Alislam i c revised 2007-final
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This document provides an overview of the major beliefs and concepts in Islam from inception to conclusion, as researched and authored by Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Mehar. It covers topics like Allah, the angels, prophets from Adam to Muhammad, the holy books, and beliefs about the afterlife. The book is intended to help readers understand the basic tenets and circumstances surrounding the origins and spread of Islam. It provides summaries of stories from the Quran and hadith about prophets and their messages.
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 5
THE CREATOR – ALLAH. (SWT)
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He it is Who shows you the lightening, a fear and hope, and raises the heavy clouds. The thunder hymns His
praise and so do the angels, for awe of Him. He launches the thunderbolts and smites with them whom He will
while they dispute, in doubt, concerning Allah, He is mighty in wrath.
(Quran: 13/12-13)
The first and foremost belief of the three main monotheistic religions, Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam, is that this universe, which literally means, all that is visible, whatever
surrounds it, and all its inhabitants are a creation of a single entity, always addressed as God
with a capital “G” in the universal English language. However, when the written word “god”
starts with the lowercase “g,” it has to have an associated function with it: as in god of war, god
of wind, or god of sunlight.
The first and foremost Islamic condition is to have an absolute conviction that Allah
literally and truly exists, and that He has created everything in the universe and whatever is in the
heavens. He has no partners, nothing likewise or similar and is the only deity worthy of worship.
Another essential belief is that Allah (SWT) possesses all the characteristics of perfection and
completeness.
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Say, He is Allah, the One, Allah the Self-Sufficient. He begets not, nor is He begotten. There is
none comparable to him.
(Quran: 112/1-4)
The word Allah is simply an Arabic word for God. Allah is used in the Arabic texts of
both Christians and Jews. This is because “Allah” is the only word in the Arabic language that
equals the English word “God” with a capital “G.” Unlike the English language, the Arabic
language does not have capital letters.
The important fact to observe is that the word “Allah” cannot be made plural, nor can it
be associated with a masculine or feminine gender. The English words “god” or “gods” can be
used to describe the masculine and feminine genders. Islam clearly and distinctly teaches that
humankind should only say about God what He has said about Himself. It means that all our
ideas about God must be based on the Revelations and not on human speculations. For if the
human mind is allowed to speculate, the stage will be set for misconceptions to take root.
In Aramaic, the language spoken by Prophet Eisa (Jesus) (AS), the word “El” is used for
God. Phonetically “El” sounds closer to Allah than God does. The Hebrew uses the words “El”
and “Elah” for God. The reason for these similarities is that Aramaic, Hebrew and Arabic are all
Semitic languages with common origins.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-5-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 15
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Everyone that is thereon the earth will pass away. There remains but the countenance of your
Lord of Might and Glory.
(Quran: 55/26-27)
The Jinn have powers and abilities beyond the reach of humankind. Prophet Solomon
(AS) was given complete control over the population of the Jinn to humiliate the devil. Prophet
Solomon (AS) used the physical powers of the Jinn to mine for copper and to break huge,
mountainous rocks. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is the handiwork of the Jinn! When
Prophet Solomon (AS) ordered his Jinn-workers to bring the throne of the Queen of Sheba from
her palace in Sheba to his court in Jerusalem, two Jinns competed for the honor to satisfy the
demand of their master, Prophet Solomon (AS). One Jinn offered to bring the Throne of Sheba
from Sheba to Jerusalem in the time it would take one person to rise from the chair and stand.
The other Jinn said that he would bring it within the blink of the eye and actually transported the
throne from Sheba to Jerusalem within the blink of an eye! The distance between Sheba and
Jerusalem was a month’s journey on horseback!
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A stalwart of the Jinn said: “ I will bring it to you before you can raise from your place. Lo! I
am surely strong and trusty for such work.” One with who was the knowledge of the
Scripture said: “I will bring it to you before your gaze returns unto you”. And when he saw it
set in his presence, Solomon said, “This is of the bounty of my Lord, that He may try me
whether I give thanks or am ungrateful. Whosoever gives thanks he only gives thanks for the
good of his own soul; and whosoever is ungrateful, is ungrateful only to his own soul’s hurt.
For lo! My Lord is Absolute in independence, Bountiful.”
(Quran: 27/39-40)
The majority of the devils attempt to reach the lower heavens to eavesdrop on the
inhabitants there. The devil’s mission is to learn about the future of humankind from the writings
in the Book of Life, which is stored there as an assignment-log for the angels’ work. These
intentions of the devil reached Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) increased the numbers of the guards
there and continues to shower the rising devils with the meteorites and the blazing comets; thus
annihilating those ambitious adventurers.
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And the Jinn who listened to the Quran said: “We had sought the heaven but had found it
filled with strong warders and meteors. And we used to sit on high places therein to listen.
But he who listened now finds a flame in wait for him”
(Quran: 72/8-9)
The devils may also take on the appearance of cats and dogs and the crawling insects like
snakes, scorpions, and rats. However, their favorite attire is that of a black dog.
A small population of the Jinn has separated themselves away from Satan. They follow
the righteous ways of Islam. They worship Allah (SWT) and recite the Quran. They are the true
believers.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-15-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 21
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“Go out of Paradise and down to the earth all of you, as enemies to each other –Adam. Hawwa
and Satan-. Your abode on the earth will be as a dwelling and a place for enjoyment for a
specific time. Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be
resurrected again.”
(Quran: 7/24-25)
The angels and Azaazee, the Jinn, were ranked in their status to be close to Allah (SWT)
in His Court. Both of these forms, one of rays and the other of fire, were in constant prayers
thanking Allah (SWT). Being a leader of the creation of the Jinn and having been made of fire,
Azaazee had developed a superiority complex and was expecting that Allah (SWT) would grant
him the superior rank of being Allah (SWT)’s main representative in the universe. As Azaazee
was despaired and lost, he became Ibliss. When Allah (SWT) Injected His Spirit into the clay
form and Ordered for all to prostrate, Azaazee, the Ibliss, refused to prostrate as he felt insulted,
he then became Satan. Satan means the one who has intentionally changed the directions. The
expulsion of Satan from Paradise was because of this refusal to comply with the command of
Allah (SWT).
The command of prostration was to commemorate the origination and generation of a
being who would represent Allah (SWT) in the visible world. The aforementioned prostration
was not meant to signify that Allah (SWT)’s human creation would be treated as another deity or
a god worthy of prostration by all the other creations including the angels, and the Jinn.
Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) is alone worthy of prostration. Nor was it meant to ask
their opinion or to take up their advice; Allah (SWT) is the creator and does not need any help.
Allah (SWT) merely Advised them that He was creating a vicegerent, who would eventually
inhabit the universe, and subsequently multiply thereupon. However, their abode on Earth will
have a lifespan as individually determined by Allah (SWT). They will die after completing their
life terms and will be resurrected on Judgment Day.
During an earlier incident, some nations of the Jinn population had revolted against the
wishes and commandments of Allah (SWT). They had shed a lot of blood among themselves and
were responsible for an extensive damage in the universe. Angels, upon the directions from
Allah (SWT), rounded them up, and ejected the nation of the Jinn out of Paradise. The angels
then threw this nation over the oceans.
Azaazee had been spared because he had always obeyed Allah (SWT)’s commands and
had physically helped the angels in the crushing and the disposal of the rebellious Jinn.
On the day Adam was created, Azaazee, then Ibliss, revolted and refused to prostrate!
Thus he became Satan. Allah (SWT) was about to annihilate Satan forever, when Satan pleaded
for an extension of his life till the Day of Judgment; Allah (SWT) in His mercy Allowed him to
live and extended his life till Judgment Day; but Satan was prohibited from Paradise forever and
would never be allowed to enter Paradise again. However, this punishment and the sentence were
beyond his expectations and more to his surprise.
Satan’s elements of the fire overtook the logics of comprehension, and produced an
undesirable conclusion for him. Worst of all, for him, Satan refused to apologize for his
disobedience.
Satan could have asked for Allah (SWT)’s Mercy but he did not.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-21-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 25
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Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! They each presented a
sacrifice (to Allah (SWT)); it was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter: “Be sure I will
slay you.” “Surely,” said the former, “Allah accepts of the sacrifice of those who are righteous. If you stretch
your hand against me to slay me, I shall not stretch my hand against you to slay you: for I do fear Allah, the
Cherisher of the Worlds. For me I intend to let you draw yourself my sin as well as yours, for you will be
among the Companions of the Fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong.” The selfish soul of the
other led him to the murder of his brother: he murdered him, and became one of the lost ones. The Allah sent
the raven, which scratched the ground, to show him how to hide his shame and his brother. “Woe is me!” said
he, “was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?” Then he became full of
regrets. (Quran: 5/27-31)
Prophet Adam (AS) was grief-stricken due to the loss of his two sons; one was dead
while the other had permitted himself to be taken over by Satan. Prophet Adam (AS) could only
offer prayers for his sons. Besides, he had to tend to himself and the rest of his family. His duties
as a prophet were enhanced and increased with the expansion of his family and off-springs. He
had twenty pairs of twins; that is twenty males and twenty females. The last child was a son who
was born alone. His sermons to his children and grandchildren relayed his own experiences, both
in Paradise and on Earth along with the warnings about the ever-present danger of Satan; who
would ambush humanity to lead them astray.
By the time Prophet Adam (AS) grew old, his children had spread all over the earth.
Near the time of his death, he appointed his last son, Prophet Shiith (SETH) (AS) as a successor,
guiding him about the timings of the prayers from the movements of the sun and the appropriate
acts of worship. Prophet Adam (AS) reassured his children that Allah (SWT) would Continue to
Send His prophets. These prophets would have different names, and they would be from
different tribes. Some of them would even perform miracles, but their message for the whole of
humanity would always be:
• Allah (SWT) was the only God worthy of worship! He had no partners or none was like
Him.
• The life on this earth would end in death, but they would be resurrected again on the Day
of Judgment.
• The life on this earth was only a test of the individual self. All their deeds and their
worships would be recorded as every soul would have to explain for himself.
• The reward for righteousness would be the permanent abode in Paradise; whereas those
who follow Satan would be forever doomed in the Fires of Hell.
Near the time of his death, Prophet Adam felt a hunger and craving for a specific food that he
had earlier tasted in Paradise. He described its shape and properties, asking his children to search
for it and bring it to him if found. His children went out in search of the fruit of Paradise. While
they were busy in their search among the fruit trees, two strangers approached them. These
strangers questioned the children of the Prophet Adam (AS) about the nature of their search. The
children replied that they were looking for a specific kind of fruit as per the wishes of their ailing
father.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-25-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 26
These strangers were the angels who had come to educate the children of Prophet Adam
(AS) on how to dispose of human remains; once the Angel of Death had extracted the soul from
the body. The angels advised those children to return to their father, for they must learn about the
disposition of the human body, as per the will of Allah (SWT). Moreover, it would be a requisite
for the rest of humanity to follow. The angels were carrying the shroud with them. When they
reached home, they found that Prophet Adam (AS) had already expired.
The angels washed the body, wrapped it with the shroud, and buried it in the ground. The
angels then instructed those present that it was mandatory for humans to be buried in the ground,
as shown to them, and that it was the proper way Allah (SWT) had Ordered them to follow.
Those who were present and had witnessed the burial must advise the future generations about it.
Since the major elements of humans were the clays from the surface of the earth, that is
where the bodies should be finally disposed.
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From the earth We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring
you out once again.
(Quran: 20/55)
Major portion of the earth surface is made up of water; similarly, the human body also
contains substantial quantities of water. Thus, it is permissible to bury a human at sea to avoid
any undue decay of the human remains.
After the death of Prophet Adam (AS), Prophet Shiith (AS) took over the responsibilities
and the prophet hood.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-26-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 33
father to produce the flood. Even the wife of Prophet Nuh (AS) had joined the unbelievers and
refused to come on board the Ark.
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My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and him who enters my house believing, and believing
men and believing women, and increase not the wrongdoers in anything save ruin.
(Quran: 71/28)
It is believed that there were only 80 believers on the Ark. (Some scholars contend that
their number was 72 while some claim that there were only 10).
By the time the Ark was loaded with all that was destined to be carried on board, as per
the Command of Allah (SWT), the intensity of the rain had increased. The water also started
gushing out of the earth from the crevices. Sprouting geysers sprung up. Water levels were
rising. Everything was covered with water. The landmass was disappearing fast. The Ark began
to rise and floated on a piece of land, which had been dry and well away from any sea, until a
short while ago.
Allah (SWT) was Delivering with His wrath.
This had been forewarned, but mankind had decided not to heed, instead chose to
continue to follow its satanic path of idolatry. Allah (SWT) had Warned and Continues to Warn
even today that Allah (SWT) alone is worthy of the prayers and Will Not Accept any partners,
associates or images created by mankind.
The Ark started sailing amid mountainous waves with all those on board offering prayers
of thanks to Allah (SWT) and sought His Mercy for their Salvation from the His Wrath and the
devastating floods surrounding them.. The Ark sailed for 40 days and nights under the Guidance
of Allah (SWT).
When the water subsided and the sky was cleared of its dark clouds, the Ark rested on
Mount Judi, a spot higher than its surroundings. Prophet Nuh (AS) unloaded and disbursed all
the occupants with the clear Message from Allah (SWT) to Settle, Procreate and to always
Follow the straight path to Allah (SWT).Prophet Nuh (AS) lived for 950 years!
Allah (SWT) has Revealed in the Holy Quran:
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 37
me, all of you, give me no respite. Lo! I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord.
Not an animal but He does grasp it by the forelock! Lo! My Lord is on a straight path. And if
you turn away, still I have conveyed unto you that with which I was sent unto you, and my
Lord will set in place of you a folk other than you. You cannot cause hurt to Him at all. Lo! My
Lord is Guardian over all things.”
Quran:
11/53-57).
The finality of these confrontations materialized with Prophet Hud (AS) publicly
renouncing the gods of the disbelievers. The disbelievers openly challenged Prophet Hud (AS)
and Allah (SWT) to fulfill the promise of the punishment exclusively designed for them. It
started with the sun producing scorching heat over the desert sands. The clouds had disappeared
along with the rain. The water wells evaporated and dried. Some of their wise men approached
Prophet Hud (AS) and asked if there was a reason for the drought. Prophet Hud (AS) suggested
that it was Allah’s Wrath upon them. They still had the chance to abandon their idolatry, Pray to
Him, seek His Forgiveness, and be among the Righteous people. If they did this, Allah (SWT)
would shower His Blessings upon them with the much-needed rain. He would also make them
wealthier. Their mockery and arrogance towards Prophet Hud (AS) continued. The drought
conditions increased with the plantations and crops starting to die down. The intensity of the heat
and the drought continued until one day a dark cloud appeared in the sky. The people started
rejoicing by coming out their dwellings and shades. They claimed that their gods had overcome
the adverse weather and would now provide them with the relief of rain.
However, the weather took an abrupt turn from that of burning heat to a body-piercing
cold. A hurricane developed with winds that uprooted every tree, plant, and tent in its way. The
people were being carried in the whirlwinds and thrown to different places. Some of them tried
to seek refuge in their well-built houses, castles and towers, but the hurricane’s fury destroyed
everything in its path, even those structures of which they were so proud. The cold winds pierced
through the skins of those who were exposed and split them apart from inside out. Death seemed
to be a much-desired relief for the people. These stormy conditions raged for seven nights and
eight days.
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Then when they beheld it a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: “Here is a
cloud bringing us rain. Nay but it is that which you did seek to hasten, a wind wherein is the
painful torment. Destroying all things by Commandment of its Lord. Morning found them so
that nothing could be seen save their (destroyed) dwellings. Thus do We reward the criminal
people.
(Quran: 46/24-25)
Prophet Hud (AS) and his righteously guided followers were the only survivors of these
storms. They emigrated from the ruined valley and settled in Hadramuth.
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And as for ‘Ad, they were destroyed by a fierce roaring wind, which We imposed on them for
seven nights and eight long days so that you might have seen men lying over thrown, as if they
were hollow trunks of palm trees.
(Quran: 69/6-7)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-37-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 41
approached the she-camel with a sword and sliced off the other leg. The she-camel was
paralyzed and fell on the spot. Immediately after it fell, Qudar used his sword again to inflict a
cruel terminal blow, and pierced it into the heart of the she-camel.
These killers of the she-camel were treated as heroes. They were welcomed with songs
and poetry composed especially for them. As their status in the society of the non-believers was
raised to a high level, their arrogance towards Prophet Saleh (AS) also increased. They had
become insolent to him and mocked him. Prophet Saleh (AS), hoping that these people would
seek Mercy from Allah (SWT), cautioned them: “Enjoy your life for three more days, then the
punishment will descend upon you.”
“Why three days?” they asked. “Let the punishment come as quickly as possible.”
Prophet Saleh (AS) again pleaded with them to seek the Mercy of Allah (SWT) by
praying and apologizing to Him for their recent and grievous sin, saying, “My people, why do
you hasten towards evil rather than good?”
They replied, “We see your presence and that of your followers as bringing evil on us.”
Prophet Saleh (AS) cautioned, “Your ill omen is with Allah; Also you are the people that
are being tested.”
They plotted to assassinate Prophet Saleh and kill all his family.
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And there were in the city nine groups who were mischievous and refused to reform. They
conspired amongst themselves to attack and kill him (Saleh) and the people in his house,
during the night. Afterwards they will tell his friends that they had no knowledge about those
responsible for the destruction and they were telling the truth. So they plotted a plot: and We
plotted a plot, while they perceived not.
(Quran: 27/48-50)
Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Saleh (AS) and his family and his followers from the wicked
plans of the non-believers. With heavy hearts, they emigrated to settle in another land. Three
days after Prophet Saleh’s (AS) warning, thunderbolts filled the area, which prompted the people
to seek refuge indoors. Thereafter, violent earthquakes shook the grounds and destroyed
everything. None of the well-built castles, houses, and mountain abodes was able to protect them
from the wrath of Allah (SWT)
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 50
Sarah for forgiveness. Again Sarah prayed to Almighty Allah and the tyrant was forgiven. He
called upon his guards to return Sarah to Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He rewarded her with the gift of
a young Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. Sarah returned to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and told
him, “Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel and the immoral person. This infidel gave me
Hagar for service.”
Sarah was sterile; hence, she could not conceive. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had aged; his
hair hard turned gray and many years of travel, labors, and hardships had started to show. Both
of them longed to have their own children. Sarah decided to offer Hagar in marriage to her
husband.
Hagar gave birth to her first son, Ismail, (Ishmael) when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was an
old man. However, Sarah could not control her jealousy and insisted that Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
get rid of Hagar and the child. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for guidance and
assistance. He was instructed to take Hagar and Ismail and settle them elsewhere.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) settled Hagar and Ismail in the valley that later became known as
Makkah. After settling them, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) returned to live with Sarah and continued
with his mission of preaching and conveying Allah’s (SWT) messages to those he met. He was
said, however, because he missed his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). He wished for another son, but
he was getting old. Once while he recalled the sacrifices he had made to remain righteous, tears
fell from his eyes. Allah (SWT), as always, Was Present and Knew what Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS)
inner feelings.
The Angels, Hazrat Jibrail (AS), Hazrat Israfeel (AS) and Hazrat Mikaeel (AS)
descended upon Earth. They changed themselves into human shapes, came to the tent of Prophet
Ibrahim (AS), and greeted him with salutations of peace. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) arose and
reciprocated the salutations and welcomed them inside his tent. After seating them, he sought
their indulgence to excuse his short absence for him to go to the inner tent, away from them. He
told his wife, Sarah, that he had three visitors, who were completely strangers to him. He asked
her about the food that was available for his guests. When he learned that the available food
would not be sufficient, he ordered a calf to be slaughtered and cooked for his guests.
The servants roasted and served the calf. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) invited his guests to eat
the food that was laid down. To encourage them to eat, he took a portion and started to eat. He
looked at his guests and found that they had not touched any food. He took another portion and
ate. Again, his guests had not touched any part of the food. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) worried and
thought that the strangers might have ill intentions toward him or his wealth. The Angels read his
thoughts and assured him that they had no ill intentions toward him or anything belonging to
him.
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) said, “Indeed, I am fearful of you. I have asked you to eat food, but
you do not. Do you intend me evil?”
One of Angels smiled and said, “We do not eat. We are Allah’s angels. We have come to
give glad tidings about your son Ishaaq!”
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 57
For come you not into males, and cut you not the road for travelers and commit you not
abomination in your meetings? But the answer of his folk was only that they said: Bring
Allah’s Torment upon us if you are one of the truthful.
(Quran: 29/29)
Overwhelmed with despair, Prophet Lut (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT):
∩⊇∉®∪ tβθè=ϑ÷ètƒ $£ϑÏΒ ’Í?÷δr&uρ ©Í_ÅngwΥ Éb>u‘
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My Lord! Save my household and me from what the people of this nation do.
(Quran: 26/169)
Allah (SWT) Heard the prayers of distress and the calls for assistance from Prophet Lut
(AS). Three angels, who were visiting, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had been sent:
• to convey the glad tidings of the birth of Prophet Ishaaq (AS), and
• to help save Prophet Lut (AS) and his family from the punishment of Allah (SWT) that
had been predetermined for the people of that area.
When the three angels reached the outer walls of the town, a daughter of Prophet Lut
(AS) saw them approaching and knew that they were complete strangers by the nature of their
dress and the manner in which they walked. Their youthful and beautiful faces stunned her. To
her utter amazement and pleasure, one of them addressed her, “O maiden! Do you know of any
place where we can rest?” The girl was aware of the indecent nature of the town’s people. She
wanted to save these three from being humiliated. She asked them to wait there while she fetched
her father who would assist them.
She ran to her father and told him, “Oh Father! You need to help the youngsters waiting
at the town entrance. I have never seen such masculine beauty like theirs, ever before!”
Prophet Lut (AS) immediately responded and met the strangers. He asked them about
themselves but they refused to offer any clues except they kept asking him if he was able to offer
them shelter.
Prophet Lut (AS), in all honesty, told the strangers about the evil natures of the
townspeople and advised them to avoid spending the night there for their own safety. While he
wanted to host them and treat the wayfarers appropriately as per his nature, he was very reluctant
and fearful for the dire consequences if the strangers were discovered by the evil townspeople.
He knew that the townspeople would molest them.
The strangers were adamant and insisted on staying there. Very reluctantly, Prophet Lut
(AS) took them to his house and requested that they stay out of the sight of the other people. His
family members were very pleased and were all supportive towards their guests; except Prophet
Lut’s (AS) wife, who at the first available opportunity slipped out of the house and spread the
news about the handsome and youthful strangers in their home.
The news spread like wildfire and the fanatics gathered near the gatehouse of Prophet Lut
(AS). It was now apparent to him that his wife had spread the news about his guests.
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 58
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y x s
∩∠∈∪ t⎦⎫Ïÿ¿dœuθtGçΗø>Ïj9 ;M≈tƒUψ y7Ï9≡sŒ ’Îû ¨βÎ) ∩∠⊆∪ @≅ŠÉdfÅ™ ⎯ÏiΒ
He Ibrahim said, “ And afterwards what is your business, Oh you! Messengers of Allah?” They
said, “We have been sent towards the people who are all criminal folks except the family of
Lut. We will save all of them except his wife”. We had decreed that she should be amongst
those who stay behind. And when the messengers came amongst the family of Lut. He said,
“Lo! You are unknown folk for me”. They said, “But we bring you that which the unbelievers
dispute; and bring for you the Truth, and lo! We are the truth tellers. So travel with your
household with in the night, behind each other. Let none of you turn around, but go towards
where you are commanded” And We made it plain to him, that the roots of those who did
wrong was to be cuts at early morning. And the people of the city came, pleased at the news of
new arrivals, He said, “Lo! They are my guests. Affront me not! And keep your duty to Allah,
and shame me not!” They said, “Have we not forbidden you from entertaining anyone?” He
said, “Here are my daughters, if you must have the urge.” By your life, O Muhammad, they
moved blindly in the frenzy of approaching Death. Then the awful Cry overtook at the
sunrise. And We utterly confounded them, and We rained upon them stones of heated clay.
Lo! Therein verily are portents for those who read the Signs.
(Quran: 15/57-75)
When the mob started ramming his doors, Prophet Lut (AS) pleaded with them to seek
their sexual pleasures from their wives instead of sodomizing his guests. The mob, overcharged
with their passion and frenzy, broke down the door and entered the courtyard. Prophet Lut (AS)
was visibly angry with their behavior. He was helpless and agonized by the tyranny and the
assaults that could be inflicted on his guests.
He raised his hands towards the heavens and prayed aloud for the strength to push the
crowd out of his house.
The guests noticed all that was taking place and heard the pleas of very helpless Prophet
Lut (AS); they approached him and assured him, “Oh Lut! Do not be frightened or fearful of
these people. We are the angels of Allah who have come to help you against these insolent
people. They cannot harm you anymore!”
The angels instilled the fear among the mob, which dispersed immediately and left the
house of Prophet Lut. The angels instructed Prophet Lut (AS) to leave the town before sunrise
and to take all his family with him except his wife.
After Prophet Lut (AS) and his family were far from town, an earthquake rocked the
town and a storm of stones rained upon the city. Everyone and everything was destroyed
including the wife of Prophet Lut (AS).
’Îû ¨βÎ) ∩⊇∠⊂∪ t⎦⎪Í‘x‹Ζßϑø9$# ãsÜtΒ u™!$|¡sù ( #sÜ¨Β ΛÏιø‹n=tæ $tΡösÜøΒr&uρ ∩⊇∠⊄∪ t⎦⎪ÌyzFψ$# $tΡö¨ΒyŠ §ΝèO ∩⊇∠⊇∪ t⎦⎪ÎÉ9≈tóø9$# ’Îû #Y—θègx” ωÎ) ∩⊇∠⊃∪ t⎦⎫ÏèuΗødr& ÿ…ã&#÷δr&uρ çμ≈uΖø‹¤fuΖsù
s
∩⊇∠∈∪ ÞΟ‹Ïm§9$# Ⓝ͖yêø9$# uθçλm; y7−/u‘ ¨βÎ)uρ ∩⊇∠⊆∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΛèεãsVø.r& tβ%x. $tΒuρ ( ZπtƒUψ y7Ï9≡sŒ
So We saved him and his household, everyone, except an old woman who was left behind.
Then afterwards We destroyed the others. And We rained on them a rain. And dreadful is the
rain of those who have been warned. Lo! Herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not
believers. And Lo! Your Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful.
(Quran: 26/170-175)
$uΚåκ]tã $uŠÏΖøóムóΟ=sù $yϑèδ$tFtΡ$y⇐sù È⎦÷⎫ysÎ=≈|¹ $tΡÏŠ$t7Ïã ô⎯ÏΒ È⎦ø⎪y‰ö6tã |MøtrB $tFtΡ%Ÿ2 ( 7Þθä9 |Nr&øΒ$#uρ 8yθçΡ |Nr&tøΒ$# (#ρãxx. š⎥⎪Ï%©#Ïj9 WξsVtΒ ª!$# šUuŸÑ
÷ n t
∩⊇⊃∪ t⎦,Î#Åz≡£‰9$# ìtΒ u‘$¨Ζ9$# Ÿξäz÷Š$# Ÿ≅‹Ï%uρ $↔øŠx© «!$# š∅ÏΒ
y](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-58-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 66
PROPHET YUSUF (JOSEPH) AS
Prophet Yusuf (AS) was the most handsome and the beautiful male who has ever existed.
His trials and tribulations describe every concept of a perfect human. He experienced jealousy,
hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, and cruelty and had faced terror. His noble qualities
included patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility and compassion. His fascinating story is the most
detailed and complete story in the Holy Quran. It gives insight into the depth of Allah’s power
and supremacy. Even though there are challenges of human interventions, the story is a visible
Sign for those who believe in Him.
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) best described Prophet Yusuf (AS) when he was asked,
“Who is the most honorable amongst the people?”
He replied. “The one who was the most God-fearing! The most honorable person is
Yusuf, Allah’s prophet; who was the son of Allah’s prophet, and who in turn was the son of the
faithful friend of Allah (Prophet Ibrahim).”
In his childhood, Prophet Yusuf (AS) had a vision in the form of a dream that was
delightfully pleasant. He saw that eleven stars, the sun and the moon were prostrating to him!
Upon waking up, he ran to his father, Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and excitedly related it:
∩⊆∪ š⎥⎪ωÉf≈y™ ’Í< öΝåκçJ÷ƒr&u‘ tyϑs)ø9$#uρ }§ôϑ¤±9$#uρ $Y6x.öθx. ³tã y‰tnr& àM÷ƒr&u‘ ’ÎoΤÎ) ÏMt/r'¯≈tƒ Ïμ‹Î/L{ ß#ß™θムtΑ$s% øŒÎ)
u|
“Oh my father! Verily I saw in a dream eleven stars and the sun and the moon. I saw them
prostrating themselves to me!”
(Quran: 12/4)
Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was flushed and extremely pleased to learn this. He foresaw that
Prophet Yusuf (AS) would be the torchbearer who would continue as the next link in the chain of
the prophets started by his grandfather, Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He would keep alive the mission
by spreading the messages of Allah (SW) to mankind. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had received a
Promise from Allah (SWT) that all the appointed prophets and messengers thereafter would be
from his progeny. However, Prophet Yaqoob (AS), father of the Prophet Yusuf (AS), was also
aware of the existing sibling rivalries and jealousies between his children; Prophet Yusuf (AS)
was well-liked by everyone, which only intensified the hatred of his brothers, especially his
stepbrothers.
Prophet Yaqoob (AS) instructed his son to keep the vision to himself and was not to
relate it to his brothers who were vulnerable to the Satan.
y7•/u‘ šŠÎ;tFøgs† y7Ï9≡x‹x.uρ ∩∈∪ Ñ⎥⎫Î7•Β Aρ߉tã Ç⎯≈|¡ΣM∼Ï9 z⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ¨βÎ) ( #´‰øŠx. y7s9 (#ρ߉‹Å3uŠsù y7Ï?uθ÷zÎ) #’n?tã x8$tƒö™â‘ óÈÝÁø)s? Ÿω ¢©o_ç6≈tƒ tΑ$s%
íΟŠÎ=tæ y7−/u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 t,≈ptôÎ)uρ tΛ⎧Ïδ≡tö/Î) ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ y7÷ƒuθt/r& #’n?tã $yγ£ϑn@r& !$yϑx. z>θà)÷ètƒ ÉΑ#u™ #’n?tãuρ šø‹n=tã …çμtFyϑ÷èÏΡ ΟÏFãƒuρ Ï]ƒÏŠ%tnF{$# È≅ƒÍρù's? ⎯ÏΒ y7ßϑÏk=yèãƒuρ
∩∉∪ ÒΟŠÅ3ym
O my dear little son! Do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they concoct a plot
against you; for Satan is an avowed enemy to men! Thus will your Lord choose you and teach
you the interpretation of stories and events, and perfect His favor to you and to my posterity
– even as He perfected it to your fathers Ibrahim and Ishaaq aforetime! For Allah is full of
Knowledge and Wisdom.”
(Quran: 12/5-6)
Ever obedient Prophet Yusuf (AS) did not tell his brothers about his dream or the
interpretation of his father. He was aware of the hatred that his brother carried against him and he
was also fearful of them.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-66-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 67
As a youthful teenager, Prophet Yusuf (AS) had turned out to be the most handsome and
robust person with a mild and gentle temperament. His attitude was respectful, kind, and
considerate to all. He had a brother, Benjamin, from the same mother, Rachel, who replicated his
manners. Both of them were very much loved by their father because of their refined behaviors.
Their father would not allow them out of his sight out of fear that their stepbrothers
would inflict grievous harm upon them.
Whenever Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) stepbrothers got together, their main topic of discussion
would always be the sibling rivalries between the two sides of their family. These brothers did
not like the fact that both Prophet Yusuf (AS) and his brother, Benjamin, received more affection
and attention from their father, Prophet Yaqoob (AS). They had expected more attention from
their father as they were the elders and looked after the herds and tended to the farms of the
family.
These brothers met again, this time for the sole purpose of devising a scheme whereby
they could get rid of Prophet Yusuf (AS) forever. In their minds they believed that with Prophet
Yusuf (AS) out of the way, their father would pay more attention to them.
A plan was developed to kill Prophet Yusuf (AS). However, the eldest, named Yahudh,
who was also the most intelligent, spoke against the suggestions of any killing. Instead, he
offered a plan whereby they would get rid of Prophet Yusuf (AS) without having to kill him.
Thus, a conspiracy developed to initiate their plans to get rid of Prophet Yusuf (AS).
çμô_uρ öΝä39 ã≅øƒs† $ZÊö‘r& çνθãmôÛ$# Íρr& #ß™θム(#θè=çGø%$# ∩∇∪ A⎦⎫Î7•Β 9≅≈n=|Ê ’Å∀s9 $tΡ$t/r& ¨βÎ) îπt7óÁãã ß⎯øtwΥuρ $¨ΨÏΒ $oΨŠÎ/r& #’n<Î) =ymr& çνθäzr&uρ ß#ß™θã‹s9 (#θä9$s% øŒÎ)
s t y
βÎ) Íοu‘$§‹¡¡9$# âÙ÷èt/ çμôÜÉ)tGù=tƒ Éb=àfø9$# ÏMt6≈uŠxî ’Îû çνθà)ø9r&ρ y#ß™θム(#θè=çGø)s? Ÿω öΝåκ÷]ÏiΒ ×≅Í←!$s% tΑ$s% ∩®∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎ=≈|¹ $YΒöθs% ⎯Íνω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ (#θçΡθä3s?uρ öΝä3‹Î/r&
u
∩⊇⊃∪ t⎦,Î#Ïè≈sù óΟçGΨä.
They said , “Truly Yusuf and his brother are more loved than us by our father: although we
make a better combination together! Lo! Our father is in plain aberration and has a
wandering mind.” One said, “Let us kill Yusuf, or cast him to some other land. Then the
favors of our father will be all for us. As we repent we will be the righteous people. One
amongst them said, “ Let us not kill Yusuf, but if it has to be done, Let us throw him into a
deep well. Some caravan will find him.
(Quran: 12/ 8-10)
They schemed to take Prophet Yusuf (AS) away from their lands and throw him in the
wells of the abandoned mines. There was no chance that he could return back alive from there.
Their first hurdle was to separate Prophet Yusuf (AS) from the company of their father. They
knew that their father would not easily part with Prophet Yusuf (AS) or hand him over to them.
They had to come up with a sound reasoning to convince their father that Prophet Yusuf (AS)
would be secure in the company of his stepbrothers.
In the near future, an inter-communal games contest was forthcoming. It would take
place and had always been contested and won by the brothers as a team. They conspired to use
that event as an excuse to take Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the fields away from their father. Hence,
the plotting brothers approached Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and asked his permission to take Prophet
Yusuf (AS) on a field trip with them in the nearby desert. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was fearful of
any harm being inflicted on him by them. He expressed his objections and fears that some wolf
might kill and devour Prophet Yusuf (AS) while the brothers were playing among themselves
and failed to guard him. The brothers coaxed him into submission by saying that it was](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-67-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 68
impossible for a wolf to come near them while they were such a strong group. Very reluctantly,
Prophet Yaqoob agreed to let the brothers take Prophet Yusuf (AS) with them to the fields:
’ÎoΤÎ) Α$s% ∩⊇⊄∪ βθÝàÏ≈yss9 …çμ9 $¯ΡÎ)uρ ó=yèù=tƒuρ ôìs?ötƒ #Y‰î $oΨyètΒ ã&ù#Å™ö‘r& ∩⊇⊇∪ tβθßsÅÁ≈oΨs9 …ã&s! $¯ΡÎ)uρ y#ß™θム4’n?tã $¨Ζ0Βù's? Ÿω y7s9 $tΒ $tΡ$t/r'¯≈tƒ (#θä9$s%
t t s x
#]ŒÎ) !$¯ΡÎ) îπ7óÁãã ß⎯óstΡuρ Ü=øÏe%!$# ã&s#Ÿ2& ÷⎦È⌡s9 (#θä9$s% ∩⊇⊂∪ šχθè=Ï≈xî çμ÷Ψtã óΟçFΡr&uρ Ü=øÏe%!$# ã&s#à2ù'tƒ βr& ß∃%s{r&uρ ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#θç7yδõ‹s? βr& û©Í_çΡâ“ósu‹s9
t r
∩⊇⊆∪ tβρçÅ£≈y‚©9
They said, “O our father! Why will you not trust us with Yusuf, when lo! We are good friends
to him? Send him with us tomorrow that he may enjoy himself and play. And lo! We shall take
good care of him.” He said, “Lo! In truth it saddens me that you should take him with you,
and I fear lest the wolf devour him whilst you are careless of him.” They said, “If the wolf
should devour him when we are so strong a band, the surely we should be the losers.”
(Quran: 12/11-14)
The conspiring brothers had overcome one hurdle of separating Prophet Yusuf (AS) from
their father. They were excited that their goal of having the full attentions of their father was
within their sights. The next day, they took Prophet Yusuf (AS) with them towards the desert to
conclude their conspired mission and throw him into a deep well.
When all of them arrived at the well they grabbed Prophet Yusuf (AS) and restrained
him. One of them removed his shirt and secured it. They then threw him into the dark well. The
brothers moved away from the vicinity of the well.
Prophet Yusuf (AS) thought it was a game being played between him and his brothers.
Later, he realized that he had been abandoned and left at the mercy of the environment. Prophet
Yusuf (AS) prayed for the Mercy of Allah (SWT). Being a patient person, Prophet Yusuf (AS)
had faith and knew that Allah (SWT) would not abandon him. He prayed to Allah (SWT) for
help, patiently waiting for divine intervention and never lost faith.
Having accomplished the mission of getting rid Prophet Yusuf (AS), the brothers came to
their flock and killed a sheep. They soaked their brother’s shirt with the blood of the sheep. They
pledged between themselves to maintain absolute secrecy about their heinous crime. To manifest
and convince their father that they were truthful and were sincere about their relationship, all of
them approached their father with loud cries and wails of mourning.
∩⊇∉∪ šχθä3ö7tƒ [™!$t±Ïã öΝèδ$t/r& ÿρâ™!%y`uρ
And they approached and came weeping to their father in the evening.
(Quran: 12/16)
Prophet Yaqoob (AS) heard the commotion in the courtyard and asked, “Why are you
crying? Has something happened to the flock?”
$uΖ©9 9⎯ÏΒ÷σßϑÎ/ |MΡr& !$tΒuρ ( Ü=øÏe%!$# ã&s#Ÿ2'sù $oΨÏè≈tGtΒ y‰ΖÏã y#ß™θム$uΖò2ts?uρ ß,Î7oKó¡nΣ $oΨö7yδsŒ $¯ΡÎ) !$tΡ$t/r'¯≈tƒ (#θä9$s% ∩⊇∉∪ šχθä3ö7tƒ [™!$t±Ïã öΝèδ$t/r& ÿρâ™!%y`uρ
r
$tΒ 4’n?ã ãβ$yèGó¡ßϑø9$# ª!$#uρ ( ×≅ŠÏΗsd ×ö9|Áù ( #øΒr& öΝä3Ý¡àΡr& öΝä3s9 ôMs9§θy™ ö≅t/ tΑ$s% 4 5>É‹x. 5Θy‰Î/ ⎯ÏμÅÁŠÏϑs% 4’n?tã ρâ™!%y`uρ ∩⊇∠∪ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈|¹ $¨Ζà2 öθs9uρ
t t s
∩⊇∇∪ tβθàÅÁs?
They answered, “ O our father! We were racing with each other and left Yusuf, to guard our
possessions. He was devoured by a wolf; but you will not believe us even though we are
telling the truth.” And they brought his shirt with false blood. He said, “Nay, but your minds
have made up a false tale. As for me, I have find patience is most befitting. Against that which
you assert, It is only Allah whose help can be sought.”
(Quran: 12/16-18)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-68-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 69
The brothers told their father that whilst they were playing; Prophet Yusuf (AS) was left
to guard their belongings. A wolf attacked Prophet Yusuf (AS) and took his body away to devour
him..
Prophet Yaqoob (AS) knew that his sons were lying to him about what they had done to
Prophet Yusuf (AS). His inner feelings told him that his favorite son was somehow alive. He
spread out the blood-stained shirt and remarked, “What a merciful wolf! It ate up my beloved son
yet left his shirt without any tear in it!”
When confronted by their father who demanded more information and the truth from
them, each one swore by Allah that he was telling the truth. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) left the matter
to rest with Allah (SWT) and prayed for patience for himself and hoped that he would have some
better news about his favorite son.
Meanwhile Prophet Yusuf (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for the well being of his father.
He asked Allah (SWT) to grant both of them the patience to bear their separation from each
other. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was well aware that life had many trials and that his trials had just
begun.
A caravan on its way to Egypt stopped at the well. A person caste a bucket in the well to
draw some water. Prophet Yusuf (AS) grabbed and held the bucket before it could hit the water.
The person who was drawing the water found that hauling it up was heavier than usual. When he
peeked into the well, he was amazed to find that a human being was holding the rope. His fellow
travelers helped him pull up the person who was holding the rope. When they finally brought the
person out of the well, his beauty and youth stunned them.
They were the traveling traders; they evaluated the potential of the profits they could
make with the sale of this person in the slave markets of Egypt. They clamped shackles on his
feet, chained him in a cart, and resumed their journey towards Egypt.
Egypt was far away from the Canaan, homeland of Prophet Yusuf (AS). When he was
displayed in the slave market, the news of this unusually handsome and robust slave spread like
wildfire. People came from all around, out of curiosity, to admire his looks. The majority of the
bidders were the elite, who were very rich. Every bidder was ambitious to own the beautiful
slave and the auctioneer was pleased at the contest, which was raising the price higher and
higher. Finally, Aziz, the Chief Minister of Egypt, secured this prize and took Prophet Yusuf
(AS) to his palace.
çν÷ρŸ°ρ ∩⊇®∪ šχθè=yϑ÷èƒ $yϑÎ/ 7ΟŠÎ=tæ ª!$#ρ 4 Zπyè≈ŸÒÎ/ çνρ• r&uρ 4 ÖΝ≈n=äî #x‹≈yδ 3“uô³ç6≈tƒ tΑ$s% ( …çνuθø9yŠ 4’n<÷Šr'sù öΝèδyŠÍ‘#uρ (#θè=y™ö‘r'sù ×οu‘$§‹y™ ôNu™!%y`uρ
u u t u |
βr& #©¤tã çμ1uθ÷WtΒ ’ÍΓÌò2r& ÿ⎯ÏμÏ?r&tøΒeω uóÇÏiΒ ⎯ÏΒ çμ1utIô©$# “Ï%©!$# tΑ$s%uρ ∩⊄⊃∪ š⎥⎪ωÏδ≡¨“9$# z⎯ÏΒ ÏμŠÏù (#θçΡ%Ÿ2uρ ;οyŠρ߉÷ètΒ zΝÏδ≡u‘yŠ <§øƒr2 ∅yϑsVÎ/
| ¤
usYò2r& £⎯Å3≈s9uρ ⎯ÍνÌøΒr& #’n?tã ë=Ï9%yñ ª!$#uρ 4 Ï]ƒÏŠ$ymF{$# È≅ƒÍρù's? ⎯ÏΒ …çμyϑÏk=yèãΨÏ9uρ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû y#ß™θã‹Ï9 $¨Ψ©3tΒ y7Ï9≡x‹Ÿ2uρ 4 #V$s!uρ …çνx‹Ï‚−GtΡ ÷ρr& !$oΨyèxΨtƒ
∩⊄⊇∪ šχθßϑn=ôètƒ Ÿω Ĩ$¨Ζ9$#
And there came a caravan, and they sent their water drawer. He let down his pail into the
well. He said, “Good luck! Here is a youth!”. And they hid him as a treasure, and Allah was
Aware of what they did. And they sold him for a price, a number of silver coins; and they
attached no value to him. And he of Egypt who purchase him said to his wife, “Receive him
honorably. Perchance he may prove useful to us or we may adopt him as a son.” Thus We
established Yusuf in the land that We might teach him the interpretations of the events. And
Allah was predominant in his career, but most of mankind does not know.
(Quran: 12/19-21)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-69-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 72
Ladies said in the City, “The wife of great Aziz is seeking to seduce her slave. Truly he has
inspired her with violent love: we see she is evidently going astray.”
(Quran: 12/30)
When Zulaikha heard about the gossip and what was being said about her in the city, she
was distressed. However, she strongly believed that it was impossible for any woman to resist a
person as handsome as Prophet Yusuf (AS). To prove that every woman was vulnerable towards
the masculine beauty of Prophet Yusuf (AS), she made plans to expose the feminine weakness of
every woman, even if the woman was highly virtuous and considered beyond reproach. She sent
out invitations for a lavish banquet at her palace. It was the most sought-after privilege in the city
to be sharing a table with the wife of the Chief Minister of Egypt! Besides, most of these high-
society women had the secret desire of meeting Prophet Yusuf (AS). As the invitees were
women only, those closest to Zulaikha jested and made known to her that they would attend only
if Zulaikha introduced them to Prophet Yusuf (AS) — exactly what Zulaikha had wanted in the
first place.
The banquet started with a huge fanfare. Laughter and enjoyment was abundant. The
recent scandal about Zulaikha was no longer the issue to be discussed. However, Zulaikha
addressed the issue, “I have heard about those who say that I have fallen in love with the young
Hebrew man, Yusuf.”
Those in the banquet hall became silent. Every one was looking at Zulaikha. She gave
orders to the servers to serve the fruits to the guests and continued, “I admit that he is a charming
person. I do not deny that I love him. I have loved him ever since I first saw him.”
This admission helped clear the hostilities in the atmosphere and tensions among the
ladies. After finishing their dinner, the guests started using their knives to slice the fresh fruits.
While all of them were slicing their fruits with their knives, Zulaikha summoned Prophet Yusuf
(AS) into the room. He entered as a shy person with eyes lowered and looking at the floor.
Zulaikha addressed him and, in response, he raised his face towards her. All the women
present were dazzled by the youthful beauty in their midst. All their attention and their eyes were
focused on him, but their knives, which were meant to slice the fruits in their hands, were instead
cutting their fingers and palms.
The presence of Prophet Yusuf (AS) was so intoxicating that none of them realized that
they had cut themselves and that they were actually bleeding. There were gasps of wonder and
someone remarked, “This cannot be real. He must be an illusion!”
Zulaikha stood up and announced, “This is the one for whom I have been blamed. I do
not deny that I seduced him. All of you have been enchanted by Yusuf, and can see what
happened to your hands. I have tempted him, and if he does not submit to my desires he has to go
to jail!”
…çμΡ÷y9ø.& ÿ…çμΖ÷ƒr&u‘ $¬Ηs>ù ( £⎯Íκön=tã ólã÷z$# ÏMs9$s%ρ $YΖŠÅj3Å™ £⎯åκ÷]ÏiΒ ;οy‰Ïn≡uρ ¨≅ä. ôMs?#u™uρ $↔s3−GãΒ £⎯çλm; ôNy‰tGôãr&ρ £⎯Íκös9Î) ôMn=y™ö‘r& £⎯ÏδÌõ3yϑÎ/ ôMyèÏϑy™ $¬Ηs>sù
t r u s u u
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When she heard of their malicious talk, she sent for them and prepared A banquet for them:
she gave each of them a knife: and she said to Yusuf, “Come out before them.” When they
saw him, they extolled him and in their amazement cut their hands: they said, “Allah](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-72-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 75
the plentiful water, if the water is properly used, abundant grapevines and olive trees should be
harvested for richer crops.
The wine-server presented these interpretations to the king, who was amazed at the
detailed summary and ordered that Prophet Yusuf (AS) be brought to him:
}‘≈tƒö™â‘ ’Îû ’ÎΤθçFøùr& _|yϑø9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈ƒ ( ;M≈|¡Î0$tƒ yzé&ρ 9ôØäz BM≈n=ç7/Ψß™ yìö7y™uρ Ô∃$yfÏã ììö7y™ £⎯ßγè=à2ù'tƒ 5β$yϑÅ™ ;N≡ts)t/ yìö7y™ 3“u‘r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) à7Î=yϑø9$# tΑ$s%uρ
t t u
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tyzé&uρ 9ôØäz BM≈n=ç7/Ψß™ Æìö7y™uρ Ô∃$yfÏã ììö7y™ £⎯ßγè=à2ù'tƒ 5β$yϑÅ™ ;N≡ts)t/ Æìö7y™ ’Îû $uΖÏFøùr& ß,ƒÏd‰Å_Á9$# $pκš‰r& ß#ß™θム∩⊆∈∪ Èβθè=Å™ö‘r'sù ⎯Ï&Î#ƒÍρù'tGÎ/ Νà6ã⁄Îm;tΡé&
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The King of Egypt said: “ I do see in my vision seven fat kine, whom seven lean ones devour,
and seven green ears of corn, and seven others withered Oh you chiefs! Expound to me my
vision if it be that you can interpret Visions.” They said, “A confused medley of dreams: and
we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams.” But the man who had been released, one
of the two who had been in prison and who now recalled him after a long time said, “ I am
going to announce to you the interpretation, therefore send me to him.” He said, “O Yusuf! O
man of truth! Explain the dream of seven fat kine whom seven lean ones devour, and of seven
green ears of corn and seven others withered: that I may return to the people and that they
may understand.” Yusuf said, “ For seven years you shall diligently sow as is your wont: and
the harvests that you reap, you shall leave them in the ear, except a little of which you shall
eat. After that will come a period of seven dreadful years, which will devour what you have
laid by in advance for them, all except a little which you shall have specially guarded. Then
will come a year in which the people will have abundant water and in which they will press
wine and oil.”
(Quran: 12/43-49)
The King of Egypt had ordered that the interpreter, of his dream, be brought to him.
When the envoy presented himself to Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the prison with the message that the
king had summoned him in his court, Prophet Yusuf (AS) refused to leave the prison. He said
that unless he was declared innocent of everything that had been leveled at him, he would not
leave the prison. Prophet Yusuf (AS) wanted to be absolutely sure that the influential and
powerful ladies of the society would not accuse him of cutting their hands or making evil
demands of him.
The envoy returned to the king and informed him about the fears of Prophet Yusuf (AS)
if he were released without any safeguards and assurances. The king decided to fully investigate
this matter and to resolve the issue immediately; his sense of justice for all presumed that an
innocent person might have been falsely accused and imprisoned. He ordered, “Bring the Chief
Minister’s Wife and also all those other women.”
When all the women had assembled, the king asked the chief minister’s wife, Zulaikha,
“What is the story of Yusuf? What do you know about him?”
One of the ladies interrupted exclaiming, “Allah Forbid!”
The king heard the remarks. “We know of no evil he has done.”
“He is innocent like angels.”](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-75-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 77
’ÎoΤÎ) ( Úö‘F{$# È⎦É⎩!#t“yz 4’n?ã ©Í_ù=yèô_$# Α$s% ∩∈⊆∪ ×⎦⎫ÏΒr& î⎦⎫Å3tΒ $uΖ÷ƒt$s! tΠöθu‹ø9$# y7¨ΡÎ) tΑ$s% …çμyϑ¯=x. $£ϑn=sù ( ©Å¤øuΖÏ9 çμóÁÎ=÷‚tGó™r& ÿ⎯ÏμÎ/ ’ÎΤθçGø$# à7Î=yϑø9$# tΑ$s%uρ
Ç t t
∩∈∉∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÅ¡ósßϑø9$# tô_r& ßì‹ÅÒçΡ Ÿωρ ( â™!$t±®Σ ⎯tΒ $uΖÏFuΗ÷qtÎ/ Ü=ŠÅÁçΡ 4 â™!$t±o„ ß]ø‹ym $pκ÷]ÏΒ é&§θt6tGtƒ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû y#ß™θã‹Ï9 $¨Ψ©3tΒ y7Ï9≡x‹x.uρ ∩∈∈∪ ÒΟŠÎ=tæ îáŠÏym
u
∩∈∠∪ tβθà)−Gtƒ (#θçΡ%x.uρ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©#Ïj9 ×öz ÍοtÅzFψ$# ãô_V{uρ
y
So the king said: “Bring him to me: I will take him specially to serve about my own person.”
Therefore when he had spoken to him, he said, “Be assured this day, you are before our own
presence, with rank firmly established, and fidelity fully proved!” Yusuf said, “ Set me over
the store-houses of the land: I will indeed guard them, as one that knows their importance.”
Thus We gave established power to Yusuf in the land, to take possession therein as, when,
where he pleased. We bestow of Our mercy on whom We please, and We suffer not, to be
lost, the reward of those who do good. But verily the reward of the Hereafter is the best, for
those who believe, and are in constant righteousness.
(Quran: 12/54-57)
During the seven years of abundance of agriculture, Prophet Yusuf (AS) had
implemented and set in motion the mechanisms of better cultivation, higher harvest yields, and
improved storage to preserve the grain and the foods. As prophesized by Prophet Yusuf (AS)
and anticipated by those who had knowledge of the king’s dream, the following seven years of
famine struck all areas surrounding Egypt. Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) homeland of Canaan was also
affected.
Prophet Yusuf (AS) advised the King of Egypt to sell some part of his blessed bounty at a
fair price to the surrounding nations. This act would help those who were in dire need of food. At
the same time, it would be recognized by all the surrounding nations that Egypt’s king was truly
a generous king. The king agreed, and the good news about the availability of food in Egypt
spread all over the surrounding nations. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) sent all his sons, except Benjamin,
to Egypt to purchase the necessary foods. Because they were moving as a unified group and
speaking only the language of Canaanites, the news of their entry into the food market of Egypt
was made known to Prophet Yusuf (AS). Everybody knew that originally he was from Canaan.
This group of Canaanites was summoned to the court of Prophet Yusuf (AS). Prophet Yusuf
(AS) immediately recognized his brothers but they did not recognize him! After all, they knew
that they had dumped their brother in a deep well, in a far-away land.
Prophet Yusuf (AS) greeted them hospitably. He asked them about their homeland and
their family background. They replied, “We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet.
The youngest is at home tending to the needs of our aging father.” Prophet Yusuf (AS) was
overcome with emotion upon hearing the condition of his father and his youngest brother,
Benjamin, who had always been his playmate.
He asked them, “Are you telling the truth?”
Perturbed, they replied, “What reason should we have to tell anything but truth?”
Prophet Yusuf (AS) offered, “If what you say is the truth, bring your brother as a proof. I
will reward you with double the quantities of the rations of your need. But if you do not bring
him to me, it would be better for you if, you do not come back!”
They assured him that they would be happy to fulfill his command, if their father
permitted them to bring their youngest brother to his court. Prophet Yusuf (AS) had instructed
his servants to return the money paid for the food. However, it should be concealed in the food in
a manner, that it could only be discovered, when they reached their homes and when every thing
was taken out of the sacks.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-77-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 80
The brother’s bag yielded nothing; so they sighed with relief. When they approached for
Benjamin’s the bag, Prophet Yusuf (AS) pretended to offer his help, and told them that they need
not search the bag as he did not look like a thief. However, the brothers were adamant and
declared that they will not depart under a cloud of suspicion and the last bag must also be
searched. They were the sons of a noble man of God and not thieves!
The officer opened the bag and pulled out the king’s gold cup. The brothers exclaimed,
“If he steals, also a brother of his had stolen before!” These brothers were now demeaning the
children of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) because they were born from their step-mother. Prophet Yusuf
(AS) was amazed to learn about their resentment against his side of the family. He was a patient
person.
Everybody was stunned at the remarks and was silent to hear the pronouncement from the
side of Prophet Yusuf (AS). He ordered that Benjamin be detained while the brothers depart with
their food. Now the brothers remembered their oath to their father, made in the name of Allah, to
bring back their brother Benjamin. They began to beg for mercy from Prophet Yusuf (AS) and
offered to exchange one of them as the slave-prisoner instead of Benjamin. They pleaded that
their father was very old and the shock of loosing Benjamin would seriously harm him. Prophet
Yusuf (AS) asked them, “Why do you want to set free the one who has stolen the king’s cup, and
let his place be taken by another? No! It would be sinful!”
The brothers continued pleading for mercy, but the officer maintained that the stipulated
law would be applied:
5Οù=Ïæ ρä%s! …çμ¯ΡÎ)uρ 4 $yγ9ŸÒs% z>θà)÷ètƒ ħøtΡ ’Îû Zπy_%tn ωÎ) >™ó©x« ⎯ÏΒ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ Οßγ÷Ζtã ©Í_øóムšχ%Ÿ2 $¨Β Νèδθç/r& öΝèδttΒr& ß]ø‹ym ô⎯ÏΒ (#θè=yzyŠ $£ϑs9uρ
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∩∇⊃∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÅ3≈ptø:$# çöyz uθèδuρ ( ’Í< ª!$# zΝä3øts† ÷ρr& þ’Î1r& þ’Í< tβsŒù'tƒ 4©®Lym uÚö‘F{$# yytö/r& ô⎯n=sù ( y#ß™θム’Îû óΟçFÛ§sù $tΒ
And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined, it did Not profit them in the
least against the Plan of Allah: it was but a Necessity of Yaqoob’s soul, which he discharged.
For he was, by Our Instruction, full of knowledge and experience: but most men do not
Know. Now when they came into Yusuf’s presence, he received his full Brother to stay with
him. He said to him: “ Behold! I am your own Brother, so do not grieve at anything of their
doings.” At length when he has furnished them forth with suitable provisions For them, he](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-80-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 81
put the drinking cup into his brother’s saddlebag. Then Shouted out a Crier: “O you in the
Caravan! Behold! You are thieves, Without doubt!” The brothers said, turning toward
them, “What is it that you miss?” The Egyptians said, “We miss the great beaker of
the king; for him who produces it, will have a camel load as the reward. I will be
bound by it.” The brothers said: “By Allah! You know well that we did not come to
make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!” The Egyptians said, “What will be penalty
of this if you are proved to have lied?” The brothers said: “The penalty should be that he in
whose saddle-bag it is found, would be held as slave to atone for the crime. Thus it is we
punish the wrongdoers!” So he began the search of their baggage, before he came to the
baggage of his brother: at length he brought it out of his brother’s baggage. Thus did We plan
for Yusuf. He could not take his brother by the law of the King except that Allah Willed it so.
We raise to degrees of wisdom whom We please: but over all endued with knowledge is One,
the All-Knowing. The brothers said, “If he steals, there was a brother of his who stole before
him.” But these things kept Yusuf locked in his heart, without revealing any secrets to them.
He simply said to himself, “You are the worst situated; and Allah knows best the truth of what
you assert!” The brothers said, “O exalted one! Behold! He has a father aged and venerable,
who will grieve for him. So take one of us in his place; for we see that you are gracious in
doing good.” He said, “Allah forbid that we take other than him with whom we found Our
property: indeed if we did so we should be acting wrongfully.” Now when they saw no hope of
his yielding, they held a conference in private. The leader among them said, “ Don’t you know
that your father took an oath from you in Allah’s name, and how, before this you failed in
your duty with Yusuf? Therefore I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah
commands me; and He is the best to command.
(Quran: 12/68-80)
When the brothers learned that they could not prevail over this issue and must surrender
their brother Benjamin to the Egyptian authorities, they decided to return home and face
whatever was in store for them from their father. However, Judah decided to stay back and watch
the developments in the case of Benjamin. As the eldest brother, he felt more guilt and knew that
he could not fairly face his father. He wanted to be around in case Benjamin needed immediate
help.
His brothers left for Canaan with the provisions to inform their father about these
accusations and charges against Benjamin. Benjamin was taken into the personal custody of
Prophet Yusuf (AS) and stayed with him in his palace. Judah had rented a place to stay in Egypt.
Prophet Yusuf (AS) knew that Judah was a good-hearted person who had been swayed by his
younger brothers. He was glad that it was Judah who had opted to remain near Benjamin.
Prophet Yusuf (AS) had secretly arranged with his agents to provide Judah with all the amenities
necessary to live in Egypt. Prophet Yusuf (AS) had put to test the sincerity and loyalty of the
brothers with Judah and Benjamin.
When the brothers arrived home, they called upon their father and said, “O our father!
Your son has stolen!” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was confounded at the news, hardly believing it, yet
he was patient, and cried in prayers to Allah (SWT), “Patience be with me; perhaps Allah will
return all of them to me. He is Most Knowing, Most Wise.”
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You turn back to your father and say, “O our father! Behold! Your son committed theft! We
bear witness only to what we know, and we could not well guard against the unseen! Ask at
the town where we have been and the caravan in which we returned, and you will find that we](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-81-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 84
When the Caravan left Egypt, their father said, “I do indeed scent the presence of Yusuf: nay,
think me not a dotard.” They said, “By Allah! Truly you are in your old wandering mind.
”Then when the bearer of the good news came, he cast the shirt over his face, and he
forthwith regained clear sight. He said, “Did I not say to you, ‘I know from Allah that which
you do not know?” They said, “O our father! Ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we are
truly at fault.” He said, “Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: for He is Indeed Oft-
Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
(Quran: 12/94-98)
When the fully laden caravan arrived home, all the brothers were excited to tell Prophet
Yaqoob (AS) the best news that he had ever heard in years. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was crying
with joy and thanks to Allah (SWT) for all the blessings showered upon him. As soon as he
rubbed the shirt of Prophet Yusuf (AS) over his face, his eyesight was restored. More important
for him was the scent of his son, which was emanating from the shirt. He became anxious and
could not wait to travel to Egypt.
Prophet Yaqoob (AS), his sons, their wives and their families traveled to Egypt. Upon
entering the court of Prophet Yusuf (AS), they all prostrated before him in respect of the rank
that had been bestowed upon him by the Mercy of Allah (SWT). This final act was the
conclusion of the vision he had dreamed-of in his childhood, the trials of his patience and his
perseverance towards the right path of Allah (SWT).
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Then when they entered the presence of Yusuf, he provided a home for his parents with
himself, and said, “You enter Egypt all in safety if it please Allah.” And he raised his parents
high on the throne of dignity, and they fell down in prostration, all before him. He said, “O
my father! This is the fulfillment of my vision of old! Allah Has made it come true! He was
indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you all here out of the desert,
even after the Satan had sown enmity between my brothers and me. Verily my Lord
understands best the mysteries of all that He plans to do. For verily He is full of Knowledge
and Wisdom.”“O my Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me some power, and taught me
something of the interpretation of dreams and events, - O You Creator of the heavens and the
earth! You are my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. You take my soul at death as
one submitting to Your Will as a Muslim and unite me with the righteous.”
(Quran:12/99-101)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-84-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 86
The haughty and corrupt chiefs of the nation, summoned Prophet Shu’aib (AS) and
issued threats against him and his followers to stop their preaching or else they would be
banished from the nation. Moreover, Prophet Shu’aib (AS) and his followers would only be
allowed to remain there if they abandoned their righteous path and reverted back to the common
practices of the nation. These chiefs were worried that their lucrative earnings would diminish if
the nation reformed because of the preaching of Prophet Shu’aib (AS).
t⎦⎫ÏδÌ≈x. $¨Ζä. öθ9uρ& Α$s% 4 $uΖÏG¯=ÏΒ ’Îû ¨βߊθãètGs9 ÷ρr& !$oΨÏKtƒös% ⎯ÏΒ y7ètΒ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ Ü=ø‹yèà±≈tƒ y7¨Ζ_Ì÷‚ãΖs9 ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs% ⎯ÏΒ (#ρçy9õ3tFó™$# t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# _|yϑø9$# tΑ$s% *
s r t y y
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o p t t t
⎯ÏμÏΒöθ% ⎯ÏΒ (#ρãxx. ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# _|pRùQ$# tΑ$s%uρ ∩∇®∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÏG≈xø9$# çöz |MΡr&uρ Èd,ysø9$$Î/ $uΖÏΒöθs% t⎦÷⎫t/uρ $uΖoΨ÷t/ ôxtFøù$# $uΖ−/u‘ 4 $uΖù=©.uθs? «!$# ’n?tã 4 $¸ϑù=Ïæ >™ó©x« ¨≅ä. $uΖš/u‘
s t y
∩®⊃∪ tβρçÅ£≈y‚©9 #]ŒÎ) ö/ä3¯ΡÎ) $·6ø‹yèä© öΝçF÷èt7¨?$# È⎦È⌡s9
The leaders, the arrogant party among his people, said, “O Shu’aib! We shall certainly drive
you out of our city and those who believe with you; unless you and your followers return to
our ways and religion.” He replied, “You want us to revert, even though we hate it. We would
be inventing a lie against Allah if we returned to your ways after Allah has rescued us from
there; nor could we by any manner of means return towards you unless it is Willed and
Planned by Allah, our Lord. Our Lord can reach out to the utmost recesses of things by His
knowledge. In Allah is our trust. Our Lord! You decide between us and our people in truth,
for You are the best to decide. ”The leaders, the Unbelievers amongst his people, said, “If you
follow Shu’aib be sure then you are ruined.”
(Quran: 7/88-90)
Prophet Shu’aib (AS) continued with his mission, but the arrogant leaders and the people
of the nation refused to listen to his preaching.
÷ρ& !$Ρäτ!$/#u™ ߉ç7÷èƒ $tΒ x8çøI¯Ρ βr& š‚âæΔù's? šè?4θn=¹r& Ü=ø‹yèà±≈tƒ (#θä9$s% ∩∇∉∪ 7á‹Ïpt¿2 Νä3ø‹n=æ O$tΡr& !$tΒuρ 4 t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟçFΖà2 βÎ) öΝä3©9 ×öyz «!$# àM§‹É)t/
r t t t | t
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t
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∩®⊃∪ ׊ρߊuρ ÒΟŠÏmu‘ †În1u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 Ïμø‹s9Î) (#þθç/θè? §ΝèO öΝà6−/u‘ (#ρãÏøótGó™$#uρ
That which is left you by Allah is best for you, if you only believed! But I am not set over you to
keep watch!” They said, “Shu’aib! Does your religion of prayer command you that we leave off
the worship which our fathers practiced, or that we leave off doing what we like with our
property? Truly, you are the one that forbears with faults and is right-minded!” He said, “O
my people! Do you see that I have a Clear Sign from my Lord, and He has given me pure
and good sustenance from Himself? I do not wish you to do anything which I will
not do myself. I will not forbid you anything yet do it myself secretly. I only desire your
betterment to the best of my power; and the success of my task can only come from Allah. In
Him I trust to him I look.” “O my people! Let not my dissent from cause you to sin, lest you
suffer a fate similar to that of the people of Nuh, or of Hud, or of Saleh, nor are the people of
Lut far off from your memories. But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in
repentance: for my Lord is indeed full of Mercy and Loving-Kindness.”
(Quran: 11/86-90)
The nation refused to listen to any reasoning or sensible preaching of Prophet Shu’aib
(AS). Instead, cruel persecutions and punishments were inflicted upon his family and followers.
Prophet Shu’aib (AS) volunteered to leave Midian and settle anywhere where they were](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-86-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 91
He was tormented by the fact that he had taken an oath to punish her and had sworn by
invoking Allah’s (SWT) name. Anything invoked in the name of Allah (SWT) must be
complied. However, Allah (SWT) Revealed the way Prophet Ayoub (AS) could fulfill his oath
and also overcome this agony of hitting her.
∩⊆⊆∪ Ò>#¨ρr& ÿ…çμ¯ΡÎ) ( ߉ö7yèø9$# Ν÷èÏoΡ 4 #Î/$|¹ çμ≈tΡô‰y`uρ $¯ΡÎ) 3 ô]oΨøtrB Ÿωuρ ⎯ÏμÎn/ >ÎôÑ$$sù $ZWøóÅÊ x8ωu‹Î/ õ‹è{uρ
z
And take in your hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and do not break your oath.” Truly
We found him full of patience and constancy. How excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn
to us!
(Quran: 38/44)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-91-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 93
Hence, Rameses issued a proclamation decreeing that the male children of the slaves
would be spared their life in one year and killed in their infancy or upon their birth in the next
year. The female children would not be harmed.
Prophet Musa’s (AS) mother was pregnant and gave birth to Prophet Haroun (AS) in the
year when the male children were to be spared. The next year, she had the second son. It was the
year when the male children were to be put to death. Immediately after the birth, she had a vision
from Allah (SWT) Assuring her of His Blessings upon her sons: Both these children were
destined to be His Prophets. She was instructed to build a basket and to put her newborn in the
basket and float it in the River Nile after weaning him. Allah (SWT) would take care of him
thereafter. She complied with the command of Allah (SWT) and put the basket containing her
son into the River Nile. She instructed her daughter to follow the basket and see where the basket
landed.
ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû Ÿξã šχöθãöÏù ¨βÎ) ∩⊂∪ šχθãΖÏΒ÷σム5Θöθs)Ï9 Èd,sø9$$Î/ šχöθtãöÏùuρ 4©y›θãΒ Î*t7¯Ρ ⎯ÏΒ šø‹n=tã (#θè=÷GtΡ ∩⊄∪ È⎦⎫Î7ßϑø9$# É=≈tGÅ3ø9$# àM≈tƒ#u™ y7ù=Ï?
t t y
’n?tã £⎯ßϑ¯Ρ βr& ߉ƒÌçΡuρ ∩⊆∪ ⎦⎪ωšøßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ šχ%x. …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 öΝèδu™!$|¡ÏΡ ⎯Ä©÷∏tGó¡o„uρ öΝèδu™!$oΨö/r& ßxÎn/x‹ãƒ öΝåκ÷]ÏiΒ ZπxÍ←!$sÛ ß#ÏèôÒtGó¡o„ $Yèu‹Ï© $yγn=÷δr& Ÿ≅yèy_uρ
t
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z u t y
Ÿωuρ ’Îû$sƒB Ÿωρ ÉdΟŠø9$# †Îû ÏμŠÉ)ø9r'sù Ïμø‹n=tã ÏMøÅz #sŒÎ*ù ( Ïμ‹ÏèÅÊö‘r& ÷βr& #©y›θãΒ ÏdΘé& #’n<Î) !$uΖøŠym÷ρr&uρ ∩∉∪ šχρâ‘x‹øts† (#θçΡ$Ÿ2 $¨Β Νßγ÷ΨÏΒ $yϑèδyŠθãΖã_uρ
r u u s
∩∠∪ š⎥⎫Î=y™ößϑø9$# š∅ÏΒ çνθè=Ïæ%y`uρ Å7ø‹s9Î) çνρ–Š!#u‘ $¯ΡÎ) ( þ’ÎΤt“øtrB
These are revelations of the Scripture that makes plain. We narrate unto you about the story
of Musa and Pharaoh as it happened, for people who believe. Lo! Pharaoh exalted himself in
the earth and made its people into castes. A tribe amongst them he suppressed and enslaved,
killing their sons and sparing their women. Lo! He was of those who spread corruption. And
We desired to show favor unto those who were oppressed in the earth, to make them
examples and to make them inheritors. And to establish them in the earth, and to show
Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts that, which they feared most from them. And We
inspired the mother of Musa, saying, “Suckle him and when you fear for him, then cast him
into the river and fear not nor grieve. Lo! We shall bring him back unto you and shall make
him one of Our Messengers.”
(Quran: 28/2-7)
As the sister followed the basket, she observed that the river was unusually calm and
there were no usual dangerous currents, which could prevent her movements along the banks of
the River Nile. Much to her surprise, the basket stopped at the landings of the pharaoh’s palace.
Fear of the death of her brother by the hands of the Egyptian king, Rameses, crossed her mind
yet, she faithfully maintained her vigil over her brother. She was praying to Allah (SWT) for His
Deliverance. The person who picked up the basket was none other than Queen Asiya, the
favorite wife of Rameses. Queen Asiya was barren and unable to produce any child who could
be the heir to the throne of pharaohs.
After Queen Asiya picked up the infant from the baskets, she strongly believed that God
had given her the gift of a boy. Her attendants, however, cautioned her that the child might be
from the slaves of Egypt. Asiya took the truly lovely child to Rameses, who was sitting nearby,
and showed him the heir to the throne of Egypt. By nature, Rameses was a tyrant who would do
anything to achieve his goals, while Asiya was an exact opposite in temperament. Rameses took
it as a very strong political instrument for himself: As his entire claim as the god of Egypt would
be cast in doubts if he was unable to produce a male child from his wife. Asiya was physically](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-93-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 98
z⎯ÏΒ y7s9 ’ÎoΤÎ) ólã÷z$$sù x8θè=çFø)u‹Ï9 y7Î/ tβρãÏϑs?ù'tƒ V|yϑø9$# χÎ) #©y›θßϑ≈tƒ tΑ$s% 4©tëó¡o„ ÏπuΖƒÏ‰yϑø9$# $|Áø%r& ô⎯ÏiΒ ×≅ã_u‘ u™!%`uρ ∩⊇®∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÏ=óÁßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβθä3s?
y
∩⊄⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# ÏΘöθs)ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ©Í_ÅngwΥ Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% ( Ü=©%utItƒ $ZÍ←!%s{ $pκ÷]ÏΒ yltsƒm ∩⊄⊃∪ š⎥⎫Ï⇔ÅÁ≈¨Ψ9$#
And he entered the city when its when its inhabitants were heedless, and he found therein
two men fighting, one of his own caste, and the other of his enemies; and he who was of his
caste asked him for help against him who was of his enemies. So Musa struck him with his
fist and killed him. He said, “This is the work of the Devil. Lo! He is an enemy, a mere
misleader.” He said, “My Lord! Lo! I have wronged my soul, so forgive me”. Thus He Forgave
him. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. He said, “My Lord! For as much as You have
favored me, I will never more be a supporter of the criminals.” The next morning found him
in the city, fearing, vigilant, when behold! He who had appealed to him the day before cried
out to him for help. Musa said unto him, “ Lo! You are indeed a mere hothead.” And when he
would have fallen upon the man who was an enemy unto both of them, he said, “ O Musa!
Would you kill me as you did kill a person yesterday? You would be nothing but a tyrant in
the land, you would not be of the reformers.” And a man came from the farthest end of the
city, running. He said, “O Musa! Lo! The chiefs take council against you to slay you; therefore
escape. Lo! I am of those who give you good advice.” So he escaped from thence, fearing,
vigilant. He said, “My Lord! Deliver me from the wrongdoing folk.”
(Quran: 28/15-21)
Prophet Musa (AS) escaped immediately from the city into the desert. He had no
provisions, food or clothing, and no animal to ride upon. The desert was barren of any plants and
had nothing that would give shade. Prophet Musa (AS) was desperately trying to widen his
distance between himself and any of the Egyptian soldiers who could be searching for him. The
faster and farther he could travel lessened the chances of him being captured. His body was
capable of going without food and water for some time. He had the full faith and confidence in
the powers of Allah (SWT) to Help him and Guide him as per His designs. Prophet Musa (AS)
rested by day in any shade available and traveled by night, always praying to Allah (SWT) for
His Mercy and Compassion in overcoming the elements surrounding him. He traveled
northwards towards Midian, the closest oasis from Egypt on the way to Syria. He had avoided
any contact with his pursuers and had continuously traveled for about seven nights when he
reached the oasis, where he knew he was safe and out of the reach of the Egyptians. He fell down
and slept, resting in a cave near the oasis.
He was awakened by the sounds of a herd of sheep. He noticed that some men folk had
their flocks surrounding the water-well and were in control of it. Nearby, there was another flock
being herded by two women, who were struggling to keep their sheep from mixing with those of
the men at the water well. Prophet Musa (AS) was surprised at what he saw. He was amazed that
women were herding the flocks, a difficult task usually performed by men. There was no doubt
in his mind that these women were having a difficult time especially when they had to extricate
their sheep from the flock of the men and the waterhole. And the men were jesting and mocking
at the women herders.
When they finished watering their flocks, they deposited a large rock to block the passage
of water from the well to the trusses. Prophet Musa (AS) approached the women and asked them
why they had to perform the duties of herding the sheep. The women explained that their father
was an old man who was incapable of herding sheep. They had no other men in the family.
Prophet Musa (AS) offered to help them remove the heavy rock from the mouth of the well and
water their herd for them. He led the sheep towards the trusses and picked up the heavy rock,
single handedly, to release the water for the sheep to drink. After the herd had been well-](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-98-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 101
They departed on their journey towards Egypt not knowing what fate awaited them,
except their faith in Allah (SWT). While traveling through the desert they reached Mount Sinai,
Prophet Musa (AS) realized that they had lost their way and there was a chance that they might
stray further into the desert, which could be perilous. He prayed to Allah (SWT) for Help in
finding the right direction towards his destination. He was inspired and guided. He reached
Mount Tur just after sunset. He observed the light of fire on the mountain. He told his family to
settle down while he went to get some fire and maybe also seek the help from those who had lit
the fire. Moreover, the fire would be useful to prepare their meals and also to keep them warm
from the severe desert cold.
When he reached the spot where the fire was lit, he heard a thunderous voice, “Oh Musa!
I am Allah, the Lord of the Universe.” This surprised Prophet Musa (AS). He looked around for
the source of the voice, and the message was repeated again. The second time, however, the
voice matched with the one in his memory and lately in his visions. He was told to approach near
the spot where the bush was lit, but to remove his shoes before crossing the in-between-space, as
it was a sacred place of Tuwa. Prophet Musa (AS) complied and approached the spot near the lit
bush. He found that he could not even look at the bush closely and was forced to look away from
it. He was asked, “What do you hold in your right hand, O Musa?”
Prophet Musa (AS) replied, “It’s my staff on which I lean. I use it bring down the
branches of the trees for my sheep to eat. I use it wherever I can.”
He was instructed to throw his staff on the ground. As soon as it hit the ground it turned
into a writhing snake. Prophet Musa (AS) was about to jump away when he was assured, “Fear
not and grasp it; for We shall return it to its former state.”
As soon Prophet Musa (AS) picked it up, it reverted back to his staff. Prophet Musa (AS)
realized that he was in the physical presence of Allah (SWT); yet, he found it impossible to look
at Allah (SWT) because he was facing the Nur of powerful rays emanating from the fire. Allah
(SWT) Commanded Prophet Musa (AS) to thrust his right hand through his robe into his armpit.
When he pulled it out he found that it was shining in brilliance and there was no hurt!
Allah (SWT) Instructed, “You have two signs from your Lord; go to Pharaoh and his
priests, and warn them that they are an evil gang that has transgressed all bounds.”
Prophet Musa (AS), expressed his fear of being arrested, “My Lord! I have killed one of
their own and I fear that they will execute me.”
Allah (SWT) assured him of his safety and told him to execute his mission with full
confidence.
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 102
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Has there come to you the story of Musa? When he saw a fire and said to his folks: Wait! I see
a fire afar off. Peradventure I may bring you a brand there from or may find guidance at the
fire. And when he reached it, he was called by name: O Musa! Lo! I, even I am your Lord. So
take off your shoes, for Lo! You are in the holly valley of Tuwa. And I have chosen you, so
hearken into that which is inspired. Lo! I, even I, am Allah. There is no God save Me. So
worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance. Lo! The Hour is surely coming. But I
almost keep it hidden, that every soul may be rewarded for that which it strives to achieve.
Therefore, let not him turn you aside from the thought of it who believes not therein but
follows his own desire lest you perish. And what is that in your right hand, O Musa? He said:
This is my staff whereon I lean, and with which I beat down branches for my sheep, and
wherein I find other uses. Allah said, “Cast it down, O Musa!” So he cast it down and Lo! It
was a writhing serpent. Allah said, “Grasp it and fear not. We shall return it to its former
state. And thrust your hand within your armpit, it will come forth white without hurt. That
will be another token. So that We may show you some of Our greater portents, You go unto
Pharaoh ! Lo! He has transgressed his bounds.” Musa said: “My Lord! Relieve my mind and ease
my task for me; And loose a knot from my tongue, that they may understand my sayings.
Appoint for me henchmen from my folk, Haroun, my brother. Confirm my strength with him.
And let him share my task, that we may glorify You as much. As much as we remember You.
Lo! You are ever Watchful over us.” Allah said, “You are granted your request, Oh Musa. And
indeed, another time in past We have already shown you favor. When We inspired in your
mother what has been inspired, Saying: Throw him into the ark, and throw it into the
river, then the river shall throw it on to the bank, and the an enemy to Me and an enemy to
him shall take him. And I endued you with love from Me so that you may be trained according
to My will. When your sister went and said, Shall I show you one who will nurse? And We
restored you to your mother so that her eyes might be refreshed and might not sorrow. And
you did kill a man and We delivered you from a great distress, and tried you with heavy trial.
And you did tarry for years amongst the folk of Midian. Then you were brought here by My
providence, O Musa. And I have attached you to Myself. Go, you and your brother, with My
tokens and never fail to remember Me. Go, both of you, unto Pharaoh. Lo! He has
transgressed out of bounds. And speak to him in a gentle way, just in case he may heed or
fear.” He said, “Our Lord! Lo! My fear is that he may be like he was before And he may play
the tyrant.” Allah said, “Fear not. Lo! I am with you always, Hearing and Seeing. So go you
unto him and say: Lo! We are two messengers of your Lord. So let the Children of Israel go
with us, and torment them not. We bring for you a token your Lord. And peace will be for him
who follows right guidance. Lo! It has been revealed to us that the doom will be for him who
denies and turns away.”
(Quran: 20/9-48)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-102-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 104
(AS) replied that he was not a disbeliever when he killed the Egyptian, he only strayed away;
until that time, he had not received any revelations from Allah (SWT). He explained his flight
from Egypt, saying that he was afraid of the revenge that had been decreed upon him without any
trial. The killing, although unfortunate, was an accident. The fact that he was delivering a Divine
Message was proof enough that Allah (SWT) had Forgiven him his sin, for He is the Most
Merciful.
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And come together, (with Haroun) unto Pharaoh and say, “Lo! We bear a Message from the
Lord of the Worlds. Let the Children of Israel go with us. "Pharaoh said to him, “Did we not
rear you amongst us as a child? And you spent many years of your life with us. And the you
performed a deed which is a deed of the disbeliever.” Musa replied, “I did it then when I went
astray. Then I fled from you when I feared you, and my Lord Entrusted me a command and
Appointed me amongst those sent by Him. And this is the past favor about which you are
trying to condemn me; You have enslaved the Children of Israel.” Pharaoh said, “What is the
Lord of the Worlds?” Musa replied, “Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between
them, if you had a positive belief.” Pharaoh said to those around him, “Have you heard him?”
Musa added. “Your Lord and the Lord of your fathers before.” Pharaoh said, “Lo! Your
messenger who has been sent to you is indeed a madman.” Musa said, “Lord of the East and
the West and all that is between them, if only you opened your minds.” Pharaoh said, “If you
choose a god other than me, I will surely imprison and detain you amongst the prisoners.”
(Quran: 26/15-29)
This conflict had developed into a serious confrontation between the mission of Prophet
Musa (AS) and the arrogance of a self-proclaimed god, Rameses, the pharaoh. Pharaoh had
decreed and his Egyptian subjects had accepted that he was the god of Egypt, as had been the
practice of his ancestors, the earlier pharaohs. It was an imprison able crime to worship any god
except the pharaoh. Rameses was trying to exhibit his godly powers and impress those present;
that it was he who had provided the safety, the nourishments and the wealth to all. He had done
the same for Prophet Musa (AS) when he had been set afloat in the Nile as an infant. Now
Prophet Musa (AS) had returned to Egypt with a claim of having become an appointed prophet
by the Israeli god. Now Prophet Musa (AS) claims that their God was everywhere and owned
everything yet He can neither be seen nor touched. This claim of Prophet Musa (AS) was
challenging the authority of Rameses, the god!
Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Haroun (AS) realized that it was no longer possible for
them to withhold the Allah (SWT) inspired constraints of patience. They decided to exhibit the
Powers and the Magnificence of their Lord for the knowledge and observance of all those who
were present. As everyone was paying close attention to what was being exchanged between the
Prophets (AS) and Rameses, Prophet Musa (AS) threw his staff in front of Rameses. It turned
into a huge alive snake.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-104-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 106
Prophet Musa (AS) arose and threw his staff among the slithering snakes. The staff
turned into a huge serpent, which ate up all those snakes that had been produced by the Egyptian
magicians. The crowd was completely silent. Rameses and his people watched in amazement at
the failure of their magicians. Prophet Musa (AS) bent down and picked up the serpent, which
immediately turned back into his staff. The crowd rose and cheered this transformation. They
had never witnessed anything like it before.
The Egyptian magicians realized that they were facing a phenomenon that was not a mere
magic but Truth and Reality. These magicians went into prostration and publicly declared, “We
believe in the Lord of Musa and Haroun!”
This was a huge defeat and a heavy humiliation for Rameses. Expressing his anger at his
counselors and still trying to maintain his dignity as the god of Egypt, Rameses decreed that the
demonstration and the outcome had been secretly prearranged between Prophets Musa (AS) and
Haroun (AS) and the Egyptian magicians. Rameses decreed that unless the Egyptian magicians
publicly confessed about their crime, they would be executed. The magicians refused to
denounce what they had seen as the physical truth and told Rameses accordingly.
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Pharaoh said to his chiefs around him, “Lo! This is an expert wizard, who would drive you
out of your land by his magic. Now what is your counsel?” They said, “Detain him and his
brother, and send the city summoners who will bring back here every knowledgeable
wizard.” So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on an appointed day. And the
assembled crowd of the people were asked, “Have you understood why you have gathered?”
They replied: “Yes, so that we may follow the wizards who are winners.” And when the
wizards came, they asked from Pharaoh: “Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the
winners?” He replied, “Yes, and you will then surely be promoted to be near me!” Musa said
to them, “Throw what you are going to throw.” Then they threw down their cords and their
staves and said, “By Pharaoh’s might, lo! We already are the winners.” Then Musa threw his
staff and lo! It swallowed all that which did falsely show. The wizards immediately went into
prostration and declared, loudly, “We believe in the Lord of the Worlds! The Lord of Musa
and Haroun!” Pharaoh said, “You have put your faith in him without my permission! Lo! He
(Musa) is doubtlessly your chief who taught you magic! But shortly you will be made aware.
Surely I will cut off your hands and your feet alternatively, and will then crucify everyone of
you.” They replied, “It is not going to hurt us, for lo! We will return to our Lord. Lo! We
sincerely hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers.”
(Quran: 26/34-51)
These Egyptian magicians were renowned all over Egypt and were among the most
famous in their nation. Most of the Egyptians were living in the dark ages of ignorance and idol](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-106-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 110
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Now Qaroun was of Musa’s folk, but he oppressed them; and We gave him so much treasure
that the storing of all would be a heavy burden for an army of mighty men. When his own
folk said to him, “Do not be arrogant; Lo! Allah does not like arrogance; instead invest for the
Hereafter from whatever Allah has given you, and forget not your obligations to the world
you live in, and you should be kind as Allah is kind to you, and do not promote corruption in
the earth; Lo! Allah does not love corrupters.” He replied, “I have been given it only on
account of knowledge I possess.” Didn’t he know that Allah had already destroyed
generations before him, who were mightier than him in strength and greater in respect of
following? The guilty are not questioned about their sins. When he used to go amongst his
people in his pomp; those who had sought the riches of the world would envy him and say,
“We wish that we had been given what has been given to Qaroun! Lo! He is rich in fortunes.”
But those who were righteous said, “Shame on you! The Reward of Allah for the one who is a
Believer and Righteous is better, and only the steadfast would earn it.” So We caused the
earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no host to help him against Allah,
nor was he of those who can save themselves. And the morning found those who had only
yesterday coveted his place crying, “Ah what a day! Allah enlarges the provisions for whom
He will of His slaves and strains it for whom He will. If Allah had not been gracious to us He
would have caused it to swallow us also. Ah, what a day! The disbelievers never prosper.”
(Quran: 28/76-82)
The news about Qaroun’s destruction reached the pharaoh’s court and Rameses did not
like it. Rameses learned that Prophet Musa (AS) had publicly invoked help from Allah (SWT).
There was a rumor going around that Allah was helping Prophet Musa (AS) defeat his enemies.
Rameses believed that his kingdom was being threatened by the presence of Prophet Musa (AS).
Rameses suggested that Prophet Musa (AS) be assassinated immediately. All those present
supported this idea except one member. This opponent to the planned assassination offered:
“Musa has said nothing more than that Allah is his Lord. He has submitted clear evidence to
support his claim. We have two options: to believe that Musa is righteous, or to believe that he is
a liar. If Musa is lying, he will be responsible for his lies. If he is righteous and we slay him, is
there any guarantee that we will be spared the Wrath of Allah? This has been demonstrated in the
case of Qaroun! In any case killing him will not solve our problems.”
Pharaoh Rameses displayed his anger at the person opposing his plans. He knew he had
the support of every person present except this person and continued to oppose the plan despite
being threatened with his life. This opposer to the plan cautioned all those present, including
Rameses, that they were inviting a disastrous doom for themselves by trying to harm Prophet
Musa (AS). For Rameses it was a predicament he had recently observed with the magicians; the
magicians had declared their allegiance to Allah (SWT) instead of Rameses. Now, a senior
member of his cabinet was displaying loyalty to Prophet Musa (AS)!
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 113
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And We inflicted Pharaoh’s folk with famine and dearth of fruits, for they might heed. But
whenever good befell them, they said, “This Is our ingenuity;” but whenever evil hit them
they ascribed it as the evil auspices of Musa and those with him. Surely their evil auspice was
only with Allah. But most of them did not know. And they said, “Whatever portent you bring
upon us to bewitch us we shall not put faith in you.” So We sent them the flood and the
locusts and the vermin and the frogs and the blood- a succession of clear signs. But they were
arrogant and became guilty.
(Quran : 7/130-33)
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And verily We sent Musa with Our revelations unto Pharaoh and his chiefs and he said, “I am
a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds.” But when he brought them Our tokens, behold! They
laughed at them. And every token that We showed them was greater than its sister token, and
We grasped them with the torment, that maybe they might revert back. And they said, “O
Wizard! Entreat your Lord for us by the pact that He had made with you. Lo! We will walk
aright.” But when We eased them of the torment, behold! They broke their word. And
Pharaoh caused a proclamation to be made among his people saying: “O my people! Is not
mine the sovereignty of Egypt and these rivers flowing under me? Can you not then discern? I
am surely better than this fellow, who is despicable, and can make his meaning plain! Why,
then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him?” Thus he
persuaded his people to make light of Musa and they obeyed him. Lo! They were a wanton
folk. So, when they angered Us, We punished them and drowned them every one. And we
made them a thing past and an example for those who came after them.
(Quran: 43/46-56)
Prophet Musa (AS) realized that Rameses had no intention of freeing the nation of Israel
from its slavery and bondage. Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) asked the Israelites to join
in prayer to Allah (SWT) to beg for His Mercy and free them from the yokes of slavery and
bondage. Allah (SWT) in His Mercy, Commanded the Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) to
lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 119
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And when We did appoint for Musa thirty nights of fasting, and added to them ten, and he
completed the whole time of forty nights appointed by his Lord; and Musa had said to his
brother: “Take my place amongst the people. Do right and follow not the way of mischief
makers.” And when Musa came to Our appointed place and his Lord had spoken to him, he
said, “My Lord! Show me yourself, that I may look upon you.”He said, “You will not be able to
see Me! But look at the mountain, if it stands still in its place, then you will see Me.” And
when his Lord revealed His glory to the mountain, He sent it crashing down. And Musa
fainted and fell down. And when he woke up, he said, “Glory is You! I turn to You in
repentance and amongst the true believers.” He said, “O Musa! I have preferred you above
mankind by My messages and by My speaking with you. So hold fast that which I have given
to you, and be amongst the thankful ones.” And We wrote for him, upon the tablets, the
lesson to be drawn from all things and the explanation of all things, then told him, “ Hold it
fast; and command your people: Take the better course which has been made clear. I shall
show you the abode of the evil-livers. I shall turn away from My revelations those who
magnify themselves, wrongfully in the earth. And they will see but not believe each token.
And they will see the righteousness but not chose it. And they will choose those ways which
have errors for them. That is because they deny Our revelations and are used to disregard
them. Those who deny Our revelations and the meeting of the Hereafter, their works are
fruitless. Do they expect to receive anything other than what they deserve?”
(Quran: 7/142-147)
At the end of the second fast of ten days, Allah (SWT) revealed the Ten Commandments
of the Torah. These Ten Commandments would guide the nations of the Israelites towards the
righteous paths of Allah (SWT).
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Say: Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited for you:
• Join not anything in worship with Him;
• Be good and dutiful to your parents;
• Do not kill your children because of poverty. We provide the sustenance for you and
for them;
• Do not come near the shameful acts – (Illegal sexual acts whether committed openly
or in secret);](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-119-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 122
pretending to be in the presence of Allah (SWT). These delegates challenged Prophet Musa (AS)
and said, “O Musa! We shall never believe in you till we see Allah plainly.” This was an act of
blasphemy. These delegates, representing the children of Israel, were actually challenging the
existence of Allah (SWT), even though they had recently seen His signs and also the destruction
of their archenemy, Rameses. Lightning bolts and a violent quake stupefied their souls and
bodies. All at once, these stubborn delegates were punished. They all died on the spot.
Prophet Musa (AS) regretted the fate of the seventy delegates and was filled with sorrow.
He prayed to Allah (SWT) for their forgiveness as the delegates had behaved foolishly. Allah
(SWT) responded affirmatively towards the prayers of Prophet Musa (AS).
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And when Musa said to his people: “O my people! You have wronged yourselves by your
choosing of the calf for worship, so turn in repentance to your Creator, and kill those
amongst you, yourselves. That will be best for you with your creator and He will relent
towards you. Lo! He is the Relenting, the Merciful. And when you said: O Musa! We will not
believe in you till we see Allah plainly; and even while you gazed the lightning seized you.”
(Quran: 2/54-55)
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And Musa chose of his people seventy men for Our appointed tryst and when the trembling
came on them, he said: “My Lord! If You had willed You would have had destroyed them long
before, along with me. Will You destroy us for that which the ignorant amongst us did? It is
but Your trial of us. You send astray whom You will, and guide whom You will. You are our
Protecting Friend, therefore forgive us and have mercy on us, You are the Best of all who
show forgiveness. And ordain for us in this world that which is good, and the same in the
Hereafter, Lo! We have turned to you.” He replied, “I smite with My punishment whom I will,
and My mercy Embraces all things, therefore I shall ordain it for those who ward off evil and
pay the poor due, and those who believe Our revelations; Those who follow the messenger,
the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and
Gospel which are with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and will forbid them
that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all god things and prohibit for them only
the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then
those who believe in him, and honor him, and help him and follow the light which is sent
down with him: they are successful.
