
Divine wisdom decreed the need to join so distinguished and noble a person
as Zainab to the Prophet’s household, so as to provide her with true
knowledge and prepare her for the task of guiding and enlightening the
Muslims. In the event, after the marriage finally took place, Zainab proved
herself most worthy to be the Prophet’s wife; she was always aware of the
responsibilities as well as the courtesies proper to her role, and fulfilled
those responsibilities to universal admiration.
In the jahiliyya, the period of ignorance before Islam, an adopted son was
regarded as a natural son, and an adopted son’s wife was therefore regarded
as a natural son’s wife would be. According to the Qur’anic verse, those who
have been ‘wives of your sons proceeding from your loins’ fall within the
prohibited degrees of marriage. But this prohibition does not relate to
adopted sons with whom their is no real consanguinity. What now seems
obvious was not so then. The pagan taboo against marrying the former wives
of adopted sons was deeply rooted. It was to uproot this custom that the
Prophet’s marriage to Zainab was commanded by the Revelation.
To have an unassailable authority for future generations of Muslims, the
break in the taboo had to be achieved through the authority of the Prophet’s
own example. It is but one further instance of the depth of faith of the man
that he accepted the divine decree, against the most established customs of
his people. As a result the Arabs were rescued from their pagan confusion of
a legal fiction, however worthy, with a biological, natural reality.
VI
Juwayriyah b. Harith, radi Allahu anha, was one of a large number of
captives taken by Muslims in a military expedition. She was the daughter of
Harith, chief of the defeated Banu Mustaliq clan. She was held captive, like
other members of her proud family, alongside the ‘common’ people of her
clan. When Juwayriyah was taken to the Prophet, upon him be peace, she was
in considerable distress, not least because her kinsmen had lost everything
and her emotions were a profound hate and enmity toward the Muslims. The
Prophet understood the wounded pride and dignity and the suffering of this
woman; more than that he understood also, in his sublime wisdom, how to
resolve the problem and heal that wounded pride. He agreed to pay her
ransom, set her free and offered to take her as his wife. How gladly
Juwayriyah accepted this offer can easily be imagined.
About a hundred families, who had not yet been ransomed, were all set free
when the Ansar and the Muhajir (the Emigrants) came to realise that the Bani
Mustaliq were now among the Prophet’s kin by marriage. A tribe so honoured
could not be allowed to remain in slavery (Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 6, 277). In
this way the hearts of Juwayriyah and all her people were won. A hundred
families who regained their liberty blessed the marriage of Juwayriyah with
Muhammad, upon him be peace. Through his compassionate wisdom and generosity
he turned a defeat for some into a victory for all; what had been an
occasion of enmity and distress became one of friendship and joy.
VII
Safiyyah, radi Allahu anha, was the daughter of Huyayy, one of the
chieftains of the Jewish tribe of Khaybar, who had persuaded the Bani
Qurayzah to break their treaty with the Prophet. From her earliest years she
saw her family and relatives determined in opposition to the Prophet. She
had lost her father, brother and husband at the hands of Muslims, and
herself became one of their captives. The attitudes and actions of her
family and relatives might have nurtured in her a deep indignation against
the Muslims and a desire for revenge. But three days before the Prophet,
upon him be peace, arrived at Khaybar, and Safiyyah fell captive in the
battle, she had seen in a dream a brilliant moon coming out from Madina,
moving towards Khaybar, and falling into her lap. She later said: ‘When I
was captured I began to hope that my dream would come true.’ When she was
brought before him as a captive, the Prophet generously set her free and
offered her the choice between remaining a Jew and returning to her people
or entering Islam and becoming his wife. ‘I chose God and his Messenger’,
she said. Shortly after that, they were married.
Elevated to the Prophet’s household she had the title of ‘mother of the
believers’. The Companions of the Prophet honoured and respected her as
‘mother’; she witnessed at first hand the refinement and true courtesy of
the men and women whose hearts and minds were submitted to God. Her attitude
to her past experiences changed altogether, and she came to appreciate the
great honour of being the Prophet’s wife. As a result of this marriage, the
attitude of many Jews changed as they came to see and know the Prophet
closely. It is also worth noting here that it is through such close relation
with others that Muslims can come to understand how those others think and
feel and live. And it is through understanding that Muslims can learn how to
influence and guide, if God wills, those others. Without a degree of trust
established by such generous actions as the Prophet’s marriage to Safiyyah,
neither mutual respect nor tolerance can become social norms.
VIII
Sawdah b. Zam’ah b. Qays, radi Allahu anha, was the widow of one Sakran.
Sakran and Sawdah were among the first to embrace Islam and had been forced
to flee Abyssinia to escape the persecution of the idolaters. Sakran died in
exile and left his wife utterly destitute. As the only means of assisting
the poor woman, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, though himself
distressed for the means of daily subsistence, married Sawdah. This marriage
took place some time after the death of the noble Khadijah.
IX
Hafsah, radi Allahu anha, was the daughter of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, the
future second Caliph of Islam. This good lady had lost her husband who
emigrated to both Abyssinia and Madina and who died of wounds received in
battle in the path of God. She remained without a husband for a while. ‘Umar
also desired, like Abu Bakr, the honour and blessing of being close to the
Prophet in this world and in the Hereafter, so that the Prophet, upon him be
peace, took Hafsah as his wife so as to protect and help the daughter of his
faithful disciple.
Such were the circumstances and noble motives of the several marriages of
the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace. We see that these marriages were
intended to provide helpless or widowed women with dignified subsistence in
the absence of all other means; to console and honour enraged or estranged
tribes people, to bring those who had been enemies into some degree of
relationship and harmony; to gain for the cause of Islam certain uniquely
gifted individuals, in particular some exceptionally talented women; to
establish new norms of relationship between different people within the
unifying brotherhood of faith in God; and to honour with family bonds the
men who were to be the first leaders of the Muslim ummah after him. These
marriages had nothing at all to do with self-indulgence or personal desire
or lust or any other of the absurd and vile charges laid against the Prophet
by Islam’s embittered enemies. With the exception of ‘A’isha, all of the
Prophet’s wives were widows, and all his marriages (after that with the
noble Khadijah) were contracted when he was already an old man. Far from
being acts of self-indulgence then, these marriages were acts of
self-discipline.
It was a part of that discipline that the Prophet, upon him be peace,
provided for each of his wives with the most meticulously observed justice,
dividing equally whatever slender resources he allowed to his household for
their subsistence, accommodation and allowance generally. He also divided
his time with them equally, and regarded and treated them with equal
friendship and respect. That his household (despite the fact that his wives
came from different backgrounds and had acquired different tastes and
temperaments) got on well with each other, is no small tribute to his genius
for creating peace and harmony. With each of them, he was not only a
provider but a friend and companion.
A final point to be made is that the number of wives the Prophet had was by
a special dispensation within the Law of Islam and unique to his person.
Some of the merits and wisdom of this dispensation, as we understand them,
have been explained. The number of wives for any other Muslim may not exceed
four at any one time. When that Revelation restricting polygamy came, the
Prophet’s marriages had already been contracted. Thereafter, the Prophet
also was prohibited to marry again. May God bless him and grant him peace,
and may He enable us to understand and follow his noble example.
- Khadijah
-A’isha
-Umm Salamah
-Umm Habibah
-Zainab bint Jahsh
-Juwayriyah b. Harith
-Safiyyah
-Sawdah b. Zam’ah b. Qays
-Hafsah
Introduction
Some critics of Islam, either because they are not aware of the facts about
the marriages of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, or because they
are not honest and objective about those facts, have reviled the Prophet as
a self-indulgent libertine. They have accused him of character failings
which are hardly compatible with being of average virtue, let alone with
being a prophet and God’s last Messenger and the best model for all mankind
to follow. However, if the facts are simply recounted-and they are easily
available from scores of biographies and well-authenticated accounts of his
sayings and actions-it becomes clear that the Prophet lived the most
strictly disciplined life, that his marriages were a part of that
discipline, a part of the many, many burdens that he bore as God’s last
Messenger.
The reasons behind the Prophet’s several marriages are various, but even in
the privateness of some of those reasons, they all had to do with his role
as the leader of the new Muslim ummah, guiding his people towards the norms
and values of Islam. In the following pages we shall try to explain some of
those reasons and, in so doing, demonstrate that the charges levelled
against the Prophet on this count are as vile and indecent as they are
utterly false.
The Prophet, not at that time called to his future mission, first married at
the age of twenty-five. Given the cultural environment in which he lived,
not to mention the climate and other considerations such as his youth, it is
remarkable that he should have enjoyed a reputation for perfect chastity as
well as integrity and trustworthiness generally. As soon as he was called to
the prophethood he acquired enemies who did not hesitate to publicise false
calumnies against him-but not once did any of them (and in their jahiliyya
(ignorance) they were not scrupulous men) dare to invent against him what
no-one could have believed. It is important to realise that his life was
founded upon chastity and self-discipline from the outset, and so remained.