(Quran: 7/155-157)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-122-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 131
Talut took charge of the smaller but well-disciplined army and marched to meet their
enemies who were assembling on the other bank of the river. The Philistines had better
physiques and better weapons. Their leader, Jalut (Goliath), was a hugely- built warrior and who
was very much feared and terrorized his opponents by his brute strength. Some members of
Talut’s army refused to fight the Philistines when they saw their large bodies and ran away
towards their homes. The remaining Israelites prayed and hoped that Allah (SWT) would help
them in their fight against the unbelievers.
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Have you not turned your vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after the period of
Musa? They said to a Prophet that was amongst them: “Appoint for us a King, that we may
fight in the cause of Allah.” He said: “ Is it not possible, if you were commanded to fight, that
you will not fight?” They said: “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that
we were turned out of our homes and our families?” But when they were commanded to
fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah has full knowledge of
those who were so wrong. Their Prophet said to them: “Allah has appointed Talut as king
over you.” They said: “How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than
he to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in abundance?” He said:
“Allah has chosen him above you, and has gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily
prowess. Allah grants His authority to whom He pleases. Allah cares for all, and He knows all
things.” And further their Prophet said to them: “A Sign of his authority is that there shall
come to you The Ark of the Covenant, with an assurance therein of security from your Lord,
and the relics left by the family of Musa and the family of Haroun, carried by angels. In this is
a Symbol for you if you indeed have faith.” When Talut set forth with the armies, he said:
“Allah will test you at the stream. If any drinks of its water, he does not go with the army.
Only those who do not taste of it go with me. A mere sip out of the hand is excused.” But they
all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river, he and the faithful ones with him,
they said: “This day we cannot cope with Jalut and his forces.” But those who were convinced
that they must meet Allah said: “How oft, by Allah’s will, has a small force vanquished a big
one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.” When they advanced to meet Jalut and
his forces, they prayed: ”Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: help
us against those that reject faith.”
(Quran: 2/246-250)
When both armies had assembled face-to-face, Jalut challenged any soldier from Talut’s
army for a single combat. The tradition of the warfare was that the opposing armies would](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-131-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 136
When Suleiman was about eleven years old, as per his routine, he was sitting in the court,
with his father. Prophet Dawud (AS) was hearing a petition. The petitioner said, “O Prophet!
This man’s sheep came to my field at night and ate the grapes I had planted. I seek compensation
from him.”
Prophet Dawud (AS) asked the other man if it was true. When that person replied in the
affirmative, saying “Yes, Sir.” Prophet Dawud (AS) pronounced judgment: “It is my judgment
that you should give him the flock of your sheep in exchange for the crop.”
Suleiman intercepted and offered, “I have a different opinion. The owner of the sheep
should take the field to cultivate until the grapes grow while the petitioner should take the sheep
and make use of their wool and milk until his field is repaired. If the grapes grow and the field
returns to its former state, then the petitioner should take his field and give back the sheep to
their owner.”
Prophet Dawud (AS) was very pleased with this opinion and ordered that it be entered
into judgment. He then addressed his son Suleiman: “This is a sound judgment. Praise is to Allah
(SWT) for bestowing wisdom upon you. You are truly Suleiman the Wise.”
Prophet Dawud (AS) was a just and a righteous ruler who brought peace and prosperity
to his people and Allah (SWT) Honored him as his messenger. Zaboor is composed of the
messages revealed to Prophet Dawud (AS). In the Bible, they are known as Psalms or the Songs
of David. Although Prophet Dawud (AS) was a king, yet he did not draw his wages from the
nation. He earned his income by the sale of the weapons he made.
Once Prophet Dawud (AS) stepped on his prayer mat and instructed his guards to ensure
that, his prayers were not interrupted by anyone. However, two strangers managed to approach
him before he could start his prayers. Prophet Dawud (AS) was surprised at this intrusion and
asked, “Who are you? What do you want?”
One of the strangers replied, “We have a dispute between ourselves and need an urgent
resolution!”
Prophet Dawud (AS) asked what the dispute was.
The same stranger replied, “We are two brothers. He has ninety-nine sheep and I have
one. Now he demands that I give him my one sheep. Also, he is very rude to me!”
Prophet Dawud (AS) decreed: “He is wrong in his demand. Also it is a common practice
among many partners to oppress each other, except those who believe in Allah (SWT) do not
follow such practices.”
Upon hearing this, both strangers vanished from sight. Prophet Dawud (AS) realized that
both strangers were in fact angels sent by Allah (SWT) with a Message to remind him that no
judgment will ever be fair unless both parties are heard.
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 138
PROPHET SULEIMAN (SOLOMON) (AS)
Prophet Suleiman (AS) inherited the kingdom and the prophet hood after his father,
Prophet Dawud (AS) died. There was no material wealth to inherit, just the physical mission as
the messenger of Allah (SWT).
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In the past We gave knowledge to Dawud and Suleiman, they both said: “Praise be to Allah,
Who has favored us above many of His servants who believe!” And Suleiman was Dawud’s
heir. He said: “O you people! We have been taught the speech of Birds, and on us has been
bestowed a little of everything, this is indeed Grace manifest from Allah.” And before
Suleiman were marshaled his hosts, of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in
order and ranks.
(Quran: 27/15-17)
When Prophet Suleiman (AS) took over the kingdom, the first prayer was to beg Allah
(SWT) for a kingdom such as none would have after him, and Allah (SWT) Granted his wish.
Apart from unlimited wisdom, Allah (SWT) had Blessed Prophet Suleiman (AS) with the
abilities to command and control the winds and converse and understand the languages of the
animals and the birds. Prophet Suleiman (AS) was vested with the powers to control the Jinn and
the men. Prophet Suleiman (AS) mined the earth, and extracted its minerals to make the tools
and the weapons for the benefit of the humanity. Allah (SWT) had also favored him with a
copper mine, which was a rare metal at that time.
Prophet Suleiman (AS) had invested in high-quality horses. He was fascinated by their
beauty and grace. He established well-planned stables and employed caretakers to maintain the
animals. He would spend a lot of his spare time reviewing and inspecting his horses. Once, he
got so busy in his inspections that the time for the mid-afternoon prayer elapsed. Prophet
Suleiman exclaimed, “The love of these finer things is keeping me away from the service of my
Lord!”
⎯tã Îsƒø:$# ¡=ãm àMö6t7ômr& þ’ÎoΤÎ) Α$s)sù ∩⊂⊇∪ ߊ$u‹Ågø:$# àM≈uΖÏ≈¢Á9$# Äc©Å´yèø9$$Î/ Ïμø‹n=ã uÚÌãã øŒÎ) ∩⊂⊃∪ ë>#¨ρr& ÿ…çμ¯ΡÎ) ( ߉ö7yèø9$# zΝ÷èÏΡ 4 z⎯≈yϑøŠn=ß™ yŠ…ãρ#y‰Ï9 $uΖö7yδuρuρ
ö t t
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To Dawud We gave Suleiman as a son – how excellent in Our service! Always he was turning
to us! Behold, there were brought before him, at eventide, horses of the highest breeding, and
swift of foot. And he said: “Truly do I love the love of good, with a view to the glory of my
Lord,” until the sun was hidden in the veil of night. “Bring them back to me.” Then he began
to pass his hand over their legs and their necks. And We did try Suleiman: We placed on his
throne a dead body, but a he turned to Us in true devotion. He said: “O my Lord! Forgive me,
and grant me a Kingdom which does not suit another after me. For You are the Grantor of
Bounties without measure.” Then we subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his
order, whithersoever he willed. As also the evil ones, including every kind of builder and](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-138-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 140
opening sentence which proclaimed, “In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful,” the
queen summoned her advisors and told them about the letter from Prophet Suleiman (AS). The
letter had summoned the queen to present herself in the court of Prophet Suleiman (AS). The
tone of the letter suggested that it was a demand of surrender or a warning of war.
Queen Sheba’s practice was to consult her close advisors for all matters related to the
nation of Sheba. Her advisors counseled her that Sheba was a strong nation and was unafraid to
go to war with any nation. However, it was the decision of the queen that mattered. Whole of
Sheba would support whatever the queen contemplated. The queen, in her wisdom, suggested
that if the objectives could be achieved by peaceful negotiations, the war should be avoided. She
added, “Peace and friendship are better and wiser; war only brings humiliation, enslaves people,
and destroys the good things. I have decided to send the most precious of our treasures as a gift
for Suleiman. The courtiers who deliver the gifts would also report back on the true strength of
Suleiman.”
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s
È≅‹Î6¡¡9$# Ç⎯ã öΝè䣉Áù öΝßγn=≈yϑôã& ß⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ãΝßγs9 z⎯−ƒy—uρ «!$# Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ Ä§ôϑ¤±=Ï9 tβρ߉àfó¡„ $yγtΒöθs%uρ $yγ›?‰y`uρ ∩⊄⊂∪ ÒΟŠÏàã î¸ötã $oλm;uρ &™ó©«
t | s r o t x
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y x u Î r r u r
∩⊂∈∪ tβθè=y™ößϑø9$# ßìÅ_ötƒ zΝÎ/ 8οtÏß$oΨsù 7π−ƒÏ‰yγÎ/ ΝÍκös9Î) î's#Å™öãΒ ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ ∩⊂⊆∪ šχθè=yèøtƒ
But the Hoopoe did not tarry far, he came up and said, “I have discovered a territory which
you have not discovered, and I have come from Sheba, with true tidings. I have found there a
woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite, and she has a magnificent
throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah. Satan has made
their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path, so they
receive no guidance. They are kept away from the Path, that they should not worship Allah,
Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and Know what you hide and
what you reveal. Allah!, there is no god but He!, Lord of the Throne Supreme!” Suleiman
said, “Soon we shall see whether you have told the truth or lied! You go, with this letter of
mine, and deliver it to them, and wait to see what answer they return.” The Queen said, “You
chiefs! Here is delivered to me a letter worthy of respect. It is from Suleiman, and is as
follows: “ In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” You be not arrogant against
me, but come to me in submission to the True Religion.” She said, “You chiefs! Advise me in
this affair. I have never decided on any issue without your presence.” They said, “We are
endued with strength and given to vehement war. But the command is with you, so consider
what you will command.” She said, “Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make
the nobles of its people its meanest, thus do they behave. But I am going to send him a
present, and wait to see what answer my ambassadors’ return.”
(Quran: 27/22-35)
The hoopoe bird flew back to Prophet Suleiman (AS) and reported what it had seen and
heard about the deliberations that took place between Queen Bilqis and her advisors.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-140-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 142
was water. Before she stepped on the floor, she raised her dress up to her ankles. Prophet
Suleiman (AS) corrected her by telling her that it was, in fact, glass and not water.
This amazing perception opened her inner vision when she realized that she was in the
company of a magnificent and a highly intelligent person, who was not only a very powerful and
knowledgeable ruler but also a messenger of Allah (SWT). The queen suddenly recalled the
message about her worships that she had received through her ambassadors. Queen Bilqis
repented her paganism and accepted to follow the guidance of the Prophet Suleiman (AS)
towards the righteous path of Allah (SWT).
Upon her return to Sheba, Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, proclaimed her Islamic faith to all
her nationals and asked them to give up their pagan worship of the sun. She told her nation that
the sun was nothing but an object Created by Allah (SWT) for the benefit of all that was in the
universe. The sun itself was the servant of Allah (SWT) and, therefore, had no powers of its own
to respond to the prayers of the pagans.
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t u t p
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x u r r u t
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y n t t z Ï t
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∩⊆⊆∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Éb>u‘ ¬! z⎯≈yϑøŠn=ß™ yìtΒ àMôϑn=ó™r&uρ ©Å¤øtΡ àMôϑn=sß ’ÎoΤÎ)
Now when the embassy came to Suleiman, he said, “Will you give me abundance in wealth?
But that which Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay it is you
who rejoice in your gift! Go back to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such hosts
as they will never be able to meet, we shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will
indeed feel humbled.” He said to his own Jinns, “You Chiefs! Which of you can bring to me
her throne before they come to me in submission?” An Ifrit of the Jinns said, “I will bring it
to you before you rise from your council, indeed I have full strength for the purpose and may
be trusted.” Said one who had knowledge of the Book, “I will bring it to you, within the
twinkling of an eye!” Then when Suleiman saw it placed firmly before him, he said, “This is
by the Grace of my Lord! To test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And if anyone is
grateful, truly his gratitude is a gain for his own soul, but if anyone is ungrateful, truly my
Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honor!” He said, “Transform her throne out of all
recognition by her, let us see whether she is guided towards the truth or is one of those who
receive no guidance.” So when she arrived, she was asked, “Is this your throne?” She said,
“It was just like this, and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have
submitted to Allah in Islam.” And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah,
for she was sprung of a people that had no faith. She was asked to enter the lofty Palace, but
when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she tucked up her skirts, uncovering
her legs. He said, “This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass.” She said, “O my
Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul, I do now submit in Islam with Suleiman, to the Lord of
the Worlds!”
(Quran: 27/36-44)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-142-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 145
body and prevented it from falling down. All those present were unaware that Prophet Suleiman
(AS) had died. His body remained in that position for days. Even the Jinn who had claimed to be
the possessors of the knowledge of the unseen were unaware of the death!
A hungry ant nibbled at the base of the staff. After a couple of days of this nibbling, the
staff hollowed at the base and crumbled to the ground. The body of Prophet Suleiman (AS)
dropped from the throne. When everyone rushed towards the throne, it was realized that the
death had occurred long time in the past!
ô⎯ã öΝåκ÷]ÏΒ ùøÌ“tƒ ⎯tΒρ ( ⎯ÏμÎn/u‘ ÈβøŒÎ*Î/ Ïμ÷ƒy‰ƒ t⎦÷⎫t/ ã≅yϑ÷èƒ ⎯tΒ Çd⎯Éfø9$# z⎯ÏΒuρ ( ÌôÜÉ)ø9$# t⎦÷⎫tã …çμs9 $uΖù=y™r&uρ ( Ööκy− $yγãm#uρu‘uρ Ööκy− $yδ–ρ߉äî yxƒÌh9$# z⎯≈yϑø‹n=Ý¡Ï9uρ
t u t t
yŠ…ãρ#yŠ Α#u™ (#þθè=yϑôã$# 4 BM≈u‹Å™#§‘ 9‘ρ߉è%uρ É>#uθpgø:$%. 5β$xÅ_uρ Ÿ≅ŠÏW≈yϑs?uρ |=ƒÌ≈pt¤Χ ⎯ÏΒ â™!$t±o„ $tΒ …çμs9 tβθè=yϑ÷ètƒ ∩⊇⊄∪ ÎÏè¡¡9$# É>#x‹tã ô⎯ÏΒ çμø%É‹çΡ $tΡÍöΔr&
t x
§yz $£ϑ=sù ( …çμ?r'|¡ΨÏΒ ã≅à2's? ÇÚö‘F{$# èπ−/!#yŠ ωÎ) ÿ⎯ÏμÏ?öθtΒ 4’n?ã öΝçλ°;Š $tΒ |Nöθyϑø9$# Ïμø‹n=tã $uΖøŠŸÒs% $£ϑn=sù ∩⊇⊂∪ â‘θä3¤±9$# y“ÏŠ$t6Ïã ô⎯ÏiΒ ×≅‹Î=s%uρ 4 #[õ3ä©
n s ù t y
∩⊇⊆∪ È⎦⎫Îγßϑø9$# É>#x‹yèø9$# ’Îû (#θèVÎ6s9 $tΒ |=ø‹tóø9$# tβθßϑn=ôètƒ (#θçΡ%x. öθ©9 βr& ⎯Ågø:$# ÏMuΖ¨t7s?
And to Suleiman, We made the Wind obedient, its early morning stride was a month’s
journey and it’s evening stride was a month’s journey. And We made a font of molten Brass
flow for him, and there were Jinns that worked in front of him, by the leave of his Lord! And
if any of them turned aside from Our command, We made him taste of the penalty of Fire.
They worked for him as he desired making Arches, Images, and Basins as large as Reservoirs,
and cooking Cauldrons fixed in their places, “You work, sons of Dawud, with thanks! But few
of My servants are grateful!” Then when We decreed Suleiman’s death, nothing showed
them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept slowly gnawing away at his staff,
so when he fell down, the Jinns saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not
have tarried in their humiliating penalty of their task.
(Quran: 34/12-14)
The death of Prophet Suleiman (AS) in the described fashion was a clear warning for the
Jinn to be aware that they possessed no knowledge of the future. It was also a Sign for the
humanity to know that only Allah (SWT) has the knowledge of the unseen and what lays in the
future for them!
The Jinn could not even save themselves from the humiliation of any further hard labor
that had been ordered by that their master; Prophet Suleiman (AS), who had already died!](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-145-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 148
searing pain was unbearable, yet Prophet Yunus (AS) endured it and continued with his
invocation and added thanks for his Deliverance. This pleased Allah (SWT) and Satan suffered
another defeat.
Allah (SWT) Ordered a plant to cover the body of His Prophet as a protection against the
direct rays of the sun and also to lubricate his skin with the balm from within its system. Allah
(SWT) told Prophet Yunus (AS) that his prayers had saved him from the prison of the darkness,
as otherwise it would have been his domain till the appointed Day of Judgment.
∩⊇⊆⊄∪ ×Λ⎧Î=ãΒ uθèδρ ßNθçtø:$# çμyϑs)tGø9$$sù ∩⊇⊆⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÅÒymô‰ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβ%s3sù zΝyδ$|¡sù ∩⊇⊆⊃∪ Èβθßsô±yϑø9$# Å7ù=àø9$# ’n<Î) t,t/r& øŒÎ) ∩⊇⊂®∪ t⎦⎫Î=y™ößϑø9$# z⎯Ïϑs9 }§çΡθム¨βÎ)uρ
u
⎯ÏiΒ Zοtyf© Ïμø‹n=tã $uΖ÷Fu;/Ρr&uρ ∩⊇⊆∈∪ ÒΟŠÉ)™ θèδuρ Ï™!#tyèø9$$Î/ çμ≈tΡõ‹t6uΖsù * ∩⊇⊆⊆∪ tβθèWyèö7ムÏΘöθtƒ 4’n<Î) ÿ⎯ÏμÏΖôÜt/ ’Îû y]Î7n=s9 ∩⊇⊆⊂∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎm7|¡ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβ%x. …çμ¯Ρr& Iωöθn=sù
x y u
∩⊇⊆∇∪ &⎦⎫Ïm 4’n<Î) öΝßγ≈oΨ÷è−GuΚsù (#θãΖtΒ$t↔sù ∩⊇⊆∠∪ šχρ߉ƒÌ“tƒ ÷ρr& A#ø9r& Ïπs($ÏΒ 4’n<Î) çμ≈oΨù=y™ö‘r&uρ ∩⊇⊆∉∪ &⎦⎫ÏÜø)tƒ
So also was Yunus among those sent by Us. When he ran away, like slave from captivity to the
fully laden ship. He agreed to cast lots, and was condemned. Then the big fish swallowed him,
and he had done acts worthy of blame. Had it not been that he repented and Glorified Allah,
he would have certainly remained inside the fish till the Day of Resurrection. But We cast
him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness. And We caused to grow, over him, a
spreading plant of the gourd kind. And We sent him on a mission to a hundred thousand men
or more. And they believed; so We permitted them to enjoy their life for a while.
(Quran: 37/139-148)
Prophet Yunus (AS) returned to his home in Nineveh. The entire community turned out
to welcome him. He was very pleased to learn that they had abandoned their worshipping of
idols and reverted to Islam and complete submission to Allah (SWT). They all joined in a
thanksgiving prayer to their merciful and compassionate Allah (SWT).](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-148-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 155
PROPHET ZIKARIAH (ZECHARIAH) (AS) AND
PROPHET YAHYAH (JOHN) AS.
Prophet Zikariah (AS) was a hard-working and a pious Prophet, who was raised among
the children of Israel. He practiced carpentry, but he was not a rich person even though he was a
descendant of Prophet Suleiman (AS). However, he had a liberal heart and would never hesitate
to help anyone in need. His sermons and preaching showed the righteous way to Allah (SWT).
He knew that his people always needed consistent reminders of monotheistic worships.
Prophet Zikariah (AS) had no children; both he and his wife had become old and feeble.
His wife was a descendant of Prophet Haroun (AS), the elder brother of Prophet Musa (AS).
Prophet Zikariah (AS) feared that his people would go astray after he passed away unless if there
was no strong leader to guide them. One of his best pupils was Maryam, daughter of Imran.
Maryam had secluded herself from her community and was spending most of her time
worshiping Allah (SWT).
Prophet Zikariah (AS) always encouraged her towards worships and would often visit
Maryam to see if she needed any help or guidance from him. During one of his visits to Maryam,
Prophet Zikariah (AS) observed a very strange fruit, which he had never seen before. He
inquired about it. Maryam told him that Allah (SWT) provided her with this type of fruit each
day. She had enjoyed eating it and was ever thankful to Allah (SWT) for His bounties. Maryam
recited that Allah (SWT) provides without measure for whom He wills.
Prophet Zikariah (AS) was extremely pleased with the devotion of Maryam towards
Allah (SWT). He was pleasantly surprised that Maryam had drawn his attention towards an issue
that had never occurred to him until then. He and his wife needed a child, yet they had never
asked Allah (SWT) for that blessing. It was not an impossible task for Allah (SWT).
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Kaf. Ha.Ya. ‘Ain. Saad. This is a recital of the Mercy of your Lord to His servant Zikariah.
Behold! He cried to his Lord in secret, praying: “O my Lord! Infirm indeed are my bones, and
the hair of my head glistens with grey, but never am I unblessed, O my Lord in my prayer to
You! Now I fear what my relatives and colleagues will do after me, but my wife is barren; so
give me an heir as from Yourself. One that will truly represent me and represent the posterity
of Yaqoob, and make him, O my Lord! One with whom You are well-pleased.” His prayer was
answered, “O Zikariah! We give you good news of a son, his name shall be Yahyah, on none
by that name We have conferred distinction before.” He said, “O my Lord! How shall I have a
son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?” He said, “So it
will be, your Lord says, That is easy for Me, I indeed created you before, when you had been
nothing!” Zikariah said, “O my Lord! Give me a Sign.” “Your Sign,” was the answer “shall be](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-155-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 156
that you shall speak to no man for three nights, although you are not dumb.” So Zikariah
came out to his people from his chamber, he told them by signs to celebrate Allah’s praises in
the morning and in the evening. To his son came the command, “O Yahyah! Take hold of the
Book with might.” And We gave him Wisdom even as youth. And pity for all creatures as from
Us, and purity, he was devout. And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or
rebellious. So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will
be raised up to life again!
(Quran: 19/1-15)
Prophet Zikariah (AS) and his wife prayed hard to Allah (SWT) for a son. Prophet
Zikariah (AS) pleaded in his prayers that the children of Israel would always need the presence
of prophets to guide them; otherwise, they would go astray and defy the laws of Allah (SWT)
and even change the Books to suit their designs. They were vulnerable and would easily fall prey
to Satan. Allah (SWT) Heard the pleas of Prophet Zikariah (AS) and told him that he would have
a son who would also be a prophet. When the son was born, they named him Yahyah.
Prophet Yahyah (AS) turned out to be a deeply religious and a compassionate person. He
cared for helpless animals. Instead of spending his time playing games like other children his
age, Prophet Yahyah (AS) read and studied. His diet consisted of fruits or leaves of the trees.
When Prophet Yahyah (AS) grew into an adult, Allah (SWT) called upon him to read the
Book of Jurisprudence closely; thus, Allah (SWT) made him the wisest and the most learned
person of the time. Allah (SWT) also endowed him with total patience. He would hear about the
affairs of the people and offer fair and sound solutions. He was an expert in interpreting religious
submissions and guiding the people towards the righteous path. He always cautioned the people
about the ever-present Satan. It was the sworn duty of Satan to mislead them.
As Prophet Yahyah (AS) reached the age of maturity, he became a very compassionate
person towards his parents and took extra care of his neighboring people and all the creatures
around him. Whenever Prophet Yahyah (AS) was not actively engaged in the issues of his
people, he would pray and worship Allah (SWT). His prayers were always supplemented with
tears of devotion. Once, when his father, Prophet Zikariah (AS) was looking for him, he found
him lying and praying in a grave that he had dug for himself!
Prophet Zikariah (AS) asked his son the reason for this action. Prophet Yahyah (AS)
replied, “O father! Did you not tell me that there is a very short span between Paradise and Hell?
And that it cannot be crossed except by the tears shed in prayers to Allah (SWT)?”
The tears that Prophet Yahyah (AS) shed while praying to Allah (SWT) left permanent
marks on his cheeks. His sermons and praises of Allah (SWT) were so touching that most of his
listeners also shed tears while they listened to him speak.
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“O Yahyah! Take hold of the Book firmly.” And We gave him Wisdom even as a youth. And
pity for all creatures as from Us, and purity, he was devout. And kind to his parents, and he
was not overbearing or rebellious. So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies,
and the day that he will be raised to life again!
(Quran: 19/12-15)
At that time, King Herod Antipas, a tyrant, was ruling Palestine. The king practiced all
types of tyranny over his nation and decreed that his laws were superior to the commandments of
Allah (SWT). Prophet Yahyah (AS) cautioned the king against such practices. These cautions
increased the tensions between the king and the prophet.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-156-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 158
PROPHET EISA (JESUS) (AS)
The Christians claim that Prophet Eisa (AS) is the son of God! The Holy Quran clearly
and manifestly denies it. The Holy Quran reveals that such a claim is polytheistic. Polytheism is
not acceptable to Allah (SWT); hence, it is against the main foundation of Islam.
Prophet Eisa (AS) is a prophet of Allah (SWT), who was endowed with the Revelations
of the Holy Bible. It is truly tragic for humanity that the original revelations in the Holy Bible are
no longer available for people to read. What are available are the doctored versions that have
been changed and rewritten as per the wishes of those who are in any position to dictate. Even at
this time, changes are being made to the existing versions!
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Allah chose Adam and Nuh, the family of Ibrahim and the family of Imran above all people.
Offspring, one of the other, and Allah hears and knows all things. Behold! A woman of Imran
said, “O my Lord! I do dedicate to you what is in my womb for Your special service. So accept
this of me, for You hear and know all things.” When she was delivered, she said, “O my Lord!
Behold I am delivered of a female child!” And Allah knew best what she brought forth. “And
no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Maryam, and I commend her and
offspring to Your protection from the Evil One, and the Rejected.” Right graciously did her
Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty, she was assigned to the care of
Zikariah. Every time that he entered her chamber to see her, he found her supplied with
sustenance. He said, “O Maryam! From where does this come to you?” She said, “From Allah,
for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases, without measure.”
(Quran: 3/33-37)
During the lifetime of Prophet Zikariah (AS), a pious, childless couple was living in
Nazareth. The woman was Hannah, a niece of Prophet Zikariah (AS), who was the wife of
Imran. Imran was a leader among the children of the Israelites. Hannah prayed hard to Allah
(SWT) for a child of her own. She pledged that any child granted to her would be offered in the
service of Allah’s (SWT) house in Jerusalem. Hannah never lost patience or confidence that
Allah (SWT) would bless her with a child upon whom she would shower all her motherly love.
Allah (SWT) Granted her request. When Hannah learned that she was pregnant, both she and her
husband, Imran, offered prayers of thanks to Allah (SWT) and distributed food among their poor
neighbors. Unfortunately, Imran did not live long enough to see the birth of his long sought
child! Hannah delivered the child, which was a female. The child was named Maryam.
Hannah found it difficult to live by her promise of handing over her child in the service
of Allah (SWT). The temple of Jerusalem did not accept females for service. Her relative,
Prophet Zikariah (AS), counseled her and told her that Allah (SWT) knew what had been
delivered and it was His design! Hannah was advised to wrap the baby and hand her over to the
elders in the temple. It was a female baby, yet it was the child of their favorite and beloved
leader, Imran. Hence, no objections were raised. In addition, Prophet Zikariah (AS) said, “I am
the husband of her maternal aunt and her nearest relative in this temple!” and resolved the issue
of her guardianship.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-158-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 160
against the trunk of a dry palm tree for comfort. Then she gave birth to a son. The baby was
beautiful, but the sorrow of having a child without a father was deep and painful. She cried, “I
wish I had been dead and vanished under the ground before this happened to me!”
Immediately, she heard, “Grieve not, your Lord has placed a rivulet below. Shake the
tree, ripe dates will fall for you. Eat, drink, and regain your lost energy. Be happy. What you see
is the powers of Allah Who made the dry palm tree regain life to provide food for you.”
These words comforted her. Nevertheless, the newborn needed life-supporting essentials
and a roof over his head. She decided to go back towards the city, but her fears haunted her. How
would she explain this child? An immediate miracle gave her all the confidence. Much to her
surprise, this child, born only moments ago, spoke to her, “If you meet any person, just give the
sign. I am fasting for the Beneficent and will not speak to any human today.”
She entered the city confidently. As she had anticipated, her entry into the city with a
newborn child aroused curiosity among those who knew her. Someone scolded her: “This is a
terrible sin and a terrible burden that you are carrying!”
Maryam put her finger over her lips and pointed to the child.
They asked her, “How can we talk to a newborn child who is still in the cradle?” But
everyone was amazed when, clearly, the child answered, “I am Allah’s servant. Allah (SWT) has
given me the Book, has made me a Prophet. Has blessed me wherever I may be, and has
enjoined on me prayers and alms-giving as long as I live. Allah (SWT) has made me dutiful
towards her who has borne me. Peace unto me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I
shall be raised alive again.”
Most of those people who had heard the child speak; realized that the child was a unique
phenomena and a Miracle of Allah (SWT). Still there were some among them; who thought that
the infant’s speech was a magician’s trick! Nevertheless, Maryam was relieved at the reaction of
the majority and accepted it to be a good omen for her to stay in Nazareth; where she would not
be unduly harassed anymore.
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So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. And the pains of childbirth
drove her to the trunk of palm tree. She cried in her anguish, “Ah! Would that I had died
before this! Would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!” However, a voice cried
to her from beneath the palm tree, “Do not grieve! For your Lord has provided a rivulet
beneath you, and shake towards yourself the trunk of the palm tree, it will let fall fresh ripe
dates upon you. So eat, drink, and cool your eye. And if you see any man, say I have vowed a](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-160-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 163
These priests launched multiple campaigns to slander and embarrass Prophet Eisa (AS) and his
mission.
One of the accusations they leveled against Prophet Eisa (AS) was that he was destroying
the Mosaic Law. To support and prove this accusation, the priests brought a Jewish woman to
Prophet Eisa (AS) and told him that the woman was a confessed adulteress. According to the
Mosaic Law, she deserved to be stoned to death! The priests asked Prophet Eisa (AS) if he was
in agreement with the sentence of stoning her to death. Prophet Eisa (AS) looked at the woman
and replied, “Yes!”
The priests had not expected this affirmation. They had anticipated that Prophet Eisa
(AS) would rule against the death and replace it with a milder sentence as a mercy and
compassion; which had been his preaching to his followers. On the other hand, Prophet Eisa
(AS) was also well aware that the priests were trying to trap and publicly disgrace him for what
they thought would be the violation the Mosaic Law. There was a large crowd of onlookers who
were anxiously listening to these exchanges.
Prophet Eisa (AS) told the priests, “She deserves to be stoned to death for her adultery
and is so sentenced. Make sure that only those among you who are sinless caste the stones!”
The priests and those people who had assembled knew that not a single person among
them could be sure that he was sinless! The woman was released. She bent down in front of
Prophet Eisa (AS), who prayed for her: “O Lord, forgive her sins.”
Prophet Eisa (AS) performed some miracles, by the Mercy of Allah (SWT), which had:
• Brought some people back to life after their death!
• Cured some lepers!
• Provided sight to some of those; who were born blind!
These miracles were a gift from Allah (SWT) to assist this prophet in his mission among
those who had set up their own laws of worship and prayers. The priests, although having seen
the miracle of resurrection, tried to defame Prophet Eisa (AS) by saying that only the people who
had died recently were resurrected; maybe they were not dead at all! Their challenge to Prophet
Eisa (AS) was to bring back Sam, the son of Prophet Nuh (AS).
Prophet Eisa (AS) asked these challengers to take him to Sam’s grave. A large number of
the people of the city also gathered at the gravesite. Prophet Eisa (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for
divine help in resurrecting Sam. The grave split open and Sam, the son of Prophet Nuh (AS),
walked out. Sam was gray-haired! Prophet Eisa (AS) asked Sam, “How did you get gray hair, as
there was no aging in your time?” Sam replied, “O Spirit of Allah! I thought that the Day of
Judgment had resurrected me. The fear of that Day caused my hair to turn gray.”
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![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 164
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And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And appoint him a
Messenger to the Children of Israel with this message, “I have come to you, with a Sign from
your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into
it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: and I heal those born blind, and lepers, and I
quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what you eat, and what you store in
your house. Surely therein is a Sign for you if you did believe; I have come to you, to attest the
Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was before forbidden to
you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me. It is Allah
Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a way that is straight.” When Eisa
found unbelief on their part, he said: “Who will be my helpers in the work of Allah? Said the
Disciples: “We are Allah’s helpers: we believe in Allah; and you bear witness that we are
Muslims. Our Lord! We believe in what You have revealed, and we follow the Messenger:
then write us down among those who bear witness.” And the unbelievers plotted and
planned and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah.
(Quran: 3/48-54)
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Then will Allah say, ”O Eisa the son of Maryam! Recount My favor to you and to your mother.
Behold! I strengthened you with the holy spirit, so that you spoke to the people in childhood
and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And
behold! You made out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you breathed
into it, and it became a bird by My leave, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers, by
My leave. And behold! You brought forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the
Children of Israel from violence to you when you showed them the Clear Signs, and the
unbelievers among them said; This is nothing but magic. And Behold! I inspired the Disciples
to have faith in Me and Mine Messenger: they said, “We have faith, and you bear witness that
we bow to Allah as Muslims.”
(Quran: 5/110-115)
Prophet Eisa (AS) instructed his disciples to fast for thirty days. The disciples complied,
and at the end of the fasting period of thirty days, the disciples asked him to bring the food from
Heaven to break their fast. Prophet Eisa (AS) knew that his disciples had some doubts about the
powers of Allah (SWT). He prayed for food from Heaven. People of the area observed that a
fully covered table sandwiched between two clouds was coming downwards. Prophet Eisa (AS)
immediately raised his hands in a prayer towards the heavens and said, “O Lord! Make it a
mercy and not a cause of distress.” The fully covered table landed on the hands of Prophet Eisa
(AS).
Prophet Eisa (AS) and his disciples prostrated and offered prayers of thanks to Allah
(SWT). Prophet Eisa (AS) said, “The one who is most devout and most righteous may uncover
the table that we might eat to thank Allah (SWT) for it.”
The disciples said, “O Spirit of Allah! You are the most deserving.” Prophet Eisa (As)
uncovered the table and there was all types of heavenly food including roasted fish. One of the
disciples said, “O Spirit of Allah is this food the food of this world or of Paradise?”](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-164-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 165
Prophet Eisa (AS) replied, “Did not Allah (SWT) Forbid you to ask such questions? It is
the divine power of Allah (SWT) who Says, “Be,” and it becomes whatever Allah (SWT) wills!”
The food of the table was shared between thousands of city-dwellers, none of whom got up
hungry from the table!
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Behold! The Disciples said: “O Eisa the son of Maryam! Can your Lord send down to us a
Table set with foods from heaven?” Eisa said, “Fear Allah, if you have faith.” They said, “We
only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that you have indeed told us the
truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.” Eisa the son of Maryam said:
“O Allah our Lord! Send us down from heaven a Table set with foods, that there may be for us
– for the first and the last of us- a solemn festival and a Sign from You; and provide for our
sustenance, for You are the best Sustainer of our needs.” Allah said, “I will send it down to
you; but if any of you after that resists faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have
not inflicted on any one among all the peoples.”
(Quran:5/112-115)
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And behold! Allah will say: “O Eisa the son of Maryam! Did you say to men, worship me and
my mother as gods in derogation of Allah?” He will say, “Glory to You! Never could I say
what I had no right to say. Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You
know what is in my heart, though I do not know what is in Yours. For You know in full all that
is hidden. Never said I to them, anything except what you commanded me to say, that
‘Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord’ and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt
amongst them; when You took me up. You were the Watcher over them, and You are a
Witness to all things. If You punish them, they are Your servants; if You forgive them, You
are the Exalted in power, the Wise.” Allah will say: “This is a day on which the truthful will
profit from their truth; theirs are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, - their eternal home:
Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah: that is the great Salvation.” To Allah
belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He who
has power over all things.
(Quran: 5/116-120)
With the miracles and the popularity of Prophet Eisa (AS) on the increase among the
materially poor people of the Israelites, the priests conferred and decided to get rid of the
prophet. They knew that only the poor people of their nation were the followers and supporters
of Prophet Eisa (AS). These poor followers were powerless and remained submissive to the
authority of the politically powerful priests.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-165-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 167
PROPHET MOHAMMED (SAW)
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Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will
find described in the Torah and Gospel which are with them. He will enjoin on them that
which is right and will forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all god
things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the
fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honor him, and help him
and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are successful.
(Quran: 7/157)
Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was born in Makkah, on August 2, 570. The Arabic date was
12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal. His mother was Aminah from the Zahrah family. His father was Abdullah,
son of Abdul Muttalib, the leader of the Hashemite clan in the Quresh tribe. Traditionally, the
leader of the Hashemite clan was the Keeper of the Ka’bah. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his first-
born son Prophet Ismail (AS) had built the Ka’bah. The lineage of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is
directly linked to that of Prophet Ismail (AS), the co-builder of the Ka’bah. Prophet Ismail (AS)
was the first-born son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
Prophet Mohammed’s (SAW) father, Abdullah, had died before his birth and his mother,
Aminah, died before his sixth birthday. This orphan was taken over by his grandfather, Abdul
Muttalib. Abdul Muttalib died two years later. Abu Talib, son of Abdul Muttalib, took over the
responsibility of caring and raising his orphan nephew.
Makkah had flourished economically; it had two times the wealth of other inhabitations
in the area. The two most prominent reasons for this prosperity were:
• First, because it was situated on the main trade route of Arabia; thus, it became a well-
developed and favorite stopping place for all the caravans;
• Second, it had the Ka’bah, where thousands of people would come annually to pay
homage to their gods. Ka’bah had hundreds of manufactured idols and images of gods
within its four walls. The pagans held regular annual festivals to celebrate their idols!
Economically, the inhabitants of Mak’ah and the surrounding areas were very rich, but
spiritually the entire Arabia was in its darkest era of ignorance, paganism, and idolatry. Prophet
Mohammed (SAW) had spent most of his youth in those surroundings and witnessed these and
many other pagan rituals. Strangely, he was never influenced by what he saw or heard.
As a child, he was occupied in looking after the sheep herds of his uncle, Abu Talib.
When he started his teenage years, he accompanied his uncle, Abu Talib, on trade missions to
Syria and Iraq. During one of these trips, a Christian monk observed him and, pointing towards
Prophet Mohammed (SAW), advised his uncle Abu Talib to take extra care and protect him from
the people of his nation. This monk did not explain his reason, for this specific caution, to Abu
Talib; regarding his nephew.
Prophet Mohammed (SAW) spent the most of his teenage years developing and looking
after the business of his uncle, Abu Talib. The business flourished, and so did the personality and
fame of Prophet Mohammed (SAW).
Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was a mild-mannered person of an excellent character, and
was the most trustworthy in all dealings. Although he was an illiterate and remained an illiterate](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-167-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 172
Whilst the citizens of Makkah ignored the preaching and the messages of the Prophet, the
visitors to Makkah paid attention to him and his message out of pure curiosity. The Quresh
countered by posting their agents at the entrances of Makkah. These agents were charged with
the responsibilities of cautioning the visitors about the activities of a lunatic, who was advocating
against their favorite idols. These agents would also warn the visitors that a dangerous magician
was roaming around in Makkah who claimed to be a prophet. Nevertheless, the meetings
between these visitors to Makkah and Prophet Mohammed (SAW) did produce a somewhat
positive effect, in areas out of Makkah.
When the visitors returned to their homes, elsewhere in Arabia, they carried with them
the news about a bold preacher, who was loudly preaching to the Arabs, at the risk of his own
life, and inviting them to abandon their idolatry and pagan rituals. This news gained momentum
amongst the distant Arabian tribes.
When the leaders of the Quresh learnt that the Arabs outside Makkah were hearing about
the preaching and message of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) they decided to persecute the Prophet
and his followers. Hostilities started with the Prophet being prevented from offering his prayers
at the Sacred House of the Ka’bah. Groups were formed to follow the Prophet and his followers
wherever the latter went and to harass them. Garbage and filth were being thrown at the Prophet
and his followers. Thorns were spread on their frequented paths and ways. The places of their
worships were being destroyed. These tactics and the abuses did not affect the resolve of the
Prophet and his followers to pursue their newfound faith.
The Prophet’s, youngest uncle Hamza (RA) Ibn Abdul Muttalib also pledged his
allegiance to the newly founded faith of the Prophet. Hamza (RA) Ibn Abdul Muttalib was a
person of distinguished bravery and a much-feared warrior in Arabia.
Prophet Mohammed (SAW) continued with his preaching at the same time warning the
Arabs against their pagan rituals of worshipping the idols; of burying their daughters alive; of
their attitudes and practice of arrogant manners. Those who listened to him were told about the
disastrous consequences suffered by the ancient tribes of Ad and Thamud when they had
disobeyed their prophets of the time. His preaching showed the righteous way to Allah (SWT);
the purpose of their individual life-span on the earth and the final accounting on the Day of
Judgment.
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∩⊇⊆∪ ω‹Ïãuρ ¨,ptm Ÿ≅ß™”9$# z>¤‹x. @≅ä. 4 8ì¬7è? ãΠöθs%uρ Ïπs3÷ƒF{$# Ü=≈ptõ¾r&uρ ∩⊇⊂∪ 7Þθä9 ãβ≡uθ÷zÎ)uρ ãβöθtãöÏùuρ
QAF: By the Glorious Quran, you are Allah’s Messenger. But they wonder that there has come
to them a Warner from among themselves. So the Unbelievers say: “This is a wonderful
thing! What when we die and become dust, shall we live again? This is a sort of Return far
from our understanding.” We already know how much of them the earth takes away: with Us
is a Record guarding the full account. But they deny the truth when it comes to them: so they](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-172-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 173
are in a confused state. Do they not look at the sky above them? How We have made it and
adorned it, and there are no flows in it? And the earth, We have spread it out, and set thereon
mountains standing firm, and produced therein every kind of beautiful growth in pairs. To be
observed and commemorated by every devotee turning to Allah. And We send down from the
sky rain charged with blessing, and We produce therewith gardens and grain for harvests;
And tall and stately palm-trees, with shoots of fruit-stalks, piled one over the other; As
sustenance for Allah’s servants; and We give new life therewith to land that is dead: thus will
be the Resurrection. Before them was denied the Hereafter by the People of Nuh, the
Companions of the Rass, the Thamud, The Ad, Fir’awn, the Brethrens of Lut. The
Companions of the Wood; and the People of Tubba; each one of them rejected the Messengers
and My warning was duly fulfilled in them.
(Quran: 50/1-14)
&⎦⎫ÏÛ ⎯ÏiΒ Νä3)n=yz “Ï%©!$# θèδ ∩⊇∪ šχθä9ω÷ètƒ öΝÍκÍh5tÎ/ (#ρãxx. t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ¢ΟèO ( u‘θ‘Ζ9$#uρ ÏM≈uΗä>—à9$# Ÿ≅yèy_uρ uÚö‘F{$#uρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# t,n=y{ “Ï%©!$# ¬! ߉ôϑptø:$#
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Praise be to Allah, Who created the heaven and the earth, and made the Darkness and the
Light. Yet those who reject Faith hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord. He it is Who
created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term for you. And there is in His Presence
another determined term; yet you doubt within yourselves! And He is Allah in the heavens
and on earth. He knows what you hide, and what you reveal, and He knows the recompense
that you earn by your deeds. But never did a single one of the Signs of their Lord reach them,
but they turned away wherefrom. And now they reject the truth when it reaches them: but
soon shall they learn the reality of what they used to mock at. Don’t they see how many of
those before them We destroyed? Generations We had established on the earth, in strength
such as We have not given to you, for whom We poured out rain from the skies in
abundance, and gave fertile streams flowing beneath their feet: yet for their sins We
destroyed them, and raised in their wake fresh generations to succeed them.
(Quran: 6/1-6)
The Leaders of the Quresh were alarmed by the increase of the followers, in numbers,
and the addition of several powerful citizens to the religion of the Prophet. The Quresh saw this
progress as a challenge to their power and prestige not only in Makkah but also in their
surroundings in Arabia. The Quresh were the custodians of the idols; and the Prophet was
threatening their idols. The Quresh were the lawgivers and the rulers; whereas the Prophet was
promoting equality amongst the people!
∩⊇⊂∪ ×Î7yz îΛ⎧Î=tã ©!$# ¨βÎ) 4 öΝä39s)ø?r& «!$# y‰ΨÏã ö/ä3tΒò2r& ¨βÎ) 4 (#þθèùu‘$yètGÏ9 Ÿ≅Í←!$t7s%uρ $/θãèä© öΝä3≈oΨù=yèy_uρ 4©sΡé&uρ 9x.sŒ ⎯ÏiΒ /ä3≈oΨø)n=yz $¯ΡÎ) â¨$¨Ζ9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ
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O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into
nations and tribes, that you may know each other –not that you may despise each other.
Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you.
And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things.
(Quran: 49/13)
The Qureshites perceived that all these teachings and messages would destroy the image
of the Quresh. They had amassed tremendous wealth and had enjoyed supreme powers over the
massive numbers of their citizens, as the Keepers and the Caretakers of the Ka’bah. The Quresh
strongly resented any actions that would lower their higher status and made them equal with all
the citizens! Most of all the Quresh refused to give up their long inherited privileges.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-173-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 185
During the second year of Hijrah, the Quresh from Makkah began a series of hostilities
against the Muslims in Medina. Experienced and well-trained robbers were sent to Medina, who
would rob the fruits from the farms, destroy the trees and drive away with the animal herds of the
Muslims of Medina. The Prophet devised a military force from amongst the Muslims, charged it
with the responsibilities of guarding the nation of Medina against any threats, external or
internal. This military force was able to contain the raids on the farms and prevent the stealing of
their herds.
When the Infidels of Makkah learnt that the Muslim Army was able to defend its farms
and the herds; the Infidels mounted a well-equipped army of a thousand men under the command
of the ardent enemy of the Prophet and the Muslims, Abu Jahl. The Infidels marched towards
Medina to attack the Muslims. When the Prophet learnt about this army and its objectives, he
prepared a counter force of about three hundred Muslims, two thirds of whom were the citizens
of Medina. The Muslims marched out to meet their enemy on the outskirts of Medina in the
valley of Badr. Badr was located near the water between Makkah and Medina.
When both the armies faced each other, the Prophet raised his hands towards the heavens
and invoked the help of Allah (SWT) to meet the numerical challenge of the Infidels. The
Prophet knew that the fate and the future of the Muslims lay with Allah. The odds of the
combatants were one Muslim against more than three Infidels. As was the custom of the war,
single combats commenced the engagements. When both the armies engaged in the general
combat, the superior numbers of the Infidels were uncontrollable and unmanageable by their
troop leaders; whereas the inferior numbers of the Muslims produced a well disciplined and a
methodical units which were able to overcome and overrun their well-equipped enemies. The
Infidels of Makkah suffered huge losses and were completely routed; from the battlefield of
Badr. Majority of the Infidel chiefs lost their lives, including their commander Abu Jahl. A large
number of the Infidel were taken prisoners and the Prophet took direct charge of them.. The
Prophet ordered that the prisoners be well cared for and those who were injured should be treated
for their injuries. This was beyond the expectations of the Infidels. Traditionally the Arabs and
all the other nations that went to war never took prisoners of war. The enemy warriors were just
killed and annihilated and the defeated nations’ general populations were enslaved. This act
initiated the humane principles; of the treatment of the prisoners of war; which has been in
practice thereafter, amongst the warring nations.
*Sir William Muir, in his book Life of Mohammed, has chronicled this event and quoted
one of the prisoner saying: “Blessings be on the men of Medina; they gave us ride, while
they themselves walked; they gave us wheaten bread to eat, when there was little of it,
contending themselves with the dates.”
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z ø
∩⊇⊄∠∪ t⎦⎫Î6Í←!%s{ (#θç6Î=s)ΨuŠsù öΝåκtJÎ6õ3tƒ
Allah has helped you at Badr, when you were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus
you may show your gratitude. Remember you said to the Faithful: “Is it not enough for you](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-185-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 187
Commenting on these atrocities committed by the Infidels, their commander Abu Sufyan,
told Umar (RA), the Muslim warrior, that the mutilations of the bodies of the Muslims was
never sanctioned by him, as the commander of the Infidels, but he did not feel ashamed at the
acts of cruelty by the Infidels.
t⎦÷⎫t/ $yγä9Íρ#y‰çΡ ãΠ$−ƒF{$# 7ù=Ï?uρ 4 …ã&é#÷VÏiΒ Óyös% tΠöθ)ø9$# ¡§tΒ ô‰s)sù Óyös% öΝä3ó¡|¡ôϑtƒ βÎ) ∩⊇⊂®∪ ⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟçGΨä. βÎ) tβöθn=ôãF{$# ãΝçFΡr&uρ (#θçΡt“øtrB Ÿωuρ (#θãΖÎγs? Ÿωuρ
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So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: for you must gain mastery if you are true in Faith. If a
wound has touched you, be sure that similar wound has touched the others. Such are the days
of varying fortunes. We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that
believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses to Truth. And
Allah does not love those that do wrong. Allah’s object also is to purge those that are true in
Faith and to deprive of blessing those that resist Faith. Did you think that you would enter
Paradise without Allah testing those of you who fought hard in His Cause and remained
steadfast. You indeed wish for Death before you met him; now you have seen him with your
own eyes and you flinch!
(Quran: 3/139-143)
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Soon we shall cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions
with Allah, for which He had sent no authority; their abode will be the Fire; and evil is the
home of the wrongdoers! Allah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when you with His
permission were about to annihilate your enemy- until you fliched and fell to disputing about
the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight of the booty which you covet. Among
you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He
diverted you form your foes in order to test you. But He forgave you; for Allah is full of grace
to those who believe. Behold! You were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a
side glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did Allah
give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for the booty
that had escaped you and for the ill that had befallen you. For Allah is well aware of all that
you do. After the excitement of the distress, he sent down calm on a band of you overcome
with slumber, while another band stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, moved wrong
suspicions of Allah – suspicions due to Ignorance. They said, “What affair is this of our?” You
say: “Indeed this affair is wholly Allah’s.” They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal
to you. They say, to themselves: “If we had had anything to do with this affair, we should not](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-187-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 198
THE PREDICTIONS ABOUT PROPHET MOHAMMED (SAW) BEFORE HIS BIRTH!
I Will raise them up a Prophet, from among their brethren, like unto thee, and Will
put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command
him [] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My word
which he shall speak in My Name, I will require it of him []
(Deuteronomy: 18/18-19)
And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may
abide with you forever [] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him, for he dwelleth
with you, and shall be in you []
(John : 14/16-17)
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have
put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. [] He shall not
cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. [] A bruised reed shall
he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench; he shall bring forth
judgment unto truth. [] He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till have set judgment
in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law. [] Thus saith God the Lord, he that
created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and
that cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to
them that walk therein. [] I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will
thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for light
of the Gentiles. [] To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison,
and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. [] I am the Lord: that is my
name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. []
Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they
spring forth I tell you of them. []
Sing into the Lord a new song and his praise from the end of the earth, Ye that go
down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. [] Let
the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth
inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the
mountains. []
(Isaiah: 42/1-11)
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not
go away, the Counselor will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you [] And
when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and
judgment [] Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me [] Concerning
righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will see me no more [] Concerning
judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged [] I have yet many things to say
to you, but you cannot bear them now [] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will
guide you into the all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever
he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come [] He
will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you []
(John : 16/7-14)
And the Book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, read this, I pray thee:
and he saith, I am not learned.
(Isaiah: 29/12)
1. The last prophet will be born amongst the most prominent clan of his tribe;
2. He will be born on the twelfth day of the Lunar month of spring; the time of his
birth will be two hours after the sunrise;](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-198-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 207
Conscience is a spiritual quality that bids man towards a good attitude and positive
thought and helps him think straight and determine the right from wrong. One of the important
aspects of conscience is that it is common to all people. Through the conscience, Allah (SWT)
lets us know the best and the most beautiful behavior and manners, which will please Him.
Conscience is an inspiration from Allah (SWT).
∩⊇⊃∪ $yγ9¢™yŠ ⎯tΒ z%s{ ô‰s%uρ ∩®∪ $yγ8©.y— ⎯tΒ yxn=øùr ô‰s% ∩∇∪ $yγ1uθø)s?uρ $yδu‘θègé $yγyϑoλù;r'sù ∩∠∪ $yγ1§θy™ $tΒuρ §øtΡuρ
And the self and what proportioned it and inspired it with depravity or taqwa, he who
purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up has failed.
(Quran: 91/7-10)
It is this very conscience that makes man guard against evil deeds and finds the right
way. One of the most important aspects of conscience is that it helps man to find what is right of
his own accord. An awakened conscience will positively show a man what is right, even if
nobody else will. What matters for the man is to take recourse to his own conscience, listen to
what it says, and act upon it. For this reason, we can say that conscience is the main component
of religion. An issue that must be borne in mind is that every man, from the moment of gaining
consciousness, is responsible for what Allah (SWT) had Ordered for him with the addition of the
faculty of the conscience. If he follows his conscience, as per the guidance of the Quran, he will
be rewarded with an eternal life in Paradise, but if he follows himself, he will meet an eternal
sealed vaults of fire.
Death is never distant from any one of us. It is perhaps even closer than we think. It is
also a well-established fact that Allah (SWT) did not create the life of this universe and its death
in vain. Our life has to be organized according to this great truth, as on the Judgment Day we
will be adjudged according to the life we lived; our eternal life in the Hereafter will be decided
on the tipping of the scales of justice. Can we really afford to risk so much and not work for our
life in the hereafter? The only solution is to obey the commands of Allah (SWT) by listening to
our awakened conscience. No matter what we do, our conscience will stay with us till we die.
Conscience and the will are two different faculties and must remain apart at the moment of
decision.
Conscience is the voice of Allah (SWT) and we will continue to hear it till our death.
Those who do not hear this voice or do not follow it when they hear it will regret it later. Then
this voice of reality will not help them. In the Quran, there are many examples from the
conversations in the hereafter whereby those in the hell have confessed about what they failed to
do in their life. It is an absolute truth that everyone knows what he must and must not do.
Evading the conscience is never a wise choice. If one is presented with an option for an
immediate benefit in this world or the everlasting benefits in the hereafter, an awakened
conscience should propel for the everlasting benefits in the hereafter as the obvious choice.
$¨Ζä.ρ ∩⊆∈∪ t⎦⎫ÅÒÍ←!$sƒø:$# ìΒ ÞÚθèƒwΥ $¨Ζà2ρ ∩⊆⊆∪ ⎦⎫Å3ó¡Ïϑø9$# ãΝÏèôÜçΡ à7tΡ óΟs9uρ ∩⊆⊂∪ t⎦,Íj#|Áßϑø9$# š∅ÏΒ à7tΡ óΟs9 (#θä9$s% ∩⊆⊄∪ ts)y™ ’Îû óΟä3x6n=y™ $tΒ
u y t u t
Ößϑãm öΝßγ¯Ρr(x. ∩⊆®∪ ⎦⎫ÅÊÌ÷èãΒ ÍοtÏ.õ‹−G9$# Ç⎯ã öΝçλm; $yϑsù ∩⊆∇∪ t⎦⎫ÏèÏ≈¤±9$# èπyè≈xx© óΟßγãèxΖs? $yϑsù ∩⊆∠∪ ß⎦⎫É)u‹ø9$# $oΨ9s?r #©¨Lym ∩⊆∉∪ È⎦⎪Ïd‰9$# ÏΘöθ‹Î/ ÜÉj‹s3çΡ
t t u
…çμ¯ΡÎ) HξŸ2 ∩∈⊂∪ nοtÅzFψ$# šχθèù$sƒs† ω ≅t/ ( ξx. ∩∈⊄∪ Zοu¤³oΨ•Β $Zßsß¹ 4’tA÷σムβr öΝåκ÷]ÏiΒ ›ÌøΒ$# ‘≅ä. ߉ƒÌムö≅t/ ∩∈⊇∪ ¥οu‘uθó¡s% ⎯ÏΒ ôN§sù ∩∈⊃∪ ×οtÏΖtFó¡•Β
∩∈∈∪ …çνtŸ2sŒ u™!$x© ⎯yϑsù ∩∈⊆∪ ×οtÏ.õ‹s?
What caused you to enter into Hell Fire? They will say, We were not among those who prayed,
and we did not feed the poor. We plunged with those who plunged, and denied the Day of](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-207-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 212
’Îû $tΒ $uΖôã“tΡuρ ∩⊆⊄∪ βρà$Î#≈yz $pκÏù öΝèδ ( Ïπ¨Ζpgø:$# Ü=≈ptõ¾r šÍׯ≈s9'ρé !$yγyèó™ãρ ωÎ) $²¡øtΡ ß#Ïk=s3çΡ Ÿω ÏM≈ysÎ=≈¢Á9$# (#θè=Ïϑtãuρ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$#uρ
t t
ôNu™!%` ô‰)s9 ( ª!$# $uΖ1y‰yδ ÷β Iωöθ9 y“ωtFöκs]Ï9 $¨Ζä. $tΒuρ #x‹≈yγÏ9 $uΖ1y‰δ “Ï%©!$# ¬! ߉ôϑptø:$# (#θä9$s%uρ ( ã≈pκ÷ΞF{$# ãΝÍκÉJøtrB ⎯ÏΒ “ÌøgrB 9e≅Ïî ô⎯ÏiΒ ΝÏδ‘ρ߉߹
y s r s y Í
∩⊆⊂∪ tβθè=yϑ÷ès? óΟçGΨä. $yϑÎ/ $yδθßϑçGøOÍ‘ρé èπ¨Ψyfø9$# ãΝä3ù=Ï? βr (#ÿρߊθçΡuρ ( Èd,tø:$$Î/ $uΖÎn/u‘ ã≅ß™â‘
p
As for those who believe and do good works no burden do We place on any soul, but that
which it can bear, - they will have companions of the Garden, therein to dwell for ever. And
We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury; beneath them will be rivers
flowing; and they shall say: Praise be to Allah, who has guided us to this felicity: never could
we have found the right path, had it not been for the guidance of Allah: indeed it was the
truth, that the messengers of our Lord brought to us. And they shall hear the cry: Behold! The
Garden before you! You have been made its inheritors, for your deeds of righteousness.
(Quran: 7/42-43)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-212-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 213
THE EMINENCE OF WOMEN IN ISLAM
The position of women in Islam has recently been an issue of debate, more so in the
West. Some misconceptions arise, either from traditional practices that are thought to be
“Islamic,” whereas they are not. They exist only because of ignorance and prejudices. The real
issue is how women are regarded in the Islamic faith, and when we look at it objectively and
without any prejudicial aforethought, it will be observed that Islam gives women the greatest
social value, freedom, and comfort.
To begin with, the people of the Book hold the woman to be the originator of the Original
Sin, and blame her for the expulsion of humanity from the Gardens of Paradise. The Quran has
clearly and specifically related that it was Prophet Adam (AS) that plucked the fruit from the
forbidden tree, took and consumed the first bite, and then passed some of it to his mate, Hawwa
(EVE).
Allah (SWT) has issued distinct commandments about the status of women and the
relations between men and women throughout the Quran. Islam specifies equality of rights,
responsibilities and duties between both genders. Islam is based on sympathy, tolerance, and
respect for human beings and does not discriminate against women. The examples of good
morals communicated to us through the Quran are universally compatible with human nature and
are valid during all stages of history. Respect for women and women’s rights fall within this. In
the Quran, Allah (SWT) insists that the tasks and responsibilities of women are the same as those
of men. Furthermore, while performing these tasks and responsibilities, men and women must
help and support each other:
ο4θ.¨“9$# šχθè?÷σãƒuρ ο4θ=¢Á9$# šχθßϑŠÉ)ãƒuρ Ìs3Ζßϑø9$# Ç⎯tã tβöθyγ÷Ζtƒuρ Å∃ρã÷èyϑø9$$Î/ šχρâßΔù'tƒ 4 Ù÷èt/ â™!$uŠÏ9÷ρr öΝßγàÒ÷èt/ àM≈oΨÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ tβθãΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ
n x n n
∩∠⊇∪ ÒΟŠÅ3ym ͕tã ©!$# ¨βÎ) 3 ª!$# ãΝßγçΗxq÷zy™ y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé 4 ÿ…ãs!θß™u‘uρ ©!$# šχθãèŠÏ܃uρ
ã
The men and women of the Believers are friends of each other. They command what is right
and forbid what is wrong, and establish prayer and pay alms, and obey Allah and His
Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah will have Mercy. Allah is Almighty, All Wise.
(Quran: 9/71)
Allah (SWT) emphasizes that believers will be rewarded in the same manner according to
their deeds, regardless of their gender:
öΝÏδÌ≈tƒŠ ⎯ÏΒ (#θã_Ì÷zéuρ (#ρãy_$yδ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$$sù ( Ù÷è/ .⎯ÏiΒ Νä3àÒ÷èt/ ( 4©sΡé ÷ρr @x.sŒ ⎯ÏiΒ Νä3ΨÏiΒ 9≅Ïϑ≈tã Ÿ≅uΗxå ßì‹ÅÊé Iω ’ÎoΤr öΝßγš/u‘ öΝßγs9 z$yftFó™$$sù
Ï t
…çνy‰ΨÏã ª!$#ρ 3 «!$# ωΨÏã ô⎯ÏiΒ $/#uθrO ã≈yγ÷ΡF{$# $pκÉJøtrB ⎯ÏΒ “ÌøgrB ;M≈¨Ζy_ öΝßγ¨Ψn=Ï{÷Š_{uρ öΝÍκÌE$t↔Íh‹™ öΝåκ÷]tã ¨βÏex._{ (#θè=ÏFè%uρ (#θè=tG≈s%uρ ’Í?‹Î6y™ ’Îû (#ρèŒρéuρ
u y t
∩⊇®∈∪ É#uθ¨W9$# ß⎯ó¡ãm
And their Lord has heard them and He said: Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or
female, to be lost. You proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth
from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, surely I shall
remit their evil deed from them and surely I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which
rivers flow. A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards.
(Quran: 3/195)
∩®∠∪ βθè=yϑ÷èƒ (#θçΡ$Ÿ2 $tΒ Ç⎯¡ômr'Î/ Νèδtô_r óΟßγ¨ΨtƒÌ“ôfuΖs9uρ ( Zπt6ÍhŠsÛ Zο4θu‹ym …çμ¨ΖtÍ‹ósãΖn=sù Ö⎯ÏΒ÷σãΒ uθèδuρ 4©sΡé ÷ρr @Ÿ2sŒ ⎯ÏiΒ $[sÎ=≈|¹ Ÿ≅Ïϑtã ô⎯tΒ
t t |
Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and
We will recompense them according to the best of what they did.
(Quran: 16/97)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-213-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 214
In another verse, Muslim men and women are addressed uniformly. It is stressed upon
both of them that they have the similar responsibilities and their status is equal in the Court of
Allah (SWT):
ÏN≡uÉ9≈¢Á9$#uρ t⎦⎪ÎÉ9≈¢Á9$#uρ ÏM≈s%ω≈¢Á9$#uρ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈¢Á9$#uρ ÏM≈tFÏΖ≈s)ø9$#ρ t⎦⎫ÏGÏΖ≈s)ø9$#uρ ÏM≈oΨÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ ÏM≈yϑÎ=ó¡ßϑø9$#uρ š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=ó¡ßϑø9$# ¨βÎ)
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š⎥⎪ÌÅ2≡©%!$#uρ ÏM≈sàÏ≈ysø9$#uρ öΝßγy_ρãèù š⎥⎫ÏàÏ≈ptø:$#uρ ÏM≈yϑÍׯ≈¢Á9$#uρ t⎦⎫ÏϑÍׯ≈¢Á9$#uρ ÏM≈s%Ïd‰ÁtFßϑø9$#uρ t⎦⎫Ï%Ïd‰|ÁtFßϑø9$#uρ ÏM≈yèϱ≈y‚ø9$#uρ t⎦⎫Ïè±≈y‚ø9$#uρ
| Ï
∩⊂∈∪ $Vϑ‹Ïàtã #·ô_ruρ ZοÏøó¨Β Μçλm; ª!$# £‰tãr N≡tÅ2≡©%!$#uρ #ZÏVx. ©!$#
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Men and women who are Muslims, men and women who are Believers, men and women who
are Obedient, men and women who are Truthful, men and women who are Steadfast, men and
women who are Steadfast, men and women who are Humble, men and women who give Alms, men
and women who Fast, men and women who guard their private parts, men and women who
remember Allah much: Allah has prepared forgiveness for them and an immense reward.
(Quran: 33/35)
The Quran has repeatedly emphasized that men and women are exactly equal in terms of
their tasks and responsibilities and for the rewards or punishments they receive. There are a few
differences in social issues, but these are for the benefit, the comfort, and the protection of
women. The commands of the Quran regard congenial differences between the sexes resulting
from their creation, and suggest a system maintaining equal justice for men and women in this
light.
Islam does not see women as mere objects. Therefore, it is not sanctioned and appropriate
that a woman of good morals should marry a man of bad morals. There is no compulsion in the
marriage. Both parties must make independent decisions about their wedlock.
×οtÏøó¨Β Νßγs9 ( tβθä9θà)tƒ $£ϑÏΒ šχρ♧y9ãΒ y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé 4 ÏM≈t6Íh‹©Ü=Ï9 tβθç7ÍhŠ©Ü9$#uρ t⎦⎫Î6Íh‹©Ü=Ï9 àM≈t6Íh‹©Ü9$#uρ ( ÏM≈sWÎ7y‚ù=Ï9 šχθèWÎ7y‚ø9$#uρ t⎦⎫ÏWÎ7y‚ù=Ï9 àM≈sWÎ7sƒø:$#
∩⊄∉∪ ÒΟƒÌŸ2 ×−ø—Í‘ρ
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Corrupt women are for corrupt men and corrupt men are corrupt women. Good women are
for good men and good men for good women. The latter are innocent of what they say. They
will have forgiveness and generous provision.
(Quran: 24/26)
Also, in regard to marriage, the duties and responsibilities of a couple towards each other
require equality. Allah Demands that both spouses protect and supervise each other. This
obligation is distinctly expressed as follows:
z$tGù öΝà6|¡àΡr šχθçΡ$tFøƒrB óΟçGΨä. öΝà6¯Ρr ª!$# zΝÎ=tæ 3 £⎯ßγ©9 Ó¨$t6Ï9 öΝçFΡruρ öΝä3©9 Ó¨$t6Ï9 £⎯èδ 4 öΝä3Í←!$|¡ÎΣ 4’nÎ) ß]sù§9$# ÏΘ$uŠÅ_Á9$# s's#ø‹s9 öΝà6s9 ¨≅Ïmé
s
ÏŠθó™F{$# ÅÝø‹sƒø:$# z⎯ÏΒ âÙu‹ö/F{$# äÝø‹sƒø:$# ãΝä3s9 t⎦¨⎫t7oKtƒ 4©®Lym (#θç/uõ°$#uρ (#θè=ä.uρ 4 öΝä3s9 ª!$# |=tFŸ2 $tΒ (#θäótFö/$#uρ £⎯èδρçų≈t/ z⎯≈t↔ø9$$sù ( öΝä3Ψtã $xtãuρ öΝä3ø‹n=tæ
u
Ú⎥Îi⎫t6ムy7Ï9≡x‹. 3 $yδθç/tø)s? Ÿξsù «!$# ߊρ߉ãn y7ù=Ï? 3 ωÉf≈|¡yϑø9$# ’Îû tβθàÅ3≈tã óΟçFΡruρ ∅èδρçų≈t7è? Ÿωuρ 4 È≅øŠ©9$# ’nÎ) tΠ$u‹Å_Á9$# (#θ‘ϑÏ?r ¢ΟèO ( Ìôfø9$# z⎯ÏΒ
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It is made lawful for you to go to your wives on the night of the fast. They are covers for you
and you for them. Allah is aware that you were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He
has turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek
that which Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becomes
distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall
and touch them not, while you are at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits
imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expounds His revelations to mankind
that they may ward off evil.
(Quran: 2/187)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-214-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 226
ωÎ) “Ìô_ ÷βÎ) ( @ô_r ô⎯ÏΒ Ïμø‹n=tã öΝä3è=t↔ó™r !$tΒuρ ∩⊇⊄∉∪ Èβθãè‹ÏÛuρ ©!$# (#θà)¨?$$sù ∩⊇⊄∈∪ ×⎦⎫ÏΒr îΑθß™u‘ ö/ä3s9 ’ÎoΤÎ) ∩⊇⊄⊆∪ tβθà)−Gs? Ÿωr îŠθèδ öΝèδθäzr öΝçλm; tΑ$s% øŒÎ)
y r r
∩⊇⊄®∪ tβρà$é#øƒrB öΝä3ª=yès9 yìÏΡ$|ÁtΒ tβρä‹Ï‚−Gs?uρ ∩⊇⊄∇∪ tβθèWt6÷è? Zπtƒ#u™ ?ìƒÍ‘ Èe≅ä3Î/ tβθãΖö6s? ∩⊇⊄∠∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Ébu‘ 4’n?tã
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Behold, their brother Hud said to them: Will you not fear Allah? I am a messenger to you
worthy of all trust: So fear Allah and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is
only from the Lord of the Worlds. Do you build a landmark on every high place to amuse
yourselves? And do you get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein for
ever?
(Quran: 26/124-129)
The belief of the Hereafter is a kind of consolation to repress the pain experienced during
the life in the world. Sometimes even the most religious ones hold a suspicious faith. They
believe that they are guaranteed the gardens in the Hereafter.
ôM?#u™ È⎦÷⎫tF¨Ζfø9$# $tGù=Ï. ∩⊂⊄∪ %Yæö‘y— $yϑåκs]÷t/ $uΖù=yèy_uρ 9≅÷‚uΖÎ/ %m„à…≈oΨøxymuρ 5=≈uΖôãr ô⎯ÏΒ È⎦÷⎫tF¨Ζ_ $yϑÏδωtnL{ $uΖù=yèy_ È⎦÷⎫n=ã_§‘ WξsW¨Β Μçλm; ñUÎôÑ$#uρ *
s y y
∩⊂⊆∪ #xtΡ –“ãrρ Zω$tΒ y7ΖÏΒ çsYø.r O$tΡr ÿ…çνâ‘Íρ$ptä† uθèδuρ ⎯ÏμÎ7Ås≈|ÁÏ9 tΑ$s)sù ÖyϑrO …çμs9 šχ%x.uρ ∩⊂⊂∪ #pκtΞ $yϑßγn=≈n=Åz $tΡö¤fsùuρ 4 $↔ø‹x© çμ÷ΖÏiΒ ΟÎ=ôàs? óΟs9uρ $yγn=ä.é
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#Zöyz ¨βy‰É`V{ ’În1u‘ 4’nÎ) ‘NŠÏŠ•‘ ⎦È⌡s9uρ ZπyϑÍ←!$s% sπtã$¡¡9$# ⎯àßr !$tΒuρ ∩⊂∈∪ #Y‰t/r ÿ⎯ÍνÉ‹≈yδ y‰ŠÎ6s? βr ⎯àßr !$tΒ Α$s% ⎯ÏμÅ¡øuΖÏj9 ÖΝÏ9$sß uθèδuρ …çμtG¨Ψy_ Ÿ≅yzyŠuρ
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’În1u‘ ª!$# θèδ O$¨ΨÅ3≈©9 ∩⊂∠∪ Wξã_u‘ y71§θy™ §ΝèO 7πxõÜœΡ ⎯ÏΒ §ΝèO 5#tè? ⎯ÏΒ y7s)n=yz “Ï%©!$$Î/ |Nöxx.r ÿ…çνâ‘Íρ$ptä† uθèδuρ …çμç7Ïm$|¹ …çμs9 tΑ$s% ∩⊂∉∪ $Y6n=s)ΖãΒ $yγ÷ΨÏiΒ
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$Y6n=Û …çμs9 yì‹ÏÜGó¡n@ ⎯n=ù #Y‘öθxî $yδäτ!$tΒ yxÎ6óÁム÷ρr ∩⊆⊃∪ $¸)s9y— #Y‰‹Ïè|¹ yxÎ6óÁçFsù Ï™!$yϑ¡¡9$# z⎯ÏiΒ $ZΡ$t7ó¡ãm $pκön=tæ Ÿ≅Å™öãƒuρ y7ÏF¨Ζy_ ⎯ÏiΒ #Zöz È⎦y⎫Ï?÷σムβr
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⎯ä3s? öΝ9uρ ∩⊆⊄∪ #Y‰nr þ’În1tÎ/ õ8Îõ°é óΟs9 ©Í_tFø‹n=≈tƒ ãΑθà)tƒuρ $pκÅ−ρããã 4’n?tã îπtƒÍρ%s{ }‘Éδuρ $pκÏù t,xΡr !$tΒ 4’n?tã ÏμøŠ¤x. Ü=Ïk=s)ムyxt7ô¹r'sù ⎯ÍνÌyϑsWÎ/ xÝ‹Ïméuρ ∩⊆⊇∪
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∩⊆⊆∪ $Y6ø)ãã îözuρ $/#uθrO ×öyz uθèδ 4 Èd,ptø:$# ¬! èπu‹≈s9uθø9$# y7Ï9$uΖèδ ∩⊆⊂∪ #·ÅÇtFΖãΒ tβ%x. $tΒuρ «!$# Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ …çμtΡρçÝÇΖtƒ ×πt⁄Ïù …ã©!
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Set forth to them the parable of two men: for one of them We provided two gardens of grape-
vines and surrounded them with date palms; in between the two We placed corn-fields. Each
of those gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein: In midst of
them We caused a river to flow. His man had abundant produce: he said to his companion, in
the course of a mutual argument: I have more wealth than you, and more honor and power
amongst my subjects. He went into his garden in a state of mind that was unjust to his soul:
He said: I do not think that this will ever perish. Nor do I think that the Hour of Judgment
will ever come: Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find there something
better in exchange. His companion said to him, during the argument with him: Do you deny
Him Who created you out of dust, then out of a sperm drop, then fashioned you into a man?
However on my part I think that He is Allah, My Lord, and none shall I associate with my
Lord. When you go into your gardens, you should always say: Allah’s will be done! There is no
power but with Allah! If you do see me less than you in wealth and sons, it may be that my
Lord will give me something better than your gardens, and that He will send on your garden
thunderbolts from heaven, making it as slippery sand! Or the water of the garden will run off
underground so that you will never be able to find it. So his fruits and enjoyment were
encompassed with ruin, and he remained twisting and turning his hands over what he had
spent on his property, which had tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only
say, Woe is me! Would I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher! Nor had
numbers to help him against Allah, nor was he able to deliver himself. Therefore, the only
protection comes from Allah, the True One. He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give
success.
(Quran: 18/32-44)
In another chapter of the Quran, there is another example of another person with similar
mentality:](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-226-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 228
ßk‹Íκu‰ §ΝèO …çμè?$t7tΡ u‘$¤ä3ø9$# =yfôã B]ø‹î È≅sVyϑx. ( ω≈s9÷ρF{$#uρ ÉΑ≡uθøΒF{$# ’Îû ÖèO%s3s?uρ öΝä3oΨ÷t/ 7äz$xs?uρ ×πuΖƒÎ—uρ ×θøλm;uρ Ò=Ïès9 $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# äο4θ‹sø9$# $yϑ¯Ρr (#þθßϑn=ôã$#
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∩⊄⊃∪ Í‘ρãäóø9$# ßì≈tFΒ ωÎ) !$u‹÷Ρ‘$!$# äο4θ‹ysø9$# $tΒuρ 4 ×β≡uθôÊÍ‘uρ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ ×οtÏøótΒuρ Ó‰ƒÏ‰x© Ò#x‹tã ÍοtÅzFψ$# ’Îûρ ( $Vϑ≈sÜãm ãβθä3tƒ §ΝèO #vxóÁãΒ çμ1utIsù
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Know you all, that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual
boastings and multiplying, in rivalry among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a
similitude: How rain and growth which it brings forth, delight the hearts of the tillers; soon it
withers; you will see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the
Hereafter is a Penalty severe for the devotees of wrong. And Forgiveness from Allah and His
Good Pleasure for the devotees of Allah. And what is the life of this world, but goods and
chattels of deception.
(Quran: 57/20)
The main issue continues to be, “What is the real life?” It is known that, there will be
only two different places in the Hereafter: The Paradise, the place for the believers; and the Hell,
the place for the unbelievers.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-228-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 229
THE DEATH: THE LIFE OF SUSPENSION
βθßϑ=÷è? öθs9 ξx. ∩⊆∪ tβθßϑn=÷è? t∃ôθy™ ξx. §ΝèO ∩⊂∪ tβθßϑn=÷è? š’ôθy™ ξ. ∩⊄∪ tÎ/$s)yϑø9$# ãΛänö‘ã— 4©®Lym ∩⊇∪ ãèO%s3−G9$# ãΝä39yγø9r
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∩∇∪ ÉΟŠÏè¨Ζ9$# Ç⎯tã ‹Í≥tΒöθtƒ £⎯è=t↔ó¡çF9 ¢ΟèO ∩∠∪ È⎦⎫É)u‹ø9$# š⎥÷⎫tã $pκ¨ΞãρutIs9 ¢ΟèO ∩∉∪ zΟŠÅspgø:$# χãρutIs9 ∩∈∪ È⎦⎫É)‹ø9$# zΝù=Ïæ
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Rivalry in worldly increase distracts you; until you visit graves. Nay, but you will come to
know! Nay but you will come to know! Nay, would that you knew (now) with a sure
knowledge! For you will behold hell fire. Then, you will behold with sure vision. Then, on that
day, you will be asked concerning pleasure.
(Quran: 102/1-8)
Every mortal who appeared and will appear in this universe had and will have his life
terminated in death. Each and every mortal died and will die, with the exception of Prophet Eisa
(AS) –Jesus son of Mary- who was lifted up and who will come back to complete his mission
and his life towards the end of this universe.
∩∈∠∪ šχθãèy_öè? $uΖø‹s9Î) §ΝèO ( ÏNöθyϑø9$# èπs)Í←!#sŒ §øtΡ ‘≅ä.
Every soul shall taste death in the end; to Us shall you be brought back.
(Quran: 29/57)
Only Allah (SWT) Possesses the power to inspire the life-giving breath from the birth to
the final extraction upon death. It is an Islamic belief that Allah (SWT) has pre-ordained all the
lifecycles individually. Yet, the majority of humankind does not hesitate to put forth any effort to
prolong their lives or seek immortality. The believers, mostly, welcome their death while the
unbelievers despise the very thought of it.
∩∇∪ tβθè=yϑ÷ès? ÷Λä⎢Ζä. $yϑÎ/ Νä3ã⁄Îm7t⊥ã‹sù Íοy‰≈y㤱9$#uρ É=ø‹tóø9$# ÉΟÎ=≈tã 4’nÎ) tβρ–Štè? ¢ΟèO ( öΝà6‹É)≈n=ãΒ …çμ¯ΡÎ*sù çμ÷ΖÏΒ šχρ”Ïs? “Ï%©!$# Nöθyϑø9$# ¨βÎ) ö≅è%
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Say: the death from which you flee will truly overtake you: then you will be sent back to the
Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you, the truth of, the things that you did!
(Quran: 62/8)
The future of life in this universe has never been guaranteed by Allah (SWT). No one
knows when, where, or how he will die. Nevertheless, when death comes to man, all the realities
of life suddenly vanish. All the bodily functions cease. No limb can move. Even the eyelids stop
blinking. The body becomes nothing but a heap of flesh.
4 $pκ÷]ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÏ?÷σçΡ ÍοtÅzFψ$# z#uθrO ÷ŠÌム⎯tΒuρ $pκ÷]ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÏ?÷σçΡ $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# z#uθrO ÷ŠÌム∅tΒuρ 3 Wξ§_xσ•Β $Y7≈tFÏ. «!$# ÈβøŒÎ*Î/ ωÎ) |Nθßϑs? βr C§øuΖÏ9 tβ$Ÿ2 $tΒuρ
∩⊇⊆∈∪ t⎦⎪ÌÅ3≈¤±9$# “Ì“ôfuΖy™uρ
Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term fixed as by writing. If any do desire a
reward in this life, We shall give it to him, and if any desire a reward in the hereafter, We
shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those who serve us with gratitude.
(Quran: 3/145)
Allah (SWT) Causes us to die daily at night during our sleeping period. Then He makes
us wake up from our temporary death to praise and serve Him.
’Îû ¨βÎ) 4 ‘‡Κ¡•Β 9≅y_r #’nÎ) #“t÷zW{$# ã≅Å™öãƒuρ |Nöθyϑø9$# $pκö=æ 4©|Ós% ©ÉL©9$# ÛÅ¡ôϑçŠsù ( $yγÏΒ$oΨtΒ ’Îû ôMßϑs? óΟs9 ©ÉL©9$#uρ $yγÏ?öθtΒ t⎦⎫Ïm }§àΡF{$# ’®ûuθtGtƒ ª!$#
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∩⊆⊄∪ šχρã©3xtGtƒ 5Θöθs)Ïj9 ;M≈tƒUψ šÏ9≡sŒ
It is Allah that takes the souls of men at death; and those that die not, He takes during their
sleep; those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back, from returning to
life, but the rest He sends back to their bodies for a term appointed. Verily in these are signs
for those who reflect.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-229-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 230
(Quran: 39/42)
The moment of the death of the believer is described as:
∩⊂⊄∪ tβθè=yϑ÷ès? óΟçFΨä. $yϑÎ/ sπ¨Ψyfø9$# (#θè=äz÷Š$# ãΝä3ø‹n=tæ íΟ≈n=y™ šχθä9θà)tƒ t⎦⎫Î6Íh‹sÛ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# ãΝßγ9©ùuθtGs? t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#
Those whom the angels cause to die, when they are good. They say: Peace is unto you! Enter
the Garden because of what you used to do.
(Quran: 16/32)
The moments of the torments of the death for the unbeliever are stated:
xÝt7ômr'ù …çμΡ≡uθôÊÍ‘ (#θèδÌŸ2ρ ©!$# xÝ‚ó™r !$tΒ (#θãèt7¨?$# ÞΟßγ¯Ρr'Î/ šÏ9≡sŒ ∩⊄∠∪ öΝèδt≈t/÷Šrρ óΟßγyδθã_ãρ šχθç/ÎôØtƒ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# ÞΟßγ÷F©ùuθs? #sŒÎ) y#ø‹s3sù
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∩⊄∇∪ óΟßγn=≈yϑôãr
How will it be when the angels take them in death, beating their faces and their backs? That is
because they did not follow Allah and hated what is pleasing to Him. So He made their
actions come to nothing.
(Quran: 47/27-28)
ÏŒÎ) #“s? öθ9uρ 3 ª!$# tΑt“Ρr !$tΒ Ÿ≅÷WÏΒ ãΑÌ“Ρé'y™ tΑ$s% ⎯tΒuρ Ö™ó©x« Ïμø‹s9Î) yyθムöΝs9uρ ¥’nÎ) z©Çrρé tΑ$s% ÷ρr $¹/É‹x. «!$# ’n?tã 3“utIøù$# Ç⎯£ϑÏΒ ãΝn=øßr ô⎯tΒuρ
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’n?tã tβθä9θà)s? öΝçFΖä. $yϑÎ/ Èβθßγø9$# z#x‹tã šχ÷ρt“øgéB Πöθu‹ø9$# ( ãΝà6|¡àΡr (#þθã_Ì÷zr óΟÎγƒÏ‰÷ƒr (#þθäÜÅ™$t/ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$#uρ ÏNöθRùQ$# ÏN≡tyϑxî ’Îû šχθßϑÎ=≈©à9$#
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∩®⊂∪ tβρçÉ9õ3tFó¡n@ ⎯ÏμÏG≈tƒ#u™ ô⎯tã öΝçGΨä.uρ Èd,ptø:$# uöxî «!$#
Who is guilty of more wrong than he who forges a lie against Allah, or says: I am inspired,
when he is not inspired in anything; and who says: I will reveal the like of that which Allah
has revealed? If you could only see the wrongdoers in the throes of death when the angels are
stretching out their hands, saying: Deliver up your souls. This day you are awarded doom of
degradation for that you spoke concerning Allah other than the truth, and scorned His
portents.
(Quran: 6/93)
As soon as the soul leaves the body, it is taken to the heavens above and is stored in its
allocated space. There are times when this soul goes back to the grave for short periods. When
the body is buried in the ground, it is placed in an environment known as the life of suspension.
∩∈∈∪ 3“t÷zé ¸ο‘$s? öΝä3ã_ÌøƒéΥ $pκ÷]ÏΒuρ öΝä.߉‹ÏèçΡ $pκÏùuρ öΝä3≈oΨø)n=z $pκ÷]ÏΒ *
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From the earth did We Create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring
you out once again.
(Quran: 20/55)
The life of suspension in the grave is a fact. Everyone is to be interrogated and asked by
two angels, known as Munkir and Nakir. The series of questions will include the belief,
intentions, deeds, and actions. Questions will be asked about Allah, religion and the prophets. If
the angels receive the correct answer, they know it is a believer. The face of the dead person will
be turned right towards Paradise where his abode can be seen. However, if the dead is unable to
satisfy the questioning angels, the angels know that the person is an unbeliever. His face will be
turned towards the left to see the Hell where he will be tormented for his mischievous life in this
universe.
∩⊇⊇∪ 7Î6‚©9 7‹Í×tΒöθtƒ öΝÍκÍ5 Νåκ®5u‘ ¨βÎ) ∩⊇⊃∪ Í‘ρ߉Á9$# ’Îû $tΒ Ÿ≅Å_Áãmuρ ∩®∪ Í‘θç7à)ø9$# ’Îû $tΒ uÏY÷èç/ #sŒÎ) ãΝn=÷èƒ Ÿξsùr *
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Does he not know, when that which is in the grave is scattered abroad, and that which is
locked up in human breasts; is made manifest; that their Lord had been well-acquainted with
them even to that day.
(Quran: 100/9-11)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-230-320.jpg)
![AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 239
THE LAST HOUR: THE RESURRECTION
All the prophets of Allah (SWT) called upon their tribes and nations to worship Allah and
believe in life after death. The punishments and rewards for the acts committed during life in this
universe will be awarded as and when all the creations are resurrected and before they are sent to
their final abode in the hereafter.
$u‹÷Ρ‘$!$# äο4θŠy⇔ø9$# $tΒuρ 3 y—$sù ô‰s)sù sπ¨Ψyfø9$# Ÿ≅Åz÷Šéuρ Í‘$¨Ψ9$# Ç⎯tã yyÌ“ômã— ⎯yϑsù ( Ïπyϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# tΠöθtƒ öΝà2u‘θã_é šχöθ©ùuθè? $yϑ¯ΡÎ)uρ 3 ÏNöθpRùQ$# èπs)Í←!#sŒ §øtΡ ‘≅ä.
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∩⊇∇∈∪ Í‘ρãäóø9$# ßì≈tFtΒ ωÎ)
Every soul will taste of death. And you will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which
you have fairly earned. Who is removed from the Fire and is made to enter Paradise, he
indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion.
(Quran: 3/185)
ßk‹Íκu‰ §ΝèO …çμè?$t7tΡ u‘$¤ä3ø9$# =yfôã B]ø‹î È≅sVyϑx. ( ω≈s9÷ρF{$#uρ ÉΑ≡uθøΒF{$# ’Îû ÖèO%s3s?uρ öΝä3oΨ÷t/ 7äz$xs?uρ ×πuΖƒÎ—uρ ×θøλm;uρ Ò=Ïès9 $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# äο4θ‹sø9$# $yϑ¯Ρr (#þθßϑn=ôã$#
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∩⊄⊃∪ Í‘ρãäóø9$# ßì≈tFΒ ωÎ) !$u‹÷Ρ‘$!$# äο4θ‹ysø9$# $tΒuρ 4 ×β≡uθôÊÍ‘uρ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ ×οtÏøótΒuρ Ó‰ƒÏ‰x© Ò#x‹tã ÍοtÅzFψ$# ’Îûρ ( $Vϑ≈sÜãm ãβθä3tƒ §ΝèO #vxóÁãΒ çμ1utIsù
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Know that the life of this world is only play, and idle talk, and pageantry, and boasting
among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children; as the likeness of vegetation after
the rain, whereof the growth is pleasing to the husband-men, but afterward it dries up and
you see it turning yellow then it becomes straw. And in the Hereafter there is grievous
punishment, and also forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure, whereas the life of the
world is but a matter of illusion.
(Quran: 57/20)
It is a well-known fact that majority of humankind has been rejecting their faith in the
Hereafter, including some people who claim to be believers; these people have expressed doubts
about the Hereafter. Their actions reveal their inner feelings! There are other factions, who claim
to be the rightly guided believers and whose only contributions towards the righteous path are
that they have Islamic names, were born in Islamic families, and have pronounced the Shahadah
once or twice in their lifetimes! They live and die in their belief that they are among the rightly
chosen nations who will be granted entry into Paradise through the intercession of Prophet
Mohammed (SAW). This myth is absolutely wrong!
Prophet Mohammed (SAW) used to regularly warn and urge his own daughter, Fatimah
(RA), to maintain her worships and deposit, in advance, her righteousness with Allah (SWT).
The Prophet (SAW) also used to caution her that he would not be able to help her on the Day of
Judgment. Only her righteous acts will help her secure her place in Paradise. Fatimah (RA) was a
dedicated worshipper and an ideal Islamic example of piety and virtue. Some scholars also
believe that Fatimah (RA) holds the keys; those which will open the doors, of the Paradise!
If a person of that stature and dedication towards righteousness is being asked to fully
implement Islamic rituals in her daily life, it should give us enough reasons to ponder the fate of
the people who think that their place in Paradise is secured merely by their Shahadah!
ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# à7ù=ãΒ ¬!uρ ∩⊄∉∪ tβθçΗsôètƒ Ÿω Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# usYò2r £⎯Å3≈s9uρ ÏμŠÏù |=÷ƒu‘ Ÿω Ïπyϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# ÇΠöθtƒ 4’nÎ) ö/ä3ãèyϑøgs† §ΝèO óΟä3çF‹Ïϑム§ΝèO ö/ä3‹ÍŠøtä† ª!$# È≅è%
∩⊄∠∪ šχθè=ÏÜö7ßϑø9$# ç£øƒs† 7‹Í×tΒöθtƒ èπtã$¡¡9$# ãΠθà)s? tΠöθtƒuρ 4 ÇÚö‘F{$#uρ
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Say to them, O Mohammed! Allah gives life to you, then causes you to die, then gathers you on
the Day of Resurrection whereof there is no doubt. But most of mankind knows not. And to
Allah belongs the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; and on the day when the Hour
rises, on that day those who follow falsehood will be the true losers.
(Quran: 45/26-27)](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/alislami-crevised2007-final-110608074557-phpapp01/85/Alislam-i-c-revised-2007-final-239-320.jpg)
Alislam i c revised 2007-final
- 1. É ΟŠÏm§9$# Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§9$# «!$# Οó¡Î0 (In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent and the Magnificent) AL-I S L A M: Inception to Conclusion. ® Researched and authored by: Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed Mehar. PhD.
- 2. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 2 AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion. ® © 2003: Dr Iftikhar Ahmed Mehar. PhD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this book may be used or reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author. Library of Congress Catalog Number: TXu 1-109-647 / 2003093322 ISBN: 1-4107-3272-X (Paperback) ISBN: 1-4107-3271-1 (e-book) ISBN: 1-4107-3272-X (CD-Rom) Published and printed in United States of America. THE COVER The Front-cover depicts the Surah Fattah, the opening chapter of the Holy Quran. It is the most recited Surah by Muslims, as it is a mandatory part of every prayer by Muslims all over the world. On average, every Muslim recites this prayer at least seventeen times a day! 4th Edition. Revised: 2007
- 3. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 3 INTRODUCTION This book attempts to explain the essentials of Islam from its inception to its conclusion. It was designed as an instrument to help the reader understand the basic beliefs and the circumstances that brought about Islam. This book traces the origins of humankind and follows the fate of the appointed Islamic prophets and messengers of Allah (SWT) who were sent to the people and tribes of their times. This book has been written using the following works: • The relevant portions (ayahs) of the Holy Quran have been reproduced in their original forms using the Arabic texts. It is a mandatory rule of Islam that the Holy Quran should be quoted in the exact words as it was revealed in Arabic, the language that was in use by the tribe of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall, Abdullah Yusuf Ali, and other prominent scholars have translated the relevant ayahs. However, instead of using classical English for the translations, most of the relevant texts in this book have been replaced by the English terms used in everyday speech. • The Ahadeeth of Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and other published works, which have been universally accepted to be the factual references. • The widely read and appreciated Arabic guide, Qassas Al-Ambia (Stories of the Prophets) by Imam Abi Al-Fidaa Ismail Ibne Al-Kathir and its English translations. • Information from various Islamic Web sites. In this book, the following applicable connotations have been used: (SWT) = Subhan Wa Tallah: one of the many titles of Allah (SWT) (AS) = Assalaato Salaam: Peace is upon him. (SAW) = Salleh Allah Wa-Sallim: Prayers and Salaams be showered upon him. (RA) = Raazi Allah-o-Anhuwa; Allah’s Pleasure on him. The names of the prophets and angels have been written in these texts as they appear in the Quran. However, their names as they appear in the other holy books have been identified in the titles of the chapters. Verbs and descriptions within the book relating to Allah (SWT) begin with a capital letter. I believe that the contents of this book will help those who know little or nothing about Islam. It will also help those Muslims who were born and raised in the West. If I have succeeded in my effort to help you understand Islam, please include my family and me in your prayers! I am dedicating this book to my parents and grandparents, all of whom led, what is believed to be a righteous life. They guided their children to observe the simple tenets of Islam at all times. May Allah (SWT) Grant them eternal peace and Shower upon them all His blessings on the Day of Judgment. Ameen! E Mail Add: IftikharMehar@Yahoo.Com; AbddALISLAM@Yahoo.Com; AbddALISLAM_SlaveOfALISLAM@Yahoo.Com. www.ALISLAMIC-Servant.Com $ www.AbddALISLAM.Com
- 4. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 4 CONTENTS The Creator – Allah .......................................................................................... Page: 005 Basic Islamic Beliefs .......................................................................................... Page: 010 The Angels .......................................................................................... Page: 011 The Jinn .......................................................................................... Page: 014 Prophet Adam (AS) .......................................................................................... Page: 017 Prophet Shiith (Sheth) (AS).................................................................................. Page: 027 Prophet Idrees (Enoch) (AS)................................................................................. Page: 028 Prophet Nuh (Noah) (AS)..................................................................................... Page: 029 Prophet Hud (AS) .......................................................................................... Page: 035 Prophet Saleh (AS) .......................................................................................... Page: 039 Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS)......................................................................... Page: 043 Prophet Ismail (Ishmael)....................................................................................... Page: 052 Prophet Lut (Lot) (AS)......................................................................................... Page: 056 Prophet Ishaaq (Isaac) (AS).................................................................................. Page: 060 Prophet Yaqoob (Jacob) (AS).............................................................................. Page: 061 Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) (AS)............................................................................... Page: 066 Prophet Shu’aib (Jethro) (AS).............................................................................. Page: 085 Prophet Ayoub (Job) (AS).................................................................................... Page: 088 Prophet Musa (Moses) (AS)................................................................................. Page: 092 The Nations of the Israelites................................................................................. Page: 128 Prophet Dawud (David) (AS)............................................................................... Page: 133 Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) (AS)....................................................................... Page: 138 Prophet Yunus (Jonah) (AS)................................................................................. Page: 146 Prophet Shi’a (Isaiah) (AS)................................................................................... Page: 149 Prophet Aramaya (Jeremiah) (AS)........................................................................ Page: 151 Prophets Zikariah (Zachariah) and Yahyah (John) (AS)...................................... Page: 155 Prophet Eisa (Jesus) (AS)..................................................................................... Page: 158 Prophet Mohammed (SAW)................................................................................ Page: 167 Revelations about Prophet Mohammed before his birth..................................... Page: 198 Comments of Prominent People about Prophet Mohammed.............................. Page: 200 True Islam ..................................................................................................... Page: 203 The Eminence of Women in Islam...................................................................... Page: 213 Comments about Islam by Prominent People...................................................... Page: 217 The Final Revelations: The Holy Quran.............................................................. Page: 220 Comments about the Holy Quran by Prominent People...................................... Page: 223 This Life and the Next Life.................................................................................. Page: 225 The Death: The Life in Suspension...................................................................... Page: 229 The Al-Mahdi ...................................................................................................... Page: 232 The Last Hour – The Signs................................................................................... Page: 235 The Last Hour – The Promised Messiah.............................................................. Page: 237 The Last Hour – The Resurrection and the Eternal Life...................................... Page: 239 About The Author: .............................................................................................. Last Page
- 5. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 5 THE CREATOR – ALLAH. (SWT) ⎯Íνωôϑpt¿2 ߉ôã§9$# ßxÎm7|¡ç„uρ ∩⊇⊄∪ tΑ$s)ÏoW9$# šU$ys¡¡9$# à⋅Å´Ψãƒuρ $YèyϑsÛuρ $]ùöθz šX÷y9ø9$# ãΝà6ƒÌム“Ï%©!$# uθèδ y ߉ƒÏ‰© θèδuρ «!$# ’Îû šχθä9ω≈pgä† öΝèδuρ â™!$t±o„ ⎯tΒ $pκÍ5 Ü=ŠÅÁãŠsù t,Ïã≡uθ¢Á9$# ã≅Å™öãƒuρ ⎯ÏμÏGx‹Åz ô⎯ÏΒ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$#uρ x u ∩⊇⊂∪ ÉΑ$ysÎRùQ$# He it is Who shows you the lightening, a fear and hope, and raises the heavy clouds. The thunder hymns His praise and so do the angels, for awe of Him. He launches the thunderbolts and smites with them whom He will while they dispute, in doubt, concerning Allah, He is mighty in wrath. (Quran: 13/12-13) The first and foremost belief of the three main monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, is that this universe, which literally means, all that is visible, whatever surrounds it, and all its inhabitants are a creation of a single entity, always addressed as God with a capital “G” in the universal English language. However, when the written word “god” starts with the lowercase “g,” it has to have an associated function with it: as in god of war, god of wind, or god of sunlight. The first and foremost Islamic condition is to have an absolute conviction that Allah literally and truly exists, and that He has created everything in the universe and whatever is in the heavens. He has no partners, nothing likewise or similar and is the only deity worthy of worship. Another essential belief is that Allah (SWT) possesses all the characteristics of perfection and completeness. ∩⊆∪ 7‰ymr& #·θàà2 …ã&©! ⎯ä3tƒ öΝs9uρ ∩⊂∪ ô‰s9θムöΝs9uρ ô$Î#tƒ öΝs9 ∩⊄∪ ߉yϑ¢Á9$# ª!$# ∩⊇∪ î‰ymr& ª!$# uθèδ ö≅è% Say, He is Allah, the One, Allah the Self-Sufficient. He begets not, nor is He begotten. There is none comparable to him. (Quran: 112/1-4) The word Allah is simply an Arabic word for God. Allah is used in the Arabic texts of both Christians and Jews. This is because “Allah” is the only word in the Arabic language that equals the English word “God” with a capital “G.” Unlike the English language, the Arabic language does not have capital letters. The important fact to observe is that the word “Allah” cannot be made plural, nor can it be associated with a masculine or feminine gender. The English words “god” or “gods” can be used to describe the masculine and feminine genders. Islam clearly and distinctly teaches that humankind should only say about God what He has said about Himself. It means that all our ideas about God must be based on the Revelations and not on human speculations. For if the human mind is allowed to speculate, the stage will be set for misconceptions to take root. In Aramaic, the language spoken by Prophet Eisa (Jesus) (AS), the word “El” is used for God. Phonetically “El” sounds closer to Allah than God does. The Hebrew uses the words “El” and “Elah” for God. The reason for these similarities is that Aramaic, Hebrew and Arabic are all Semitic languages with common origins.
- 6. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 6 A more accurate translation of the word “Allah” into English would be, “The One and Only God,” or “The One True God,” or “The One who deserves all worship.” This fact dispels misconceptions and doubts in the minds of those who perceive that Allah, as revealed by the last Prophet, Mohammed (SAW), is different from the God of the Prophets Nuh (Noah) (AS), Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS), Musa (Moses) (AS), Dawud (David) (AS), and Eisa (Jesus) (AS). ∩⊆∪ É⎥⎪Ïe$!$# ÏΘöθtƒ Å7Î=≈tΒ ∩⊂∪ ÉΟŠÏm§9$# Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§9$# ∩⊄∪ š⎥⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Å_Uu‘ ¬! ߉ôϑysø9$# Praise is to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. The Beneficent, The Merciful. Owner of the Day of Judgment. (Quran: ½-4) Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have the common claim of being “Abrahamic Faiths,” and practice “monotheism.” Only pure monotheism is the message of AL-Islam. Al-Islam literally and actually means complete and total submission, without any exceptions, in monotheism to Allah (God).” Islam does not end with the mere belief in monotheism, but also holds that a Muslim (any individual from Islam) must worship only Allah. All nations of the humanity had been so directed by all the Prophets and Messengers of Allah, including those just named. Therefore AL-Islam irrevocably accepts all the Prophets and The Messengers mentioned in The Holy Books; The Book; The Torah; The Scriptures; The Bible and The Final Quran. It is against The Faith to deny the Prophethood of any Prophet! One most important observation is that ISLAM is the only monotheistic religion, apart from Christianity, which unconditionally accepts that Prophet Eisa (AS) (Jesus) is one of the true Prophets and The Messengers of Allah. Any other belief about Prophet Eisa (AS) (Jesus) is unIslamic and unacceptable to Islam. The universal teachings of Islam, even though they are translated into every major language, are forever preserved in the Arabic language: the language of the last Prophet, Mohammed (SAW), and the last Revelations, the Quran, were received in the same language. To preserve its integrity, it is mandatory to refer to the Quran in its original text, as the translations can be maneuvered to mislead or misrepresent. The ultimate truth of Islam is its unshakable belief in the unity and oneness of God. This fact is above reproach! Whatever term is used, “Allah” or “God,” it is the same and refers to the same Deity. It allows and encourages the user to fear Him, seek refuge with Him, and seek closeness to Him. This affects the life of the believer. It compels him towards good behavior as he feels that Allah has come closer to him. The believer feels an inner strength urging him to overcome his fears. Most of all, the believer performs every deed with a very strong inner-belief that Allah (SWT) is Watching over him. ãΝ≈n=¡¡9$# â¨ρ‘‰à)ø9$# à7Î=yϑø9$# θèδ ωÎ) tμ≈s9Î) Iω ”Ï%©!$# ª!$# uθèδ ∩⊄⊄∪ ÞΟŠÏm§9$# ß⎯≈oΗ÷q§9$# uθèδ ( Íοy‰≈y㤱9$#uρ É=ø‹tóø9$# ÞΟÎ=≈tã ( uθèδ ωÎ) tμ≈s9Î) Iω “Ï%©!$# ª!$# uθèδ u â™!$yϑó™F{$# ã&s! ( â‘Èhθ|Áßϑø9$# ä—Í‘$t7ø9$# ß,Î=≈y‚ø9$# ª!$# uθèδ ∩⊄⊂∪ šχθà2Îô³ç„ $£ϑtã «!$# z⎯≈ysö6ß™ 4 çÉi9x6tGßϑø9$# â‘$¬6yfø9$# Ⓝ͓yèø9$# Ú∅Ïϑø‹yγßϑø9$# ß⎯ÏΒ÷σßϑø9$# ∩⊄⊆∪ ÞΟŠÅ3ptø:$# Ⓝ͕yèø9$# uθèδuρ ( ÇÚö‘F{$#uρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# ’Îû $tΒ …çμs9 ßxÎm7|¡ç„ 4 4©o_ó¡ßsø9$# He is Allah, other than whom there is no God, the Knower of the invisible and the visible. He is the Beneficent, the Merciful. He is Allah, other than whom there is no God, the Sovereign Lord, the Holy One, the Peace, the Keeper of Faith, the Overwhelming, the Majestic, the Compeller, the Superb. Glorified be Allah from all that they ascribe as partner with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Shaper out of nothing, the Fashioner. His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise.
- 7. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 7 (Quran: 59/22-24) The human race and the Jinns are going to be asked what concept of God was in their minds when they were praying or worshipping. If they say Allah or God, it will be accepted. On the other hand, if they say the Creator, the Magnificent, the Merciful or any other quality or name of Allah – there are ninety-nine known names and some more hidden names of Allah left for us to discover – it will also be accepted! We, as the human race, will be held accountable at the end of our lives for all our deeds, good or bad. We will be asked these questions: • What were our performances in response to God’s demands? • What did we do, by ourselves, to secure a righteous place for our eternal life in Paradise? • What were our beliefs in His Messengers and the Revelations, most notably the Final Revelation, the Quran? The Holy Quran in reality is a message for the whole of humankind. Everyone should read it to understand it and to learn about the purpose of his or her life in this universe. It is a living miracle and has not stopped amazing those who study it. A lot of its revelations, revealed and written more than fourteen hundred years ago, are being analyzed and utilized every day, for the benefit of humanity. In this age of rapid discoveries, it has been proved to be an invaluable source of information for those who want to understand it. Because its messages and guidance are timeless and they do apply at all times. It is a true reflection of what is perceived by us to be our image and that of what surrounds us. It is the only true guide for the betterment of a human from inside out and that will help improve the humanity. True wisdom demands that you adopt a religion that suits you. The mere fact that one was born among a religious family does not automatically grant the benefits of that religion. The rituals must be personally performed by every individual for himself. Thus being raised in a Muslim family or a Muslim nation does not automatically make a person a Muslim entitled to claim all the benefits of the Hereafter unless all the rituals of Islam are observed and practiced. The true religion is to obey the commandments and the prohibitions that Allah (SWT) has sent through His Prophets. True wisdom demands that a person make decisions using the faculties of the mind instead of simply following bodily urges! A sound mind will lead while the body will mislead. ωs)sù (#θßϑn=ó™r& ÷βÎ*sù 4 óΟçFôϑn=ó™r&u™ z⎯↵Íh‹ÏiΒW{$#uρ |=≈tGÅ3ø9$# (#θè?ρé& t⎦⎪Ï%©#Ïj9 ≅è%uρ 3 Ç⎯yèt7¨?$# Ç⎯tΒuρ ¬! }‘Îγô_uρ àM÷Κn=ó™r& ö≅à)sù x8θ•_!%n ÷βÎ*sù t ∩⊄⊃∪ ÏŠ$t6Ïèø9$$Î/ 7ÅÁt/ ª!$#uρ 3 à≈n=t6ø9$# šø‹n=tã $yϑ¯ΡÎ*sù (#öθ©9uθs? χÎ)¨ρ ( (#ρy‰F÷δ$# t So if they dispute with you, say, “I have submitted my whole self to Allah and so have those who follow me.” In addition, say to the People of the Book and to those who are unlearned (Illiterate Arabs): “Do you also submit yourselves?” If they do, they are in the right guidance, if they turn back, your duty is to convey the Message; and in Allah’s sight all are His servants. (Quran: 3/20) NAMES OF ALLAH ALLAH: First Name AR-RAHMAN: The Beneficent AR-RAHIM: The Merciful AL-MALIK: The Sovereign Lord AL-QUDDUS: The Holy AS-SALAM: The Peace AL-MUMIN: The Guardian AL-MUHAYMIN: The Protector AL-AZIZ: The Mighty AL-JABBAR: The Compeller
- 8. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 8 AL-KHALIQ: The Creator AL-BARI: The Evolver AL-MUSAWWIR: The Fashioner AL-GHAFFAR: The Forgiver AL-QAHHAR: The Subduer AL-WAHHAB: The Bestover AR-RAZZAQ: The Provider AL-FATTAH: The Opener AL-ALIM: The Knowledgeable AL-MUIZZ: The Honorer AR-RAFI: The Exalter AL-KHAFIZ: The Abaser AL-BASIT: The Expender AL-QABIZ: The Constrictor AL-ADL: The Just AL-HAKAM: The Judge AL-BASIR: The All Seeing AS-SAMI: The All Hearing AL-MUZILL: The Dishonorer AL-GHAFUR: The Forgiver AL-AZIM: The Great AL-HALIM: The Forbearer AL-KHABIR: The Aware AL-LATIF: The Subtle One AL-MUQIT: The Maintainer AL-HAFIZ: The Preserver AL-KABIR: The Most Great AL-ALI: The Most High AS-SHAKUR: The Appreciative AL-MUJIB: The Responsive AR-RAQIB: The Watchful AL-KARIM: The Generous AL-JALIL: The Sublime One AL-HASEEB: The Reckoner AL-BAITH: The Resurrector AL-MAJEED: The Most Glorious AL-WADUD: The Loving AL-HAKEEM: The Wise AL-WASI: The All Embracing AL-MATEEN: The Firm One AL-QAWI: The Strongest AL-WAKIL: The Trustee AL-HAQQ: The Truth AS-SHAHEED: The Witness AL-MU’ID: The Restorer AL-MUBDI: The Originator AL-MUHSI: The Reckoner AL-HAMEED: The Praiseworthy AL-WALI: The Protector AL-WAJID: The Finder AL-QAYYUM: The Self-Subsisting AL-HAYEE: The Alive AL-MUMIT: The Death Creator AL-MUHYI: The Life Giver AL-QADIR: The Able AS-SAMAD: The Eternal AL-AHAD: The One AL-WAHID: The Unique AL-MAJID: The Noble AL-AAKHIR: The Last AL-AWWAL: The First AL-MUAKHKIR: The Delayer AL-MUQADDIM: The Expediter AL-MUQTADIR: The Powerful AL-MUTA’ALI: The Most Exalted AL-WALI: The Governor AZ-ZAHIR: The Manifest AR-RAOOF: The Compassionate AL-AFUW: The Pardoner AL-MUNTAQIM: The Avenger AL-MUGHNI: The Enricher AL-GHANI: The Self-Sufficient
- 9. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 9 AL-JAAMAY: The Gatherer AL-MUQSIT: The Equitable AL-HAADI: The Guide AN-NOOR: The Light AN-NAAFAY: The Propitious AD-DAARR: The Distresser AL-MAANAY: The Preventer AS-SABOOR: The Patient AL-BAQI: The Everlasting AL-BADEI: The Incomparable AL-WARIS; The Inheritor AL-MUTAKABBIR: The Majestic AT-TAWWAB: The Acceptor of Repentance AR-RASHEED: The Guide to the Right Path AL-BARR: The Source of All Goodness MALIK-UL-MULK: The Eternal Owner of All Sovereignty ZUL-JALAL-E-WAL-IKRAM: The Lord of Majesty and Bounty
- 10. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 10 THE BASIC ISLAMIC BELIEFS The Islamic beliefs are an integration of the principles revolving around the Creator, the prophecy and the unseen, including the existence of Angels, Jinns and the Resurrection for Judgment Day. Islam accepts all The Prophets and The messengers without reservation, from the First Prophet, Adam (AS), to the Last Prophet and The Messenger, Mohammed (SAW). Deviation, no matter how slight, from these principles takes one out of the circle of belief. Re-entry into the circle of belief can only be gained by overcoming those individual doubts and fully accepting the following five principles. These principles of belief are very simple and easy to understand: 1. THE CREATOR: Everything about Allah (SWT) is what Allah (SWT) has told us about Himself; including His actions and counteractions. 2. THE PROPHECY: Allah (SWT) has been providing to mankind the medium of His Revelations through all of His Prophets and Messengers; some of whom received and delivered these messages in the Holly Books: The Book; The Scriptures; The Torah, The Bible, and The Quran. 3. THE UNSEEN: The Unseen is an event that will positively happen; but its timing is as per the Will of Allah (SWT). No one can predict the Unseen accurately, although the relevant signs are present! The Unseen is the future; it is death and the life of suspension and immobility in the grave. It is the Mahdi, the second coming of Jesus; and it is the Qiyamah, the end of the universe, also known as Armageddon or doomsday! And Finally The Day of Judgments! Ç⎯ôγÏèø9$$Ÿ2 ãΑ$t6Éfø9$# ãβθä3s?uρ ∩⊆∪ Ï^θèZ÷6yϑø9$# ĸ#txø9$$Ÿ2 â¨$¨Ψ9$# ãβθä3tƒ tΠöθtƒ ∩⊂∪ èπtãÍ‘$s)ø9$# $tΒ y71u‘÷Šr& !$tΒρ ∩⊄∪ èπtãÍ‘$s)ø9$# $tΒ ∩⊇∪ èπtãÍ‘$s)ø9$# u ∩∈∪ ÂθàΖyϑø9$# The Calamity! What is the Calamity? Ah, what will convey unto you what the Calamity is! A day wherein mankind will be as thickly scattered moths. And the mountains will become as carded wool. (Quran: 101/1-5). Included in the category of the Unseen are all the angels, some of whom have been specifically named. The Angels can only execute all the commands of Allah (SWT). 4. THE RESURRECTION: Whenever Allah (SWT) Wills all His creations, humankind, jinns and other creatures will be resurrected in their original bodies and their souls will be restored to them. 5. THE JUDGMENT DAY: After the Resurrection, every soul will have to provide an account of his own individual actions and beliefs in the court of Allah (SWT). All the actions of the individual-self will be there, as irrefutable evidence, and will be put on the scales of justice. The tipping of the scale will determine the eternal abode of the individual concerned. If the scale tips in his favor, he will be sent to Paradise; if the scale goes against him, and if Allah (SWT)’s Mercy is not invoked, the Fire Pits of Hell will be his abode. 3 …çμ¡øtΡ ª!$# ãΝà2â‘Éj‹y⇔ãƒuρ 3 #Y‰‹Ïè/ #J‰Β& ÿ…çμuΖ÷t/uρ $yγoΨ÷t/ ¨βr& öθs9 –Šuθs? &™þθß™ ⎯ÏΒ ôMn=Ïϑtã $tΒρ #ŸÒøt’Χ 9öz ô⎯ÏΒ ôMn=Ïϑtã $¨Β <§øtΡ ‘≅à2 ߉Éfs? tΠöθtƒ | t t r u y ∩⊂⊃∪ ÏŠ$t7Ïèø9$$Î/ 8∃ρâ™u‘ ª!$#uρ On the day when every soul will find itself confronted with all that it has done of good and all that it has done of evil, every soul will long that there might be a mighty space of distance between it and that evil. Allah bids you beware of Him. And Allah is full of pity for His bondmen. (Quran: 3/30).
- 11. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 11 THE ANGELS It is the belief of Islam that angels, created from the light, exist. The angels are the most honored worshippers among the creations of Allah. They exist only to faithfully and obediently execute the commands of Allah. There is no specific information about when they originated, but it is believed that they were the first creation of Allah. The angels have many unaccountable functions. The chief angel is Hazrat Jibrail (AS), whose function is to communicate the commands of Allah to the prophets and messengers. Hazrat Jibrail (AS) is also called the Noor-e-Allah – the Light of Allah. Archangel Hazrat Mikaeel (AS) is the controller of the winds and the clouds. Hazrat Mikaeel (AS) inflicts the wrath of Allah by creating violent storms, floods, and earthquakes. Archangel Hazrat Israeel (AS) is the Angel of Death. He extricates souls at the appointed hour. He has many angels working under his supervision. Archangel Hazrat Israfeel (AS) is the trumpet-blower on Judgment Day. A special group of Angels has the responsibility to be in attendance near Allah. ∩∠∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏΗs>≈yèø9$# Éb>‘ ¬! ߉ôϑptø:$# Ÿ≅ŠÏ%uρ Èd,ptø:$$Î/ ΝæηuΖ÷t/ z©ÅÓè%uρ ( öΝÍκÍh5u‘ ωôϑpt¿2 tβθßsÎm7|¡ç„ ĸöyèø9$# ÉΑöθym ô⎯ÏΒ š⎥⎫Ïjù!%tn sπx6Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# “ts?uρ u And you, O Mohammed, see the angels thronging round the Throne, hymning the praises of their Lord. And they are judged aright. And it is said: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. (Quran: 39/75) Another group of angels are responsible to carry the throne of Allah on Judgment Day. ∩⊇∠∪ ×πuŠÏΖ≈oÿsS 7‹Í×tΒöθtƒ öΝßγs%öθsù y7În/u‘ z¸ótã ã≅Ïϑøts†uρ 4 $yγÍ←!%y`ö‘r& #’n?tã à7n=yϑø9$#uρ And the angels will be on the sides thereof, and eight will uphold the Throne of your Lord that day, above them. (Quran: 69/17) The majority of angels are busy in the universe executing their duties as commanded by Allah. Large numbers of angels are in constant prayer requesting Allah’s forgiveness of the righteous. Whenever any person’s action pleases Allah, Allah creates an angel to act on behalf of that person. This angel maintains constant vigil and prayers asking for complete forgiveness of that person. â‘θàtóø9$# θèδ ©!$# ¨βÎ) Iωr& 3 ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû ⎯yϑÏ9 šχρãÏøóFó¡o„uρ öΝÍκÍh5u‘ ωôϑpt¿2 tβθßsÎm7|¡ç„ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$#uρ 4 £⎯ÎγÏ%öθsù ⎯ÏΒ šχö©ÜxtGtƒ ßN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# ߊ%s3s? u t ∩∈∪ ãΛ⎧Ïm§9$# Almost the heavens above might be rent asunder while angels hymn the praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those on the earth. Lo! Allah is the Forgiver, the Merciful. (Quran: 42/5) Another class of angels must attach themselves with every person alive. They are stationed on both sides of human shoulders. They are responsible for recording each individual act we perform. They record the visual, the vocal, and the action intended. Their designations are Kiraman Katibeen—the Honorable Writers! They are also called Raqeeb ‘Ateed – Sentinels Ready to Write—or Saiq and Shaheed—the Witness. ∩⊇⊄∪ tβθè=yèøs? $tΒ tβθçΗs>ôètƒ ∩⊇⊇∪ t⎦⎫Î6ÏF≈x. $YΒ#tÏ. ∩⊇⊃∪ t⎦⎫ÏàÏ≈ptm: öΝä3ø‹n=tæ ¨βÎ)uρ Lo! There are above you guardians, Generous and recording, Who Know all that you do. (Quran: 82/10-12).
- 12. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 12 Some angels have been assigned the duty of encouraging us and ensuring that we remain steadfast on our righteous path towards Allah. ∩⊂⊃∪ šχρ߉ãθè? óΟçFΖä. ©ÉL©9$# Ïπ¨Ψpgø:$$Î/ (#ρãϱ÷0r&uρ (#θçΡt“øtrB Ÿωuρ (#θèù$sƒrB ωr& èπx6Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# ÞΟÎγøŠn=tæ ãΑ¨”t∴tGs? (#θßϑ≈s)tFó™$# §ΝèO ª!$# $oΨš/u‘ (#θä9$s% š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# ¨βÎ) t ∩⊂⊄∪ 8Λ⎧Ïm§‘ 9‘θàxî ô⎯iΒ Zωâ“çΡ ∩⊂⊇∪ tβθã㣉s? $tΒ $yγŠÏù öΝä3s9uρ öΝä3Ý¡àΡr& þ‘ÏStGô±n@ $tΒ $yγŠÏù öΝä3s9uρ ( ÍοtÅzFψ$# ’Îûuρ $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# Íο4θuŠysø9$# ’Îû öΝä.äτ!$uŠÏ9÷ρr& ß⎯øtwΥ Ï Lo! Those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and afterward are upright, the angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but bear good tidings of the paradise which you are promised. We are your protecting friends in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There you will have all that your souls desire, and there you will have all for which you pray. A gift of welcome from the Forgiving, the Merciful. (Quran: 41/30-32) Some angels work as assistants to the Chief Angel of Death, Hazrat Israel (AS). These assistants are responsible for extracting the soul from the body and transporting it to its storage place in the heavens. The Angel of Death is called Malak Al-Mawt. ∩∈⊃∪ È,ƒÍy⇔ø9$# šU#x‹tã (#θè%ρèŒρ öΝèδt≈t/÷Šr&uρ öΝßγyδθã_ãρ šχθç/ÎôØo„ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# (#ρãxŸ2 t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ’®ûuθtGtƒ øŒÎ) #“ts? öθs9uρ u If you could see how the angels receive those who disbelieve, smiting their faces and their backs and saying: Taste the punishment of burning. (Quran: 8/50) Some angels are the defenders of the believing Muslims in the battlefields. Their function is to help the believer against the enemy. In the Battles of Badr and Al-Khandaq, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and his followers were helped by the angels against their enemies who outnumbered the army of the Believers. The odds were four unbelievers against each believer! 4 öΝä3ç/θè=è% ⎯ÏμÎ/ ¨⎦È⌡yϑôÜtFÏ9uρ 3“ô±ç/ ωÎ) ª!$# ã&s#yèy_ $tΒρ ∩®∪ š⎥⎫ÏùÏŠóßΔ Ïπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# z⎯ÏiΒ 7#ø9r'Î/ Νä.‘‰ÏϑãΒ ’ÎoΤr& öΝà6s9 z>$yftFó™$$sù öΝä3−/u‘ tβθèW‹ÉótGó¡n@ øŒÎ) t u ∩⊇⊃∪ íΟŠÅ3ym ͕tã ©!$# χÎ) 4 «!$# ωΨÏã ô⎯ÏΒ ωÎ) çóǨΖ9$# $tΒuρ When you sought help of your Lord and He answered you saying: I will help you with a thousand of the angels, rank on rank. Allah appointed it only as good tidings, and that your hearts thereby might be at rest. Victory comes only by the help of Allah. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise. (Quran: 8/9-10) Another large group of angels supervise the punishment for those who have been sent to the Fire Wells of Hell. They work with the Chief Angel of Hell, called Maalik. βθè=yèøtƒuρ öΝèδtΒr& !$tΒ ©!$# tβθÝÁ÷èƒ ω ׊#y‰Ï© ÔâŸξÏî îπs3Íׯ≈n=tΒ $pκön=tæ äοu‘$yfÏtø:$#uρ â¨$¨Ζ9$# $yδߊθè%uρ #Y‘$tΡ ö/ä3‹Î=÷δr&uρ ö/ä3|¡àΡr& (#þθè% (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ t t t ∩∉∪ tβρâsΔ÷σム$tΒ O you who believe! Ward off from yourselves and your families a Fire whereof the fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels strong, severe, who resist not Allah in that which He commands them, but do that which they are commanded. (Quran: 66/6) A pair of angels called the Munkir and the Nakeer is responsible for interrogating every deceased person when he or she is buried. Another large group of angels is assigned various duties in Paradise. They perform many different duties from gatekeepers to caretakers of the people of Paradise: $yϑ/ /ä3ø‹n=tæ íΝ≈n=y™ ∩⊄⊂∪ 5>$t/ Èe≅ä. ⎯ÏiΒ ΝÍκön=ã tβθè=äzô‰ƒ èπs3Íׯ≈n=ϑø9$#uρ ( öΝÍκÉJ≈−ƒÍh‘èŒuρ öΝÎγÅ_≡uρø—r&uρ öΝÍκÉ″!$t/#u™ ô⎯ÏΒ yxn=|¹ ⎯tΒuρ $pκtΞθè=äzô‰tƒ 5βô‰tã àM≈¨Ζy_ Î t t y ∩⊄⊆∪ Í‘#¤$!$# ©t<ø)ãã zΝ÷èÏΨsù 4 ÷Λän÷y9|¹
- 13. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 13 Gardens of Eden which they enter, along with all who do right of their fathers and their spouses and their offspring. The angels enter for them from every gate, Saying: Peace be with you because you persevered. Ah, passing sweet will be the sequel of the heavenly Home. (Quran: 13/23-24) The Angels have no gender and therefore do not reproduce. They are only created by the Will of Allah (SWT).
- 14. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 14 THE JINN The Jinn are another creation of Allah (SWT). Although animals such as dogs and donkeys can see the Jinn, they are invisible to human beings. The reason they are called the Jinn is because they are obscured from human sight; however, the Jinn can see the humans. The Jinn have a form made of smokeless flame and can transform themselves into any shape. Some people claim to have met and conversed with the Jinn. ∩⊇∈∪ 9‘$¯Ρ ⎯ÏiΒ 8lÍ‘$¨Β ⎯ÏΒ ¨β!$yfø9$# t,n=yzuρ And the Jinn did He create of the smokeless fire. (Quran: 55/15) The Jinn share this universe with humankind. They want to share our houses and eat and drink with us. The majority of them are the working agents of Satan; therefore, their mission is to cause the destruction of humanity. Although they constitute a species of their own, they do have some characteristics in common with humankind. For example, they have the ability to think and reflect. They marry and reproduce among themselves. They are intelligent beings. They have received Divine ordainments from Allah (SWT) to perform certain worships and refrain from certain deeds. They also have the ability to choose between good and evil. Azaazee (means honorable-one) was the father of the Jinn; like Adam is the father of humankind. Azaazee had a very high status in the heavens; his residence was in Paradise. The Jinn existed for thousands of years before the creation of Adam. ∩⊄∠∪ ÏΘθßϑ¡¡9$# Í‘$¯Ρ ⎯ÏΒ ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ çμ≈uΖø)n=yz ¨β!$pgø:$#uρ ∩⊄∉∪ 5βθãΖó¡¨Β :*uΗxq ô⎯ÏiΒ 9≅≈|Áù=|¹ ⎯ÏΒ z⎯≈|¡ΣM}$# $oΨø)n=yz ô‰s)s9uρ Surely We created man of potter’s clay of black mud altered, and the Jinn did We create aforetime of essential fire. (Quran: 15/26-27) Before Adam was created; the Jinn resided in the heavens. They had freedom and could travel anywhere in the universe without restriction. They developed territorial inhibitions that led to a major war amongst themselves. During their war, they shed a lot of blood and caused considerable damage in the universe. Allah (SWT) deployed the angels and used the services of Azaazee to separate the warring parties. The bloodshed stopped when the warring parties were captured and restrained. Allah (SWT) Ordered the angels to eject all the population of Jinn from the heavens and caste them towards the earth. The angels dumped them over the oceans of the earth. When Azaazee, learned about the creation of Adam, and saw the unfinished form displayed without the soul, Azaazee became Iblis, which means “despaired and lost,” because he had expected the honor of being appointed the vicegerent of Allah (SWT) on the earth. When Iblis refused to obey Allah’s (SWT) command to prostrate and celebrate the creation of Adam, Iblis became Satan, which means “the one who deviated,” or “the one who changed his direction.” After the expulsion of Satan from Paradise, Satan converted the majority of his offspring to his side. Their aim was to misdirect humankind from the righteous path of the believers. This majority of the Jinn are known as the devil. The Jinn live on the earth, but most of them inhabit among the ruins and in those places contaminated with ritual impurity such as bathrooms, cemeteries, and animals’ yards. Their favorite spot is where the majority of monetary transactions take place! The Jinn, as devils, enjoy creating conditions where the majority of humankind is made to suffer. As it is the fate of all the other creations of the Universe, the Jinn also die and will be resurrected on Judgment Day.
- 15. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 15 ∩⊄∠∪ ÏΘ#tø.M}$#uρ È≅≈n=pgø:$# ρèŒ y7În/u‘ çμô_uρ 4’s+ö7tƒuρ ∩⊄∉∪ 5β$sù $pκön=tæ ô⎯tΒ ‘≅ä. Everyone that is thereon the earth will pass away. There remains but the countenance of your Lord of Might and Glory. (Quran: 55/26-27) The Jinn have powers and abilities beyond the reach of humankind. Prophet Solomon (AS) was given complete control over the population of the Jinn to humiliate the devil. Prophet Solomon (AS) used the physical powers of the Jinn to mine for copper and to break huge, mountainous rocks. The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem is the handiwork of the Jinn! When Prophet Solomon (AS) ordered his Jinn-workers to bring the throne of the Queen of Sheba from her palace in Sheba to his court in Jerusalem, two Jinns competed for the honor to satisfy the demand of their master, Prophet Solomon (AS). One Jinn offered to bring the Throne of Sheba from Sheba to Jerusalem in the time it would take one person to rise from the chair and stand. The other Jinn said that he would bring it within the blink of the eye and actually transported the throne from Sheba to Jerusalem within the blink of an eye! The distance between Sheba and Jerusalem was a month’s journey on horseback! O$tΡr& É=≈tGÅ3ø9$# ⎯ÏiΒ ÒΟù=Ïæ …çνy‰ΖÏã “Ï%©!$# Α$s% ∩⊂®∪ ×⎦⎫ÏΒ& ;“Èθs)s9 Ïμø‹n=ã ’ÎoΤÎ)ρ ( y7ÏΒ$s)¨Β ⎯ÏΒ Πθà)s? βr& Ÿ≅ö6s% ⎯ÏμÎ/ y7‹Ï?#u™ O$tΡr& Çd⎯Éfø9$# z⎯ÏiΒ ×MƒÌøÏã tΑ$s% z t r t u t $yϑ¯ΡÎ*sù ts3© ⎯tΒρ ( ãàø.& ÷Πr& ãä3ô©r&u™ þ’ÎΤuθè=ö6u‹Ï9 ’În1‘ È≅ôÒsù ⎯ÏΒ #x‹≈yδ tΑ$s% …çνy‰ΖÏã #…É)tGó¡ãΒ çν#u™u‘ $£ϑn=sù 4 y7èùösÛ y7ø‹s9Î) £‰s?ötƒ βr& Ÿ≅ö6s% ⎯ÏμÎ/ y7‹Ï?#u™ x u r u ∩⊆⊃∪ ×ΛqÌx. @©Í_xî ’În1u‘ ¨βÎ*sù txx. ⎯tΒuρ ( ⎯ÏμÅ¡øuΖÏ9 ãä3ô±o„ A stalwart of the Jinn said: “ I will bring it to you before you can raise from your place. Lo! I am surely strong and trusty for such work.” One with who was the knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will bring it to you before your gaze returns unto you”. And when he saw it set in his presence, Solomon said, “This is of the bounty of my Lord, that He may try me whether I give thanks or am ungrateful. Whosoever gives thanks he only gives thanks for the good of his own soul; and whosoever is ungrateful, is ungrateful only to his own soul’s hurt. For lo! My Lord is Absolute in independence, Bountiful.” (Quran: 27/39-40) The majority of the devils attempt to reach the lower heavens to eavesdrop on the inhabitants there. The devil’s mission is to learn about the future of humankind from the writings in the Book of Life, which is stored there as an assignment-log for the angels’ work. These intentions of the devil reached Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) increased the numbers of the guards there and continues to shower the rising devils with the meteorites and the blazing comets; thus annihilating those ambitious adventurers. $/$pκÅ− …çμs9 ô‰Ågs† tβFψ$# ÆìÏϑtGó¡o„ ⎯yϑù ( Æìôϑ¡¡=Ï9 y‰Ïè≈s)tΒ $pκ÷]ÏΒ ß‰ãèø)tΡ $¨Ζä. $¯Ρr&uρ ∩∇∪ $Y7åκà−uρ #Y‰ƒÏ‰x© $U™tym ôMy∞Î=ãΒ $yγ≈tΡô‰`uθsù u™!$yϑ¡¡9$# $oΨó¡yϑs9 $¯Ρr&uρ s y ∩®∪ #Y‰|¹§‘ And the Jinn who listened to the Quran said: “We had sought the heaven but had found it filled with strong warders and meteors. And we used to sit on high places therein to listen. But he who listened now finds a flame in wait for him” (Quran: 72/8-9) The devils may also take on the appearance of cats and dogs and the crawling insects like snakes, scorpions, and rats. However, their favorite attire is that of a black dog. A small population of the Jinn has separated themselves away from Satan. They follow the righteous ways of Islam. They worship Allah (SWT) and recite the Quran. They are the true believers.
- 16. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 16 ∩⊄∪ #Y‰nr& !$uΖÎn/tÎ/ x8Î³Σ ⎯s9uρ ( ⎯ÏμÎ/ $¨ΖtΒ$t↔sù ωô©”9$# ’n<Î) ü“ωöκu‰ ∩⊇∪ $Y7pgx” $ºΡ#u™öè% $oΨ÷èÏÿxœ $¯ΡÎ) (#þθä9$s)sù Çd⎯Ågø:$# z⎯ÏiΒ ÖxtΡ yìyϑtGó™$# çμ¯Ρr& ¥’n<Î) z©Çrρé& ö≅è% t ô Say, O Mohammed, it has been revealed to me that a company of the Jinn gave ear, and they said: Lo! It is a marvelous Quran, which guides into righteousness, so we believe in it and we ascribe unto our Lord no partner. (Quran: 72/1-2)
- 17. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 17 THE PROPHETS AND THEIR TRIBES : PROPHET ADAM (AS) When Allah (SWT) Decided to Create humankind as a representative of Himself in this Universe, He sent Hazrat (Angel) Jibrail (Gabriel) (AS), also referred to as the Noor (Light) of Allah (SWT), to go to the earth to get him clay. The Earth pleaded for mercy and begged Hazrat Jibrail not to take the clay. It said, “I seek refuge in Allah (SWT) from your decreasing my quantity or disfiguring me.” Hazrat Jibrail (AS) returned without taking anything and reported to Allah (SWT). He said, “My Lord, the earth sought refuge in You and it was granted.” Allah (SWT) Assigned Hazrat (Angel) Mikhail (Michael) (AS) the same task of getting the clay. Again the earth sought refuge in the name of Allah (SWT). Hazrat Mikhail (AS) returned to Allah (SWT) empty-handed and repeated the story Hazrat Jibrail (AS) had reported earlier. This same assignment was passed on to Hazrat (Angel) Israel (AS). As usual, the earth pleaded and sought refuge in Allah (SWT). However, Hazrat Israel (AS) was adamant and said, “I also seek refuge with Allah (SWT) from returning without carrying out His command.” Hazrat Israel (AS) collected clay in different colors from different parts of the earth. Thus, he had a mixture of white, red, and black clay, which he presented to Allah (SWT). Hazrat Israel’s (AS) merciless and ruthless attitude earned him the title and function of the Angel of Death. Allah (SWT) soaked this clay and molded it according to His designs and shaped the figure of a human. The clay was set aside in full view of the angels and the Jinn for forty years. No Life had been breathed into it. The angels became frightened whenever they looked at it. Most fearful of all was Azaazee, the father of the nations of the Jinn. He used to approach this figure, knock on it, and hear the sounds of an empty pot reverberating. This sound of emptiness made Azaazee fearful. Moreover, it was too much suspense for him to know what elements would be used to fill this emptiness. He was unable to comprehend the designs of Allah (SWT). Azaazee became jealous and resented this new creation. Azaazee dissented in his faith when he learned that the crown of Allah’s (SWT) vicegerent was being given to the new creation, instead of him, the father of the Jinn. Azaazee became Ibliss, which means despaired and lost. ∩⊇⊆∪ Í‘$¤‚ø9$%x 9≅≈|Áù=|¹ ⎯ÏΒ z⎯≈|¡ΣM}$# šYn=y{ x He created man (Adam) from sounding clay, like unto pottery (Quran: 55/14). When the time to breathe His spirit into the human figure approached, Allah (SWT) assembled all the angels and Commanded, “When I breathe My spirit into him, prostrate before him.” Allah (SWT) Blew His spirit towards Prophet Adam (AS). When the spirit touched his head, Prophet Adam (AS) sneezed, and said what the angels had taught him to say, “All praise belongs to Allah.” Prophet Adam (AS) repeated, “All praise belongs to Allah.” Allah (SWT) Replied with this prayer: “Your Lord has Granted you mercy.” As the spirit progressed and reached the eyes, Prophet Adam observed the fruits of Paradise. When it reached the abdomen, Prophet Adam (AS) craved food. Before the spirit had progressed through him, Prophet Adam (AS) abruptly jumped and pounced on the food. The Holy Quran says: ∩⊂∠∪ Âχθè=Éf÷ètGó¡n@ Ÿξsù ©ÉL≈tƒ#u™ öΝä3ƒÍ‘'ρé'y™ 4 9≅yftã ô⎯ÏΒ ß⎯≈|¡ΡM}$# t,Î=äz Man is a creature of haste: soon enough I will show you My Signs, then you will not ask Me to hasten them.
- 18. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 18 (Quran: 21/37) When Prophet Adam (AS) received his full faculties, he became aware of his surroundings and all that was present there. He noticed all the angels prostrating before him except one who remained standing. ∩⊂⊇∪ š⎥⎪ωÉf≈¡¡9$# yìtΒ tβθä3tƒ βr& #’n1r& }§ŠÎ=ö/Î) HωÎ) ∩⊂⊃∪ tβθãèΗødr& öΝßγ=à2 èπs3Íׯ≈n=ϑø9$# y‰yf|¡sù u y So the angels prostrated themselves all of them together, not so Ibliss: he refused to be among those prostrated. (Quran: 15/30-31). Allah (SWT) Addressed the Angels, “Verily, I am going to place mankind in generations after generations in this universe.” The Angels queried, “Will You place therein those who will make mischief and shed blood while we always glorify You with praises and thanks.” Allah (SWT) Advised, “I know what you know not.” After the creation of Prophet Adam (AS) (Adam is an Arabic word for man), Allah (SWT) Granted Prophet Adam (AS) special and exclusive faculties, which had not been given to any other creation, and Educated him to observe, comprehend, identify, memorize and name everything visible. Soon after, Allah (SWT) Assembled the angels and Introduced them to Prophet Adam (AS). He Pointed towards some items visible in the heavens and Said, “Tell Me the name of these!” The angels replied, “Glory be to You, we have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Verily, it is You, the All-Knower, the All-Wise.” Allah (SWT) Ordered Prophet Adam (AS), “You tell them what you know about these items.” When Prophet Adam (AS) described them and identified them by their names, Allah (SWT) Said, “Did I not tell you that I know what you know not? I know the Ghaeb- the unseen- in the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal!” Thereafter, Allah (SWT) Ordered all those present, “Prostrate, all of you before Adam to celebrate this Creation.” All of them prostrated except Ibliss, who dissented. Allah (SWT) Asked Ibliss, “What prevented you, O Ibliss, from obeying My command to prostrate?” Ibliss replied, “I am better than Adam. You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.” Allah (SWT) Ordered Ibliss, “O Ibliss, You are wayward. You have changed your attitude. You have become arrogant, and arrogance is not acceptable to Me. You are Satan. Hereafter, you will be included among those who are humiliated and disgraced.” The Satan knew that he was about to be destroyed; he pleaded and prayed, “Allow me respite till the Judgment Day when all are raised again.” Allah (SWT) Responded, “You are included amongst those allowed respite.” Satan challenged, “Because You have sent me astray, surely I will wait and ambush these human beings, and lead them astray and away from Your straight path. I will approach them from their front, their back, their right and their left, and You will not find most of them as the thankful ones. They will ignore their responsibilities towards you.”
- 19. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 19 Allah (SWT) Decreed, “O Satan! Whoever of them will follow you I will send them to Hell with you.” Prophet Adam (AS) entered Paradise and resided therein. As the time elapsed, Prophet Adam (AS) desired a companion of his own nature. He had the angels around him, but their form was that of a Noor (light-rays); besides, the angels were always preoccupied and busy executing Allah (SWT)’s commands. Most of time, the angels were engaged in singing hymns which praised Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) is ever Aware and Responsive towards the inner feelings and desires of all His creations. When Allah realized Prophet Adam’s (AS) desire for a suitable companion, He Responded. Prophet Adam (AS) awoke from sleep and found another human form lying close to him and looking at him. It was Hawwa (EVE). Stunned by this presence, Prophet Adam (AS) questioned her about herself and the reasons for her presence. Hawwa explained that she had come from within him! This surprised Prophet Adam (AS). Hawwa elaborated that Allah (SWT) had Created her from one of the ribs of Prophet Adam (AS), and that she was created due to his prayers and desires for a partner. She had joined him for his pleasure as per the decree of Allah (SWT). ∩⊂∉∪ tβθßϑn=ôèƒ Ÿω $£ϑÏΒuρ óΟÎγÅ¡àΡr& ô⎯ÏΒuρ ÞÚö‘F{$# àMÎ7/Ψè? $£ϑÏΒ $yγ¯=à2 yl≡uρø—F{$# t,n=y{ “Ï%©!$# z⎯≈ysö6ß™ t Glory to Allah, Who created in pairs all things that earth produces, as well as their own (human) kind and (other) things of which they have no knowledge. (Quran: 36/36) Prophet Adam (AS) immediately went into prostration and thanked Allah (SWT) for the fulfillments of his secret desires of a suitable companion. Allah (SWT) Told Prophet Adam (AS), “O, Adam, You and your wife dwell in Paradise. Eat freely with full pleasure and delight yourselves with the things provided therein as and when you like. However, do not come near or eat from this tree or you will be among the Zalimeen- (wrong-doers).” Both of them learned that they had the faculties to exercise free will in all matters. Their freedom would guide and lead them towards the paths they chose. Satan was their enemy. They were made aware that their bodies would degenerate with age, and their life would end by death. However, they would be resurrected on Judgment Day for an eternal life thereafter. Meanwhile Satan, having been prohibited from entering Paradise, employed the Serpent as his agent to work around Prophet Adam (AS) and Hawwa. Satan continued to plot and develop plans for his revenge upon Prophet Adam (AS). Satan blamed Prophet Adam (AS) for the punishment ascribed by Allah (SWT). Prior to his humiliation and disgraceful ejection from Paradise, Satan was Azaazee, who was among the most highly placed and favored courtiers in the court of Allah (SWT). Azaazee is the beginning of the Jinn as Prophet Adam (AS) is the beginning of humanity. Meanwhile Satan, an open and sworn enemy of the humanity in the universe, offered all forms of temptations and seductions to mislead Prophet Adam (AS) and his wife, Hawwa, to approach and eat the fruit from the forbidden tree. He used to whisper suggestions to both of them. Satan said, “Your Lord prohibited you the fruits of this tree, to prevent you from becoming angels or everlasting immortals.” Then Satan made a false oath in the name of Allah (SWT) and assured both of them, “Surely, I am one of the sincere well-wishers for you both.”
- 20. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 20 Satan was aware that the amalgam that had made the species of the human was of the nature that no one would ever be willing to give up their youth and offer their souls for extraction voluntarily to die. Therefore, Satan was most consistent in his approach and would regularly whisper in the ears of Prophet Adam (AS): ∩⊇⊄⊃∪ 4’n?ö7tƒ ω 77ù=ãΒρ Ï$ù#èƒø:$# Íοtyfx© 4’n?tã y7—9ߊr& ö≅yδ ãΠyŠ$t↔¯≈tƒ tΑ$s% ß⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ÏμøŠs9Î) šZuθó™uθsù u “O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to the kingdom that never decays?” (Quran: 20/120) Satan was assuring them that if they ate the fruit from the prohibited tree, it would only maintain their youth and vitality and at the same time it will make them immortals: they would never die! Satan added that this was the sole reason why both of them had been prohibited from eating the fruits of that tree. Satan had always declared to be their faithful and a sincerely honest guide. Thus, Satan continued to mislead them with deception. Prophet Adam’s (AS) and Hawwa’s inner desires urged them to live forever in the perpetual gardens of Paradise until their heart could no longer resist the false temptation of being so close to the source of the youthful immortality and not grasp it! Their hearts kept on urging them to eat it; thus, overpowering the decay of their bodies and their eventual death. Prophet Adam (AS) plucked the fruit, ate a morsel of it, and gave the rest to Hawwa who consumed the balance. Contrary to the commonly advocated belief of the People of the Book and the widely professed and accepted version of the Original Sin; Hawwa (Eve) is being summarily blamed and accused of inciting Prophet Adam (AS) to eat the fruit, “apple” is the most commonly used term, from the Prohibited Tree! The Holy Quran clearly stipulates and addresses Prophet Adam (AS) as the one who originated and committed this sin. ∩⊇⊄⊃∪ 4’n?ö7tƒ ω 77ù=ãΒρ Ï$ù#èƒø:$# Íοtyfx© 4’n?tã y7—9ߊr& ö≅yδ ãΠyŠ$t↔¯≈tƒ tΑ$s% ß⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ÏμøŠs9Î) šZuθó™uθsù u But Satan whispered evil to him. He said, “O Adam! Shall I lead you to the Tree of Eternity and to a kingdom that never decays?” (Quran: 20/120) Thus, it is not Hawwa (Eve) who initiated and incited the committal of the sin; she did participate in sharing and eating the fruit but she never initiated the action! It is therefore wrong for the women to accept the theory of original sin and feel the much-maligned guilt of their personal responsibility for the exit of humanity from Paradise. However, the type of the fruit eaten has not been clearly identified! As soon as Prophet Adam (AS) and Hawwa tasted the fruit from the prohibited tree, their nakedness, related to their private parts, became apparent to them. Both of them were ashamed and attempted covering their private parts with leaves from the tree. And then Allah (SWT) Called upon them,” Did I not forbid you that tree? And warned you that the Satan is an open enemy for you?” Prophet Adam (AS) bowed down in prostration, tearfully cried, and begged Allah (SWT) for forgiveness. ∩⊄⊂∪ z⎯ƒÎÅ£≈y‚ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ¨⎦sðθä3uΖs9 $oΨôϑymös?uρ $uΖs9 öÏøós? óΟ©9 βÎ)uρ $uΖ|¡àΡr& !$oΨ÷Ηs>sß $uΖ−/u‘ Ÿω$s% Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You Forgive us not and Have no Mercy on us, surely we are of the lost. (Quran: 7/23) Allah (SWT) Accepted Prophet Adam’s (AS) repentance prayers, and Pardoned Prophet Adam (AS). After all, Allah (SWT) is known as the One Who Always Forgives by Accepting repentance, as He is the Most Merciful. This disobedience of Allah (SWT) by Prophet Adam (AS) and his wife deprived them of their abode in Paradise. Allah (SWT) Says in the Holy Quran:
- 21. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 21 ∩⊄∈∪ tβθã_tøƒéB $pκ÷]ÏΒuρ tβθè?θßϑ? $yγ‹Ïùuρ tβöθu‹øtrB $pκÏù tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊆∪ &⎦⎫Ïm 4’n<Î) ìì≈tFtΒuρ @s)tGó¡ãΒ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû ö/ä3s9uρ ( Aρ߉tã CÙ÷èt7Ï9 ö/ä3àÒ÷èt/ (#θäÜÎ7÷δ$# tΑ$s% s “Go out of Paradise and down to the earth all of you, as enemies to each other –Adam. Hawwa and Satan-. Your abode on the earth will be as a dwelling and a place for enjoyment for a specific time. Therein you shall live, and therein you shall die, and from it you shall be resurrected again.” (Quran: 7/24-25) The angels and Azaazee, the Jinn, were ranked in their status to be close to Allah (SWT) in His Court. Both of these forms, one of rays and the other of fire, were in constant prayers thanking Allah (SWT). Being a leader of the creation of the Jinn and having been made of fire, Azaazee had developed a superiority complex and was expecting that Allah (SWT) would grant him the superior rank of being Allah (SWT)’s main representative in the universe. As Azaazee was despaired and lost, he became Ibliss. When Allah (SWT) Injected His Spirit into the clay form and Ordered for all to prostrate, Azaazee, the Ibliss, refused to prostrate as he felt insulted, he then became Satan. Satan means the one who has intentionally changed the directions. The expulsion of Satan from Paradise was because of this refusal to comply with the command of Allah (SWT). The command of prostration was to commemorate the origination and generation of a being who would represent Allah (SWT) in the visible world. The aforementioned prostration was not meant to signify that Allah (SWT)’s human creation would be treated as another deity or a god worthy of prostration by all the other creations including the angels, and the Jinn. Allah (SWT) and Allah (SWT) is alone worthy of prostration. Nor was it meant to ask their opinion or to take up their advice; Allah (SWT) is the creator and does not need any help. Allah (SWT) merely Advised them that He was creating a vicegerent, who would eventually inhabit the universe, and subsequently multiply thereupon. However, their abode on Earth will have a lifespan as individually determined by Allah (SWT). They will die after completing their life terms and will be resurrected on Judgment Day. During an earlier incident, some nations of the Jinn population had revolted against the wishes and commandments of Allah (SWT). They had shed a lot of blood among themselves and were responsible for an extensive damage in the universe. Angels, upon the directions from Allah (SWT), rounded them up, and ejected the nation of the Jinn out of Paradise. The angels then threw this nation over the oceans. Azaazee had been spared because he had always obeyed Allah (SWT)’s commands and had physically helped the angels in the crushing and the disposal of the rebellious Jinn. On the day Adam was created, Azaazee, then Ibliss, revolted and refused to prostrate! Thus he became Satan. Allah (SWT) was about to annihilate Satan forever, when Satan pleaded for an extension of his life till the Day of Judgment; Allah (SWT) in His mercy Allowed him to live and extended his life till Judgment Day; but Satan was prohibited from Paradise forever and would never be allowed to enter Paradise again. However, this punishment and the sentence were beyond his expectations and more to his surprise. Satan’s elements of the fire overtook the logics of comprehension, and produced an undesirable conclusion for him. Worst of all, for him, Satan refused to apologize for his disobedience. Satan could have asked for Allah (SWT)’s Mercy but he did not.
- 22. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 22 It was the day when the self-grandeur and the arrogance were born; and Allah (SWT) does not Approve of arrogance! Satan knew that the elements used in the birth of humanity through Prophet Adam (AS) did contain the ingredients that could be ignited from within to produce an arrogant human being! This element of arrogance has been in use ever since; by all those who defy the laws of Allah (SWT). Persons like Fir‘awn “Rameses”; all those persons who challenged the prophets of their times; the present day oppressors and dictators who think that their powers over their subjects are boundless, and that they are free to impose whatever cruelty they can over their nations! y“#y‰èδ ì7©?$# Ç⎯ϑù “W‰èδ ©Íh_ÏiΒ Νà6¨ΖtÏ?ù'tƒ $¨ΒÎ*ù ( Aρ߉ã CÙ÷èt7Ï9 öΝä3àÒ÷è/ ( $Jè‹ÏΗsd $yγ÷ΨÏΒ $sÜÎ7÷δ$# tΑ$s% ∩⊇⊄⊄∪ 3“y‰yδuρ Ïμø‹n=tã z>$tGsù …çμš/u‘ çμ≈t6tGô_$# §ΝèO y t y s s t t û©Í_s?÷|³ym zΟÏ9 Éb>‘ Α$s% ∩⊇⊄⊆∪ 4‘yϑôã& Ïπϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# Θöθtƒ …çνãà±øtΥuρ %Z3Ψ|Ê Zπt±ŠÏètΒ …ã&s! ¨βÎ*sù “Ìò2ÏŒ ⎯tã uÚôãr& ô⎯tΒuρ ∩⊇⊄⊂∪ 4’+ô±o„ Ÿωuρ ‘≅ÅÒtƒ Ÿξsù u t r y u w t s ÏM≈tƒ$t↔Î/ .⎯ÏΒ÷σムöΝs9uρ t∃uó r& ô⎯Β “Ì“øgΥ y7Ï9≡x‹x.uρ ∩⊇⊄∉∪ 4©|¤Ψè? tΠöθu‹ø9$# y7Ï9≡x‹x.uρ ( $pκtJŠÅ¡uΖsù $uΖçF≈tƒ#u™ y7÷Gs?r& y7Ï9≡x‹x. tΑ$s% ∩⊇⊄∈∪ #ZÅÁt/ àMΖä. ô‰s%uρ 4‘yϑôãr& t w ∩⊇⊄∠∪ #’s+ö/r&uρ ‘‰x©r& ÍοtÅzFψ$# Ü>#x‹yès9uρ 4 ⎯ÏμÎn/u‘ But his Lord chose him for His Grace: He turned to him, and gave him guidance. Allah said,” but if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows my guidance, will not loose his way, nor fall into misery. But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We Shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment.” He will say: “O my Lord! Why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight before?” Allah will Say: “Thus did you, when Our Signs came to you, disregard them: so will you, this day, be disregarded.” And thus do We recompense him who transgresses beyond bounds and does not believe in the Signs of his Lord: and the Penalty of the Hereafter is far more grievous and more enduring. (Quran: 20/122-127) Before the departure of Prophet Adam (AS) from Paradise, Allah (SWT) Educated and Briefed him about his duties and essential functions to enable him to lead his life in accordance with the divine expectations. Prophet Adam (AS) was also provided with the seedlings of life- sustaining crops. Prophet Adam (AS) was advised and made aware that the life on earth would be quite different from that of his life in Paradise. In Paradise, everything had been provided for him. Whereas on the earth, he would be constantly facing conflicts and would have to struggle with every task. His mind would be in conflict with his heart and his body would be put through severe tests. The process of struggle would be an ongoing routine; a new event would start from where the last one finished. He would have to toil hard for sustenance. His body would need protection and coverage from the elements surrounding him. He would have to breed and reproduce and look after and raise his protégées in accordance with the commands of Allah (SWT). His family would need his protection. Prophet Adam (AS) was made aware that mankind would have the powers of superiority and mastery over all the other creatures of the earth. Most important were the struggles with the inner spirit and the open war with Satan. Satan would continue to tempt mankind and to lead them astray from the path of Allah (SWT). There would be consistent and numerous battles between good and evil. Those who followed Allah (SWT)’s path in accordance with the guidance delivered to them need not be fearful on Judgment Day; but those who disobeyed Allah (SWT) and followed the satanic rituals would be fuel for the Fire of Hell along with their leader, Satan.
- 23. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 23 No conclusive evidence is available that can point towards the point of landings on Earth for all the four involved elements, i.e. Prophet Adam (AS), Hawwa, Satan and, the serpent. The strongest convictions are that: • Prophet Adam (AS) fell in India. He had brought with him a black-stone from Paradise and some seedlings from the foods of Paradise. He continued to plant the seeds on his journey towards the valley of Makkah, in Arabia. Divine guidance was the principal element in his predestined meeting with Hawwa and the construction of a house of Allah (SWT), (Kaaba). • Hawwa fell in Africa, in the southern part of Ethiopia and started her journey northwards towards Arabia. • Satan was thrown towards the earth. He was provided with the ability to travel like wind and conceal himself from humanity. As a direct divine challenge to Satan, Satan was allowed to approach from every direction and stay close to humans. However, when a human bowed down in prostration or raised his arms in worship to Allah (SWT) (SWT), Satan would be prohibited from approaching in both of these directions. • The Serpent landed in Iran. While reflecting upon the occurrences of the recent events, Prophet Adam (AS) realized that Satan was indeed an enemy to him; Allah (SWT) Punishes disobedience and the way back to Paradise is only gained by the full submission to the Will of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) Advised Prophet Adam to consistently seek Allah (SWT)’s mercy and forgiveness. Eventually, Prophet Adam (AS) and Hawwa met each other at a place called Arafat, near Makkah, and settled down near the hills of Suffaa and Murwaa. It is here that the black-stone from Paradise was installed as a foundation for the house of Allah (SWT), The Ka’bah. ⎯ÏΒ ÏμŠÏù y‡tΡuρ çμ1§θ™ ¢ΟèO ∩∇∪ &⎦⎫Îγ¨Β &™!$¨Β ⎯ÏiΒ 7's#≈n=ß™ ⎯ÏΒ …ã&s#ó¡nΣ Ÿ≅yèy_ ¢ΟèO ∩∠∪ &⎦⎫ÏÛ ⎯ÏΒ Ç⎯≈|¡ΣM}$# t,ù=yz r&y‰t/uρ ( …çμs)n=yz >™ó©x« ¨≅ä. z⎯|¡ômr& ü“Ï%©!$# x y ∩®∪ šχρãà6ô±n@ $¨Β Wξ‹Î=s% 4 nοy‰Ï↔øùF{$#uρ t≈|Áö/F{$#uρ yìôϑ¡¡9$# ãΝä3s9 Ÿ≅yèy_uρ ( ⎯ÏμÏmρ•‘ Who made all things good which He created, and He began the creation of man from clay; Then He made his seed from a draught of despised semen fluid; Then He fashioned him and breathed into him of His Spirit and appointed hearing and sight and hearts. (Quran: 32/7-9) QABIL (CAIN) AND HABIL (ABEL). The miracle of first birth on the earth was witnessed by Prophet Adam (AS) and experienced by Hawwa. Their first children were a set of twins, a male and a female. The male was named QABIL (Cain). After some time, another set of twins was born; HABIL (Abel) and his sister. The family enjoyed each other’s company and the bounties of the surroundings and the fruits of the earth. Qabil became the farmer and tilled the land. Habil became the shepherd and raised cattle. Upon attaining maturity, their natural desires for the opposite sex were awakened; Allah (SWT) had Proclaimed the manifests of procreations. Prophet Adam (AS) received revelations to marry Qabil with the twin-sister of Habil; and Habil should marry the twin-sister of Qabil. While Habil accepted the proposal, Qabil refused to comply. His reason for refusal was that his own twin-sister was more beautiful and he wanted her as his wife. Thus, Qabil rebelled against Allah (SWT)’s command. This situation created a dilemma for Prophet Adam (AS). Prophet
- 24. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 24 Adam (AS) wanted peace and harmony within the family; Allah (SWT)’s guidance was sought. Allah (SWT) Ordained that both the sons offer a sacrifice of their choice to Allah (SWT); Allah (SWT) will examine the quality of the sacrifice offered. The person whose offering was accepted by Allah (SWT) would have his wishes prevail. Habil offered his best camel; Qabil presented his worst crop. Allah (SWT) Rejected Qabil’s offering not only because of the quality of the sacrifice offered, but also because he had disobeyed his father, and the Directive of Allah (SWT). This Revelation further inflamed Qabil and increased the gravity of his jealousy. His hopes of marrying his beautiful sister were shattered. Qabil threatened Habil saying, “I will kill you! I refuse to see you happy and enjoying yourself whilst my wishes have been denied!” Habil genuinely felt sorry for his brother and replied, “The right thing for you is to reflect and search for the reasons of your unhappiness. Seek the help from Allah. You know that Allah Accepts good deeds and prayers from those who serve and fear Him, not from those who reject His commands.” Habil was an intelligent, polite, and disciplined person. He was always prepared to perform as per the will of Allah (SWT). Qabil was the exact opposite. He was arrogant, selfish and refused to comply with the commands of Allah (SWT). Habil pleaded for reasoning with his brother. Qabil refused to abandon his arrogance and hatred of Habil. Habil advised him, “My brother, you are straying from the right path. Your anger is sinful. It would help you if you repent to Allah and forget about your threats against me. On my part, I will entrust this matter entirely to Allah. The punishment of any sin will be borne by the sinner alone, and remember that Hell Fire is the reward of the wrong-doers.” Qabil refused to listen to the sermons and pleas of Habil. Qabil killed Habil by smashing his head with a stone; Qabil had cruelly forsaken the ties of a close blood-relationship and ignored natural brotherly love. Habil’s death was instantaneous. This was the first human death! The first human murder! And the first criminal act! Qabil did not know how to dispose of the body of Habil. He wandered about carrying the body on his back. As time elapsed, his anger subsided, but the weight of the body started getting heavier. At the same time, the stench from the body increased. He sat down under a tree with the body of his brother on his shoulders. While he was resting in the shade of the tree, Allah (SWT) Intervened to show Qabil the proper way dispose of Habil’s remains. Two ravens appeared on the ground near him and began fighting, resulting in the death of one. The victorious raven, using its beak and claws, dug a hole in the ground, rolled over the body of the dead raven and covered it with dust. Witnessing this episode, Qabil was overcome with shame, guilt, and remorse. “Woe unto me!” he exclaimed. “I had no foresight to do what this raven has done. I could not even dispose of the corpse of my brother!” Qabil then buried his brother. Habil became the first human to be buried. Allah (SWT) has Revealed in the Holy Quran z⎯ÏΒ ª!$# ã≅¬7s)tGƒ $yϑ¯Ρ) tΑ$s% ( y7¨Ψn=çFø%V{ tΑ$s% ÌyzFψ$# z⎯ÏΒ ö≅¬6s)tFムöΝs9uρ $yϑÏδωtnr& ô⎯ÏΒ Ÿ≅Îm6à)çFsù $ZΡ$t/öè% $t/§s% øŒÎ) Èd,ysø9$$Î/ tΠyŠ#u™ ó©o_ö/$# r't6Ρ öΝÍκön=tã ã≅ø?$#uρ t Î t r&þθç6s? βr& ߉ƒÍ‘é& þ’ÎoΤÎ) ∩⊄∇∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# ¡>u‘ ©!$# Ú’%s{r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) ( y7n=çFø%L{ y7ø‹s9Î) y“ωtƒ 7ÝÅ™$t6Î/ O$tΡr& !$tΒ ©Í_n=çFø)tGÏ9 x8y‰tƒ ¥’n<Î) |MÜ|¡0 .⎦È⌡s9 ∩⊄∠∪ t⎦⎫É)−Fßϑø9$# o š⎥⎪ÎÅ£≈sƒø:$# z⎯ÏΒ yxt6ô¹r'ù …ã&s#tGs)sù ÏμŠÅzr& Ÿ≅÷Fs% …çμÝ¡øtΡ …çμs9 ôMtã§θsÜsù ∩⊄®∪ t⎦⎫ÏΗÍ>≈©à9$# (#äτℜt“y_ y7Ï9≡sŒuρ 4 Í‘$¨Ψ9$# É=≈ysô¹r& ô⎯ÏΒ tβθä3tFsù y7ÏÿùSÎ)uρ ‘ÏϑøOÎ*Î/ s
- 25. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 25 “Í‘≡uρé'sù É>#{äóø9$# #x‹≈yδ Ÿ≅÷WÏΒ tβθä.& ÷β& ßN÷“ftãr& #©tLn=÷ƒuθ≈tƒ tΑ$s% 4 Ïμ‹Åzr& nο™öθy™ ”Í‘≡uθムy#ø‹x. …çμtƒÎãÏ9 ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû ß]ysö7tƒ $/#{äî ª!$# y]yèt7sù ∩⊂⊃∪ y r r y u ∩⊂⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏΒω≈¨Ψ9$# z⎯ÏΒ yxt7ô¹'sù ( ©År& nοu™öθy™ r Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! They each presented a sacrifice (to Allah (SWT)); it was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter: “Be sure I will slay you.” “Surely,” said the former, “Allah accepts of the sacrifice of those who are righteous. If you stretch your hand against me to slay me, I shall not stretch my hand against you to slay you: for I do fear Allah, the Cherisher of the Worlds. For me I intend to let you draw yourself my sin as well as yours, for you will be among the Companions of the Fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong.” The selfish soul of the other led him to the murder of his brother: he murdered him, and became one of the lost ones. The Allah sent the raven, which scratched the ground, to show him how to hide his shame and his brother. “Woe is me!” said he, “was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?” Then he became full of regrets. (Quran: 5/27-31) Prophet Adam (AS) was grief-stricken due to the loss of his two sons; one was dead while the other had permitted himself to be taken over by Satan. Prophet Adam (AS) could only offer prayers for his sons. Besides, he had to tend to himself and the rest of his family. His duties as a prophet were enhanced and increased with the expansion of his family and off-springs. He had twenty pairs of twins; that is twenty males and twenty females. The last child was a son who was born alone. His sermons to his children and grandchildren relayed his own experiences, both in Paradise and on Earth along with the warnings about the ever-present danger of Satan; who would ambush humanity to lead them astray. By the time Prophet Adam (AS) grew old, his children had spread all over the earth. Near the time of his death, he appointed his last son, Prophet Shiith (SETH) (AS) as a successor, guiding him about the timings of the prayers from the movements of the sun and the appropriate acts of worship. Prophet Adam (AS) reassured his children that Allah (SWT) would Continue to Send His prophets. These prophets would have different names, and they would be from different tribes. Some of them would even perform miracles, but their message for the whole of humanity would always be: • Allah (SWT) was the only God worthy of worship! He had no partners or none was like Him. • The life on this earth would end in death, but they would be resurrected again on the Day of Judgment. • The life on this earth was only a test of the individual self. All their deeds and their worships would be recorded as every soul would have to explain for himself. • The reward for righteousness would be the permanent abode in Paradise; whereas those who follow Satan would be forever doomed in the Fires of Hell. Near the time of his death, Prophet Adam felt a hunger and craving for a specific food that he had earlier tasted in Paradise. He described its shape and properties, asking his children to search for it and bring it to him if found. His children went out in search of the fruit of Paradise. While they were busy in their search among the fruit trees, two strangers approached them. These strangers questioned the children of the Prophet Adam (AS) about the nature of their search. The children replied that they were looking for a specific kind of fruit as per the wishes of their ailing father.
- 26. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 26 These strangers were the angels who had come to educate the children of Prophet Adam (AS) on how to dispose of human remains; once the Angel of Death had extracted the soul from the body. The angels advised those children to return to their father, for they must learn about the disposition of the human body, as per the will of Allah (SWT). Moreover, it would be a requisite for the rest of humanity to follow. The angels were carrying the shroud with them. When they reached home, they found that Prophet Adam (AS) had already expired. The angels washed the body, wrapped it with the shroud, and buried it in the ground. The angels then instructed those present that it was mandatory for humans to be buried in the ground, as shown to them, and that it was the proper way Allah (SWT) had Ordered them to follow. Those who were present and had witnessed the burial must advise the future generations about it. Since the major elements of humans were the clays from the surface of the earth, that is where the bodies should be finally disposed. ∩∈∈∪ 3“t÷zé& ¸οu‘$s? öΝä3ã_ÌøƒéΥ $pκ÷]ÏΒuρ öΝä.߉‹ÏèçΡ $pκÏùρ öΝä3≈oΨø)n=yz $pκ÷]ÏΒ u From the earth We created you, and into it We shall return you, and from it We shall bring you out once again. (Quran: 20/55) Major portion of the earth surface is made up of water; similarly, the human body also contains substantial quantities of water. Thus, it is permissible to bury a human at sea to avoid any undue decay of the human remains. After the death of Prophet Adam (AS), Prophet Shiith (AS) took over the responsibilities and the prophet hood.
- 27. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 27 PROPHET SHIITH (SHETH) AS Prophet Shiith was the third son of Prophet Adam (AS). When he was born, Prophet Adam was 130 years old. At the time of his death, Prophet Adam (AS) appointed Prophet Shiith (AS) as his successor and advised his children and descendants to follow him on the righteous path and live in peace and harmony among them. However, some of his siblings and their children had already started deviating from the right path. These were the followers of Satan. Allah (SWT) Conferred upon him the prophet hood and Revealed to him the first portions of the scriptures. Of all the one hundred and four psalms, those have been sent down by Allah (SWT) fifty were sent down to Prophet Shiith. Prophet Shiith (AS) died when he was 912 years of age. For a period of about four centuries thereafter, a clan calling themselves Shithians were discovered living in Egypt. Their belief was that Prophet Shiith (AS) had been a divine emanation. His son Prophet Anoush (AS) took over the mantle of prophet hood and was widely known and appreciated for his sermons that praised Allah (SWT).
- 28. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 28 PROPHET IDREES (ENOCH) (AS) Lineage: Prophet Idrees (AS) son of Yard, son of Mahlabeel, son of Qinan, son of Prophet Anoush, son of Prophet Shiith (AS), son of Prophet Adam (AS). Prophet Idrees (AS) was born and raised in Babylon and closely followed the teachings and the religion of Prophet Adam (AS) and Prophet Shiith (AS). Prophet Idrees was among the sixth generation of humanity on Earth. The majority of the humankind had, by then, abandoned the religious teachings of the prophets and adopted Satanic rituals in contrast to the guided path towards Allah (SWT). Prophet Idrees (AS) preached vigorously calling humankind back to the religion of their ancestors. Only a few heeded and followed him. The majority just turned away. Prophet Idrees (AS) immigrated to Egypt to carry on his mission of calling people towards what was just and fair, ways and means of prayers including fasting on specific occasions. He introduced the principle of charity by advising the rich to donate some portion of their wealth to the poor among their neighbors. The Holy Quran states: ∩∈∠∪ $†‹Î=æ $ºΡ%s3tΒ çμ≈oΨ÷èùu‘uρ ∩∈∉∪ $|‹Î;¯Ρ $Z)ƒÏd‰Ï¹ tβ%x. …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 }§ƒÍ‘÷ŠÎ) É=≈tGÅ3ø9$# ’Îû öä.øŒ$#uρ t s And make mention in the Scripture of Idrees. Lo! He was a saint, a Prophet; And We raised him to a lofty station. (Quran: 19/56-57) Prophet Idrees (AS) invented and introduced the basic form of writing. Some of his wise sayings are: “Happy is he who looks at his own deeds and nominates the same to be his submissions to Allah.” “None can show better gratitude for Allah’s favor than the one who shares his bounties with others.” “Do not envy people for what they have, as they will only enjoy it for a short duration.” “He who indulges in excesses will not benefit from it.” “The real joy of life is to possess wisdom.” Prophet Idrees (AS) was also the inventor of the science of astronomy and arithmetic. At the age of 365, one of the angels took Prophet Idrees (AS) to the heavens. This angel escorted Prophet Idrees (AS) through the heavens and when they arrived in the fourth heaven, they met the Angel of Death. The escorting angel inquired from the Angel of Death about the lifespan of Prophet Idrees (AS). The Angel of Death asked, “Where is Idrees? I am under Command to end his life!” Prophet Idrees (AS) died there and his remains stayed in the fourth heaven covered by the wings of his escort angel.
- 29. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 29 PROPHET NUH (NOAH) (AS) Lineage: Prophet Nuh (AS), son of Lamik. Son of Mitoshilkh, son of Prophet Idrees (AS), son of Yard, son of Mahlabeel, son of Qinan, son of Anoush, son of Prophet Shiith (AS), son of Prophet Adam (AS). A difference of opinion exists about the timing of the birth of Prophet Nuh (AS). According to the People of the Book, (those who follow the Revealed Books, the Torah, the Zaboor and the Bible), Prophet Nuh (AS) was born 126 years after the death of Adam. (Genesis 5-New Revised Standard Version). According to Ahadeeth (The customs and traditions of the Last Prophet and the Final Messenger, Prophet Mohammed (SAW), it is stated “The period between Adam and Nuh was ten centuries.” Convincing evidence exists which clearly exhibits that the initial generations of human beings, from Prophet Adam (AS) to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), had longer life spans and larger statures. It does coincide with the Divine Purpose of speeding up the growth and development of the universe. Longer life meant that every human being was able to procreate more off springs to spread all over the world. The huge statures were to supplement as an additional tool to facilitate the human domination over the other elements existing on the earth. The term “giant” refers to such statures. Prophet Adam (AS) was created with a stature of 6 cubits. Even if the convincing evidence of a longer lifespan during the interval between Prophet Adam (AS) and Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was to be ignored, the most current data of the lowest lifespan in existence today, an average age of 50-60 years, was to be applied. The ninth generation of humanity which included Prophet Nuh had to be living in a period that is beyond the 500-year interval at least! Thus, it is within reason to accept the period of ten centuries, as mentioned in Ahadeeth. The spiritual and religious life and practices had substantially deteriorated during the time of Prophet Idrees (AS). By the time Prophet Nuh (AS) appeared as the Prophet, the majority of his people had turned to worshipping their idols. These idols were named and classified with assumed godly functions as follows: 1. Waddan represented manly powers. 2. Suwaan represented beauty. 3. Yagutha represented brute strength. 4. Yaauga represented swiftness. 5. Nasran represented sharp sight. Prior to making and worshipping these idols as gods, there had lived amongst them prominent persons with these very names, which had righteous character qualities. When any of them died, the community members collectively would go into long periods of mourning, grieving the loss of the bereaved benefactor of the community. Ever present and alert, Satan suggested that they build mausoleums with statues of their images in the town squares for everyone to see and admire. The community’s loss would be lessened. As the town square was the place where these righteous men used to meet for their leisure, presence of their images in this spot would keep their memories, as the benefactors of the community, alive. Satan then assisted them in building and shaping the statues designing the mausoleums. With the advent of time, the mausoleums containing the statues increased while most of those people who had built these memorials passed away.