At the age of twenty-five, then, and in the prime of life, Muhammad, upon
him be peace, married Khadijah, a woman much his senior in years. This
marriage was very high and exceptional in the eyes of the Prophet and God.
For twenty-three years, his life with Khadijah was a period of uninterrupted
contentment in perfect fidelity. In the eighth year of prophethood, however,
Khadijah passed away and the Prophet was once again single, as he had been
until the age of twenty-five, though now with children. His enemies cannot
deny, but are forced to admit that, during all these long years, they cannot
find a single flaw in his moral character. During the lifetime of Khadijah,
the Prophet took no other wife, although public opinion among his people
would have allowed him to do so had he wished to. After Khadijah’s death, he
lived a single life for four or five years. All his other marriages began
after he reached the age of fifty-five, an age by which very little real
interest and desire for marriage remains. The allegation that his marriages
after this age were an expression of licentiousness or self-indulgence, is
as groundless as it is foul.
A question people often ask is: How can the plurality of his marriages be in
accord with his role as the Prophet? There are three points to be made in
answering this question, but first let us recognize that those who
continually raise such questions are either atheists (who themselves have no
religion) or are ‘people of the Book’ i.e. Christians or Jews. Both these
classes of critics are equally ignorant of Islam and religion, or wilfully
confuse right with wrong in order to deceive others and spread doubt and
mischief.
Those who neither believe in nor practise any religious way of life have no
right to reproach those who do. They have relations and unions with many
women without following any rule or law or ethic. However they may pretend
otherwise, what they do is unrestrained self-indulgence with, in practice,
little regard for the consequences of their life-style upon the happiness
and well-being of even their own children, let alone of the young in
general. In certain circles who advertise themselves as the most ‘free’,
sexual relations which most societies condemn as incestuous are regarded as
permissible; homosexuality is as ‘normal’ for them as any other kind of
relationship; some even practise polyandry-that is, one woman having at the
same time many ‘husbands’-the agony of any children from such unions who may
never be sure of who their father is, we leave to the reader’s imagination.
The only motive that people who live in this way can have for criticising
the Prophet’s marriages is the foolish hope that they can drag Muslims down
with them into the mess of moral confusion and viciousness in which they
themselves are trapped.
Jews and Christians who attack the Prophet for the plurality of his
marriages can only be motivated by their fear and jealous hatred of Islam.
They plainly forget that the great patriarchs of the Hebrew race, named as
prophets in the Bible as well as the Qur’an, and revered by the followers of
all three faiths as exemplars of moral excellence, all practised
polygamy-and indeed on a far greater scale than the Prophet Muhammad, upon
him be peace.
Polygamy was not originated by the Muslims. Furthermore, in the case of the
Prophet of Islam, as we shall see, polygamy (or, more strictly, polygyny)
has, from the viewpoint of its function within the mission of prophethood,
far more significance than people generally realise.
In a sense, the plurality of wives was a necessity for the Prophet through
whose practice (or Sunna) the statutes and norms of Muslim law were to be
established. Religion may not be excluded from the private relations between
spouses, from matters that can only be known by one’s partner. Therefore,
there must be guidance from women who can give clear instruction and advice
without using an allusive language of hints and innuendoes which leaves the
meaning obscure and incomprehensible. The chaste and virtuous women of the
Prophet’s household were the teachers responsible for conveying and
communicating to the people the norms and rules that concern the conduct of
Muslims in their private lives.
Some of the marriages of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, were
contracted for specific reasons to do with his wives:
1) Since there were young, middle-aged and old women amongst them, the
requirements and norms of Islamic law could be exemplified in relation to
their different life stages and experiences. These provisions of the law
were first learnt and applied within the Prophet’s household and then passed
on to other Muslims through the teaching of his wives.
2) Since each of his wives was from a different clan or tribe, the Prophet
established bonds of kinship and affinity throughout the ummah. This enabled
a profound attachment to him to spread amongst the diverse peoples of the
new ummah, creating and securing equality and brotherhood amongst them in a
most practical way and on the basis of religion.