- 30. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 30 The newer generation was unaware of the original purpose of the mausoleums and the statues. They were vulnerable to the suggestions and the guidance of Satan, who started assigning the false qualities for each image. Waddan was depicted to have manly powers. Suwaan represented beauty. Yagutha was purported to contain brute strength. Yaauga represented swiftness and Nasran represented sharp sight. Thus, if any member of the community needed some assistance in any matter that was beyond his capacity, he would be directed to pray in front of the statue of specific name. A wrestler who wants to assure his victory over his opponent would be told to pay homage to Yagutha. If per chance this wrestler returns victorious, homage to Yagutha was due along with sacrificial offerings dedicated to that deity. A barren couple would seek the pleasures of Waddan. As the communal desires increased, so did the importance of the deities. Smaller versions of these images were being manufactured and sold in the town squares and shops for the members of the community to keep with them and in their homes. The passage of time and the watchful eye of Satan ensured that the majority of the population had by then been led astray and deviated from the path of Allah (SWT). Idol worshipping was at its highest level when Prophet Nuh was Commanded by Allah (SWT) to turn back his people towards right path of Allah (SWT). ö/ä39 ’ÎoΤÎ) ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ tΑ$s% ∩⊇∪ ÒΟŠÏ9r& ë>#x‹ã óΟßγu‹Ï?ù'tƒ βr& È≅ö7s% ⎯ÏΒ y7tΒöθs% ö‘É‹Ρr& ÷βr& ÿ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs% 4’n<Î) %·nθçΡ $uΖù=y™ö‘r& !$¯ΡÎ) s t Ÿ≅y_& ¨βÎ) 4 ‘‡Κ|¡•Β 9≅_r& #’<Î) öΝä.ö½jzxσãƒuρ ö/ä3Î/θçΡèŒ ⎯ÏiΒ /ä3s9 öÏøótƒ ∩⊂∪ Èβθãè‹ÏÛr&uρ çνθà)¨?$#uρ ©!$# (#ρ߉ç6ôã$# Èβr& ∩⊄∪ î⎦⎫Î7•Β փɋtΡ r y n ∩⊆∪ šχθßϑn=÷ès? óΟçFΖä. öθs9 ( ã¨zxσムŸω u™!%y` #sŒÎ) «!$# Lo! We sent Noah unto his people (saying): “Warn your people before the painful doom come unto them”. He said “O my people! Lo! I am a plain Warner unto you; Bidding you to Worship Allah and keep your duty unto Him and obey me. That He may forgive you somewhat of your sins and respite you to an appointed term. Lo! The term of Allah, when it comes, cannot be delayed, if you but knew”. (Quran: 71/1-4) By nature, Prophet Nuh (AS) was an excellent orator and a very patient person. He would address the assemblies of the people in the streets, in the squares, or anywhere where he could draw their attention. He would draw their attentions towards the mysteries of the life and the wonders of the universe. He would discuss appearances and the cycles of the sun, the moon, and the stars, and he told them how the winds and the rain improved their crops. He emphasized that Allah (SWT) alone had Created and Provided these items for their benefit. His preaches included when and how they should pray to Allah (SWT); He Alone was worthy of their prayers and should not be associated with any other deity. Allah (SWT) had Created them from within their own kind; Life on this universe followed a pattern of birth, growth, and death. On the appointed Day of Judgment they will be resurrected and presented to Allah (SWT). All the creatures of the creations, humanity, Jinn and animals will be judged individually for all their actions on Earth. Those who had pleased Allah (SWT) by their goods deeds, charity and prayers only towards Allah (SWT) will be rewarded in the eternal life to reside forever in the Gardens of Paradise. Those who had strayed away from the rightful path, led a sinful life, and associated
- 31. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 31 Prophet Nuh (AS) warned his community that the wrath of Allah (SWT) should be avoided by offering prayers directly to Him, giving charity to the poor, and avoiding overindulgence of anything; otherwise His punishment would be very severe. A tiny minority, mostly the poor and the people of lower status from the community, paid close attention and started following the advice of Prophet Nuh (AS) by abandoning the idolatry. The majority of the community, led by the rich, challenged Prophet Nuh (AS). They said, “But you are human like us! Why has your God appointed a human to convey His Message to us?” Prophet Nuh (AS) replied that Allah (SWT) appointed him as His Servant because it was His Will. Moreover, it befits that the message be conveyed to the community in the language that was clearly spoken and understood by them; through a person who was born and raised among them. While these community members were thinking and plotting their next challenge, they assumed that the message of Prophet Nuh (AS) would ultimately filter out of people’s minds. The nature of these people would not allow them to accept the promises of a better eternal life at the end of this life from a God whom nobody had seen; whereas their gods were ever-present in the mausoleums among them. Worst of all their beliefs, they doubted the promise of their resurrection after their death. The leaders of the community spoke to Prophet Nuh (AS) and told him that his followers were made up of their community’s poor and those of lowest rank among them. Prophet Nuh (AS) warned these leaders that their arrogance was shielding their common sense from observing what the true religion of Allah (SWT) was. The leaders suggested that Prophet Nuh (AS) caste aside his followers, who were insignificant, and restrict the entry into his religion for only the rich and elite members of the community. Prophet Nuh (AS) again warned these leaders about their arrogance and cautioned them that Allah (SWT) Resents arrogance among His subjects. Prophet Nuh (AS) said that he was unable to caste aside these righteous people as they were on the right path towards Allah (SWT). Upon learning that Prophet Nuh (AS) was firm on his path towards Allah (SWT) and would not stop his preaching on behalf of Allah (SWT) and against their idolatry, the unbelievers treated Prophet Nuh (AS) and his followers very rudely. They even insulted Allah (SWT). When Prophet Nuh (AS) addressed them or asked them to stop their abusive language and behavior, the unbelievers put their fingers in their ears to stop any words of wisdom from entering their minds. (#ρçy9õ3tFó™$#uρ (#ρ•Àr&uρ öΝåκu5$uŠÏO (#öθt±øótGó™$#uρ öΝÍκÍΞ#sŒ#u™ þ’Îû ÷ΛàιyèÎ6≈|¹r& (#þθè=yèy_ óΟßγs9 tÏøótGÏ9 öΝßγè?öθtãyŠ $yϑ¯=à2 ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ | ∩∠∪ #Y‘$t6õ3ÏGó™$# And lo! Whenever I call unto them that You may pardon them they thrust their fingers in their ears and cover themselves with their garments and persist (in their refusal) and magnify themselves in pride. (Quran: 71/7) This continued throughout Prophet Nuh’s (AS) life. He was unable to gain more followers; even some members of his own family had renounced him and crossed over to join the unbelievers. The frequency of the verbal abuses and the impositions of the cruel punishments by the unbelievers gradually increased. Additionally, newer and flagrant insults of Allah (SWT) were
- 32. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 32 being innovated at a faster pace. While Prophet Nuh (AS) was a very patient person and was willing to suffer the punishments leveled at him personally, he found it very difficult to see the degrading treatments being meted out to the righteous group who followed him in prayers to Allah (SWT). Much to his anguish, it was almost beyond him to hear the insults being leveled at Allah (SWT). The unbelievers taunted Prophet Nuh (AS), “Why your Allah does not show us his wrath as you have been warning us?” In desperation Prophet Nuh (AS) begged and prayed Allah (SWT), “O My Lord! Do not leave of the unbelievers, a single one on the earth! For if you leave (any of) them, they will but mislead Your devotees, and they will breed none but wicked ungrateful ones.” (#ÿρà$Î#tƒ Ÿωuρ š‚yŠ$t6Ïã (#θ=ÅÒムöΝèδö‘x‹? βÎ) y7¨ΡÎ) ∩⊄∉∪ #·‘$−ƒyŠ t⎦⎪ÍÏ≈s3ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’n?tã ö‘x‹s? Ÿω Éb>§‘ ÓyθçΡ tΑ$s%uρ s ∩⊄∠∪ #Y‘$¤Ÿ2 #Å_$sù ωÎ) And Noah said: My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers in the land. If You should leave them, they will mislead Your slaves and will beget none save lewd ingrates. (Quran: 71/26-27) Allah (SWT) Accepted Prophet Nuh’s (AS) prayers and Ordered him to build an ark with His guidance. Prophet Nuh (AS) would receive help from the angels. Prophet Nuh (AS) selected a piece of land outside the city and began the construction of the ark. The unbelievers continued their jests and mockery of Prophet Nuh (AS). They said, “O Nuh have you found out that carpentry was better than prophet hood?” “Why are you building a ship so far away from the sea?” “Do you also claim to be God of Wind who will carry the ship to the sea?’ “Do you expect your God to come and push it for you?” Prophet Nuh (AS) fully exhibited his patience and only preached to them to abandon their Satanic practices and revert to the right path towards as Allah (SWT). Otherwise, they were destined to meet a very destructive doom, which would annihilate their entire community. They replied, “We have been hearing about our supposed doom from you for years past. We are still waiting for it. Maybe your God, if there is one, is sleeping or is powerless against our gods!” Prophet Nuh (AS)’s only reply was that their doom would come when Allah (SWT) Desired it, but it would definitely come. When the Ark was completed, Prophet Nuh (AS) patiently awaited Commands from Allah (SWT). By some estimates, it took about 300 years to construct the Ark! As Allah (SWT) Desired, Prophet Nuh (AS) was Instructed to assemble all his righteous followers aboard the Ark. At the same time, he was told to collect a pair, both male and female, of every living thing and transfer these to the Ark. The downpour started with the rain. While Prophet Nuh (AS) was loading the Ark, as per Allah’s (SWT) Command, he pleaded with some members of his family, those who had joined the group of the unbelievers, to renounce their Satanic beliefs and join their family on the Ark. He explained that a killer flood was coming, which would destroy everything in its path and kill every living thing except those who were in Allah’s (SWT) Protection on the Ark. One of his own sons, who was also a leader among the unbelievers, refused the pleas of Prophet Nuh (AS) and arrogantly challenged his
- 33. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 33 father to produce the flood. Even the wife of Prophet Nuh (AS) had joined the unbelievers and refused to come on board the Ark. ∩⊄∇∪ #I‘$t7s? ωÎ) t⎦⎫ÏΗÍ>≈©à9$# ÏŠÌ“s? Ÿωuρ ÏM≈oΨÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑù=Ï9uρ $YΖÏΒ÷σãΒ š_ÉLøŠt/ Ÿ≅yzŠ ⎯yϑÏ9uρ £“t$Î!≡uθÏ9uρ ’Í< öÏøî$# Éb>§‘ y My Lord! Forgive me and my parents and him who enters my house believing, and believing men and believing women, and increase not the wrongdoers in anything save ruin. (Quran: 71/28) It is believed that there were only 80 believers on the Ark. (Some scholars contend that their number was 72 while some claim that there were only 10). By the time the Ark was loaded with all that was destined to be carried on board, as per the Command of Allah (SWT), the intensity of the rain had increased. The water also started gushing out of the earth from the crevices. Sprouting geysers sprung up. Water levels were rising. Everything was covered with water. The landmass was disappearing fast. The Ark began to rise and floated on a piece of land, which had been dry and well away from any sea, until a short while ago. Allah (SWT) was Delivering with His wrath. This had been forewarned, but mankind had decided not to heed, instead chose to continue to follow its satanic path of idolatry. Allah (SWT) had Warned and Continues to Warn even today that Allah (SWT) alone is worthy of the prayers and Will Not Accept any partners, associates or images created by mankind. The Ark started sailing amid mountainous waves with all those on board offering prayers of thanks to Allah (SWT) and sought His Mercy for their Salvation from the His Wrath and the devastating floods surrounding them.. The Ark sailed for 40 days and nights under the Guidance of Allah (SWT). When the water subsided and the sky was cleared of its dark clouds, the Ark rested on Mount Judi, a spot higher than its surroundings. Prophet Nuh (AS) unloaded and disbursed all the occupants with the clear Message from Allah (SWT) to Settle, Procreate and to always Follow the straight path to Allah (SWT).Prophet Nuh (AS) lived for 950 years! Allah (SWT) has Revealed in the Holy Quran: ©!$# (#ρ߉ç6ôã$# Èβ& ∩⊄∪ î⎦⎫Î7•Β ÖƒÉ‹Ρ ö/ä39 ’ÎoΤÎ) ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ tΑ$s% ∩⊇∪ ÒΟŠÏ9r& ë>#x‹tã óΟßγu‹Ï?ù'tƒ βr& È≅ö7s% ⎯ÏΒ y7tΒöθs% ö‘É‹Ρr& ÷βr& ÿ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs% 4’n<Î) %·nθçΡ $uΖù=y™ö‘r& !$¯ΡÎ) r t s Α$s% ∩⊆∪ šχθßϑ=÷ès? óΟçFΖä. öθ9 ( ã¨zσムŸω u™!%y` #sŒÎ) «!$# Ÿ≅y_r& ¨βÎ) 4 ‘‡Κ|¡•Β 9≅y_r& #’n<Î) öΝä.ö½jzxσãƒuρ ö/ä3Î/θçΡèŒ ⎯ÏiΒ /ä3s9 öÏøótƒ ∩⊂∪ Èβθãè‹ÏÛr&uρ çνθà)¨?$#uρ t n s x öΝÍκÍΞ#sŒ#u™ þ’Îû ÷ΛàιèÎ6≈|¹r& (#þθè=yè_ óΟßγ9 tÏøótGÏ9 öΝßγè?öθtãyŠ $yϑ¯=à2 ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ ∩∉∪ #Y‘#tÏù ωÎ) ü“Ï™!%tæߊ óΟèδ÷ŠÌ“tƒ öΝn=sù ∩∈∪ #Y‘$yγtΡuρ Wξø‹s9 ’ÍΓöθs% ßNöθtãyŠ ’ÎoΤÎ) Éb>u‘ y y s àMù=à)sù ∩®∪ #Y‘#uó Î) öΝçλm; ßN‘uó r&uρ öΝçλm; àMΖn=ôãr& þ’ÎoΤÎ) §ΝèO ∩∇∪ #Y‘$yγÅ_ öΝåκèEöθtãyŠ ’ÎoΤÎ) ¢ΟèO ∩∠∪ #Y‘$t6õ3ÏGó™$# (#ρçy9õ3tFó™$#uρ (#ρ•|Àr&uρ öΝåκu5$uŠÏO (#öθt±øótGó™$#uρ ö #≈pκ÷Ξr& ö/ä3©9 ≅yèøgs†uρ ;M≈¨Ζy_ ö/ä3©9 ≅yèøgs†uρ t⎦⎫ÏΖt/uρ 5Α≡uθøΒr'Î/ /ä.÷ŠÏ‰ôϑãƒuρ ∩⊇⊇∪ #Y‘#u‘ô‰ÏiΒ /ä3ø‹n=tæ u™!$yϑ¡¡9$# È≅Å™öム∩⊇⊃∪ #Y‘$¤xî šχ%x. …çμ¯ΡÎ) öΝä3−/u‘ (#ρãÏøótFó™$# #Y‘θçΡ £⎯ÍκÏù yϑ)ø9$# Ÿ≅yè_uρ ∩⊇∈∪ $]%$t7ÏÛ ;N≡uθ≈yϑy™ yìö7y™ ª!$# t,n=y{ #ø‹x. (#÷ρts? óΟs9r& ∩⊇⊆∪ #·‘#uθôÛr& ö/ä3s)n=s{ ô‰s%uρ ∩⊇⊂∪ #Y‘$s%uρ ¬! tβθã_ös? Ÿω ö/ä3s9 $¨Β ∩⊇⊄∪ t s y y uÚö‘F{$# â/ä39 Ÿ≅yèy_ ª!$#uρ ∩⊇∇∪ %[`#t÷zÎ) öΝà6ã_Ìøƒä†uρ $pκÏù ö/ä.߉ŠÏèム§ΝèO ∩⊇∠∪ $Y?$t7tΡ ÇÚö‘F{$# z⎯ÏiΒ /ä3tFu;/Ρr& ª!$#ρ ∩⊇∉∪ %[`#uÅ }§ôϑ¤±9$# Ÿ≅yèy_uρ s u #[õ3Β (#ρãs3Βρ ∩⊄⊇∪ #Y‘$|¡z ωÎ) ÿ…çνà$s!uρρ …çμä9$tΒ çν÷ŠÌ“tƒ óΟ©9 ⎯tΒ (#θãè7¨?$#uρ ’ÎΤöθ|Átã öΝåκ¨ΞÎ) Éb>§‘ ÓyθçΡ tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊃∪ %[`$y∨Ïù Wξç7ß™ $pκ÷]ÏΒ (#θä3è=ó¡tFÏj9 ∩⊇®∪ $WÛ$|¡Î0 t t u y u t ωÎ) ⎦⎫ÏΗÍ>≈©à9$# ÏŠÌ“s? Ÿωρ ( #ZÏWx. (#θ=|Ê& ô‰%uρ ∩⊄⊂∪ #Zô£nΣuρ s−θãètƒuρ šWθäótƒ Ÿωuρ %Yæ#uθß™ Ÿωuρ #tŠuρ ¨βâ‘x‹s? Ÿωuρ ö/ä3tGyγÏ9#u™ ¨βâ‘x‹s? Ÿω (#θä9$s%uρ ∩⊄⊄∪ #Y‘$¬7à2 t u r s
- 34. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 34 We sent Nuh to his People (with the Command): “Warn your People before there comes to them a grievous Penalty.” He said: “O my People! I am to you a Warner, clear and open: That you should worship Allah, fear Him, and obey me: So He may forgive you your sins and give you respite for a stated Term: for when the Term given by Allah is accomplished, it cannot be put forward: if you only know.” He said: “O my Lord! I have called to my people night and day: but my call only increases (their) flight (from the Right path). And every time I have called to them, that You might forgive them, they have (only) thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves up with their garments, grown obstinate, and given themselves up to arrogance. So I have called to them aloud: Further I have spoken to them in public and secretly in private, saying “Ask forgiveness from your Lord: for He is Oft-Forgiving: He will send rain to you in abundance; Give you increase in wealth and sons; and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers (of flowing water).” “What is the matter with you, that you do not place your hope for kindness and long-suffering in Allah. Seeing that it is He that has created you in diverse stages? Don’t you see how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another. And made the moon a light in their midst and made the sun as a (glorious) Lamp? And Allah has produced you from the earth growing (gradually), and in the End, He will return you into the (earth), and raise you forth (again at the Resurrection)? And Allah has made the earth as a carpet spread out for you. That you may go about therein, in spacious roads.” Nuh said: “O my Lord! They have disobeyed me, but they follow (men) whose wealth and children give them no increase but only loss. And they have devised a tremendous Plot. And they have said (to each other), “Do not abandon your gods: abandon neither Wadd nor Suwa’, neither Yaguth nor Ya’uq, nor Nasr;” They have already misled many, and You grant no increase to the wrong-doers but in straying (from their mark).” Because of their sins they were drowned (in the flood) and were made to enter the Fire (of punishment): and they found in lieu of Allah – none to help them. And Nuh said, “O my Lord! Do not leave of the Unbelievers, a single one on earth! For if You leave (any of) them, they will but mislead Your devotees, and they will breed none but wicked ungrateful ones. O my Lord! Forgive me, my parents, all who enter my house in Faith, and (all) believing men and believing women: and to the wrong-doers You grant no increase but in Perdition!” (Quran: 71/1-28)
- 35. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 35 PROPHET HUD (AS) Lineage: Prophet Hud (AS), son of Shalikh, son of Arfakhshand, son of Sam, son of Prophet Nuh (AS). ∩∈⊃∪ šχρçtIøãΒ ωÎ) óΟçFΡr& ÷βÎ) ( ÿ…çνçöxî >μ≈s9Î) ô⎯ÏiΒ Νà6s9 $tΒ ©!$# (#ρ߉ç6ôã$# ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ tΑ$s% 4 #YŠθèδ öΝèδ%s{r& >Š%tæ 4’n<Î)uρ And unto the tribe of ‘Ad We sent their brother, Hud. He said: “O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other God except Him. Lo! You do but invent.” (Quran: 11/50) The people of ‘Ad were the Arabs living among the hilly terrain of Al-Ahqaf between Yemen and Oman in the valley of Mughiith. Their well-built stature complemented their professional reputation as the builders of tall buildings and huge towers. As builders, they had no competitors in the surrounding areas and nations. This edge over the others made them powerful and rich. However, their achievements also made them proud and arrogant. Their political power was vested in a few unjust hardliners who imposed their wishes on all nearby people. No one dared to challenge the unjust actions and the rules imposed by these politicians. Any action by the general population or the surrounding nations to draw the attention of these unjust rulers against their unjust demands was immediately and ruthlessly crushed. It was their way or no way! They did believe in Allah and offered their prayers to Him. However, they did not accept Allah as the one and only God. They had created idols and were worshipping other gods. Allah (SWT) is Unforgiving of this sin. Allah (SWT) does not like to be associated with partners or represented by any images. However, Allah (SWT), in His Mercy, always Gives transgressors the chance to revert back to the right path. Thus, Prophet Hud (AS), Allah’s (SWT) Prophet from among them, was selected and charged with the mission of reverting the people of ‘Ad away from idolatry and worshipping many gods. Prophet Hud (AS) pointed out that these idols and the images of their gods had in fact been made by them with their own hands. He invoked their intelligence. He asked, “How could anything created by you, respond to your prayers?” Prophet Hud (AS) told them that their deities were lifeless and helpless to offer anything to them. Allah (SWT) was the Only God who was Responsible for Creating everything that was visible in the universe, as well as everything that was invisible. Allah (SWT) was the Only God that was Providing for them and would continue to Provide them with more; as an answer to their prayers to Him alone. It was Allah (SWT) who had Provided them with their better physique, abundance of wealth, and the powers to rule over their people and other nations. This reasoning was rejected by their arrogant leaders. Instead, Prophet Hud (AS) was asked if he had designs to become their master; or if he wanted to enrich himself by instilling fear among them and extracting some of their wealth. Prophet Hud (AS) advised them that he was not desirous of a higher status among them nor had he any intention of extracting any wealth from them. Prophet Hud (AS) would be amply satisfied with all the rewards that Allah (SWT) would bestow on him. His mission to the people of ‘Ad was to show them the true way to Allah (SWT), as otherwise they were heading towards the similar fate and punishment that was inflicted on the people of Prophet Nuh (AS). Prophet Hud (AS) drew their attention towards their ancestry from the progeny of the righteous people who were saved from the Great Flood. Allah (SWT) had continued to Bless them with the abundance of power and wealth; yet they had deviated from the right path to Allah (SWT). This preaching had negligible effects on the people. They were drunk with their power, their riches, and their dominance over everybody else. They mocked Prophet Hud (AS) and jested, “Are you also saying that after we die and turn
- 36. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 36 into dust, we will be resurrected?” Prophet Hud (AS) replied, “Yes, on the Day of Judgment Allah (SWT) Will Resurrect each and everyone of you. Every individual will be adjudged as per his personal book of deeds in this life. Those who had followed Allah’s (SWT) path will be sent to the Paradise; while those who had deviated and transgressed will be thrown into the Fires of Hell.” The people refused to accept the preaching of Prophet Hud (AS). Instead, they heckled him about the strange scenarios of after-death, Resurrection, and the Day of Judgment. Prophet Hud (AS) would elaborate on the necessity of having a Day of Judgment when Allah (SWT) will Dispense His justice upon His Creations. • Every living thing will be recompensed for injustices suffered from aggressors and every aggressor will be punished for his unjust aggressions over those who were helpless. • Every human and Jinn will be rewarded for prayers offered to Allah (SWT) while those who did not pray, practiced idolatry, or associated any other deity or partners to Allah (SWT) will be punished. • Those who listened and followed Satan, behaved arrogantly with false pride, or imposed unjust demands on others would be caste into the Fires of Hell along with their leader, Satan. Whilst these messages and revelations were having no effect upon the people of ‘Ad, their torments and jests of Prophet Hud (AS) increased. The chiefs would jest, “How strange that Allah chooses one of us to reveal His Message to us?” Prophet Hud (AS) would reply that Allah (SWT) Chooses to Convey His message in any manner or media He likes. Moreover, it would be compatible to speak to the people of ‘Ad in their own language and through one of their own kind; as it had been done in the past with the people who had existed prior to their destruction in the flood. “Who would destroy us?” The chiefs queried. “Allah,” Prophet Hud (AS) explained. The disbelievers would contend that their gods will save them. Their gods were more visible than the hidden Allah. Prophet Hud (AS) would warn them that their idols and their created associates to Allah will not be able to help them from the Wrath of Allah (SWT) which will surely destroy them as it destroyed the people in the past. The conflicts between Prophet Hud (AS) and the people continued. The people claimed that their gods had imposed punishments on the senses of Prophet Hud (AS), who was mad and making false claims about revelations from Allah (SWT). $uΖÏFyγÏ9#u™ âÙ÷è/ 71utIôã$# ωÎ) ãΑθà)¯Ρ βÎ) ∩∈⊂∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑÎ/ y7s9 ß⎯øtwΥ $tΒuρ šÎ9öθs% ⎯tã $oΨÏGyγÏ9#u™ þ’É1Í‘$tFÎ/ ß⎯øtΥ $tΒuρ 7πuΖÉit7Î/ $oΨoKø⁄Å_ $tΒ ßŠθà‰≈tƒ (#θä9$s% t y w ’În1u‘ «!$# ’n?tã àMù=.θ? ’ÎoΤÎ) ∩∈∈∪ ÈβρãÏàΖè? Ÿω ¢ΟèO $YèŠÏΗsd ’ÎΤρ߉‹Å3sù ( ⎯ÏμÏΡρߊ ⎯ÏΒ ∩∈⊆∪ tβθä.Îô³è@ $£ϑÏiΒ Ö™ü“Ìt/ ’ÎoΤr& (#ÿρ߉pκô−$#uρ ©!$# ߉Íκô−é& þ’ÎoΤÎ) tΑ$s% 3 &™þθÝ¡Î0 © u s ß#Î=÷‚Gó¡o„uρ 4 óΟä3ö‹s9Î) ÿ⎯ÏμÎ/ àMù=Å™ö‘é& !$¨Β /ä3çGøó=ö/r& ô‰)sù (#öθ©9uθs? βÎ*sù ∩∈∉∪ 8Λ⎧É)tGó¡•Β :Þ≡uÅÀ 4’n?tã ’În1u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 !$pκÉJuŠÏ¹$uΖÎ/ 8‹Ï{#u™ uθèδ ωÎ) >π−/!#yŠ ⎯ÏΒ $¨Β 4 Οä3În/u‘ρ t n s u ∩∈∠∪ Ôá‹Ïym >™ó©x« Èe≅ä. 4’n?tã ’În1u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 $º↔ø‹x© …çμtΡρ•ÛØs? Ÿωuρ ö/ä.uöxî $·Βöθs% ’În1u‘ They said: “O Hud! You have brought us no clear proof and we are not going to forsake our gods on your (mere) saying, and we are not believers in you. We say nothing save that one of gods has possessed you in an evil way.” He said: “I call Allah to witness, and do you (too) bear witness, that I am innocent of (all) that you ascribe as partners to Allah. So (try) circumvent
- 37. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 37 me, all of you, give me no respite. Lo! I have put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord. Not an animal but He does grasp it by the forelock! Lo! My Lord is on a straight path. And if you turn away, still I have conveyed unto you that with which I was sent unto you, and my Lord will set in place of you a folk other than you. You cannot cause hurt to Him at all. Lo! My Lord is Guardian over all things.” Quran: 11/53-57). The finality of these confrontations materialized with Prophet Hud (AS) publicly renouncing the gods of the disbelievers. The disbelievers openly challenged Prophet Hud (AS) and Allah (SWT) to fulfill the promise of the punishment exclusively designed for them. It started with the sun producing scorching heat over the desert sands. The clouds had disappeared along with the rain. The water wells evaporated and dried. Some of their wise men approached Prophet Hud (AS) and asked if there was a reason for the drought. Prophet Hud (AS) suggested that it was Allah’s Wrath upon them. They still had the chance to abandon their idolatry, Pray to Him, seek His Forgiveness, and be among the Righteous people. If they did this, Allah (SWT) would shower His Blessings upon them with the much-needed rain. He would also make them wealthier. Their mockery and arrogance towards Prophet Hud (AS) continued. The drought conditions increased with the plantations and crops starting to die down. The intensity of the heat and the drought continued until one day a dark cloud appeared in the sky. The people started rejoicing by coming out their dwellings and shades. They claimed that their gods had overcome the adverse weather and would now provide them with the relief of rain. However, the weather took an abrupt turn from that of burning heat to a body-piercing cold. A hurricane developed with winds that uprooted every tree, plant, and tent in its way. The people were being carried in the whirlwinds and thrown to different places. Some of them tried to seek refuge in their well-built houses, castles and towers, but the hurricane’s fury destroyed everything in its path, even those structures of which they were so proud. The cold winds pierced through the skins of those who were exposed and split them apart from inside out. Death seemed to be a much-desired relief for the people. These stormy conditions raged for seven nights and eight days. ¥™ó©x« ¨≅. ãÏiΒy‰è? ∩⊄⊆∪ ×Λ⎧Ï9& ë>#x‹tã $pκÏù ÓxƒÍ‘ ( ⎯ÏμÎ/ Λä⎢ù=f÷ètGó™$# $tΒ uθèδ ö≅t/ 4 $tΡãÏÜøÿ’Ε ÖÚÍ‘%tæ #x‹≈yδ (#θä9$s% öΝÍκÉJtƒÏŠ÷ρr& Ÿ≅Î6ø)tGó¡•Β $ZÊÍ‘%tæ çν÷ρr&u‘ $£ϑn=sù ä r y ∩⊄∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏΒÌôfßϑø9$# tΠöθs)ø9$# “Ì“øgwΥ y7Ï9≡x‹x. 4 öΝåκß]Å3≈|¡tΒ ωÎ) #“tムŸω (#θßst7ô¹r'sù $pκÍh5u‘ ÌøΒr'Î/ Then when they beheld it a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: “Here is a cloud bringing us rain. Nay but it is that which you did seek to hasten, a wind wherein is the painful torment. Destroying all things by Commandment of its Lord. Morning found them so that nothing could be seen save their (destroyed) dwellings. Thus do We reward the criminal people. (Quran: 46/24-25) Prophet Hud (AS) and his righteously guided followers were the only survivors of these storms. They emigrated from the ruined valley and settled in Hadramuth. ã—$yfôã& öΝåκ¨Ξr(x. 4©tç÷|À $pκÏù Πöθ)ø9$# ”utIsù $YΒθÝ¡ãm BΘ$−ƒr& sπuŠÏΨ≈yϑrOuρ 5Α$uŠs9 yìö7y™ öΝÍκön=tã $yδt¤‚y™ ∩∉∪ 7πuŠÏ?%tæ AÀö|¹ 8xƒÌÎ/ (#θà6Î=÷δé'sù ׊$tã $¨Βr&uρ r t s | ∩∠∪ 7πtƒÍρ%s{ @≅øƒwΥ And as for ‘Ad, they were destroyed by a fierce roaring wind, which We imposed on them for seven nights and eight long days so that you might have seen men lying over thrown, as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees. (Quran: 69/6-7)
- 38. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 38 ∩⊇⊂®∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟèδçsYø.r& tβ%x. $tΒuρ ( ZπtƒUψ y7Ï9≡sŒ ’Îû ¨βÎ) 3 öΝßγ≈oΨõ3n=÷δr'sù çνθç/¤‹s3sù And they denied him; therefore we destroyed them. Lo! Herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. (Quran: 26/139)
- 39. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 39 PROPHET SALEH (AS) Lineage: Prophet Saleh (AS), son of Ubeid, son of Maseh, son of Ubeid, son of Hader, son of Thamud, son of Ather, son of Eram, son of Prophet Nuh (AS). Prophet Saleh (AS) was sent as a Prophet to the Bani Thamud to rectify their depraved people. The Thamudites were the descendants of Thamud, a grandson of Sam. They lived in the valley of Alqura and Alhajr between Syria and Hijaz. They became wealthy and powerful because of their physique and skills as builders and constructors. This tribe flourished more than two centuries after ‘Ad. Its people were famous for their longevity and enormous bulk. They built large buildings in the caves of the mountains and exercised considerable supremacy over their neighboring tribes. Their prosperity and material wealth made them arrogant and led them astray. They were not humble and did not appreciate their surroundings. The head of every powerful family—and there were quite a few of them—carved his own image in stone. For the head of the family, the carving was an admiration of his status and everlasting presence among his people. For the clan, the carving was a symbol of power, and they started worshipping these idols in adoration and believed them to be very powerful. Their subsequent generations believed that these idols provided them with food and rain, kept them safe from dangers, and restored their health when they were sick. Allah (SWT) appointed Prophet Saleh (AS) as the prophet. Prophet Saleh (AS) was well- known for his wisdom, simplicity and kindness. He enjoyed great respect and high status among the people until he was charged with the duties of reverting his people back towards monotheism, worshipping one God without any partners. But the people refused to listen to his preaching. ∩∉⊄∪ 5=ƒÍßΔ Ïμø‹s9Î) !$tΡθããô‰s? $£ϑÏiΒ 7e7© ’Å∀s9 $uΖ¯ΡÎ)uρ $tΡäτ!$t/#u™ ߉ç7÷ètƒ $tΒ y‰ç7÷è¯Ρ βr& !$uΖ9yγ÷Ψs?r& ( !#x‹≈yδ Ÿ≅ö6s% #vθã_ötΒ $uΖŠÏù |MΨä. ô‰s% ßxÎ=≈|Á≈tƒ (#θä9$s% x O Saleh! You have been among us as a figure of good hope, and were hoping for you to be our chief. Now you have brought us this new message for us to leave our gods that we pray to and accept only one God, Allah, alone! Are you now forbidding us to follow what our fathers had worshipped? We are in grave doubt, about monotheism, towards what you invite us to.” (Quran: 11/62) They became increasingly abusive towards Prophet Saleh (AS), especially when he said these idols were unable to answer their prayers. They believed that Prophet Saleh (AS) was under the spells of the bad spirits and would stop his preaching when he was cured. They wanted to continue with their own prayers. However, some of them started believing in his message and became his followers. This raised a concern among the nonbelievers who feared that his followers would increase. Thus, they asked Prophet Saleh (AS) to perform a miracle to prove that he was, in fact, a messenger of Allah. Prophet Saleh (AS) asked them about the nature of the miracle that they requested. The nonbelievers wanted a unique she-camel to come out from the rocks of the mountain. Prophet Saleh (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for Assistance and Guidance. Allah (SWT) Directed Prophet Saleh (AS) to perform the requisite miracle with His permission. On an appointed day the people of Thamud gathered in the valley to see what they believed was going to be a humiliation of Prophet Saleh (AS) and his followers. Prophet Saleh (AS) again repeated his message to believe in Allah. He reminded them of the bounties Allah had showered upon them. Their chieftains pointed to a solid rock in the mountain and demanded, “Ask your Lord to make a she-camel, which must be ten-months pregnant, tall, and exquisite. It must come out of that rock.”
- 40. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 40 Prophet Saleh (AS) asked, “If Allah sends you what you have just requested, exactly as described, will you thereafter believe in that which I have come to deliver to you and have faith in the messages I have been sent with?” They answered, “Yes.” That was their vow. Prophet Saleh (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT). Immediately thereafter the rock split apart, and a great looking she-camel came out of it. When it reached the crowd, it was determined to show that it was real and ten months pregnant. She was unique and beautiful to look at. She was a clear sign that Allah (SWT) existed and that Prophet Saleh (AS) was His messenger. A small minority of those present believed in the miracle and joined the group of believers. The people of Thamud accepted the presence of the she-camel and would revere it as a sacred being. It was producing milk regularly, which was sufficient for all of them. Other animals avoided any place used by the she-camel. Therefore, they allowed it to graze in any field and to drink from any well. Nevertheless, these observations did not convince the majority to accept Prophet Saleh (AS) and his message. Their hatred and defiance of Prophet Saleh (AS) increased when more people joined Prophet Saleh’s (AS) group of righteous believers. This movement caused splits among families. The people were divided into two camps: the believers and the non-believers. Both groups attributed the cause of their allegiance to the presence of the she-camel. While one group believed it to be a blessing, the other considered it an undesirable presence. Thus, the she-camel was included as an object of hatred along with Prophet Saleh (AS). The non-believers conspired to destroy the she-camel. When Prophet Saleh (AS) learned about this conspiracy, he warned: ∩∉⊆∪ Ò=ƒÌs% Ò>#x‹ã ö/ä.x‹è{ù'u‹sù &™þθÝ¡Î0 $yδθ¡yϑs? Ÿωuρ «!$# ÇÚö‘r& þ’Îû ö≅à2ù's? $yδρâ‘x‹sù Zπtƒ#u™ öΝà6s9 «!$# èπs%$tΡ ⎯ÍνÉ‹≈yδ ÏΘöθs)≈tƒuρ t O my people! This she-camel of Allah is His sign to you. Leave her alone, to feed on this land of Allah, and do not touch her with malice, lest a torment seize you. (Quran: 11/64) For a while, the people heeded his advice and did not harm the she-camel even though their hatred increased in intensity. The non-believers started a campaign to discredit the she- camel by pointing out and exaggerating: • The huge amounts of water and food being consumed by she-camel • How the other animals were avoiding the spots used by she-camel • How their families have split ever since the she-camel appeared Another plot was hatched secretly by a few of them. This time it was agreed that the beauty of some of their women-folk be utilized as tools of temptation, over the willing and vulnerable youths among them. A team was needed to execute the plot. The team should be made up of people who will carry out their missions only for the rewards offered without paying any attention to the purpose and the object. Among these plotters was a women named Saduq Bint Mahya, who was from a rich and noble family. She offered herself as the reward to a young man named Masrai Ibn Mahraj, if he could hamstring the camel. Another plotter, an old woman named Aniza, offered one of her daughters to another young man, Qudar Ibn Saluf, if he was to assist in the killing of the she-camel. This assignment was accepted by the two, who set about to recruit more youths to assist them. Once the team was assembled, it commenced the surveillance of the she-camel and followed it jointly. As the she-camel came to drink water at the well, one of executioners’ named Masra`I fired an arrow, which hit the she-camel in the leg. The she-camel was unable to escape from the executioners because of the injury to the leg and the arrow stuck in it. Qudar
- 41. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 41 approached the she-camel with a sword and sliced off the other leg. The she-camel was paralyzed and fell on the spot. Immediately after it fell, Qudar used his sword again to inflict a cruel terminal blow, and pierced it into the heart of the she-camel. These killers of the she-camel were treated as heroes. They were welcomed with songs and poetry composed especially for them. As their status in the society of the non-believers was raised to a high level, their arrogance towards Prophet Saleh (AS) also increased. They had become insolent to him and mocked him. Prophet Saleh (AS), hoping that these people would seek Mercy from Allah (SWT), cautioned them: “Enjoy your life for three more days, then the punishment will descend upon you.” “Why three days?” they asked. “Let the punishment come as quickly as possible.” Prophet Saleh (AS) again pleaded with them to seek the Mercy of Allah (SWT) by praying and apologizing to Him for their recent and grievous sin, saying, “My people, why do you hasten towards evil rather than good?” They replied, “We see your presence and that of your followers as bringing evil on us.” Prophet Saleh (AS) cautioned, “Your ill omen is with Allah; Also you are the people that are being tested.” They plotted to assassinate Prophet Saleh and kill all his family. £⎯9θà)uΖs9 ¢ΟèO …ã&s#÷δr&ρ …çμ¨ΖtGÍhŠ;ãΨ9 «!$$Î/ (#θßϑy™$s)s? (#θä9$s% ∩⊆∇∪ šχθßsÎ=óÁムŸωuρ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû šχρ߉šøム7Ý÷δu‘ èπyèó¡Î@ ÏπuΖƒÏ‰yϑø9$# ’Îû šχ%x.uρ s u u s ∩∈⊃∪ šχρããèô±„ Ÿω öΝèδuρ #ò6tΒ $tΡös3tΒuρ #ò6tΒ (#ρãs3tΒuρ ∩⊆®∪ šχθè%ω≈|Ás9 $¯ΡÎ)uρ ⎯Ï&Î#÷δr& y7Î=ôγtΒ $tΡô‰Íκy− $tΒ ⎯ÏμÍh‹Ï9uθÏ9 o And there were in the city nine groups who were mischievous and refused to reform. They conspired amongst themselves to attack and kill him (Saleh) and the people in his house, during the night. Afterwards they will tell his friends that they had no knowledge about those responsible for the destruction and they were telling the truth. So they plotted a plot: and We plotted a plot, while they perceived not. (Quran: 27/48-50) Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Saleh (AS) and his family and his followers from the wicked plans of the non-believers. With heavy hearts, they emigrated to settle in another land. Three days after Prophet Saleh’s (AS) warning, thunderbolts filled the area, which prompted the people to seek refuge indoors. Thereafter, violent earthquakes shook the grounds and destroyed everything. None of the well-built castles, houses, and mountain abodes was able to protect them from the wrath of Allah (SWT) öΝà6s9 «!$# èπs%$tΡ ⎯ÍνÉ‹≈yδ ( öΝä3În/§‘ ⎯ÏiΒ ×πuΖÍh‹t/ Νà6ø?u™!$y_ ô‰s% ( …çνçöxî >μ≈s9Î) ô⎯ÏiΒ Νà6s9 $tΒ ©!$# (#ρ߉ç7ôã$# ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ tΑ$s% 3 $[sÎ=≈|¹ öΝèδ%s{r& yŠθßϑrO 4’n<Î)uρ 7Š$tã ω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ u™!$xn=äz ö/ä3n=yèy_ øŒÎ) (#ÿρãà2øŒ$#uρ ∩∠⊂∪ ÒΟŠÏ9r& ë>#x‹tã öΝä.x‹äzù'u‹sù &™þθÝ¡Î0 $yδθ¡yϑs? Ÿωuρ ( «!$# ÇÚö‘r& þ’Îû ö≅à2ù'? $yδρâ‘x‹sù ( Zπtƒ#u™ s ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû (#öθsW÷ès? Ÿωuρ «!$# u™Iω#u™ (#ÿρãà2øŒ$$sù ( $Y?θã‹ç/ tΑ$t6Éfø9$# tβθçGÅs÷Ζs?uρ #Y‘θÝÁè% $yγÏ9θßγß™ ⎯ÏΒ šχρä‹Ï‚−Gs? ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû öΝà2r&§θt/uρ ⎯ÏiΒ ×≅y™ó‘Δ $[sÎ=≈|¹ χr& šχθßϑn=÷ès?r& öΝåκ÷]ÏΒ z⎯tΒ#u™ ô⎯yϑÏ9 (#θàÏèôÒçGó™$# t⎦⎪Ï%©#Ï9 ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs% ∅ÏΒ (#ρçy9ò6tFó™$# t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# _|yϑø9$# tΑ$s% ∩∠⊆∪ š⎥⎪ωšøãΒ (#öθtGtãuρ sπs%$¨Ψ9$# (#ρãs)yèsù ∩∠∉∪ šχρãÏ≈x. ⎯ÏμÎ/ ΝçGΖtΒ#u™ ü“Ï%©!$$Î/ $¯ΡÎ) (#ÿρçy9ò6tFó™$# š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# tΑ$s% ∩∠∈∪ šχθãΖÏΒ÷σãΒ ⎯ÏμÎ/ Ÿ≅Å™ö‘é& !$yϑÎ/ $¯ΡÎ) (#þθä9$s% 4 ⎯ÏμÎn/§‘ 4’¯<uθtFsù ∩∠∇∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÏW≈y_ öΝÏδÍ‘#yŠ ’Îû (#θßst7ô¹r'sù èπxô_§9$# ÞΟßγø?x‹s{r'sù ∩∠∠∪ t⎦⎫Î=y™ößϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ |MΨä. βÎ) !$tΡ߉Ïè? $yϑÎ/ $oΨÏKø$# ßxÎ=≈|Á≈tƒ (#θä9$s%uρ óΟÎγÎn/u‘ ÍöΔ& ô⎯tã s r ∩∠®∪ š⎥⎫Ï⇔ÅÁ≈¨Ψ9$# tβθ™7ÏtéB ω ⎯Å3≈s9uρ öΝä3s9 àMós|ÁtΡuρ ’În1u‘ s's!$y™Í‘ öΝà6çGøó=ö/r& ô‰)s9 ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ Α$s%uρ öΝåκ÷]tã n s t
- 42. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 42 To the Thamud people We sent Saleh, one of their own brethren: He said: “O my people! Worship Allah; you have no other god but Him. Now has come to you a clear Sign from your Lord! This she-camel of Allah is a Sign to you: so leave her to graze in Allah’s earth, and let her come to no harm, or you shall be seized with a grievous punishment. And remember how He made you inheritors after the ‘Ad people and gave you habitations in the land: you build for yourselves palaces and castles in open plains and carve out homes in the mountains; so bring to remembrance the benefits you have received from Allah, and refrain from evil and mischief on the earth. The chieftains of his people, had become scornful of those who followed Saleh and they despised them because they were amongst those who believed in Allah, the chieftains would ask them “Do you know that Saleh is the one sent by his Lord?” They replied, “We do believe that he has been sent as a messenger.” The scornful chieftains declared that they did not believe and therefore rejected the message of Saleh. So they hamstrung the she-camel, thereby flouting the commandment of their Lord, and in addition they challenged, “O Saleh! Bring upon us what you threaten if you are indeed of those sent from Allah. ”So the earthquake seized them, and morning found them prostrate in their dwelling place. And Saleh said, “ O my people! I delivered my Lord’s message unto you and gave you good advice, but you love not good advisers.” (Quran: 7/73-79)
- 43. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 43 PROPHET IBRAHIM (ABRAHAM) AS Lineage: Prophet Ibrahim (AS), son of Tarikh, son of Nahur, son of Sarough, son of Raghu, son of Phaligh, son of `Aher, son of Shalih, son of Arfghshand, son of Sam, son of Prophet Nuh (AS). According to the People of Book, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was born when his father, Tarikh, was 75 years old. Tarikh had other sons named Nahur (Nahur) and Haran. Haran had a son who later became Prophet Lut (Lot). It is also mentioned that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was the middle child and his brother Haran died during his father’s lifetime in the same land where he was born; the land of the Chaldeans (Al-Kaldanieen), now known as Babylonia. The people of that time were worshipping idols of stone and wood; some prayed to the planets, stars, sun and moon; while others worshipped their kings and rulers. That was the scenario during the birth and growth of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). His father, Tarikh, was not only an idol worshipper but also one of the major builders and a prominent supplier of the idols. Tarikh had totally rejected Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) bestowed upon Prophet Ibrahim (AS) from his early childhood, wisdom and an enlightened heart to conceive the true spiritual understandings of the universe and its Creator. ∩∈⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=≈tã ⎯ÏμÎ/ $¨Ζä.uρ ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ …çνy‰ô©â‘ tΛ⎧Ïδ≡tö/Î) !$oΨ÷s?#u™ ô‰s)s9uρ And We verily gave Ibrahim, when he was able to comprehend, his proper course of life and We were well-acquainted with him and his belief in the One and the Only Allah. (Quran: 21/51) During his early childhood, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) watched his father making these strangest statues. When he enquired about them, his father told him that the statues were the gods. His logical mind refused to accept them as gods; however, he liked to use them as toys and rode over them as if on the horsebacks. One day his father admonished him for riding on these idols. Prophet Ibrahim (AS), pointing to an image, asked his father, “O father! What is this statue? It has big ears, unlike ours.” His father replied, “It is Mardukh, the god of gods! These big ears reflect his wide knowledge.” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) laughed as if he had just heard a joke! His father very nearly slapped him, but realized that Prophet Ibrahim was only a seven-year-old child! Whenever he would accompany his father to the temples, which had all the different varieties of images and levels of gods, he used to observe that people were behaving strangely and inconsistently in front of these images. Some would bow down and start crying; some would beg for help; some wanted these idols to hurt other people for some reason or another. This appeared funny to Prophet Ibrahim (AS), as there was no uniformity in the manners the people worshipped. Nevertheless as he grew up, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) continued to play with them as toys and strongly rejected the idea that these statues were gods. He could not understand the sanity in accepting them as gods because if the statues were turned upside down they were unable to revert themselves! Therefore, it was illogical to accept that these statues had the powers to harm or benefit their worshippers. What had appeared to be funny during his early years, started to make him angry at the behavior of his people and their worshipping of the idols. His resentment increased when he learned that his father wanted Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to join as a priest in the temples of the idols, and work hard to rise and attain the rank of High Priest. Such a status would provide their family with a very high political power. His father already had a political rank as the Creator of the Images; and, with a High Priest in the family, their political power
- 44. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 44 Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had developed a habit of self-meditating whenever he was angry or upset. He would withdraw away from people and go to the top of the mountain. From there he would look at the sky, stars, and the moon and wonder about the creator of this universe. His observations of their movements made him wonder at the purpose of their existence. But when he noticed that they had regular cycles of appearing and disappearing, his analysis led him to believe that these celestial bodies were themselves working at the command of a creator. Thus, they could not have any powers to grant anything in answer to the prayers of their worshippers. These celestial bodies must themselves pray and obey the commands of their creator. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was inspired and felt that he must confront his people with these facts. He must guide them away from worshipping the idols, the images, and the celestial bodies in the skies. He gathered his people and told them about what he had observed: !$£ϑ=sù ( ’În1‘ #x‹≈yδ tΑ$s% ( $Y6x.öθx. #u™u‘ ã≅ø‹©9$# Ïμø‹n=tã £⎯y_ $£ϑn=sù ∩∠∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏΨÏ%θßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβθä3u‹Ï9uρ ÇÚö‘F{$#uρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# |Nθä3n=tΒ zΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) ü“ÌçΡ šÏ9≡x‹x.uρ n u ÏΘöθ)ø9$# ⎯ÏΒ ⎥ðθà2V{ ’În1u‘ ’ÎΤωöκu‰ öΝ©9 ⎦È⌡s9 tΑ$s% Ÿ≅sùr& !$£ϑn=ù ( ’În1‘ #x‹≈yδ tΑ$s% $ZîΗ$t/ tyϑs)ø9$# #u™u‘ $£ϑn=sù ∩∠∉∪ š⎥⎫Î=ÏùFψ$# =Ïmé& Iω tΑ$s% Ÿ≅sùr& s z s s u àMôγ§_ρ ’ÎoΤÎ) ∩∠∇∪ tβθä.Îô³è@ $£ϑÏiΒ Ö™ü“Ìt/ ’ÎoΤÎ) ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ tΑ$s% ôMn=sùr& !$£ϑn=sù ( çt9ò2r& !#x‹≈yδ ’În1u‘ #x‹≈yδ tΑ$s% ZπxîΗ$t/ }§ôϑ¤±9$# #u™u‘ $£ϑn=sù ∩∠∠∪ t⎦,Îk!!$Ò9$# u ô‰%uρ «!$# ’Îû ’ÎoΤþθ’f¯≈ptéBr& tΑ$s% 4 …çμãΒöθs% …çμ§_!%nuρ ∩∠®∪ š⎥⎫Ï.Îô³ßϑø9$# š∅ÏΒ O$tΡr& !$tΒuρ ( $Z‹ÏΖym š⇓ö‘F{$#uρ ÅV≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# tsÜsù “Ï%©#Ï9 }‘Îγô_uρ s t !$tΒ ß∃%s{r& #ø‹Ÿ2uρ ∩∇⊃∪ βρã2x‹Fs? Ÿξsùr& 3 $¸ϑù=Ïã >™ó©x« ¨≅à2 ’În1u‘ yìÅ™uρ 3 $↔ø‹© ’În1u‘ u™!$t±o„ βr& HωÎ) ÿ⎯ÏμÎ/ šχθä.Îô³è@ $tΒ ß∃%s{r& Iωuρ 4 Ç⎯1y‰δ y t t x y ∩∇⊇∪ šχθßϑ=÷è? ÷Λä⎢Ζä. βÎ) ( Ç⎯øΒF{$$Î/ ‘,ymr& È⎦÷⎫s)ƒÌxø9$# ‘“r'ù 4 $YΖ≈sÜù=ß™ öΝà6ø‹n=tæ ⎯ÏμÎ/ öΑÍi”t∴ムöΝs9 $tΒ «!$$Î/ ΟçGø.uõ°r& öΝä3¯Ρr& šχθèù$sƒrB Ÿωuρ öΝçGò2uõ°r& n s s ßìùöΡ 4 ⎯ÏμÏΒöθ% 4’n?ã zΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) !$yγ≈oΨøŠs?#u™ !$uΖçF¤fãm y7ù=Ï?uρ ∩∇⊄∪ tβρ߉tGôγ•Β Νèδuρ ß⎯øΒF{$# ãΝßγs9 y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé& AΟù=ÝàÎ/ ΟßγuΖ≈yϑƒÎ) (#þθÝ¡Î6ù=tƒ óΟs9uρ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# s t s t ∩∇⊂∪ ÒΟŠÎ=tæ íΟ‹Å3ym š−/u‘ ¨βÎ) 3 â™!$t±®Σ ⎯¨Β ;M≈y_u‘yŠ Thus did We show Ibrahim, the kingdom of the heavens and the earth so that he possesses certain and clear knowledge. When the night grew dark upon him he saw a bright planet. He said, “This is my Lord.” But when it set, he said, “ I cannot love things that set.” And when he saw the moon bright and rising, he exclaimed, “This is my Lord.” But when it set, he said “Unless my Lord guides me, I shall become of those who are astray.” And when he saw the rising of the sun, He cried, “This is my Lord! This Is greater!” But when it set down, he exclaimed, “ O my people! Lo! I am Free from all that you associate with Him. Lo! I have turned my face toward him Who created the heavens and the earth, as one by nature upright and I am not of the idolaters.” His people argued with him. He said, “Do you dispute with me concerning Allah when He has guided me? I fear not all that you have set and associate with Him unless my Lord wills. My Lord comprehends all things in His knowledge. Why do you not keep this in your memory?” “Why should I fear the things you have rivaled to Allah and your claiming of them to be worthy of your worships? Whilst you are not fearful of Allah! And He has never given you any signs to associate anything with Him. Which of us two factions has more right to the safety in Allah?” Those who believe and obscure not their belief by wrongdoings, theirs is Safety; and they are rightly guided. That is our argument. We gave in to Ibrahim against his folk. We raise unto degrees of wisdom whom We will. Lo! Your Lord is Wise, Aware. (Quran: 6/75-83) Prophet Ibrahim (AS) emphasized the futility of their prayers, which were useless; because they had addressed them to the wrong sources.
- 45. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 45 • Since the stars, the sun, or the moon, which were the very objects of their prayers, had their own cycles of appearing and disappearing, how could they possibly have the powers to fulfill the prayers of their worshippers? • If the idols and the images were unable to consume the foods prepared and left in front of them, how could these very deities provide food for their worshippers who prayed for food? • How could these idols be their gods, when the worshippers themselves had carved these images? However, Allah (SWT) was the Creator and Provider of the sustenance for everything. He told his father and those around him to firmly renounce the worship of idols. óΟçFΡr& óΟçFΖä. ô‰)s9 Α$s% ∩∈⊂∪ š⎥⎪ωÎ7≈tã $oλm; $tΡu™!$t/#u™ !$tΡô‰`uρ (#θä9$s% ∩∈⊄∪ tβθàÅ3≈tã $oλm; óΟçFΡr& û©ÉL©9$# ã≅ŠÏO$yϑ−G9$# ÍνÉ‹≈yδ $tΒ ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs%uρ ÏμŠÎ/L{ tΑ$s% øŒÎ) s t y ∩∈⊆∪ &⎦⎫Î7•Β 9≅≈n=|Ê ’Îû öΝà2äτ!$t/#u™uρ When he said to his father and his folk; what are these images to which you pay devotion? They said: We found our fathers , worshippers of them. He said: Surely you and your fathers were in plain error. (Quran: 21/52-54 Prophet Ibrahim (AS) declared that Allah (SWT) was the One and Only worthy of their prayers. He has no associates or intercessors. And He has strictly forbidden the offerings of prayers to anyone else except Him: çν$−ƒÎ) öΝçFΖà2 βÎ) ∅ßγs)n=z “Ï%©!$# ¬! (#ρ߉ß∨ó™$#ρ Ìyϑs)ù=Ï9 Ÿωuρ ħôϑ¤±=Ï9 (#ρ߉àfó¡n@ Ÿω 4 ãyϑs)ø9$#uρ ߧôϑ¤±9$#uρ â‘$yγ¨Ψ9$#uρ ã≅øŠ©9$# ÏμÏG≈tƒ#u™ ô⎯ÏΒuρ y u ∩⊂∠∪ šχρ߉ç7ès? ÷ And of His portents are the night and the day and the sun and the moon. Prostrate neither to the sun nor to the moon; but prostrate to Allah Who created them, it is in truth Him whom you worship. (Quran: 41/37) His people refused to accept his message and dispersed. His father was the most surprised, due to the followings of the monotheism that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) suggested. It was a stunning blow to his aspirations and expectations about Prophet Ibrahim (AS). His dreams of having a High Priest within his family were shattered. However, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did not want to lose the paternal love, nor did he want to deprive his father of his devotion as a son. Nevertheless, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) wanted his father to give up idolatry and adopt the right path towards Allah (SWT). He knew that severe punishment awaited worshippers of idols. He was anxious to save his father from the Fires of Hell. Again Prophet Ibrahim (AS) hastened to advise his father and plead with him to follow the right path. Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§=Ï9 β%x. z⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ¨βÎ) ( z⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ωç7÷ès? Ÿω ÏMt/r'¯≈tƒ ∩⊆⊂∪ $wƒÈθy™ $WÛ≡uÅÀ x8ω÷δr& û©Í_÷èÎ7¨?$$sù y7Ï?ù'tƒ öΝs9 $tΒ ÉΟù=Ïèø9$# š∅ÏΒ ’ÎΤu™!%` ô‰s% ’ÎoΤÎ) ÏMt/r'¯≈tƒ t y óΟ©9 ⎦È⌡s9 ( ãΛ⎧Ïδ≡tö/Î*¯≈ƒ ©ÉLyγÏ9#u™ ô⎯ã |MΡr& ë=Ïî#u‘& tΑ$s% ∩⊆∈∪ $wŠÏ9uρ Ç⎯≈sÜøŠ¤±=Ï9 tβθä3tGsù Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§9$# z⎯ÏiΒ Ò>#x‹tã y7¡¡yϑtƒ βr& ß∃%s{r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) ÏMt/r'¯≈tƒ ∩⊆⊆∪ $wŠÅÁtã t t r Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ šχθããô‰? $tΒuρ öΝä3ä9Í”tIôã&uρ ∩⊆∠∪ $|‹Ïym ’Î1 šχ%x. …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( þ’În1u‘ 7s9 ãÏøótGó™r'y™ ( y7ø‹n=tã íΝ≈n=y™ tΑ$s% ∩⊆∉∪ $|‹Î=tΒ ’ÎΤöàf÷δ$#uρ ( y7¨ΖuΗädö‘V{ ÏμtG⊥s? s r y ∩⊆∇∪ $|‹É)x© ’În1u‘ Ï™!%tæ߉Î/ tβθä.r& Hωr& #©|¤tã ’În1u‘ (#θãã÷Šr&uρ «!$# O my father! Lo! There has come unto me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me, and I will lead you on a straight path. O my father! Do not worship the Devil because the Devil rebelled against Allah. O my father! Because my fear is that your
- 46. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 46 punishment from Allah will like the one reserved for the Devil and his partners.” He said, “Will you reject my gods, O Ibrahim? If you do not stop, I will tone you. Go away from me and out of my sight.” Ibrahim offered, “Peace be unto you! I shall ask forgiveness of my Lord for you. Because He was ever gracious to me. I shall withdraw from you and that unto you pray beside Allah, and I shall pray unto my Lord. Perchance, in prayer to my Lord, I shall not be unblessed.” (Quran: 19/43-48) Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was determined to stamp out the evil practices of idolatry and the worshipping of any objects rather than Allah (SWT). He addressed people and repeated his observations about the idols, the images that were actually condemning them. His people asked him, “Are you condemning our gods and what our fathers and forefathers worshipped?” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) replied, “I come to you with true religion. I have been sent with guidance from our Lord, Who alone is worthy of worship, Who is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and Who regulates all the affairs of life, unlike the dumb idols which are just stone and wood.” To convince them that the idols were powerless and could not harm him, he challenged, “I have already condemned them; if they had any power they would have harmed me by now!” øŒÎ) ö/ä3Ρθãèϑó¡o„ ö≅yδ Α$s% ∩∠⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏÅ3≈tã $oλm; ‘≅sàoΨsù $YΒ$uΖô¹r& ߉ç7÷ètΡ (#θä9$s% ∩∠⊃∪ tβρ߉ç7÷ès? $tΒ ⎯ÏμÏΒöθ%uρ Ïμ‹Î/L{ tΑ$s% øŒÎ) ∩∉®∪ zΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) r't7tΡ öΝÎγöŠn=tæ ã≅ø?$#uρ t y t s óΟçFΡr& ∩∠∈∪ βρ߉ç7÷ès? óΟçFΖä. $¨Β ΟçF÷ƒu™sùr& tΑ$s% ∩∠⊆∪ tβθè=èøtƒ y7Ï9≡x‹x. $tΡu™!$t/#u™ !$tΡô‰y`ρ ö≅t/ (#θä9$s% ∩∠⊂∪ tβρ•ÛØo„ ÷ρr& öΝä3tΡθãèxΖtƒ ÷ρr& ∩∠⊄∪ tβθããô‰s? t t y u #sŒÎ)uρ ∩∠®∪ È⎦⎫É)ó¡o„uρ ©Í_ßϑÏèôÜムθèδ “Ï%©!$#uρ ∩∠∇∪ È⎦⎪ωöκu‰ uθßγsù ©Í_s)n=yz “Ï%©!$# ∩∠∠∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# ¡>u‘ ωÎ) þ’Ík< Aρ߉tã öΝåκ¨ΞÎ*sù ∩∠∉∪ tβθãΒy‰ø%F{$# ãΝà2äτ!$t/#u™uρ u ∩∇⊄∪ É⎥⎪Ïe$!$# uΘöθtƒ ©ÉLt↔ÿ‹ÏÜz ’Í< tÏøóƒ βr& ßìyϑôÛr& ü“Ï%©!$#uρ ∩∇⊇∪ È⎦⎫ÍŠøtä† ¢ΟèO ©Í_çGŠÏϑム“Ï%©!$#uρ ∩∇⊃∪ É⎥⎫Ïô±o„ uθßγsù àMôÊÌtΒ y t Recite unto them the story of Ibrahim: When he said unto his father and his folk: “What do you worship?” They said, “We worship idols, and are ever devoted unto them.” He said, “Do they hear you when you cry? Or do they benefit or harm you?” They said, “No, but we found our fathers acting like this.“ You and your forefathers! Lo! They are all enemies, except the Lord of the Worlds. Who created me, and He does guide me. And Who feeds me waters me. And when I am sick He heals me. And Who causes me to die, then gives me life again. And Who, I ardently hope, Will Forgive me my sins on the Day of Judgment.” (Quran: 26/69-82) Prophet Ibrahim (AS) continued spreading his messages. He advised the people • To worship Allah (SWT) only. • To always remember and be fearful of the wrath of Allah (SWT). • To remember that Allah (SWT) will Forgive all their sins if they turn to Him only • To remember that Allah (SWT) does not Forgive idol worshipping; nor does He allow worshipping of any objects, creatures, or images • To remember that it is also an unforgivable sin to associate any other gods with Allah (SWT). Prophet Ibrahim (AS) told the people that their life on Earth was merely a test for their eternal life. After death they will be resurrected on the Day of Judgment. If they had lived as righteously guided people, who will reside in Paradise forever; if they chose to follow Satan and deviated from the rightful path towards Allah (SWT), they will be thrown into the Fires of Hell forever. Many nations before them also had received similar messages through the rightfully appointed Messengers of Allah (SWT). The duty of the messenger was only to convey the messages. If the people of the nations accept them; those are the rightly guided. If the people refuse to accept them, they are the unbelievers. It is no reflection on the messenger.
- 47. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 47 Some members of the idolatrous people mocked Prophet Ibrahim (AS) with the remarks, “You say that after we have been dead, buried, and turned into dust your Lord will resurrect us with our bodies intact?” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) replied, “Yes. Why is it surprising for you to comprehend this fact? After all, Allah (SWT) created you from a tiny drop of water (semen).” The unbelievers challenged Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to ask his Lord to show a miracle and then they will believe in his message. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) Prayed to Allah (SWT) for help. Allah (SWT) Directed Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to capture some birds, slaughter them, and bury them in the vicinity of the unbelievers, so they will see the miracle of the resurrection. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) asked the unbelievers to bring four different species of birds. The birds were assembled, slaughtered, their bodies intermixed, and scattered over hills surrounding them. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) and called the birds. Everyone present observed that the four birds flew in and settled on the ground among them. These birds were in their original forms and colors. The unbelievers retorted that it was only a magician’s trick. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) knew that his message was not making any headway with the people. He secretly planned a practical demonstration to prove his point that their idols were nothing but lifeless, like the stone or wood they were carved from. He knew about a forthcoming festival when all the people would be away on the opposite bank of the river. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) waited until the entire city was empty. He cautiously approached the main temple carrying a sharp axe with him. Upon entering the temple, he found food left in front of the statues as offerings. He asked one of the statues, “The food lying in front of you is getting cold! Why are you not eating it?” The lifeless forms of man-created gods could only remain silent and rigid. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) addressed all the statues present, “Will you not eat the offerings made to you? What is the matter with you that you do not answer?” Then he used his axe and started slashing and cutting people’s false gods. He destroyed all the statues in the temple except one. Before he left the temple, he hung the axe on the neck of the surviving statue. He was satisfied that he had destroyed the objects of his resentment. When the people returned to the temple and found the destruction of their gods, which were lying in pieces all over the temple, they knew who had perpetuated this destruction. They arrested Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The town elders set up for a hastened trial in the venue of their temple. When the trial commenced, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was asked if he was responsible for the damage inflicted to their gods. #’n<Î) (#þθãèy_sù ∩∉⊂∪ šχθà)ÏÜΖtƒ (#θçΡ$Ÿ2 βÎ) öΝèδθè=t↔ó¡sù #x‹≈yδ öΝèδçÎ7Ÿ2 …ã&s#yèsù ö≅t/ tΑ$s% ∩∉⊄∪ ÞΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î*¯≈tƒ $uΖÏGoλÎ;$t↔Î/ #x‹≈yδ |Mù=yèù |MΡr&u™ (#þθä9$s% t s ⎯ÏΒ šχρ߉ç7÷ètGsùr& tΑ$s% ∩∉∈∪ šχθà)ÏÜΖtƒ Ï™Iωàσ¯≈yδ $tΒ |MôϑÎ=tã ô‰s)s9 óΟÎγÅ™ρâ™â‘ 4’n?tã (#θÝ¡Å3çΡ §ΝèO ∩∉⊆∪ tβθßϑÎ=≈©à9$# ÞΟçFΡr& öΝä3¯ΡÎ) (#þθä9$s)sù óΟÎγÅ¡àΡr& (#ÿρçÝÇΡ$#uρ çνθè%Ìhym (#θä9$s% ∩∉∠∪ šχθè=É)÷ès? Ÿξsùr& ( «!$# Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ šχρ߉ç7÷ès? $yϑÏ9uρ ö/ä3©9 7e∃é& ∩∉∉∪ öΝä.•ÛØtƒ Ÿωuρ $↔ø‹x© öΝà6ãèΖtƒ Ÿω $tΒ «!$# Âχρߊ x ∩∉∇∪ š⎥⎫Î=Ïè≈sù ÷Λä⎢Ζà2 βÎ) öΝä3tGyγÏ9#u™ They asked, “ Is it you who have done this to our gods, O Ibrahim?” Ibrahim replied, “But this, their chief has done it. Hence question him. Then they said to Ibrahim, “ You know very well that these cannot speak. ”Ibrahim replied, “ What is the benefit of your prayers to these idols, instead of towards Allah? These gods of yours cannot profit you nor harm you? ”They
- 48. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 48 decreed, “Burn Ibrahim. Recite the name of your gods when you are providing the wood for lighting the fire.” (Quran: 21/62-68) Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was chained and put into custody while the preparations for the fire were initiated. All the citizens were ordered to collect and donate wood for the fire. At the same time some people dug a large, deep pit, which they considered a prayer and a service to their gods. On the edge of the pit they erected a catapult to throw Prophet Ibrahim (AS) into the fire. The fire was lit and Prophet Ibrahim (AS), with his limbs tied, was placed on the catapult. As the intensity of the fire increased, the people started to move farther and farther away from the pit. Then the chief priest gave the order for Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to be caste into the fire. Angel Jibrail (AS), at the Command of Allah (SWT), approached Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and asked, “Oh Ibrahim! Do you wish for anything?” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) replied, “Nothing from you.” When the catapult caste Prophet Ibrahim (AS) into the fire, Allah (SWT) Ordered the fire to accept Prophet Ibrahim (AS) but not to burn him and to cool down the spot where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) would land. ∩∉®∪ zΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) #’n?tã $¸ϑ≈n=y™uρ #YŠöt/ ’ÎΤθä. â‘$uΖ≈tƒ $uΖù=è% “O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim.” (Quran: 21/69) The fire submitted to the Command of Allah (SWT). Prophet Ibrahim (AS) sat in the middle of the fire and praised and thanked Allah (SWT) for the grace showered upon him. The crowd, the chiefs, and the priest sat watching the fire from their seats. It was burning furiously and the heat was almost suffocating those who were nearby. When the fire subsided, they were astonished to see Prophet Ibrahim (AS) coming out of the pit unscathed. While the faces of the onlookers had blackened with the smoke, the face of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was bright and illuminated with the grace of Allah (SWT). The raging fire had only burnt the ropes that had tied the limbs of Prophet Ibrahim. The crowd gasped in astonishment, and some people were overcome with the miracle and decided to abandon their idols and follow the preaching of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The tyrants, although amazed at the miracle, refused to abandon their beliefs: ∩∠⊃∪ š⎥⎪Îy£÷zF{$# ãΝßγ≈oΨù=yèyfsù #Y‰øŠx. ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#ρߊ#u‘r&uρ They wanted to harm him, but We made them worst losers. (Quran: 21/70) The ruler, a king named Namrud, who had declared himself to be the head of all the gods, turned very angry upon learning that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) has been unscathed by the fire. His anger increased when he heard that some of the spectators had openly declared their allegiance to the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Nimrod feared that more people would abandon their religion of idol worshipping and join the monotheism proclaimed by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Nimrod felt as if this commoner was challenging his crown as the head of all the gods. Nimrod summoned Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to come to his palace, so he could confront him. Α$s% ( M‹ÏΒé&uρ ⎯Ä©óré& O$tΡr& tΑ$s% àM‹Ïϑãƒuρ ⎯Ç‘ósム”Ï%©!$# }‘În/u‘ ãΝ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) tΑ$s% øŒÎ) šù=ßϑø9$# ª!$# çμ9s?#u™ ÷βr& ÿ⎯ÏμÎn/u‘ ’Îû zΝ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) ¢l!%tn “Ï%©!$# ’n<Î) ts? öΝs9r& t à ∩⊄∈∇∪ ⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# tΠöθs)ø9$# “ωöκu‰ Ÿω ª!$#ρ 3 txx. “Ï%©!$# |MÎγç6sù É>Ìøóyϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ $pκÍ5 ÏNù'sù É−Îô³yϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ Ä§ôϑ¤±9$$Î/ ’ÎAù'tƒ ©!$# χÎ*sù ãΝ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) t u Have you not turned your vision to one who disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Ibrahim said: “My Lord is He Who gives life and death.” He
- 49. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 49 (Nimrod) said, “I give life and death.” Ibrahim clarified, “But it is Allah that causes the sun to rise from the East: Can you make it to rise from the West?” Thus Ibrahim confounded who had rejected Faith in his arrogance. Allah also does not guide the people who are unjust. (Quran: 2/258) Prophet Ibrahim (AS) also decided to confront the king as an act of jihad. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) wanted to defy an arrogant king, who was suppressing the truth of monotheism just to maintain his false power and assume the status of a god. The courtiers were amazed that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was openly defiant of Nimrod, a very powerful king. Rumors of these confrontations and exchanges reached the masses, who had already witnessed the miracle of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) walking out of the fire pit. Some had converted but kept their new allegiance secret out of fear of retaliation against them or their family members. However, two persons openly declared their allegiance to the monotheism of Islam as professed by Prophet Ibrahim (AS). One was Sarah, who married Prophet Ibrahim (AS). The second was Prophet Lut (Lot) (AS), who was subsequently elevated to the status of Prophet within the lifetime of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was disappointed in all the people, who were unwilling to give up idol worship. He decided to emigrate with his wife and Prophet Lut (AS). They traveled to Ur, Haran and towards Palestine. ∩⊄∉∪ ÞΟ‹Å3ptø:$# Ⓝ͓yèø9$# uθèδ …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( þ’În1u‘ 4’n<Î) íÅ_$yγãΒ ’ÎoΤÎ) tΑ$s%uρ ¢ ÔÞθä9 …çμs9 z⎯tΒ$t↔sù * And Lut believed in him, and Ibrahim said, “I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Because He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” (Quran: 29/26) Prophet Ibrahim (AS) accompanied by his wife Sarah, continued to guide the people he met during his travels. He educated them about the ways to conduct their life on the earth, within their families, and within their communities. He explained the consequences and after-effects of the people’s actions. He told them that their actions would have repercussions on the Day of Judgment. He described the benefits of Paradise and the torments of Hell. He warned them about the ever-presence of Satan, an enemy who would always mislead humankind away from the rightful path of Allah (SWT). During his travels, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) passed through the territory of a tyrant chief. This tyrant had heard about Sarah’s beauty. The tyrant sent his soldiers to find out about Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Sarah. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had the foreknowledge of the tyrant’s designs towards Sarah; and prayed to Allah (SWT) for help. He had just come out of prayers when the soldiers approached him and asked about his relationship with Sarah. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) told them that she was his sister! The soldiers demanded that Sarah be brought to their master. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) advised Sarah that he was entrusting her into the protection of Allah (SWT). If the situation demanded and the need arose, she should immediately seek help from Allah (SWT), who is always present and helpful. He also advised Sarah that he had told the soldiers that she was his sister, and that she should not contradict him. Allah (SWT) would help them. At the court, Prophet Ibrahim was ordered to wait at the door for a meeting with the chief, while Sarah was hustled to another room. The tyrant chief approached her and extended his hand to touch her. He was unable to do so because his hand became painful and paralyzed. He realized that Sarah was being protected and guarded by some spirit. He asked her to pray for the restoration of his arm. Sarah prayed to Allah (SWT) and his hand was restored. The tyrant tried again; this time his whole hand and his shoulder suffered paralysis. He begged and cried to
- 50. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 50 Sarah for forgiveness. Again Sarah prayed to Almighty Allah and the tyrant was forgiven. He called upon his guards to return Sarah to Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He rewarded her with the gift of a young Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. Sarah returned to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and told him, “Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel and the immoral person. This infidel gave me Hagar for service.” Sarah was sterile; hence, she could not conceive. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had aged; his hair hard turned gray and many years of travel, labors, and hardships had started to show. Both of them longed to have their own children. Sarah decided to offer Hagar in marriage to her husband. Hagar gave birth to her first son, Ismail, (Ishmael) when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was an old man. However, Sarah could not control her jealousy and insisted that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) get rid of Hagar and the child. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for guidance and assistance. He was instructed to take Hagar and Ismail and settle them elsewhere. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) settled Hagar and Ismail in the valley that later became known as Makkah. After settling them, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) returned to live with Sarah and continued with his mission of preaching and conveying Allah’s (SWT) messages to those he met. He was said, however, because he missed his son, Prophet Ismail (AS). He wished for another son, but he was getting old. Once while he recalled the sacrifices he had made to remain righteous, tears fell from his eyes. Allah (SWT), as always, Was Present and Knew what Prophet Ibrahim’s (AS) inner feelings. The Angels, Hazrat Jibrail (AS), Hazrat Israfeel (AS) and Hazrat Mikaeel (AS) descended upon Earth. They changed themselves into human shapes, came to the tent of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and greeted him with salutations of peace. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) arose and reciprocated the salutations and welcomed them inside his tent. After seating them, he sought their indulgence to excuse his short absence for him to go to the inner tent, away from them. He told his wife, Sarah, that he had three visitors, who were completely strangers to him. He asked her about the food that was available for his guests. When he learned that the available food would not be sufficient, he ordered a calf to be slaughtered and cooked for his guests. The servants roasted and served the calf. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) invited his guests to eat the food that was laid down. To encourage them to eat, he took a portion and started to eat. He looked at his guests and found that they had not touched any food. He took another portion and ate. Again, his guests had not touched any part of the food. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) worried and thought that the strangers might have ill intentions toward him or his wealth. The Angels read his thoughts and assured him that they had no ill intentions toward him or anything belonging to him. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) said, “Indeed, I am fearful of you. I have asked you to eat food, but you do not. Do you intend me evil?” One of Angels smiled and said, “We do not eat. We are Allah’s angels. We have come to give glad tidings about your son Ishaaq!” Ïμø‹s9Î) ã≅ÅÁs? Ÿω öΝåκu‰Ï‰÷ƒr& !#u™u‘ $¬Ηs>sù ∩∉®∪ 7‹ŠÏΨym @≅ôfÏèÎ/ u™!%y` βr& y]Î7s9 $yϑsù ( ÖΝ≈n=y™ tΑ$s% ( $Vϑ≈n=y™ (#θä9$s% 2”uô³ç6ø9$$Î/ tΛ⎧Ïδ≡tö/Î) !$uΖè=ߙ①ôNu™!%y` ô‰s)s9uρ Ï™!#u‘uρ ⎯ÏΒρ t,≈ysó™Î*Î/ $yγ≈tΡö¤±t6sù ôMs3ÅsŸÒsù ×πyϑÍ←!$s% …çμè?r&zöΔ$#uρ ∩∠⊃∪ 7Þθä9 ÏΘöθs% 4’n<Î) !$uΖù=Å™ö‘é& !$¯ΡÎ) ô#y‚s? Ÿω (#θä9$s% 4 Zπx‹Åz öΝåκ÷]ÏΒ }§y_÷ρr&uρ öΝèδtÅ6tΡ u
- 51. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 51 ( «!$# ÌøΒr& ô⎯ÏΒ ⎦⎫Î7yf÷è?r& (#þθä9$s% ∩∠⊄∪ Ò=‹Éfã í™ó©y´s9 #x‹≈yδ χÎ) ( $¸‚ø‹x© ’Í?÷è/ #x‹≈yδuρ ×—θàftã O$tΡr&uρ à$Î!r&u™ #©tLn=÷ƒuθ≈tƒ ôMs9$s% ∩∠⊇∪ z>θà)÷ètƒ t,≈ysó™Î) t s t t ∩∠⊂∪ Ó‰‹Åg¤Χ Ó‰ŠÏΗxq …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 ÏMøt7ø9$# Ÿ≅÷δr& ö/ä3ø‹n=tæ …çμçF≈x.tt/uρ «!$# àMuΗ÷qu‘ And our messengers came unto Ibrahim with good news. They said, “Peace!” He answered “Peace!” and delayed not to bring a roasted calf. And when he saw their hands reached not to it, he mistrusted them and conceived a fear of them. They said, “Fear not! Lo! We are sent unto the folk of Lut.” And his wife, standing by, laughed when We gave her good tidings of the birth of Ishaaq and after Ishaaq, of Yaqoob . She said, “Oh, woe is me! Shall I bear a child when I am an old woman, and this my husband is an old man? Lo! This is an astonishing thing!” They said, “Do you wonder at the commandment of Allah? The mercy Of Allah and His Blessings be upon you, O people of the house! Lo! He is the Owner of Praise, Owner of the Glory!” (Quran: 11/69-73) Prophet Ibrahim (AS) holds a very prominent and distinguished rank among the appointed Prophets. He is a dearly revered Prophet of Islam. All the prayers of the Muslims include salutations to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his family. çνθãè7¨?$# t⎦⎪Ï%©#s9 ΝŠÏδ≡tö/Î*Î/ Ĩ$¨Ψ9$# ’n<÷ρr& χÎ) ∩∉∠∪ t⎦⎫Ï.Îô³ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβ%x. $tΒuρ $VϑÎ=ó¡•Β $Z‹ÏΖym šχ%x. ⎯Å3≈s9uρ $|‹ÏΡ#uóÇnΣ Ÿωuρ $wƒÏŠθåκu‰ ãΝŠÏδ≡tö/Î) tβ%x. $tΒ t z ∩∉∇∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$# ’Í<uρ ª!$#uρ 3 (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$#ρ ©É<¨Ζ9$# #x‹≈yδuρ u Ibrahim was not a Jew, nor yet a Christian; but he was an upright man who had surrendered to Allah, and he was not an idolater. Lo! Those of mankind who have the best claim to Ibrahim are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Muhammad) and those who believe with him; and Allah is the Protecting Friend of the believers. (Quran: 3/67-68) çμ≈oΨ÷s?#u™ρ ∩⊇⊄⊇∪ 8Λ⎧É)tGó¡•Β :Þ≡uÅÀ 4’n<Î) çμ1y‰yδρ çμ9u;tGô_$# 4 ÏμÏϑãè÷ΡX{ #Å2$x© ∩⊇⊄⊃∪ t⎦⎫Ï.Îô³ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ à7tƒ óΟs9uρ $ZŠÏΖm °! $FÏΡ$s% Zπ¨Βé& šχ%x. zΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) ¨βÎ) u u y ∩⊇⊄⊂∪ t⎦⎫Å2Îô³ßϑø9$# ⎯ÏΒ tβ%x. $tΒuρ ( $Z‹ÏΖym ΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) s'©#ÏΒ ôìÎ7¨?$# Èβr& y7ø‹s9Î) !$uΖøŠym÷ρr& §ΝèO ∩⊇⊄⊄∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎ=≈¢Á9$# z⎯Ïϑs9 ÍοtÅzFψ$# ’Îû …çμ¯ΡÎ)uρ ( ZπuΖ|¡ym $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# ’Îû z z Lo! Ibrahim was a nation obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the idolaters. Thankful for His bounties; He chose him and He guided him unto a straight path. And We gave him good in the world, and in the Hereafter he is among the righteous. And afterward We inspired you, Muhammad, Saying: “Follow the religion of Ibrahim, as one by nature upright. He was not of the idolaters.” (Quran: 16/120-123) Prophet Ibrahim (AS) is called the Friend of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) Rewarded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Told him that all the future appointed Prophets and messengers would be raised from his progeny.
- 52. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 52 PROPHET ISMAIL (ISHMAEL) AS A few months after the birth of Prophet Ismail (AS), when he was still nursing and not yet weaned, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) instructed Hagar to prepare for a long journey into the desert. For many days and weeks they traveled and passed through various plantations, deserts and mountains. They arrived at a barren desert land that had no water, trees, or signs of life. After Hagar and Prophet Ismail (AS) had dismounted, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) gave them enough food for two days, turned around, and departed. Hagar ran towards him and asked, “Where are you going, Ibrahim, leaving us in this barren valley?” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did not respond but continued walking away. Hagar repeated her question twice without any response from him. Hagar asked, “Did Allah Command you to do so?” Prophet Ibrahim replied, “Yes.” Contented with this reply, Hagar commented, “We are not going to be lost, since Allah, Who has Commanded you, is with us.” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) invoked Allah (SWT): öΝÍκös9Î) ü“ÈθöκsE Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# š∅ÏiΒ Zο‰Ï↔øùr& ö≅yèô_$$sù nο4θn=¢Á9$# (#θßϑ‹É)ã‹Ï9 $uΖ−/u‘ ÇΠ§ysßϑø9$# y7ÏF÷t/ y‰ΨÏã ?íö‘y— “ÏŒ Îöxî >Š#uθÎ/ ©ÉL−ƒÍh‘èŒ ⎯ÏΒ àMΖs3ó™r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) !$uΖ−/§‘ y Ï™!$yϑ¡¡9$# ’Îû Ÿωuρ ÇÚö‘{$# ’Îû &™ó©x« ⎯ÏΒ «!$# ’n?tã 4‘xøƒs† $tΒuρ 3 ß⎯Î=÷èçΡ $tΒuρ ’Å∀øƒéΥ $tΒ ÞΟn=÷ès? y7¨ΡÎ) !$oΨ−/u‘ ∩⊂∠∪ tβρãä3ô±o„ óΟßγ¯=yès9 ÏN≡tyϑ¨W9$# z⎯ÏiΒ Νßγø%ã—ö‘$#uρ F ∩⊂∇∪ “Our Lord! Lo! I have settled some of my posterity in an uncultivable valley near unto Your Holy House, our Lord! That they may establish proper worship; so incline some hearts of men that they may yearn towards them, and provide You them with fruits in order that they be thankful. Our Lord! Lo! You know that which we hide and that which we proclaim. Nothing in the earth or in the heaven is hidden from Allah.” (Quran: 14/37-38) Hagar placed Prophet Ismail (AS) in her lap and suckled him, while quenching her own thirst with the little water left with her. Eventually, the water finished. The desert heat increased her thirst and that of Prophet Ismail (AS). Her milk had also dried up due to the lack of liquid intake. The agony of looking at her crying son, who was kicking his feet in despair, made her look around for a sign of oasis or help. She was in a valley between two hills. She climbed the hill named As-Safa. When she reached the top and looked around, she could see no sign of life or relief. She ran down towards the spot in the valley where Prophet Ismail (AS) was lying and crying. Her desperation increased, she tucked up her robe and ran towards the other hill known as Al-Murwaa. Again, upon reaching the top she did not find any sign of life or relief. She came down to Prophet Ismail (AS) who continued to cry and kick the sand where his feet touched. She ran and climbed As-Safa again. She repeated the climbings of As-Safa and Al-Murwaa and ran between them in the valley seven times. Upon reaching Al-Murwaa on the seventh time she thought she heard a voice. She was gasping aloud and tried to calm herself; she thought that she had imagined it when she heard the voice again. This time it was clear but she was unsure of its source. She mumbled, “O, I think I am hearing someone. Have you got something to help me?”
- 53. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 53 She saw an angel standing nearby, on a spot later called Zam-Zam. The angel dug the ground and water sprung up. Hagar made a basin around the fountain to gather water, and filled up her water container. As she was quenching her thirst, she was also suckling Prophet Ismail (AS). The angel assured her, “Don’t be afraid and don’t think of being left neglected. This is the place where the House of Allah will be built by this boy and his father. Allah never neglects His people.” In some legends it is said that the fountains of Zam-Zam sprang from the spot where Prophet Ismail (AS) was kicking and rubbing the ground, while he was crying due to thirst. And Allah (SWT), in His Mercy, released it! The spot where this miracle took place is near the House of Allah, The Kabah, in Makkah. The fountains of the Zam-Zam continue to spurt water to this day and will not dry till the end of the world, Inshallah. Those desperate actions, of Hagar, when she was desperately climbing the hills of As-Safa and Al- Murwaa and running in between the valley have been decreed a mandatory part of the rituals of Hajj and Umra in Islam. Hajj is performed once annually during the mandated days. Umra can be performed at any time of the day or night as well during any period of the year. Both these Prayers are a requisite, in Islam, but should only be performed by those who can afford it and are physically able to do so. Millions of the Muslims from all the nations of the world have been performing these prayers ever since. Some members of a hunting party from the nomadic tribe of Jurhum had wandered astray while hunting in the desert. They observed a species of bird that always stays in the close proximity to water. These people knew that there was no water in the valley. They decided to send scouts to determine the landing spot of the bird. The scouts, who had followed the bird, returned and informed them about the presence of water. All of them came to the place where Hagar was sitting near the water. Their leader asked Hagar if she was willing to permit them and their families to live near the water. Hagar willingly gave them permission to settle there. It was stipulated that the inhabitants of the valley did not have any rights to control the access to water. It was mandated that the water should be made freely available to everyone who came to its source. Their families joined them and permanently settled there. Hagar died while Prophet Ismail (AS) was still in his childhood. The tribesmen adopted him and the community raised him. He was loved and admired by everyone. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) used to visit him at intervals as determined by Allah (SWT). During one of those visits Prophet Ibrahim (AS) told Prophet Ismail (AS) that he had recently had a very strange and a consistent vision. He explained that Allah (SWT) had Demanded the Best Sacrifice that he could offer! Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had offered the sacrifice of the best ram from his flock. The vision appeared again. He offered the sacrifice of his best camel. Again the vision reappeared. He prepared the best meals and fed a large number of poor people of the community. The vision reappeared again, only this time, he saw that he was slaughtering Prophet Ismail (AS) as the sacrificial object! Prophet Ismail (AS) told his father, “O Father! Do what Allah has Ordered you to do. You will find me unwavering and patient.” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) loved Prophet Ismail (AS) very dearly; he was his only child at that time. But Allah’s (SWT) prayers and devotion demanded that he follow through with his vision and offer the sacrifice of Prophet Ismail (AS).
- 54. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 54 Prophet Ibrahim (AS) led his son to a stone altar. There he laid his son on the altar, but found it difficult for him to cut the jugular at his neck. Prophet Ismail (AS) told his father to cover the eyes of both of them with blindfolds. The blindfolds would prevent any faltering by either of them; if, per chance, their eyes met and the love for each crept in. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) followed through with the suggestions of his son and offered the sacrifice. With a heavy heart he removed his blindfold and was very pleasantly surprised to see that a slaughtered lamb was lying on the altar. His son, Prophet Ismail (AS), was standing nearby unharmed. Both of them went into prostration and prayed to Allah (SWT) as a thankful gesture. ∩⊇⊃∇∪ t⎦⎪ÌÅzFψ$# ’Îû Ïμø‹n=tã $oΨø.ts?uρ ∩⊇⊃∠∪ 5ΟŠÏàã ?xö/É‹Î/ çμ≈oΨ÷ƒy‰sùuρ ∩⊇⊃∉∪ ß⎦⎫Î7ßϑø9$# (#àσ¯≈n=t7ø9$# uθçλm; #x‹≈yδ χÎ) t Lo! That surely was a clear test. Then We ransomed him with a momentous Sacrifice. And We left this blessing for him among generations to come in later times. “ (Quran: 37/106-108) Muslims are celebrating this offering of the sacrifice by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) every year as a completion of the Hajj ceremonies. Those Muslims who are not present at the Hajj in Makkah offer the same sacrifice wherever they live all around the world. When Prophet Ismail reached puberty, he was married to a woman from the tribe who had adopted and raised him. Once Prophet Ibrahim (AS) came to visit them but found that Prophet Ismail (AS) was not at home. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) asked the wife of Prophet Ismail (AS) about his whereabouts. She replied, “He has gone to search for our livelihood.” The he asked her about the condition of their livelihood and the means of their subsistence. She complained, “We are living in misery; we are living in hardship and destitution.” He said, “When your husband returns, convey my salutations to him and tell him to change the threshold of the door of his house.” Later that day when Prophet Ismail (AS) returned to his house, he had a strange sensation; about a visitor . He asked his wife, “Has anyone visited you?” She was affirmative and described the physical description of the visitor and the conversation that took place. She conveyed the message for him. Prophet Ismail (AS) told her, “It was my father, and he has ordered me to divorce you. Go back to your family.” After having divorced his wife, Prophet Ismail (AS) remarried within the same tribe. Once again Prophet Ibrahim (AS) came to visit Prophet Ismail (AS). Prophet Ismail was not present. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) asked his second wife the same questions that he had asked his first wife. However, the second wife’s reply was, “We are prosperous and well-off. And we are thankful to Allah.” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) asked, “What kind of food do you eat and what do you drink?” She replied, “We eat meat and we drink water.” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) told her, “When your husband comes, give my salutations and regards. And tell him that he should keep firm the threshold of the door to his house.” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) then prayed to Allah (SWT), “O Allah! Bless their meat and water.”
- 55. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 55 When Prophet Ismail (AS) returned home that day, again he had that strange sensation of his father having visited his house. His wife confirmed the visit and conveyed the message that had been given to her. Prophet Ismail (AS) told her, “That was my father. He has found you to be a righteous person and has ordered me look after you.” A little later, once Prophet Ismail (AS) was sitting near Zam-Zam when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) approached him. Prophet Ismail (AS) was very pleased to see Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Prophet Ismail (AS) stood up and greeted with him with respect. They exchanged salutations and prayers for each other. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) told him, “O’ Ismail! Allah has given me an Order.” Prophet Ismail (AS) replied, “Do what Allah has Ordered. If it concerns me, I am willing.” Prophet Ibrahim (AS) advised him, “Allah has ordered the construction of His House on that hillock.” Both of them started the building of the House, the Kabah. Prophet Ismail (AS) carried the stones while Prophet Ibrahim (AS) built the walls. When the walls had risen to higher levels, Prophet Ismail (AS) used to kneel down and had his father climb on him to place the stones at those high levels. At all times both of them prayed to Allah (SWT): ∩⊇⊄∠∪ ÞΟŠÎ=yèø9$# ßìŠÏϑ¡¡9$# |MΡr& y7¨ΡÎ) ( !$¨ΨÏΒ ö≅¬7s)s? $uΖ−/u‘ ã≅ŠÏè≈yϑó™Î)uρ ÏMøt7ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ y‰Ïã#uθs)ø9$# ÞΟ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) ßìsùötƒ øŒÎ)uρ And when Ibrahim and Ismail were raising the foundations of the House, praying: “Our Lord! Accept from us this duty. Lo! You, only You are the Hearer, the Knower.” (Quran: 2/127) After the completion of the Kabah, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left Prophet Ismail (AS) to look after the House of Allah and to continue conveying the messages of Allah (SWT) to those who were living there and to those who visited them.
- 56. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 56 PROPHET LUT (LOT) AS: Prophet Lut (AS) was a nephew and a follower of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). When they were passing through Palestine, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) instructed Prophet Lut (AS) to go to the city of Sadum (Sodom), on the western shore of the Dead Sea and preach there. The inhabitants of Sodom were among the most wicked people who had ever lived there. They were full of evil and would ambush and kill the travelers; they would not hesitate to rob each other. The weaklings were stomped upon by the strong. The rich enslaved the poor. Lawless anarchy was the rule of the day. The majorities of the people of that nation were homosexuals and practiced the anal sex openly. (The term “sodomy” and its linked terms have been derived from there). Prophet Lut (AS) had been sent there to preach and make the people of Sodom give up their unnatural and indecent practices. The majority ignored his messages and sermons, listened by a few amongst them. This majority did not like him and threatened to drive him out of the city if he continued with his preaching. Prophet Lut (AS) did not give up his mission although he found it very hard to convince the people that their practices were immoral and unnatural. He would remind them that Allah (SWT) had provided them wives who were their natural partners and would offer them the greater satisfaction for their sexual needs. The people refused to accept these messages and arrogantly claimed that their practices of homosexuality were permissible by the nature of the act; moreover, it was the act of their preference. They were merely exercising their free will and the right to choose. !$tΒρ ∩⊇∉⊂∪ Èβθãè‹ÏÛr&uρ ©!$# (#θà)¨?$$sù ∩⊇∉⊄∪ ×⎦⎫ÏΒ& îΑθß™u‘ öΝä3s9 ’ÎoΤÎ) ∩⊇∉⊇∪ tβθà)−Gs? Ÿωr& îÞθä9 öΝèδθäzr& öΝçλm; tΑ$s% øŒÎ) ∩⊇∉⊃∪ t⎦⎫Î=y™ößϑø9$# >Þθä9 ãΠöθs% ôMt/¤‹x. u r ô⎯ÏiΒ Νä3š/u‘ ö/ä39 ,n=y{ $tΒ βρâ‘‹s?uρ ∩⊇∉∈∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβ#tø.—%!$# tβθè?ù's?r& ∩⊇∉⊆∪ š⎥⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Éb>u‘ 4’n?tã ωÎ) y“Ìô_r& ÷βÎ) ( @ô_r& ô⎯ÏΒ Ïμø‹n=tã öΝä3è=t↔™r& s t t x ó ∩⊇∉∠∪ t⎦⎫Å_t÷‚ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ¨⎦sðθä3tGs9 äÞθè=≈tƒ ÏμtF⊥s? óΟ©9 ⎦È⌡s9 (#θä9$s% ∩⊇∉∉∪ šχρߊ%tæ îΠöθs% öΝçFΡr& ö≅t/ 4 Νä3Å_≡uρø—& r The folk of Lut denied the messengers of Allah. When their brother Lut said to them, “Will you not ward off evil? Lo! I am a faithful messenger to you. So keep your duty to Allah and obey me. And I ask no wages from you. My wage is the concern only of the Lord of the Worlds. Why! Unlike the other creatures you come into the males, and ignore your wives, which your Lord has created for you as partners. You are forward folks. ” The people said, “If you do not stop, O Lut, you will soon be amongst those expelled” (Quran: 26/160-167) Prophet Lut (AS) was disappointed by the behavior of his people. These evil practices had spread throughout the land. His message and preaching were having no effect. No one wanted to believe in him except his family members, with the exception of his wife, who had joined the ranks of the unbelievers. Prophet Lut (AS) was agonized by his surroundings and what was happening around him. He was tormented and restless when he was outside his house and had no solace when he returned home. Yet, he remained patient and steadfast towards Allah (SWT) and in his mission, which had turned into a failure. Moreover his warnings, about the wrath of Allah (SWT), upon the immoral nation were being mocked at, and the unbelievers were teasing him. É>#x‹èÎ/ $oΨÏKø$# (#θä9$s% βr& HωÎ) ÿ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs% šU#uθ_ šχ%x. $yϑsù ( tx6Ζßϑø9$# ãΝä3ƒÏŠ$tΡ ’Îû šχθè?ù's?uρ Ÿ≅‹Î6¡¡9$# tβθãèsÜø)s?uρ tΑ%y`Ìh9$# šχθè?ù'tFs9 öΝä3§ΨÎ←r& y y ∩⊄®∪ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈¢Á9$# z⎯ÏΒ |MΖà2 βÎ) «!$#
- 57. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 57 For come you not into males, and cut you not the road for travelers and commit you not abomination in your meetings? But the answer of his folk was only that they said: Bring Allah’s Torment upon us if you are one of the truthful. (Quran: 29/29) Overwhelmed with despair, Prophet Lut (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT): ∩⊇∉®∪ tβθè=ϑ÷ètƒ $£ϑÏΒ ’Í?÷δr&uρ ©Í_ÅngwΥ Éb>u‘ y My Lord! Save my household and me from what the people of this nation do. (Quran: 26/169) Allah (SWT) Heard the prayers of distress and the calls for assistance from Prophet Lut (AS). Three angels, who were visiting, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had been sent: • to convey the glad tidings of the birth of Prophet Ishaaq (AS), and • to help save Prophet Lut (AS) and his family from the punishment of Allah (SWT) that had been predetermined for the people of that area. When the three angels reached the outer walls of the town, a daughter of Prophet Lut (AS) saw them approaching and knew that they were complete strangers by the nature of their dress and the manner in which they walked. Their youthful and beautiful faces stunned her. To her utter amazement and pleasure, one of them addressed her, “O maiden! Do you know of any place where we can rest?” The girl was aware of the indecent nature of the town’s people. She wanted to save these three from being humiliated. She asked them to wait there while she fetched her father who would assist them. She ran to her father and told him, “Oh Father! You need to help the youngsters waiting at the town entrance. I have never seen such masculine beauty like theirs, ever before!” Prophet Lut (AS) immediately responded and met the strangers. He asked them about themselves but they refused to offer any clues except they kept asking him if he was able to offer them shelter. Prophet Lut (AS), in all honesty, told the strangers about the evil natures of the townspeople and advised them to avoid spending the night there for their own safety. While he wanted to host them and treat the wayfarers appropriately as per his nature, he was very reluctant and fearful for the dire consequences if the strangers were discovered by the evil townspeople. He knew that the townspeople would molest them. The strangers were adamant and insisted on staying there. Very reluctantly, Prophet Lut (AS) took them to his house and requested that they stay out of the sight of the other people. His family members were very pleased and were all supportive towards their guests; except Prophet Lut’s (AS) wife, who at the first available opportunity slipped out of the house and spread the news about the handsome and youthful strangers in their home. The news spread like wildfire and the fanatics gathered near the gatehouse of Prophet Lut (AS). It was now apparent to him that his wife had spread the news about his guests. ωÎ) ∩∈®∪ š⎥⎫Ïèϑô_r& öΝèδθ’foΨßϑ9 $¯ΡÎ) >Þθä9 tΑ#u™ HωÎ) ∩∈∇∪ š⎥⎫ÏΒÍ÷g’Χ 7Θöθs% 4’n<Î) !$oΨù=Å™ö‘é& !$¯ΡÎ) (#þθä9$s% ∩∈∠∪ tβθè=y™ößϑø9$# $pκš‰r& öΝä3ç6ôÜz $yϑù tΑ$s% y s y s (#θçΡ%x. $yϑÎ/ 7≈oΨ÷∞Å_ ö≅t/ (#θä9$s% ∩∉⊄∪ βρãx6Ζ•Β ×Πöθs% öΝä3¯ΡÎ) tΑ$s% ∩∉⊇∪ tβθè=y™ößϑø9$# >Þθä9 tΑ#u™ u™!%y` $£ϑn=sù ∩∉⊃∪ š⎥⎪ÎÉ9≈tóø9$# z⎯Ïϑs9 $pκ¨ΞÎ) !$tΡö‘£‰s% …çμs?r&øΒ$# y t t Ó‰nr& óΟä3ΖÏΒ ôMÏtGù=tƒ Ÿωρ öΝèδ≈t/÷Šr& ôìÎ7¨?$#uρ È≅ø‹©9$# z⎯ÏiΒ 8ìôÜÉ)Î/ y7Ï=÷δr'Î/ Îó r'sù ∩∉⊆∪ šχθè%ω≈|Ás9 $¯ΡÎ)uρ Èd,ysø9$$Î/ y7≈oΨ÷s?r&uρ ∩∉⊂∪ šχρçtIôϑtƒ ÏμŠÏù t u t ∩∉∠∪ tβρçųö;tGó¡o„ ÏπΨƒÏ‰ϑø9$# ã≅÷δ& u™!%`uρ ∩∉∉∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎ6óÁ•Β ×íθäÜø)tΒ Ï™Iωàσ¯≈yδ tÎ/#yŠ χr& tøΒF{$# y7Ï9≡sŒ Ïμø‹s9Î) !$oΨø‹ŸÒs%uρ ∩∉∈∪ tβρãtΒ÷σè? ß]ø‹ym (#θàÒøΒ$#uρ o y r y
- 58. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 58 βÎ) þ’ÎA$uΖt/ Ï™Iωàσ¯≈δ tΑ$s% ∩∠⊃∪ š⎥⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Ç⎯tã y7yγ÷ΨtΡ öΝ9uρr& (#þθä9$s% ∩∉®∪ Èβρâ“øƒéB Ÿωuρ ©!$# (#θà)¨?$#uρ ∩∉∇∪ ÈβθßsŸÒøs? Ÿξsù ’Å∀øŠ|Ê Ï™Iωàσ¯≈yδ ¨βÎ) tΑ$s% y s Zοu‘$y∨Ïm öΝÍκön=tã $tΡösÜøΒr&uρ $yγn=Ïù$y™ $pκuÎ=≈tã $oΨù=èyfsù ∩∠⊂∪ t⎦⎫Ï%Îô³ãΒ èπysøŠ¢Á9$# ãΝåκøE‹{r'sù ∩∠⊄∪ tβθßγyϑ÷ètƒ öΝÍκÌEtõ3y™ ’Å∀s9 öΝåκ¨ΞÎ) x8ãôϑyès9 ∩∠⊇∪ t⎦,Î#Ïè≈sù óΟçFΖä. y x s ∩∠∈∪ t⎦⎫Ïÿ¿dœuθtGçΗø>Ïj9 ;M≈tƒUψ y7Ï9≡sŒ ’Îû ¨βÎ) ∩∠⊆∪ @≅ŠÉdfÅ™ ⎯ÏiΒ He Ibrahim said, “ And afterwards what is your business, Oh you! Messengers of Allah?” They said, “We have been sent towards the people who are all criminal folks except the family of Lut. We will save all of them except his wife”. We had decreed that she should be amongst those who stay behind. And when the messengers came amongst the family of Lut. He said, “Lo! You are unknown folk for me”. They said, “But we bring you that which the unbelievers dispute; and bring for you the Truth, and lo! We are the truth tellers. So travel with your household with in the night, behind each other. Let none of you turn around, but go towards where you are commanded” And We made it plain to him, that the roots of those who did wrong was to be cuts at early morning. And the people of the city came, pleased at the news of new arrivals, He said, “Lo! They are my guests. Affront me not! And keep your duty to Allah, and shame me not!” They said, “Have we not forbidden you from entertaining anyone?” He said, “Here are my daughters, if you must have the urge.” By your life, O Muhammad, they moved blindly in the frenzy of approaching Death. Then the awful Cry overtook at the sunrise. And We utterly confounded them, and We rained upon them stones of heated clay. Lo! Therein verily are portents for those who read the Signs. (Quran: 15/57-75) When the mob started ramming his doors, Prophet Lut (AS) pleaded with them to seek their sexual pleasures from their wives instead of sodomizing his guests. The mob, overcharged with their passion and frenzy, broke down the door and entered the courtyard. Prophet Lut (AS) was visibly angry with their behavior. He was helpless and agonized by the tyranny and the assaults that could be inflicted on his guests. He raised his hands towards the heavens and prayed aloud for the strength to push the crowd out of his house. The guests noticed all that was taking place and heard the pleas of very helpless Prophet Lut (AS); they approached him and assured him, “Oh Lut! Do not be frightened or fearful of these people. We are the angels of Allah who have come to help you against these insolent people. They cannot harm you anymore!” The angels instilled the fear among the mob, which dispersed immediately and left the house of Prophet Lut. The angels instructed Prophet Lut (AS) to leave the town before sunrise and to take all his family with him except his wife. After Prophet Lut (AS) and his family were far from town, an earthquake rocked the town and a storm of stones rained upon the city. Everyone and everything was destroyed including the wife of Prophet Lut (AS). ’Îû ¨βÎ) ∩⊇∠⊂∪ t⎦⎪Í‘x‹Ζßϑø9$# ãsÜtΒ u™!$|¡sù ( #sÜ¨Β ΛÏιø‹n=tæ $tΡösÜøΒr&uρ ∩⊇∠⊄∪ t⎦⎪ÌyzFψ$# $tΡö¨ΒyŠ §ΝèO ∩⊇∠⊇∪ t⎦⎪ÎÉ9≈tóø9$# ’Îû #Y—θègx” ωÎ) ∩⊇∠⊃∪ t⎦⎫ÏèuΗødr& ÿ…ã&#÷δr&uρ çμ≈uΖø‹¤fuΖsù s ∩⊇∠∈∪ ÞΟ‹Ïm§9$# Ⓝ͖yêø9$# uθçλm; y7−/u‘ ¨βÎ)uρ ∩⊇∠⊆∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΛèεãsVø.r& tβ%x. $tΒuρ ( ZπtƒUψ y7Ï9≡sŒ So We saved him and his household, everyone, except an old woman who was left behind. Then afterwards We destroyed the others. And We rained on them a rain. And dreadful is the rain of those who have been warned. Lo! Herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. And Lo! Your Lord, He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. (Quran: 26/170-175) $uΚåκ]tã $uŠÏΖøóムóΟ=sù $yϑèδ$tFtΡ$y⇐sù È⎦÷⎫ysÎ=≈|¹ $tΡÏŠ$t7Ïã ô⎯ÏΒ È⎦ø⎪y‰ö6tã |MøtrB $tFtΡ%Ÿ2 ( 7Þθä9 |Nr&øΒ$#uρ 8yθçΡ |Nr&tøΒ$# (#ρãxx. š⎥⎪Ï%©#Ïj9 WξsVtΒ ª!$# šUuŸÑ ÷ n t ∩⊇⊃∪ t⎦,Î#Åz≡£‰9$# ìtΒ u‘$¨Ζ9$# Ÿξäz÷Š$# Ÿ≅‹Ï%uρ $↔øŠx© «!$# š∅ÏΒ y
- 59. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 59 Allah sets forth, for an example to the Unbelievers, the wife of Nuh and the wife of Lut: they were under two of Our righteous Servants, but they were false to their husbands, and they profited nothing from Allah on their account, but were told, “You enter the Fire along with the others that enter!” (Quran: 66/10)
- 60. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 60 PROPHET ISHAAQ (ISAAC) (AS) Prophet Ishaaq (AS) has been praised in Holy Quran for being chosen to convey Allah’s message (SWT) to tribes in nearby nations. The earlier books give more detail about his life. He spent his early life in close proximity of his father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS), and sometimes his half-brother, Prophet Ismail (AS). His early learning included all the essential lessons about the necessities of prayer, the practices of Islamic monotheism, and the total rejection of idol worshipping or associating partners with Allah (SWT). He was trained and guided by both his father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his half-brother, Prophet Ismail (AS). His mother, Sarah, strongly objected to his associations with his half-brother. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) wanted Prophet Ishaaq (AS) to marry, but not to a woman within his tribe of Canaanites; as most Canaanites were pagans who chose to remain pagan even though Prophet Ibrahim (AS) preached the importance of abandoning idolatry. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) assigned his trustworthy servants search for a suitable match among the inhabitants of the tribes of Haran in Iraq. These servant-explorers found a compatible bride named Rebecca. Rebecca was the daughter of Bethuel. Bethuel, son of Nahor, was a nephew of Prophet Ibrahim. Prophet Ishaaq (AS) married Rebecca. She gave birth to twins, Al-Eis (Esau) and Prophet Yaqoob (Jacob) (AS)*. Jacob means “of Israel” or belonging to the people of Israel.