3) Each of his wives, from their different tribes, both whilst the Prophet
was living and after he passed away, proved of great benefit and service to
the cause of Islam. They conveyed his message and interpreted it to their
clans; the outer and inward experience, the qualities, the manners and faith
of the man whose life, in all its details, public and intimate, was the
embodiment of the Qur’an-Islam in practice. In this way, all the members of
their clan, men and women, learnt about the Qur’an, Hadith, tafsir
(interpretation and commentary on the Qur’an), and fiqh (understanding of
the Islamic law), and so became fully aware of the essence and spirit of the
Islamic religion.
4) Through his marriages, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace,
established ties of kinship throughout the Arabian peninsula. What this
meant was that he was free to move and be accepted as a member in each
family, each of whose members regarded him as one of their own. For that
reason each felt that they could go to him in person to learn about the
affairs of this life and of the life hereafter, directly from him. Equally,
the tribes benefited collectively also from this proximity to the Prophet;
they esteemed themselves to be fortunate and took pride in that
relationship, such as the Ummayads through Umm Habibah, the Hashimites
through Zaynab bint Jahsh, and the Banu Makhzum through Umm Salamah.
What we have said so far is general and could, in some respects, be true of
all the Prophets. However, now we will discuss the life sketches of ummahat
al-mu’min-the mothers of the believers-not in the order of the marriages but
in a different perspective.
I
Khadijah, radi Allahu anha, was the first among the Prophet’s wives. At the
time of her marriage, she was forty years old and Muhammad, upon him be
peace, was twenty-five. She was the mother of all his children except a son,
Ibrahim, who did not live long. As well as being a wife, Khadijah was also a
friend to her husband, the sharer of his inclinations and ideals to a
remarkable degree. Their marriage was wonderfully blessed; they lived
together in profound harmony for twenty-three years. Through every contumely
and outrage heaped upon him by the idolaters, through every persecution,
Khadijah was his dearest companion and helper. He loved her very deeply and
did not marry any other woman during her lifetime. This marriage is the
ideal of intimacy, friendship, mutual respect, support and consolation, for
all marriages. Though faithful and loyal to all his wives, he never forgot
Khadijah after her death and mentioned her virtues and merits extensively on
many occasions. The Prophet did not marry for another four to five years
after Khadijah’s death. Providing their daily food and provisions, bearing
their troubles and hardships, Muhammad, upon him be peace, looked after his
children and performed the duties of mother as well as father. To allege of
such a man that he was a sensualist or suffered from lust for women, is as
disgraceful and as stupid a lie as can be imagined. For if there were even
the least grain of truth in it, he could not have lived as we know that he
did.
II
‘A’isha, radi Allahu anha was his second wife, though not in the order of
marriages. She was the daughter of his closest friend and devoted follower,
Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr, one of the earliest converts to Islam had long hoped to
cement the deep attachment that existed between himself and the Prophet, by
giving to him his daughter in marriage. By marrying ‘A’isha the Prophet
accorded the highest honour and courtesy to a man who had shared all the
good and bad times with him throughout his mission. In this way, Abu Bakr
and ‘A’isha Siddiqa acquired the distinction of being spiritually and
physically near to the Prophet.
Moreover, ‘A’isha, who proved to be a remarkably intelligent and wise woman,
had both the nature and temperament to carry forward the work of prophetic
mission. Her marriage was the schooling through which she was prepared as a
spiritual guide and teacher to the whole of the female world. She became one
of the major students and disciples of the Prophet and through him, like so
many of the Muslims of that blessed time, her skills and talents were
matured and perfected, so that she joined him in the abode of bliss both as
wife and as student. Her life and her services to Islam after her marriage
prove that such an exceptional person was worthy to be the wife of the
Prophet. For, when the time came, she proved herself one of the greatest
authorities on Hadith, an excellent commentator on the Qur’an and a most
distinguished and knowledgeable expert (faqih) in Islamic law. She truly
represented the inward and outward qualities and experiences (zahir and
batin) of the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, through her unique
understanding. This is surely why the Prophet was told in his dream that he
would marry ‘A’isha, and thus, when she was innocent and knew nothing about
men and worldly affairs, she was prepared and entered into the Prophet’s
household.
III
Umm Salamah, radi Allahu anha, was from the clan of Makhzum. She was first
married to her cousin. The couple had embraced Islam at the very beginning
and emigrated to Abyssinia, to avoid the persecutions of the Quraysh. After
returning from Abyssinia, the couple and their four children migrated to
Madinah. Her husband participated in many battles and received severe wounds
at the battle of Uhud from which he later died. Abu Bakr and ‘Umar proposed
marriage to Umm Salamah, aware of her needs and suffering as a widow with
children to support and no means of doing so. She refused because, according
to her judgement, no-one could be better than her late husband.
Some time after that, the Prophet himself offered to marry her. This was
quite right and natural. For this great woman who had never shied from
sacrifice and suffering for her faith in Islam was now alone after having
lived many years in the noblest clan of Arabia. She could not be neglected
and left to beg her way in life. Considering her piety, sincerity and all
that she had suffered, she certainly deserved to be helped. By taking her
into his household, the Prophet was doing what he had been doing since his
youth, namely befriending those who were lacking in friends, supporting
those who were unsupported, protecting those who were unprotected. In the
circumstances in which Umm Salamah found herself, there was no kinder or
more gracious way to give her what she lacked.
Umm Salamah was intelligent and quick in comprehension just as ‘A’isha was.
She had all the capacities and gifts to become a spiritual guide and
teacher. When the gracious and compassionate Prophet took her under his
protection, a new student to whom all the female world would be grateful,
was accepted into the school of knowledge and guidance. Let us recall that,
at this time, the Prophet was approaching the age of sixty. For him to have
married a widow with many children, to have accepted the expenses and
responsibilities that entailed, cannot be understood otherwise than in
humble admiration for the infinite reserves of his humanity and compassion.
IV
Umm Habibah, radi Allahu anha, was the daughter of Abu Sufyan who, for a
long time had been the most determined enemy of the Prophet’s mission, and
the most determined supporter of kufr (unbelief). Yet his daughter was one
of the earliest converts to Islam. She emigrated to Abyssinia because of
persecution by the unbelievers. Whilst there, her husband converted to
Christianity. As she remained a Muslim, she separated from him. When,
shortly after that, her husband died she was all alone, and desperate, in
exile.
The Companions of the Prophet were then few in number and had little in the
way of material wealth to support themselves, let alone to support others.
What then were the practical options open to Umm Habibah? She might convert
to Christianity and so obtain support from the Christians, but that was
unthinkable. She might return to her father’s home, now a headquarters of
the war against Islam, but that too was unthinkable. She might wander from
household to household as a beggar, but again it was an unthinkable option
for one who belonged to one of the richest and noblest Arab families to
bring shame upon her family name by doing so.
God recompensed Umm Habibah for all that she lost or sacrificed in the way
of Islam. She had suffered a lonely exile in an insecure environment among
people of a race and religion different from her own; she was made wretched
too by her husband’s conversion and death. The Prophet, on learning of her
plight, responded by sending an offer of marriage through the king Negus.
This was an action both noble and generous, and a practical proof of the
verse: We have not sent you save as a mercy for all creatures (al-Anbiya’,
21.107).
Thus Umm Habibah joined the Prophet’s household as wife and student, and
contributed much to the moral and spiritual life of the Muslims who learnt
from her and, in their turn, passed on their knowledge to future
generations.
Through this marriage, the powerful family of Abu Sufyan came to be linked
with the person and household of the Prophet, something that led them to
adopt a different attitude to Islam. It is also correct to trace the
influence of this marriage, beyond the family of Abu Sufyan, on all the
Umayyads, who ruled the Muslims for almost a hundred years. The clan whose
members had been the most fanatical in their hatred of Islam produced some
of Islam’s most renowned warriors, administrators and governors in the early
period. Without doubt it was the marriage to Umm Habibah that began this
change: the Prophet’s depth of generosity and magnanimity of soul surely
overwhelmed them.
V
Zainab bint Jahsh, radi Allahu anha, was also a lady of noble birth,
descended and a close relative of the Prophet. She was, moreover, a woman of
great piety, who fasted much, kept long vigils, and gave generously to the
poor. When the Prophet asked for the hand of Zainab for Zaid, Zainab’s
family and Zainab herself were at first unwilling. The family had hoped to
marry their daughter to the Prophet. Naturally, when they realized that it
was the Prophet’s wish that Zainab should marry Zaid, they all consented out
of deference to their love for the Prophet and his authority. In this way,
the marriage took place.
Zaid had been taken captive as a child in the course of tribal wars and sold
as a slave. The noble Khadija whose slave he was, presented him to Muhammad,
upon him be peace, on the occasion of her marriage to the future Prophet.