- 61. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 61 PROPHET YAQOOB (JACOB) (AS) According to the Old Books, when Prophet Ishaaq (AS) was growing old he was almost blind. This disability had restricted his physical activity. He had become used to sitting and praying in this tent as an immobile person. His sons took care of him and provided for all his needs. Once he asked his son Al-Eis to go out and hunt an animal for him as he had strong craving to eat some game meat cooked to his preference. Al-Eis was always anxious to please his father. He asked his father to bless the food and to pray for his success in fulfilling his wishes. Rebecca overheard this conversation. She wanted Prophet Yaqoob (AS) to be the one who should provide the meal desired by Prophet Ishaaq (AS). She told Prophet Yaqoob (AS) to slaughter two of the best goats from his flock and cook them in the style his father liked. All this should be done before the return of Al-Eis. Rebecca dressed Prophet Yaqoob (AS) in Al-Eis’ clothes and put goatskin coverings on his arms and neck. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was not as hairy as was Al-Eis! When Prophet Yaqoob (AS) approached his father, carrying the food. Prophet Ishaaq (AS) asked, “Who are you?” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) replied, “I am your son and have brought you the food you desired.” After Prophet Ishaaq (AS) finished his meal, he prayed to Allah (SWT) that his son be raised in status and prevail over other people. He asked Allah (SWT) to bless this son and his children and to increase their sustenance. Later, when Al-Eis brought the food and set it in near his father, Prophet Ishaaq (AS) asked him what it was that he had brought. Al-Eis answered, “This is the food that you asked.” Prophet Ishaaq (AS) questioned, “Didn’t you bring it earlier?” Al-Eis replied, “No, I did not.” Al-Eis figured out what had taken place in his father’s tent. Al-Eis felt cheated and deprived of his father’s blessings. He developed an intense hatred and jealousy for Prophet Yaqoob (AS). Al-Eis knew that his twin brother was their mother’s favorite. Al-Eis resented that treatment. He knew that his mother had maneuvered Prophet Ishaaq (AS) to favor Prophet Yaqoob (AS). Moreover, the torch of the prophet hood was being granted to Prophet Yaqoob (AS). In a fit of anger, Al-Eis threatened to kill Prophet Yaqoob (AS). When Rebecca learned about this threat on the life of Prophet Yaqoob (AS), she immediately sent him to the house of her brother, Laban, in the land of Haran where Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was to stay until Al-Eis’s anger subsided. She asked her husband, Prophet Ishaaq (AS) to bless and advise Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and to pray to Allah (SWT) for his safety. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) departed on his journey towards the land of his maternal uncle, Laban. On the second night after he left home, he rested for the night in an elevated spot. During that night, he had a dream of a ladder rising to the heavens above with the angels moving to and fro. He heard the voice of Allah (SWT), “We Will Bless you and your off springs. We Will Make this land prosperous for you and for those who follow you.” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was pleased at what he dreamed and heard. He considered it a very pleasant omen. He prostrated and vowed to Allah (SWT) that if he returned safely to his family, he would build a temple for Allah (SWT) on that spot and donate ten percent of all his belongings as a charity for Allah (SWT). He marked the stone, which he had used as a pillow, and called the place, “Ayle’s House”-Bethel: which means, “House of Allah.” It is the same spot where Jerusalem was built!
- 62. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 62 When Prophet Yaqoob (AS) arrived at his maternal uncle’s house, Laban, his uncle, welcomed him. Laban had two daughters: Lia (Leah) was the elder and was partially blind, and Rahil (Rachel) was the younger. Rahil was the prettier of the sisters and Prophet Yaqoob (AS) asked his uncle if he could marry her. Laban, the uncle, told Prophet Yaqoob (AS) to work as a shepherd for him for seven years in exchange for the payment for his marriage. Upon completion of the contracted time, Laban prepared a feast at night and invited his community for the wedding. As was the custom, the bride departed in a procession that delivered her at night in the bridal chamber at the house of Prophet Yaqoob (AS). When Prophet Yaqoob (AS) looked at the bride, it was Leah. He was shocked that he had been cheated. He immediately met and complained to his uncle, “You have deceived me; I was engaged to Rahil. You have married me to Leah!” His uncle replied, “It is not our tradition to marry the younger daughter ahead of the unmarried elder daughter. However, if you love Rahil, work for another seven years. I will marry you to both of them.” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) worked for seven more years and was then married to Rahil.* Laban gave each daughter a female slave. Leah’s slave was named Zilpah and Rahil’s slave was called Bilha. *It was an acceptable practice at that time for a person to marry two sisters. So it is stated in Torah. Allah (SWT), in His Mercy, showered His blessings upon Leah, who gave birth to sons. The first was Robel (Reuben), followed by Shamun (Simeon), Lawi (Levi), and Yahudh (Judah). Rahil was unable to conceive and became jealous of the status that Leah was gaining because of her fertility and the male children she delivered. Rahil gave her slave Bilha to her husband to sire. A son, Naphtali, was born to Bilha. Now Leah got jealous and gave her slave, Zilpah, to her husband. Zilpah had two sons, Gad and Asher, fathered by Prophet Yaqoob (AS). Meanwhile, Leah gave birth to two more sons, Issachar and Zebulon. Later, Leah gave birth to a daughter named Dinah. Thus, Leah had seven sons and a daughter from Prophet Yaqoob (AS). Rahil prayed to Allah (SWT). She begged for a son from Prophet Yaqoob (AS). Allah (SWT) Heard her pleas and Responded. She gave birth to a son whom she named Yusuf (Joseph). All this happened while Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was serving his uncle, Laban, as a shepherd. He had served his uncle for about twenty-two years. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) asked his uncle to grant him a leave of absence to enable him to visit his parents. His uncle, Laban, although a mean person, told Prophet Yaqoob (AS) that he had been very pleased with his services. He said, “I have been blessed because of you; ask for whatever money you need.” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) replied, “Give me every spotted and speckled goat and every black lamb born this year.” Laban, true to his mean nature, instructed his sons to separate from the stock all that matched the requirements of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and take them away from the area. Laban told Prophet Yaqoob (AS) that his requirements could not be met, as there were none in his stock that matched the desired description. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) knew that Laban was manipulating and wanted to deprive him of what had been promised to him as fair wages. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) collected some branches of poplars and almonds, peeled streaks in them, and cast them into the water troughs being used by the goats. When the goats drank the water from the trough; the baby goats in their bellies were terrified and were born striped, spotted, and speckled. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) repeated the same with the sheep whose baby-sheep were born immediately, and with black skins! Laban and his
- 63. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 63 Allah (SWT) had Inspired Prophet Yaqoob (AS) to return to the land of his parents. He told his family about the command of Allah to leave Haran. All the family agreed to join him in his move. Before leaving Haran, Rahil took some of the idols, which her father was worshipping as souvenirs, and hid them in her personal belongings. Laban, his sons and some members of their community followed the caravan of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and his family. When they met the caravan of Prophet Yaqoob (AS), Laban accused him of departing without their knowledge; it was not right because the community had planned to celebrate their departure with festivities, and bid farewells to every member of the departing family. Moreover, Laban wanted to know why they had stolen the idols from him. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) had no knowledge of the idols; hence, he denied ever taking them. Laban, ordered a search of all the tents but found nothing. Rahil had hidden the idols below her seat on the camel. She refused to dismount pretending that she was bleeding due to her menses and it would embarrass her if she were forced to dismount. Laban gave up the search. However, both Laban and Prophet Yaqoob (AS) sat atop a hill called Galeed and made a covenant: • Prophet Yaqoob (AS) would not treat Laban’s daughters harshly nor marry other women. • Neither Laban nor Prophet Yaqoob (AS) would cross over the Galeed into each other’s territory. They celebrated the covenant by cooking and eating together. Then, they bade farewell and departed towards their own countries. When Prophet Yaqoob (AS) approached the land of Seir, the angels greeted him. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) sent an advance envoy with greetings to his brother, Al-Eis, asking for his forgiveness and offering his humble apologies. The messenger returned with greetings and told him that Al-Eis was riding towards them with four hundred men. This news scared Prophet Yaqoob (AS). Fearing that his brother had not forgiven him, he invoked the help of Allah (SWT) to Intervene between him and his brother. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) prepared a great present for his brother, which comprised 1. Two hundred female goats and twenty male goats; 2. Two hundred ewes and twenty rams; 3. Thirty milch camels; 4. Forty cows and ten bulls; 5. Twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys. He instructed his slaves to group the herds according to their species. All the herds would travel according to the groups. There should be enough gaps between the traveling groups. His caravan, at two nights distance, would follow the groups of the herds between them. As the herds were traveling ahead, they would be the first to meet Al-Eis and his group. As and when they meet Al-Eis, they would be questioned, “To whom do you belong? Where are you going?” The herd drivers should respond, “We belong to your servant Yaqoob; these are a present for his master Al-Eis. And he is following us.” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) with both of his wives, his children and some of his slaves had slowed down to give a gap of least two nights between his advance party and himself. He traveled by night and rested by day. On the dawn of the second day, an angel, in the shape of a man, came to him. The angel wanted to wrestle with him. They were evenly matched, and tested
- 64. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 64 each other to their maximum strengths. However, the angel inflicted an injury on the thigh of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) who started limping.*. The angel asked his name. “Yaqoob.” Was the reply. The angel said, “From this moment onwards you will only be called “Israel,” and vanished before Prophet Yaqoob (AS) could ask him about himself. He realized then that it was an angel. *Because of this injury and the limp, the children of Israel do not eat thigh muscle from the hip socket of any Kosher animal. Later that morning, Al-Eis arrived at their camp. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) prostrated seven times to him, as was their prevailing custom. Al-Eis was deeply touched by this expression, quickly dismounted, ran towards him, embraced and kissed him affectionately with tears in his eyes. The family of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was pleased and touched by what they observed. When Al-Eis noticed their presence, he asked Prophet Yaqoob (AS) about them. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) replied, “They are the blessings showered by Allah upon your servant!” The wives, their children, and all the slaves approached and prostrated to Al-Eis. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) pleaded with his brother to accept his gift of the herds sent in advance. Al-Eis accepted the same and welcomed the return of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) among his community. Al- Eis departed ahead of them. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) rested at Sahur (Succoth) with his family, flocks and herds. He built a house for himself and erected shades for the animals before moving onwards. Later, they camped near the village of Shechem in Jerusalem. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) bought a farm from Shechem, son of Hamor, and paid the price with one hundred goats. He built an altar, and called it Ayl.* *This altar was built where Jerusalem stands today. Prophet Suleiman (AS) later rebuilt it as the Mosque of Allah. It is the same spot and has the same stone that Prophet Yaqoob (AS) had used as a pillow when he dreamed and received Blessings from Allah (SWT). It is stated in the Old Books that Dinah, daughter of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and Leah, was forcibly picked up and raped by Shechem, son of Hamor. Shechem offered to marry her if her family would permit it. The sons of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) told him, “If all of you circumcise, we will allow our daughters to marry your tribe and will accept your daughters in marriage to ourselves. We do not marry with uncircumcised people.” The tribe agreed and circumcised. On the third day of the circumcision, when their pain was at its height, Prophet Yaqoob’s (AS) sons entered the village and killed all of them. Also killed were Shechem and his father as a punishment for the evil act of the rape. They looted the village and took possession of all their money, jewelry and other belongings. They claimed it to be a justification as the villagers were worshippers of idols. Later, Rahil became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Benjamin. The birth was difficult for Rahil, who died after the delivery. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) buried her in Afrath (Ephrath) and her tomb is still there. Thus, Prophet Yaqoob (AS) had twelve sons. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) joined his father, Prophet Ishaaq (AS), and settled there, in the village of Hebron in the land of Canaan. That is where Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had lived and was also buried there. At the age of one hundred and eighty years, Prophet Ishaaq(AS) died and was buried near the grave of his father, Prophet Ibrahim (AS).
- 65. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 65 The Holy Quran: ÿ…çμš/u‘ …ã&s! Α$s% øŒÎ) ∩⊇⊂⊃∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎ=≈¢Á9$# ⎯Ïϑs9 ÍοtÅzFψ$# ’Îû …çμ¯ΡÎ)uρ ( $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# ’Îû çμ≈uΖø‹xsÜô¹$# ωs)s9uρ 4 …çμ|¡øtΡ tμÏy™ ⎯tΒ ωÎ) zΟ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) Ï'©#ÏiΒ ⎯tã Ü=xîötƒ ⎯tΒuρ t z ΟçFΡr&uρ ωÎ) £⎯è?θßϑ? Ÿξsù ⎦⎪Ïe$!$# ãΝä39 4’s∀Üô¹$# ©!$# ¨βÎ) ¢©Í_t6≈tƒ Ü>θà)÷èƒuρ Ïμ‹Ï⊥t/ ÞΟ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) !$pκÍ5 4©œ»uρuρ ∩⊇⊂⊇∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Éb>tÏ9 àMôϑn=ó™r& tΑ$s% ( öΝÎ=ó™r& s t s s t Ο↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) 7Í←!$t/#u™ tμ≈s9)uρ y7yγ≈s9Î) ߉ç7÷ètΡ (#θä9$s% “ω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ tβρ߉ç7÷ès? $tΒ Ïμ‹Ï⊥t7Ï9 tΑ$s% øŒÎ) ßNöθyϑø9$# z>θà)÷ètƒ u|Øym øŒÎ) u™!#y‰pκà− öΝçGΨä. ÷Πr& ∩⊇⊂⊄∪ tβθßϑÎ=ó¡•Β z y Î (#θçΡ%x. $£ϑã tβθè=t↔ó¡è? Ÿωρ ( öΝçFö;|¡x. $¨Β Νä39uρ ôMt6|¡x. $tΒ $yγs9 ( ôM=z ô‰s% ×π¨Βé& y7ù=Ï? ∩⊇⊂⊂∪ tβθßϑÎ=ó¡ãΒ …ã&s! ß⎯øtwΥuρ #Y‰Ïn≡uρ $Yγ≈s9Î) t,≈ysó™Î)uρ Ÿ≅ŠÏè≈yϑó™Î)uρ t u s ny !$tΒρ «!$$Î/ $¨ΨtΒ#u™ (#þθä9θè% ∩⊇⊂∈∪ t⎦⎫Ï.Îô³ßϑø9$# ⎯ÏΒ tβ%x. $tΒuρ ( $Z‹ÏΖym zΟ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) s'©#ÏΒ ö≅t/ ö≅è% 3 (#ρ߉tGöκsE 3“t≈|ÁtΡ ÷ρr& #·Šθèδ (#θçΡθà2 (#θä9$s%uρ ∩⊇⊂⊆∪ tβθè=uΚ÷ètƒ u z Ÿω óΟÎγÎn/§‘ ⎯ÏΒ šχθ–ŠÎ;¨Ψ9$# u’ÎAρé& !$tΒuρ 4©|¤ŠÏãρ 4©y›θãΒ u’ÎAρé& !$tΒρ ÅÞ$t6ó™F{$#uρ z>θà)÷èƒuρ t,≈ysó™Î)uρ Ÿ≅ŠÏè≈oÿôœÎ)uρ zΟ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) #’n<Î) tΑÌ“Ρé& !$tΒuρ $uΖøŠs9Î) tΑÌ“Ρé& u u t ( 5−$s)Ï© ’Îû öΝèδ $oÿ©ςÎ*sù (#öθ©9uθ? βÎ)¨ρ ( (#ρy‰G÷δ$# ωs)ù ⎯ÏμÎ/ Λä⎢ΨtΒ#u™ !$tΒ È≅÷VÏϑÎ/ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ ÷βÎ*sù ∩⊇⊂∉∪ tβθãΚÎ=ó¡ãΒ …çμs9 ß⎯øtwΥuρ óΟßγ÷ΨÏiΒ 7‰tnr& t⎦÷⎫t/ ä−ÌhxçΡ s t s «!$# ’Îû $oΨtΡθ•_!$ysè?r& ö≅è% ∩⊇⊂∇∪ βρ߉Î7≈tã …ã&s! ß⎯øtwΥuρ ( Zπtóö7¹ «!$# š∅ÏΒ ß⎯|¡ômr& ô⎯tΒρ ( «!$# sπtóö7Ϲ ∩⊇⊂∠∪ ÞΟŠÎ=yèø9$# ßìŠÏϑ¡¡9$# uθèδuρ 4 ª!$# ãΝßγx6‹Ïõ3u‹|¡sù t Ï u šUθà)÷èƒuρ šY≈ysó™Î)uρ Ÿ≅‹Ïè≈yϑó™Î)uρ zΟ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) ¨βÎ) tβθä9θà)s? ôΘr& ∩⊇⊂®∪ tβθÝÁÎ=øƒèΧ …çμs9 ß⎯øtwΥuρ öΝä3è=≈yϑôãr& öΝä3s9uρ $oΨè=≈yϑôãr& !$oΨ9uρ öΝà6š/u‘uρ $uΖš/u‘ uθèδuρ t s βθè=yϑ÷è? $£ϑã @≅Ï≈tóÎ/ ª!$# $tΒρ 3 «!$# š∅ÏΒ …çνy‰ΨÏã ¸οy‰≈yγx© zΟtG. ⎯£ϑÏΒ ãΝn=øß& ô⎯tΒρ 3 ª!$# ÏΘr& ãΝn=ôãr& öΝçFΡr&u™ ö≅è% 3 3“t≈|ÁtΡ ÷ρr& #·Šθèδ (#θçΡ%x. xÞ$t7ó™F{$#uρ t s t u x r u ∩⊇⊆⊃∪ And who turns away from the religion of Ibrahim but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: and he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous. Behold! His Lord said to him; “Bow your will to me.” He said, “I bow my will to The Lord and Cherisher of the Universe.” And this was the legacy that Ibrahim left to his sons, and so did Yaqoob; “ Oh my sons! Allah has Chosen the Faith for you; then do not die except in the Faith of Islam.” Were you witnesses when Death appeared before Yaqoob? Behold, he said to his sons, “What will you worship after me?” The replied, “ We shall worship Allah, who is the God your fathers, of Ibrahim, Ismail and Ishaaq. The One true Allah; to Him we bow in Islam.” Those were the People who have passed away. They shall reap the fruits of what they did, and you of what you do! Of their merits there is no question in your case! They say, “Become Jews or Christians if you would be guided to salvation.” You say: “Nay! I would rather follow the Religion of Ibrahim the True, and he did not join any gods with Allah. We believe in Allah, and the revelation given to us, and to Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaaq, Yaqoob and the Tribes, and that given to Musa and Eisa and that given to all the Prophets from their Lord: we make no difference between any of them, and we bow to Allah in Islam.” So if they believe as you believe, they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism: but Allah will suffice you as against them, and He is the All- Hearing, the All-Knowing. Our religion is the Baptism of Allah; and who can baptize better than Allah? And it is He Whom we worship. Say: Will you dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and you for yours; and that we are sincere in our faith to Him. Or do you say that Ibrahim, Ismail, Ishaaq, Yaqoob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do you know better than Allah? Ah! Who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? But Allah is not unmindful of what you do! (Quran: 2/130-140)
- 66. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 66 PROPHET YUSUF (JOSEPH) AS Prophet Yusuf (AS) was the most handsome and the beautiful male who has ever existed. His trials and tribulations describe every concept of a perfect human. He experienced jealousy, hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, and cruelty and had faced terror. His noble qualities included patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility and compassion. His fascinating story is the most detailed and complete story in the Holy Quran. It gives insight into the depth of Allah’s power and supremacy. Even though there are challenges of human interventions, the story is a visible Sign for those who believe in Him. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) best described Prophet Yusuf (AS) when he was asked, “Who is the most honorable amongst the people?” He replied. “The one who was the most God-fearing! The most honorable person is Yusuf, Allah’s prophet; who was the son of Allah’s prophet, and who in turn was the son of the faithful friend of Allah (Prophet Ibrahim).” In his childhood, Prophet Yusuf (AS) had a vision in the form of a dream that was delightfully pleasant. He saw that eleven stars, the sun and the moon were prostrating to him! Upon waking up, he ran to his father, Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and excitedly related it: ∩⊆∪ š⎥⎪ωÉf≈y™ ’Í< öΝåκçJ÷ƒr&u‘ tyϑs)ø9$#uρ }§ôϑ¤±9$#uρ $Y6x.öθx. ³tã y‰tnr& àM÷ƒr&u‘ ’ÎoΤÎ) ÏMt/r'¯≈tƒ Ïμ‹Î/L{ ß#ß™θムtΑ$s% øŒÎ) u| “Oh my father! Verily I saw in a dream eleven stars and the sun and the moon. I saw them prostrating themselves to me!” (Quran: 12/4) Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was flushed and extremely pleased to learn this. He foresaw that Prophet Yusuf (AS) would be the torchbearer who would continue as the next link in the chain of the prophets started by his grandfather, Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He would keep alive the mission by spreading the messages of Allah (SW) to mankind. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) had received a Promise from Allah (SWT) that all the appointed prophets and messengers thereafter would be from his progeny. However, Prophet Yaqoob (AS), father of the Prophet Yusuf (AS), was also aware of the existing sibling rivalries and jealousies between his children; Prophet Yusuf (AS) was well-liked by everyone, which only intensified the hatred of his brothers, especially his stepbrothers. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) instructed his son to keep the vision to himself and was not to relate it to his brothers who were vulnerable to the Satan. y7•/u‘ šŠÎ;tFøgs† y7Ï9≡x‹x.uρ ∩∈∪ Ñ⎥⎫Î7•Β Aρ߉tã Ç⎯≈|¡ΣM∼Ï9 z⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ¨βÎ) ( #´‰øŠx. y7s9 (#ρ߉‹Å3uŠsù y7Ï?uθ÷zÎ) #’n?tã x8$tƒö™â‘ óÈÝÁø)s? Ÿω ¢©o_ç6≈tƒ tΑ$s% íΟŠÎ=tæ y7−/u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 t,≈ptôÎ)uρ tΛ⎧Ïδ≡tö/Î) ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ y7÷ƒuθt/r& #’n?tã $yγ£ϑn@r& !$yϑx. z>θà)÷ètƒ ÉΑ#u™ #’n?tãuρ šø‹n=tã …çμtFyϑ÷èÏΡ ΟÏFãƒuρ Ï]ƒÏŠ%tnF{$# È≅ƒÍρù's? ⎯ÏΒ y7ßϑÏk=yèãƒuρ ∩∉∪ ÒΟŠÅ3ym O my dear little son! Do not relate your vision to your brothers, lest they concoct a plot against you; for Satan is an avowed enemy to men! Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of stories and events, and perfect His favor to you and to my posterity – even as He perfected it to your fathers Ibrahim and Ishaaq aforetime! For Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.” (Quran: 12/5-6) Ever obedient Prophet Yusuf (AS) did not tell his brothers about his dream or the interpretation of his father. He was aware of the hatred that his brother carried against him and he was also fearful of them.
- 67. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 67 As a youthful teenager, Prophet Yusuf (AS) had turned out to be the most handsome and robust person with a mild and gentle temperament. His attitude was respectful, kind, and considerate to all. He had a brother, Benjamin, from the same mother, Rachel, who replicated his manners. Both of them were very much loved by their father because of their refined behaviors. Their father would not allow them out of his sight out of fear that their stepbrothers would inflict grievous harm upon them. Whenever Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) stepbrothers got together, their main topic of discussion would always be the sibling rivalries between the two sides of their family. These brothers did not like the fact that both Prophet Yusuf (AS) and his brother, Benjamin, received more affection and attention from their father, Prophet Yaqoob (AS). They had expected more attention from their father as they were the elders and looked after the herds and tended to the farms of the family. These brothers met again, this time for the sole purpose of devising a scheme whereby they could get rid of Prophet Yusuf (AS) forever. In their minds they believed that with Prophet Yusuf (AS) out of the way, their father would pay more attention to them. A plan was developed to kill Prophet Yusuf (AS). However, the eldest, named Yahudh, who was also the most intelligent, spoke against the suggestions of any killing. Instead, he offered a plan whereby they would get rid of Prophet Yusuf (AS) without having to kill him. Thus, a conspiracy developed to initiate their plans to get rid of Prophet Yusuf (AS). çμô_uρ öΝä39 ã≅øƒs† $ZÊö‘r& çνθãmôÛ$# Íρr& #ß™θム(#θè=çGø%$# ∩∇∪ A⎦⎫Î7•Β 9≅≈n=|Ê ’Å∀s9 $tΡ$t/r& ¨βÎ) îπt7óÁãã ß⎯øtwΥuρ $¨ΨÏΒ $oΨŠÎ/r& #’n<Î) =ymr& çνθäzr&uρ ß#ß™θã‹s9 (#θä9$s% øŒÎ) s t y βÎ) Íοu‘$§‹¡¡9$# âÙ÷èt/ çμôÜÉ)tGù=tƒ Éb=àfø9$# ÏMt6≈uŠxî ’Îû çνθà)ø9r&ρ y#ß™θム(#θè=çGø)s? Ÿω öΝåκ÷]ÏiΒ ×≅Í←!$s% tΑ$s% ∩®∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎ=≈|¹ $YΒöθs% ⎯Íνω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ (#θçΡθä3s?uρ öΝä3‹Î/r& u ∩⊇⊃∪ t⎦,Î#Ïè≈sù óΟçGΨä. They said , “Truly Yusuf and his brother are more loved than us by our father: although we make a better combination together! Lo! Our father is in plain aberration and has a wandering mind.” One said, “Let us kill Yusuf, or cast him to some other land. Then the favors of our father will be all for us. As we repent we will be the righteous people. One amongst them said, “ Let us not kill Yusuf, but if it has to be done, Let us throw him into a deep well. Some caravan will find him. (Quran: 12/ 8-10) They schemed to take Prophet Yusuf (AS) away from their lands and throw him in the wells of the abandoned mines. There was no chance that he could return back alive from there. Their first hurdle was to separate Prophet Yusuf (AS) from the company of their father. They knew that their father would not easily part with Prophet Yusuf (AS) or hand him over to them. They had to come up with a sound reasoning to convince their father that Prophet Yusuf (AS) would be secure in the company of his stepbrothers. In the near future, an inter-communal games contest was forthcoming. It would take place and had always been contested and won by the brothers as a team. They conspired to use that event as an excuse to take Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the fields away from their father. Hence, the plotting brothers approached Prophet Yaqoob (AS) and asked his permission to take Prophet Yusuf (AS) on a field trip with them in the nearby desert. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was fearful of any harm being inflicted on him by them. He expressed his objections and fears that some wolf might kill and devour Prophet Yusuf (AS) while the brothers were playing among themselves and failed to guard him. The brothers coaxed him into submission by saying that it was
- 68. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 68 impossible for a wolf to come near them while they were such a strong group. Very reluctantly, Prophet Yaqoob agreed to let the brothers take Prophet Yusuf (AS) with them to the fields: ’ÎoΤÎ) Α$s% ∩⊇⊄∪ βθÝàÏ≈yss9 …çμ9 $¯ΡÎ)uρ ó=yèù=tƒuρ ôìs?ötƒ #Y‰î $oΨyètΒ ã&ù#Å™ö‘r& ∩⊇⊇∪ tβθßsÅÁ≈oΨs9 …ã&s! $¯ΡÎ)uρ y#ß™θム4’n?tã $¨Ζ0Βù's? Ÿω y7s9 $tΒ $tΡ$t/r'¯≈tƒ (#θä9$s% t t s x #]ŒÎ) !$¯ΡÎ) îπ7óÁãã ß⎯óstΡuρ Ü=øÏe%!$# ã&s#Ÿ2& ÷⎦È⌡s9 (#θä9$s% ∩⊇⊂∪ šχθè=Ï≈xî çμ÷Ψtã óΟçFΡr&uρ Ü=øÏe%!$# ã&s#à2ù'tƒ βr& ß∃%s{r&uρ ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#θç7yδõ‹s? βr& û©Í_çΡâ“ósu‹s9 t r ∩⊇⊆∪ tβρçÅ£≈y‚©9 They said, “O our father! Why will you not trust us with Yusuf, when lo! We are good friends to him? Send him with us tomorrow that he may enjoy himself and play. And lo! We shall take good care of him.” He said, “Lo! In truth it saddens me that you should take him with you, and I fear lest the wolf devour him whilst you are careless of him.” They said, “If the wolf should devour him when we are so strong a band, the surely we should be the losers.” (Quran: 12/11-14) The conspiring brothers had overcome one hurdle of separating Prophet Yusuf (AS) from their father. They were excited that their goal of having the full attentions of their father was within their sights. The next day, they took Prophet Yusuf (AS) with them towards the desert to conclude their conspired mission and throw him into a deep well. When all of them arrived at the well they grabbed Prophet Yusuf (AS) and restrained him. One of them removed his shirt and secured it. They then threw him into the dark well. The brothers moved away from the vicinity of the well. Prophet Yusuf (AS) thought it was a game being played between him and his brothers. Later, he realized that he had been abandoned and left at the mercy of the environment. Prophet Yusuf (AS) prayed for the Mercy of Allah (SWT). Being a patient person, Prophet Yusuf (AS) had faith and knew that Allah (SWT) would not abandon him. He prayed to Allah (SWT) for help, patiently waiting for divine intervention and never lost faith. Having accomplished the mission of getting rid Prophet Yusuf (AS), the brothers came to their flock and killed a sheep. They soaked their brother’s shirt with the blood of the sheep. They pledged between themselves to maintain absolute secrecy about their heinous crime. To manifest and convince their father that they were truthful and were sincere about their relationship, all of them approached their father with loud cries and wails of mourning. ∩⊇∉∪ šχθä3ö7tƒ [™!$t±Ïã öΝèδ$t/r& ÿρâ™!%y`uρ And they approached and came weeping to their father in the evening. (Quran: 12/16) Prophet Yaqoob (AS) heard the commotion in the courtyard and asked, “Why are you crying? Has something happened to the flock?” $uΖ©9 9⎯ÏΒ÷σßϑÎ/ |MΡr& !$tΒuρ ( Ü=øÏe%!$# ã&s#Ÿ2'sù $oΨÏè≈tGtΒ y‰ΖÏã y#ß™θム$uΖò2ts?uρ ß,Î7oKó¡nΣ $oΨö7yδsŒ $¯ΡÎ) !$tΡ$t/r'¯≈tƒ (#θä9$s% ∩⊇∉∪ šχθä3ö7tƒ [™!$t±Ïã öΝèδ$t/r& ÿρâ™!%y`uρ r $tΒ 4’n?ã ãβ$yèGó¡ßϑø9$# ª!$#uρ ( ×≅ŠÏΗsd ×ö9|Áù ( #øΒr& öΝä3Ý¡àΡr& öΝä3s9 ôMs9§θy™ ö≅t/ tΑ$s% 4 5>É‹x. 5Θy‰Î/ ⎯ÏμÅÁŠÏϑs% 4’n?tã ρâ™!%y`uρ ∩⊇∠∪ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈|¹ $¨Ζà2 öθs9uρ t t s ∩⊇∇∪ tβθàÅÁs? They answered, “ O our father! We were racing with each other and left Yusuf, to guard our possessions. He was devoured by a wolf; but you will not believe us even though we are telling the truth.” And they brought his shirt with false blood. He said, “Nay, but your minds have made up a false tale. As for me, I have find patience is most befitting. Against that which you assert, It is only Allah whose help can be sought.” (Quran: 12/16-18)
- 69. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 69 The brothers told their father that whilst they were playing; Prophet Yusuf (AS) was left to guard their belongings. A wolf attacked Prophet Yusuf (AS) and took his body away to devour him.. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) knew that his sons were lying to him about what they had done to Prophet Yusuf (AS). His inner feelings told him that his favorite son was somehow alive. He spread out the blood-stained shirt and remarked, “What a merciful wolf! It ate up my beloved son yet left his shirt without any tear in it!” When confronted by their father who demanded more information and the truth from them, each one swore by Allah that he was telling the truth. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) left the matter to rest with Allah (SWT) and prayed for patience for himself and hoped that he would have some better news about his favorite son. Meanwhile Prophet Yusuf (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for the well being of his father. He asked Allah (SWT) to grant both of them the patience to bear their separation from each other. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was well aware that life had many trials and that his trials had just begun. A caravan on its way to Egypt stopped at the well. A person caste a bucket in the well to draw some water. Prophet Yusuf (AS) grabbed and held the bucket before it could hit the water. The person who was drawing the water found that hauling it up was heavier than usual. When he peeked into the well, he was amazed to find that a human being was holding the rope. His fellow travelers helped him pull up the person who was holding the rope. When they finally brought the person out of the well, his beauty and youth stunned them. They were the traveling traders; they evaluated the potential of the profits they could make with the sale of this person in the slave markets of Egypt. They clamped shackles on his feet, chained him in a cart, and resumed their journey towards Egypt. Egypt was far away from the Canaan, homeland of Prophet Yusuf (AS). When he was displayed in the slave market, the news of this unusually handsome and robust slave spread like wildfire. People came from all around, out of curiosity, to admire his looks. The majority of the bidders were the elite, who were very rich. Every bidder was ambitious to own the beautiful slave and the auctioneer was pleased at the contest, which was raising the price higher and higher. Finally, Aziz, the Chief Minister of Egypt, secured this prize and took Prophet Yusuf (AS) to his palace. çν÷ρŸ°ρ ∩⊇®∪ šχθè=yϑ÷èƒ $yϑÎ/ 7ΟŠÎ=tæ ª!$#ρ 4 Zπyè≈ŸÒÎ/ çνρ• r&uρ 4 ÖΝ≈n=äî #x‹≈yδ 3“uô³ç6≈tƒ tΑ$s% ( …çνuθø9yŠ 4’n<÷Šr'sù öΝèδyŠÍ‘#uρ (#θè=y™ö‘r'sù ×οu‘$§‹y™ ôNu™!%y`uρ u u t u | βr& #©¤tã çμ1uθ÷WtΒ ’ÍΓÌò2r& ÿ⎯ÏμÏ?r&tøΒeω uóÇÏiΒ ⎯ÏΒ çμ1utIô©$# “Ï%©!$# tΑ$s%uρ ∩⊄⊃∪ š⎥⎪ωÏδ≡¨“9$# z⎯ÏΒ ÏμŠÏù (#θçΡ%Ÿ2uρ ;οyŠρ߉÷ètΒ zΝÏδ≡u‘yŠ <§øƒr2 ∅yϑsVÎ/ | ¤ usYò2r& £⎯Å3≈s9uρ ⎯ÍνÌøΒr& #’n?tã ë=Ï9%yñ ª!$#uρ 4 Ï]ƒÏŠ$ymF{$# È≅ƒÍρù's? ⎯ÏΒ …çμyϑÏk=yèãΨÏ9uρ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû y#ß™θã‹Ï9 $¨Ψ©3tΒ y7Ï9≡x‹Ÿ2uρ 4 #V$s!uρ …çνx‹Ï‚−GtΡ ÷ρr& !$oΨyèxΨtƒ ∩⊄⊇∪ šχθßϑn=ôètƒ Ÿω Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# And there came a caravan, and they sent their water drawer. He let down his pail into the well. He said, “Good luck! Here is a youth!”. And they hid him as a treasure, and Allah was Aware of what they did. And they sold him for a price, a number of silver coins; and they attached no value to him. And he of Egypt who purchase him said to his wife, “Receive him honorably. Perchance he may prove useful to us or we may adopt him as a son.” Thus We established Yusuf in the land that We might teach him the interpretations of the events. And Allah was predominant in his career, but most of mankind does not know. (Quran: 12/19-21)
- 70. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 70 When Prophet Yusuf (AS) was brought to the palace and in the presence of Aziz, the courtiers were instructed by Aziz to remove the shackles that bound Prophet Yusuf (AS). Aziz addressed Prophet Yusuf (AS) and assured him that his freedom of movement within the palace would not be restricted; he would not be ill-treated if he behaved. It was important to Aziz that Prophet Yusuf (AS) should not betray his trust. Prophet Yusuf (AS) appreciated the freedom he was granted; thanked him for the generosity and assured him of his devotion and loyalty. He then prayed to Allah (SWT) to shower His Mercy showered upon him. The wife of Aziz named Zulaikha took him over and assigned Prophet Yusuf (AS) the duties of her personal attendant. Prophet Yusuf (AS) served Zulaikha as a devoted servant and faithfully executed all her orders. Everybody in the palace liked his mild manners and charming personality. His youthfully handsome and robust personality became the talk of the town. Everybody referred to him as the most handsome person ever seen. Some even wrote poems and songs about him. People would travel long distances just to get a glimpse of him and marvel at him. He was the heartthrob of the prettiest maidens. The richest ladies nursed the desire to possess him. Yet he was always humble and polite. As he grew into manhood, Allah (SWT) Showered him with wisdom and knowledge. ∩⊄⊄∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÅ¡ósßϑø9$# “Ì“øgwΥ y7Ï9≡x‹x.uρ 4 $Vϑù=Ïãuρ $Vϑõ3ãm çμ≈oΨ÷s?#u™ ÿ…çν£‰ä©r& xn=t/ $£ϑs9uρ And when he reached his prime We gave him wisdom and knowledge. Thus We reward the good. (Quran: 12/22) Prophet Yusuf (AS) had been granted the wisdom to observe the affairs of the world around him. His knowledge of life and its living conditions were improved. He was blessed with the art of conversation, which captivated those who listened to him. He also was gifted with nobility and self-restraint, which made his personality irresistible. Aziz, his master, realized that the presence of Prophet Yusuf (AS) was a blessing for his house. He had found him to be a person who was honest, straightforward and noble. After some time, he promoted Prophet Yusuf (AS) to take charge of his household and treated him like a son. His wife, Zulaikha, started spending most of her time in the company of Prophet Yusuf (AS). Zulaikha found it difficult to resist her desires to secure him for exclusively herself. She was quickly falling in love with him, but she was not a wayward person. She could command and get the company of any man she desired. She was attractive and intelligent. Even though she did not bear any child for Aziz, he did not take another wife as he was passionately in love with her. ßxÎ=øムŸω …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( y“#uθ÷WtΒ ⎯¡ômr& þ’În1‘ …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( «!$# Œ$yèΒ tΑ$s% 4 šs9 |Mø‹yδ ôMs9$s%uρ šU≡uθö/F{$# ÏMs)¯=yñuρ ⎯ÏμÅ¡ø¯Ρ ⎯tã $yγÏF÷t/ †Îû uθèδ ©ÉL©9$# çμø?yŠuρ≡u‘ρ z | u s t u $tΡÏŠ$t6Ïã ô⎯ÏΒ …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 ™!$t±ósxø9$#uρ u™þθ¡9$# çμ÷Ζtã t∃ÎóÇuΖÏ9 7Ï9≡x‹Ÿ2 4 ⎯ÏμÎn/u‘ ⎯≈yδöç/ #u™§‘ βr& Iωöθs9 $pκÍ5 §Νyδuρ ( ⎯ÏμÎ/ ôM£ϑyδ ô‰s)s9uρ ∩⊄⊂∪ šχθßϑÎ=≈©à9$# u y z ∩⊄⊆∪ š⎥⎫ÅÁn=ø⇐ßϑø9$# And she, in whose house he was, asked of him an evil act. She bolted the doors and said: “Come!” He said, “I seek refuge in Allah! Lo! He is my Lord, who hath treated me honorably. Wrong-doers never prosper. She verily desired him, and he would have desired her if it had not been that he saw the arguments of his lord. Thus it was, that We might ward off from him evil and lewdness. Lo! He was of Our chosen slaves. (Quran: 12/23-24) Zulaikha once trapped Prophet Yusuf (AS) in her chamber and locked the door from inside. She began making advances toward him while Prophet Yusuf (AS) discouraged her,
- 71. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 71 saying that the act that she was proposing was evil. Zulaikha tried to force herself upon him; while he went on pleading for her to stop her advances. The refusal of Prophet Yusuf (AS) to submit to the evil sexual act further heightened her passions. Prophet Yusuf (AS) ran towards the door to escape her. She chased him and grabbed his shirt. With the force of his will to get away from her, the shirt was torn and she held a piece of it in her hand. Both of them reached the door together. It burst open and standing there was her husband, Aziz, and one of her own cousins, who had come to visit her. ëU#x‹ã ÷ρr& ⎯fó¡ç„ βr& HωÎ) #¹™þθß™ 7Ï=÷δ'Î/ yŠ#u‘r& ô⎯tΒ â™!#t“_ $tΒ ôMs9$s% 4 É>$t7ø9$# #t$s! $yδy‰Íh‹y™ $uŠxø9r&ρ 9ç/ߊ ⎯ÏΒ …çμ|ÁŠÏϑs% ôN£‰s%uρ z>$t7ø9$# $s)t6tGó™$#uρ t z y y r y u ∩⊄∈∪ ÒΟŠÏ9r& And they raced one another to the door, and she tore his shirt from behind. And they met and master at the door. She said: “What shall be his reward who wishes evil to your folk? Save prison or a painful doom?” (Quran: 12/ 25) Aziz wanted to know what was happening in the room. Zulaikha realized that her inner desires would be exposed, so she complained about the behavior of Prophet Yusuf (AS). Zulaikha accused Prophet Yusuf (AS) of trying to molest her. She acted as if she was an innocent victim of Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) sexual desires. Zulaikha’s turnaround shook Prophet Yusuf (AS), who was amazed at the accusations being leveled at him. He denied them. Prophet Yusuf (AS) said: “She was the one who was trying an evil act on me!” Aziz questioned both Prophet Yusuf (AS) and Zulaikha and then consulted Zulaikha’s cousin. He had a reputation of being both an honest and a fair minded person. After listening to both accounts, he instructed Aziz to examine the shirt, which was an exhibit of proof. If the shirt was torn at the front, it meant that he had tried to seduce her, as the front tear would be a proof of self-defense. Aziz asked, “And if the shirt is torn at the back?” He replied, “Then it would mean that she was the one who tempted him.” The shirt was examined in her presence. Her cousin determined that it had been torn at the back. This was a clear reflection of her guilt. The wise and just Aziz apologized to Prophet Yusuf (AS) for his wife’s indecency. He also instructed her to beg ProphetYusuf’s (AS) forgiveness for her false accusations leveled at him. tβ%x. βÎ)uρ ∩⊄∉∪ ⎦⎫Î/É‹≈s3ø9$# ⎯ÏΒ uθèδρ ôMs%y‰Ásù 9≅ç6è% ⎯ÏΒ £‰è% …çμÝÁŠÏϑs% šχ%x. βÎ) !$yγÎ=÷δr& ô⎯ÏiΒ Ó‰Ïδ$x© y‰Îγx©uρ 4 ©Å¤ø¯Ρ ⎯tã ©Í_ø?yŠuρ≡u‘ }‘Ïδ tΑ$s% t z u | ∩⊄∇∪ ×Λ⎧Ïàã £⎯ä.‰ø‹x. ¨βÎ) ( £⎯ä.ωø‹Ÿ2 ⎯ÏΒ …çμ¯ΡÎ) tΑ$s% 9ç/ߊ ⎯ÏΒ £‰è% …çμ|ÁŠÏϑs% #u™u‘ $£ϑn=sù ∩⊄∠∪ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈¢Á9$# z⎯ÏΒ uθèδuρ ôMt/x‹s3sù 9ç/ߊ ⎯ÏΒ £‰è% …çμÁŠÏϑs% t y Ý ∩⊄®∪ t⎦⎫Ï↔ÏÛ$sƒø:$# z⎯ÏΒ ÏMΖà2 Å7¯ΡÎ) ( Å7Î7/Ρx‹Ï9 “ÌÏøótGó™$#uρ 4 #x‹≈yδ ô⎯tã óÚÌôãr& ß#ß™θムYusuf said, “It was she that sought to seduce me.” And a witness of her household bore witness saying: “If it be that his shirt is torn from the front, then her tale is true and he is a liar! But if it be that his shirt is torn from the back, then she has told a lie and he is speaking the truth!” So when her husband, saw Yusuf’s shirt torn at the back, her husband said, “Behold! It is a snare of you women! Truly mighty is your snare! Oh Yusuf pass this over! O wife, ask forgiveness for your sin for truly you have been at fault!” (Quran: 12/26-29) This incident could not be contained in secrecy and the related stories started spreading around the city. Gossip about the scandal passed from mouth to mouth and ear to ear. ∩⊂⊃∪ &⎦⎫Î7•Β 9≅≈n=|Ê ’Îû $yγ1ut∴s9 $¯ΡÎ) ( $‰7ãm $yγxtóx© ô‰s% ( ⎯ÏμÅ¡ø¯Ρ ⎯tã $yγ9tGsù ߊÍρ≡tè? Í“ƒÍ•yèø9$# ßNr&tøΒ$# ÏπoΨƒÏ‰yϑø9$# ’Îû ×οuθó¡ÎΣ tΑ$s%uρ *
- 72. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 72 Ladies said in the City, “The wife of great Aziz is seeking to seduce her slave. Truly he has inspired her with violent love: we see she is evidently going astray.” (Quran: 12/30) When Zulaikha heard about the gossip and what was being said about her in the city, she was distressed. However, she strongly believed that it was impossible for any woman to resist a person as handsome as Prophet Yusuf (AS). To prove that every woman was vulnerable towards the masculine beauty of Prophet Yusuf (AS), she made plans to expose the feminine weakness of every woman, even if the woman was highly virtuous and considered beyond reproach. She sent out invitations for a lavish banquet at her palace. It was the most sought-after privilege in the city to be sharing a table with the wife of the Chief Minister of Egypt! Besides, most of these high- society women had the secret desire of meeting Prophet Yusuf (AS). As the invitees were women only, those closest to Zulaikha jested and made known to her that they would attend only if Zulaikha introduced them to Prophet Yusuf (AS) — exactly what Zulaikha had wanted in the first place. The banquet started with a huge fanfare. Laughter and enjoyment was abundant. The recent scandal about Zulaikha was no longer the issue to be discussed. However, Zulaikha addressed the issue, “I have heard about those who say that I have fallen in love with the young Hebrew man, Yusuf.” Those in the banquet hall became silent. Every one was looking at Zulaikha. She gave orders to the servers to serve the fruits to the guests and continued, “I admit that he is a charming person. I do not deny that I love him. I have loved him ever since I first saw him.” This admission helped clear the hostilities in the atmosphere and tensions among the ladies. After finishing their dinner, the guests started using their knives to slice the fresh fruits. While all of them were slicing their fruits with their knives, Zulaikha summoned Prophet Yusuf (AS) into the room. He entered as a shy person with eyes lowered and looking at the floor. Zulaikha addressed him and, in response, he raised his face towards her. All the women present were dazzled by the youthful beauty in their midst. All their attention and their eyes were focused on him, but their knives, which were meant to slice the fruits in their hands, were instead cutting their fingers and palms. The presence of Prophet Yusuf (AS) was so intoxicating that none of them realized that they had cut themselves and that they were actually bleeding. There were gasps of wonder and someone remarked, “This cannot be real. He must be an illusion!” Zulaikha stood up and announced, “This is the one for whom I have been blamed. I do not deny that I seduced him. All of you have been enchanted by Yusuf, and can see what happened to your hands. I have tempted him, and if he does not submit to my desires he has to go to jail!” …çμΡ÷y9ø.& ÿ…çμΖ÷ƒr&u‘ $¬Ηs>ù ( £⎯Íκön=tã ólã÷z$# ÏMs9$s%ρ $YΖŠÅj3Å™ £⎯åκ÷]ÏiΒ ;οy‰Ïn≡uρ ¨≅ä. ôMs?#u™uρ $↔s3−GãΒ £⎯çλm; ôNy‰tGôãr&ρ £⎯Íκös9Î) ôMn=y™ö‘r& £⎯ÏδÌõ3yϑÎ/ ôMyèÏϑy™ $¬Ηs>sù t r u s u u ⎯ÏμÅ¡ø¯Ρ ⎯tã …çμ›?Šuρ≡u‘ ô‰)s9uρ ( ÏμŠÏù ©Í_¨ΖçFôϑä9 “Ï%©!$# £⎯ä3Ï9≡x‹sù ôMs9$s% ∩⊂⊇∪ ÒΟƒÌx. Ô7n=Β ωÎ) !#x‹≈yδ ÷βÎ) #·|³o0 #x‹≈yδ $tΒ ¬! |·≈ym z⎯ù=è%uρ £⎯åκu‰Ï‰÷ƒr& z⎯÷è©Üs%uρ s t ô∃ÎóÇ? ωÎ)uρ ( Ïμø‹s9Î) ©Í_tΡθããô‰tƒ $£ϑÏΒ ¥’n<Î) =ymr& ß⎯ôfÅb¡9$# Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊂⊄∪ t⎦⎪ÌÉó≈¢Á9$# z⎯ÏiΒ $ZΡθä3u‹s9uρ £⎯uΖyfó¡ãŠs9 …çνããΒ#u™ !$tΒ ö≅yèøtƒ öΝ©9 ⎦È⌡s9uρ ( zΝ|Á÷ètFó™$$sù s û ∩⊂⊆∪ ÞΟŠÎ=yèø9$# ßì‹Ïϑ¡¡9$# uθèδ …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 £⎯èδy‰ø‹x. çμ÷Ζtã t∃u|Çsù …çμš/u‘ …çμs9 z>$yftFó™$$sù ∩⊂⊂∪ t⎦⎫Î=Îγ≈pgø:$# z⎯ÏiΒ ⎯ä.r&uρ £⎯Íκös9Î) Ü=ô¹r& £⎯èδy‰ø‹x. ©Íh_tã When she heard of their malicious talk, she sent for them and prepared A banquet for them: she gave each of them a knife: and she said to Yusuf, “Come out before them.” When they saw him, they extolled him and in their amazement cut their hands: they said, “Allah
- 73. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 73 preserve us! This is no mortal! This is none other than a noble angel!” She said, “There before you is the man about whom you blamed me! I sought to seduce him against his will but he firmly saved himself, without any guilt! And now, if he does not my bidding, he shall certainly be cast into prison and verily shall be of those brought low” He said, “Oh my Lord! The prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. And if You do not fend off their wiles from me I shall incline unto them and become a foolish.” So his Lord heard his prayer and fended off their wiles from him. Lo! He is Hearer and Knower. (Quran: 12/31-34) After the banquet, Zulaikha and her husband, Aziz, had an open and a frank discussion about the recent happenings. She admitted that she had an irresistible and uncontrollable urge towards Prophet Yusuf (AS). The only way for her honor to be protected was to place Prophet Yusuf (AS) in a prison where she could not have easy access to him. At the same time, she did not want any other influential women to enjoy his closeness either; that very thought was unbearable. For Aziz, it was a very difficult and a painful decision to imprison a person knowing that he was innocent of all crimes, yet the person had to be placed into custody where no women could have access to him. Very reluctantly, he ordered the imprisonment of Prophet Yusuf (AS). Prophet Yusuf (AS), patient as he was, accepted his fate but did not lose faith in Allah (SWT). He knew that it was yet another test for him. During his isolation in his prison cell, his knowledge increased and he received another gift of perception: the ability to analyze and interpret dreams. He was excited that Allah (SWT) was drawing him closer to Himself. This thought alone was sufficient to bear any hardships of isolation. After a few days, two young prisoners were placed in the cells near him. Both of the new arrivals were in the service of the king. One was a cook and the other a wine-server. They became friends of Prophet Yusuf (AS). One morning both of them talked to Prophet Yusuf (AS) about some strange and vivid dreams, which appeared as a vision, to both of them. The cook had dreamed that he was standing in a courtyard where he had pieces of bread on his head. The bread was being eaten by two birds. The wine-servers dreamed that he was serving wine to the king. They asked Prophet Yusuf (AS) to interpret their dreams for them. Prophet Yusuf (AS) invited them to join in a prayer to Allah (SWT). After the prayers, he told the wine-server that his position in the king’s service would be restored shortly. But the cook was going to be executed by crucifixion. Prophet Yusuf (AS) asked the wine-server to keep him in his mind and inform the king that an innocent and wronged person named Yusuf was being held in his prison. Both these prisoners faced what was predicted for them by Prophet Yusuf (AS). However, when the wine-server resumed his duties, he forgot to tell the king about the wrongful imprisonment of Prophet Yusuf (AS). However, Prophet Yusuf (AS) did not lose faith in Allah (SWT) and increased his prayers to Allah (SWT). ( çμ÷ΖÏΒ ç©Ü9$# ã≅ä.ù's? #Z”ö9äz ©Å›ù&u‘ s−öθù ã≅Ïϑômr& û©Í_1u‘r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) ãyzFψ$# tΑ$s%uρ ( #ôϑyz çÅÇôãr& û©Í_1u‘r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) !$yϑèδ߉tnr& tΑ$s% ( Èβ$u‹tFsù z⎯ôfÅb¡9$# çμyètΒ Ÿ≅yzyŠuρ ö s $£ϑÏΒ $yϑä3Ï9≡sŒ 4 $yϑä3‹Ï?ù'tƒ βr& Ÿ≅ö6s% ⎯Ï&Î#ƒÍρù'tGÎ/ $yϑä3è?ù'¬6tΡ ωÎ) ÿ⎯ÏμÏΡ$s%y—öè? ×Π$yèsÛ $yϑä3‹Ï?ù'tƒ Ÿω tΑ$s% ∩⊂∉∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÅ¡ósßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ š1ttΡ $¯ΡÎ) ( ÿ⎯Ï&Î#ƒÍρù'tGÎ/ $uΖø⁄Îm;tΡ u $tΒ 4 >θà)÷èƒuρ t,≈ysó™Î)uρ ΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) ü“Ï™!$t/#u™ s'©#ÏΒ àM÷è7¨?$#uρ ∩⊂∠∪ tβρãÏ≈x. öΝèδ ÍοtÅzFψ$$Î/ Νèδuρ «!$$Î/ tβθãΖÏΒ÷σムω 7Θöθs% s'©#ÏΒ àMø.ts? ’ÎoΤÎ) 4 þ’În1u‘ ©Í_yϑ¯=tæ z t z t Ç⎯ôfÅb¡9$# Ä©t<Ås9|Á≈tƒ ∩⊂∇∪ tβρã3ô±„ Ÿω Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# usYò2r& £⎯Å3≈s9uρ Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# ’n?tãuρ $uΖøŠn=tã «!$# È≅ôÒsù ⎯ÏΒ šÏ9≡sŒ 4 &™ó©x« ⎯ÏΒ «!$$Î/ x8Îô³Σ βr& !$uΖs9 šχ%x. ä o
- 74. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 74 And two young men went to prison with him. One of them said: “I dreamt that I was pressing wine.” The other said, “I dreamt that I was carrying upon my head bread whereof the birds were eating. Tell us the true meaning thereof: for we see you are one that does good to all. He said, “The food that that you are given daily will not come for you but I shall tell you the interpretation before it comes to you. This is part of what my Lord has taught me. Lo! I have forsaken the religion of folk who do not believe in Allah and are disbelievers in the Hereafter. And I have followed the religion of my fathers, Ibrahim and Ishaaq and Yaqoob. It never was for us to attribute anything as partner to Allah. This is of the bounty of Allah for us who are the seeds of Ibrahim and for the mankind; but most men do not give thanks.” Oh my two companions of the prison! I ask you: are many lords who differ amongst themselves better, or the one Allah, Supreme and Irresistible?” “ Oh my two companions of the prison! As to the one of you, he will pour out the wine for his lord to drink: as for the other he will hang from the cross and birds will eat from off his head. Thus is the case judged concerning which you inquire.” And of the two, to that whom he considered about to be saved, he said, “Mention me to your lord.” But Satan made him forget to mention him to his lord: and Yusuf lingered in prison a few more years. (Quran: 12/36-42) While Prophet Yusuf (AS) was languishing in the prison, innocent of any charges, the King of Egypt had a strange vision. He dreamed that he was on the banks of the River Nile. The water started receding and changed into mud. The fish began to skip and jump in the mud. Seven fat cows came out of the river followed by seven lean cows. The seven lean ones devoured the seven fat ones. The King was terrified. Then seven ears of green grain grew on the riverbanks and disappeared in the mud. On the same spot grew seven dry ears of grain. The king awoke truly scared and depressed as he could not understand the true meaning of the vision. It had visibly disturbed him. He summoned his courtiers of sorcerers, priests, and ministers and told them about his dream. The sorcerers said, “It is only a nightmare as everything is jumbled and mixed up.” The priests analyzed, “Perhaps his majesty had a heavy supper.” The chief minister suggested that the king might have been exposed to the climate and slept without a blanket over his body. The court jester joked, “His majesty is aging and his dreams are confused.” It was unanimously agreed to set the dream aside as a nightmare. But the news about the dream reached the wine server. He recalled his own dream and the true interpretation. He approached the king and informed him about the rightly guided person who was able to interpret the dreams correctly. The king ordered to the wine-server to ask Prophet Yusuf (AS) about the dream. When Prophet Yusuf (AS) heard the details of the dream, he interpreted and told him: 1. There will be seven years of abundance. 2. It will be followed by seven years of famine with shortage of food. 3. After the seven years of drought, there will one year of plentiful water. During the years of the abundance, when the land will produce agriculture, that will be more than the national needs; some food should be saved and stored to feed the nation during the famine years. Also, some grain should be saved for seeding the next harvest. During the year of
- 75. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 75 the plentiful water, if the water is properly used, abundant grapevines and olive trees should be harvested for richer crops. The wine-server presented these interpretations to the king, who was amazed at the detailed summary and ordered that Prophet Yusuf (AS) be brought to him: }‘≈tƒö™â‘ ’Îû ’ÎΤθçFøùr& _|yϑø9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈ƒ ( ;M≈|¡Î0$tƒ yzé&ρ 9ôØäz BM≈n=ç7/Ψß™ yìö7y™uρ Ô∃$yfÏã ììö7y™ £⎯ßγè=à2ù'tƒ 5β$yϑÅ™ ;N≡ts)t/ yìö7y™ 3“u‘r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) à7Î=yϑø9$# tΑ$s%uρ t t u O$tΡr& >π¨Βé& y‰÷è/ tx.¨Š$#uρ $yϑåκ÷]ÏΒ $pgwΥ “Ï%©!$# tΑ$s%uρ ∩⊆⊆∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=≈yèÎ/ ÄΝ≈n=ômF{$# È≅ƒÍρù'tGÎ/ ß⎯øtwΥ $tΒρ ( 5Ο≈n=ômr& ß]≈tóôÊr& (#þθä9$s% ∩⊆⊂∪ šχρçã9÷ès? $tƒö™”=Ï9 óΟçGΨä. βÎ) t u tyzé&uρ 9ôØäz BM≈n=ç7/Ψß™ Æìö7y™uρ Ô∃$yfÏã ììö7y™ £⎯ßγè=à2ù'tƒ 5β$yϑÅ™ ;N≡ts)t/ Æìö7y™ ’Îû $uΖÏFøùr& ß,ƒÏd‰Å_Á9$# $pκš‰r& ß#ß™θム∩⊆∈∪ Èβθè=Å™ö‘r'sù ⎯Ï&Î#ƒÍρù'tGÎ/ Νà6ã⁄Îm;tΡé& $£ϑÏiΒ Wξ‹Î=s% ωÎ) ÿ⎯Ï&Î#ç7.⊥ß™ ’Îû çνρâ‘‹sù ôΜ›?‰|Ám $yϑsù $/r&yŠ t⎦⎫ÏΖÅ™ yìö7y™ tβθããu‘÷“s? tΑ$s% ∩⊆∉∪ tβθßϑn=ôètƒ óΟßγ¯=yès9 Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# ’n<Î) ßìÅ_ö‘r& þ’Ìj?yè©9 ;M≈|¡Î0$tƒ x y ß^$tóムÏμŠÏù ×Π%tæ 7Ï9≡sŒ ‰÷è/ .⎯ÏΒ ’ÎAù'tƒ §ΝèO ∩⊆∇∪ tβθãΨÅÁøtéB $£ϑÏiΒ Wξ‹Î=s% ωÎ) £⎯çλm; ÷Λä⎢øΒ£‰s% $tΒ z⎯ù=ä.ù'tƒ ׊#y‰Ï© Óìö7y™ y7Ï9≡sŒ ω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ ’ÎAù'ƒ §ΝèO ∩⊆∠∪ tβθè=ä.ù's? y Ï t t ∩⊆®∪ tβρçÅÇ÷ètƒ ÏμŠÏùuρ â¨$¨Ζ9$# The King of Egypt said: “ I do see in my vision seven fat kine, whom seven lean ones devour, and seven green ears of corn, and seven others withered Oh you chiefs! Expound to me my vision if it be that you can interpret Visions.” They said, “A confused medley of dreams: and we are not skilled in the interpretation of dreams.” But the man who had been released, one of the two who had been in prison and who now recalled him after a long time said, “ I am going to announce to you the interpretation, therefore send me to him.” He said, “O Yusuf! O man of truth! Explain the dream of seven fat kine whom seven lean ones devour, and of seven green ears of corn and seven others withered: that I may return to the people and that they may understand.” Yusuf said, “ For seven years you shall diligently sow as is your wont: and the harvests that you reap, you shall leave them in the ear, except a little of which you shall eat. After that will come a period of seven dreadful years, which will devour what you have laid by in advance for them, all except a little which you shall have specially guarded. Then will come a year in which the people will have abundant water and in which they will press wine and oil.” (Quran: 12/43-49) The King of Egypt had ordered that the interpreter, of his dream, be brought to him. When the envoy presented himself to Prophet Yusuf (AS) in the prison with the message that the king had summoned him in his court, Prophet Yusuf (AS) refused to leave the prison. He said that unless he was declared innocent of everything that had been leveled at him, he would not leave the prison. Prophet Yusuf (AS) wanted to be absolutely sure that the influential and powerful ladies of the society would not accuse him of cutting their hands or making evil demands of him. The envoy returned to the king and informed him about the fears of Prophet Yusuf (AS) if he were released without any safeguards and assurances. The king decided to fully investigate this matter and to resolve the issue immediately; his sense of justice for all presumed that an innocent person might have been falsely accused and imprisoned. He ordered, “Bring the Chief Minister’s Wife and also all those other women.” When all the women had assembled, the king asked the chief minister’s wife, Zulaikha, “What is the story of Yusuf? What do you know about him?” One of the ladies interrupted exclaiming, “Allah Forbid!” The king heard the remarks. “We know of no evil he has done.” “He is innocent like angels.”
- 76. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 76 Everyone was waiting to hear from Zulaikha. She boldly confessed that she had lied and he had told the truth. “I tempted him, but he refused.” Thus, she confirmed the complete innocence of Prophet Yusuf (AS). ×Λ⎧Î=tæ £⎯ÏδωøŠs3Î/ ’În1u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 £⎯åκu‰Ï‰÷ƒr& z⎯÷è©Ü% ©ÉL≈©9$# Íοθó¡ÏiΨ9$# ãΑ$t/ $tΒ ã&ù#t↔ó¡sù šÎn/u‘ 4’n<Î) ôìÅ_ö‘$# tΑ$s% ãΑθß™§9$# çνu™!%y` $£ϑn=sù ( ⎯ÏμÎ/ ’ÎΤθçGø$# à7Î=pRùQ$# tΑ$s%uρ s u }ÈysóÁym z⎯≈t↔ø9$# Í“ƒÍ•yèø9$# ßNr&tøΒ$# ÏMs9$s% 4 &™þθß™ ⎯ÏΒ Ïμø‹n=tã $uΖôϑÎ=æ $tΒ ¬! |·≈ym š∅ù=è% 4 ⎯ÏμÅ¡ø¯Ρ ⎯tã y#ß™θム¨⎦—∫Šuρ≡u‘ øŒÎ) £⎯ä3ç7ôÜyz $tΒ Α$s% ∩∈⊃∪ t t * ∩∈⊄∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÍ←!$sƒø:$# y‰øŠx. “ωöκu‰ Ÿω ©!$# ¨βr&uρ Í=ø‹tóø9$$Î/ çμ÷Ζäzr& öΝs9 ’ÎoΤr& zΝn=÷èu‹Ï9 y7Ï9≡sŒ ∩∈⊇∪ š⎥⎫Ï%ω≈¢Á9$# z⎯Ïϑs9 …çμ¯ΡÎ)uρ ⎯ÏμÅ¡ø¯Ρ ⎯tã …çμ›?Šuρ≡u‘ O$tΡr& ‘,ysø9$# ∩∈⊂∪ ×Λ⎧Ïm§‘ Ö‘θàxî ’În1u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 þ’În1u‘ zΟÏmu‘ $tΒ ωÎ) Ï™þθ¡9$$Î/ 8οu‘$¨ΒV{ §ø¨Ζ9$# ¨βÎ) 4 û©Å¤øtΡ ä—Ìht/é& !$tΒuρ } So the king said: “You bring him to me.” But when the messenger came to him, Yusuf said, “You go back to your lord, and ask him,” “What is the state of mind of the ladies who cut their hands?” For my Lord is certainly well Aware of their snare.” The king asked the ladies, “What was your affair when you sought to seduce Yusuf against his will?” The ladies said, “Allah preserve us! We do not any evil against him!” Said the Aziz’s wife, “ So that everyone know the truth. It was me who sought to seduce him against his will: he is indeed of those who are always true and virtuous.” “This I say in order that he may know that I have never been false to him in his absence, and that Allah will never guide the snare of the false ones. Nor do I absolve myself from the blame: the human soul is certainly prone to evil, unless my Lord bestows His Mercy: but surely my Lord is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”* (Quran: 12/50-53) *Some of the commentators have stated that Prophet Yusuf (AS) was ensuring for his master, Aziz, to be made aware that Prophet Yusuf (AS) had always been loyal and faithful to him. He had never betrayed his trust. There are other commentators who believe that by making this statement in an open court, Zulaikha was declaring her love and devotion towards Prophet Yusuf (AS). At the same time, she was advocating the Islamic belief that Allah (SWT) Will Forgive the sins or the evil intentions if one turns to Him sincerely. The fate of Zulaikha has not been mentioned any more than what is known thus far. However there are legends which say: She married Prophet Yusuf (AS) and it was discovered that she was still a virgin, for Aziz was an old man. She abandoned her palace and wandered away aimlessly in Egypt. The king declared to Prophet Yusuf (AS) that he had been proven innocent of all that was leveled against him and ordered that he appear before the king to meet him in person. The interpretation and the suggested proposals were convincing evidence that Prophet Yusuf (AS) would be an added asset in his court. When Prophet Yusuf (AS) appeared before the king, he addressed him in his own Egyptian dialect. Prophet Yusuf (AS) surprised him by answering in the Egyptian dialect in a highly cultured and refined manner. The king desired that Prophet Yusuf (AS) elaborate his suggestions about the dream. Prophet Yusuf (AS) advised that in order to avoid shortage of food during the subsequent seven-years of famine it was necessary that measures be taken to save it during the seven-years of abundances. Egypt will not be the only country to be hit with the famine but the surrounding nations will also be affected. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was offered a high position as the controller of the granaries. He would safeguard the national harvest and plan for the famine years. Allah (SWT) had Designed this position to enlarge the exposure of Prophet Yusuf (AS) to the wider areas, so Prophet Yusuf (AS) could work as His Messenger.
- 77. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 77 ’ÎoΤÎ) ( Úö‘F{$# È⎦É⎩!#t“yz 4’n?ã ©Í_ù=yèô_$# Α$s% ∩∈⊆∪ ×⎦⎫ÏΒr& î⎦⎫Å3tΒ $uΖ÷ƒt$s! tΠöθu‹ø9$# y7¨ΡÎ) tΑ$s% …çμyϑ¯=x. $£ϑn=sù ( ©Å¤øuΖÏ9 çμóÁÎ=÷‚tGó™r& ÿ⎯ÏμÎ/ ’ÎΤθçGø$# à7Î=yϑø9$# tΑ$s%uρ Ç t t ∩∈∉∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÅ¡ósßϑø9$# tô_r& ßì‹ÅÒçΡ Ÿωρ ( â™!$t±®Σ ⎯tΒ $uΖÏFuΗ÷qtÎ/ Ü=ŠÅÁçΡ 4 â™!$t±o„ ß]ø‹ym $pκ÷]ÏΒ é&§θt6tGtƒ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû y#ß™θã‹Ï9 $¨Ψ©3tΒ y7Ï9≡x‹x.uρ ∩∈∈∪ ÒΟŠÎ=tæ îáŠÏym u ∩∈∠∪ tβθà)−Gtƒ (#θçΡ%x.uρ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©#Ïj9 ×öz ÍοtÅzFψ$# ãô_V{uρ y So the king said: “Bring him to me: I will take him specially to serve about my own person.” Therefore when he had spoken to him, he said, “Be assured this day, you are before our own presence, with rank firmly established, and fidelity fully proved!” Yusuf said, “ Set me over the store-houses of the land: I will indeed guard them, as one that knows their importance.” Thus We gave established power to Yusuf in the land, to take possession therein as, when, where he pleased. We bestow of Our mercy on whom We please, and We suffer not, to be lost, the reward of those who do good. But verily the reward of the Hereafter is the best, for those who believe, and are in constant righteousness. (Quran: 12/54-57) During the seven years of abundance of agriculture, Prophet Yusuf (AS) had implemented and set in motion the mechanisms of better cultivation, higher harvest yields, and improved storage to preserve the grain and the foods. As prophesized by Prophet Yusuf (AS) and anticipated by those who had knowledge of the king’s dream, the following seven years of famine struck all areas surrounding Egypt. Prophet Yusuf’s (AS) homeland of Canaan was also affected. Prophet Yusuf (AS) advised the King of Egypt to sell some part of his blessed bounty at a fair price to the surrounding nations. This act would help those who were in dire need of food. At the same time, it would be recognized by all the surrounding nations that Egypt’s king was truly a generous king. The king agreed, and the good news about the availability of food in Egypt spread all over the surrounding nations. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) sent all his sons, except Benjamin, to Egypt to purchase the necessary foods. Because they were moving as a unified group and speaking only the language of Canaanites, the news of their entry into the food market of Egypt was made known to Prophet Yusuf (AS). Everybody knew that originally he was from Canaan. This group of Canaanites was summoned to the court of Prophet Yusuf (AS). Prophet Yusuf (AS) immediately recognized his brothers but they did not recognize him! After all, they knew that they had dumped their brother in a deep well, in a far-away land. Prophet Yusuf (AS) greeted them hospitably. He asked them about their homeland and their family background. They replied, “We are eleven brothers, the children of a noble prophet. The youngest is at home tending to the needs of our aging father.” Prophet Yusuf (AS) was overcome with emotion upon hearing the condition of his father and his youngest brother, Benjamin, who had always been his playmate. He asked them, “Are you telling the truth?” Perturbed, they replied, “What reason should we have to tell anything but truth?” Prophet Yusuf (AS) offered, “If what you say is the truth, bring your brother as a proof. I will reward you with double the quantities of the rations of your need. But if you do not bring him to me, it would be better for you if, you do not come back!” They assured him that they would be happy to fulfill his command, if their father permitted them to bring their youngest brother to his court. Prophet Yusuf (AS) had instructed his servants to return the money paid for the food. However, it should be concealed in the food in a manner, that it could only be discovered, when they reached their homes and when every thing was taken out of the sacks.
- 78. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 78 Ÿω& 4 öΝä3‹Î/r& ô⎯ÏiΒ Νä3©9 8ˆ'Î/ ’ÎΤθçGø$# Α$s% öΝÏδΗ$yγpg¿2 Νèδt“£γy_ $£ϑs9uρ ∩∈∇∪ tβρãÅ3ΖãΒ …çμs9 öΝèδuρ óΟßγsùtyèsù Ïμø‹n=tã (#θè=yzy‰sù y#ß™θムäοuθ÷zÎ) u™!$y_uρ r r t $¯ΡÎ)uρ çν$t/r& çμ÷Ψtã ߊÍρ≡uã∴y™ (#θä9$s% ∩∉⊃∪ Èβθç/tø)s? Ÿωuρ “ωΖÏã öΝä3s9 Ÿ≅ø‹x. Ÿξsù ⎯ÏμÎ/ ’ÎΤθè?ù's? óΟ©9 βÎ*sù ∩∈®∪ t⎦,Î!Í”∴ßϑø9$# çöyz O$tΡr&uρ Ÿ≅ø‹s3ø9$# ’Îûρé& þ’ÎoΤr& šχ÷ρts? ∩∉⊄∪ šχθãèÅ_ötƒ óΟßγ¯=yès9 óΟÎγÎ=÷δr& #’n<Î) (#þθç7n=s)Ρ$# #sŒÎ) !$pκtΞθèùÌ÷èƒ óΟßγ¯=yès9 öΝÏλÎ;%tnÍ‘ ’Îû öΝåκtJyè≈ŸÒÎ/ (#θè=yèô_$# ÏμÏΨ≈uŠ÷GÏÏ9 tΑ$s%uρ ∩∉⊇∪ tβθè=Ïè≈xs9 t Then came Yusuf’s brethren: they entered his presence, and he knew them but they did not know him. And when he had furnished them with all their needs of the provisions, he said to them, “Bring to me a brother you have of the same father, as yourselves, but of a different mother. You agree that I have provided you, with full measure and the best hospitality. Now if you do not bring him to me, you shall have no measure of corn from me nor you shall even come near me.” They said, “We shall certainly seek to get our wish about him from his father: indeed we shall do it.” And Yusuf told his servants to put their stock-in-trade, with which they had bartered, into their saddle-bags, so they should know it only when they returned to their people, in order that they might come back. (Quran: 12/58-62) The brothers returned to their home in Canaan, and instead of offering customary pleasant greetings to their father, Prophet Yaqoob (AS), they rebuked him by saying that part of their food entitlement was withheld from them, because Prophet Yaqoob (AS) had not allowed their brother Benjamin to join them for the food procurement. The food was being distributed based on head counts and was not allowed for the absentees. They said, “Why wouldn’t you entrust him with us? Please let him go with us. We will take care of him.” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) replied, “I will not permit Benjamin to travel with you. I will not part with him, for I entrusted you with Yusuf and you failed me.” However, when the food sacks were unloaded and examined, they were surprised to find that their money packets had been returned to them. They showed it to their father, “Look, father! This is the proof of sincerity of the noble official. He will not harm our brother or us. Besides this will only help us.” Prophet Yaqoob adamantly refused to send Benjamin with them. When the Egyptian food was almost gone, and as yet, the drought had intensified around their area, Prophet Yaqoob (AS) requested his sons make another trip to Egypt and procure the essential food. The sons reminded their father, about the warning from the Egyptian official, whereby they had been told not to return to Egypt without Benjamin. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was desperate for the food for his community and for his family. Very reluctantly, he agreed to let Benjamin go with them. He did, however, let his feelings be made known to them, “I will not send him with you unless you give me a pledge in Allah’s name that you shall bring him back to me as safely as you take him.” All the brothers gave their solemn pledge in the name of Allah, Prophet Yaqoob (AS) advised his sons to enter the city through different gates. šχ÷ρs? Ÿωr& 4 öΝä3‹Î/r& ô⎯ÏiΒ Νä3©9 8ˆr'Î/ ’ÎΤθçGø$# tΑ$s% öΝÏδΗ$yγpg¿2 Νèδt“£γy_ $£ϑs9uρ ∩∈∇∪ βρãÅ3ΖãΒ …çμs9 öΝèδuρ óΟßγsùtyèsù Ïμø‹n=tã (#θè=yz‰sù y#ß™θムäοuθ÷zÎ) u™!$y_uρ t t y βθè=Ïè≈xs9 $¯ΡÎ)uρ çν$t/r& çμ÷Ψtã ߊÍρ≡uã∴y™ (#θä9$s% ∩∉⊃∪ Èβθç/tø)s? Ÿωuρ “ωΖÏã öΝä3s9 Ÿ≅ø‹x. Ÿξsù ⎯ÏμÎ/ ’ÎΤθè?ù's? óΟ©9 βÎ*sù ∩∈®∪ t⎦,Î!Í”∴ßϑø9$# çöyz O$tΡr&uρ Ÿ≅ø‹s3ø9$# ’Îûρé& þ’ÎoΤr& t ∩∉⊄∪ šχθãèÅ_ötƒ óΟßγ¯=ès9 óΟÎγÎ=÷δr& #’n<Î) (#þθç7n=s)Ρ$# #sŒÎ) !$pκtΞθèùÌ÷ètƒ óΟßγ¯=yès9 öΝÏλÎ;%tnÍ‘ ’Îû öΝåκtJyè≈ŸÒÎ/ (#θè=yèô_$# ÏμÏΨ≈uŠ÷GÏÏ9 tΑ$s%uρ ∩∉⊇∪ y Now when they returned to their father, they said, “O our father! No measure of grain shall we get unless we take our brother: so send our brother with us, that they may get our measure; and we will indeed take every care of him.” He said, “ Shall I trust you with him
- 79. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 79 with any result other than when I trusted you with his brother aforetime? But Allah is the best to take care of him, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy!” Then when they opened their baggage, they found their stock-in-trade had been returned to them. They said, “O our father! What more can we desire? This our stock-in-trade has been returned to us: we shall get more food for our family; we shall take care of our brother, and add at the same time a full camel’s load of grain to our provisions. This is but a small quantity.” Yaqoob said, “ Never will I send him with you until you swear a solemn oath to me, in Allah’s name, that you will be sure to bring him back to me unless you are yourselves hemmed in and made powerless. And when they had sworn their solemn oath, he said: “Over all that we say, be Allah the Witness and Guardian!” Further he said: “O my sons! Enter not all by one gate: you enter by different gates. Not that I can profit you anything against Allah with my advice: none can command except Allah: on Him do I put my trust: and let all that trust put their trust on Him.” (Quran: 12/63-67) Prophet Yaqoob (AS) blessed them on their departure and prayed to Allah (SWT) for their protection. The brothers traveled speedily towards Egypt taking exceptionally good care of Benjamin. Upon reaching Egypt, the brothers entered through various gates as their father had instructed them. They presented themselves to Prophet Yusuf (AS), who resisted a very strong temptation to pick up and hug Benjamin. He ordered a feast for them and seated them in pairs. Prophet Yusuf (AS) arranged to sit next to Benjamin, and found him sighing deeply. Prophet Yusuf (AS) asked Benjamin the reason for his deep sighs. Benjamin replied that his brother Yusuf, who had been lost for a long time, would have occupied that particular seat if he had been among them. He sighed again. It was arranged that while the brothers would go to the granaries to order their food requirements, Benjamin would be left with Prophet Yusuf (AS). When both of them were alone, Prophet Yusuf (AS) asked Benjamin if he would accept to have him as his brother. Benjamin replied respectfully that he regarded his host to be a wonderful person, but he could never take the place of his long lost brother. Overcome with uncontrollable emotions, Prophet Yusuf (AS) broke down and said, “My loving brother, I am the brother who was lost to you, and whose name you are constantly repeating. Fate has brought us together again. This is Allah’s Favor upon us. But let it be a secret between us for the time being. I will arrange for you to stay with me without the other brothers knowing about it.” The next day Prophet Yusuf (AS) ordered his trusted attendant to secretly hide the king’s gold cup in Benjamin’s saddlebag. After everything had been loaded and the camels made ready for departure, the main gate was slammed shut and locked upon them. The court crier shouted, “O you travelers, you are thieves!” This was an unusual event, and everybody gathered around the brothers. “Why did you call us thieves? What have you lost?’ The brothers inquired. An officer replied, “The king’s gold cup is missing. It was last used for you!” The brothers replied, “We have not come here to corrupt the land or to steal from you.” This officer had been trained and secretly briefed to ask specific questions, “What is the punishment for a thief in your laws?” The brothers replied, “Our law states that whoever steals and is caught, must become the slave to the owner of the stolen property.” The officer agreed, “We shall apply your law instead of the Egyptian law!” The officer ordered his soldiers to search the caravan. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was observing from his vantage point. In accordance with the plan, Benjamin’s bag was to be examined last.