The Prophet immediately gave Zaid his freedom and shortly afterwards adopted
him as his son. The reason for his insistence on Zaid’s marriage to Zainab
was to establish and fortify equality between the Muslims, to make this
ideal a reality. His desire was to break down the ancient Arab prejudice
against a slave or even freedman marrying a ‘free-born’ woman. The Prophet
was therefore starting this hard task with his own relatives.
The marriage did not bring happiness to either Zainab or Zaid. Zainab, the
lady of noble birth, was a good Muslim of a most pious and exceptional
quality. Zaid, the freedman, was among the first to embrace Islam, and he
too was a good Muslim. Both loved and obeyed the Prophet, but their marriage
was unsustainable because of their mutual incompatibility. Zaid found it no
longer tolerable and on several occasions expressed the wish to divorce. The
Prophet, however, insisted that he should persevere with patience and that
he should not separate from Zainab. Then, on an occasion while the Prophet
was in conversation, the Angel Gabriel came and a divine revelation was
given to him (Bukhari, Tawhid, 22). The Prophet’s marriage to Zainab was
announced in the revealed verses as a bond already contracted: We have
married her to you (al-Ahzab, 33.37). This command was one of the severest
trials the Prophet, upon him be peace, had yet had to face. For he was
commanded to do a thing contrary to the traditions of his people, indeed it
was a taboo. Yet it had to be done for the sake of God, just as God
commanded. ‘A’isha later said: Had the Messenger of God been inclined to
suppress anything of what was revealed to him, he would surely have
suppressed this verse (Bukhari and Muslim).
Divine wisdom decreed the need to join so distinguished and noble a person
as Zainab to the Prophet’s household, so as to provide her with true
knowledge and prepare her for the task of guiding and enlightening the
Muslims. In the event, after the marriage finally took place, Zainab proved
herself most worthy to be the Prophet’s wife; she was always aware of the
responsibilities as well as the courtesies proper to her role, and fulfilled
those responsibilities to universal admiration.
In the jahiliyya, the period of ignorance before Islam, an adopted son was
regarded as a natural son, and an adopted son’s wife was therefore regarded
as a natural son’s wife would be. According to the Qur’anic verse, those who
have been ‘wives of your sons proceeding from your loins’ fall within the
prohibited degrees of marriage. But this prohibition does not relate to
adopted sons with whom their is no real consanguinity. What now seems
obvious was not so then. The pagan taboo against marrying the former wives
of adopted sons was deeply rooted. It was to uproot this custom that the
Prophet’s marriage to Zainab was commanded by the Revelation.
To have an unassailable authority for future generations of Muslims, the
break in the taboo had to be achieved through the authority of the Prophet’s
own example. It is but one further instance of the depth of faith of the man
that he accepted the divine decree, against the most established customs of
his people. As a result the Arabs were rescued from their pagan confusion of
a legal fiction, however worthy, with a biological, natural reality.
VI
Juwayriyah b. Harith, radi Allahu anha, was one of a large number of
captives taken by Muslims in a military expedition. She was the daughter of
Harith, chief of the defeated Banu Mustaliq clan. She was held captive, like
other members of her proud family, alongside the ‘common’ people of her
clan. When Juwayriyah was taken to the Prophet, upon him be peace, she was
in considerable distress, not least because her kinsmen had lost everything
and her emotions were a profound hate and enmity toward the Muslims. The
Prophet understood the wounded pride and dignity and the suffering of this
woman; more than that he understood also, in his sublime wisdom, how to
resolve the problem and heal that wounded pride. He agreed to pay her
ransom, set her free and offered to take her as his wife. How gladly
Juwayriyah accepted this offer can easily be imagined.
About a hundred families, who had not yet been ransomed, were all set free
when the Ansar and the Muhajir (the Emigrants) came to realise that the Bani
Mustaliq were now among the Prophet’s kin by marriage. A tribe so honoured
could not be allowed to remain in slavery (Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 6, 277). In
this way the hearts of Juwayriyah and all her people were won. A hundred
families who regained their liberty blessed the marriage of Juwayriyah with
Muhammad, upon him be peace. Through his compassionate wisdom and generosity
he turned a defeat for some into a victory for all; what had been an
occasion of enmity and distress became one of friendship and joy.