- 80. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 80 The brother’s bag yielded nothing; so they sighed with relief. When they approached for Benjamin’s the bag, Prophet Yusuf (AS) pretended to offer his help, and told them that they need not search the bag as he did not look like a thief. However, the brothers were adamant and declared that they will not depart under a cloud of suspicion and the last bag must also be searched. They were the sons of a noble man of God and not thieves! The officer opened the bag and pulled out the king’s gold cup. The brothers exclaimed, “If he steals, also a brother of his had stolen before!” These brothers were now demeaning the children of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) because they were born from their step-mother. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was amazed to learn about their resentment against his side of the family. He was a patient person. Everybody was stunned at the remarks and was silent to hear the pronouncement from the side of Prophet Yusuf (AS). He ordered that Benjamin be detained while the brothers depart with their food. Now the brothers remembered their oath to their father, made in the name of Allah, to bring back their brother Benjamin. They began to beg for mercy from Prophet Yusuf (AS) and offered to exchange one of them as the slave-prisoner instead of Benjamin. They pleaded that their father was very old and the shock of loosing Benjamin would seriously harm him. Prophet Yusuf (AS) asked them, “Why do you want to set free the one who has stolen the king’s cup, and let his place be taken by another? No! It would be sinful!” The brothers continued pleading for mercy, but the officer maintained that the stipulated law would be applied: 5Οù=Ïæ ρä%s! …çμ¯ΡÎ)uρ 4 $yγ9ŸÒs% z>θà)÷ètƒ ħøtΡ ’Îû Zπy_%tn ωÎ) >™ó©x« ⎯ÏΒ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ Οßγ÷Ζtã ©Í_øóムšχ%Ÿ2 $¨Β Νèδθç/r& öΝèδttΒr& ß]ø‹ym ô⎯ÏΒ (#θè=yzyŠ $£ϑs9uρ $yϑÎ/ ó§Í≥tFö;s? Ÿξsù x8θäzr& O$tΡr& þ’ÎoΤÎ) tΑ$s% ( çν$yzr& Ïμø‹s9Î) #”uρ#u™ y#ß™θム4’n?tã (#θè=yzyŠ $£ϑs9uρ ∩∉∇∪ šχθßϑn=ôètƒ Ÿω Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# usYò2r& £⎯Å3≈s9uρ çμ≈oΨôϑ¯=tæ $yϑÏj9 (#θä9$s% ∩∠⊃∪ tβθè%Ì≈|¡s9 öΝä3¯ΡÎ) çÏèø9$# $yγçF−ƒr& îβÏiŒxσãΒ tβ©Œr& §ΝèO Ïμ‹Åzr& È≅ômu‘ ’Îû sπtƒ$s)Åb¡9$# Ÿ≅yèy_ öΝÏδΗ$yγpg¿2 Νèδt“£γy_ $£ϑn=sù ∩∉®∪ šχθè=yϑ÷ètƒ (#θçΡ$Ÿ2 $¨Β ΟçFôϑÎ=tæ ô‰s)s9 «!$$s? (#θä9$s% ∩∠⊄∪ ÒΟŠÏãy— ⎯ÏμÎ/ O$tΡr&uρ 9Ïèt/ ã≅÷Η¿q ⎯ÏμÎ/ u™!%` ⎯yϑÏ9uρ Å7Î=yϑø9$# tí#uθß¹ ߉É)øtΡ (#θä9$s% ∩∠⊇∪ šχρ߉É)øs? #sŒ$¨Β ΟÎγøŠn=tæ (#θè=t6ø%r&uρ y …çνäτℜt“y_ uθßγsù ⎯Ï&Î#ômu‘ ’Îû y‰É`ãρ ⎯tΒ …çνäτℜt“y_ (#θä9$s% ∩∠⊆∪ t⎦⎫Î/É‹≈Ÿ2 óΟçGΖä. βÎ) ÿ…çνäτℜt“y_ $yϑsù (#θä9$s% ∩∠⊂∪ t⎦⎫Ï%Ì≈y™ $¨Ζä. $tΒuρ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû y‰Å¡øãΖÏ9 $uΖ÷∞Å_ tβ%x. $tΒ ( y#ß™θã‹Ï9 $tΡô‰Ï. šÏ9≡x‹x. 4 Ïμ‹Åzr& Ï™!%tæÍρ ⎯ÏΒ $yγy_t÷‚tGó™$# §ΝèO Ïμ‹Åzr& Ï™!%tæÍρ Ÿ≅ö6s% óΟÎγÏGu‹Ïã÷ρr'Î/ r&y‰t6sù ∩∠∈∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# “Ì“øgwΥ y7Ï9≡x‹x. 4 Óˆr& s−ty™ ô‰s)sù ø−Ìó¡o„ βÎ) (#þθä9$s% * ∩∠∉∪ ÒΟŠÎ=tæ AΟù=Ïæ “ÏŒ Èe≅à2 s−öθsùuρ 3 â™!$t±®Σ ⎯¨Β ;M≈y_u‘yŠ ßìsùötΡ 4 ª!$# u™!$t±o„ βr& HωÎ) Å7Î=yϑø9$# È⎦⎪ÏŠ ’Îû çν$yzr& x‹è{ù'uŠÏ9 ¨βÎ) Ⓝ͓yèø9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ (#θä9$s% ∩∠∠∪ šχθàÅÁs? $yϑÎ/ ãΝn=ôãr& ª!$#uρ ( $ZΡ%x6¨Β @x© óΟçFΡr& tΑ$s% 4 óΟßγs9 $yδωö6ムöΝs9uρ ⎯ÏμÅ¡øtΡ ’Îû ß#ß™θム$yδ§y™r'sù 4 ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ …ã&©! !$¯ΡÎ) ÿ…çνy‰ΨÏã $oΨyè≈tFtΒ $tΡô‰y`ρ ⎯tΒ ωÎ) x‹è{ù'¯Ρ βr& «!$# sŒ$yètΒ tΑ$s% ∩∠∇∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÅ¡ósßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ y71ttΡ $¯ΡÎ) ( ÿ…çμtΡ%x6tΒ $tΡy‰tnr& õ‹ã‚sù #ZÎ6x. $V‚ø‹x© $/r& ÿ…ã&s! u ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒuρ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ $Z)ÏOöθ¨Β Νä3ø‹n=tæ x‹yzr& ô‰s% öΝä.$t/r& χr& (#þθßϑn=÷ès? öΝs9r& öΝèδçÎ7Ÿ2 tΑ$s% ( $wŠÅgwΥ (#θÝÁn=yz çμ÷ΨÏΒ (#θÝ¡t↔øŠtFó™$# $£ϑn=sù ∩∠®∪ šχθßϑÎ=≈sà©9 #]ŒÎ) ∩∇⊃∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÅ3≈ptø:$# çöyz uθèδuρ ( ’Í< ª!$# zΝä3øts† ÷ρr& þ’Î1r& þ’Í< tβsŒù'tƒ 4©®Lym uÚö‘F{$# yytö/r& ô⎯n=sù ( y#ß™θム’Îû óΟçFÛ§sù $tΒ And when they entered in the manner their father had enjoined, it did Not profit them in the least against the Plan of Allah: it was but a Necessity of Yaqoob’s soul, which he discharged. For he was, by Our Instruction, full of knowledge and experience: but most men do not Know. Now when they came into Yusuf’s presence, he received his full Brother to stay with him. He said to him: “ Behold! I am your own Brother, so do not grieve at anything of their doings.” At length when he has furnished them forth with suitable provisions For them, he
- 81. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 81 put the drinking cup into his brother’s saddlebag. Then Shouted out a Crier: “O you in the Caravan! Behold! You are thieves, Without doubt!” The brothers said, turning toward them, “What is it that you miss?” The Egyptians said, “We miss the great beaker of the king; for him who produces it, will have a camel load as the reward. I will be bound by it.” The brothers said: “By Allah! You know well that we did not come to make mischief in the land, and we are no thieves!” The Egyptians said, “What will be penalty of this if you are proved to have lied?” The brothers said: “The penalty should be that he in whose saddle-bag it is found, would be held as slave to atone for the crime. Thus it is we punish the wrongdoers!” So he began the search of their baggage, before he came to the baggage of his brother: at length he brought it out of his brother’s baggage. Thus did We plan for Yusuf. He could not take his brother by the law of the King except that Allah Willed it so. We raise to degrees of wisdom whom We please: but over all endued with knowledge is One, the All-Knowing. The brothers said, “If he steals, there was a brother of his who stole before him.” But these things kept Yusuf locked in his heart, without revealing any secrets to them. He simply said to himself, “You are the worst situated; and Allah knows best the truth of what you assert!” The brothers said, “O exalted one! Behold! He has a father aged and venerable, who will grieve for him. So take one of us in his place; for we see that you are gracious in doing good.” He said, “Allah forbid that we take other than him with whom we found Our property: indeed if we did so we should be acting wrongfully.” Now when they saw no hope of his yielding, they held a conference in private. The leader among them said, “ Don’t you know that your father took an oath from you in Allah’s name, and how, before this you failed in your duty with Yusuf? Therefore I will not leave this land until my father permits me, or Allah commands me; and He is the best to command. (Quran: 12/68-80) When the brothers learned that they could not prevail over this issue and must surrender their brother Benjamin to the Egyptian authorities, they decided to return home and face whatever was in store for them from their father. However, Judah decided to stay back and watch the developments in the case of Benjamin. As the eldest brother, he felt more guilt and knew that he could not fairly face his father. He wanted to be around in case Benjamin needed immediate help. His brothers left for Canaan with the provisions to inform their father about these accusations and charges against Benjamin. Benjamin was taken into the personal custody of Prophet Yusuf (AS) and stayed with him in his palace. Judah had rented a place to stay in Egypt. Prophet Yusuf (AS) knew that Judah was a good-hearted person who had been swayed by his younger brothers. He was glad that it was Judah who had opted to remain near Benjamin. Prophet Yusuf (AS) had secretly arranged with his agents to provide Judah with all the amenities necessary to live in Egypt. Prophet Yusuf (AS) had put to test the sincerity and loyalty of the brothers with Judah and Benjamin. When the brothers arrived home, they called upon their father and said, “O our father! Your son has stolen!” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was confounded at the news, hardly believing it, yet he was patient, and cried in prayers to Allah (SWT), “Patience be with me; perhaps Allah will return all of them to me. He is Most Knowing, Most Wise.” ©ÉL©9$# sπƒös)ø9$# È≅t↔ó™uρ ∩∇⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏàÏ≈ym É=ø‹tóù=Ï9 $¨Ζà2 $tΒρ $uΖôϑÎ=tæ $yϑÎ/ ωÎ) !$tΡô‰Íκy− $tΒuρ s−ty™ y7Ζö/$# χÎ) !$tΡ$t/r'¯≈tƒ (#θä9θà)sù öΝä3‹Î/r& #’n<Î) (#þθãèÅ_ö‘$# t u u óΟÎγÎ/ ©Í_u‹Ï?ù'tƒ βr& ª!$# ©|¤tã ( î≅ŠÏΗsd ×ö9|Áù ( #XöΔ& öΝä3Ý¡àΡr& öΝä3s9 ôMs9§θy™ ö≅t/ tΑ$s% ∩∇⊄∪ šχθè%ω≈|Ás9 $¯ΡÎ)uρ ( $pκÏù $uΖù=t6ø%r& û©ÉL©9$# uÏèø9$#uρ $pκÏù $¨Ζà2 s r ∩∇⊆∪ ÒΟŠÏà. uθßγsù Èβ÷“ßsø9$# š∅ÏΒ çν$uΖøŠtã ôMÒu‹ö/$#uρ y#ß™θム4’n?tã 4’s∀y™r'¯≈tƒ tΑ$s%ρ öΝåκ÷]tã 4’¯<uθs?uρ ∩∇⊂∪ ÞΟŠÅ6ysø9$# ÞΟŠÎ=yèø9$# uθèδ …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 $·èŠÏΗsd x u You turn back to your father and say, “O our father! Behold! Your son committed theft! We bear witness only to what we know, and we could not well guard against the unseen! Ask at the town where we have been and the caravan in which we returned, and you will find that we
- 82. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 82 are indeed telling the truth.” Yaqoob said, “ Nay but you have yourselves contrived a good enough Story for you. So patience is most fitting for me. Maybe Allah will Bring all of them back to me in the end. For He is indeed Full of Knowledge and Wisdom.” And he turned away from them, and said, “How great is my grief for Yusuf!” And his eyes became white with sorrow, and he fell into silent melancholy. (Quran: 12/81-84) Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was deeply hurt; and knew that only the prayers could console him and help him in patience. He had wept all these years for the loss of his beloved son, Yusuf, and now fate had separated him from both of his two most favorite sons. His weeping nearly cost him his eyesight. His sons asked him, “O father! You are a noble prophet and a great messenger of Allah. Unto you descended revelations and people received their guidance and renewed their faith from you. Why are you destroying yourself by constantly weeping?” Prophet Yaqoob (AS) replied, “Your questioning me does not lessen my grief. Only the return of my sons will comfort me. My sons go in search of Yusuf and his brothers; Do not give up hope of Allah’s mercy.” ãΝn=ôã&uρ «!$# ’n<Î) þ’ÎΤ÷“ãmuρ ©Éot/ (#θä3ô©r& !$yϑ¯ΡÎ) Α$s% ∩∇∈∪ š⎥⎫Å3Î=≈yγø9$# š∅ÏΒ tβθä3s? ÷ρr& $·Êtym šχθä3s? 4©®Lym y#ß™θムãà2õ‹s? (#àσtGøs? «!$$s? (#θä9$s% r t ωÎ) «!$# Çy÷ρ§‘ ⎯ÏΒ ß§↔÷ƒ($tƒ Ÿω …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( «!$# Çy÷ρ§‘ ⎯ÏΒ (#θÝ¡t↔÷ƒ($s? Ÿωρ ÏμŠÅzr&uρ y#ß™θム⎯ÏΒ (#θÝ¡¡¡stFsù (#θç7yδøŒ$# ¢©Í_t7≈tƒ ∩∇∉∪ šχθßϑn=÷ès? Ÿω $tΒ «!$# š∅ÏΒ t u y ∩∇∠∪ tβρãÏ≈s3ø9$# ãΠöθs)ø9$# They said, “By Allah! Never will you cease to remember Yusuf until you reach the last extremity of illness or until you die!” He said, “I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you do not know. O my sons! You go and enquire about Yusuf and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s soothing Mercy, except those who have no faith.” (Quran: 12/85-87) The brothers prepared another caravan to travel to Egypt with a resolve to present themselves in the court of the chief minister, Prophet Yusuf (AS), and plead for his mercy in releasing their brother, Benjamin. Their father was weakening and turning blind, and they could not bear to see his deterioration. Upon reaching Egypt, they joined Judah and all of them collectively went to Prophet Yusuf (AS) and pleaded their case, “Ì“øg† ©!$# ¨βÎ) ( !$uΖøŠ=tã ø−£‰Á?uρ Ÿ≅ø‹s3ø9$# $uΖs9 Å∃÷ρr'sù 7π8y_÷“•Β 7πyè≈ŸÒÎ7Î/ $uΖ÷∞Å_uρ •‘Ø9$# $uΖ=÷δr&uρ $uΖ¡¡tΒ â“ƒÍ“yèø9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ (#θä9$s% Ïμø‹n=tã (#θè=yzyŠ $£ϑn=sù s n | s n ∩∇∇∪ š⎥⎫Ï%Ïd‰|ÁtFßϑø9$# Then when they came back into Yusuf’s presence they said, “O exalted one! Distress has seized us and our family: we have now brought but scanty capital: so pay us full measure, we pray to you, and treat it as charity to us: for Allah rewards the charitable.” (Quran: 12/88) They used every word or phrase that reflected they were in need of charity and expounded on the rewards paid by Allah (SWT) to the charity-givers. Prophet Yusuf (AS) now addressed them in their own Canaanite language:
- 83. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 83 ª!$# ∅Β ô‰% ( ©År& !#x‹≈yδρ ß#ß™θムO$tΡr& tΑ$s% ( ß#ß™θム|MΡV{ y7¯ΡÏ™r& (#þθä9$s% ∩∇®∪ šχθè=Îγ≈y_ óΟçFΡr& øŒÎ) Ïμ‹Åzr&uρ y#ß™θã‹Î/ Λä⎢ù=yèsù $¨Β Λä⎢ôϑÎ=tæ ö≅yδ tΑ$s% t s u ∩®⊇∪ š⎥⎫Ï↔ÏÜ≈y‚s9 $¨Ζà2 βÎ)uρ $uΖøŠn=tã ª!$# x8trO#u™ ô‰s)s9 «!$$s? (#θä9$s% ∩®⊃∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÅ¡ósßϑø9$# tô_r& ßì‹ÅÒムŸω ©!$# χÎ*sù ÷É9óÁtƒuρ È,−Gtƒ ⎯tΒ …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( !$uΖøŠn=tã #ZÅÁt/ ÏNù'tƒ ’Î1& Ïμô_ρ 4’n?ã çνθà)ø9r'sù #x‹≈yδ ©Å‹Ïϑs)Î/ (#θç7yδøŒ$# ∩®⊄∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÏm≡§9$# ãΝmö‘r& uθèδuρ ( öΝä3s9 ª!$# ãÏøótƒ ( tΠöθu‹ø9$# ãΝä3ø‹n=tæ |=ƒÎøYs? Ÿω tΑ$s% r u t y ∩®⊂∪ š⎥⎫Ïèyϑô_r& öΝà6Î=÷δr'Î/ †ÎΤθè?ù&uρ He said, “Do you know what you did with Yusuf and his brother, not knowing what you were doing?” They said, “Are you indeed Yusuf?” He said, “I am Yusuf, and this is my brother: Allah has indeed been gracious to us all. Behold, he that is righteous and patient, never will Allah suffer the reward to be lost, of those who do right.” They said, By Allah! Indeed Allah has preferred you above us, and we certainly have been guilty of sin!” He said, “This day let no reproach be cast on you: Allah will forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy! Go with this my shirt, and cast it over the face of my father: he will come to see clearly. Then you come here to me together with all your family.” (Quran: 12/89-93) Prophet Yusuf (AS) decided to reveal himself and told all the brothers that he was none other than their brother, Yusuf, whom they had dumped and abandoned in the well. All the brothers went into prostration and pleaded for his forgiveness and his mercy for their past foolishness. The brothers confessed that Satan had overcome their sanity. Prophet Yusuf (AS) was pleased that his brothers had realized their waywardness and were willing to submit themselves to the righteous way towards Allah (SWT). The reunion of the brothers was celebrated with festivities and prayers of thanks to Allah (SWT). The return caravan was again loaded with the much-needed food and grains to be distributed among the poorest of Canaan. The brothers were happy that they were forgiven by Prophet Yusuf (AS) and that their father, Prophet Yaqoob (AS), would be extremely pleased with the news of the status of Prophet Yusuf (AS), both as the chief minister of Egypt and also as the appointed Prophet of Allah (SWT). Prophet Yusuf (AS) gave his shirt to his brothers and asked them to rub the shirt on the eyes of Prophet Yaqoob (AS). His eyesight would improve so he could travel with his family to Egypt. The caravan of the brothers, loaded with food and grain for Canaan, had not even reached the outskirts of the land of Prophet Yaqoob (AS) when all of a sudden the family members saw him come out his room, fully dressed and sniffing the air around him. He was looking towards Heaven. The wives of his sons were surprised at his behavior and asked him, “How do you feel today?” He replied, “I can smell Yusuf in the air.” The women ignored his statement and thought that he was on the verge of collapsing from thinking about Yusuf. When the caravan entered his domain, he was gesticulating, praying, and weeping. βr& !$£ϑn=sù ∩®∈∪ ÉΟƒÏ‰s)ø9$# šÎ=≈n=|Ê ’Å∀s9 y7¨ΡÎ) «!$$s? (#θä9$s% ∩®⊆∪ Èβρ߉ÏiΖxè? βr& Iωöθs9 ( y#ß™θムyxƒÍ‘ ߉Å_V{ ’ÎoΤÎ) öΝèδθç/r& š^$s% çÏèø9$# ÏMn=|Ásù $£ϑs9uρ $uΖs9 öÏøótGó™$# $tΡ$t/r'¯≈tƒ (#θä9$s% ∩®∉∪ šχθßϑn=÷ès? Ÿω $tΒ «!$# z⎯ÏΒ ãΝn=÷ær& þ’ÎoΤÎ) öΝà6©9 ≅è%r& öΝs9r& tΑ$s% ( #ZÅÁt/ £‰s?ö‘$$sù ⎯ÏμÎγô_uρ 4’n?tã çμ9s)ø9r& çϱt6ø9$# u™!%y` ∩®∇∪ ÞΟŠÏm§9$# â‘θàtóø9$# uθèδ …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( þ’În1u‘ öΝä3s9 ãÏøótGó™r& š’ôθy™ tΑ$s% ∩®∠∪ t⎦⎫Ï↔ÏÜ≈yz $¨Ζä. $¯ΡÎ) !$uΖt/θçΡèŒ
- 84. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 84 When the Caravan left Egypt, their father said, “I do indeed scent the presence of Yusuf: nay, think me not a dotard.” They said, “By Allah! Truly you are in your old wandering mind. ”Then when the bearer of the good news came, he cast the shirt over his face, and he forthwith regained clear sight. He said, “Did I not say to you, ‘I know from Allah that which you do not know?” They said, “O our father! Ask for us forgiveness for our sins, for we are truly at fault.” He said, “Soon will I ask my Lord for forgiveness for you: for He is Indeed Oft- Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Quran: 12/94-98) When the fully laden caravan arrived home, all the brothers were excited to tell Prophet Yaqoob (AS) the best news that he had ever heard in years. Prophet Yaqoob (AS) was crying with joy and thanks to Allah (SWT) for all the blessings showered upon him. As soon as he rubbed the shirt of Prophet Yusuf (AS) over his face, his eyesight was restored. More important for him was the scent of his son, which was emanating from the shirt. He became anxious and could not wait to travel to Egypt. Prophet Yaqoob (AS), his sons, their wives and their families traveled to Egypt. Upon entering the court of Prophet Yusuf (AS), they all prostrated before him in respect of the rank that had been bestowed upon him by the Mercy of Allah (SWT). This final act was the conclusion of the vision he had dreamed-of in his childhood, the trials of his patience and his perseverance towards the right path of Allah (SWT). tΑ$s%uρ ( #Y‰£∨ß™ …çμs9 (#ρ”yzuρ ĸöyèø9$# ’n?tã Ïμ÷ƒuθt/r& yìsùu‘uρ ∩®®∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ#u™ ª!$# u™!$x© βÎ) uóÇÏΒ (#θè=äz÷Š$# tΑ$s%uρ Ïμ÷ƒuθt/r& Ïμø‹s9Î) #“uρ#u™ y#ß™θム4’n?tã (#θè=yzyŠ $£ϑn=sù βr& ω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ Íρô‰t7ø9$# z⎯ÏiΒ Νä3Î/ u™!%y`ρ ⎯ÏΒ zÇ⎯ôfÅb¡9$# ©Í_y_t÷zr& øŒÎ) þ’Î1 z⎯|¡ômr& ô‰s%uρ ( $y)ym ’În1u‘ $yγn=yèy_ ô‰s% ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ }‘≈tƒö™â‘ ã≅ƒÍρù's? #x‹≈yδ ÏMt/r'¯≈tƒ u ⎯ÏΒ ©Í_tFôϑ¯=tãuρ Å7ù=ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ©Í_tF÷s?#u™ ô‰s% Éb>u‘ * ∩⊇⊃⊃∪ ãΛ⎧Å3ptø:$# ÞΟŠÎ=yèø9$# uθèδ …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 â™!$t±o„ $yϑÏj9 ×#‹ÏÜs9 ’În1u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 þ†ÎAuθ÷zÎ) t⎦÷⎫t/uρ ©Í_ø‹t/ ß⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# søt“¯Ρ ∩⊇⊃⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎ=≈¢Á9$$Î/ ©Í_ø)Åsø9r&uρ $VϑÎ=ó¡ãΒ ©Í_©ùuθs? ( ÍοtÅzFψ$#uρ $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# ’Îû ⎯Çc’Í<uρ |MΡr& ÇÚö‘F{$#uρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# tÏÛ$sù 4 Ï]ƒÏŠ%tnF{$# È≅ƒÍρù's? Then when they entered the presence of Yusuf, he provided a home for his parents with himself, and said, “You enter Egypt all in safety if it please Allah.” And he raised his parents high on the throne of dignity, and they fell down in prostration, all before him. He said, “O my father! This is the fulfillment of my vision of old! Allah Has made it come true! He was indeed good to me when He took me out of prison and brought you all here out of the desert, even after the Satan had sown enmity between my brothers and me. Verily my Lord understands best the mysteries of all that He plans to do. For verily He is full of Knowledge and Wisdom.”“O my Lord! You have indeed bestowed on me some power, and taught me something of the interpretation of dreams and events, - O You Creator of the heavens and the earth! You are my Protector in this world and in the Hereafter. You take my soul at death as one submitting to Your Will as a Muslim and unite me with the righteous.” (Quran:12/99-101)
- 85. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 85 PROPHET SHU’AIB (JETHRO) (AS) A nation of Arabs known as Midian lived in the north of the Arabian Peninsula in the region now known as Syria. The period was after Prophet Ibrahim (AS). These tribesmen were the progeny of the third generation, the direct descendants of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Their area had been blessed with fertile lands that produced rich agriculture. The abundance and varieties of food generated from the land enriched the nation. The majority of them were commodities traders. Their clients also came to them from the surrounding nations of the desert. Free flow of the wealth had made them arrogant and deceitful. They were always cheating their customers by giving them lesser quantities or by using the scales or measuring instruments that had been engineered and doctored in their favor. They also robbed each other. They considered fornication and acts of immorality their birthright. There was no discipline for the children and no respect for the parents. The nation had completely forgotten about its moral obligations within the society and its duties toward Allah (SWT). These were the conditions that were common and practiced by almost all the people of the Midian nation. Allah (SWT) sent Prophet Shu’aib (AS) to reform the nation. Prophet Shu’aib’s mother was the pious and God-fearing daughter of Prophet Lut (AS) and his father was a direct descendant of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) Ÿ≅ø‹x6ø9# (#θèù÷ρ'sù ( öΝà6În/§‘ ⎯ÏiΒ ×πΨÉit/ Νà6ø?u™!$y_ ô‰% ( …çνçöxî >μ≈s9Î) ô⎯ÏiΒ Νà6s9 $tΒ ©!$# (#ρ߉ç7ôã$# ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ Α$s% 3 $Y7øŠyèä© öΝèδ%s{r& š⎥t⎪ô‰tΒ 4’n<Î)uρ $ r o s t ∩∇∈∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟçFΖà2 βÎ) öΝä3©9 ×öyz öΝà6Ï9≡sŒ 4 $yγÅs≈n=ô¹Î) y‰÷èt/ ÇÚö‘F{$# †Îû (#ρ߉šøè? Ÿωuρ öΝèδu™!$u‹ô©r& }¨$¨Ψ9$# (#θÝ¡y‚ö7s? Ÿωuρ šχ#u”Ïϑø9$#uρ To the Midian people We sent Shu’aib, on of their own brethren; he said,“ O my people! Worship Allah; you have no other god but Him. Now has come for you a clear Sign from your Lord! Give just measure and weight, nor withhold from people the things that are rightfully due to them. And do not perform evil practices on this earth that has been righted for the people. It will be best for you to have Faith.” (Quran: 7/85) Prophet Shu’aib was an eloquent orator and has been honored as the Khateeb-ul-Ambia (The Preacher to the Prophets). He advised people to improve their behavior and give up their evil practices. But the people ignored his advice, and instead ridiculed him at every opportunity. Some lay in wait outside his house to harass him, his family members, and his followers who were visiting him for guidance. Wξ‹Î=s% óΟçFΖà2 øŒÎ) (#ÿρãà2øŒ$#uρ 4 $[_uθÏã $yγtΡθäóö6s?uρ ⎯ÏμÎ/ š∅tΒ#u™ ô⎯tΒ «!$# È≅‹Î6y™ ⎯tã šχρ‘‰ÝÁs?uρ tβρ߉Ïãθè? :Þ≡uÅÀ Èe≅à6Î/ (#ρ߉ãèø)s? Ÿωuρ (#θãΖÏΒ÷σムóΟ©9 ×πxÍ←!$sÛuρ ⎯ÏμÎ/ àMù=Å™ö‘é& ü“Ï%©!$$Î/ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ öΝà6ΖÏiΒ ×πxÍ←!$sÛ tβ%x. βÎ)uρ ∩∇∉∪ t⎦⎪ωšøßϑø9$# èπt6É)≈tã šχ%x. y#ø‹x. (#ρãÝàΡ$#uρ ( öΝà2u©Ys3sù ∩∇∠∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÅ3≈ptø:$# çöyz uθèδuρ 4 $uΖoΨ÷t/ ª!$# zΝä3øts† 4©®Lym (#ρçÉ9ô¹$$sù And do not ambush people on every road. Refrain from issuing threats and hindering those people who are believers of Allah. Do not imagine that the Righteous people are planning some things sinister against you. Instead recall when you were a nation of few people and poor; and He increased you in numbers and wealth. Always keep in mind the fate of those people and nations before you who were mischievous towards Allah.” “And If there is a party amongst you who believes in the Message with which I have been sent, and a party which does not believe, hold yourselves in patience until Allah decides between us: for He is the best to decide.” (Quran: 7/86-87)
- 86. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 86 The haughty and corrupt chiefs of the nation, summoned Prophet Shu’aib (AS) and issued threats against him and his followers to stop their preaching or else they would be banished from the nation. Moreover, Prophet Shu’aib (AS) and his followers would only be allowed to remain there if they abandoned their righteous path and reverted back to the common practices of the nation. These chiefs were worried that their lucrative earnings would diminish if the nation reformed because of the preaching of Prophet Shu’aib (AS). t⎦⎫ÏδÌ≈x. $¨Ζä. öθ9uρ& Α$s% 4 $uΖÏG¯=ÏΒ ’Îû ¨βߊθãètGs9 ÷ρr& !$oΨÏKtƒös% ⎯ÏΒ y7ètΒ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ Ü=ø‹yèà±≈tƒ y7¨Ζ_Ì÷‚ãΖs9 ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs% ⎯ÏΒ (#ρçy9õ3tFó™$# t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# _|yϑø9$# tΑ$s% * s r t y y yìÅ™uρ 4 $uΖš/u‘ ª!$# u™!$t±„ βr& HωÎ) !$κÏù yŠθãè¯Ρ βr& !$uΖs9 ãβθä3tƒ $tΒuρ 4 $pκ÷]ÏΒ ª!$# $uΖ8¤fΡ øŒÎ) y‰÷è/ Νà6ÏG¯=ÏΒ ’Îû $tΡô‰ãã ÷βÎ) $¹/É‹x. «!$# ’n?ã $oΨ÷ƒutIøù$# ωs% ∩∇∇∪ o p t t t ⎯ÏμÏΒöθ% ⎯ÏΒ (#ρãxx. ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# _|pRùQ$# tΑ$s%uρ ∩∇®∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÏG≈xø9$# çöz |MΡr&uρ Èd,ysø9$$Î/ $uΖÏΒöθs% t⎦÷⎫t/uρ $uΖoΨ÷t/ ôxtFøù$# $uΖ−/u‘ 4 $uΖù=©.uθs? «!$# ’n?tã 4 $¸ϑù=Ïæ >™ó©x« ¨≅ä. $uΖš/u‘ s t y ∩®⊃∪ tβρçÅ£≈y‚©9 #]ŒÎ) ö/ä3¯ΡÎ) $·6ø‹yèä© öΝçF÷èt7¨?$# È⎦È⌡s9 The leaders, the arrogant party among his people, said, “O Shu’aib! We shall certainly drive you out of our city and those who believe with you; unless you and your followers return to our ways and religion.” He replied, “You want us to revert, even though we hate it. We would be inventing a lie against Allah if we returned to your ways after Allah has rescued us from there; nor could we by any manner of means return towards you unless it is Willed and Planned by Allah, our Lord. Our Lord can reach out to the utmost recesses of things by His knowledge. In Allah is our trust. Our Lord! You decide between us and our people in truth, for You are the best to decide. ”The leaders, the Unbelievers amongst his people, said, “If you follow Shu’aib be sure then you are ruined.” (Quran: 7/88-90) Prophet Shu’aib (AS) continued with his mission, but the arrogant leaders and the people of the nation refused to listen to his preaching. ÷ρ& !$Ρäτ!$/#u™ ߉ç7÷èƒ $tΒ x8çøI¯Ρ βr& š‚âæΔù's? šè?4θn=¹r& Ü=ø‹yèà±≈tƒ (#θä9$s% ∩∇∉∪ 7á‹Ïpt¿2 Νä3ø‹n=æ O$tΡr& !$tΒuρ 4 t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟçFΖà2 βÎ) öΝä3©9 ×öyz «!$# àM§‹É)t/ r t t t | t 4 $YΖ|¡ym $»%ø—Í‘ çμ÷ΖÏΒ ©Í_s%y—u‘uρ ’În1§‘ ⎯ÏiΒ 7πoΨÉi/ 4’n?tã àMΖä. βÎ) óΟçF÷ƒu™u‘r& ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ tΑ$s% ∩∇∠∪ ߉ŠÏ©§9$# ÞΟŠÎ=y⇔ø9$# |MΡV{ š¨ΡÎ) ( (#àσ¯≈t±nΣ $tΒ $oΨÏ9≡uθøΒr& þ’Îû Ÿ≅yèø¯Ρ βr& t ∩∇∇∪ Ü=ŠÏΡé& Ïμø‹s9Î)uρ àMù=©.uθs? Ïμø‹n=tã 4 «!$$Î/ ωÎ) þ’Å+ŠÏùöθs? $tΒuρ 4 àM÷èsÜtGó™$# $tΒ yx≈n=ô¹M}$# ωÎ) ߉ƒÍ‘é& ÷βÎ) 4 çμ÷Ζtã öΝà69yγ÷Ρr& !$tΒ 4’n<Î) öΝä3xÏ9%s{é& ÷βr& ߉ƒÍ‘é& !$tΒuρ ∩∇®∪ 7‰‹Ïèt7Î/ Νà6ΖÏiΒ 7Þθä9 ãΠöθs% $tΒuρ 4 8xÎ=≈|¹ tΠöθs% ÷ρr& >Šθèδ tΠöθs% ÷ρr& ?yθçΡ tΠöθs% z>$|¹r& !$tΒ ã≅÷WÏiΒ Νà6t7ŠÅÁムβr& þ’Í∋$s)Ï© öΝä3¨ΨtΒÌøgs† Ÿω ÏΘöθs)≈tƒuρ ∩®⊃∪ ׊ρߊuρ ÒΟŠÏmu‘ †În1u‘ ¨βÎ) 4 Ïμø‹s9Î) (#þθç/θè? §ΝèO öΝà6−/u‘ (#ρãÏøótGó™$#uρ That which is left you by Allah is best for you, if you only believed! But I am not set over you to keep watch!” They said, “Shu’aib! Does your religion of prayer command you that we leave off the worship which our fathers practiced, or that we leave off doing what we like with our property? Truly, you are the one that forbears with faults and is right-minded!” He said, “O my people! Do you see that I have a Clear Sign from my Lord, and He has given me pure and good sustenance from Himself? I do not wish you to do anything which I will not do myself. I will not forbid you anything yet do it myself secretly. I only desire your betterment to the best of my power; and the success of my task can only come from Allah. In Him I trust to him I look.” “O my people! Let not my dissent from cause you to sin, lest you suffer a fate similar to that of the people of Nuh, or of Hud, or of Saleh, nor are the people of Lut far off from your memories. But ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him in repentance: for my Lord is indeed full of Mercy and Loving-Kindness.” (Quran: 11/86-90) The nation refused to listen to any reasoning or sensible preaching of Prophet Shu’aib (AS). Instead, cruel persecutions and punishments were inflicted upon his family and followers. Prophet Shu’aib (AS) volunteered to leave Midian and settle anywhere where they were
- 87. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 87 welcome. The leaders refused to permit their departure instead, the houses of Prophet Shu’aib and his followers were surrounded by hostile elements. They were not allowed to go out of their houses to get food for themselves. Prophet Shu’aib and his followers prayed to Allah (SWT) for help. The Wrath of Allah (SWT) was Showered upon the nation in the form of an earthquake. Only the houses of Prophet Shu’aib (AS) and his believing followers were spared. All the unbelievers and the arrogant people were annihilated. βr(x. ∩®⊆∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÏW≈y_ öΝÏδÌ≈tƒÏŠ ’Îû (#θßst7ô¹r'sù èπysøŠ¢Á9$# (#θßϑn=sß t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ÏN‹z&uρ $¨ΖÏiΒ 7πuΗ÷qtÎ/ …çμyètΒ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ $Y6ø‹yèä© $uΖøŠ¯gwΥ $tΡãøΒr& u™!$y_ $£ϑs9uρ x y r ∩®∈∪ ߊθßϑrO ôNy‰Ïèt/ $yϑx. t⎦t⎪ô‰yϑÏj9 #Y‰÷èç/ Ÿωr& 3 !$pκÏù (#öθuΖøótƒ óΟ©9 When Our decree issued, We saved Shu’aib and those who believed with him, by special Mercy from Ourselves: but the mighty Blast seized the wrong-doers, and they lay prostrate in their homes by the morning. As if they had never existed and flourished there! Ah! Behold! How the Midian were removed from sight as were removed the Thamud! (Quran: 11/94-95) Prophet Shu’aib (AS) left the disaster stricken city and settled in Hadramuth. That is where he died and was buried in Shaban near the Valley of Ibn Ali.
- 88. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 88 PROPHET AYOUB (JOB) AS Lineage: Prophet Ayoub (AS), son of Mose, son of Razeh, son of Esau, son of Prophet Ishaaq AS), son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Prophet Ayoub (AS) was a pious person, always thankful to Allah (SWT) and steadfast in his prayers. He was patient and always generous with others. Allah (SWT) has Commanded all the due respect to him: 4 tβρã≈yδρ 4©y›θãΒρ y#ß™θãƒuρ šU蕃r&ρ z⎯≈yϑø‹n=ß™uρ yŠ…ãρ#yŠ ⎯ÏμÏG−ƒÍh‘èŒ ⎯ÏΒuρ ( ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ $oΨ÷ƒy‰δ $·mθçΡuρ 4 $oΨ÷ƒy‰yδ ˆξà2 4 z>θà)÷ètƒuρ t,≈ysó™Î) ÿ…ã&s! $uΖö6yδuρuρ u u u y ∩∇⊆∪ ⎦⎫ÏΖÅ¡ósßϑø9$# “Ì“øgwΥ y7Ï9≡x‹x.uρ t We gave him Ishaaq and Yaqoob: all three We guided: and before him, We guided Nuh, and among his progeny, Daud, Suleiman, Ayoub, Yusuf, Musa and Haroun. Thus We reward those who do good. (Quran: 6/84) A group of angels was discussing the affairs of humanity within the universe. Their topics included how those who had remained humble, pious, and steadfast in their pursuits of the Blessings of Allah (SWT) were being rewarded; while those who had strayed away and adopted arrogant attitudes were being punished. One of the angels described the qualities of Prophet Ayoub (AS) and praised him. The angel said, “The best creature on the earth today is Ayoub. He has a noble character, displays great patience, and is always ever thankful towards his Generous Lord. He is an excellent role model for those who worship Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) has been Generous towards him and has Blessed him with a long life and abundant wealth. Ayoub is never arrogant or selfish. All his family, his servants, and their community share and prosper in his wealth. He provides the needs of the poor and buys and frees slaves. He does not demean people who receive charity from him. Instead, he praises them for giving him the opportunity to serve their entitlements and their needs.” This praise of Prophet Ayoub (AS) was overheard by the Satan. Satan is always on the lookout for ways to deviate the righteous humankind away from Allah (SWT). Satan decided to tempt Prophet Ayoub (AS) towards the corruption and disbelief of Allah (SWT). Satan approached Prophet Ayoub (AS) and tried to sway him away from his prayers, but found him steadfast in his beliefs and duties towards Allah (SWT). But Satan was adamant in his objectives and targeted to sway specifically Prophet Ayoub (AS); because he was a regular subject of discussions among the angels. Moreover, Allah (SWT) had showered unlimited blessings upon this prophet. Satan approached the group of the angels who were always praising Prophet Ayoub (AS) and challenged the sincerity of Prophet Ayoub (AS) in thanking Allah (SWT) for the endowment of all the riches and blessings. Satan stated, “If Allah separates him from his wealth, he will no longer Glorify Allah.” Allah (SWT) intervened and declared to Satan that Prophet Ayoub (AS) was one of His most sincere devotees. Allah (SWT) told Satan that no matter what Satan said or did to Prophet Ayoub (AS), this Prophet would never give up his righteous path towards Him. Satan requested Allah’s (SWT) permission to deprive Prophet Ayoub (AS) of his wealth. The permission was granted. Satan assembled his deputies and destroyed Prophet Ayoub’s (AS) farms and cattle, and drove his servants away. Having accomplished this destruction of wealth, Satan appeared before Prophet Ayoub (AS) in the guise of a wise old man, and said, “You have become a pauper
- 89. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 89 because of your lavish charity and false belief that you will be rewarded. You think that you can get your wealth back by just offering regular prayers to your Allah! If He had the ability you wouldn’t have lost it in the first place.” Prophet Ayoub (AS), who was always a true servant of Allah (SWT), replied “Allah took away what in reality belonged to Him! I was only its trustee for a while. He gives to whom He Wills and withholds from whom He Wills.” Thereafter, Prophet Ayoub (AS) went into prostration and loudly thanked Allah (SWT) for all the Blessings that had been showered upon him. This was in direct contrast to the expectations of Satan. Frustrated, Satan submitted to Allah (SWT) that the real test of sincerity of Prophet Ayoub (AS) was his many children. He told Allah that if the children were separated from him, he will reject Allah! Allah (SWT) Granted the permission for Satan to initiate any test of endurance between Prophet Ayoub (AS) and his children. Satan was again warned that Prophet Ayoub (AS) would always remain steadfast on his righteous path. Again Satan, with his deputies, created a havoc that destroyed the house where children of Prophet Ayoub (AS) were sleeping. The buildings were destroyed and every child killed. Satan, in the guise of a sympathizer, approached Prophet Ayoub (AS) and said, “ You have been hit with tragedies one after another. It is surprising that your Lord is not rewarding you for all your prayers!” Prophet Ayoub (AS) replied, “Allah sometimes Gives and sometimes Takes. He is sometimes Pleased and sometimes Displeased by our deeds. If anything is beneficial or harmful to me, only He can decide. I must, however, remain firm and committed in my beliefs, and be ever grateful to my Creator.” Then Prophet Ayoub (AS) raised his hands towards Heaven and prayed to Him. Satan could not bear to see it and left in a hurry, making excuses that he had some other pressing errands. Ever skillful and manipulative, Satan, having been twice defeated in his attempts to sway Prophet Ayoub (AS) from the righteous path, requested for a third and a final attempt on the prophet. Allah (SWT) Chose to Exhibit to Satan why He had considered the human to be a superior creation than that of Iblis. Iblis had desired the role of Allah’s vicegerent in the universe, which is why he had refused to prostrate to Adam. Satan suggested that Prophet Ayoub (AS) was healthy and robust. If Satan were allowed to inflict any punishment on the body of the prophet, this prophet would refuse to remain a righteous person. Allah (SWT) Granted permission for Satan to inflict any disease on any part of Prophet Ayoub’s (AS) body the exceptions were that Satan would have no control over his soul, intellect, or heart; for these were the places wherein resided the knowledge of Allah and His righteous path of Islam. Armed with this new authority, Satan began to attack the body of Prophet Ayoub (AS) by inflicting diseases that eventually reduced him to a skeleton in great pain. Yet, Prophet Ayoub (AS) offered his prayers regularly, thanking Allah (SWT) for the life-giving breath, but never complained for his misfortunes. He never paid attention to Satan and shunned any suggestions made by Satan, that would cause him to deviate from the righteous path of Allah (SWT). He believed that true help could come only from Allah (SWT). Every close friend and relative abandoned him. He was supported by his kind and loving wife. She showered her affections and kindness by looking after him when he needed her most. She remained his sole companion and comforter through the many years of his sufferings.
- 90. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 90 On the other hand, Satan was suffering from the agonies of being defeated in his plans. Even his helpers and assistants were beginning to doubt his abilities as a leader. They said, “Explain to us why your plans are failing against Ayoub, yet you succeeded in misleading and having Adam, the Father of Mankind, ejected from Paradise.” As a human, Satan approached Prophet Ayoub’s wife and asked her about her husband. She pointed towards an almost lifeless form crumpled on the bed and said, “There he is, suspended between life and death.” Satan told her that their days of miseries were brought upon them by themselves. Her husband had relied only on his Lord and refused to seek assistance from other sources. If his Lord had been helpful or had the capacity to help them, they would not be suffering at all. After all, her husband had spent his entire life in prayers to Allah. Where were the rewards that had been promised by Him? She was overcome with emotions when she recalled all the wealth, children, and health enjoyed by them and from which they were now deprived. She approached her husband and asked, “How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without any wealth, children, or friends forever? Why don’t you call upon Allah(SWT) to remove these sufferings from our persons?” Prophet Ayoub (AS) was taken by surprise at this sudden outburst by his devoted wife, and replied mildly, “Satan must have whispered this disbelief to you. Tell me how long we enjoyed good health and wealth?” “For eighty years,” she replied. Prophet Ayoub (AS) asked her, “For how long are we suffering like this?” “Seven years.” She replied. Prophet Ayoub (AS) told her, “I am ashamed to call upon Allah (SWT) and ask Him to remove the hardships, when my hardships are only a short period compared to the period when I enjoyed good health and wealth. It appears to me that your faith in Allah (SWT) has subsided and that you have lost hope in His Mercies. If ever I regain my health, I swear by Allah (SWT), that I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From now on, I forbid myself to accept any food or drink from you. Just leave me alone and let my Lord continue to do with me as He pleases.” Angry at this outcome, she left him and sought shelter elsewhere. Prophet Ayoub (AS) was now in seclusion with Allah (SWT). He turned in Prayers to Him and praised Him, and begged Him for His mercy and the restoration of his lost health and wealth. Νßγn=÷VÏΒuρ …ã&s#÷δ& çμ≈oΨ÷s?#u™ρ ( 9hàÊ ⎯ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÎ/ $tΒ $oΨøt±s3sù …çμs9 $uΖö6yftGó™$$sù ∩∇⊂∪ š⎥⎫ÏΗ¿q≡§9$# ãΝymö‘r& |MΡr&uρ •‘Ø9$# z©Í_¡¡tΒ ’ÎoΤr& ÿ…çμ−/u‘ 3“yŠ$tΡ øŒÎ) šU蕃r&uρ * r u ∩∇⊆∪ t⎦⎪ωÎ7≈yèù=Ï9 3“tò2ÏŒuρ $tΡωΨÏã ô⎯ÏiΒ ZπtΗôqy‘ óΟßγyè¨Β And remember Ayoub, when he cried to his Lord, “Truly distress has seized me, but You are the Most Merciful of those that are Merciful.” So We listened to him: We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his people to him and doubled their number, as a Grace From Ourselves, and a thing for commemoration for all who serve Us. (Quran: 21/83-84) Satan, having been defeated in his three attempts to sway Prophet Ayoub (AS) from the righteous path, abandoned this target. Allah (SWT) restored the health of Prophet Ayoub (AS) granted him abundant wealth. His wife returned to him and apologized for her earlier misgivings. She was forgiven, but the implementation of the oath of punishing her with hundred strokes was tormenting him. For he loved her, very much, and truly appreciated her devotion towards him during the time, when everyone else had abandoned him.
- 91. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 91 He was tormented by the fact that he had taken an oath to punish her and had sworn by invoking Allah’s (SWT) name. Anything invoked in the name of Allah (SWT) must be complied. However, Allah (SWT) Revealed the way Prophet Ayoub (AS) could fulfill his oath and also overcome this agony of hitting her. ∩⊆⊆∪ Ò>#¨ρr& ÿ…çμ¯ΡÎ) ( ߉ö7yèø9$# Ν÷èÏoΡ 4 #Î/$|¹ çμ≈tΡô‰y`uρ $¯ΡÎ) 3 ô]oΨøtrB Ÿωuρ ⎯ÏμÎn/ >ÎôÑ$$sù $ZWøóÅÊ x8ωu‹Î/ õ‹è{uρ z And take in your hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and do not break your oath.” Truly We found him full of patience and constancy. How excellent in Our service! Ever did he turn to us! (Quran: 38/44)
- 92. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 92 PROPHET MUSA (MOSES) (AS) The land of Egypt was under the rule of the Pharaohs, the rulers who devised the plans and constructed the pyramids and huge interlinking blocks of buildings and palaces in Egypt. These huge monuments were symbols of dedications for the Pharaoh rulers. The people of the nation of Israel were the slaves of the Egyptians. All the laborious and difficult work was assigned to the Israelis. There existed a religious difference and conflict between the Egyptians and the Israelites. The Egyptians were worshipping the pharaohs in addition to many other gods whom they considered to be the individual or collective controllers of the winds, rains, clouds, food, and rivers. The images of their gods were created by placing the head of an animal over a body shaped like that of a human. The pharaohs were proclaimed to be the highest ranked gods; and their representatives were priests who also had further hierarchy in their ranks. In contrast to the Egyptians, the Israelites were the monotheists and prayed only to one God. During the reign of Pharaoh, named Rameses, a high priest had some visions about the birth of a prophet among the Israelites. His visions reflected that this prophet of the Israelites would liberate and take away the Israelites from the lands and slavery of the pharaohs. The Egyptian priest knew that the Israelites were always praying to Allah (SWT) for liberation from slavery. Since the inception of humanity, the children of Israel had been the most favorite nation of Allah (SWT). A large number of the prophets and messengers were raised among the nations of Israel. Allah (SWT) responded to their prayers for liberation from the yokes of the pharaohs and gave them a glad tiding of a prophet soon to be born among them. The Israelites propagated these Divine Messages. The talk of a liberating prophet among the Israelites may have generated some fear among the Egyptian priests and created the grounds for their visions of a liberator of the nation of Israel. The priests were afraid to lose their political power, as they were the ones who had created the conditions under which the Israelites were made to serve the needs of the Pharaohs. If the Egyptian priests were to lose the services of these slaves, their own Egyptian subjects would have to supply the necessary labor force. Such a transformation would be detrimental to their position with Pharaoh Rameses, who had already declared himself to be the god above all other gods. The priests advised Rameses about their visions and the disastrous outcome of his building plans if such a prophet were to be born among the slaves. Another fear was that the Prophet of Israelites, because of their large population, might also dethrone Rameses and end his kingdom. Rameses asked the priests if they had any suggestions that would ensure against such a birth among the slaves. Someone suggested that the mature females of the slaves be killed; another suggested that all of the male slaves should be operated on to prevent them from reproducing. Rameses told the priests that both of these suggestions were detrimental towards his building ambitions as there would be no new generation of slaves who could be inducted into the construction projects. The chief priest, Haman, suggested that since they were looking for a prophet who has not been born yet, it would be a workable solution to kill every newborn male child among the slaves during alternate years. This would halve the chance of such a birth, an odd that was high, but would be acceptable to all of them.
- 93. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 93 Hence, Rameses issued a proclamation decreeing that the male children of the slaves would be spared their life in one year and killed in their infancy or upon their birth in the next year. The female children would not be harmed. Prophet Musa’s (AS) mother was pregnant and gave birth to Prophet Haroun (AS) in the year when the male children were to be spared. The next year, she had the second son. It was the year when the male children were to be put to death. Immediately after the birth, she had a vision from Allah (SWT) Assuring her of His Blessings upon her sons: Both these children were destined to be His Prophets. She was instructed to build a basket and to put her newborn in the basket and float it in the River Nile after weaning him. Allah (SWT) would take care of him thereafter. She complied with the command of Allah (SWT) and put the basket containing her son into the River Nile. She instructed her daughter to follow the basket and see where the basket landed. ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû Ÿξã šχöθãöÏù ¨βÎ) ∩⊂∪ šχθãΖÏΒ÷σム5Θöθs)Ï9 Èd,sø9$$Î/ šχöθtãöÏùuρ 4©y›θãΒ Î*t7¯Ρ ⎯ÏΒ šø‹n=tã (#θè=÷GtΡ ∩⊄∪ È⎦⎫Î7ßϑø9$# É=≈tGÅ3ø9$# àM≈tƒ#u™ y7ù=Ï? t t y ’n?tã £⎯ßϑ¯Ρ βr& ߉ƒÌçΡuρ ∩⊆∪ ⎦⎪ωšøßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ šχ%x. …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 öΝèδu™!$|¡ÏΡ ⎯Ä©÷∏tGó¡o„uρ öΝèδu™!$oΨö/r& ßxÎn/x‹ãƒ öΝåκ÷]ÏiΒ ZπxÍ←!$sÛ ß#ÏèôÒtGó¡o„ $Yèu‹Ï© $yγn=÷δr& Ÿ≅yèy_uρ t ⎯≈yϑ≈yδρ šχöθãöÏù y“ÌçΡuρ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû öΝçλm; z⎯Åj3yϑçΡuρ ∩∈∪ š⎥⎫ÏOÍ‘≡uθø9$# ãΝßγn=yèôftΡuρ Zπ£ϑÍ←r& öΝßγn=èøgwΥuρ ÇÚö‘F{$# †Îû (#θàÏèôÒçGó™$# š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# z u t y Ÿωuρ ’Îû$sƒB Ÿωρ ÉdΟŠø9$# †Îû ÏμŠÉ)ø9r'sù Ïμø‹n=tã ÏMøÅz #sŒÎ*ù ( Ïμ‹ÏèÅÊö‘r& ÷βr& #©y›θãΒ ÏdΘé& #’n<Î) !$uΖøŠym÷ρr&uρ ∩∉∪ šχρâ‘x‹øts† (#θçΡ$Ÿ2 $¨Β Νßγ÷ΨÏΒ $yϑèδyŠθãΖã_uρ r u u s ∩∠∪ š⎥⎫Î=y™ößϑø9$# š∅ÏΒ çνθè=Ïæ%y`uρ Å7ø‹s9Î) çνρ–Š!#u‘ $¯ΡÎ) ( þ’ÎΤt“øtrB These are revelations of the Scripture that makes plain. We narrate unto you about the story of Musa and Pharaoh as it happened, for people who believe. Lo! Pharaoh exalted himself in the earth and made its people into castes. A tribe amongst them he suppressed and enslaved, killing their sons and sparing their women. Lo! He was of those who spread corruption. And We desired to show favor unto those who were oppressed in the earth, to make them examples and to make them inheritors. And to establish them in the earth, and to show Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts that, which they feared most from them. And We inspired the mother of Musa, saying, “Suckle him and when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not nor grieve. Lo! We shall bring him back unto you and shall make him one of Our Messengers.” (Quran: 28/2-7) As the sister followed the basket, she observed that the river was unusually calm and there were no usual dangerous currents, which could prevent her movements along the banks of the River Nile. Much to her surprise, the basket stopped at the landings of the pharaoh’s palace. Fear of the death of her brother by the hands of the Egyptian king, Rameses, crossed her mind yet, she faithfully maintained her vigil over her brother. She was praying to Allah (SWT) for His Deliverance. The person who picked up the basket was none other than Queen Asiya, the favorite wife of Rameses. Queen Asiya was barren and unable to produce any child who could be the heir to the throne of pharaohs. After Queen Asiya picked up the infant from the baskets, she strongly believed that God had given her the gift of a boy. Her attendants, however, cautioned her that the child might be from the slaves of Egypt. Asiya took the truly lovely child to Rameses, who was sitting nearby, and showed him the heir to the throne of Egypt. By nature, Rameses was a tyrant who would do anything to achieve his goals, while Asiya was an exact opposite in temperament. Rameses took it as a very strong political instrument for himself: As his entire claim as the god of Egypt would be cast in doubts if he was unable to produce a male child from his wife. Asiya was physically
- 94. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 94 holding the object, which would eliminate such a doubt among his subjects. Moreover, he always wanted Asiya to be happy. He told Asiya to keep the child and nurse it. ßNr&tøΒ$# ÏMs9$s%uρ ∩∇∪ š⎥⎫Ï↔ÏÜ≈yz (#θçΡ$Ÿ2 $yϑèδyŠθãΖã_uρ z⎯≈yϑ≈yδuρ šχöθtãöÏù χÎ) 3 $ºΡt“muρ #xρ߉tã óΟßγs9 tβθà6u‹Ï9 šχöθtãöÏù ãΑ#u™ ÿ…çμsÜs)tGø9$$sù y ∩®∪ šχρããèô±„ Ÿω öΝèδuρ #V$s!uρ …çνx‹Ï‚−GtΡ ÷ρr& !$oΨyèxΖtƒ βr& #©|¤tã çνθè=çFø)s? Ÿω ( y7s9uρ ’Ík< &⎦÷⎫tã ßN§è% šχöθtãöÏù o And the family of Pharaoh plucked him out of the river, that he might become for them an enemy and a sorrow. Lo! Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts were ever sinning. And the wife of Pharaoh said, “He will be a consolation for me and for you. Kill him not. Peradventure he may be of use to us, or we may choose him for a son.” And they perceived not. (Quran 28/8-9) Asiya was very happy and tried to wean the boy. He would not wean although the infant expressed pleasure in her embrace. She summoned a few professional nurses but the child would not wean with anyone. Instead, the infant would burst into cries if it was separated from Asiya. The sister of the child approached the queen and suggested that she knew a woman who was very famous in weaning; even those children who had rejected their wet nurses accepted the weaning of this woman. The sister was told to bring that woman and to try to wean this hungry infant. The infant needed the essential nourishment but was not accepting any breasts offered to him! The sister ran to her mother, who was in a state of a mental torment worried about the fate of her lovely infant son. Although the mother knew that Almighty Allah (SWT) would never let anything happen to her son, she was a mother and some occasional doubts would creep into her mind. When the sister relayed that the Queen of Egypt, Asiya, had sought her to milkweed her own son, she rushed to the palace. When the child was handed over to his mother, he was not anxious about being separated from the bosom of Asiya. After the child was weaned, Asiya took him back from the mother; the child expressed the unusual pleasures of Asiya’s embrace. Rameses was surprised at the behavior of the child who had refused to suckle all other wet nurses yet accepted the breast of this woman, so he asked her about herself. The mother replied that she was a professional wet nurse whose sweet milk had never been rejected by any infant. She did not tell him that she was from the slaves; because she feared that the lives of the infant and herself would be jeopardized if her true identity was revealed. The mother was instructed to report back at frequent intervals to wean the child. The child was named Musa. Thus, through the miracle of Allah (SWT), the mother was feeding her own son, Prophet Musa (AS), and watching him grow into boyhood. When her milk was no longer required, she continued to raise him in the palace, for she had been granted the privilege of visiting the palace freely to see Prophet Musa (AS). ⎯ÏμÏG÷zT{ ôMs9$s%uρ ∩⊇⊃∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ šχθä3tGÏ9 $yγÎ6ù=s% 4’n?tã $oΨôÜt/§‘ βr& Iωöθs9 ⎯ÏμÎ/ ”ωö7çFs9 ôNyŠ$Ÿ2 βÎ) ( %¸ñÌ≈sù 4†y›θãΒ ÏdΘé& ߊ#xσèù yxt7ô¹r&uρ …çμtΡθè=àõ3ƒ ;MøŠt/ È≅÷δr& #’n?tã ö/ä3—9ߊr& ö≅yδ ôMs9$s)sù ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ yìÅÊ#tyϑø9$# Ïμø‹n=tã $oΨøΒ§ymuρ * ∩⊇⊇∪ šχρããèô±o„ Ÿω öΝèδuρ 5=ãΖã_ ⎯tã ⎯ÏμÎ/ ôNuÝÇt7sù ( Ïμ‹Å_Áè% t Ÿω öΝèδusYò2r& £⎯Å3≈s9uρ ?Yym «!$# y‰ôãuρ χr& zΟn=÷ètGÏ9uρ šχt“óss? Ÿωuρ $yγãΨøŠtã §s)s? ö’s1 ⎯ÏμÏiΒé& #’n<Î) çμ≈tΡ÷ŠyŠtsù ∩⊇⊄∪ šχθßsÅÁ≈tΡ …çμs9 öΝèδuρ öΝà6s9 ∩⊇⊂∪ šχθßϑn=ôètƒ And the heart of the mother of Musa became void, and she would have betrayed him if We had not fortified her heart, that she might be of the believers. And she said unto his sister; “Trace him.” So she observed him from afar, while they perceived not. And We had before forbidden foster-mothers for him, so she said, Shall I show you a household who will rear him for you and take care of him?” So We restored him to his mother that she might be
- 95. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 95 comforted and not grieve, and that she might know the promise of Allah is true. But most of them know not. (Quran: 28/10-13) Haman, the chief priest, was always suspicious of this child who had captivated the hearts and minds of both, Rameses and his Queen, Asiya. Haman asked Rameses if he was aware of the parentage of the child and cautioned him of the dire consequences in accordance with the vision, if this child happened to be from the slaves and per chance the promised liberator for the nation of the Israelites. Rameses believed that the child was from some Egyptian family who was very poor and unable to afford the expense of the raising a child. Yet, the persistent cautions of his chief priest, Haman, created some tiny doubts in his mind about the origin of Musa. After all, the child was the future heir to the throne of Egypt. Rameses asked Haman to devise a test, which would convince both Rameses and Haman of the true identity Musa, the prince. Haman advised, “Let us test Musa by placing a large red diamond and a blazing red-hot coal in front of him. If Musa picked up the diamond, it meant that Musa was aware of the danger of being burnt. That would be an inspiration at this age. If Musa was not the promised prophet, he would pick up the red hot coal as any normal innocent child would do at that age.” Rameses reluctantly agreed to put Prophet Musa (AS), who was still in his infancy, through the suggested test. Both the elements of the test were put in front of Prophet Musa (AS) in the presence of the Queen Asiya. Asiya prayed hard to Allah (SWT) to save Musa from the sure doom as suggested by Haman, for Musa not to pick up the red diamond. Prophet Musa (AS) was attracted by the glaring shine of the red diamond and made a move with his hands to pick it up. Immediately, an invisible angel descended and guided the hand of Prophet Musa (AS) towards the red hot burning coal. Before any of those present could reach Prophet Musa (AS), he had picked up the red-hot burning coal; and in his complete innocence, put the inflamed coal in his mouth. The burning coal slightly seared his tongue. Although the best of all the available medical treatment was rendered as a crown prince, this sear caused a stutter in his speech. This stutter remained with Prophet Musa (AS) for his entire life. Prophet Musa (AS) was raised as a crown prince, whereby almost all his demands were being fulfilled. By nature he was a very generous and compassionate person. However, he had developed a somewhat fiery temper and a slight impatience in his attitude. He would exhibit mild tantrums if his demands were not fully met or were at times a little slow in implementation. The weak and the oppressed of Egypt would turn to him to seek his protection and a fair justice through him. He was disgusted with the corruption that prevailed among the Egyptians and strongly resented the inhuman treatments being meted out to the slaves. He saw that the male slaves were being subjected to harsh conditions in the construction projects of the Pharaoh, while the women were being treated as instruments of pleasure for the ranking Egyptians. Prophet Musa (AS) shared a strong bond of friendship with Prophet Haroun (AS). The former was, as yet, not aware of the relationship between them. Prophet Haroun (AS) would counsel Prophet Musa (AS) about the oneness of Allah (SWT). He advised against the practice of praying to man-made images and deities. He told him such habits were pure ignorance and would only lead towards further corruption of the human mind. He said that Rameses could never be the god that he claimed to be. The right paths were those leading to Allah (SWT), who was the Merciful and Compassionate. Allah (SWT) had Decreed that His followers should also be compassionate and show mercy to the weak among them.
- 96. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 96 Having been raised in an atmosphere of the palace where Rameses had been declared to be the overall god of Egypt and where the priests were wielding the powers of supremacy over all others, Prophet Musa (AS) was fully aware that the priests had powers that were much more superior to his limited powers as the prince of Egypt. The priests were able to wield their powers and influence the decisions of Rameses. Queen Asiya was a god-fearing woman and did not want to participate in any political arena of power. She was content with her prayers to Allah (SWT) and all the Graces that had been showered upon her. ∩⊇⊆∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÅ¡ósßϑø9$# “Ì“øgwΥ šÏ9≡x‹x.uρ 4 $Vϑù=Ïãuρ $Vϑõ3ãm çμ≈oΨ÷s?#u™ #“uθtGó™$#uρ …çν£‰ä©r& xn=t/ $£ϑs9uρ And when he reached his full strength and was ripe, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. Thus do We reward the good. (Quran: 28/14) Prophet Musa (AS) had some visionary revelations he could not understand and sought the wisdom of Prophet Haroun (AS). Prophet Haroun (AS) revealed to Prophet Musa (AS) his true identity, that Prophet Musa (AS) was an Israelite and not an Egyptian. The circumstances of his birth, and those which led him to be raised in the palace; were fully explained to Prophet Musa (AS), who was excited to learn that his mentor, Prophet Haroun (AS), was in fact his elder brother. Prophet Musa (AS) went to Queen Asiya, whom he had always loved as the mother and his protector in the palace. He was overjoyed to learn from Queen Asiya that she was never a polytheist, but had always been a monotheist and believed only in Allah (SWT). Queen Asiya cautioned Prophet Musa (AS) to keep what he had just learned a secret, control his fiery temper, and avoid any action that could jeopardize his ascension to the throne of Egypt. Once crowned as the king of Egypt, Prophet Musa (AS) would be in a better position to help the slaves and remove the powers of the priests, who were preaching polytheism for their own benefit. Queen Asiya again advised Prophet Musa (AS) to keep his newfound knowledge under wraps. Queen Asiya related to him the incident that had caused the stutter in his speech; this was further proof of the powers being wielded by the priests over Rameses. Queen Asiya repeatedly cautioned Prophet Musa (AS) to control his temper and spend more time, in secrecy, in the company of his elder brother, Prophet Haroun (AS). Prophet Haroun (AS) was full of wisdom and would always guide him towards the righteous way. Moreover, his absences from the palace would minimize the dangers of the confrontations with the priests or their agents who had been strategically placed therein. One day Prophet Musa (AS) was on his way to the palace when he saw two persons involved in a bitter and a bloody hand-to-hand fight. One was an Israelite and the other an Egyptian. The Egyptian was the dominant one and was causing serious injuries to the Israeli. The fight was taking place in a dimly lit street and there was no one else around. Prophet Musa (AS) realized that the well-armed Egyptian was about to kill the Israeli. He decided to intervene and separate them. The Egyptian assumed that the intervener was helping the Israeli and might also cause a serious injury to his person. The Egyptian raised his dagger to attack this meddler. Prophet Musa (AS) had been well trained in the art of war and self-defense since his childhood; he deflected the dagger thrust and counter-punched the Egyptian. Unfortunately for the Egyptian, Prophet Musa’s (AS) blow to the head was severe and fatal. The Egyptian collapsed and died on the spot. The Israeli, upon recognizing Prophet Musa (AS) as the crown prince of Egypt, pleaded with him to leave the area before the dead body of the slain Egyptian was discovered. So saying the Israeli himself ran away. Prophet Musa (AS), overtaken by the
- 97. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 97 reality of this grave situation, quickly departed towards his palace. He was truly regretful of his action that had contributed towards the loss of a human life. On his way to the palace, Prophet Musa (AS) continued begging for the Forgiveness and the Mercy of Allah (SWT). Upon reaching his room, he bowed in prostration and cried for Divine Mercy and Help in cultivating his anger. Later that evening, he learned that the dead Egyptian was a very close relative of the chief priest, Haman, who had offered a substantial reward for the identity and the arrest of the killer. The very next day, while passing through the market, Prophet Musa (AS) saw the same Israeli involved in another fight with another Egyptian. Prophet Musa (AS), overcome by his natural habit, intervened to separate them. He addressed the Israeli, “You seem to be a very quarrelsome person. Do you pick fights everyday?” The Israeli was really afraid of him! After all, he had seen the strength of a blow from this prince of Egypt. And from a distance that was beyond the reach of Prophet Musa (AS), the Israeli asked, “Are you going to kill me also as you did kill that Egyptian yesterday?” Having said that, the Israeli ran away. But the Egyptian with whom he was fighting recognized Prophet Musa (AS) and looked at him in disbelief and anger. No words were exchanged between them but the reality of this revelation had been explosive for both of them. The killer of the Egyptian had been exposed publicly. Both of them departed and went their separate ways. The Egyptian went to the authorities to claim his reward, while Prophet Musa (AS) went to Prophet Haroun (AS) for advice. Prophet Haroun (AS) strongly urged his brother, Prophet Musa (AS), to leave Egypt immediately and before his absence from the palace was fully discovered. Both of them knew the strength and the powers of the chief priest, Haman. Haman would definitely make demands on Rameses to execute the prince of Egypt as the law of the land was Life for a Life! Moreover, it would serve the priests’ purpose to weaken the hierarchy and the household of the self- proclaimed god of Egypt, Rameses. Prophet Musa (AS) decided to follow the suggestions of his brother Prophet Haroun (AS) and departed towards the palace to inform Queen Asiya about his misadventures and his plans to leave the land of Egypt immediately. He was met by a palace servant who was searching for Prophet Musa (AS) to warn him about the impending dangers of his arrest and death, which had already been decreed by the cabinet of the chief priest and very reluctantly endorsed by Rameses. ⎯ÏΒ “Ï%©!$# çμsW≈tótGó™$$sù ( ⎯ÍνÍiρ߉tã ô⎯ÏΒ #x‹≈yδuρ ⎯ÏμÏGyè‹Ï© ⎯ÏΒ #x‹≈yδ ÈβŸξÏGtFø)tƒ È⎦÷,s#ã_u‘ $pκÏù y‰y_uθsù $yγÎ=÷δr& ô⎯ÏiΒ 7's#øxî È⎦⎫Ïm 4’n?tã sπuΖƒÏ‰yϑø9$# Ÿ≅yzyŠuρ ’ÎoΤÎ) Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊇∈∪ ×⎦⎫Î7•Β @≅ÅÒ•Β Aρ߉tã …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( Ç⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# È≅uΗxå ô⎯ÏΒ #x‹≈yδ tΑ$s% ( Ïμø‹n=tã 4©|Ós)sù 4©y›θãΒ …çνt“x.uθsù ⎯ÍνÍiρ߉tã ô⎯ÏΒ “Ï%©!$# ’n?tã ⎯ÏμÏGyè‹Ï© yxt7ô¹r'sù ∩⊇∠∪ t⎦⎫ÏΒÌôfßϑù=Ïj9 #ZÎγsß šχθä.r& ô⎯n=sù ¥’n?tã |Môϑyè÷Ρr& !$yϑÎ/ Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊇∉∪ ÞΟŠÏm§9$# â‘θàtóø9$# uθèδ …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 ÿ…ã&s! txtósù ’Í< öÏøî$$sù ©Å¤øtΡ àMôϑn=sß |·ÏÜö7tƒ βr& yŠ#u‘r& ÷βr& !$£ϑn=sù ∩⊇∇∪ ×⎦⎫Î7•Β A“Èθtós9 y7¨ΡÎ) #©y›θãΒ …çμs9 tΑ$s% 4 …çμäzÎóÇtFó¡o„ ħøΒF{$$Î/ …çνu|ÇΨtFó™$# “Ï%©!$# #sŒÎ*sù Ü=©%utItƒ $ZÍ←!%s{ ÏπuΖƒÏ‰yϑø9$# ’Îû βr& ߉ƒÌè? $tΒuρ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû #Y‘$¬7y_ tβθä3s? βr& HωÎ) ߉ƒÌè? βÎ) ( ħøΒF{$$Î/ $G¡øtΡ |Mù=tGs% $yϑx. ©Í_n=çGø)s? βr& ߉ƒÌè?r& #©y›θßϑ≈tƒ tΑ$s% $yϑßγ©9 Aρ߉tã uθèδ “Ï%©!$$Î/
- 98. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 98 z⎯ÏΒ y7s9 ’ÎoΤÎ) ólã÷z$$sù x8θè=çFø)u‹Ï9 y7Î/ tβρãÏϑs?ù'tƒ V|yϑø9$# χÎ) #©y›θßϑ≈tƒ tΑ$s% 4©tëó¡o„ ÏπuΖƒÏ‰yϑø9$# $|Áø%r& ô⎯ÏiΒ ×≅ã_u‘ u™!%`uρ ∩⊇®∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÏ=óÁßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβθä3s? y ∩⊄⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# ÏΘöθs)ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ©Í_ÅngwΥ Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% ( Ü=©%utItƒ $ZÍ←!%s{ $pκ÷]ÏΒ yltsƒm ∩⊄⊃∪ š⎥⎫Ï⇔ÅÁ≈¨Ψ9$# And he entered the city when its when its inhabitants were heedless, and he found therein two men fighting, one of his own caste, and the other of his enemies; and he who was of his caste asked him for help against him who was of his enemies. So Musa struck him with his fist and killed him. He said, “This is the work of the Devil. Lo! He is an enemy, a mere misleader.” He said, “My Lord! Lo! I have wronged my soul, so forgive me”. Thus He Forgave him. Lo! He is the Forgiving, the Merciful. He said, “My Lord! For as much as You have favored me, I will never more be a supporter of the criminals.” The next morning found him in the city, fearing, vigilant, when behold! He who had appealed to him the day before cried out to him for help. Musa said unto him, “ Lo! You are indeed a mere hothead.” And when he would have fallen upon the man who was an enemy unto both of them, he said, “ O Musa! Would you kill me as you did kill a person yesterday? You would be nothing but a tyrant in the land, you would not be of the reformers.” And a man came from the farthest end of the city, running. He said, “O Musa! Lo! The chiefs take council against you to slay you; therefore escape. Lo! I am of those who give you good advice.” So he escaped from thence, fearing, vigilant. He said, “My Lord! Deliver me from the wrongdoing folk.” (Quran: 28/15-21) Prophet Musa (AS) escaped immediately from the city into the desert. He had no provisions, food or clothing, and no animal to ride upon. The desert was barren of any plants and had nothing that would give shade. Prophet Musa (AS) was desperately trying to widen his distance between himself and any of the Egyptian soldiers who could be searching for him. The faster and farther he could travel lessened the chances of him being captured. His body was capable of going without food and water for some time. He had the full faith and confidence in the powers of Allah (SWT) to Help him and Guide him as per His designs. Prophet Musa (AS) rested by day in any shade available and traveled by night, always praying to Allah (SWT) for His Mercy and Compassion in overcoming the elements surrounding him. He traveled northwards towards Midian, the closest oasis from Egypt on the way to Syria. He had avoided any contact with his pursuers and had continuously traveled for about seven nights when he reached the oasis, where he knew he was safe and out of the reach of the Egyptians. He fell down and slept, resting in a cave near the oasis. He was awakened by the sounds of a herd of sheep. He noticed that some men folk had their flocks surrounding the water-well and were in control of it. Nearby, there was another flock being herded by two women, who were struggling to keep their sheep from mixing with those of the men at the water well. Prophet Musa (AS) was surprised at what he saw. He was amazed that women were herding the flocks, a difficult task usually performed by men. There was no doubt in his mind that these women were having a difficult time especially when they had to extricate their sheep from the flock of the men and the waterhole. And the men were jesting and mocking at the women herders. When they finished watering their flocks, they deposited a large rock to block the passage of water from the well to the trusses. Prophet Musa (AS) approached the women and asked them why they had to perform the duties of herding the sheep. The women explained that their father was an old man who was incapable of herding sheep. They had no other men in the family. Prophet Musa (AS) offered to help them remove the heavy rock from the mouth of the well and water their herd for them. He led the sheep towards the trusses and picked up the heavy rock, single handedly, to release the water for the sheep to drink. After the herd had been well-
- 99. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 99 watered and the women had filled up their jars, Prophet Musa (AS) replaced the rock and went back to the shade of his resting spot. Ĩ$¨Ψ9$# š∅ÏiΒ Zπ¨Βé& Ïμø‹n=tã y‰y`ρ š⎥t⎪ô‰tΒ u™!$tΒ yŠ‘uρ $£ϑs9uρ ∩⊄⊄∪ È≅‹Î6¡¡9$# u™!#uθy™ ©Í_tƒÏ‰ôγtƒ βr& ú†În1u‘ 4©|¤tã tΑ$s% š⎥t⎪ô‰tΒ u™!$s)ù=Ï? tμ§_uθs? $£ϑs9uρ u u 4’s+¡sù ∩⊄⊂∪ ×Î7Ÿ2 Ó‡ø‹x© $tΡθç/&uρ ( â™!$tãÌh9$# u‘ωóÁム4©®Lym ’Å+ó¡nΣ Ÿω $tGs9$s% ( $yϑä3ç7ôÜyz $tΒ tΑ$s% ( Èβ#yŠρä‹s? È⎦÷⎫s?r&tøΒ$# ãΝÎγÏΡρߊ ⎯ÏΒ y‰y_uρuρ šχθà)ó¡o„ | r ∩⊄⊆∪ ×É)sù 9öyz ô⎯ÏΒ ¥’n<Î) |Mø9t“Ρr& !$yϑÏ9 ’ÎoΤÎ) Éb>u‘ tΑ$s)sù Èe≅Ïjà9$# ’n<Î) #’¯<uθs? ¢ΟèO $yϑßγs9 And when he turned his face towards Midian, he said, “Peradventure my Lord will guide me in the right road. “ And when he came to the water of Midian he found there a whole tribe of men, watering. And he found apart from them two women keeping back their flocks. He said, “What ails you?” The two said, “We cannot give drinks to our flock, till these shepherds move from the water; and our father is a very old man.” So he watered their flocks for them. Then he turned aside into the shade and said , “My Lord! I am needy of whatever good you would send down for me.” (Quran: 28/22-24) When the women herders returned home, their father was surprised at their earlier-than- usual return. Assuming that they might have had encountered some problems with the rogue herdsmen at the water-well, he approached them with anxiety and fear. Instead, he found them in a joyous mood and happily guiding their flocks into the pen. He inquired about their early return and also the cause of their happiness. One of them, replied, “O Father! Today a stranger watered the flock and took care of the rock at the well. His dress shows that he is not from around this area.” The father asked his daughters to invite the stranger to their home for a meal, as was their custom. One of the daughters returned to the water-well and apprehensively approached Prophet Musa (AS). She extended her father’s invitation and asked Prophet Musa (AS) to join their family for the meal. This offer of a sincere hospitality and the prospect of a full meal after the starvation of more than a week enlightened Prophet Musa (AS). The father of the maidens warmly welcomed Prophet Musa (AS), and after their meal, wanted to know more about him. Prophet Musa (AS) had observed that this family appeared to be well established and was indeed genuinely hospitable to him. He disclosed his background and the unfortunate circumstances that had led him to be where he was then. His host was touched by the events and offered his customary sympathies by invoking the Help and Mercy from Allah (SWT) for the stranger in his house! The host did assure Prophet Musa (AS) that he was well out of the reach of the tyrant pharaoh of Egypt and need not hide or run anymore. He then left the room to discuss the issue with his daughters. The daughters had listened to the conversation between their father and the stranger. They were pleasantly surprised to learn that a prince had helped them water their flock and was now enjoying their hospitality. They asked their father to help the stranger. The daughter who had gone back to the water-well to fetch the stranger told her father that the stranger appeared to be a well-disciplined individual. The father asked her to elaborate on her observation. She replied, “This stranger had insisted that I walk behind him when I was bringing him here.” The father was enlightened by this disclosure. What his daughter had just told him signified that the stranger was indeed a pious person; one who shunned the pleasures of watching the female curvatures and swings of the young bodies. He returned to Prophet Musa (AS) and offered him the hospitality of his house and the duties of herding his sheep in exchange. Prophet
- 100. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 100 Musa (AS) welcomed the opportunity of shade over his head and the prospects of living with a respectful family. tΑ$s% ÈÁ)ø9$# Ïμø‹n=tã ¡Ès%uρ …çνu™!$y_ $£ϑ=sù 4 $oΨs9 |Mø‹s)y™ $tΒ tô_r& šƒÌ“ôfu‹Ï9 x8θããô‰tƒ ’Î1r& χÎ) ôMs9$s% &™!$uŠósÏFó™$# ’n?tã ©Å´ôϑs? $yϑßγ1y‰÷nÎ) çμø?u™!$mgm } | s n t þ’ÎoΤÎ) tΑ$s% ∩⊄∉∪ ß⎦⎫ÏΒF{$# ‘“Èθs)ø9$# |Nöyfø↔tGó™$# Ç⎯tΒ uöz χÎ) ( çνöÉfø↔tGó™$# ÏMt/r'¯≈tƒ $yϑßγ1y‰÷nÎ) ôMs9$s% ∩⊄∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# ÏΘöθs)ø9$# š∅ÏΒ |NöθpgwΥ ( ô#y‚s? Ÿω y 4 šø‹n=tã ¨,ä©r& ÷βr& ߉ƒÍ‘é& !$tΒuρ ( x8ωΖÏã ô⎯Ïϑsù #ô±tã |Môϑyϑø?r& ÷βÎ*sù ( 8kyfÏm z©Í_≈yϑrO ’ÎΤtã_ù's? βr& #’n?ã È⎦÷⎫tG≈yδ ¢©tLuΖö/$# “y‰÷nÎ) y7ysÅ3Ρé& ÷βr& ߉ƒÍ‘é& t ãΑθà)tΡ $tΒ 4’n?tã ª!$#uρ ( ¥’n?ã šχ≡uρô‰ãã Ÿξsù àMø‹ŸÒs% È⎦÷,s#y_F{$# $yϑ−ƒr& ( y7uΖ÷t/uρ ©Í_øŠt/ šÏ9≡sŒ tΑ$s% ∩⊄∠∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎ=≈¢Á9$# š∅ÏΒ ª!$# u™!$x© βÎ) þ’ÎΤ߉ÉftFy™ t ∩⊄∇∪ ×≅‹Å2uρ Then there came unto him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said, “Lo! My father bids you, that he may reward you with a payment for that you did to water the flock for us.” Then when he came unto him and told him the whole story. He said. “Fear not! You are saved from the wrongdoing folk.” One of the two women said, “O my father! Hire him! For he is the best you can hire, and is strong and trustworthy.” He said: “Lo! I fain would marry you to one of these two daughters of mine on condition that you work for me for the period of eight years. But if you complete ten it will of you own accord, for I would not make it difficult for you. Allah willing, you will find me of the righteous.” He replied, “That is agreed between you and me. Whichever of the two terms I fulfill, there will be no injustice to me, and Allah is Surety over what we say.” (Quran: 28/25-28) Prophet Musa (AS) spent ten years in Midian, where he married one of the daughters of his host. He performed his task of sheepherder and caretaker of his family faithfully and diligently. He spent a lot of time in the desert grazing his herds and pondering at the marvels of Allah (SWT). At night he looked at the heavens above and observed the movement of the stars. He marveled at the punctuality of the appearances and disappearances of the sun and the moon. He observed the growth of the plants after the showers of rain and their drying out due to the intensity of the heat. He knew that Allah (SWT) had set up everything and every object for purposes that benefit His creations on Earth. He was consoled by a very loving and an affectionate wife and surrounded by warmhearted in-laws. There were times when he missed his family in Egypt and wondered about their fate and the fate of Queen Asiya. Mostly, he missed the wise counsel and guidance of his elder brother, Prophet Haroun (AS). Lately, Prophet Musa (AS) had become restless and homesick. He was also frequently dreaming and receiving Divine messages about his mission to guide the Israelites towards the righteous path. The frequency and the consistency of the visions started affecting his demeanor and general behavior. While he watched the herds in the desert, he would feel as if there was some presence near him, but he could not be sure of what it was. However, the vision of him guiding the nations was always there. Prophet Musa (AS) realized that he was being instructed by Allah (SWT) to begin a mission. He called upon Allah (SWT) and said he would only believe in his visions and his mission if he were able to talk to Allah (SWT) face-to-face and in person. One day he told his wife to pack and prepare for a journey, because he had decided to go back to Egypt and see his family. His wife cautioned him about his past and the dangers that awaited him. But he was insistent and urged her not to oppose him. She loved him and assured him that the exercise of caution was not meant to oppose him but merely to warn him about the powers of his enemies. Prophet Musa (AS) said, “I have trust in Allah (SWT) and He will Help me.”
- 101. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 101 They departed on their journey towards Egypt not knowing what fate awaited them, except their faith in Allah (SWT). While traveling through the desert they reached Mount Sinai, Prophet Musa (AS) realized that they had lost their way and there was a chance that they might stray further into the desert, which could be perilous. He prayed to Allah (SWT) for Help in finding the right direction towards his destination. He was inspired and guided. He reached Mount Tur just after sunset. He observed the light of fire on the mountain. He told his family to settle down while he went to get some fire and maybe also seek the help from those who had lit the fire. Moreover, the fire would be useful to prepare their meals and also to keep them warm from the severe desert cold. When he reached the spot where the fire was lit, he heard a thunderous voice, “Oh Musa! I am Allah, the Lord of the Universe.” This surprised Prophet Musa (AS). He looked around for the source of the voice, and the message was repeated again. The second time, however, the voice matched with the one in his memory and lately in his visions. He was told to approach near the spot where the bush was lit, but to remove his shoes before crossing the in-between-space, as it was a sacred place of Tuwa. Prophet Musa (AS) complied and approached the spot near the lit bush. He found that he could not even look at the bush closely and was forced to look away from it. He was asked, “What do you hold in your right hand, O Musa?” Prophet Musa (AS) replied, “It’s my staff on which I lean. I use it bring down the branches of the trees for my sheep to eat. I use it wherever I can.” He was instructed to throw his staff on the ground. As soon as it hit the ground it turned into a writhing snake. Prophet Musa (AS) was about to jump away when he was assured, “Fear not and grasp it; for We shall return it to its former state.” As soon Prophet Musa (AS) picked it up, it reverted back to his staff. Prophet Musa (AS) realized that he was in the physical presence of Allah (SWT); yet, he found it impossible to look at Allah (SWT) because he was facing the Nur of powerful rays emanating from the fire. Allah (SWT) Commanded Prophet Musa (AS) to thrust his right hand through his robe into his armpit. When he pulled it out he found that it was shining in brilliance and there was no hurt! Allah (SWT) Instructed, “You have two signs from your Lord; go to Pharaoh and his priests, and warn them that they are an evil gang that has transgressed all bounds.” Prophet Musa (AS), expressed his fear of being arrested, “My Lord! I have killed one of their own and I fear that they will execute me.” Allah (SWT) assured him of his safety and told him to execute his mission with full confidence. ∩⊇⊃∪ “W‰èδ Í‘$¨Ζ9$# ’n?tã ߉É`r& ÷ρr& C§t6s)Î/ $pκ÷]ÏiΒ /ä3‹Ï?#u™ þ’Ìj?yè©9 #Y‘$tΡ àMó¡nΣ#u™ þ’ÎoΤÎ) (#þθèWä3øΒ$# Ï&Î#÷δL{ tΑ$s)sù #Y‘$tΡ #u™u‘ øŒÎ) ∩®∪ #©y›θãΒ ß]ƒÏ‰m y79s?r& ö≅yδuρ y û©Í_¯ΡÎ) ∩⊇⊂∪ #©yrθム$yϑÏ9 ôìÏϑtGó™$$sù y7è?÷tI÷z$# $tΡr&uρ ∩⊇⊄∪ “YθèÛ Ä¨£‰s)ßϑø9$# ÏŠ#uθø9$$Î/ y7¨ΡÎ) ( y7ø‹n=÷ètΡ ôìn=÷z$$sù y7•/u‘ O$tΡr& þ’ÎoΤÎ) ∩⊇⊇∪ #©y›θßϑ≈tƒ y“ÏŠθçΡ $yγ8s?r& !$£ϑn=sù Ÿξsù ∩⊇∈∪ 4©tëó¡@ $yϑÎ/ ¤§øtΡ ‘≅ä. 3“t“ôfçGÏ9 $pκÏ÷zé& ߊ%x.& îπuŠÏ?#u™ sπtã$¡¡9$# ¨βÎ) ∩⊇⊆∪ ü“Ìò2Ï%Î! nο4θn=¢Á9$# ÉΟÏ%r&uρ ’ÎΤô‰ç6ôã$$sù O$tΡr& HωÎ) tμ≈s9Î) Iω ª!$# $tΡr& n r $pκÍ5 ·èδr&uρ $pκön=tæ (#àσ2uθs?r& y“$|Átã }‘Ïδ tΑ$s% ∩⊇∠∪ 4©y›θßϑ≈tƒ y7ÎΨŠÏϑuŠÎ/ šù=Ï? $tΒuρ ∩⊇∉∪ 3“yŠ÷tIsù çμ1uθyδ yìt7¨?$#ρ $pκÍ5 ß⎯ÏΒ÷σムω ⎯tΒ $pκ÷]tã y7¯Ρ£‰ÝÁƒ u t $yδ߉‹ÏèãΨy™ ( ô#y‚? Ÿωuρ $yδõ‹è{ tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊃∪ 4©tëó¡n@ ×π¨Šym }‘Ïδ #sŒÎ*sù $yγ8s)ø9r'sù ∩⊇®∪ 4©y›θßϑ≈tƒ $yγÉ)ø9r& tΑ$s% ∩⊇∇∪ 3“t÷zé& Ü>Í‘$t↔tΒ $pκÏù u’Í<uρ ‘ÏϑΖxî 4’n?tã s u 4’n<Î) ó=yδøŒ$# ∩⊄⊂∪ “uö9ä39$# $uΖÏF≈tƒ#u™ ô⎯ÏΒ y7tƒÎã∴Ï9 ∩⊄⊄∪ 3“t÷zé& ºπtƒ#u™ >™þθß™ Îöxî ô⎯ÏΒ u™!$ŸÒø‹t/ ólãøƒrB y7Ïm$uΖy_ 4’n<Î) x8y‰tƒ öΝßϑôÊ$#uρ ∩⊄⊇∪ 4’n<ρW{$# $yγs?uÅ™ ø
- 102. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 102 ’Ík< ≅yèô_$#uρ ∩⊄∇∪ ’Í<öθs% (#θßγs)øtƒ ∩⊄∠∪ ’ÎΤ$|¡Ïj9 ⎯ÏiΒ Zο‰ø)ãã ö≅è=ôm$#uρ ∩⊄∉∪ “ÌøΒr& þ’Í< ÷Åc£o„uρ ∩⊄∈∪ “Í‘ô‰|¹ ’Í< ÷yuõ°$# Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊆∪ 4©xösÛ …çμ¯ΡÎ) tβöθtãöÏù y MΖä. y7¨ΡÎ) ∩⊂⊆∪ #·ÏWx. x8tä.õ‹Ρuρ ∩⊂⊂∪ #ZÏVx. y7ysÎm7|¡èΣ ö’s1 ∩⊂⊄∪ “ÌøΒr& þ’Îû çμø.Îõ°r&ρ ∩⊂⊇∪ “Í‘ø—r& ÿ⎯ÏμÎ/ ÷Šß‰ô©$# ∩⊂⊃∪ ©År& tβρã≈yδ ∩⊄®∪ ’Í?÷δr& ô⎯ÏiΒ #ƒÎ—uρ | t u ’Îû ÏμŠÏùÉ‹ø%$# Èβ& ∩⊂∇∪ #©yrθム$tΒ y7ÏiΒé& #’n<Î) !$uΖøŠm÷ρr& øŒÎ) ∩⊂∠∪ #“t÷zé& ¸ο§tΒ y7ø‹n=tã $¨ΨuΖtΒ ô‰s)s9uρ ∩⊂∉∪ 4©y›θßϑ≈tƒ y7s9÷σß™ |MŠÏ?ρé& ô‰s% tΑ$s% ∩⊂∈∪ #ZÅÁt/ $uΖÎ/ r y øŒÎ) ∩⊂®∪ û©Í_ø‹tã 4’n?ã yìoΨóÁçGÏ9uρ ©Íh_ÏiΒ Zπ¬6ptxΧ 7ø‹n=tã àMø‹s)ø9r&uρ 4 …ã&©! Aρ߉ãuρ ’Ík< Aρ߉ã çνõ‹è{ù'tƒ È≅Ïm$¡¡9$$Î/ Οu‹ø9$# ÏμÉ)ù=ã‹ù=sù ÉdΟu‹ø9$# ’Îû Ïμ‹ÏùÉ‹ø%$$sù ÏNθç/$−G9$# t y t t ÉdΟtóø9$# ⎯ÏΒ 7≈uΖøŠ¤fΖsù $T¡øtΡ |Mù=tGs%uρ 4 βt“øtrB Ÿωuρ $pκß]ø‹tã §s)s? ö’s1 y7ÏiΒé& #’n<Î) y7≈uΖ÷èy_tsù ( …ã&é#àõ3tƒ ⎯tΒ 4’n?tã ö/ä3—9ߊr& ö≅δ ãΑθà)tGsù šçG÷zé& û©Å´ôϑs? z y u t y Ÿωρ ©ÉL≈tƒ$t↔Î/ x8θäzr&uρ |MΡr& ó=yδøŒ$# ∩⊆⊇∪ ©Å¤øuΖÏ9 7çG÷èuΖsÜô¹$#uρ ∩⊆⊃∪ 4©y›θßϑ≈tƒ 9‘y‰s% 4’n?tã |M÷∞Å_ §ΝèO t⎦t⎪ô‰tΒ È≅÷δr& þ’Îû t⎦⎫ÏΖÅ™ |M÷VÎ7n=sù 4 $ZΡθçFèù y7≈¨ΨtGsùuρ u y !$oΨøŠn=tã Þãøtƒ βr& ß∃$sƒwΥ $uΖ¯ΡÎ) $oΨ−/u‘ Ÿω$s% ∩⊆⊆∪ 4©y´øƒ† ÷ρr& ã©.x‹Ftƒ …ã&©#yè©9 $YΨÍh‹©9 Zωöθs% …çμs9 Ÿωθà)sù ∩⊆⊂∪ 4©xösÛ …çμ¯ΡÎ) tβöθtãöÏù 4’n<Î) !$t6yδøŒ$# ∩⊆⊄∪ “Ìø.ÏŒ ’Îû $u‹Ï⊥s? x ! s t öΝåκö5Éj‹èè? Ÿωuρ Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t/ $uΖyèΒ ö≅Å™ö‘r'sù šÎn/u‘ Ÿωθß™u‘ $¯ΡÎ) Iωθà)sù çν$uŠÏ?ù'sù ∩⊆∉∪ 2”u‘r&uρ ßìyϑó™r& !$yϑà6yètΒ ©Í_¯ΡÎ) ( !$sù$sƒrB Ÿω tΑ$s% ∩⊆∈∪ 4©xöôÜtƒ βr& ÷ρr& y t ∩⊆∇∪ 4’¯<uθ?uρ šU¤‹Ÿ2 ⎯tΒ 4’n?tã z>#x‹yèø9$# ¨βr& !$uΖøŠs9) z©Çrρé& ô‰s% $¯ΡÎ) ∩⊆∠∪ #“y‰çλù;$# ìt7©?$# Ç⎯tΒ 4’n?tã ãΝ≈n=¡¡9$#uρ ( y7Îi/¢‘ ⎯ÏiΒ 7πtƒ$t↔Î/ y7≈oΨ÷∞Å_ ô‰s% ( s Î y Has there come to you the story of Musa? When he saw a fire and said to his folks: Wait! I see a fire afar off. Peradventure I may bring you a brand there from or may find guidance at the fire. And when he reached it, he was called by name: O Musa! Lo! I, even I am your Lord. So take off your shoes, for Lo! You are in the holly valley of Tuwa. And I have chosen you, so hearken into that which is inspired. Lo! I, even I, am Allah. There is no God save Me. So worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance. Lo! The Hour is surely coming. But I almost keep it hidden, that every soul may be rewarded for that which it strives to achieve. Therefore, let not him turn you aside from the thought of it who believes not therein but follows his own desire lest you perish. And what is that in your right hand, O Musa? He said: This is my staff whereon I lean, and with which I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses. Allah said, “Cast it down, O Musa!” So he cast it down and Lo! It was a writhing serpent. Allah said, “Grasp it and fear not. We shall return it to its former state. And thrust your hand within your armpit, it will come forth white without hurt. That will be another token. So that We may show you some of Our greater portents, You go unto Pharaoh ! Lo! He has transgressed his bounds.” Musa said: “My Lord! Relieve my mind and ease my task for me; And loose a knot from my tongue, that they may understand my sayings. Appoint for me henchmen from my folk, Haroun, my brother. Confirm my strength with him. And let him share my task, that we may glorify You as much. As much as we remember You. Lo! You are ever Watchful over us.” Allah said, “You are granted your request, Oh Musa. And indeed, another time in past We have already shown you favor. When We inspired in your mother what has been inspired, Saying: Throw him into the ark, and throw it into the river, then the river shall throw it on to the bank, and the an enemy to Me and an enemy to him shall take him. And I endued you with love from Me so that you may be trained according to My will. When your sister went and said, Shall I show you one who will nurse? And We restored you to your mother so that her eyes might be refreshed and might not sorrow. And you did kill a man and We delivered you from a great distress, and tried you with heavy trial. And you did tarry for years amongst the folk of Midian. Then you were brought here by My providence, O Musa. And I have attached you to Myself. Go, you and your brother, with My tokens and never fail to remember Me. Go, both of you, unto Pharaoh. Lo! He has transgressed out of bounds. And speak to him in a gentle way, just in case he may heed or fear.” He said, “Our Lord! Lo! My fear is that he may be like he was before And he may play the tyrant.” Allah said, “Fear not. Lo! I am with you always, Hearing and Seeing. So go you unto him and say: Lo! We are two messengers of your Lord. So let the Children of Israel go with us, and torment them not. We bring for you a token your Lord. And peace will be for him who follows right guidance. Lo! It has been revealed to us that the doom will be for him who denies and turns away.” (Quran: 20/9-48)
- 103. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 103 Prophet Musa (AS) came to his family, who were amazed when they looked at him and surprised to observe the physical changes that had taken place in his face and his manners. His face was emanating as if light was being generated around him. The stutter in his speech had lessened. He was calm, yet excited, and told them that he had conversed with Allah (SWT) and had been Instructed to continue on his journey to Egypt, as he had a Divine Message to deliver to the Pharaoh, Rameses. His family members were happy to hear all this and were relieved to learn that the purpose of their journey was divine and they had Allah’s (SWT) Help and Protection. They had been fearful of their fate if the Egyptian authorities discovered that Prophet Musa (AS) had returned in their midst and was within their reach. The family members asked Prophet Musa (AS) to describe Allah (SWT) to them. What was His shape? What did He look like? Prophet Musa (AS) explained that he had found it impossible even to glance in His direction. Most of the time during His presence, he had to keep his eyes closed or look low towards the ground around his feet. He was afraid that his eyes would burn out if he even dared to look in that direction. Every time he attempted to raise his eyes he found it impossible, thus he could not describe the shape or the characteristics of Allah (SWT). The only description he could offer was that it was the Nur of powerful rays all around. He gave the glad tidings of a prophet hood for his elder brother Prophet Haroun (AS). Both of them were to work together in their mission to liberate the nation of Israel from the clutches of the tyrant, Rameses. The Israelites were very pleased when they learned that the promised prophet had finally appeared and was present among them. Prophet Musa (AS) and his brother, Prophet Haroun (AS), presented themselves in the Court of Pharaoh. Prophet Musa (AS) addressed Rameses and told him about the wonders of the universe around them; the stars, the sun, and the moon in the heavens above. Allah (SWT) had created the entire universe, and was the only God that deserved the prayers of worship. He said that it was the law of Allah (SWT) that the entire creation be resurrected on the Day of Judgment; and all people will face the consequences of their actions on that Day. Rameses and his Priests listened with disdain. Rameses signaled for Prophet Musa (AS) to stop. After glancing at his priests and courtiers, he addressed Prophet Musa (AS) with contempt and asked, “What do you want?” Prophet Musa (AS) replied, “Allah wants you to free and send the children of Israel with us!” Rameses asked, “Why should I send them away? They are my slaves!” Prophet Musa (AS) replied, “They are the slaves of Allah, Who is the Lord of the Entire universe!” Rameses, looking around at all those present, teased Prophet Musa (AS) and said, “Are you not the same Musa, whom we plucked from the Nile as a helpless child? Are you not the same Musa who was reared and raised in this very palace? Who was provided with the necessary nutritious food by us? Are you not the same Musa who is a fugitive, having killed an Egyptian? Is it not an act of disbelief to kill a human? Then Rameses raised his voice, pointing accusingly at Prophet Musa (AS) and said, “When you killed you became a disbeliever! You are now a fugitive from justice! Yet you have the insolence to talk to me about your God when I am the god of all that surrounds us!” Prophet Musa (AS) knew that Rameses was merely trying to impress his courtiers and all those present about the powers and the charity of pharaoh as the god of Egypt. Prophet Musa
- 104. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 104 (AS) replied that he was not a disbeliever when he killed the Egyptian, he only strayed away; until that time, he had not received any revelations from Allah (SWT). He explained his flight from Egypt, saying that he was afraid of the revenge that had been decreed upon him without any trial. The killing, although unfortunate, was an accident. The fact that he was delivering a Divine Message was proof enough that Allah (SWT) had Forgiven him his sin, for He is the Most Merciful. Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t/ $uΖyètΒ ö≅Å™ö‘& ÷β& ∩⊇∉∪ ⎦⎫Ïϑ=≈yèø9$# Éb>u‘ ãΑθß™u‘ $¯ΡÎ) Iωθà)sù šχöθtãöÏù $u‹Ï?ù'sù ∩⊇∈∪ βθãèÏϑGó¡•Β Νä3yètΒ $¯ΡÎ) ( !$oΨÏF≈tƒ$t↔Î/ $t6δøŒ$$sù ( ξx. tΑ$s% r r t n t t y !$yγçFù=yèù Α$s% ∩⊇®∪ š⎥⎪ÍÏ≈s3ø9$# š∅ÏΒ MΡr&uρ |Mù=èsù ©ÉL©9$# y7Gn=÷èsù |Mù=yèùuρ ∩⊇∇∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÅ™ x8ÌçΗéå ô⎯ÏΒ $uΖŠÏù |M÷WÎ6s9uρ #Y‰‹Ï9uρ $uΖŠÏù y7În/tçΡ óΟs9r& tΑ$s% ∩⊇∠∪ s t | y t s ÷β& ’n?ã $pκ‘]ßϑ? ×πϑ÷èÏΡ 7ù=Ï?uρ ∩⊄⊇∪ t⎦⎫Î=y™ößϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ©Í_n=yè_uρ $Vϑõ3ãm ’În1u‘ ’Í< |=yδuθsù öΝä3çFøÅz $£ϑs9 öΝä3ΖÏΒ ßNö‘txsù ∩⊄⊃∪ t⎦,Îk!!$Ò9$# z⎯ÏΒ O$tΡr&uρ #]ŒÎ) r ¥ t s y y y Α$s% ∩⊄⊆∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏ%θ•Β Λä⎢Ζä. βÎ) ( !$yϑßγoΨøŠt/ $tΒuρ ÇÚö‘F{$#ρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# >u‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊂∪ š⎥⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# >u‘ $tΒuρ ãβöθtãöÏù tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊄∪ Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t/ £N‰¬7tã t u >u‘ Α$s% ∩⊄∠∪ ×βθãΖôfyϑ9 óΟä3ö‹s9Î) Ÿ≅Å™ö‘é& ü“Ï%©!$# ãΝä3s9θß™u‘ ¨βÎ) tΑ$s% ∩⊄∉∪ t⎦⎫Ï9¨ρF{$# ãΝä3Í←!$t/#u™ >u‘uρ ö/ä3š/u‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊄∈∪ tβθãèÉΚtGó¡n@ Ÿωr& ÿ…çμs9öθym ô⎯yϑÏ9 t s ∩⊄®∪ š⎥⎫ÏΡθàfó¡ϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ y7¨Ζn=yèô_V{ “Îöxî $·γ≈s9Î) Nõ‹sƒªB$# È⎦Í.s! tΑ$s% ∩⊄∇∪ tβθè=É)÷ès? ÷Λä⎢Ζä. βÎ) ( !$yϑåκs]øŠt/ $tΒuρ É>Ìøóyϑø9$#uρ É−Îô³yϑø9$# y | And come together, (with Haroun) unto Pharaoh and say, “Lo! We bear a Message from the Lord of the Worlds. Let the Children of Israel go with us. "Pharaoh said to him, “Did we not rear you amongst us as a child? And you spent many years of your life with us. And the you performed a deed which is a deed of the disbeliever.” Musa replied, “I did it then when I went astray. Then I fled from you when I feared you, and my Lord Entrusted me a command and Appointed me amongst those sent by Him. And this is the past favor about which you are trying to condemn me; You have enslaved the Children of Israel.” Pharaoh said, “What is the Lord of the Worlds?” Musa replied, “Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, if you had a positive belief.” Pharaoh said to those around him, “Have you heard him?” Musa added. “Your Lord and the Lord of your fathers before.” Pharaoh said, “Lo! Your messenger who has been sent to you is indeed a madman.” Musa said, “Lord of the East and the West and all that is between them, if only you opened your minds.” Pharaoh said, “If you choose a god other than me, I will surely imprison and detain you amongst the prisoners.” (Quran: 26/15-29) This conflict had developed into a serious confrontation between the mission of Prophet Musa (AS) and the arrogance of a self-proclaimed god, Rameses, the pharaoh. Pharaoh had decreed and his Egyptian subjects had accepted that he was the god of Egypt, as had been the practice of his ancestors, the earlier pharaohs. It was an imprison able crime to worship any god except the pharaoh. Rameses was trying to exhibit his godly powers and impress those present; that it was he who had provided the safety, the nourishments and the wealth to all. He had done the same for Prophet Musa (AS) when he had been set afloat in the Nile as an infant. Now Prophet Musa (AS) had returned to Egypt with a claim of having become an appointed prophet by the Israeli god. Now Prophet Musa (AS) claims that their God was everywhere and owned everything yet He can neither be seen nor touched. This claim of Prophet Musa (AS) was challenging the authority of Rameses, the god! Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Haroun (AS) realized that it was no longer possible for them to withhold the Allah (SWT) inspired constraints of patience. They decided to exhibit the Powers and the Magnificence of their Lord for the knowledge and observance of all those who were present. As everyone was paying close attention to what was being exchanged between the Prophets (AS) and Rameses, Prophet Musa (AS) threw his staff in front of Rameses. It turned into a huge alive snake.
- 105. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 105 …çνy‰ƒ tí“tΡuρ ∩⊂⊄∪ ×⎦⎫Î7•Β ×β$t7÷èèO }‘Ïδ #sŒÎ*sù çν$|Átã 4’s+ø9r'sù ∩⊂⊇∪ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈¢Á9$# š∅ÏΒ |MΨà2 βÎ) ÿ⎯ÏμÎ/ ÏNù'sù tΑ$s% ∩⊂⊃∪ &⎦⎫Î7•Β &™ó©y´Î/ y7çGø⁄Å_ öθs9uρr& tΑ$s% t t ∩⊂⊂∪ t⎦⎪ÌÏà≈¨Ζ=Ï9 â™!$ŸÒø‹t/ }‘Ïδ #sŒÎ*ù s Musa replied, “Even if I show you something plain and convincing?” Pharaoh challenged, “Produce it then, if you are the truthful!” Then Musa flung down his staff and it became a real serpent. And he drew forth his hand and lo! It appeared as white, emanating light. (Quran: 26/30-33) The transformation of the staff into a menacing snake had bewildered Rameses and amazed those who were present. Rameses was an arrogant tyrant, and the arrogance always misleads into self-grandeur. The self-grandeur refuses to accept the reality even though the reality is crystal clear. Rameses turned to his courtiers and priests. He said, “Here are two wizards. They want to take control of you! They want you to change your lifestyles! What do you say?” The counselors suggested that both Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Haroun (AS) be detained until the Egyptians were able to assemble their most powerful magicians. These Egyptian magicians will confront these two Prophets. The counselors assured Rameses that their selected magicians would be able to overpower whatever magic these two Prophets claim to possess. Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Haroun (AS) were detained by the decree of Rameses. Meanwhile his couriers spread out in search of the best-known Egyptian magicians. Successful Egyptian magicians were to be awarded huge financial rewards and high positions in the kingdom. An annual festival-day was declared to be the day when the Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) would face the might of Rameses through his renowned magicians. On the day of the festival, the citizens of Egypt assembled in an open arena to pay homage to their self- appointed god pharaoh. This particular event had been promoted and publicized as a major event when the two opponents would exhibit their best magical powers. The event attracted more people than usual. Some of the spectators had traveled from the outer regions of Egypt to witness the much advertised spectacle. When all the spectators were seated, Rameses and his officials arrived amidst pomp and glory and were seated according to their status. The Egyptian magicians entered the arena and were welcomed with loud cheers from the crowd. Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) were escorted by soldiers. When the competitors faced each other, the arena was in complete silence. Prophet Musa (AS) arose and addressed the magicians: “The curse of Allah will befall upon you if you lie and call His Miracles magic. You must be honest today and interpret it truthfully. Allah’s Punishment is severe and He punishes those who invent lies against Him!” The magicians paid close attention to what had been said to them, but their motivation was to earn as much wealth as they could by exhibiting their best skills. They were confident in their ability to overpower any magic, which was to be shown by Prophet Musa (AS). The Egyptians were to perform first. As they had been briefed about the incident which had brought them to this contest, they threw their magical wands on the ground; these wands turned into slithering snakes. The spectators watched in true amazement while Rameses and his counselors applauded the magicians’ exhibition. The Egyptian magicians were overjoyed and looked at Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) for their response.
- 106. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 106 Prophet Musa (AS) arose and threw his staff among the slithering snakes. The staff turned into a huge serpent, which ate up all those snakes that had been produced by the Egyptian magicians. The crowd was completely silent. Rameses and his people watched in amazement at the failure of their magicians. Prophet Musa (AS) bent down and picked up the serpent, which immediately turned back into his staff. The crowd rose and cheered this transformation. They had never witnessed anything like it before. The Egyptian magicians realized that they were facing a phenomenon that was not a mere magic but Truth and Reality. These magicians went into prostration and publicly declared, “We believe in the Lord of Musa and Haroun!” This was a huge defeat and a heavy humiliation for Rameses. Expressing his anger at his counselors and still trying to maintain his dignity as the god of Egypt, Rameses decreed that the demonstration and the outcome had been secretly prearranged between Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) and the Egyptian magicians. Rameses decreed that unless the Egyptian magicians publicly confessed about their crime, they would be executed. The magicians refused to denounce what they had seen as the physical truth and told Rameses accordingly. çν%s{r&uρ ÷μÅ_ö‘& (#þθä9$s% ∩⊂∈∪ šχρããΒù's? #sŒ$yϑsù ⎯ÍνÌósÅ¡Î0 Νà6ÅÊö‘r& ô⎯ÏiΒ Νä3y_Ìøƒä† βr& ߉ƒÌム∩⊂⊆∪ ÒΟŠÎ=tæ íÅs≈|¡9 #x‹≈yδ ¨βÎ) ÿ…çμs9öθym Z∼yϑù=Ï9 tΑ$s% r s Λä⎢Ρr& ö≅yδ Ĩ$¨Ζ=Ï9 Ÿ≅ŠÏ%uρ ∩⊂∇∪ 5Θθè=÷è¨Β 5Θöθƒ ÏM≈s)‹ÏϑÏ9 äοtys¡¡9$# yìÏϑàfsù ∩⊂∠∪ 5ΟŠÎ=tæ A‘$−sy™ Èe≅à6Î/ š‚θè?ù'tƒ ∩⊂∉∪ t⎦⎪Îų≈ym È⎦É⎩!#y‰yϑø9$# ’Îû ô]è/$#uρ t y ö ∩⊆⊇∪ ⎦⎫Î7Î=≈tóø9$# ß⎯øtwΥ $¨Ζä. βÎ) #·ô_V{ $uΖs9 ¨⎦É⎩r& tβöθtãöÏÏ9 (#θä9$s% äοtys¡¡9$# u™!%y` $£ϑn=sù ∩⊆⊃∪ t⎦⎫Î7Î=≈tóø9$# ãΝèδ (#θçΡ%x. βÎ) nοtys¡¡9$# ßìÎ7®KtΡ $uΖ¯=yès9 ∩⊂®∪ tβθãèÏϑtGøg’Χ t $¯ΡÎ) tβöθãÏù Í﨓ÏèÎ/ (#θä9$s%uρ öΝß㧋ÅÁÏãρ öΝçλm;$t7Ïm (#öθs)ø9r'sù ∩⊆⊂∪ tβθà)ù=•Β Λä⎢Ρr& !$tΒ (#θà)ø9r& #©y›θ•Β Μçλm; tΑ$s% ∩⊆⊄∪ ⎦⎫Î/§s)ßϑø9$# z⎯Ïϑ©9 #]ŒÎ) öΝä3¯ΡÎ)uρ öΝyètΡ tΑ$s% t ö u t ∩⊆∠∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑ=≈yèø9$# Éb>Î/ $¨ΖtΒ#u™ (#þθä9$s% ∩⊆∉∪ t⎦⎪ωÉf≈y™ äοtys¡¡9$# u’Å+ø9é'sù ∩⊆∈∪ tβθä3Ïùù'tƒ $tΒ ß#s)ù=s? }‘Ïδ #sŒÎ*sù çν$|Átã 4©y›θãΒ 4’s+ø9r'sù ∩⊆⊆∪ tβθç7Î=≈tóø9$# ß⎯ósuΖs9 n t ôΜä3ƒÏ‰÷ƒr& £⎯èÏeÜ%_{ 4 tβθçΗs>÷ès? t∃öθ¡n=sù tósÅb¡9$# ãΝä3yϑ¯=tæ “Ï%©!$# ãΝä.çÎ6s3s9 …çμ¯ΡÎ) ( öΝä3s9 tβsŒ#u™ ÷βr& Ÿ≅ö6s% …çμs9 óΟçGΨtΒ#u™ tΑ$s% ∩⊆∇∪ tβρã≈yδuρ 4©y›θãΒ Éb>u‘ t y s | !$¨Ψä. βr& !$uΖ≈u‹≈sÜz $oΨš/u‘ $uΖs9 tÏøóƒ βr& ßìyϑôÜΡ $¯ΡÎ) ∩∈⊃∪ tβθç7Î=s)ΖãΒ $uΖÎn/u‘ 4’n<Î) !$¯ΡÎ) ( öÊ Ÿω (#θä9$s% ∩⊆®∪ š⎥⎫ÏèuΗødr& öΝä3¨Ψt7Ïk=|¹_{uρ 7#≈n=Åz ô⎯ÏiΒ /ä3n=ã_ö‘&uρ y t t u | r ∩∈⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$# tΑ¨ρr& Pharaoh said to his chiefs around him, “Lo! This is an expert wizard, who would drive you out of your land by his magic. Now what is your counsel?” They said, “Detain him and his brother, and send the city summoners who will bring back here every knowledgeable wizard.” So the wizards were gathered together at a set time on an appointed day. And the assembled crowd of the people were asked, “Have you understood why you have gathered?” They replied: “Yes, so that we may follow the wizards who are winners.” And when the wizards came, they asked from Pharaoh: “Will there surely be a reward for us if we are the winners?” He replied, “Yes, and you will then surely be promoted to be near me!” Musa said to them, “Throw what you are going to throw.” Then they threw down their cords and their staves and said, “By Pharaoh’s might, lo! We already are the winners.” Then Musa threw his staff and lo! It swallowed all that which did falsely show. The wizards immediately went into prostration and declared, loudly, “We believe in the Lord of the Worlds! The Lord of Musa and Haroun!” Pharaoh said, “You have put your faith in him without my permission! Lo! He (Musa) is doubtlessly your chief who taught you magic! But shortly you will be made aware. Surely I will cut off your hands and your feet alternatively, and will then crucify everyone of you.” They replied, “It is not going to hurt us, for lo! We will return to our Lord. Lo! We sincerely hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins because we are the first of the believers.” (Quran: 26/34-51) These Egyptian magicians were renowned all over Egypt and were among the most famous in their nation. Most of the Egyptians were living in the dark ages of ignorance and idol
- 107. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 107 worshipping. The pharaoh was their god and they had many other deities to whom they bowed and prayed for their needs. If it were a dry spell, they prayed to their rain god. If the crop produced higher yields than normal, sacrifices were made to the god of farms. Every need had a different god and these gods or deities could only be reached through the local magicians. The magicians had ranks parallel to those of the priests. By declaring their allegiance to Allah (SWT) in the presence of Rameses, his priests, his counselors, and the majority of Egyptians, these magicians had disgraced Rameses and challenged his authority as the god of Egypt. Even if this demonstration was to be overlooked, the fact remained that the masses could be turned against Rameses and his godlike authority. Rameses decreed that the Egyptian magicians’ limbs be cut off individually to increase their sufferings, and then they be hung on the crosses and put in public places as a warning to those who might think of defying his supremacy as the god of Egypt. Rameses also decreed that Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) be detained in the prison until they accept Rameses as the true god. Much to his displeasure, all of his soldiers were afraid to even approach the two prophets, as they had seen the power of their staff. Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) just walked away from their confinement without being challenged by any soldier. The magicians were, however, put to death as promulgated by Rameses. Rameses seething with anger, summoned all his advisers and high-ranking priests to analyze and discuss this new issue of the God of Musa. When those summoned officials had assembled; Rameses reminded them that he had established a kingdom wherein all his subjects were worshipping him as the god of Egypt. What Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) had done was a direct challenge to his status as the god. All of these rebellious persons had declared that there was no other God than Allah, and they had sworn their allegiance to Allah. This made Rameses a liar. He questioned the chief priest, Haman: “Oh Haman! Am I a liar?” Haman was shaken by this sudden question and fell upon his knees in front of Rameses, and said, “Who would dare to accuse the Pharaoh of lying?” Rameses asked, “Didn’t Musa say that there is a Lord in the heaven above?” Haman replied, “Musa is the liar.” Rameses, looking around at his assembly, said, “I know Musa lies!” Then again he turned towards the chief priest Haman and said, “Build for me a tower so that I can enter heavens and look upon Allah, the God of Musa, although I still think that Musa is a liar.” Rameses’ statement was an open declaration that he was the only god in existence and had to be obeyed and worshiped as a god. There was no other god. His tower to the heavens would prove that point for the masses. The arrogance of Rameses had reached its pinnacle and was at the stage when Almighty Allah (SWT) Seals the fate of the arrogant tyrants. That is when the gifted senses to comprehend and appreciate the Truth and Reality are replaced by the ugly darkness of ignorance. The person so afflicted will not be able to reprieve himself, for Allah (SWT) will Forgive all the sins except those which associate a partner to Him or the one who creates another deity as a parallel to Him. Moreover, Allah (SWT) had banished, forever, Iblis, Satan, when the latter exhibited the self-grandeur and the arrogance only once, but refused to apologize and seek His Mercy! Haman assured that the orders for the building of the tower would be issued immediately, and he tried to console Rameses by saying, “However, your majesty, you will never find anyone in the heavens. There is no other god but you.”
- 108. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 108 Ïμ≈s9Î) #’n<Î) ßìÎ=©Û& þ’Ìj?è©9 $[m÷|À ’Ík< ≅yèô_$$sù È⎦⎫ÏeÜ9$# ’n?tã ß⎯≈yϑ≈yγ≈tƒ ’Í< ô‰Ï%÷ρr'ù ”Îöxî >μ≈s9Î) ô⎯ÏiΒ Νà6s9 àMôϑÎ=tã $tΒ _|yϑø9$# $y㕃r'¯≈tƒ ãβöθtãöÏù tΑ$s%uρ r y s ∩⊂∇∪ t⎦⎫Î/É‹≈s3ø9$# š∅ÏΒ …çμ‘ΖàßV{ ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ 4†y›θãΒ And Pharaoh said, “Oh chiefs! I do not know if you have a god other me, so heat your ovens, O Haman, to bake the mud for bricks, and set up for me a lofty tower in order that I may survey the God of Musa; and lo! I deem him to be amongst liars.” (Quran: 28/38) ߉ø‹Ÿ2 $tΒuρ 4 È≅‹Î6¡¡9$# Ç⎯tã £‰ß¹ρ ⎯Ï&Î#ϑã â™þθß™ tβöθtãöÏÏ9 t⎦Éi⎪ã— y7Ï9≡x‹Ÿ2uρ 4 $/É‹≈Ÿ2 …çμ‘ΖàßV{ ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ 4©y›θãΒ Ïμ≈s9Î) #’n<Î) yìÎ=©Ûr'sù ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# |=≈t7ó™r& u y t ∩⊂∠∪ 5>$t6s? ’Îû ωÎ) šχöθtãöÏù Thus what seemed fair to the evil mind of Pharaoh was sealed and he was debarred from the righteous way. The plot of Pharaoh ended in ruin. (Quran: 40/37) Pharaoh Rameses was finding it difficult to subdue his anger and conceal the fact that he had been publicly humiliated and insulted by a person whom he had raised as a prince of Egypt from infancy. Rameses was astonished at the powers Musa (AS) had exhibited and the cowardice and inability of his soldiers to arrest both him and his brother. Both of them had walked away from the arena, while he The Rameses watched them and the soldiers who refused to make any attempts to stop them. Rameses wanted his assembly to tell him the proper line of action promulgated and the campaign planned to stop Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) from further damaging Rameses’s image among his nation. The person in charge of security and intelligence informed Rameses that he had launched an extensive campaign among the Egyptians to disgrace the images of Musa, Haroun, and the Magicians. The stories had been created and circulated among the Egyptians, which showed that all these contestants had joined in a conspiracy to defame the beloved pharaoh Rameses. Some of those executed had even confessed to their crimes of conspiracy! The police officers had executed all the magicians and their bodies were publicly displayed in the squares and markets. The public was warned that the those plotting new plots or those who worshipped any god other than Pharaoh Rameses would also be executed. The army was asked about their preparations and readiness. The army chief assured Rameses that the army was fully behind him and would faithfully engage into any battle he commanded. Haman wanted to know what Rameses desired concerning the people of Israel and their leaders. Rameses looked around his assembly for suggestions but none came. Rameses ordered that the newborn sons of Israelites be killed, their women raped and humiliated, and their general population subjected to every disgrace in any manner preferred by the Egyptians. This decree of Rameses was immediately put into action. The news of this carnage reached Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS). Both of them preached for patience and assured their nation that Allah (SWT) would Help when He felt it was necessary. Both of them asked the Israelites to increase their prayers to Allah (SWT) and beg for His Mercy. The Israelites were reminded to recall the patience exercised by the magicians when they had to face the tyranny of Rameses! In spite of these assurances, the nation of Israel found it difficult to accept the reasoning offered by their prophets. They had been suffering in slavery and bondage for a long time. The new miseries found them helplessly enduring ongoing killings, rapes, and humiliations. They complained to Prophet Musa (AS):
- 109. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 109 y#‹Ÿ2 tÝàΖu‹sù ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû öΝà6Î=÷‚tGó¡tƒuρ öΝà2¨ρ߉㠚Î=ôγムβr& öΝä3š/u‘ 4©|¤ã tΑ$s% 4 $oΨoKø⁄Å_ $tΒ Ï‰÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒuρ $uΖu‹Ï?ù's? βr& È≅ö7s% ⎯ÏΒ $oΨƒÏŒρé& (#þθä9$s% ø x t t ∩⊇⊄®∪ tβθè=yϑ÷ès? They said, “We suffered hurt before you came to us and since you have come back amongst us!” Musa replied, “It may be that your Lord is going to destroy your enemy and make you viceroys to replace them, so that He may see how you behave!” (Quran: 7/129) Prophet Musa (AS) found himself in a precarious condition. The Israelites were suffering atrocities from Rameses’ army and were on the verge of a mutiny against him. Prophet Musa (AS) feared that his people might reject his preaching. Rameses was angry with him and was campaigning against him and his message. To add to his problems, an Israelite, named Qaroun (Korah) had started a vicious campaign against Prophet Musa (AS) among the nation of Israel. Qaroun was an Israeli who had amassed a huge wealth for himself at the expense of the other Israelites. Being the only rich person in his nation, Qaroun had also become corrupt and arrogant. Qaroun would treat his poor national-counterparts with contempt and would taunt them by saying that they remained poor because they had no common sense and intelligence towards progress. Prophet Musa (AS) had advised Qaroun to pay zakat; the alms mandated for the poor, based on his wealth as had been mandated by Allah (SWT). Qaroun was angry with Prophet Musa (AS) for having interjected on behalf of the poor and also for reminding him about his due obligations related to his abundant wealth. Qaroun resented anyone who dared to remind him about his obligations. Qaroun was known to never pay the lawful wages to his laborers on time. His contractors had to chase after him for their dues. Qaroun had no mercy for anyone. When Prophet Musa (AS) reminded Qaroun about his treatment toward the poor of his nation and the payment of Zakat, Qaroun developed an obsession against the Prophet. When Qaroun calculated the proportionate amount of zakat due from him, the net figure shocked him, as it was a huge amount. Qaroun had no intention of parting with any portion of his wealth voluntarily. He started rumors to defame Prophet Musa (AS). One of the rumors was that Prophet Musa (AS) had invented the issue of zakat for his own benefit and that it was never a Divine directive. Qaroun bribed some of his henchmen to spread the rumor around among the Israelites. Allah (SWT) Warned Prophet Musa (AS) that the plots of Qaroun were impeding the spread of Worship of Allah (SWT) among the nation. Prophet Musa (AS) pleaded with Allah (SWT) to destroy Qaroun and his wealth. He wanted Qaroun to become an example for those who deny Allah’s (SWT) Mercies and refuse to comply with His directives. Allah’s (SWT) Wrath destroyed all that belonged to Qaroun in one night. His huge mansion and gardens were annihilated as if they never existed. Ÿω …çμãΒöθ% …çμ9 Α$s% øŒÎ) Íο§θà)ø9$# ’Í<'ρé& Ïπ6óÁãèø9$$Î/ é&þθãΖtGs9 …çμptÏB$xtΒ ¨βÎ) !$tΒ Î—θãΖä3ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ çμ≈oΨ÷s?#u™uρ ( öΝÎγøŠ=tæ 4©xöt7sù 4©y›θãΒ ÏΘöθs% ⎯ÏΒ šχ%Ÿ2 tβρã≈s% ¨βÎ) * s s t t n !$yϑŸ2 ⎯Å¡ômr&uρ ( $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# š∅ÏΒ y7t7ŠÅÁΡ š[Ψs? Ÿωρ ( nοtÅzFψ$# u‘#¤$!$# ª!$# š9t?#u™ !$yϑ‹Ïù ÆtGö/$#uρ ∩∠∉∪ t⎦⎫ÏmÌxø9$# =Ïtä† Ÿω ©!$# ¨βÎ) ( ÷ytøs? t u χr& öΝn=èƒ öΝs9uρr& 4 ü“ωΖÏã AΟù=Ïæ 4’n?tã …çμçFÏ?ρé& !$yϑ¯ΡÎ) tΑ$s% ∩∠∠∪ t⎦⎪ωšøßϑø9$# =Ïtä† Ÿω ©!$# ¨βÎ) ( ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû yŠ$|¡xø9$# Æö7s? Ÿωuρ ( šø‹s9Î) ª!$# z⎯|¡ômr& ÷ t 4’?tã ly‚sù ∩∠∇∪ šχθãΒÌôfßϑø9$# ÞΟÎγÎ/θçΡèŒ ⎯tã ã≅t↔ó¡ç„ Ÿωuρ 4 $Yè÷Ηsd çsYò2r&uρ Zο§θè% çμ÷ΖÏΒ ‘‰x©r& uθèδ ô⎯tΒ Èβρãà)ø9$# š∅ÏΒ ⎯Ï&Î#ö7s% ⎯ÏΒ y7n=÷δr& ô‰s% ©!$# n y t š⎥⎪Ï%!$# tΑ$s%uρ ∩∠®∪ 5ΟŠÏàã >eáym ρä%s! …çμ¯ΡÎ) ãβρã≈s% š†ÎAρé& !$tΒ Ÿ≅÷WÏΒ $oΨs9 |Mø‹n=≈tƒ $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# nο4θuŠysø9$# šχρ߉ƒÌムš⎥⎪Ï%©!$# tΑ$s% ( ⎯ÏμÏFt⊥ƒÎ— ’Îû ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs% © t
- 110. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 110 $yϑù uÚö‘F{$# ÍνÍ‘#y‰Î/uρ ⎯ÏμÎ/ $oΨø|¡ƒm ∩∇⊃∪ šχρçÉ9≈¢Á9$# ωÎ) !$yγ9¤)n=ムŸωρ $[sÎ=≈|¹ Ÿ≅Ïϑtãuρ š∅tΒ#u™ ô⎯yϑÏj9 ×öyz «!$# Ü>#uθrO öΝà6n=÷ƒuρ zΝù=Ïèø9$# (#θè?ρé& s s u χr(3÷ƒuρ tβθä9θà)tƒ ħøΒF{$$Î/ …çμΡ%s3Β (#öθ¨Ψyϑs? š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# yxt7ô¹r&uρ ∩∇⊇∪ ⎯ƒÎÅÇtGΨßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ šχ%x. $tΒuρ «!$# Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ …çμtΡρçÝÇΖtƒ 7π⁄Ïù ⎯ÏΒ …çμs9 tβ%Ÿ2 s t t z t ∩∇⊄∪ tβρãÏ≈s3ø9$# ßxÎ=øムŸω …çμ¯Ρr(s3÷ƒuρ ( $uΖÎ/ y#|¡y‚s9 $oΨø‹n=tã ª!$# £⎯¨Β βr& Iωöθs9 ( â‘ωø)tƒuρ ⎯ÍνÏŠ$t7Ïã ô⎯ÏΒ â™!$t±o„ ⎯yϑÏ9 šXø—Îh9$# äÝÝ¡ö6ƒ ©!$# t Now Qaroun was of Musa’s folk, but he oppressed them; and We gave him so much treasure that the storing of all would be a heavy burden for an army of mighty men. When his own folk said to him, “Do not be arrogant; Lo! Allah does not like arrogance; instead invest for the Hereafter from whatever Allah has given you, and forget not your obligations to the world you live in, and you should be kind as Allah is kind to you, and do not promote corruption in the earth; Lo! Allah does not love corrupters.” He replied, “I have been given it only on account of knowledge I possess.” Didn’t he know that Allah had already destroyed generations before him, who were mightier than him in strength and greater in respect of following? The guilty are not questioned about their sins. When he used to go amongst his people in his pomp; those who had sought the riches of the world would envy him and say, “We wish that we had been given what has been given to Qaroun! Lo! He is rich in fortunes.” But those who were righteous said, “Shame on you! The Reward of Allah for the one who is a Believer and Righteous is better, and only the steadfast would earn it.” So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no host to help him against Allah, nor was he of those who can save themselves. And the morning found those who had only yesterday coveted his place crying, “Ah what a day! Allah enlarges the provisions for whom He will of His slaves and strains it for whom He will. If Allah had not been gracious to us He would have caused it to swallow us also. Ah, what a day! The disbelievers never prosper.” (Quran: 28/76-82) The news about Qaroun’s destruction reached the pharaoh’s court and Rameses did not like it. Rameses learned that Prophet Musa (AS) had publicly invoked help from Allah (SWT). There was a rumor going around that Allah was helping Prophet Musa (AS) defeat his enemies. Rameses believed that his kingdom was being threatened by the presence of Prophet Musa (AS). Rameses suggested that Prophet Musa (AS) be assassinated immediately. All those present supported this idea except one member. This opponent to the planned assassination offered: “Musa has said nothing more than that Allah is his Lord. He has submitted clear evidence to support his claim. We have two options: to believe that Musa is righteous, or to believe that he is a liar. If Musa is lying, he will be responsible for his lies. If he is righteous and we slay him, is there any guarantee that we will be spared the Wrath of Allah? This has been demonstrated in the case of Qaroun! In any case killing him will not solve our problems.” Pharaoh Rameses displayed his anger at the person opposing his plans. He knew he had the support of every person present except this person and continued to oppose the plan despite being threatened with his life. This opposer to the plan cautioned all those present, including Rameses, that they were inviting a disastrous doom for themselves by trying to harm Prophet Musa (AS). For Rameses it was a predicament he had recently observed with the magicians; the magicians had declared their allegiance to Allah (SWT) instead of Rameses. Now, a senior member of his cabinet was displaying loyalty to Prophet Musa (AS)! à7tƒ βÎ)uρ ( öΝä3În/§‘ ⎯ÏΒ ÏM≈uΖÉit7ø9$$Î/ Μä.u™!%` ô‰s%uρ ª!$# }†În1‘ tΑθà)tƒ βr& ¸ξã_‘ tβθè=çFø)s?r& ÿ…çμuΖ≈yϑƒÎ) ÞΟçFõ3tƒ šχöθãöÏù ÉΑ#u™ ô⎯ÏiΒ Ö⎯ÏΒ÷σ•Β ×≅ã_u‘ tΑ$s%uρ y u u t à7ù=ßϑø9$# ãΝä39 ÉΘöθ)≈tƒ ∩⊄∇∪ Ò>#¤‹x. Ô∃Îô£ãΒ uθèδ ô⎯tΒ “ωöκu‰ Ÿω ©!$# ¨βÎ) ( öΝä.߉Ïèƒ “Ï%©!$# âÙ÷èt/ Νä3ö6ÅÁム$]%ÏŠ$|¹ à7tƒ βÎ)ρ ( …çμç/É‹x. Ïμø‹n=yèsù $/É‹≈Ÿ2 s s t u ∩⊄®∪ ÏŠ$x©§9$# Ÿ≅‹Î6y™ ωÎ) ö/ä3ƒÏ‰÷δ& !$tΒuρ 3“‘& !$tΒ ωÎ) öΝä3ƒÍ‘é& !$tΒ ãβöθtãöÏù tΑ$s% 4 $tΡu™!%y` βÎ) «!$# Ĩù't/ .⎯ÏΒ $tΡçÝÇΖtƒ ⎯yϑsù ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû z⎯ƒÌÎγ≈sß tΠθu‹ø9$# r u r ö ߉ƒÌムª!$# $tΒρ 4 öΝÏδω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ yŠθßϑOuρ 7Š%tæuρ 8yθçΡ ÏΘöθs% É>ù&yŠ Ÿ≅÷WÏΒ ∩⊂⊃∪ É>#t“ômF{$# ÏΘöθtƒ Ÿ≅÷WÏiΒ Νä3ø‹=tæ ß∃%s{r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ z⎯tΒ#u™ ü“Ï%©!$# tΑ$s%uρ u r n
- 111. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 111 ô⎯ÏΒ …çμ9 $yϑù ª!$# È≅Î=ôÒム⎯tΒρ 3 5ΟϹ%tæ ô⎯ÏΒ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ Νä3s9 $tΒ ⎦⎪ÌÎ/ô‰ãΒ tβθ—9uθè? tΠöθtƒ ∩⊂⊄∪ ÏŠ$uΖ−F9$# tΠöθtƒ ö/ä3ø‹n=tæ ß∃%s{r& þ’ÎoΤÎ) ÏΘöθs)≈tƒuρ ∩⊂⊇∪ ÏŠ$t7Ïèù=Ïj9 $Vϑù=àß s s u t ∩⊂⊂∪ 7Š$yδ And a believing man of Pharaoh’s family, who hid his faith said, “ Would you kill a man because he says ‘My Lord is Allah, and has brought clear proofs from your Lord! If he is lying then his lie is upon him. And if he is truthful, then some of that which he threatens you will strike you. Lo! Allah guides no one who is a prodigal, a liar. O my people! Yours is the kingdom today, you are the highest of the land. But who would save us from the wrath of Allah should it reach us?’ Pharaoh said, “I want to show you what I think. And I do caution you to use wisdom.” And he who believed said, “O my people! Lo! I fear for you a fate like that of the old factions; a plight like that of Nuh’s folk, and Aad and Thamud, and those after them, and Allah wishes no injustice for His slaves. And O my people! Lo! I fear for a day of summoning, A day when you will turn to flee, having no preserver from Allah: and he whom Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide. (Quran 40: 28-33) Rameses did not want his kingdom and his authority as the self-appointed god of Egypt tarnished or reduced. He knew that Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) were gaining more support, secretly, among his subjects. Rameses decided to have another showdown with Prophet Musa (AS) and summoned him to his court. Rameses asked what would satisfy Prophet Musa (AS). Prophet Musa (AS) repeated his demand that the children of Israel be released from the slavery of the Egyptians. Rameses suggested that the decision about the future of the children of Israel be made during an open meeting with all his subjects. A day of assembly for all the people was appointed. On the appointed day, when all those invited had assembled, Rameses addressed them and told everyone present that he was the god of Egypt because • He was the one who fulfilled all their essential needs. • He could be seen in person and he would answer them in person. • He was living among them. • Furthermore, he said that Prophet Musa (AS) was talking about Allah, a God that no one had ever seen and talked to in person. • Moreover He was living in the Heavens above. Then Rameses called a few people from the Israelites and asked them if they had ever seen or talked to Prophet Musa’s (AS) Allah (SWT). The Israelites shook their heads in negation. Obviously, their answers were in negative. Rameses further asked them if the Egyptian officials had provided them with their daily subsistence. They nodded in assent, as the answer was positive. And, finally, Rameses questioned the Israelites: “Am I talking to you and you are answering back to me? And are we in each other’s presence?” Again, they nodded in assent. Triumphantly, Rameses looked at all his courtiers and subjects and asked these Israelites to see if Prophet Musa’s (AS) Allah (SWT) could talk to them in the same manner as Rameses had! All the years of oppression and toil of slavery had instilled fear of retaliatory punishment among the people of Israel. These Israelites were no different from the majority of their counterparts; they instantly bowed down in submission and accepted Rameses as god. Prophet Musa (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for His guidance. Allah (SWT) Commanded Prophet Musa (AS) to warn the pharaoh about the punishment for deviating from truth and persecuting the children of Israel. But Rameses had publicly gained an advantage over the state of mind of the Israelites with his clever manipulation, refused to let go of the children of Israel.
- 112. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 112 Allah (SWT) Warned that the River Nile will withhold its water from replenishing the plantations and the agricultural fields on its banks. This shortage of water produced a major crop failure that led to a food famine in Egypt. Rameses, his priests, and his counselors remained arrogant and refused to beg for Allah’s (SWT) Mercy. Allah (SWT) then Instructed the River Nile to flood the area, thus devastating the fertile lands. Some of these high officials approached Prophet Musa (AS) and begged him to invoke the Mercy of his Allah (SWT) and save Egypt from the disaster. They promised that if their wishes were fulfilled they would advocate and arrange for the release of the children of Israel. û©Í_t/ šèΒ £⎯=Å™÷ã∴s9uρ y7s9 ¨⎦s⎞ÏΒ÷σãΖs9 t“ô_Ìh9$# $¨Ψtã |Møt±. ∅Í×s9 ( x8y‰ΖÏã ‰Îγtã $yϑÎ/ y7−/u‘ $uΖs9 äí÷Š$# ©y›θßϑ≈tƒ (#θä9$s% â“ô_Ìh9$# ÞΟÎγøŠn=tæ yìs%uρ $£ϑs9uρ y t n x y ∩⊇⊂⊆∪ Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) And when the terror fell upon them they cried: “O Musa! Pray for us to your Lord, because He has a covenant with you. If you remove this terror from us, we will believe in you and let the Children of Israel go with you.” (Quran: 7/134) Prophet Musa (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for Mercy and the punishment was lifted. But the Egyptians reneged on their promises and refused to release the children of Israel from bondage and slavery. Allah (SWT) Directed swarms of locusts over Egypt that ate up all the crops in the fields. Another famine struck the Egyptians. Again the Egyptians begged Prophet Musa (AS) to pray to Allah (SWT) for their salvation and promised to release of the Israelites. The locusts were Directed to leave the area, but the Egyptians did not fulfill their promise again. Another Sign descended from Allah (SWT) in the form of lice, which spread among the Egyptians and afflicted them with various diseases. Prophet Musa (AS) was again approached to pray for the release of the Egyptians from this menacing invasion of their bodies. Once again the Egyptians promised to release the Israelites. When the curse of lice was removed, the Egyptians again refused to release the Israelites. The next epidemic to hit the Egyptians was the invasion of masses of frogs. The frogs were all over Egypt and in every nook and cranny of every Egyptian house. Their food became infested with frogs and frog-droppings, and the noise from the frogs was unbearable. The Egyptians pleaded with Prophet Musa (AS) to pray for release from this menace. One again the Egyptians promised to release the Israelites. Although the frogs did vanish but the Egyptians did not fulfill their promises again. Then the Egyptians received the worst curse of all: the running waters of the River Nile turned to blood. The Nile water was red like blood with a pungent smell whenever the Egyptians drew it or touched it. But when the Israelites touched the water, it remained sweet and tasty for them. The Egyptians cried and pleaded with Prophet Musa (AS) to help them this last time, and they would surely comply with their agreement to let the children of Israel go free. Allah (SWT) Answered the prayers for mercy from His Prophets and Commanded the River Nile to revert to its normal state. But the Egyptians did not fulfill their promises again. And each time Rameses took credit for removing the affliction from Egypt. Rameses denounced Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) as the wicked magicians who had caused these evils to occur.
- 113. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 113 öΝκö:ÅÁè? βÎ)uρ ( ⎯ÍνÉ‹≈yδ $uΖs9 (#θä9$s% èπΖ|¡ptø:$# ÞΟßγø?u™!%y` #sŒÎ*ù ∩⊇⊂⊃∪ tβρã2¤‹tƒ óΟßγ¯=yè9 ÏN≡tyϑ¨V9$# z⎯ÏiΒ <Èø)tΡuρ t⎦⎫ÏΖÅb¡9$$Î/ tβöθtãöÏù tΑ#u™ !$tΡõ‹s{r& ô‰s)s9uρ å u s s $tΡtysó¡tFÏj9 7πƒ#u™ ⎯ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÎ/ $uΖÏ?ù's? $yϑôγtΒ (#θä9$s%uρ ∩⊇⊂⊇∪ tβθßϑn=ôèƒ Ÿω öΝèδusYò2r& £⎯Å3≈s9uρ «!$# y‰ΨÏã öΝèδçÈ∝¯≈sÛ $yϑ¯ΡÎ) Iωr& 3 ÿ…çμyè¨Β ⎯tΒuρ 4©y›θßϑÎ/ (#ρ稩Ütƒ ×πy∞ÍhŠy™ t ô t (#θçΡ%x.ρ (#ρçy9ò6Gó™$$sù ;M≈n=¢Á•Β ;M≈tƒ#u™ tΠ¤$!$#ρ íÏŠ$xÒ9$#ρ Ÿ≅£ϑà)ø9$#uρ yŠ#tpgø:$#uρ tβ$sùθ’Ü9$# ãΝÍκön=tã $uΖù=y™ö‘r'sù ∩⊇⊂⊄∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑÎ/ y7s9 ß⎯øtwΥ $yϑsù $pκÍ5 u t x u t u ∩⊇⊂⊂∪ š⎥⎫ÏΒÍ÷g’Χ $YΒöθs% And We inflicted Pharaoh’s folk with famine and dearth of fruits, for they might heed. But whenever good befell them, they said, “This Is our ingenuity;” but whenever evil hit them they ascribed it as the evil auspices of Musa and those with him. Surely their evil auspice was only with Allah. But most of them did not know. And they said, “Whatever portent you bring upon us to bewitch us we shall not put faith in you.” So We sent them the flood and the locusts and the vermin and the frogs and the blood- a succession of clear signs. But they were arrogant and became guilty. (Quran : 7/130-33) ∩⊆∠∪ βθä3tõÖˆ $pκ÷]ÏiΒ Νèδ #sŒÎ) !$uΖÏF≈tƒ$t↔Î/ Νèδ™!%` $¬Ηs>sù ∩⊆∉∪ t⎦⎫ÏΗs>≈yèø9$# Éb>u‘ ãΑθß™u‘ ’ÎoΤÎ) tΑ$s)sù ⎯Ïμ'ƒZ∼tΒuρ šχöθtãöÏù 4’n<Î) !$uΖÏF≈tƒ$t↔Î/ 4©y›θãΒ $uΖù=y™ö‘r& ô‰s)s9uρ t p n u y y‰Îγtã $yϑÎ/ y7−/u‘ $uΖs9 äí÷Š$# ãÏm$¡¡9$# t앃r'¯≈ƒ (#θä9$s%uρ ∩⊆∇∪ tβθãèÅ_ötƒ öΝßγ¯=yès9 É>#x‹yèø9$$Î/ Νßγ≈tΡõ‹s{r&uρ ( $yγÏF÷zé& ô⎯ÏΒ çt9ò2r& }‘Ïδ ωÎ) >πtƒ#u™ ô⎯ÏiΒ ΟÎγƒÌçΡ $tΒuρ t à7ù=ãΒ ’Í< }§øŠs9r& ÉΘöθ)≈tƒ tΑ$s% ⎯ÏμÏΒöθ% ’Îû ãβöθtãöÏù 3“yŠ$tΡuρ ∩∈⊃∪ šχθèVä3Ζtƒ öΝèδ #sŒÎ) z>#x‹yèø9$# ãΝåκ÷]tã $uΖøt±x. $£ϑn=sù ∩⊆®∪ tβρ߉tGôγßϑs9 $uΖ¯ΡÎ) x8y‰ΖÏã s s Ïμø‹n=tã ’Å+ø9é& ωöθ=sù ∩∈⊄∪ ß⎦⎫Î7ムߊ%s3ƒ Ÿωρ ×⎦⎫ÎγtΒ uθèδ “Ï%©!$# #x‹≈yδ ô⎯ÏiΒ ×öyz O$tΡr& ôΘr& ∩∈⊇∪ tβρçÅÇö7è? Ÿξsùr& ( û©ÉLóss? ⎯ÏΒ “ÌøgrB ã≈yγ÷ΡF{$# ÍνÉ‹≈yδuρ uóÇÏΒ u I n t u $tΡθà™#u™ !$£ϑ=sù ∩∈⊆∪ t⎦⎫É)Å¡≈sù $YΒöθ% (#θçΡ%x. öΝßγ¯ΡÎ) 4 çνθãã$sÛr'sù …çμtΒöθs% £#y‚Gó™$$sù ∩∈⊂∪ š⎥⎫ÏΡÎtIø)ãΒ èπx6Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# çμyètΒ u™!%` ÷ρr& A=yδsŒ ⎯ÏiΒ ×οu‘Èθó™r& y n s t y ∩∈∉∪ š⎥⎪ÌÅzEζÏj9 WξVtΒρ $Zn=y™ öΝßγ≈oΨù=yèyfsù ∩∈∈∪ š⎥⎫ÏèuΗødr& öΝßγ≈oΨø%tøîr'ù óΟßγ÷ΨÏΒ $oΨôϑs)tGΡ$# s u s And verily We sent Musa with Our revelations unto Pharaoh and his chiefs and he said, “I am a messenger of the Lord of the Worlds.” But when he brought them Our tokens, behold! They laughed at them. And every token that We showed them was greater than its sister token, and We grasped them with the torment, that maybe they might revert back. And they said, “O Wizard! Entreat your Lord for us by the pact that He had made with you. Lo! We will walk aright.” But when We eased them of the torment, behold! They broke their word. And Pharaoh caused a proclamation to be made among his people saying: “O my people! Is not mine the sovereignty of Egypt and these rivers flowing under me? Can you not then discern? I am surely better than this fellow, who is despicable, and can make his meaning plain! Why, then, have armlets of gold not been set upon him, or angels sent along with him?” Thus he persuaded his people to make light of Musa and they obeyed him. Lo! They were a wanton folk. So, when they angered Us, We punished them and drowned them every one. And we made them a thing past and an example for those who came after them. (Quran: 43/46-56) Prophet Musa (AS) realized that Rameses had no intention of freeing the nation of Israel from its slavery and bondage. Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) asked the Israelites to join in prayer to Allah (SWT) to beg for His Mercy and free them from the yokes of slavery and bondage. Allah (SWT) in His Mercy, Commanded the Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. 4©y›θãΒ 4’n<Î) !$uΖø‹ym÷ρr&uρ ∩∇∉∪ t⎦⎪ÍÏ≈s3ø9$# ÏΘöθ)ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ šÏGoΗôqtÎ/ $oΨÅngwΥuρ ∩∇∈∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# ÏΘöθs)ù=Ïj9 ZπuΖ÷FÏù $uΖù=yèøgB Ÿω $uΖ−/u‘ $uΖù=©.uθs? «!$# ’n?tã (#θä9$s)sù s r š¨ΡÎ) !$Ζ−/u‘ 4©y›θãΒ š^$s%uρ ∩∇∠∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$# ÎÅe³o0uρ 3 nο4θn=¢Á9$# (#θßϑŠÏ%r&uρ 's#ö6Ï% öΝà6s?θã‹ç/ (#θè=yèô_$#uρ $Y?θã‹ç/ uóÇÏϑÎ/ $yϑä3ÏΒöθs)Ï9 #u™§θt7s? βr& Ïμ‹Åzr&uρ u Ÿξsù óΟÎγÎ/θè=è% 4’n?tã ÷Šß‰ô©$#uρ óΟÎγÏ9≡uθøΒr& #’n?tã ó§ÏϑôÛ$# $uΖ−/u‘ ( y7Î=‹Î6y™ ⎯tã (#θ=ÅÒã‹Ï9 $uΖ−/u‘ $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# Íο4θuŠysø9$# ’Îû Zω≡uθøΒr&uρ ZπoΨƒÎ— …çνV|tΒuρ šχöθtãöÏù |MøŠs?#u™
- 114. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 114 $tΡø—θ≈y_ρ * ∩∇®∪ tβθßϑ=ôèƒ Ÿω š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# Ÿ≅‹Î6y™ Èeβ!$yèÎ7−Fs? Ÿωuρ $yϑŠÉ)tGó™$$sù $yϑà6è?uθô㨊 Mt6‹Å_é& ô‰s% tΑ$s% ∩∇∇∪ tΛ⎧Ï9F{$# >#x‹yèø9$# (#ãρttƒ 4©®Lym (#θãΖÏΒ÷σムu u n t z ⎯ÏμÎ/ ôMuΖΒ#u™ ü“Ï%©!$# ωÎ) tμ≈s9Î) Iω …çμ¯Ρr& àMΖtΒ#u™ tΑ$s% ä−ttóø9$# çμŸ2u‘÷Šr& !#sŒÎ) #©¨Lym ( #·ρô‰tãuρ $‹øót/ …çνߊθãΨã_uρ ãβöθtãöÏù óΟßγyèt7ø?r'sù óst7ø9$# Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_7Î/ t t t ∩®⊃∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=ó¡ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ O$tΡr&uρ Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) (#þθãΖt/ And Musa said, “O my people! If you have believed in Allah then put trust in Him, if you have fully surrendered to Him!” They said, “ In Allah we put our trust. Our Lord! Oh, do not make us a lure for the wrongdoing folk; and, Save us by Your Mercy, from those who are unbelievers.” And We inspired Musa and his brother, “Appoint houses for your people in Egypt and make your house oratories, and establish worship. And give good news to the believers.” And Musa said, “Our Lord! Lo! You have given Pharaoh and his chiefs splendor and riches in the life of the world, Our Lord! They do lead men astray from Your way. Our Lord! Destroy their riches and harden their hearts so that they believe not till they see the painful doom.” He said, “Your prayer is heard. Do you twain keep to the straight path, and follow not the road of those who have no knowledge.” (Quran: 10/85-90) When Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) told their people that Allah (SWT) had Commanded the children of Israel to leave Egypt under His protection, very few believed in this Divine Inspiration. Both prophets knew that Rameses had allowed the Israelites his official permission to hold their religious festivals in the open fields outside the city limits. The prophets decided to take the advantage of the forthcoming festival day to leave Egypt and go toward the Red Sea. In secrecy, the Israelites were advised about this plan. They were instructed to carry only their precious jewelry and ornaments with them when they left the city. The Egyptians would not suspect the real intentions of Israelites; they would think that the Israelites were going out of the city for their festivals and the religious rituals. Usually these rituals lasted for three days and the Egyptians would not bother them during this time nor would they try to keep the Israelites under their surveillance. This movement of the Israelites later became known as the Exodus. Every night the Israelites would move further away from the city and during the daylight hours would engage in their rituals, all the time inching away from the city. On the third day, the Israelites were on the beaches of the Red Sea. That same day, Rameses realized that the Israelites had slipped away from the city. Unless he acted promptly, the Israelites might get out of his reach. Rameses ordered immediate mobilization of his troops, at which he was the head. His intentions were to pursue, capture, and return with the runaway children of Israel. Rameses wanted to show and impress upon the Egyptians his supreme powers as their king and god of Egypt. By the time the Israelites reached the banks of the Red Sea, they could see the mighty army of Egypt approaching them. As soon as the children of Israel saw the Egyptian army, they started cursing and accused the Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) of cheating and leading them out of Egypt to a sure death. For if they jumped into the sea, the majority of them would drown. If they remained on the banks, they would surely be killed by the Egyptians or would be taken back as the runaway slaves; and would face much harder punishments for their attempt to escape. They surrounded both the Prophets menacingly and leveled every abuse and accusations they could think of. Prophet Musa (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for guidance. He was Instructed to smite the sea with his staff!
- 115. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 115 A fierce wind entered the Red Sea and split it open to make way for the Israelites to cross. Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) lead the children of Israel across the sea. By the time the Israelites had reached the other end, they noticed that the Egyptian army had reached the bank and was about to enter the passageway that had been created for the Israelites. The Israelites were only afraid of the terror they expected from Rameses; they never showed any positive confidence in the Mercy and Deliverance from Allah (SWT)! The children of Israel called upon Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) to invoke Allah’s (SWT) Help as the menace of Rameses and his army was coming closer. Allah (SWT) Told Prophet Musa (AS) to observe the punishment that was about to be meted out to Rameses and his chiefs for their arrogance and cruelty and for their associating partners with Allah (SWT). It was Decreed that those who witness this punishment must inform future generations that no tyrant or an arrogant person will ever be spared the punishment of Allah (SWT). Whatever happened to Rameses would be a clear sign of the Wrath of Allah (SWT) for the knowledge of all future generations of mankind. ∩∈⊆∪ tβθè=‹Î=s% ×πΒÏŒ÷ųs9 Ï™Iωàσ¯≈δ ¨βÎ) ∩∈⊂∪ t⎦⎪Îų≈ym È⎦É⎩!#y‰yϑø9$# ’Îû ãβöθtãöÏù Ÿ≅y™ö‘r'sù ∩∈⊄∪ tβθãè7−F•Β /ä3¯ΡÎ) ü“ÏŠ$t6ÏèÎ/ Îó r& ÷βr& #©y›θãΒ 4’n<Î) !$uΖø‹ym÷ρr&uρ * t y t û©Í_t/ $yγ≈oΨøOu‘÷ρr&uρ y7Ï9≡x‹. ∩∈∇∪ 5ΟƒÌx. 5Θ$s)tΒρ :—θãΖä.uρ ∩∈∠∪ 5βθãŠããuρ ;M≈¨Ζy_ ⎯ÏiΒ Νßγ≈oΨô_t÷z'sù ∩∈∉∪ tβρâ‘É‹≈ym ìì‹Ïϑpgm: $¯ΡÎ)uρ ∩∈∈∪ tβθÝàÍ←!$tós9 $uΖs9 öΝåκ¨ΞÎ)uρ x u r È⎦⎪ωöκuy™ ’În1‘ z©ÉëΒ ¨βÎ) ( Hξx. Α$s% ∩∉⊇∪ tβθä.u‘ô‰ßϑs9 $¯ΡÎ) #©y›θãΒ Ü=≈ysô¹r& tΑ$s% Èβ$yèôϑyfø9$# #u™ℜts? $£ϑn=sù ∩∉⊃∪ š⎥⎫Ï%Îô³•Β Νèδθãèt6ø?r'sù ∩∈®∪ Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) u t t 4©y›θãΒ $uΖøŠpgΥr&uρ ∩∉⊆∪ t⎦⎪ÌyzFψ$# §ΝrO $oΨøs9ø—&uρ ∩∉⊂∪ ÉΟŠÏàèø9$# ÏŠöθ©Ü9$%x. 5−öÏù ‘≅ä. tβ%s3sù t,n=xΡ$$sù ( tóst7ø9$# x8$|ÁyèÎn/ >ÎôÑ$# Èβr& #©y›θãΒ 4’n<Î) !$oΨøŠym÷ρr'sù ∩∉⊄∪ r y ∩∉∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏèuΗødr& ÿ…çμyè¨Β ⎯tΒuρ And We inspired Musa, saying: “Take away My slaves, by night, for you will be pursued.” Then Pharaoh sent the summoners into the city, who informed, “Lo! These indeed are but a little troop, and Lo! They have defaulted against us. And Lo! We are a ready host”. Thus did We take them away from gardens and water springs, and treasures and a fair estate. Thus We caused the Children of Israel to inherit them. And they overtook them at sunrise. And when the two hosts saw each other, those with Musa said, “We are indeed trapped.” He said, “Surely not! My Lord is with me. He will guide me.” Then We inspired Musa, saying, “Smite the sea with your staff.” And it parted, and each part was a high mountain. Then We brought others near to that place. And We saved Musa and those with him every one. (Quran: 26/52-65) When Rameses and his army had reached the middle of the open passageway in the sea, the sea was Instructed to close the passageway and resume normal course. When Rameses saw that the sea was joining and the passageway was disappearing below the deep waters, he declared out of fear, “I believe in Allah and declare that none is worthy of worship except Allah!” But his repentance was too late and of no benefit to him. Moreover, Rameses had reneged on his pledges in the past many times. Rameses and his army were drowned in the Red Sea. The body of the dead Pharaoh Rameses was ejected out of the Red Sea when the Sea pleaded to Allah (SWT), and sought to be relieved from the burden of carrying the body of an arrogant tyrant. The prayer of the Sea was Granted. Some people found that body on the banks and tried to bury it. All their attempts to bury it were rejected by the earth. These people did not know whose body it was; just surprised that the earth refused to accept it! When the story of these strange happenings reached the high priests, they investigated and found out that it was the Pharaoh Rameses. They embalmed it put it in an esophagus. Today, this body is in a museum for the whole of humanity to see. The tests performed on the body have proved that the body of Rameses had been immersed in water prior to death. It clearly affirms the Revelation that the body of the tyrant and self-proclaimed god of Egypt was neither accepted by the sea nor by the land.
- 116. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 116 Ⓝ͓yèø9$# θçλm; y7−/u‘ ¨βÎ)uρ ∩∉∠∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΝèδçsYø.r& β%x. $tΒuρ ( ZπtƒUψ 7Ï9≡sŒ ’Îû ¨βÎ) ∩∉∉∪ t⎦⎪ÌyzFψ$# $oΨø%øîr& ¢ΟèO ∩∉∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏèuΗødr& ÿ…çμyè¨Β ⎯tΒuρ 4©y›θãΒ $uΖøŠpgΥr&uρ u t y t ∩∉∇∪ ÞΟ‹Ïm§9$# We drowned the others. Lo! Herein is indeed a portent, yet most of them are not believers. And Lo! Your Lord! He is indeed the Mighty, the Merciful. (Quran: 26/65-68) After being rescued from the tyranny of Rameses and having witnessed the miracle of the parting of the sea by Prophet Musa (AS), the Israelites traveled through the desert, moaning and complaining about the severity of the travels. Very reluctantly, they followed the directions of Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS). The children of Israel had not truly appreciated their freedom from slavery. Some of the mischievous elements among them were inciting revolts against their prophets and Allah (SWT). Both Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Haroun (AS) urged them to be patient and look forward to settling in the place where Allah (SWT) would grant them their own residence. During their march, the nation of Israel passed through a development where all of the inhabitants worshipped manmade idols and images. The Israelites demanded that Prophet Musa (AS) should also create an image of God for them, so that they could worship it, touch it, and feel it. Prophet Musa (AS) cautioned the Israelites about their cultivation towards idolatry and warned them that there were serious consequences for idolatry. ×Πöθ% öΝä3¯ΡÎ) Α$s% 4 ×πγÏ9#u™ óΟßγs9 $yϑ. $Yγ≈s9Î) !$uΖ©9 ≅yèô_$# ©y›θßϑ≈tƒ (#θä9$s% 4 öΝçλ°; 5Θ$oΨô¹r& #’n?tã tβθàä3÷èƒ 7Θöθs% 4’n?tã (#öθs?r'sù tóst7ø9$# Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t7Î/ $tΡø—uθ≈y_uρ s t y x t ’n?tã öΝà6=Òù uθèδρ $Yγ≈s9Î) öΝà6‹Éóö/r& «!$# uöxîr& tΑ$s% ∩⊇⊂®∪ šχθè=ϑ÷ètƒ (#θçΡ%x. $¨Β ×≅ÏÜ≈t/uρ ÏμŠÏù öΝèδ $¨Β ×£9tGãΒ Ï™Iωàσ¯≈yδ ¨βÎ) ∩⊇⊂∇∪ tβθè=yγøgrB n s u y ’Îûuρ 4 öΝä.™!$|¡ÎΣ šχθãŠóstFó¡tƒuρ öΝä.u™!$oΨö/r& tβθè=ÏnG)ム( É>#x‹èø9$# u™þθß™ öΝà6tΡθãΒθÝ¡o„ šχöθtãöÏù ÉΑ#u™ ô⎯ÏiΒ Νà6≈uΖøŠpgΥr& øŒÎ)uρ ∩⊇⊆⊃∪ š⎥⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# u s y ∩⊇⊆⊇∪ ÒΟŠÏàtã öΝà6În/§‘ ⎯ÏiΒ Ö™ξt/ Νà6Ï9≡sŒ I And We brought the Children of Israel across the sea, and they came amongst people who were practicing idolism. They (Israelites) said, “O Musa! Make for us a god like they have gods.” He replied, “Lo! You are ignorant folks. Lo! As for these people, they are leading themselves towards a sure destruction. And whatever they are doing will not benefit them.” He asked them, “Shall I seek for you a god other than Allah, when He has favored you above all creatures? And remember when We did deliver you from the people of Pharaoh, who were afflicting you with dreadful torments, slaughtering your sons and sparing your women. That was a tremendous trial from your Lord. (Quran: 7/138-141) Thousands of years of slavery and severe punishment meted out by Rameses had created a syndrome of emptiness and a lack of rationality among most of the Israelites. They had seen the visible Signs of Allah (SWT), yet remained unappreciative of the Divine Mercies showered upon them as the favorite nation. The aftermath of their newfound freedom from slavery and their travels in the deserts had generated a sense of emptiness in their minds. Some of them were more agitated than others, as they had lost their higher positions of authority within the Israelites. These positions had been given to them while they were in the service of the Egyptians. These agitated groups were trying to incite the Israelites to revolt against Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Haroun (AS) or to persuade them to return to Egypt, where all of them would at least have roofs over their heads. Some of the worst elements among the Israelites confronted the Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) and demanded that water be arranged for them in the desert. Prophet Musa (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) Ordered Prophet Musa (AS) to strike the rock with his
- 117. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 117 staff. When the rock was struck, the rock parted and twelve fountains sprang out and produced twelve streams of fresh water. All the twelve tribes of the Israelites had their own individual water supplies. Allah (SWT) hid the desert sun behind the clouds to prevent them from heat exposure. Their hunger was relieved with the manna and quails. However, the ungrateful and the mischievous among them were never satisfied. Instead of appreciating the generosities and blessings showered upon them by Allah (SWT), demands were being made to provide them with onions, garlic, beans and lentils—the staple foods of the Egyptians. Prophet Musa (AS) admonished the Israelites as ungrateful people. They had been provided with abundant quantities of the best quality foods, and yet majority of them wanted to return to Egypt for a life filled with humiliation! ( óΟßγ/uô³¨Β <¨$tΡé& ‘≅à2 zΟÎ=tã ô‰s% ( $YΖøŠtã nοuô³tã $tFt⊥øO$# çμ÷ΖÏΒ ôNtyfxΡ$$sù ( yf⇔ø9$# š‚$|ÁyèÎn/ >ÎôÑ$# $oΨù=à)sù ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs)Ï9 4†y›θãΒ 4’s+ó¡oKó™$# ÏŒÎ)uρ * t t y ólÌøƒä† š−/u‘ $oΨs9 äí÷Š$$sù 7‰Ïn≡uρ 5Θ$yèÛ 4’n?tã uÉ9óÁ¯Ρ ⎯s9 4©y›θßϑ≈tƒ óΟçFù=è% øŒÎ)uρ ∩∉⊃∪ t⎦⎪ωšøãΒ ÇÚö‘F{$# †Îû (#öθsW÷ès? Ÿωuρ «!$# É−ø—Íh‘ ⎯ÏΒ (#θç/õ°$#uρ (#θè=à2 s u (#θäÜÎ7÷δ$# 4 îöyz uθèδ ”Ï%©!$$Î/ 4†oΤ÷Šr& θèδ ”Ï%©!$# šχθä9ωö7tGó¡n@r& tΑ$s% ( $yγÎ=|Át/uρ $pκÅy‰tãuρ $yγÏΒθèùuρ $yγÍ←!$¨VÏ%uρ $yγÎ=ø)t/ .⎯ÏΒ ÞÚö‘F{$# àMÎ6.⊥è? $®ÿÊΕ $uΖs9 u «!$# M≈tƒ$t↔Î/ šχρãàõ3ƒ (#θçΡ%x. óΟßγ¯Ρr'Î/ y7Ï9≡sŒ 3 «!$# š∅ÏiΒ 5=ŸÒtóÎ/ ρâ™!$t/uρ èπuΖx6ó¡yϑø9$#uρ ä'©!Éj‹9$# ÞΟÎγøŠn=tæ ôM/ÎàÑuρ 3 óΟçFø9r'y™ $¨Β Νà6s9 ¨βÎ*ù #óÁÏΒ Ï t t s ∩∉⊇∪ šχρ߉tF÷ètƒ (#θçΡ$Ÿ2¨ρ (#θ|Átã $oÿÏ3 y7Ï9≡sŒ 3 Èd,y⇔ø9$# ÎötóÎ/ z⎯↵ÍhŠÎ;¨Ψ9$# šχθè=çGø)tƒuρ And when Musa asked for water for his people, We said, “Smite the rock with your staff.” And there gushed out twelve springs from thereof, so that each tribe knew their drinking place. Eat and drink of that which Allah has provided and do not act corruptly, making mischief in the earth. And when they said, “O Musa! We are weary of one kind of food; so call upon your Lord for us that He brings forth for us that which grows on the earth- of its herbs, and its cucumbers, and its corn and its lentils, and its onions.” He said, “Would you exchange that which is higher for that which is lower? Go down to settled country, thus you shall get that which you demand.” (Quran: 2/60-61) Allah (SWT) had Directed both Prophet Musa (AS) and Prophet Haroun (AS) to lead the children of Israel to the promised land of Palestine. In the past, Allah (SWT) had Accepted and Promised Prophet Ibrahim (AS), the father of the prophets, that the land of Palestine would be reserved for the settlement of the pious and righteous nation, and those who would uphold the laws of Allah (SWT). He had also promised that such a nation would be raised from amongst his offspring. Those children of Israel had shown that they were an ungrateful nation even though they had been the most favored people of Allah (SWT). They continued to offer all types of excuses to refrain from performing their duties towards Allah (SWT). Prophet Musa (AS) ordered the Israelites to fight their enemies and capture the cities of the Canaanites and the Hittites. The Israelites refused to mobilize and fight. They told Prophet Musa (AS) that the only way they would ever enter those cities was if the occupants of the cities vacated for them. Prophet Musa (AS) was truly disappointed in his nation and knew that they lacked righteousness and obedience. Prophet Musa (AS) prayed hard to Allah (SWT) and begged for His Mercies upon himself and his brother Prophet Haroun (AS). He asked not to be held responsible for the actions of the children of Israel. Allah (SWT) told His prophets that this generation of Israelites had been corrupted by the Egyptians. Therefore, they must wander restlessly in the wilderness until a new generation was
- 118. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 118 born among them. The new generations would produce worthwhile warriors who would engage in fights for supremacy and would be victorious. t⎦⎫ÏΗs>≈yèø9$# ⎯ÏiΒ #Y‰nr& ÏN÷σムöΝs9 $¨Β Νä39s?#u™ρ %Z.θè=•Β Νä3n=yè_uρ u™!$uŠÎ;/Ρr& öΝä3ŠÏù Ÿ≅yèy_ øŒÎ) öΝä3ø‹n=æ «!$# sπyϑ÷èÏΡ (#ρãä.øŒ$# ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs)Ï9 4©y›θãΒ tΑ$s% øŒÎ)uρ z t u y t $YΒöθ% $pκÏù ¨βÎ) #©y›θßϑ≈tƒ (#θä9$s% ∩⊄⊇∪ ⎦⎪ÎÅ£≈yz (#θç7Î=)ΖtFsù ö/ä.Í‘$t/÷Šr& #’n?tã (#ρ‘‰s?ös? Ÿωuρ öΝä3s9 ª!$# |=Gx. ©ÉL©9$# sπy™£‰s)ßϑø9$# uÚö‘F{$# (#θè=äz÷Š$# ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ ∩⊄⊃∪ s t s t $yϑÍκön=ã ª!$# zΝyè÷Ρr& šχθèù$sƒs† ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ⎯ÏΒ ÈβŸξã_u‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊄∪ šχθè=Åz≡yŠ $¯ΡÎ*sù $yγ÷ΖÏΒ (#θã_ãøƒs† βÎ*sù $yγ÷ΖÏΒ (#θã_ãøƒs† 4©®Lym $yγn=äzô‰¯Ρ ⎯s9 $¯ΡÎ)uρ t⎦⎪Í‘$¬7y_ t t z $¨Β #Y‰/r& !$yγn=äzô‰¯Ρ ⎯s9 $¯ΡÎ) #©y›θßϑ≈tƒ (#θä9$s% ∩⊄⊂∪ ⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟçGΨä. βÎ) (#þθè=©.uθtGsù «!$# ’n?tãuρ 4 tβθç7Î=≈xî öΝä3¯ΡÎ*sù çνθßϑçGù=yzyŠ #sŒÎ*sù šU$t6ø9$# ãΝÍκön=tã (#θè=äz÷Š$# t t ÏΘöθ)ø9$# š⎥÷⎫t/uρ $sΨoΨ÷t/ ø−ãøù$$sù ( ©År&uρ ©Å¤øtΡ ωÎ) à7Î=øΒr& Iω ’ÎoΤÎ) Éb>u‘ Α$s% ∩⊄⊆∪ šχρ߉Ïè≈s% $oΨßγ≈yδ $¯ΡÎ) IξÏG≈s)sù šš/u‘uρ |MΡr& ó=yδøŒ$$sù ( $yγŠÏù (#θãΒ#yŠ s t ∩⊄∉∪ š⎥⎫É)Å¡≈xø9$# ÏΘöθs)ø9$# ’n?tã }¨ù's? Ÿξsù 4 ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû šχθßγ‹ÏKtƒ ¡ ZπuΖy™ z⎯ŠÏèt/ö‘r& ¡ öΝÍκön=tã îπtΒ§ptèΧ $yγ¯ΡÎ*sù tΑ$s% ∩⊄∈∪ t⎦⎫É)Å¡≈xø9$# And remember when Musa said to his people, “O my people! Remember Allah’s favors to you, how He place amongst you Prophets, and He made you Kings and Gave you that which He did not give to any other of His creatures. O my People! Go into the Holy Land, which Allah has ordained for you. Do not turn and runaway, as you will surely be the losers:” They said, “O Musa! Lo! A giant people dwell therein, and lo! We do not go in till they go out from there. When they go out then we will enter. ”Then two outspoken men amongst them, who feared their Lord, and to whom Allah had been gracious, said: “Enter in upon them by the gate, for if you enter by it, lo! You will be victorious. So put your trust in Allah if you are indeed believers.” They said, “O Musa! We will never enter the land while they are in it. So you go with your Lord and fight! We will sit here.” He said, “My Lord! I have control of none but my brother, and myself so distinguish between us and the wrongdoing folks.” Their Lord said, “For this the land will surely be forbidden to them for forty years, which they will wander in the earth, bewildered. So grieve not over the wrongdoing folks.” (Quran: 5/20-26) As had been Decreed by Allah (SWT), the Israelites started wandering around in the deserts. There were neither fixed destinations nor any predetermined goals. Just idle restlessness! When they entered Sinai, Prophet Musa (AS) prayed for divine guidance and mercy over his people. Allah (SWT) Ordered Prophet Musa to seclude himself away from his nation and fast for thirty days as a worship to Him. At the end of the fasting period, Prophet Musa (AS) was to go the sacred point of Tuwa on Mount Tur where Allah (SWT) would Give him the laws, which would govern the Israelites. Before departing for the seclusion, Prophet Musa (AS) instructed Prophet Haroun (AS) to look after the Israelites and to ensure that they followed the proper rituals of prayers and righteousness towards Allah (SWT). Prophet Musa (AS) went to Mount Tur and fasted for thirty days. On the last day, Prophet Musa (AS) approached the point of Tuwa. Before the time of breaking the fast, Prophet Musa (AS) noticed that he was exhaling a pungent smell emanating from his dry mouth and empty stomach. Prophet Musa (AS) did not want to speak to Allah (SWT) with such an odor. Therefore, Prophet Musa (AS) plucked a scented plant and broke his fast with it. Allah (SWT) asked Prophet Musa (AS) why he ate the scented plant. Prophet Musa (AS) replied, “O my Lord! I did not like to approach You with the pungent smell of a dry mouth!” Allah (SWT) Declared: “Don’t you know, O Musa! That the odor of a fasting mouth has more fragrance for Me than the fragrance of roses. Go back and fast for ten more days before coming back to Me.” Prophet Musa (AS) complied.
- 119. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 119 ’ÍΓöθ% ’Îû ©Í_øè=÷z$# šχρã≈yδ ÏμŠÅzL{ 4©y›θãΒ Α$s%ρ 4 's#ø‹s9 š∅ŠÏè/ö‘r& ÿ⎯ÏμÎn/u‘ àM≈s)‹ÏΒ §ΝtGsù 9ô³yèÎ/ $yγ≈uΖôϑyϑø?r&uρ 's#ø‹s9 š⎥⎫ÏW≈n=rO 4©y›θãΒ $tΡô‰tã≡uρuρ * s t u t öÝàΡ$# Ç⎯Å3≈s9uρ ©Í_1ts? ⎯s9 tΑ$s% 4 šø‹s9Î) öÝàΡr& þ’ÎΤÍ‘r& Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% …çμš/u‘ …çμyϑ¯=x.uρ $uΖÏF≈s)ŠÏϑÏ9 4©y›θãΒ u™!%` $£ϑs9uρ ∩⊇⊆⊄∪ t⎦⎪ωšøßϑø9$# Ÿ≅‹Î6y™ ôìÎ6−Gs? Ÿωuρ ôxÎ=ô¹r&uρ y šoΨ≈ysö6ß™ Α$s% −$sùr& !$£ϑ=sù 4 $Z)Ïè¹ 4©y›θãΒ §yzuρ $y2yŠ …ã&s#yèy_ È≅t7yfù=Ï9 …çμš/u‘ 4’©?pgB $£ϑn=ù 4 ©Í_1ts? t∃öθ|¡sù …çμtΡ$x6tΒ §s)tGó™$# ÈβÎ*sù È≅t6yfø9$# ’n<Î) t s n | r s š∅ÏiΒ ⎯ä.ρ y7çG÷s?#u™ !$tΒ õ‹ä⇐sù ‘Ïϑ≈n=s3Î/uρ ©ÉL≈n=≈y™ÍÎ/ Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# ’n?ã y7çGøŠxsÜô¹$# ’ÎoΤÎ) #©y›θßϑ≈tƒ tΑ$s% ∩⊇⊆⊂∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$# ãΑ¨ρr& O$tΡr&uρ šø‹s9Î) àMö6è? u t 4 $pκÈ]|¡ômr'Î/ (#ρä‹è{ù'tƒ y7tΒöθ% öãΒù&uρ ;ο§θà)Î/ $yδõ‹ä⇐sù &™ó©x« Èe≅ä3Ïj9 Wξ‹ÅÁøs?uρ ZπsàÏãöθ¨Β &™ó©x« Èe≅à2 ⎯ÏΒ Çy#uθø9F{$# ’Îû …çμs9 $oΨö;tFŸ2uρ ∩⊇⊆⊆∪ t⎦⎪ÌÅ3≈¤±9$# s (#÷ρtƒ βÎ)uρ $pκÍ5 (#θãΖÏΒ÷σムω 7πƒ#u™ ¨≅à2 (#÷ρttƒ βÎ)uρ Èd,sø9$# ÎötóÎ/ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû šχρã¬6s3tGtƒ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# z©ÉL≈tƒ#u™ ô⎯tã ß∃ÎñÀr'y™ ∩⊇⊆∈∪ t⎦⎫É)Å¡≈xø9$# u‘#yŠ ö/ä3ƒÍ‘'ρé'y™ t t y š⎥⎪Ï%©!$#uρ ∩⊇⊆∉∪ t⎦,Î#Ï≈xî $pκ÷]tã (#θçΡ%x.uρ $uΖÏG≈tƒ$t↔Î/ (#θç/¤‹x. öΝåκ¨Ξr'Î/ y7Ï9≡sŒ 4 Wξ‹Î6y™ çνρä‹Ï‚−Gtƒ Äc©xöø9$# Ÿ≅‹Î6y™ (#÷ρttƒ βÎ)uρ Wξ‹Î6y™ çνρä‹Ï‚−Gtƒ Ÿω ωô©”9$# Ÿ≅‹Î6y™ ∩⊇⊆∠∪ šχθè=yϑ÷èƒ (#θçΡ%x. $tΒ ωÎ) šχ÷ρt“øgä† ö≅yδ 4 öΝßγè=≈yϑôãr& ôMsÜÎ6ym ÍοtÅzFψ$# Ï™!$s)Ï9uρ $uΖÏG≈tƒ$t↔Î/ (#θç/¤‹x. t And when We did appoint for Musa thirty nights of fasting, and added to them ten, and he completed the whole time of forty nights appointed by his Lord; and Musa had said to his brother: “Take my place amongst the people. Do right and follow not the way of mischief makers.” And when Musa came to Our appointed place and his Lord had spoken to him, he said, “My Lord! Show me yourself, that I may look upon you.”He said, “You will not be able to see Me! But look at the mountain, if it stands still in its place, then you will see Me.” And when his Lord revealed His glory to the mountain, He sent it crashing down. And Musa fainted and fell down. And when he woke up, he said, “Glory is You! I turn to You in repentance and amongst the true believers.” He said, “O Musa! I have preferred you above mankind by My messages and by My speaking with you. So hold fast that which I have given to you, and be amongst the thankful ones.” And We wrote for him, upon the tablets, the lesson to be drawn from all things and the explanation of all things, then told him, “ Hold it fast; and command your people: Take the better course which has been made clear. I shall show you the abode of the evil-livers. I shall turn away from My revelations those who magnify themselves, wrongfully in the earth. And they will see but not believe each token. And they will see the righteousness but not chose it. And they will choose those ways which have errors for them. That is because they deny Our revelations and are used to disregard them. Those who deny Our revelations and the meeting of the Hereafter, their works are fruitless. Do they expect to receive anything other than what they deserve?” (Quran: 7/142-147) At the end of the second fast of ten days, Allah (SWT) revealed the Ten Commandments of the Torah. These Ten Commandments would guide the nations of the Israelites towards the righteous paths of Allah (SWT). ß⎯ós¯Ρ ( 9,≈n=øΒÎ) ï∅ÏiΒ Νà2‰≈s9÷ρr& (#þθè=çFø)s? Ÿωuρ ( $YΖ≈|¡ômÎ) È⎦ø⎪t$Î!≡uθø9$$Î/uρ ( $↔ø‹x© ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#θä.Îô³è@ ωr& ( öΝà6øŠn=tæ öΝà6š/u‘ tΠ§ym $tΒ ã≅ø?r& (#öθs9$yès? ö≅è% * y Νä38¢¹ρ ö/ä3Ï9≡sŒ 4 Èd,ysø9$$Î/ ωÎ) ª!$# tΠ§ym ©ÉL©9$# š[ø¨Ζ9$# (#θè=çGø)s? Ÿωuρ ( š∅sÜ/ $tΒuρ $yγ÷ΨÏΒ tyγsß $tΒ |·Ïm≡uθxø9$# (#θç/tø)s? Ÿωuρ ( öΝèδ$−ƒÎ)uρ öΝà6è%ã—ötΡ u t ß#Ïk=s3çΡ Ÿω ( ÅÝó¡É)ø9$$Î/ tβ#u”Ïϑø9#uρ Ÿ≅ø‹x6ø9$# (#θèù÷ρ&uρ ( …çν£‰ä©r& è=ö7tƒ 4©®Lym ß⎯|¡ômr& }‘Ïδ ©ÉL©9$$Î/ ωÎ) ÉΟŠÏKuŠø9$# tΑ$tΒ (#θç/tø)s? Ÿωuρ ∩⊇∈⊇∪ tβθè=É)÷ès? ÷/ä3ª=yès9 ⎯ÏμÎ/ $ r x ∩⊇∈⊄∪ šχρã©.x‹? ÷/3ª=yè9 ⎯ÏμÎ/ Νä38¢¹uρ öΝà6Ï9≡sŒ 4 (#θèù÷ρr& «!$# ωôγyèÎ/uρ ( 4’n1öè% #sŒ tβ%Ÿ2 öθs9uρ (#θä9ωôã$$sù óΟçFù=è% #sŒÎ)uρ ( $yγyèó™ãρ ωÎ) $²¡øtΡ s ä s Say: Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited for you: • Join not anything in worship with Him; • Be good and dutiful to your parents; • Do not kill your children because of poverty. We provide the sustenance for you and for them; • Do not come near the shameful acts – (Illegal sexual acts whether committed openly or in secret);
- 120. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 120 • Do not kill anyone, except for a just cause in accordance with law; • Do not deprive an orphan of his or her rightful property; • Give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not anyone more than which he can bear; • Whenever you give your word, (in judgment or in evidence) tell the truth even if a near relative is concerned; • And fulfill the Covenant of Allah (in worship and prayers); • This He Commands you that you may remember and ward off evil. (Quran: 6/151-152) Prophet Musa (AS) had departed with a promise to return after the period of fasting was over. His restless and impatient people were becoming agitated at being made to await the return of Prophet Musa (AS) after thirty days. An evil-minded person among them named As-Samiri raised all types of doubts amongst the Israelites against Allah (SWT) and His revelations through both the Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS). The absence of Prophet Musa (AS) from the nation of Israelites gave more leverage to As-Samiri, who managed to maneuver quite a large group among them as his followers. When Prophet Musa (AS) did not return within the stipulated period of thirty days, As-Samiri started extensive propagation that Prophet Musa (AS) had abandoned the Israelites at the mercy of the elements surrounding them. As-Samiri told them: “You people need a true guidance of a god of your own; I will provide you with a god.” All the physically strong men among his followers were instructed to gather all the jewelry and the ornaments of gold from everyone among the nations and bring these to him. When everything gold had been collected, As-Samiri instructed them to light a huge fire and melt down the gold. While the gold was melting, As-Samiri arranged some music and asked people to dance around the fireplace; he told them that they were paying their homage and were welcoming their own god of gold. As-Samiri turned the gold into a golden calf. It was hollow inside, and it would produce sounds when the wind passed through it. Most of these Israelites were superstitious since they had been participating in many superstitious ceremonies with the Egyptians. As-Samiri and his supporters declared that their god had come to them in the form of the golden calf; therefore all of the Israelites must worship it! Prophet Haroun (AS) was grieved and protested saying: “O my people! You have been deceived. Your Lord in the heavens is the most beneficent! Worship Him! Follow me and obey my guidance.” They replied, “This is our god. We shall stop worshipping it only if Musa returns with the true Signs.” Those Israelites who had remained righteous and were steadfast separated themselves from the pagans. Upon his return, Prophet Musa (AS) approached the Israelites and observed that most of them were singing and dancing around a golden statue of a calf. Prophet Musa (AS) was so furious at their pagan rituals that he flung down the Tablet of the Laws he was carrying with him and grabbed and tugged the beard of Prophet Haroun (AS), saying, “How did you allow them to go astray? Why couldn’t you fight this corruption?” Prophet Haroun (AS) replied, “O son of my mother, let go of my beard! These folks considered me weak and were about to kill me. So do not make the enemies rejoice over me, nor include me among the people who are the wrongdoers.” Prophet Musa (AS) let go of the beard of Prophet Haroun (AS) and realized that his brother was truly helpless among the wrongdoers who had gained their physical strength due to the weaknesses and doubts in the beliefs of the children of Israel.
- 121. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 121 #´‰ôãρ öΝä3š/u‘ öΝä.ô‰Ïètƒ öΝs9r& ÉΘöθ)≈tƒ Α$s% 4 $ZÅ™r& z⎯≈t7ôÒxî ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs% 4’n<Î) #©y›θãΒ yìy_tsù ∩∇∈∪ ‘“ÌÏΒ$¡¡9$# ãΛàι¯=|Êr&uρ x8ω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ y7tΒöθs% $¨ΖtFsù ô‰s% $¯ΡÎ*sù tΑ$s% u s t $uΖÅ3ù=yϑÎ/ 8y‰ÏãθΒ $oΨøn=÷z& !$tΒ (#θä9$s% ∩∇∉∪ “ωÏãöθ¨Β Λä⎢øn=÷z'sù öΝä3În/§‘ ⎯ÏiΒ Ò=ŸÒxî öΝä3ø‹n=æ ¨≅Ïts† βr& öΝ›?Šu‘r& ÷Πr& ߉ôγyèø9$# ãΝà6ø‹n=tæ tΑ$sÜsù& 4 $·Ζ|¡ym x ö t r r t r !#x‹≈yδ (#θä9$s)sù Ö‘#uθäz …ã&©! #Y‰|¡y_ WξôfÏã öΝßγs9 ylt÷z'sù ∩∇∠∪ ‘“ÍÉΔ$¡¡9$# ’s+ø9r& y7Ï9≡x‹3sù $yγ≈oΨøùx‹s)sù ÏΘöθ)ø9$# ÏπuΖƒÎ— ⎯ÏiΒ #Y‘#y—÷ρr& !$uΖù=ÏiΗäq $¨ΖÅ3≈s9uρ r s s ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ ãβρã≈yδ öΝçλm; Α$s% ô‰s)s9uρ ∩∇®∪ $YèøtΡ Ÿωuρ #uŸÑ öΝçλm; à7Î=ôϑtƒ Ÿωuρ Zωöθs% óΟÎγø‹s9Î) ßìÅ_ötƒ ωr& tβ÷ρttƒ Ÿξsùr& ∩∇∇∪ z©Å¤oΨsù 4©y›θãΒ çμ≈s9Î)uρ öΝà6ßγ≈s9Î) t Α$s% ∩®⊇∪ 4©y›θãΒ $uΖø‹s9Î) ìÅ_ötƒ 4©®Lym t⎦⎫ÏÅ3≈tã Ïμø‹n=tã yyuö9¯Ρ ⎯s9 (#θä9$s% ∩®⊃∪ “ÌøΒ& (#þθãè‹ÏÛr&uρ ‘ÏΡθãèÎ7¨?$$sù ß⎯≈oΗ÷q§9$# ãΝä3−/u‘ ¨βÎ)uρ ( ⎯ÏμÎ/ ΟçF⊥ÏFèù $yϑ¯ΡÎ) ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ t y r βr& àMŠÏ±yz ’ÎoΤÎ) ( û©Å›ù&tÎ/ Ÿωρ ©ÉLu‹ósÎ=Î/ õ‹è{ù's? Ÿω ¨ΠàσuΖö6tƒ tΑ$s% ∩®⊂∪ “ÌøΒr& |MøŠ|Áyèsùr& ( Ç∅yèÎ7®Ks? ωr& ∩®⊄∪ (#þθ=|Ê öΝßγtF÷ƒr&u‘ øŒÎ) y7yèuΖtΒ $tΒ ãβρã≈yγ≈tƒ u ZπŸÒö6s% àMôÒ6s)sù ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#ρçÝÇö7tƒ öΝs9 $yϑÎ/ ßN÷ÝÇo0 tΑ$s% ∩®∈∪ ‘“ÌÏϑ≈|¡≈tƒ šç7ôÜy{ $yϑsù tΑ$s% ∩®⊆∪ ’Í<öθs% ó=è%ös? öΝs9uρ Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜtó™Î) û©Í_t/ t⎦÷⎫t/ |Mø%§sù tΑθà)s? t #Y‰ÏãöθΒ y7s9 ¨βÎ)uρ ( }¨$|¡ÏΒ Ÿω tΑθà)s? βr& Íο4θuŠysø9$# ’Îû 7s9 χÎ*sù ó=yδøŒ$$sù tΑ$s% ∩®∉∪ ©Å¤øtΡ ’Í< ôMs9§θy™ šÏ9≡x‹Ÿ2uρ $yγè?õ‹t7oΨsù ÉΑθß™§9$# ÌrOr& ô⎯ÏiΒ t y 4 θèδ ωÎ) tμ≈s9Î) Iω “Ï%©!$# ª!$# ãΝä3ßγ≈s9Î) !$yϑ¯ΡÎ) ∩®∠∪ $¸ó¡nΣ ÉdΟŠø9$# ’Îû …çμ¨ΨxÅ¡ΨuΖs9 ¢ΟèO …çμ¨Ψs%ÌhysãΖ©9 ( $ZÏ.%tæ Ïμø‹n=tã |Mù=sß “Ï%©!$# y7Îγ≈s9Î) #’<Î) öÝàΡ$#uρ ( …çμxn=øƒéB ⎯©9 u u n ∩®∇∪ $Vϑù=Ïã >™ó©x« ¨≅à2 yìÅ™uρ He said, “Lo! We have tried your folk in your absence, and As-Samiri, has misled them.” Then Musa went back to his folk, angry and sad. He said, “O my people! Has not your Lord promised you a fair promise? Did the time appointed then appear too long for you, or did you wish that the wrath from your Lord should come upon you, that you broke your faith in me?” They replied, “We did not break the trust in you of our own will, but we were laden with the burdens of ornaments of the folk, the cast them in fire, as proposed by As-Samiri. Then he produced a calf which gave forth a lowing sound. And he cried, “This is your god and the god of Musa but he has forgotten.” And Haroun indeed had told them beforehand: “O my people! You are but being seduced herewith, for lo! Your Lord is the Beneficent, so follow me and obey my orders.” They said, “We shall by no means cease to be its votaries till Musa returns to us.” Musa said, “O Haroun! What held you back when you saw them going astray? Are you no longer following me? Have you not then disobeyed my order?” He said, “O son of my mother! Clutch neither my beard nor my head! I feared that you might say, “You have caused a division amongst the Children of Israel without waiting for my word.” Musa addressed, “And what have you to say, O Samiri?” He replied “I perceived what they perceived not, so I seized a handful from the footsteps of the messenger, and threw it in it. That’s how my soul commanded to me.” Musa said, “Then go! And lo! In this life it is for you to say: Touch me not! And lo! There is for you a secret meeting that you cannot break. Now look upon your god which you have created, because we will burn it and will scatter its dust over the sea. Your God is only Allah, other than Whom there is no other God. He embraces all things in His Knowledge.” (Quran: 20/85-98) The Decree of Allah (SWT) sentenced to death those people who had fully participated in the worship of the golden calf. Prophet Musa (AS) commanded the children of Israel to pray to Allah (SWT) asking for His forgiveness and at the same time demonstrating their repentance by actual actions. He chose seventy representatives from them and advised these seventy delegates to “Pray to Allah and repent for what you did. And ask for His forgiveness for what you ignored.” Prophet Musa (AS) returned to Mount Sinai with the seventy delegates. Prophet Musa (AS) communicated with Allah (SWT). The delegates heard Prophet Musa (AS) addressing Allah (SWT). They could not physically see with whom Prophet Musa (AS) was talking. However, they raised doubts among themselves by saying that Prophet Musa (AS) was only
- 122. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 122 pretending to be in the presence of Allah (SWT). These delegates challenged Prophet Musa (AS) and said, “O Musa! We shall never believe in you till we see Allah plainly.” This was an act of blasphemy. These delegates, representing the children of Israel, were actually challenging the existence of Allah (SWT), even though they had recently seen His signs and also the destruction of their archenemy, Rameses. Lightning bolts and a violent quake stupefied their souls and bodies. All at once, these stubborn delegates were punished. They all died on the spot. Prophet Musa (AS) regretted the fate of the seventy delegates and was filled with sorrow. He prayed to Allah (SWT) for their forgiveness as the delegates had behaved foolishly. Allah (SWT) responded affirmatively towards the prayers of Prophet Musa (AS). ‰ΨÏã öΝ3©9 ×öyz öΝä3Ï9≡sŒ öΝä3¡àΡr& (#þθè=çFø%$$sù öΝä3Í←Í‘$t/ 4’n<Î) (#þθç/θçGsù Ÿ≅ôfÏèø9$# ãΝä.ÏŒ$sƒÏkB$$Î/ Νà6|¡àΡr& öΝçFôϑn=sß öΝä3¯ΡÎ) ÉΘöθs)≈tƒ ⎯ÏμÏΒöθs)Ï9 4©y›θãΒ tΑ$s% øŒÎ)uρ y ä | óΟçFΡr&uρ èπ)Ïè≈¢Á9$# ãΝä3ø?x‹yzr'sù Zοtôγy_ ©!$# “ttΡ 4©®Lym y7s9 z⎯ÏΒ÷σœΡ ⎯s9 4©y›θßϑ≈tƒ óΟçFù=è% øŒÎ)uρ ∩∈⊆∪ ÞΟŠÏm§9$# Ü>#§θ−G9$# uθèδ …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 öΝä3ø‹n=tã z>$tGsù öΝä3Í←Í‘$t/ s ∩∈∈∪ tβρáÝàΨs? And when Musa said to his people: “O my people! You have wronged yourselves by your choosing of the calf for worship, so turn in repentance to your Creator, and kill those amongst you, yourselves. That will be best for you with your creator and He will relent towards you. Lo! He is the Relenting, the Merciful. And when you said: O Musa! We will not believe in you till we see Allah plainly; and even while you gazed the lightning seized you.” (Quran: 2/54-55) Ÿ≅yèù $oÿÏ3 $uΖä3Î=öκèEr& ( }‘≈−ƒÎ)uρ ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏiΒ ΟßγtFõ3=÷δr& |Mø⁄Ï© öθs9 Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% èπxô_§9$# ãΝåκøEx‹s{r& !$£ϑn=sù ( $oΨÏG≈s)‹ÏϑÏj9 Wξã_u‘ t⎦⎫Ïèö7y™ …çμtΒöθs% 4©y›θãΒ u‘$tG÷z$#uρ s n * ∩⊇∈∈∪ t⎦⎪ÌÏ≈tóø9$# çöyz MΡr&uρ ( $uΖ÷Ηxqö‘$#uρ $uΖs9 öÏøî$$sù $oΨ•‹Ï9uρ |MΡr& ( â™!$t±n@ ⎯tΒ ”ωöκsEuρ â™!$t±n@ ⎯tΒ $pκÍ5 ‘≅ÅÒè? y7çGt⊥÷GÏù ωÎ) }‘Ïδ ÷βÎ) ( !$¨ΖÏΒ â™!$yγx¡9$# | 4 &™ó©x« ¨≅ä. ôMyèÅ™uρ ©ÉLyϑôm‘ρ ( â™!$x©r& ô⎯Β ⎯ÏμÎ/ Ü=ŠÏ¹é& þ’Î1#x‹tã Α$s% 4 y7ø‹s9Î) !$tΡô‰èδ $¯ΡÎ) ÍοÅzFψ$# ’Îûuρ ZπuΖ|¡ym $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# ÍνÉ‹≈yδ ’Îû $uΖs9 ó=çGò2$#uρ u u t t t …çμΡρ߉Ågs† “Ï%©!$# ¥_ÍhΓW{$# ¢©É<¨Ζ9$# Αθß™§9$# šχθãèÎ7−Ftƒ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ∩⊇∈∉∪ tβθãΖÏΒ÷σム$uΖÏG≈tƒ$t↔Î/ Νèδ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ nο4θŸ2¨“9$# šχθè?÷σãƒuρ tβθà)−Gtƒ t⎦⎪Ï%©#Ï9 $pκâ:çGø.r'|¡sù t t ßìŸÒƒuρ y]Íׯ≈6y‚ø9$# ÞΟÎγøŠn=tæ ãΠÌhpt†uρ ÏM≈t6Íh‹©Ü9$# ÞΟßγ9 ‘≅Ïtä†uρ Ìx6Ψßϑø9$# Ç⎯tã öΝßγ8pκ÷]tƒuρ Å∃ρã÷èϑø9$$Î/ ΝèδããΒù'ƒ È≅‹ÅgΥM}$#uρ Ïπ1u‘öθ−G9$# ’Îû öΝèδy‰ΨÏã $¹/θçGõ3tΒ t t ä s y t ãΝèδ y7Íׯ≈9'ρé& ÿ…çμètΒ tΑÌ“Ρé& ü“Ï%©!$# ‘θ‘Ζ9$# (#θãè7¨?$#uρ çνρã|ÁtΡuρ çνρ⑨“tãuρ ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$$sù 4 óΟÎγøŠn=tæ ôMtΡ%x. ©ÉL©9$# Ÿ≅≈n=øñF{$#uρ öΝèδuñÀÎ) öΝßγ÷Ζtã s y u t ∩⊇∈∠∪ šχθßsÎ=øßϑø9$# And Musa chose of his people seventy men for Our appointed tryst and when the trembling came on them, he said: “My Lord! If You had willed You would have had destroyed them long before, along with me. Will You destroy us for that which the ignorant amongst us did? It is but Your trial of us. You send astray whom You will, and guide whom You will. You are our Protecting Friend, therefore forgive us and have mercy on us, You are the Best of all who show forgiveness. And ordain for us in this world that which is good, and the same in the Hereafter, Lo! We have turned to you.” He replied, “I smite with My punishment whom I will, and My mercy Embraces all things, therefore I shall ordain it for those who ward off evil and pay the poor due, and those who believe Our revelations; Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and Gospel which are with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and will forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all god things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honor him, and help him and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are successful. (Quran: 7/155-157)
- 123. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 123 This is the Holy Declaration revealed to Prophet Musa (AS) about the forthcoming appearance of the Last Prophet and Messenger for the entire humanity; Prophet Mohamed (SAW). It is a well-documented and indisputable fact that Prophet Mohamed (SAW) was an illiterate, and he could neither read nor write. For references see Deut. 18:18: Psl. 118:22-23; Isa. 42:1-13; Hab. 3:3-4; Matt. 21:42- 43; Jn 14:16-17, 26-28; 16:7-14 Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS) continued their mission of preaching to the nations of Israelites about righteousness, worship, and life in accordance with The Taurat (Torah), the Laws of Allah (SWT), as revealed to Prophet Musa (AS) for the benefit of the people of Israel. Prophet Musa (AS) used to spend all of his time preaching and delivering explanatory sermons. Prophet Musa (AS) had set a routine of delivering sermons and answering questions related to the sermons or any other religious matters. During one of these sessions, Prophet Musa (AS) was asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Is there another man on the earth today who is more learned than you?” Prophet Musa (AS), sincerely believing that since Allah (SWT) had entrusted him with the Revelations of the Taurat, and the powers of the miracles, which had been used wisely for the benefit of his people, in all honesty replied, “No!” However, Allah (SWT) Revealed to Prophet Musa (AS) that no one person could have the full knowledge of everything; even among Allah’s messengers, not a single one of them will be the sole custodian of all the knowledge in the universe. There would always be somebody who knew what the others did not know. Only Allah (SWT) had all the knowledge of the universe and the heavens; and nothing is ever hidden from Him, not even the inner thoughts of any living being! Prophet Musa (AS) asked Allah (SWT): “O Allah! Where is this man who knows more than me? I would like to meet him and learn from him.” Allah (SWT) instructed Prophet Musa (AS) to take a small vessel, which should be filled with water and a live fish. Prophet Musa (AS) was to travel along the banks of the river carrying the fish. The person being sought would be at the point where the fish would disappear! Prophet Musa (AS) started his quest for knowledge in the company of a young person who carried the vessel containing the fish. When they reached a point where the two rivers met, they decided to rest a while. Prophet Musa (AS) was tired and went to sleep while the carrier was dozing on and off. The carrier thought he saw the fish jumping out of the vessel into the river. He brushed it away as a dream and did not tell Prophet Musa (AS) about the strange happening. It is also possible that the carrier was afraid of being accused of negligence and decided to maintain silence. Upon waking up, both of them resumed their journey along the riverbank. They decided to rest when they were exhausted and hungry. Prophet Musa (AS) asked his company for the meals. The companion had thought that the fish was being carried for cooking meals. Now that there was no fish, the companion confessed to Prophet Musa (AS) and revealed the circumstances concerning the loss of the fish! Prophet Musa (AS) exclaimed: “That is the point being sought! Let us hurry back.” When they reached the spot where the fish had entered the river, they found a man whose face was partly covered by a hood. His general appearance indicated that this person was a saint. He was Al-Khidr, the Guide. Prophet Musa (AS) greeted him and introduced himself, “I am Musa!” Al-Khidr asked, “Musa of Bani Israel?”
- 124. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 124 Prophet Musa (AS) replied, “Yes, and I have come to you to learn from you, to increase my knowledge from the knowledge bestowed upon you by Allah (SWT).” Al-Khidr replied, “O Musa! I have some of the knowledge that Allah (SWT) has taught me and which you do not know. While you have some of the knowledge that Allah (SWT has taught that I do not know.” Prophet Musa (AS) asked, “May I follow and observe you to learn?” Al-Khidr replied, “But you will not be able to exercise restraint and maintain your patience with me. I doubt that you will be able to remain patient about things that you will not be able to understand.” Prophet Musa (AS) promised, “You will find me, if Allah (SWT) so Wishes, truly patient and I will not disobey you at any time!” Both Prophet Musa (AS) and Al-Khidr set out and traveled along the shores. When a boat passed by them, they asked the boat’s crew to take them onboard their boat. The crew recognized Al-Khidr; hence, they took him and Prophet Musa (AS) onboard but refused to charge them for the ride. While they were sailing, a bird came and stood on the bow of the boat and drank water from the sea by dipping its beak twice or thrice. Al-Khidr addressed Prophet Musa (AS), and pointed towards the actions of the bird; “O Musa! Allah’s contents of knowledge have not decreased even to the size of a few drops of water consumed by the bird; even though both of us have been showered and are full of His knowledge!” So saying Al-Khidr took an adze and pulled up a plank of the boat with it, before Prophet Musa (AS) could even prevent that action of Al-Khidr. Prophet Musa (AS) said to Al-Khidr, “What have you done? These people had taken us onboard and did not charge us any fare; yet you have pulled a plank to drown it! Definitely you have performed an act which is dreadful!” Al-Khidr, shaking his head in disbelief, replied, “Did I not warn you that you will not be able to remain patient with me?” Prophet Musa (AS) apologized. “Do not blame me for I had forgotten, and do not be angry with me for my fault!” After they had left the sea, they approached a group of young boys playing. Al-Khidr grabbed one boy from among them and killed him by breaking his neck. Prophet Musa (AS) was astonished at this action and asked Al-Khidr, “You have killed an innocent person, who had not even been accused of killing any other person. You have really done a horrible thing.” Al-Khidr replied, “Did I not warn you that you would not be able to remain patient with me?” Prophet Musa (AS) assured, “If I ask you about anything after this, don’t allow me in your company. This is my final excuse to you.” Both Al-Khidr and Prophet Musa (AS) entered a village and asked some of the villagers for food. The villagers refused to treat them as guests and wanted money for the meals. Both Al- Khidr and Prophet Musa (AS) did not have any money with them. They were walking through the village when they noticed a wall that was about to collapse. Al-Khidr motioned his hands as if he were repairing the wall. The wall erected itself and stood straight and firm! Prophet Musa (AS) said: “These villagers refused to treat us as guests and offer food. Now that you have repaired their wall, if you wished you could have demanded the rightful wages for your action.”