VII
Safiyyah, radi Allahu anha, was the daughter of Huyayy, one of the
chieftains of the Jewish tribe of Khaybar, who had persuaded the Bani
Qurayzah to break their treaty with the Prophet. From her earliest years she
saw her family and relatives determined in opposition to the Prophet. She
had lost her father, brother and husband at the hands of Muslims, and
herself became one of their captives. The attitudes and actions of her
family and relatives might have nurtured in her a deep indignation against
the Muslims and a desire for revenge. But three days before the Prophet,
upon him be peace, arrived at Khaybar, and Safiyyah fell captive in the
battle, she had seen in a dream a brilliant moon coming out from Madina,
moving towards Khaybar, and falling into her lap. She later said: ‘When I
was captured I began to hope that my dream would come true.’ When she was
brought before him as a captive, the Prophet generously set her free and
offered her the choice between remaining a Jew and returning to her people
or entering Islam and becoming his wife. ‘I chose God and his Messenger’,
she said. Shortly after that, they were married.
Elevated to the Prophet’s household she had the title of ‘mother of the
believers’. The Companions of the Prophet honoured and respected her as
‘mother’; she witnessed at first hand the refinement and true courtesy of
the men and women whose hearts and minds were submitted to God. Her attitude
to her past experiences changed altogether, and she came to appreciate the
great honour of being the Prophet’s wife. As a result of this marriage, the
attitude of many Jews changed as they came to see and know the Prophet
closely. It is also worth noting here that it is through such close relation
with others that Muslims can come to understand how those others think and
feel and live. And it is through understanding that Muslims can learn how to
influence and guide, if God wills, those others. Without a degree of trust
established by such generous actions as the Prophet’s marriage to Safiyyah,
neither mutual respect nor tolerance can become social norms.
VIII
Sawdah b. Zam’ah b. Qays, radi Allahu anha, was the widow of one Sakran.
Sakran and Sawdah were among the first to embrace Islam and had been forced
to flee Abyssinia to escape the persecution of the idolaters. Sakran died in
exile and left his wife utterly destitute. As the only means of assisting
the poor woman, the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace, though himself
distressed for the means of daily subsistence, married Sawdah. This marriage
took place some time after the death of the noble Khadijah.
IX
Hafsah, radi Allahu anha, was the daughter of ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, the
future second Caliph of Islam. This good lady had lost her husband who
emigrated to both Abyssinia and Madina and who died of wounds received in
battle in the path of God. She remained without a husband for a while. ‘Umar
also desired, like Abu Bakr, the honour and blessing of being close to the
Prophet in this world and in the Hereafter, so that the Prophet, upon him be
peace, took Hafsah as his wife so as to protect and help the daughter of his
faithful disciple.
Such were the circumstances and noble motives of the several marriages of
the Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace. We see that these marriages were
intended to provide helpless or widowed women with dignified subsistence in
the absence of all other means; to console and honour enraged or estranged
tribes people, to bring those who had been enemies into some degree of
relationship and harmony; to gain for the cause of Islam certain uniquely
gifted individuals, in particular some exceptionally talented women; to
establish new norms of relationship between different people within the
unifying brotherhood of faith in God; and to honour with family bonds the
men who were to be the first leaders of the Muslim ummah after him. These
marriages had nothing at all to do with self-indulgence or personal desire
or lust or any other of the absurd and vile charges laid against the Prophet
by Islam’s embittered enemies. With the exception of ‘A’isha, all of the
Prophet’s wives were widows, and all his marriages (after that with the
noble Khadijah) were contracted when he was already an old man. Far from
being acts of self-indulgence then, these marriages were acts of
self-discipline.
It was a part of that discipline that the Prophet, upon him be peace,
provided for each of his wives with the most meticulously observed justice,
dividing equally whatever slender resources he allowed to his household for
their subsistence, accommodation and allowance generally. He also divided
his time with them equally, and regarded and treated them with equal
friendship and respect. That his household (despite the fact that his wives
came from different backgrounds and had acquired different tastes and
temperaments) got on well with each other, is no small tribute to his genius
for creating peace and harmony. With each of them, he was not only a
provider but a friend and companion.
A final point to be made is that the number of wives the Prophet had was by
a special dispensation within the Law of Islam and unique to his person.
Some of the merits and wisdom of this dispensation, as we understand them,
have been explained. The number of wives for any other Muslim may not exceed
four at any one time. When that Revelation restricting polygamy came, the
Prophet’s marriages had already been contracted. Thereafter, the Prophet
also was prohibited to marry again. May God bless him and grant him peace,
and may He enable us to understand and follow his noble example.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)