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- 126. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 126 He said: “This is where we part with each other! I will now explain to you about those three acts seen by you and where you did not exercise patience: 1. As for the ship, it belonged to the poor people working in the sea. I made it defective to prevent the ship being taken over by a king who was confiscating every sea-borne ship for himself! 2. As for the boy, he was the child of true believers. The boy would have oppressed his parents by rebellion and disbelief. My action was to replace that boy with another one who would be better in righteousness and merciful to them! 3. As for the wall, it belonged to two orphans. Their father was a righteous man and had buried a treasure for them underneath the wall. Allah Will grant them access to it when He wills. And I did not perform any act of my own accord. That is the interpretation of events over which you did not have patience.” (Quran: 18/61-83) Prophet Musa (AS) suffered all types of excesses and punishments leveled at him or his brother by the people of his nation, the children of Israel. The mistreatments meted out to Prophet Musa (AS) by the Israelites were not limited to mere mutinies; stupid accusations were leveled against him and unreasonable demands were being made upon him. There were numerous instances of idolatry practiced. These instances of ignorance displayed by his nation truly hurt him. The worst punishment inflicted upon his person was the insult leveled directly at him. Prophet Musa (AS) used to cover his body fully and would not bare any part to anybody. The mischievous persons among his nation floated rumors about Prophet Musa (AS) that said: “He covers his body because he has contracted leprosy or scrotal hernia and has other defects in his skin.” Allah (SWT) Willed that His Prophet be cleared of all the malicious accusations leveled against him. Once, Prophet Musa (AS) was taking a bath in the river in seclusion and had hung his clothes on the branches. When he came out of the water and reached for his clothes, a strong wind flew the clothes away from him. His body was partially naked and he was dressed like a wrestler. Some prominent people from his nation saw his muscular body and noticed that it was in a prime condition. It was a body, the like of, which would be the most sought and desirable by the majority of men folk in his nation. ∩∉®∪ $κÅ_uρ «!$# y‰ΖÏã tβ%x.uρ 4 (#θä9$s% $£ϑÏΒ ª!$# çνr&§y9sù 4©y›θãΒ (#÷ρsŒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$%x. (#θçΡθä3s? Ÿω (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ O you who believe! Do not be like those who slandered Musa, but Allah proved his innocence of that which they alleged, and he was well esteemed in Allah’s sight. (Quran: 33/69) Prophet Haroun (AS) died while the Israelites were still wandering about without any fixed abode. When the time came for the death of Prophets Musa (AS), the Angel of Death presented himself to Prophet Musa (AS). He was about to extract the soul, when Prophet Musa (AS) slapped the Angel hard on the eye socket. The angel’s eye was dislodged. The Angel of Death returned to Allah (SWT) and reported, “Your slave does not want to die! And he has dislodged my eye!” Allah (SWT) corrected the eye of the Angel and Instructed him to go back to Prophet Musa (AS) and tell him to put his hand on the hump of an ox and pull out the hairs. For every hair that attaches to the hand of Prophet Musa (AS), an additional year of life would be granted to him! Prophet Musa (AS) addressed Allah (SWT): “O Lord! What will happen after that term?” Allah (SWT) Replied, “Your death!” Prophet Musa (AS) said, “As that is the final destiny of my life; let the death come now.”
- 127. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 127 However, Prophet Musa (AS) prayed that he should die close to the Holy Land and his request was granted. Prophet Musa (AS) met his death as a contented soul who was eager to meet Allah (SWT).
- 128. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 128 THE NATIONS OF ISRAELITES After the deaths of Prophets Musa (AS) and Haroun (AS), the overall conditions of the nations plunged deeper into deterioration of morality and most of them followed the satanic rituals. The general morality decreased while the deviation from righteousness increased. Prophet after prophet appeared amongst them, yet the majority of the Israelites refused to abandon their paganistic rituals and cultures. The Commandments of Allah revealed to the Israelites through Prophet Musa (AS) were being ignored or changed to suit the individual needs of those in positions of authority to help them enforce their own selfish-wills upon those people who were unable defend themselves. Uncontrolled anarchy, murders, rapes and lootings were common. Idols of gods were being created and sold in all the markets. The practice of monotheism was restricted to only a few people. The arrivals of the prophets were never appreciated by the Israelites; they did not want to change their way of life. One of the prophets who appeared during those times amongst the nations was Prophet Dhul-Kifl (AS). Prophet Dhul-Kifl appeared as an administrator of justice among the Arabs. He was called Dhul-Kifl because he was in the habit of dispensing double requital or portion. ∩∇∉∪ š⎥⎫ÅsÎ=≈¢Á9$# š∅ÏiΒ Νßγ¯ΡÎ) ( !$uΖÏFuΗ÷qu‘ †Îû öΝßγ≈oΨù=s{÷Šr&uρ ∩∇∈∪ t⎦⎪ÎÉ9≈¢Á9$# z⎯ÏiΒ @≅à2 ( È≅øÅ3ø9$# #sŒuρ }§ƒÍ‘÷ŠÎ)uρ Ÿ≅ŠÏè≈yϑó™Î)uρ And mention, Ismail, and Idrees, and Dhul-Kifl. All were of the steadfast. In addition, We brought them into Our Mercy. Lo! They are among the righteous. (Quran: 21/85-86) ⎯ÏiΒ @≅ä.ρ ( È≅øÅ3ø9$# #sŒuρ ì¡uŠø9$#uρ Ÿ≅ŠÏè≈yϑó™Î) öä.øŒ$#uρ ∩⊆∠∪ Í‘$uŠ÷zF{$# t⎦÷⎫xsÜóÁßϑø9$# z⎯Ïϑs9 $tΡy‰ΖÏã öΝåκ¨ΞÎ)uρ ∩⊆∉∪ Í‘#¤$!$# “tò2ÏŒ 7π|ÁÏ9$sƒ¿2 Νßγ≈oΨóÁn=÷zr& !$¯ΡÎ) z u y | ∩⊆®∪ 5>$t↔tΒ z⎯ó¡ßss9 t⎦⎫É)−Fßϑù=Ï9 ¨βÎ)uρ 4 Öø.ÏŒ #x‹≈yδ ∩⊆∇∪ Í‘$uŠ÷zF{$# And make mention of our bondmen, Ibrahim, Ishaaq and Yaqoob, men of parts and vision. Lo! We purified them with a pure thought, remembrance of the Home of the Hereafter. Lo! In Our sight they are verily of the elect, the excellent. And make mention of Ismail and Ilyas and Dhul-Kifl. All are of the chosen. (Quran: 38/46-49) A large part of the Israelites had fled from Palestine when a plague struck the city. Allah (SWT) decreed that all Israelites who had fled from the city should die on the plateaus. This was their punishment for fleeing from the city and lacking faith in Allah (SWT). It was also a lesson for humanity: if a plague appeared anywhere, those dwelling in the infected area should not leave. Such people jeopardized those with whom they came into contact. The Angel of Death terminated all those people who had fled from the city and buried them on the plateaus. It is believed that there were thousands of them. And the place was called “Damardan.” Centuries after this happenstance, Prophet Hizqeel (Ezekiel) (AS) who had succeeded Prophet Japheth (Kalih Ibn Yofra) as a prophet amongst the Israelites, was passing by the massive graveyard at Damardan. He paused to wonder about the people who had been buried there as there were no habitations within sight. Prophet Hizqeel (AS) heard the voice of Allah (SWT): “Do you want Allah to resurrect them while you watch?” Prophet Hizqeel (AS) replied affirmatively, “Yes!” Prophet Hizqeel (AS) was instructed to call upon the bones to reassemble and cover themselves with flesh. As instructed, Prophet Hizqeel (AS) called upon the graves in the name of Allah (SWT) to release their occupants and restore them in exactly the same condition as they
- 129. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 129 were prior to their death and burial. All the graves opened and the people arose, all of whom were now glorifying Allah (SWT). These resurrected people explained to Prophet Hizqeel (AS) about their past and the circumstances that had brought them to this plateau. The resurrected people asked Prophet Hizqeel (AS) to lead them in prayers to thank Allah (SWT) for their resurrection and to seek forgiveness for their haste in leaving the place of the plague. Prophet Hizqeel (AS) explained that the reason for this resurrection was to demonstrate the truth and likeness of the actual Resurrection; when all the creations of the universe will be assembled on Judgment Day. However, on Judgment Day, the fate of everyone will be decided according to the individual Book of Life. Everyone will be given their own Book of Life immediately after being raised from their graves. Prophet Elijah (AS) followed Prophet Hizqeel (AS). Prophet Ilyas (Elisha) (AS) followed Prophet Elijah (AS) and called upon the Nations of Israelites to revert to monotheism in their prayers. Like all other prophets prior to him, he was always cautioning the Israelites about the consequences of leading sinful lives. The Israelites continued to be warned about the rewards and the punishments on Judgment Day when all are resurrected. The Israelites neither cared about the laws of Allah (SWT) nor were they interested in the messages of the Prophets of the time. The Israelites only cared about their personal selves! Their sins and crimes increased, as did the numbers of the tyrants and the oppressors. People who were poor could only survive if they kept low-key lifestyles and did not bother the powerful and the rich. Even some of their prophets were killed! ⎯Ïϑ9 $tΡy‰ΖÏã öΝåκ¨ΞÎ)uρ ∩⊆∉∪ Í‘#¤$!$# “tò2ÏŒ 7πÁÏ9$sƒ¿2 Νßγ≈oΨóÁn=÷z& !$¯ΡÎ) ∩⊆∈∪ Ì≈|Áö/F{$#uρ “ω÷ƒF{$# ’Í<'ρé& z>θà)÷ètƒuρ t,≈ysó™Î)uρ tΛ⎧Ïδ≡tö/Î) !$tΡy‰≈t7Ïã öä.øŒ$#uρ z s | r ∩⊆∇∪ Í‘$uŠ÷zF{$# z⎯ÏiΒ @≅ä.uρ ( È≅øÅ3ø9$# #sŒuρ yì|¡uŠø9$#ρ Ÿ≅ŠÏè≈yϑó™Î) öä.øŒ$#uρ ∩⊆∠∪ Í‘$uŠ÷zF{$# ⎦÷⎫xsÜóÁßϑø9$# u t And commemorate Our Servants Ibrahim, Ishaaq, and Yaqoob, possessors of Power and Vision. Verily We chose them for a special purpose of proclaiming the Message of the Hereafter. They were in our sight, truly, of the company of the Elect and the Good. And commemorate Ismail, Ilyas, and Dhul-Kifl: each of them was of the company of Good. (Quran: 38/45-48) Prophet Musa (AS) had given the Ark of the Covenant to the children of Israel. The Ark became a symbol of the nation and was carried in the battlefields whenever the Israelites went to war with the surrounding nations. The Israelite kings believed that the power of the Ark gave them victory over their enemies. When the Israelites went to war with the people of Gaza and Askalon, the Israelites were overpowered and defeated by their enemies. The victorious people of Gaza and Askalon captured the Ark and took it away as war-spoils. The ruling king of the Israelites died of shock when he learned that the Ark had been taken away from the Israelites. With the loss of the Ark, the nations of the Israelites dismembered and splintered into various weak groups. The conquerors of the Ark, the Philistines, drove the Israelites out of their settlements, took away their children and sold them as slaves. Some of their righteous people prayed to Allah (SWT) for Help. Allah (SWT) Raised Prophet Shammil (Samuel) (AS) among the Israelites. Instead of listening to the advice of Prophet Shammil (AS), the Israelites demanded that a strong king be appointed for their nation. The king must lead them in a war against their enemies. Prophet Shammil (AS) knew the nature of the people of the Israelites. They had a habit of making all types of promises only to break them. Nevertheless, Prophet Shammil (AS) told the Israelites, “I fear that when it is time for you to fight, in the name of Allah (SWT) you will refuse the obligatory jihad”.
- 130. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 130 The Israelites assured the prophet that they would fight for Allah’s cause and would not be afraid even if they died in the battlefields. Prophet Shammil (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for Divine guidance. Allah (SWT) responded and revealed to the prophet that He had chosen Talut (Saul) as their king. Talut would appear in person to the prophet. Prophet Shammil (AS) was to appoint Talut as the king of the Israelites. King Talut would lead the Israelites to a victory in the jihad against the Philistines. Talut was a tall and sturdy person, who was pious and very intelligent. Talut lived and worked on their farm with his father. There came a day when a large group of their donkeys stranded away from the fields and disappeared from their sight. Talut and a servant went out to look for their lost donkeys. They traveled for a few days but were unable to find them. Talut decided to turn back towards his farms, but the servant suggested that since they were in the area of Prophet Shammil (AS), it would be profitable for them to seek his help in locating their lost donkeys. Talut agreed. When Talut and his servant appeared in the presence of Prophet Shammil (AS), Talut greeted the Prophet with great respect and asked him for assistance in locating his missing donkeys. Prophet Shammil (AS) recognized Talut as the person who was to rule over the nations of the Israelites. Prophet Shammil (AS) assured Talut that their lost donkeys had already found their way back to the farm of his father. Prophet Shammil (AS) told Talut that Allah (SWT) had offered the kingdom of the Israelites to Talut. The offer surprised Talut, as he knew that it would carry heavy responsibilities for him. However, what bothered Talut was that he was from the tribe of the children of Benjamin. The children of Benjamin were the least popular tribe of Jacob. Moreover, Talut did not know anything about governing and leadership and had no wealth to his name. Prophet Shammil (AS) assured Talut that it was the will of Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) would Help and Guide Him. Talut was told to offer prayers of thanks to Allah (SWT) for the honor bestowed upon him. Prophet Shammil (AS) then introduced Talut as the king for the nations of Israel and told them to accord him the due respect. As was the customary doubtful nature of the Israelites, they declared that they would not accept Talut as their king unless Allah (SWT) Offered the Israelites a direct Sign. Prophet Shammil (AS) told the Israelites that Talut had been selected by Allah (SWT) to recover the Ark of the Covenant for the children of Israel. Talut was physically much stronger than most of the Israelites. Moreover, Talut had been gifted with abundant knowledge to exercise control over large numbers as he was a shepherd by profession. Talut set about recruiting and organizing a strong army. He set physical standards and ordered that only those men who were free from any other responsibilities should join. Men already employed in service sectors or who were married and had families to support should be excluded. Talut set up army training camps and introduced newer combat techniques. After a rigorous training period, Talut decided to test the perseverance and discipline of his army. Talut instructed that the army march along the riverbank for a full day but should not carry any water. Nor must they drink any water from the river. The soldiers were allowed a one-time stop to sip a small quantity by using only their hands. Talut was very disappointed to learn that only a small percentage of his army had followed his directives. The majorities of the army soldiers drank larger quantities and were unable to march any further. Talut ordered that those soldiers who had obeyed the orders should continue to serve while the disobedient soldiers should be discharged from the army.
- 131. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 131 Talut took charge of the smaller but well-disciplined army and marched to meet their enemies who were assembling on the other bank of the river. The Philistines had better physiques and better weapons. Their leader, Jalut (Goliath), was a hugely- built warrior and who was very much feared and terrorized his opponents by his brute strength. Some members of Talut’s army refused to fight the Philistines when they saw their large bodies and ran away towards their homes. The remaining Israelites prayed and hoped that Allah (SWT) would help them in their fight against the unbelievers. βÎ) óΟçFŠ¡tã ö≅yδ Α$s% ( «!$# È≅‹Î6y™ ’Îû ö≅ÏF≈s)œΡ $Z6Î=tΒ $uΖs9 ô]yèö/$# ãΝçλ°; %c©É<uΖÏ9 (#θä9$s% øŒÎ) #©y›θãΒ Ï‰÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t/ .⎯ÏΒ Z∼yϑø9$# ’n<Î) ts? öΝs9r& ø| t ãΑ$tFÉ)ø9$# ãΝÎγøŠn=tæ |=ÏGä. $£ϑ=sù ( $uΖÍ←!$Ψö/r&uρ $tΡÌ≈tƒÏŠ ⎯ÏΒ $oΨô_Ì÷zé& ô‰s%uρ «!$# È≅‹Î6y™ ’Îû Ÿ≅ÏG≈s)çΡ ωr& !$uΖs9 $tΒuρ (#θä9$s% ( (#θè=ÏG≈s)è? ωr& ãΑ$tFÉ)ø9$# ãΝà6ø‹n=tæ |=ÏGà2 n o ã&s! ãβθä3ƒ 4’¯Τr& (#þθä9$s% 4 %Z3Î=tΒ šVθä9$sÛ öΝà6s9 y]yèt/ ô‰s% ©!$# ¨βÎ) óΟßγ–ŠÎ;tΡ óΟßγs9 tΑ$s%uρ ∩⊄⊆∉∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$$Î/ 7ΟŠÎ=tæ ª!$#uρ 3 óΟßγ÷ΖÏiΒ WξŠÎ=s% ωÎ) (#öθ©9uθs? t ( ÉΟó¡Éfø9$#uρ ÉΟù=Ïèø9$# ’Îû ZπÜó¡o0 …çνyŠ#y—uρ öΝà6ø‹n=tæ çμ8xsÜô¹$# ©!$# ¨βÎ) Α$s% 4 ÉΑ$yϑø9$# š∅ÏiΒ Zπyè™ N÷σムöΝs9uρ çμ÷ΖÏΒ Å7ù=ßϑø9$$Î/ ‘,ymr& ß⎯øtwΥuρ $uΖøŠn=tã Ûù=ßϑø9$# s t y | ⎯ÏiΒ ×πΖŠÅ6™ Ïμ‹Ïù ßNθç/$−G9$# ãΝà6‹Ï?ù'tƒ βr& ÿ⎯ÏμÅ6ù=ãΒ πtƒ#u™ ¨βÎ) öΝßγ–ŠÎ;tΡ óΟßγs9 tΑ$s%uρ ∩⊄⊆∠∪ ÒΟŠÎ=tæ ììÅ™≡uρ ª!$#uρ 4 â™!$t±o„ ∅tΒ …çμx6ù=ãΒ ’ÎA÷σムª!$#uρ u y u s Ÿ≅|Áù $£ϑ=sù ∩⊄⊆∇∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟçFΖä. βÎ) öΝà6©9 ZπtƒUψ šÏ9≡sŒ ’Îû ¨βÎ) 4 èπs3Í≥¯≈n=uΚø9$# ã&é#ÏϑøtrB tβρã≈yδ ãΑ#u™uρ 4†y›θãΒ ãΑ#u™ x8ts? $£ϑÏiΒ ×π¨ŠÉ)t/uρ öΝà6În/§‘ s n 4 ⎯Íνω‹Î/ Oπùöäî t∃utIøî$# Ç⎯Β ωÎ) û©h_ÏΒ …çμ¯ΡÎ*sù çμôϑyèôÜtƒ öΝ©9 ⎯tΒuρ ©Íh_ÏΒ }§øŠn=sù çμ÷ΨÏΒ z>Ο° ⎯yϑsù 9yγoΨÎ/ Νà6‹Î=tFö6ãΒ ©!$# χÎ) tΑ$s% ÏŠθãΖàfø9$$Î/ ßNθä9$sÛ u s t Í š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# Α$s% 4 ⎯ÍνÏŠθãΖã_ρ |Nθä9$yfÎ/ Πöθu‹ø9$# $uΖ9 sπs%$sÛ Ÿω (#θä9$s% …çμyètΒ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$#uρ uθèδ …çνy—uρ%y` $£ϑn=sù 4 öΝßγ÷ΨÏiΒ WξŠÎ=s% ωÎ) çμ÷ΨÏΒ (#θç/Î|³sù t u t s ⎯ÍνÏŠθãΖã_ρ šVθä9$y∨Ï9 (#ρã—t/ $£ϑ9uρ ∩⊄⊆®∪ t⎦⎪ÎÉ9≈¢Á9$# ìtΒ ª!$#uρ 3 «!$# ÈβøŒÎ*Î/ OοuÏWŸ2 Zπt⁄Ïù ôMt7n=î A'#ŠÎ=s% 7πt⁄Ïù ⎯ÏiΒ ΝŸ2 «!$# (#θà)≈n=•Β Νßγ¯Ρr& šχθ‘ΖÝàtƒ u t s y x s ∩⊄∈⊃∪ š⎥⎪Í≈x6ø9$# ÏΘöθs)ø9$# ’n?tã $tΡöÝÁΡ$#uρ $oΨtΒ#y‰ø%r& ôMÎm7rOuρ #Zö9|¹ $uΖøŠn=tã ùøÌøùr& !$oΨ−/u‘ (#θä9$s% Ï Have you not turned your vision to the Chiefs of the Children of Israel after the period of Musa? They said to a Prophet that was amongst them: “Appoint for us a King, that we may fight in the cause of Allah.” He said: “ Is it not possible, if you were commanded to fight, that you will not fight?” They said: “How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?” But when they were commanded to fight, they turned back, except a small band among them. But Allah has full knowledge of those who were so wrong. Their Prophet said to them: “Allah has appointed Talut as king over you.” They said: “How can he exercise authority over us when we are better fitted than he to exercise authority, and he is not even gifted, with wealth in abundance?” He said: “Allah has chosen him above you, and has gifted him abundantly with knowledge and bodily prowess. Allah grants His authority to whom He pleases. Allah cares for all, and He knows all things.” And further their Prophet said to them: “A Sign of his authority is that there shall come to you The Ark of the Covenant, with an assurance therein of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Musa and the family of Haroun, carried by angels. In this is a Symbol for you if you indeed have faith.” When Talut set forth with the armies, he said: “Allah will test you at the stream. If any drinks of its water, he does not go with the army. Only those who do not taste of it go with me. A mere sip out of the hand is excused.” But they all drank of it, except a few. When they crossed the river, he and the faithful ones with him, they said: “This day we cannot cope with Jalut and his forces.” But those who were convinced that they must meet Allah said: “How oft, by Allah’s will, has a small force vanquished a big one? Allah is with those who steadfastly persevere.” When they advanced to meet Jalut and his forces, they prayed: ”Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: help us against those that reject faith.” (Quran: 2/246-250) When both armies had assembled face-to-face, Jalut challenged any soldier from Talut’s army for a single combat. The tradition of the warfare was that the opposing armies would
- 132. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 132 engage after the single combatants had tested each other. No Israelite soldier was willing to face and fight Jalut. King Talut offered his pretty daughter in marriage to any soldier who would face and fight Jalut. There was complete silence on the battlefield. Much to the surprise of all those present, a very young man of a common stature stepped from the Israelites. This young man was Dawud (David).
- 133. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 133 PROPHET DAWUD (DAVID) AS Prophet Dawud (AS) was from the city of Bethlehem. His father had ordered him and two of his brothers to join the army of Talut. However, Prophet Dawud (AS) was under orders of his father not to engage in combat but to serve the needs of the army soldiers in the battlefield. When Prophet Dawud (AS) had stepped in the battlefield to face Jalut, King Talut was very impressed with his courage. Talut signaled Prophet Dawud (AS) to come to him, and said, “I admire your courage, but you are no match for that huge warrior. I am hopeful that some strong soldier from our side will come forward.” Prophet Dawud (AS) replied that he had made up his mind to face the challenge for their fight was for the cause of Allah (SWT). It was a struggle between the believers and the unbelievers. Moreover, only the day before he had single handedly killed a lion that had threatened the herd of his father. In the past, he had killed other dangerous predatory animals that had threatened the possessions of his family. Prophet Dawud (AS) asked King Talut not to judge him by his stature, for he was fearless of any man or beast! Prophet Dawud (AS) said: “Allah (SWT), who protected me from the claws of the bear and the fangs of the lion will certainly protect me from this infidel brute!” King Talut was convinced that Prophet Dawud (AS) had made up his mind to face Jalut. King Talut conceded to the wishes of this young, fearless warrior. He said, “My brave soldier, if you are that confident, then may Allah (SWT) guard you and Grant you the strength to succeed in your challenge!” Prophet Dawud (AS) entered the battlefield without wearing any armor. He had collected and filled his leather pouches with pebbles. A sling was hanging around his shoulders and a shepherd’s staff was in his hands. When Jalut saw him, he laughed out loud and asked, “Are you aware about what you are facing here? You will loose your head with one swipe of my sword!” Prophet Dawud (AS) replied, “You may have the armor, the shield and the sword, but I face you in the name of Allah, the Lord of the World. You have mocked Allah’s Laws. Today, it will be seen that it is not the sword that kills, but it is the Will and Power of Allah (SWT)!” Prophet Dawud (AS) took his sling, loaded it with a pebble and swung it, aiming at Jalut. The pebble traveled with the speed of a missile and hit Jalut in the forehead. The force of the impact cracked his skull and blood gushed from it. The blood rolled downwards covering both of Jalut’s eyes. Jalut fell lifeless on the ground before he could even draw his sword! When the Philistines saw that their leader had crumbled to the ground, they ran away. The Israelites chased the fleeing enemies and killed everyone they could reach. The Israelites had finally taken their revenge for their years of sufferings at the hands of their enemies. The Israelites had regained their lost glory and honor. They repossessed the Ark. Prophet Dawud (AS) earned the respect and the praise of every person among the children of Israel. King Talut was pleased with Prophet Dawud (AS) and married his daughter Miqel (Michele) to him. Prophet Dawud (AS) was elevated in status and appointed as an advisor to King Talut. ΟßγŸÒ÷è/ ¨$¨Ψ9$# «!$# ßìøùyŠ Ÿωöθs9uρ 3 â™!$t±„ $£ϑÏΒ …çμyϑ¯=tãuρ sπyϑò6Ïtø:$#uρ šù=ßϑø9$# ª!$# çμ9s?#u™uρ šVθä9%y` ߊ…ãρ#yŠ Ÿ≅tFs%uρ «!$# ÂχøŒÎ*Î/ ΝèδθãΒt“yγsù t } o ∩⊄∈⊇∪ š⎥⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# ’n?tã @≅ôÒsù ρèŒ ©!$# £⎯Å6≈s9uρ Ù⇓ö‘F{$# ÏNy‰|¡x©9 <Ù÷èt7Î/ By Allah’s will, they routed them; and Dawud slew Jalut; and Allah gave him power and wisdom and taught him whatever else He willed. Moreover if Allah did not check one set of
- 134. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 134 people by means of another, the earth indeed will be full of mischief: but Allah is full of bounty to all the worlds. (Quran: 2/251) The fame and the glory bestowed upon Prophet Dawud (AS) by the entire nation of Israelites did not bring any change in his personality. Prophet Dawud (AS) continued his routine of regularly going into the desert and glorifying Allah (SWT). He maintained his prayers and worshipped Allah (SWT). Prophet Dawud (AS) used to recite his scriptures and pray out loud in the desert. He had a melodious voice. The mountains repeated the scriptures in unison with his voice. The birds would assemble and repeat the prayers in their own tones. This union of the different voices created an atmosphere whereby the entire universe appeared to have joined in praising Allah (SWT), the Magnificent and the Creator! ö©Ü9$#uρ ∩⊇∇∪ É−#uõ°M}$#uρ Äc©Å´yèø9$$Î/ z⎯ósÎm7|¡ç„ …çμyètΒ tΑ$t7Ågø:$# $tΡö¤‚y™ $¯ΡÎ) ∩⊇∠∪ ë>#¨ρr& ÿ…çμ¯ΡÎ) ( ω÷ƒF{$# #sŒ yŠ…ãρ#yŠ $tΡy‰ö7tã öä.øŒ$#uρ tβθä9θà)tƒ $tΒ 4’n?tã ÷É9ô¹$# u ∩⊄⊃∪ É>$sÜσø:$# Ÿ≅óÁsùuρ sπyϑõ3Åsø9$# çμ≈oΨ÷s?#u™uρ …çμs3ù=ãΒ $tΡ÷Šy‰x©uρ ∩⊇®∪ Ò>#¨ρr& ÿ…ã&©! @≅ä. ( Zοu‘θà±øtxΧ Have patience at what they say, and remember Our Servant Dawud, the man of strength, for he always turned to Allah. It was We that made the hills declare, in unison with him, Our praises, at eventide and at break of day. And the birds gathered in assemblies, all with him turned to Allah. We strengthened his kingdom, gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision. (Quran: 38/17-20) Allah (SWT) Revealed the Zaboor to Prophet Dawud (AS). In addition, Prophet Dawud (AS) was endowed with the ability to understand the languages of the birds and the animals. Prophet Dawud (AS) fasted every alternate day and prayed for at least one-third of each night. ∩∈∈∪ #Y‘θç/y— Š…ãρ#yŠ $oΨ÷s?#u™uρ ( <Ù÷èt/ 4’n?tã z⎯↵ÍhŠÎ;¨Ψ9$# uÙ÷è/ $uΖù=Òsù ô‰s)s9uρ 3 ÇÚö‘F{$#ρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# ’Îû ⎯yϑÎ/ ÞΟn=ôãr& y7š/u‘ρ y t u u And it is your Lord that knows best all that is in heavens and on the earth; We bestowed on some Prophets more and other gifts than on others: and We gave to Dawud the gift of the Zaboor. (Quran: 17/55) Allah (SWT) had Granted Prophet Dawud (AS) overwhelming popularity and a great influence over his people. The strength granted to him by Allah (SWT) was immeasurable; he was able to twist an iron armor with his bare hands. ∩⊇⊃∪ y‰ƒÏ‰ptø:$# çμs9 $¨Ψ9r&uρ ( uö©Ü9$#uρ …çμyètΒ ’Î1Íiρr& ãΑ$t7Éf≈tƒ ( WξôÒsù $¨ΖÏΒ yŠ…ãρ#yŠ $oΨ÷s?#u™ ô‰s)s9uρ * s We bestowed Grace aforetime on Dawud from Ourselves: “O you Mountains! You sing back the Praises of Allah with him! Also you birds!” And We made the iron soft for him. (Quran: 34/10) The Israelites also respected Prophet Dawud (AS) for his courage and wisdom. However, Prophet Dawud’s (AS) popularity among the nation of Israelites created a deep sense of jealousy and insecurity in the mind of King Talut. King Talut had developed a paranoia that Prophet Dawud (AS) was going to dethrone him and takeover the rule of the nation. One day King Talut summoned Prophet Dawud (AS) and ordered him to defend their kingdom from the advancing Canaanites. King Talut added that Prophet Dawud (AS) was not to return to the kingdom unless conclusive victory over the Canaanites was secured. Prophet Dawud (AS) knew that a plot had been hatched whereby he was to be assassinated in the battlefield. Prophet Dawud (AS) did not really care about his own life as he was a devotee of Allah (SWT). He accepted whatever fate that had been Decreed for him. After a fierce fight on the battleground, the Israelites triumphed over their enemies and Prophet Dawud (AS) returned victorious to King Talut.
- 135. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 135 King Talut plotted with his henchmen to kill Prophet Dawud (AS) at the first available opportunity. The information about this plot leaked and was picked up by Michele, the wife of the Prophet Dawud (AS). Michele was also King Talut’s daughter. She warned her husband to be extra vigilant for himself as her father was planning to assassinate him. Prophet Dawud (AS) was shocked when he learned about the plot against him. He was deeply hurt to learn that some people were conspiring to cause serious rifts between himself and King Talut. Rumors had been circulated against him, which said that Prophet Dawud (AS) was planning to overthrow King Talut. When he heard about these unfounded and malicious accusations against him, he knew he had no such designs as he was quite content with everything that he possessed with the Grace of Allah (SWT). Prophet Dawud (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) to Prevent Satan from taking over the senses of the good King Talut! At the same time Prophet Dawud (AS) decided to leave his palace and moved in a mountain cave out of reach King Talut. When Prophet Dawud’s (AS) family and friends learned of his whereabouts they joined him. Gradually, his followers from the children of Israel increased because King Talut had started to impose harsher conditions for the people of his nation. King Talut treated educated citizens harshly and tortured those who raised their voices against the state-imposed cruelty. Dissention arose within the nation as his subjects began to turn against him. King Talut prepared his army to march towards the mountains where Prophet Dawud (AS) and his followers lived. When this news reached Prophet Dawud (AS) he decided to meet the challenge and settle the issues between them. Upon entering the valley between the mountains, King Talut’s army decided to encamp and rest for the night. They were tired because of their long march. Prophet Dawud (AS) secretly entered the camp and crept up to the sleeping King Talut. Prophet Dawud (AS) captured the king’s staff and cut off a piece of Talut’s garment with his sword. Then Prophet Dawud (AS) awakened the king and told him: “O King! You have leveled false accusations against me, and I am innocent of those! You have decided to go to war against me and have come in my area. I do not hate you and do not wish to kill you. If I wanted you killed, I could have done it while you were asleep. Here is a piece of garment you are wearing. Instead of cutting it I could have cut off your head. You know that I am not afraid of anything except Allah (SWT). My mission is that of love and not malice.” King Talut realized his mistake and sought the forgiveness of Prophet Dawud (AS). Both of them reconciled their differences and agreed to live as a family. During one of the expeditions of war against the neighboring nations, King Talut lost his life. Prophet Dawud (AS) had not participated in that battle. The Israelites asked Prophet Dawud (AS) to take over the rule of their nation. Allah (SWT) strengthened the dominion of Prophet Dawud (AS) and made him victorious over all their enemies. His kingdom was strong and great; his enemies feared him and never wanted to engage him into any war. Allah (SWT) had also Blessed Prophet Dawud (AS) with a righteous son, Suleiman (Solomon) who was an exceptionally intelligent and wise right from his childhood. Prophet Dawud (AS) took the extra care to nurture and guide his son, Suleiman, towards the service of Allah (SWT). Suleiman would spend a lot of time in the company of his father, and increase his knowledge about the affairs of the kingdom and the proper ways towards Allah (SWT).
- 136. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 136 When Suleiman was about eleven years old, as per his routine, he was sitting in the court, with his father. Prophet Dawud (AS) was hearing a petition. The petitioner said, “O Prophet! This man’s sheep came to my field at night and ate the grapes I had planted. I seek compensation from him.” Prophet Dawud (AS) asked the other man if it was true. When that person replied in the affirmative, saying “Yes, Sir.” Prophet Dawud (AS) pronounced judgment: “It is my judgment that you should give him the flock of your sheep in exchange for the crop.” Suleiman intercepted and offered, “I have a different opinion. The owner of the sheep should take the field to cultivate until the grapes grow while the petitioner should take the sheep and make use of their wool and milk until his field is repaired. If the grapes grow and the field returns to its former state, then the petitioner should take his field and give back the sheep to their owner.” Prophet Dawud (AS) was very pleased with this opinion and ordered that it be entered into judgment. He then addressed his son Suleiman: “This is a sound judgment. Praise is to Allah (SWT) for bestowing wisdom upon you. You are truly Suleiman the Wise.” Prophet Dawud (AS) was a just and a righteous ruler who brought peace and prosperity to his people and Allah (SWT) Honored him as his messenger. Zaboor is composed of the messages revealed to Prophet Dawud (AS). In the Bible, they are known as Psalms or the Songs of David. Although Prophet Dawud (AS) was a king, yet he did not draw his wages from the nation. He earned his income by the sale of the weapons he made. Once Prophet Dawud (AS) stepped on his prayer mat and instructed his guards to ensure that, his prayers were not interrupted by anyone. However, two strangers managed to approach him before he could start his prayers. Prophet Dawud (AS) was surprised at this intrusion and asked, “Who are you? What do you want?” One of the strangers replied, “We have a dispute between ourselves and need an urgent resolution!” Prophet Dawud (AS) asked what the dispute was. The same stranger replied, “We are two brothers. He has ninety-nine sheep and I have one. Now he demands that I give him my one sheep. Also, he is very rude to me!” Prophet Dawud (AS) decreed: “He is wrong in his demand. Also it is a common practice among many partners to oppress each other, except those who believe in Allah (SWT) do not follow such practices.” Upon hearing this, both strangers vanished from sight. Prophet Dawud (AS) realized that both strangers were in fact angels sent by Allah (SWT) with a Message to remind him that no judgment will ever be fair unless both parties are heard. 4’n?tã $uΖàÒ÷è/ 4©xöt/ Èβ$yϑóÁz ( ô#‚? Ÿω (#θä9$s% ( öΝåκ÷]ÏΒ tíÌ“xsù yŠ…ãρ#yŠ 4’n?tã (#θè=yzyŠ øŒÎ) ∩⊄⊇∪ z>#tósÏϑø9$# (#ρ⑧θ|¡n@ øŒÎ) ÄΝóÁy‚ø9$# (#àσt7tΡ y79s?r& ö≅yδuρ * t y y s Α$s)sù ×οy‰Ïn≡uρ ×πf÷ètΡ u’Í<uρ Zπf÷ètΡ βθãèó¡Î@ρ Óìó¡Î@ …çμs9 ©År& !#x‹≈yδ ¨βÎ) ∩⊄⊄∪ ÅÞ≡uÅ_Ç9$# Ï™!#uθy™ 4’n<Î) !$tΡω÷δ$#uρ ñÝÏÜô±è@ Ÿωuρ Èd,ysø9$$Î/ $uΖoΨ÷t/ /ä3÷n$$sù <Ù÷èt/ t y y t u ωÎ) CÙ÷è/ 4’n?tã öΝåκÝÕ÷è/ ‘Éóö6u‹9 Ï™!$sÜn=èƒø:$# ⎯ÏiΒ #ZÏVx. ¨βÎ)uρ ( ⎯ÏμÅ_$yèÏΡ 4’n<Î) y7ÏGyf÷ètΡ ÉΑ#xσÝ¡Î0 y7yϑn=sß ô‰s)s9 tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊂∪ É>$sÜσø:$# ’Îû ’ÎΤ¨“tãuρ $pκÏΨù=Ïø.r& t t s z ¨βÎ)uρ ( 7Ï9≡sŒ …çμ9 $tΡöxtóù ∩⊄⊆∪ ) z>$tΡr&uρ $YèÏ.#u‘ §yzρ …çμ−/u‘ txøótGó™$$sù çμ≈¨ΨtGsù $yϑ¯Ρr& ߊ…ãρ#yŠ £⎯sßuρ 3 öΝèδ $¨Β ×≅‹Î=s%uρ ÏM≈ysÎ=≈¢Á9$# (#θè=Ïϑtãuρ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# y s s u
- 137. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 137 ⎯tã 7¯=ÅÒãŠù 3“θyγø9$# ÆìÎ7®Ks? Ÿωuρ Èd,ptø:$$Î/ Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# t⎦÷⎫t/ Λäl÷n$$sù ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû Zπx‹Î=yz y7≈oΨù=yèy_ $¯ΡÎ) ߊ…ãρ#y‰≈tƒ ∩⊄∈∪ 7U$t↔tΒ z⎯ó¡ãmuρ 4’s∀ø9â“s9 $tΡy‰ΖÏã …ã&s! y s u ∩⊄∉∪ É>$|¡Ïtø:$# Πöθtƒ (#θÝ¡nΣ $yϑÎ/ 7‰ƒÏ‰x© Ò>#x‹ã öΝßγs9 «!$# È≅‹Î6y™ ⎯tã tβθ=ÅÒtƒ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ¨βÎ) 4 «!$# È≅‹Î6y™ t t Has the story of the Disputants reached you? Behold, they climbed over the wall of the private chamber; when they entered the presence of Dawud, and he was terrified of them, they said: “Fear not, we are two disputants, one of whom has wronged the other, decide now between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, but guide us to the even Path. This is my brother, he has nine and ninety ewes, and I have only one. Yet he wants to take it away from me, moreover he speaks very harshly with me.” Dawud said: “He has undoubtedly wronged you in demanding your single ewe for addition to his flock. Truly many are the business partners who wrong each other. Yet it is not done by those who are righteous, and how few are they?” And Dawud realized that We had tried him. He asked forgiveness of his Lord, fell down bowing in prostration and turned to Allah in repentance. So We forgave him this lapse, he indeed enjoyed a Near Approach to Us, and a beautiful Place of final Return. O Dawud! We did indeed make you a vicegerent on earth, so you judge between men in truth and justice, nor do you follow the lusts of your heart for they will mislead from the Path of Allah, for those who wander astray from the Path of Allah, is a grievous Penalty, because they forget the Day of Account. (Quran: 38/21-26) On the day Prophet Dawud (AS) died, more than four thousand priests and thousands of people from within his nation and the surrounding nations attended his funeral. The day was very hot. His son, Suleiman called upon the birds to provide the shade and to protect his father’s body along with those who had come to bury their king and the prophet. This was the first sign witnessed by the people for the ascension of Suleiman to the throne of Israel and as the Prophet of Allah (SWT).
- 138. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 138 PROPHET SULEIMAN (SOLOMON) (AS) Prophet Suleiman (AS) inherited the kingdom and the prophet hood after his father, Prophet Dawud (AS) died. There was no material wealth to inherit, just the physical mission as the messenger of Allah (SWT). Α$s%uρ ( yŠ…ãρ#yŠ ß⎯≈yϑøŠn=ß™ y^Í‘uρuρ ∩⊇∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$# ÍνÏŠ$t7Ïã ô⎯ÏiΒ 9ÏWx. 4’n?ã $uΖn=Òsù “Ï%©!$# ¬! ߉ôϑptø:$# Ÿω$s%uρ ( $Vϑù=Ïã z⎯≈yϑø‹n=ß™uρ yŠ…ãρ#yŠ $oΨ÷s?#u™ ô‰s)s9uρ t t ħΡM}$#uρ Çd⎯fø9$# ⎯ÏΒ …çνߊθãΖã_ z⎯≈yϑø‹n=Ý¡Ï9 uųãmuρ ∩⊇∉∪ ß⎦⎫Î7ßϑø9$# ã≅ôÒxø9$# uθçλm; #x‹≈yδ ¨βÎ) ( >™ó©x« Èe≅ä. ⎯ÏΒ $uΖÏ?ρé&uρ Îö©Ü9$# t,ÏÜΖtΒ $oΨôϑÏk=ãæ â¨$¨Ζ9$# $y㕃r'¯≈tƒ É z ∩⊇∠∪ tβθããy—θムôΜßγsù Îö©Ü9$#uρ In the past We gave knowledge to Dawud and Suleiman, they both said: “Praise be to Allah, Who has favored us above many of His servants who believe!” And Suleiman was Dawud’s heir. He said: “O you people! We have been taught the speech of Birds, and on us has been bestowed a little of everything, this is indeed Grace manifest from Allah.” And before Suleiman were marshaled his hosts, of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks. (Quran: 27/15-17) When Prophet Suleiman (AS) took over the kingdom, the first prayer was to beg Allah (SWT) for a kingdom such as none would have after him, and Allah (SWT) Granted his wish. Apart from unlimited wisdom, Allah (SWT) had Blessed Prophet Suleiman (AS) with the abilities to command and control the winds and converse and understand the languages of the animals and the birds. Prophet Suleiman (AS) was vested with the powers to control the Jinn and the men. Prophet Suleiman (AS) mined the earth, and extracted its minerals to make the tools and the weapons for the benefit of the humanity. Allah (SWT) had also favored him with a copper mine, which was a rare metal at that time. Prophet Suleiman (AS) had invested in high-quality horses. He was fascinated by their beauty and grace. He established well-planned stables and employed caretakers to maintain the animals. He would spend a lot of his spare time reviewing and inspecting his horses. Once, he got so busy in his inspections that the time for the mid-afternoon prayer elapsed. Prophet Suleiman exclaimed, “The love of these finer things is keeping me away from the service of my Lord!” ⎯tã Îsƒø:$# ¡=ãm àMö6t7ômr& þ’ÎoΤÎ) Α$s)sù ∩⊂⊇∪ ߊ$u‹Ågø:$# àM≈uΖÏ≈¢Á9$# Äc©Å´yèø9$$Î/ Ïμø‹n=ã uÚÌãã øŒÎ) ∩⊂⊃∪ ë>#¨ρr& ÿ…çμ¯ΡÎ) ( ߉ö7yèø9$# zΝ÷èÏΡ 4 z⎯≈yϑøŠn=ß™ yŠ…ãρ#y‰Ï9 $uΖö7yδuρuρ ö t t ⎯ÏμÍh‹Å™öä. 4’n?ã $uΖøŠs)ø9r&uρ z⎯≈yϑø‹n=ß™ $¨ΖtFsù ô‰s)s9uρ ∩⊂⊂∪ É−$uΖôãF{$#uρ É−θ¡9$$Î/ $Gsó¡tΒ t,ÏsÜsù ( ¥’n?tã $yδρ–Šâ‘ ∩⊂⊄∪ É>$yfÏtø:$$Î/ ôNu‘#uθs? 4©®Lym ’În1u‘ Ìø.ÏŒ t “ÌøgrB yxƒÌh9$# çμ9 $tΡö¤‚|¡sù ∩⊂∈∪ Ü>$¨δθø9$# |MΡr& y7¨ΡÎ) ( ü“ω÷è/ .⎯ÏiΒ 7‰tnL{ ©Èöt7.⊥tƒ ω %Z3ù=ãΒ ’Í< ó=yδuρ ’Í< öÏøî$# Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊂⊆∪ z>$tΡr& §ΝèO #Y‰|¡y_ s u t ô7Å¡øΒ& ÷ρr& ô⎯ãΨøΒ$$sù $tΡäτ!$sÜtã #x‹≈yδ ∩⊂∇∪ ÏŠ$xô¹F{$# ’Îû t⎦⎫ÏΡ§s)ãΒ t⎦⎪Ìyz#u™uρ ∩⊂∠∪ <É#§θxîuρ &™!$¨Ζt/ ¨≅ä. t⎦⎫ÏÜ≈u‹¤±9$#uρ ∩⊂∉∪ z>$|¹r& ß]ø‹ym ¹™!%s{â‘ ⎯ÍνÌøΒr'Î/ r ∩⊆⊃∪ 5>$t↔Β ⎯ó¡ãmuρ 4’s∀ø9â“s9 $tΡy‰ΖÏã …çμs9 ¨βÎ)uρ ∩⊂®∪ 5>$|¡Ïm ÎötóÎ/ t z To Dawud We gave Suleiman as a son – how excellent in Our service! Always he was turning to us! Behold, there were brought before him, at eventide, horses of the highest breeding, and swift of foot. And he said: “Truly do I love the love of good, with a view to the glory of my Lord,” until the sun was hidden in the veil of night. “Bring them back to me.” Then he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks. And We did try Suleiman: We placed on his throne a dead body, but a he turned to Us in true devotion. He said: “O my Lord! Forgive me, and grant me a Kingdom which does not suit another after me. For You are the Grantor of Bounties without measure.” Then we subjected the wind to his power, to flow gently to his order, whithersoever he willed. As also the evil ones, including every kind of builder and
- 139. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 139 diver. As also others bound together in fetters. Such are Our Bounties, whether you bestow them on others or withhold them, no account will be asked. And he enjoyed, indeed, a Near Approach to Us, and a Beautiful Place of final Return. (Quran: 38/30-40) Once Prophet Suleiman (AS) was leading his army, which was made up of different battalions of men, the Jinns, the birds and the animals, towards the country of Askalon. When they approached a valley, Prophet Suleiman (AS) heard an ant shouting to other ants, “Run to your homes! Suleiman and his army might crush you!” Prophet Suleiman (AS) immediately thanked Allah (SWT) for the faculties granted to him whereby he could hear the cries of the ants. He was grateful that the ants had gotten out of the way of the army and saved their own lives. (#θè=äz÷Š$# ã≅ôϑ¨Ψ9$# $y㕃r'¯≈ƒ ×'s#ôϑΡ ôMs9$s% È≅ôϑ¨Ψ9$# ÏŠ#uρ 4’n?tã (#öθs?r& !#sŒÎ) #©¨Lym ∩⊇∠∪ tβθããy—θムôΜßγsù Îö©Ü9$#uρ ħΡM}$#uρ Çd⎯Éfø9$# z⎯ÏΒ …çνߊθãΖã_ z⎯≈yϑø‹n=Ý¡Ï9 uųãmuρ t t šFyϑ÷èÏΡ ä3ô©r& ÷β& û©Í_ôãΗ÷ρr& Éb>‘ tΑ$s%uρ $yγÏ9öθs% ⎯ÏiΒ %Z3Ïm$|Ê zΟ¡¡t6tGsù ∩⊇∇∪ tβρããèô±o„ Ÿω óΟèδuρ …çνߊθãΖã_uρ ß⎯≈yϑøŠn=ß™ öΝä3¨ΖyϑÏÜøts† Ÿω öΝà6uΖÅ3≈|¡tΒ t t r u ∩⊇®∪ š⎥⎫ÅsÎ=≈¢Á9$# x8ÏŠ$t7Ïã ’Îû y7ÏGpΗôqtÎ/ ©Í_ù=Åz÷Šr&uρ çμ8|Êös? $[sÎ=≈|¹ Ÿ≅uΗùår& ÷β&uρ ”t$Î!≡uρ 4’n?tãuρ ¥’n?tã |Môϑyè÷Ρr& û©ÉL©9$# r And before Suleiman were marshaled his hosts, of Jinns and men and birds, and they were all kept in order and ranks. At length, when they came to a lowly valley of ants, one of the ants said, “O you ants! Get into your habitations, lest Suleiman and his hosts crush you without knowing it.” So he smiled, amused at her speech, and he said, “O my Lord! So order me that I may be grateful for Your favors, which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please You , and admit me, by Your Grace, to the ranks of Your Righteous Servants.” (Quran: 27/17-19) On a huge rock in Jerusalem, “the Dome of Rock,” stands the monument built by Prophet Suleiman (AS). This building was built as a beautiful temple for the people to worship Allah. Huge boulders and rocks are used for the construction. The Jinn moved and placed these enormous stone-blocks. On the completion of the Dome of the Rock Prophet Suleiman (AS) and a large part of his followers went for the pilgrimage to Makkah, in Arabia. After completing their Hajj ceremonies, Prophet Suleiman (AS) and his group traveled to Sana’a in Yemen. Prophet Suleiman (AS) was highly impressed when he saw the sophisticated irrigational network, constructed by the Yemenites to take care of the water supplies for their entire nation. He decided to build a similar system in his own country but was aware that his country lacked enough water springs. At home, Prophet Suleiman (AS) called for the hoopoe bird. The hoopoe bird had the ability to smell and detect water under the ground. When his calls and the signals were not responded to by the hoopoe bird, Prophet Suleiman (AS) decreed that, unless the bird had a good excuse, a severe punishment awaited the bird. The hoopoe eventually appeared and explained, “I have discovered something which is not within your knowledge. I was in Sheba and have important news for you! A Queen Bilqis rules Sheba. The queen has plenty of wealth and a beautiful throne. Yet, in spite of all this wealth, Satan rules over her heart and the hearts of the people of her nation. Everyone in Sheba is a pagan and worships the sun as their god instead of Allah (SWT).” Prophet Suleiman (AS) was surprised to hear this news and decided to verify the information. A letter was prepared and given to the hoopoe bird to deliver to Queen Bilqis in Sheba. The bird had instructions to secretly observe and report the behavior of the queen after she had received the letter of Prophet Suleiman (AS). The hoopoe carried the letter, dropped it in the lap of the queen, and flew away to watch from a higher vantage point. The queen picked up the letter and read it. She was surprised at the
- 140. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 140 opening sentence which proclaimed, “In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful,” the queen summoned her advisors and told them about the letter from Prophet Suleiman (AS). The letter had summoned the queen to present herself in the court of Prophet Suleiman (AS). The tone of the letter suggested that it was a demand of surrender or a warning of war. Queen Sheba’s practice was to consult her close advisors for all matters related to the nation of Sheba. Her advisors counseled her that Sheba was a strong nation and was unafraid to go to war with any nation. However, it was the decision of the queen that mattered. Whole of Sheba would support whatever the queen contemplated. The queen, in her wisdom, suggested that if the objectives could be achieved by peaceful negotiations, the war should be avoided. She added, “Peace and friendship are better and wiser; war only brings humiliation, enslaves people, and destroys the good things. I have decided to send the most precious of our treasures as a gift for Suleiman. The courtiers who deliver the gifts would also report back on the true strength of Suleiman.” Èe≅à2 ⎯ÏΒ ôMuŠÏ?ρé&uρ öΝßγà6Î=ôϑ? Zοr&tøΒ$# ‘N‰y`uρ ’ÎoΤÎ) ∩⊄⊄∪ A⎦⎫É)tƒ :*t6t⊥Î/ ¥*t7y™ ⎯ÏΒ šçGø⁄Å_uρ ⎯ÏμÎ/ ñÝÏtéB öΝs9 $yϑÎ/ àMÜymr& tΑ$s)sù 7‰‹Ïèt/ uöxî y]s3yϑsù s È≅‹Î6¡¡9$# Ç⎯ã öΝè䣉Áù öΝßγn=≈yϑôã& ß⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ãΝßγs9 z⎯−ƒy—uρ «!$# Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ Ä§ôϑ¤±=Ï9 tβρ߉àfó¡„ $yγtΒöθs%uρ $yγ›?‰y`uρ ∩⊄⊂∪ ÒΟŠÏàã î¸ötã $oλm;uρ &™ó©« t | s r o t x θèδ ωÎ) tμ≈s9Î) Iω ª!$# ∩⊄∈∪ tβθãΖÎ=÷èè? $tΒρ tβθàøƒéB $tΒ ÞΟn=÷ètƒuρ ÇÚö‘F{$#uρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# ’Îû u™ó=y‚ø9$# ßlÌøƒä† “Ï%©!$# ¬! (#ρ߉àfó¡o„ ωr& ∩⊄⊆∪ tβρ߉tGôγƒ Ÿω ôΜßγsù u u t öÝàΡ$$sù öΝåκ÷]tã ¤Αuθ? §ΝèO öΝÍκös9Î) ÷μÉ)ø9r'sù #x‹≈yδ ©É<≈tFÅ3În/ =yδøŒ$# ∩⊄∠∪ t⎦⎫Î/É‹≈s3ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ |MΨä. ÷Π& |Mø%y‰|¹r& ãÝàΖoΨy™ tΑ$s% * ∩⊄∉∪ ) Ο‹Ïàyèø9$# ĸöyèø9$# >u‘ s r É (#θè=÷è? ωr& ∩⊂⊃∪ ÉΟŠÏm§9$# Ç⎯≈yϑôm§9$# «!$# ÉΟó¡Î0 …çμ¯ΡÎ)uρ z⎯≈yϑø‹n=ß™ ⎯ÏΒ …çμ¯ΡÎ) ∩⊄®∪ îΛqÌx. Ò=≈tGÏ. ¥’n<Î) ’Å+ø9é& þ’ÎoΤÎ) (#àσn=yϑø9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ ôMs9$s% ∩⊄∇∪ tβθãèÅ_ötƒ #sŒ$tΒ s u (#θä9'ρé&uρ ;οθè% (#θä9'ρé& ß⎯øtwΥ (#θä9$s% ∩⊂⊄∪ Èβρ߉ηô±n@ 4©®Lym #¶öΔr& ºπyèÏÛ$s% àMΖà2 $tΒ “ÌøΒr& þ’Îû ’ÎΤθçGøùr& (#àσ=yϑø9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ ôMs9$s% ∩⊂⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=ó¡ãΒ ’ÎΤθè?ù&uρ ¥’n?tã § u n 7Ï9≡x‹.ρ ( '©!ÏŒr& !$yγ=÷δ& nο¢•Ïã& (#þθè=yèy_ρ $yδρ߉|¡øù& ºπtƒös% (#θè=yzyŠ #sŒÎ) x8θè=ßϑø9$# ¨βÎ) ôMs9$s% ∩⊂⊂∪ t⎦⎪ÌãΒù's? #sŒ$tΒ “ÌÝàΡ$$sù Å7ø‹s9Î) ãøΒF{$#uρ 7‰ƒÏ‰x© <¨ù't/ y x u Î r r u r ∩⊂∈∪ tβθè=y™ößϑø9$# ßìÅ_ötƒ zΝÎ/ 8οtÏß$oΨsù 7π−ƒÏ‰yγÎ/ ΝÍκös9Î) î's#Å™öãΒ ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ ∩⊂⊆∪ šχθè=yèøtƒ But the Hoopoe did not tarry far, he came up and said, “I have discovered a territory which you have not discovered, and I have come from Sheba, with true tidings. I have found there a woman ruling over them and provided with every requisite, and she has a magnificent throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah. Satan has made their deeds seem pleasing in their eyes, and has kept them away from the Path, so they receive no guidance. They are kept away from the Path, that they should not worship Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and Know what you hide and what you reveal. Allah!, there is no god but He!, Lord of the Throne Supreme!” Suleiman said, “Soon we shall see whether you have told the truth or lied! You go, with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, and wait to see what answer they return.” The Queen said, “You chiefs! Here is delivered to me a letter worthy of respect. It is from Suleiman, and is as follows: “ In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.” You be not arrogant against me, but come to me in submission to the True Religion.” She said, “You chiefs! Advise me in this affair. I have never decided on any issue without your presence.” They said, “We are endued with strength and given to vehement war. But the command is with you, so consider what you will command.” She said, “Kings, when they enter a country, despoil it, and make the nobles of its people its meanest, thus do they behave. But I am going to send him a present, and wait to see what answer my ambassadors’ return.” (Quran: 27/22-35) The hoopoe bird flew back to Prophet Suleiman (AS) and reported what it had seen and heard about the deliberations that took place between Queen Bilqis and her advisors.
- 141. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 141 A little later, the border guards of Prophet Suleiman sent the information about the entry of the ambassadors of Sheba and relayed their progress. Prophet Suleiman (AS) was aware that these ambassadors were to probe for all the information about the strength of his army. So, Prophet Suleiman (AS) ordered general mobilization of his troops within the vicinity of the ambassadors. The ambassadors were amazed to see the well-equipped and well-disciplined army of the Jinn, the men, the animals and the birds. The ambassadors were further impressed when they observed that Prophet Suleiman (AS) was personally inspecting the soldiers and the weaponry. They realized that the army of Sheba was no match to what they were looking at! When the ambassadors entered the palaces, they calculated that the amount of gold inlaid on the sandalwood floors would itself be more than the entire wealth of the nation of Sheba. They felt apprehensive about the value of the gift brought by them for their presentation to the king. However, they presented their gift, offering it as a token of the friendship from Queen Bilqis and the nation of Sheba. Prophet Suleiman (AS) refused to accept the gifts and told them, “Allah (SWT) has given me all the riches in the world! A large kingdom! In addition, the prophet hood! I am therefore beyond bribery. My duty is to spread the belief in Tawheed, Oneness of Allah (SWT)”. Prophet Suleiman (AS) instructed the ambassadors to return to their queen with the gifts they had brought with them and to convey his message that she and her nation should stop their pagan rituals of worshipping the sun. If it was not done, Sheba would be uprooted and its people driven out of their land by his army of the Jinn. When these Ambassadors returned to Sheba, they delivered the message, adding in their report, all the wonders and the mighty strength they had observed. Queen Bilqis decided to personally visit the kingdom of Prophet Suleiman (AS). Before the departure of Queen Bilqis and her entourage from Sheba, an advance envoy was dispatched to inform Prophet Suleiman (AS) about the purpose of her visit. Prophet Suleiman (AS) learned about the visit of Queen Bilqis and asked his closest Jinn workers if any one of them was capable of bringing the throne of Queen Sheba to him before her arrival. Jinn, Ifrit, offered to bring it before their meeting was over. All the Jinns offered to accomplish the objective in various periods of time. Another Jinn offered, “I will bring it for you within the span of a blink!” and he actually produced the magnificent throne of Sheba, from Yemen to Palestine, in the court of Prophet Suleiman (AS) within the blink of the eye. He was a righteous Jinn and had the knowledge of the Book. Prophet Suleiman (AS) instructed his workers to alter the throne of Sheba in such a manner that the throne could only be recognized with great difficulty and after a detailed examination. Prophet Suleiman (AS) wanted to test the comprehension and analytic faculties of the Queen of Sheba. The arrival of Queen Bilqis at the palaces was a ceremonial event. Prophet Suleiman (AS) pointed towards her throne and asked her if she recognized it. Queen Bilqis was confounded by what she saw; yet, she could not believe it. It was beyond her imagination and she was unsure how to accept what she had left in her palace could have traveled ahead of her! The queen replied, “It looks like and closely resembles my throne.” Prophet Suleiman (AS) adjudged that the queen was not only an intelligent person but a good diplomat, too. The queen was invited into the Great Hall of the palace, where the floor had been laid in shimmering and reflective glass. Deceived by the glaze, the queen presumed that it
- 142. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 142 was water. Before she stepped on the floor, she raised her dress up to her ankles. Prophet Suleiman (AS) corrected her by telling her that it was, in fact, glass and not water. This amazing perception opened her inner vision when she realized that she was in the company of a magnificent and a highly intelligent person, who was not only a very powerful and knowledgeable ruler but also a messenger of Allah (SWT). The queen suddenly recalled the message about her worships that she had received through her ambassadors. Queen Bilqis repented her paganism and accepted to follow the guidance of the Prophet Suleiman (AS) towards the righteous path of Allah (SWT). Upon her return to Sheba, Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, proclaimed her Islamic faith to all her nationals and asked them to give up their pagan worship of the sun. She told her nation that the sun was nothing but an object Created by Allah (SWT) for the benefit of all that was in the universe. The sun itself was the servant of Allah (SWT) and, therefore, had no powers of its own to respond to the prayers of the pagans. Νßγ¨ΨÏ?ù'Ζn=sù öΝÍκös9Î) ôìÅ_ö‘$# ∩⊂∉∪ βθãmtøs? ö/ä3ÏG−ƒÏ‰κÍ5 ΟçFΡr& ö≅t/ Νä39s?#u™ !$£ϑÏiΒ ×öyz ª!$# u⎯Ç⎯8s?#u™ !$yϑsù 5Α$yϑÎ/ Ç⎯tΡρ‘‰Ïϑè?r& tΑ$s% z⎯≈yϑø‹n=ß™ u™!%y` $£ϑn=sù t u t p ∩⊂∇∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=ó¡ãΒ ’ÎΤθè?ù'tƒ βr& Ÿ≅ö6s% $pκÅ−öyèÎ/ ©Í_‹Ï?ù'tƒ öΝä3•ƒr& (#àσn=yϑø9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ Α$s% ∩⊂∠∪ tβρãÉó≈|¹ öΝèδuρ '©!ÏŒr& !$pκ÷]ÏiΒ Νåκ¨]y_Ì÷‚ãΖ9uρ $pκÍ5 Μçλm; Ÿ≅t6Ï% ω 7ŠθãΨèg¿2 t s O$tΡr& É=≈tGÅ3ø9$# ⎯ÏiΒ ÒΟù=Ïæ …çνy‰ΖÏã “Ï%©!$# tΑ$s% ∩⊂®∪ ×⎦⎫ÏΒ& ;“Èθs)s9 Ïμø‹n=tã ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ ( y7ÏΒ$s)¨Β ⎯ÏΒ tΠθà)s? βr& Ÿ≅ö6s% ⎯ÏμÎ/ y7‹Ï?#u™ O$tΡr& Çd⎯Éfø9$# z⎯ÏiΒ ×MƒÌøÏã tΑ$s% z r $yϑ¯ΡÎ*sù ts3© ⎯tΒρ ( ãàø.& ÷Πr& ãä3ô©&u™ þ’ÎΤuθè=ö6u‹Ï9 ’În1‘ È≅ôÒsù ⎯ÏΒ #x‹≈yδ tΑ$s% …çνy‰ΖÏã #…É)tGó¡ãΒ çν#u™u‘ $£ϑn=sù 4 y7èùösÛ y7ø‹s9Î) £‰s?öƒ βr& Ÿ≅ö6s% ⎯ÏμÎ/ y7‹Ï?#u™ x u r r u t ôNu™!%` $£ϑ=sù ∩⊆⊇∪ βρ߉tGöκu‰ Ÿω ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ⎯ÏΒ ãβθä3s? ôΘr& ü“‰tGöκsEr& öÝàΖtΡ $pκy−ötã $oλm; (#ρãÅj3tΡ Α$s% ∩⊆⊃∪ ×ΛqÌx. @©Í_xî ’În1u‘ ¨βÎ*sù txx. ⎯tΒuρ ( ⎯ÏμÅ¡øuΖÏ9 ãä3ô±o„ y n t t z Ï t ⎯ÏΒ ôMtΡ%x. $pκ¨ΞÎ) ( «!$# Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ ß‰ç7÷è¨? MtΡ%x. $tΒ $y䣉¹uρ ∩⊆⊄∪ t⎦⎫ÏΗÍ>ó¡ãΒ $¨Ζä.uρ $yγÎ=ö7s% ⎯ÏΒ zΟù=Ïèø9$# $uΖÏ?ρé&uρ 4 uθèδ …çμ¯Ρr(. ôMs9$s% ( Å7ä©ótä #x‹s3≈yδr& Ÿ≅ŠÏ% | x Å_U‘ ôMs9$s% 3 tƒÍ‘#uθ% ⎯ÏiΒ ×Š§yϑ•Β Óy÷À …çμ¯ΡÎ) tΑ$s% 4 $yγøŠs%$y™ ⎯tã ôMxt±.uρ Zπ¤fä9 çμ÷Gt6Å¡ym çμø?r&u‘ $£ϑn=sù ( yy÷¢Ç9$# ’Í?äz÷Š$# $oλm; Ÿ≅ŠÏ% ∩⊆⊂∪ t⎦⎪ÌÏ≈x. 7Θöθs% u s | x ∩⊆⊆∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Éb>u‘ ¬! z⎯≈yϑøŠn=ß™ yìtΒ àMôϑn=ó™r&uρ ©Å¤øtΡ àMôϑn=sß ’ÎoΤÎ) Now when the embassy came to Suleiman, he said, “Will you give me abundance in wealth? But that which Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay it is you who rejoice in your gift! Go back to them, and be sure we shall come to them with such hosts as they will never be able to meet, we shall expel them from there in disgrace, and they will indeed feel humbled.” He said to his own Jinns, “You Chiefs! Which of you can bring to me her throne before they come to me in submission?” An Ifrit of the Jinns said, “I will bring it to you before you rise from your council, indeed I have full strength for the purpose and may be trusted.” Said one who had knowledge of the Book, “I will bring it to you, within the twinkling of an eye!” Then when Suleiman saw it placed firmly before him, he said, “This is by the Grace of my Lord! To test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And if anyone is grateful, truly his gratitude is a gain for his own soul, but if anyone is ungrateful, truly my Lord is Free of all Needs, Supreme in Honor!” He said, “Transform her throne out of all recognition by her, let us see whether she is guided towards the truth or is one of those who receive no guidance.” So when she arrived, she was asked, “Is this your throne?” She said, “It was just like this, and knowledge was bestowed on us in advance of this, and we have submitted to Allah in Islam.” And he diverted her from the worship of others besides Allah, for she was sprung of a people that had no faith. She was asked to enter the lofty Palace, but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she tucked up her skirts, uncovering her legs. He said, “This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass.” She said, “O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul, I do now submit in Islam with Suleiman, to the Lord of the Worlds!” (Quran: 27/36-44)
- 143. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 143 Prophet Suleiman (AS) was graced with the power to control the elements of the winds in addition to the power to control the Jinns. Prophet Suleiman (AS) had a flying throne, which could travel at great speeds. The Kingdom was large and expansive. Prophet Suleiman (AS) kept abreast of all the affairs in the kingdom by flying around and observing the conditions of his subjects. During one of these trips Prophet Suleiman (AS) observed an old man cutting wood from the forest. Prophet Suleiman (AS) was concerned; there was no one else within the vicinity and the man was old. He decided to learn more about the affairs of the old man. Prophet Suleiman (AS) instructed his throne to land nearby, and he approached the old man. The old man had bundled his cuttings and was carrying the load on his head. It was a hard and laborious task. Moreover, the load was obviously heavy for the old man to carry. Prophet Suleiman (AS) greeted the old man and asked him about himself. The old man told Prophet Ibrahim (AS), “I live in that village across the river. I have an old wife to support. My sons have gone away with their families, leaving me and my wife to take care of ourselves. Every day I come here and assemble some firewood. I sell the firewood in the market and buy food to maintain ourselves.” Prophet Suleiman (AS) was touched by the sad circumstances that had engulfed this old man. He gave an expensive diamond to the old man and told him to sell it and lead a less strenuous life with his wife. The old man took the diamond and thanked Prophet Suleiman (AS) for his generosity. However, while the old man was crossing the river, the diamond slipped from his hand and fell into the water. The old man tried to recover it, but his bundle of the firewood fell into the water. The old man realized that he would not be able to find the diamond in the depth of the river; hence, he recovered whatever firewood was within reach. The water had carried some of the firewood away from him. That day the size of his load was far below normal; moreover, it was wet, so the old man earned much less money. As a result, their food for that day was also short. Both the old man and his wife went to bed with some pangs of hunger! The next day, the old man resumed his toil of cutting and collecting the firewood from the forest. After a few days, Prophet Suleiman (AS) again observed the same old man carrying the heavy bundle of the firewood. Prophet Suleiman (AS) came to the old man and asked him why he was still carrying the heavy load when he should have been at home with his wife! The old man told Prophet Suleiman (AS) about the loss of the diamond in the river. Prophet Suleiman (AS) felt pity and gave another diamond to the old man. This time he instructed the old man to secure the diamond in his turban and not to carry the firewood, as it would no longer be necessary. The old man dropped the bundle on the ground, crossed the river and was walking back towards his home when an eagle, attracted by the glare in the turban, pounced on it and flew away with it. As he had no wood for sale both the old man and his wife slept hungry that night. The next day, the old man resumed his usual hard labor. When Prophet Suleiman (AS) saw the same old man again in the same routine, he assumed that old man had to be a greedy person or was a victim of crime. However, Prophet Suleiman (AS) prayed to Almighty Allah (SWT) and asked for divine guidance in this matter for he was feeling great pity for the old man and wanted to help him. Allah (SWT) Revealed to him, “O Suleiman! What you have tried to do was to provide the livelihood to another being. This is solely My function and the livelihood has been written for every individual as per My design. No person, not even a prophet has been delegated this
- 144. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 144 right to supplement or to take away the livelihood from another person. What you should do is to ask Me and leave it for me decide!” Prophet Suleiman (AS) went down in prostration, pleaded for forgiveness for himself and his oversight when he had attempted to provide for another. He sincerely wished and sought the help of Allah (SWT) on behalf of the old man. Allah (SWT) the Merciful, the Listener the Generous Permitted His Prophet Suleiman (AS) to hand over another diamond to the old man. When Prophet Suleiman (AS) approached the old man and offered him another diamond. This time the old man refused to accept the offer of the diamond and said, “O generous one! When I accepted a diamond from you the first time both me and my wife slept half hungry! The next time you gave me a diamond and me and my wife slept fully hungry! Today, you are offering me another diamond, maybe this will be the end of me and my wife!” Prophet Suleiman (AS) assured the old man that it was with the approval and the will of Allah (SWT) that he should take the diamond. On the previous two occasions, the approval of Allah (SWT) was missing. The old man took the diamond and sold it to the jeweler for a huge sum. He bought all types of food for himself and distributed some food among his neighbors. Included in his food were fresh fish and other seafood. While his wife was cleaning the fish for cooking, she found the first diamond that had been lost in the river. His wealth doubled with the sale of the second diamond. Again, the old man distributed part of his new wealth among his poor neighbors. During the gatherings of a communal festival, the old man observed that his turban was hanging by door of the keeper. The old man identified himself as the owner of that turban and claimed it. The keeper handed over the turban to the old man, having satisfied himself of the bona fide claim. The old man had now found and recovered his second diamond! His wealth tripled after the sale of this diamond. The old man and his wife were ever grateful to Allah (SWT) for all His blessings and riches showered upon them. They were also very generous in paying their dues in charities for those less fortunate in their community. Prophet Suleiman (AS) had fully utilized the strength of the Jinn to carry out complex public works for the benefit of the nation. All the difficult and cumbersome tasks were being assigned to the Jinns. The Jinns had been made submissive to the commands of Prophet Suleiman (AS) as a punishment for the sins committed by nations of the Jinn. The Jinn had boasted to the humans that due to their invisible form, the Jinn had the capacity and knowledge of the unseen. The unseen is the future! Only Allah (SWT) has the knowledge of the unseen. Prophet Suleiman (AS) had been granted the powers by Allah (SWT) to suppress and make the Jinn work laboriously at his commands. At the same time, this would demonstrate to the humans that the Jinn were incapable of knowing anything about the unseen. Prophet Suleiman (AS) used to caution the Jinn against their claims of the unseen. He advised the people that only Allah (SWT) and no one else had such knowledge. He assured humanity that the Jinn had no such powers and the humans need not fear them. Prophet Suleiman (AS) had used his entire life to convey the message of righteousness in the universe. His death demonstrated his mission: that the unseen is known only to Allah (SWT). Prophet Suleiman (AS) was supervising a project at a mine, where the Jinn were digging and bringing out heavy loads while humans were sorting and placing it in order, and the birds and the animals were assisting where they were needed. Prophet Suleiman (AS) was sitting on his throne holding his staff. He died in that sitting position while the staff held the weight of his
- 145. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 145 body and prevented it from falling down. All those present were unaware that Prophet Suleiman (AS) had died. His body remained in that position for days. Even the Jinn who had claimed to be the possessors of the knowledge of the unseen were unaware of the death! A hungry ant nibbled at the base of the staff. After a couple of days of this nibbling, the staff hollowed at the base and crumbled to the ground. The body of Prophet Suleiman (AS) dropped from the throne. When everyone rushed towards the throne, it was realized that the death had occurred long time in the past! ô⎯ã öΝåκ÷]ÏΒ ùøÌ“tƒ ⎯tΒρ ( ⎯ÏμÎn/u‘ ÈβøŒÎ*Î/ Ïμ÷ƒy‰ƒ t⎦÷⎫t/ ã≅yϑ÷èƒ ⎯tΒ Çd⎯Éfø9$# z⎯ÏΒuρ ( ÌôÜÉ)ø9$# t⎦÷⎫tã …çμs9 $uΖù=y™r&uρ ( Ööκy− $yγãm#uρu‘uρ Ööκy− $yδ–ρ߉äî yxƒÌh9$# z⎯≈yϑø‹n=Ý¡Ï9uρ t u t t yŠ…ãρ#yŠ Α#u™ (#þθè=yϑôã$# 4 BM≈u‹Å™#§‘ 9‘ρ߉è%uρ É>#uθpgø:$%. 5β$xÅ_uρ Ÿ≅ŠÏW≈yϑs?uρ |=ƒÌ≈pt¤Χ ⎯ÏΒ â™!$t±o„ $tΒ …çμs9 tβθè=yϑ÷ètƒ ∩⊇⊄∪ ÎÏè¡¡9$# É>#x‹tã ô⎯ÏΒ çμø%É‹çΡ $tΡÍöΔr& t x §yz $£ϑ=sù ( …çμ?r'|¡ΨÏΒ ã≅à2's? ÇÚö‘F{$# èπ−/!#yŠ ωÎ) ÿ⎯ÏμÏ?öθtΒ 4’n?ã öΝçλ°;Š $tΒ |Nöθyϑø9$# Ïμø‹n=tã $uΖøŠŸÒs% $£ϑn=sù ∩⊇⊂∪ â‘θä3¤±9$# y“ÏŠ$t6Ïã ô⎯ÏiΒ ×≅‹Î=s%uρ 4 #[õ3ä© n s ù t y ∩⊇⊆∪ È⎦⎫Îγßϑø9$# É>#x‹yèø9$# ’Îû (#θèVÎ6s9 $tΒ |=ø‹tóø9$# tβθßϑn=ôètƒ (#θçΡ%x. öθ©9 βr& ⎯Ågø:$# ÏMuΖ¨t7s? And to Suleiman, We made the Wind obedient, its early morning stride was a month’s journey and it’s evening stride was a month’s journey. And We made a font of molten Brass flow for him, and there were Jinns that worked in front of him, by the leave of his Lord! And if any of them turned aside from Our command, We made him taste of the penalty of Fire. They worked for him as he desired making Arches, Images, and Basins as large as Reservoirs, and cooking Cauldrons fixed in their places, “You work, sons of Dawud, with thanks! But few of My servants are grateful!” Then when We decreed Suleiman’s death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept slowly gnawing away at his staff, so when he fell down, the Jinns saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in their humiliating penalty of their task. (Quran: 34/12-14) The death of Prophet Suleiman (AS) in the described fashion was a clear warning for the Jinn to be aware that they possessed no knowledge of the future. It was also a Sign for the humanity to know that only Allah (SWT) has the knowledge of the unseen and what lays in the future for them! The Jinn could not even save themselves from the humiliation of any further hard labor that had been ordered by that their master; Prophet Suleiman (AS), who had already died!
- 146. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 146 PROPHET YUNUS (JONAH) (AS) The story of Prophet Yunus (AS), who is also known as Dhun-Noon in the Holy Quran, reflects both the wrath and the mercy of Allah (SWT) that were showered upon a prophet who abandoned his nation. The people of Nineveh had abandoned their Islamic monotheism and were practicing idolatry. They adopted shameless lifestyles; Prophet Yunus (AS) was directed to guide them to the righteous path towards Allah (SWT). Those people did not like to hear his sermons and did not wish to change their beliefs in their idols. They would argue, “Our fathers and their fathers before them have worshipped these gods for ages, yet no harm has touched us.” Prophet Yunus (AS) pursued his mission but was finding it difficult to make any progress among his community. He warned them about the wrath of Allah (SWT), which could be inflicted upon them if they continued with their deviant practices. He told them that his mission was to save them from the type of fate that had been inflicted upon and suffered by their earlier nations, some of which were completely annihilated. The people brushed him off, saying, “Let it happen!” Prophet Yunus (AS), frustrated by his lack of progress, lost his patience. Overcome with anger, he decided to leave Nineveh. He announced to his community, “I will leave you to your misery!” No sooner had he left the city when the people of the city noticed that the skies had begun to turn red, as if the sky was aflame. Fear spread throughout the city. The stories of the destructions inflicted upon the earlier nations floated in the people’s minds. They were fearful and imagined that their own destruction was looking upon them. It did not take them long to realize that their salvation could only come from the one and only Allah (SWT). Maybe it was not too late to seek His mercy as had been urged by Prophet Yunus (AS). But the messenger was no longer among them and they sincerely regretted their attitudes that caused him to depart and leave them to their own fate. All the people gathered on the mountain and prayed to Allah (SWT) for His mercy and to spare them from His wrath. There were nothing but cries and prayers for the mercy of Allah (SWT) and their Salvation from the His wrath. There was not a single soul, present, who was not repenting and begging for mercy. Their prayers echoed as if the mountains and the surroundings had joined them. Allah (SWT) knows what is concealed in the hearts and on that day there was not a single person present who had not repented and begged for His mercy. Allah (SWT) withheld His wrath. When the threatening storms disappeared and the skies cleared the people of Nineveh, in all their sincerity, wished for the return of their messenger to guide them towards the righteous path of Allah (SWT). They were grateful that Allah (SWT) had Showered his mercy upon them and they did not want to return to their old forms of worships. Prophet Yunus (AS) had left the city, seething with anger at its people. He boarded the first ship that was sailing away from Nineveh. It was a cargo vessel sailing towards distant lands. The ship embarked on its journey at sunlight on a bright and fair weather day when the sea was calm. Prophet Yunus (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for a safe journey. At night the weather changed and the sea became violent. The waves rocked the ship and sprayed its decks with huge waves. The tilting of the ship from side to side by the tempest prompted the crew to enlighten it weight. They dumped their cargo and baggage overboard. It did not help their position. It was
- 147. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 147 suggested and unanimously agreed among them that there was the need to lessen the ship’s weight further by dumping overboard one person a time, until the ship balances. However, it was decided that the game of chance would pick the person who was to be dumped overboard! Hence, all the names would be pooled and the person whose name is drawn would be the one to be dumped to the mercy of the sea! Everyone agreed to this practice of leaving the matters in the hands of the fate decided by a lottery. Prophet Yunus (AS) also accepted this and agreed to participate in it! He knew that the seamen’s traditions were polytheistic, yet he agreed. His name was added and the lots were drawn. The first name that popped up was that of Prophet Yunus (AS). The captain knew the personality of Prophet Yunus (AS). The captain also knew that Prophet Yunus (AS) was a good and well-mannered person, who always preached for the good of society and was a very strong believer of monotheism in Islam. Now, the circumstances had cruelly placed this righteous person in a position where he was being dumped overboard at the mercy of the cruel weather. The captain decided to have another draw and hoped that someone else’s name would show up. The second draw again produced the name of Prophet Yunus (AS). A third and final chance was accorded to him, yet again his name showed up. Prophet Yunus (AS) had been so engulfed in the draws and the fates of the participants of the lottery that he forgot to invoke the mercy of Allah (SWT) in his hour of need. They had no other option except to dump him at the mercy of the sea. When he was being thrown overboard, he suddenly realized his position and the fact that he had failed to remember what he had learned all his life. He invoked the Divine Help and prayed to Allah (SWT). As soon as Prophet Yunus (AS) landed in the violent water, a huge whale gulped him, and then dove deep into the dark ocean. He knew he was alive in the belly of the whale. Three layers of darkness had enveloped him: 1. The darkness of whale’s belly, 2. The darkness of the ocean’s depth, and 3. The darkness, of the night. Prophet Yunus (AS) realized that Allah (SWT) had Imprisoned him in this deepest layer of darkness as a punishment for his deviation, no matter how tiny, from the righteous path. He begged and prayed for His forgiveness and His mercy. š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# z⎯ÏΒ àMΖà2 ’ÎoΤÎ) šoΨ≈ysö6ß™ |MΡr& HωÎ) tμ≈s9Î) Hω βr& ÏM≈yϑè=—à9$# ’Îû 3“yŠ$oΨsù Ïμø‹n=tã u‘ωø)¯Ρ ⎯©9 βr& £⎯sàsù $Y6ÅÒ≈tóãΒ |=yδ©Œ ŒÎ) Èβθ‘Ζ9$# #sŒuρ ∩∇∠∪ And remember Dhun-nun, when he departed in wrath, he imagined that We had no power over him! But he cried through the depths of darkness: “There is no god but You. Glory to You. I was indeed wrong.” (Quran: 21/87) Prophet Yunus (AS) relentlessly repeated this invocation. The fishes and sea-animals around his prison began hearing his repeated prayers of helplessness. Later all those inhabiting the sea, the seaweeds, and the plants of the sea also heard these prayers and joined him in his prayers. Allah (SWT) Knew that the prayers of the invocation were sincere and truly apologetic; He responded to the pleas for His mercy, and Ordered the whale to surface and eject Prophet Yunus (AS) on the land nearby. The whale swam towards the surface of the land and ejected him. The acids and fluids inside the belly of the whale had touched and inflamed his skin. The anguish and the burning multiplied when the sun arose and the rays shone upon his body. The
- 148. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 148 searing pain was unbearable, yet Prophet Yunus (AS) endured it and continued with his invocation and added thanks for his Deliverance. This pleased Allah (SWT) and Satan suffered another defeat. Allah (SWT) Ordered a plant to cover the body of His Prophet as a protection against the direct rays of the sun and also to lubricate his skin with the balm from within its system. Allah (SWT) told Prophet Yunus (AS) that his prayers had saved him from the prison of the darkness, as otherwise it would have been his domain till the appointed Day of Judgment. ∩⊇⊆⊄∪ ×Λ⎧Î=ãΒ uθèδρ ßNθçtø:$# çμyϑs)tGø9$$sù ∩⊇⊆⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÅÒymô‰ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβ%s3sù zΝyδ$|¡sù ∩⊇⊆⊃∪ Èβθßsô±yϑø9$# Å7ù=àø9$# ’n<Î) t,t/r& øŒÎ) ∩⊇⊂®∪ t⎦⎫Î=y™ößϑø9$# z⎯Ïϑs9 }§çΡθム¨βÎ)uρ u ⎯ÏiΒ Zοtyf© Ïμø‹n=tã $uΖ÷Fu;/Ρr&uρ ∩⊇⊆∈∪ ÒΟŠÉ)™ θèδuρ Ï™!#tyèø9$$Î/ çμ≈tΡõ‹t6uΖsù * ∩⊇⊆⊆∪ tβθèWyèö7ムÏΘöθtƒ 4’n<Î) ÿ⎯ÏμÏΖôÜt/ ’Îû y]Î7n=s9 ∩⊇⊆⊂∪ t⎦⎫ÅsÎm7|¡ßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ tβ%x. …çμ¯Ρr& Iωöθn=sù x y u ∩⊇⊆∇∪ &⎦⎫Ïm 4’n<Î) öΝßγ≈oΨ÷è−GuΚsù (#θãΖtΒ$t↔sù ∩⊇⊆∠∪ šχρ߉ƒÌ“tƒ ÷ρr& A#ø9r& Ïπs($ÏΒ 4’n<Î) çμ≈oΨù=y™ö‘r&uρ ∩⊇⊆∉∪ &⎦⎫ÏÜø)tƒ So also was Yunus among those sent by Us. When he ran away, like slave from captivity to the fully laden ship. He agreed to cast lots, and was condemned. Then the big fish swallowed him, and he had done acts worthy of blame. Had it not been that he repented and Glorified Allah, he would have certainly remained inside the fish till the Day of Resurrection. But We cast him forth on the naked shore in a state of sickness. And We caused to grow, over him, a spreading plant of the gourd kind. And We sent him on a mission to a hundred thousand men or more. And they believed; so We permitted them to enjoy their life for a while. (Quran: 37/139-148) Prophet Yunus (AS) returned to his home in Nineveh. The entire community turned out to welcome him. He was very pleased to learn that they had abandoned their worshipping of idols and reverted to Islam and complete submission to Allah (SWT). They all joined in a thanksgiving prayer to their merciful and compassionate Allah (SWT).
- 149. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 149 PROPHET SHI’A (ISAIAH) (AS) During the reign of Israelite King Hazkia in Jerusalem, Prophet Shi’a (AS) appeared among the children of Israel. Prophet Shi’a (AS) is also one of the prophets who had prophesized about the comings of Prophets Eisa (AS) and the final prophet, Mohammed (SAW). King Hazkia greatly respected and honored the wise counseling of Prophet Shi’a (AS). The laws of the nation were promulgated based on the guidance of Prophet Shi’a (AS). Once, King Hazkia developed an infection in his foot. With the infection came a fever. While King Hazkia was undergoing these personal problems, a serious national problem developed. The neighboring King Sinharib of Babylon, leading an army of more than sixty thousand men, started advancing towards Jerusalem. The nation of Israelites became alarmed both at the sickness of their king and also the impending invasion by King Sinharib and his troops. King Hazkia called Prophet Shi’a (AS) and asked, “What has Allah revealed to you regarding Sinharib and his army?” As no revelation had been received, Prophet Shi’a (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for guidance. What was revealed was not good news for King Hazkia. The king had been advised to appoint a successor to the throne as his death was fast approaching. When King Hazkia learned about this revelation, he went into prostration, glorified Allah, and invoked the help with all the sincerity, “O Lord of Lords! O benevolent and merciful one, who neither sleeps nor nods, who can Overpower, remember me for my deeds and my just judgment over the children of Israel. All that was from you and you know it better than I do. All my secrets and open acts are known to you. I turn to you in this hour of darkness over us!” Allah (SWT), the Merciful One, Responded. Prophet Shi’a (AS) was Advised that the lifespan of King Hazkia had been extended by addition of about fifteen more years; his sickness will be healed and his enemy, King Sinharib will be destroyed. When King Hazkia learned of this heartwarming news, he was overwhelmed and fell down in prostration saying, “O Lord! It is you who grants the elevation to the throne to whomsoever you wish! It is you who lowers and dethrones whomsoever you wish! You know the unseen and the evident! You are the first and the last! You grant mercy and answer the prayers of the troubled ones!” When King Hazkia raised his head from prostration, he found Prophet Shi’a (AS) holding liquid extracted from the fig plant. The liquid was applied to the infection, which healed rapidly and cured the sickness from the body of the king. The Angel of Death, leaving only King Sinharib and his five advisors, including Bukhtanasar, alive, annihilated the entire army of King Sinharib. They were all shackled by the soldiers of King Hazkia and taken prisoners. King Hazkia proclaimed that these prisoners be displayed in public for the whole nation to see. A loaf of barley bread was their food. After the whole nation of Israelites had seen their enemies, it was Revealed by Allah (SWT) to deport and repatriate the prisoners back into their own country as a warning for their country men about the consequences of illegal invasion. Upon their return in their homeland, King Sinharib relayed his experiences to his nation. After the death of King Hazkia of Jerusalem, the conditions of the Israelites again deteriorated, with political confusion and the revival of polytheistic rituals. Prophet Shi’a (AS) continued with his mission but his preaching made him unpopular and generated cruel enemies who wanted to kill him.
- 150. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 150 Prophet Shi’a (AS) decided to escape from Jerusalem and take a sanctuary elsewhere. When his enemies learned of his plans, the killers among them chased after Prophet Shi’a (AS). As Prophet Shi’a (AS) was passing by a large tree, the tree opened up and Prophet Shi’a (AS) hid in the cavity of the tree. However, the tail end of his garment was left hanging outside the trunk. The pursuers became aware of this hiding place, and mercilessly sawed down the entire tree cutting it into small pieces!
- 151. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 151 PROPHET ARAMAYA (JEREMIAH) (AS) #Y‰ö6tã šχ%x. …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 ?yθçΡ yìtΒ $oΨù=yϑym ô⎯tΒ sπ−ƒÍh‘èŒ ∩⊄∪ Wξ‹Å2uρ ’ÎΤρߊ ⎯ÏΒ (#ρä‹Ï‚−Gs? ωr& Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t6Ïj9 “W‰èδ çμ≈oΨù=yèy_uρ |=≈tGÅ3ø9$# ©y›θãΒ $oΨ÷s?#u™uρ $oΨ÷Wyèt/ $yϑßγ8s9ρé& ߉ôãuρ u™!%y` #sŒÎ*sù ∩⊆∪ #ZÎ6Ÿ2 #vθè=ãæ £⎯è=÷ètGs9uρ È⎦÷⎫s?§tΒ ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû ¨β߉šøçGs9 É=≈tGÅ3ø9$# ’Îû Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t/ 4’n<Î) !$oΨø‹ŸÒs%uρ ∩⊂∪ #Y‘θä3x© Νä3≈tΡ÷Šy‰øΒr&uρ öΝÍκön=tã nο§x6ø9$# ãΝä3s9 $tΡ÷ŠyŠu‘ ¢ΟèO ∩∈∪ Zωθãèø¨Β #Y‰ôãuρ šχ%x.uρ 4 Í‘$tƒÏe$!$# Ÿ≅≈n=Åz (#θß™$y∨sù 7‰ƒÏ‰x© <¨ù't/ ’Í<'ρé& !$uΖ©9 #YŠ$t6Ïã öΝà6ø‹n=tæ (#θä↔ÿ⏐Ý¡ŠÏ9 ÍοtÅzFψ$# ߉ôãuρ u™!%y` #sŒÎ*sù 4 $yγn=sù öΝè?ù'y™r& ÷βÎ)uρ ( ö/ä3Å¡àΡL{ óΟçFΨ|¡ômr& óΟçFΨ|¡ômr& ÷βÎ) ∩∉∪ #·ÏtΡ usYò2r& öΝä3≈oΨù=yèy_uρ š⎥⎫ÏΖt/uρ 5Α≡uθøΒr'Î/ u $uΖù=yèy_uρ ¢ $tΡô‰ãã öΝ›?‰ãã ÷βÎ)uρ 4 ö/ä3uΗxqötƒ βr& ö/ä3š/u‘ 4©|¤tã ∩∠∪ #·Î6÷Ks? (#öθn=tã $tΒ (#ρçÉi9tFãŠÏ9uρ ;ο§tΒ tΑ¨ρr& çνθè=yzyŠ $yϑŸ2 y‰Éfó¡yϑø9$# (#θè=äzô‰u‹Ï9uρ öΝà6yδθã_ãρ ∩∇∪ #·ÅÁym t⎦⎪ÌÏ≈s3ù=Ï9 tΛ©⎝yγy_ We gave Musa the Book, and made it a Guide to the Children of Israel, Commanding: “Do not take other than Me as Disposer of your affairs.” O you that are sprung from those whom We carried in the Ark with Nuh! Verily he was a devotee most grateful. And We gave clear warning to the Children of Israel in the Book, that twice would they do mischief on the earth and be elated with mighty arrogance and twice would they be punished! When the first of the warning came to pass, We sent against you Our servants given to terrible warfare, they entered the very inmost parts of your homes, and it was a warning completely fulfilled. Then We granted you the Return as against them, We gave you increase in resources and sons, and made you the more numerous in man-power. If you did well for yourselves, if you did evil, you did it against yourselves. So when the second of the warning came to pass, We permitted your enemies to disfigure your faces, and to enter your Temple as they had entered it before, and to visit with destruction all that fell into their power. It may be that your Lord may yet show Mercy to you, but if you revert to your sins, We shall revert to Our punishments, and We have made Hell a prison for those who reject full Faith. (Quran: 17/2-8) Prophet Aramaya (AS) was sent to the children of Israel when that nation had forgotten about the messages of Allah and its people were deliberately ignoring the righteous path. The Taurat was being adulterated and changed to suit the needs of those few who were in power over the nation. Innocent prophets were being killed or driven away. Allah (SWT) was about to unleash His Wrath over Jerusalem and the children of Israel. Prophet Aramaya (AS) was in the audience with the King of Jerusalem. It was revealed upon him by Allah (SWT) “I am going to destroy Jerusalem and all the children of Israel who live therein. You go to the Dome of the Rock and await My Commands and further Revelations.” Prophet Aramaya (AS) fell in prostration and pleaded, “O Lord! I wish that my mother had not borne me. Are you making me the last prophet of Israel? Will Jerusalem be destroyed during my time?” Allah (SWT) Ordered, “Raise your head.” Prophet Aramaya (AS), who had been weeping, raised his head and asked, “O my Lord, whom will You set against them?” Allah (SWT) Revealed, “The worshippers of fire who do not fear my punishments nor expect any rewards. Stand up, Aramaya, and hear the news about Israel. Before I chose you, I had made, favored, and honored you. Tell the king and guide and protect him. Go and tell all of them what I have told you.” Prophet Aramaya (AS) said, “O Allah! I am weak and will remain weak if You do not strengthen me.”
- 152. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 152 Allah (SWT) Revealed, “Are you not aware that I control all the affairs? I am Allah without any semblance or anyone like Me! I spoke to the oceans, like I am talking with you. Nothing shall harm you. Go to your people and tell them: Allah is watching over you, and He remembers your forefathers who performed good deeds during their lives. Remind them that even the animals remember their countries and return to them. But those people of yours are all drenched in destruction and damnation for they have forgotten the purpose of my generosity to their forefathers, and now they have misplaced My favors upon them. Their scholars and priests have gone astray and are worshipping another god besides Me. As for their kings and their princes, they have been lavished with My bounty and think that they are safe from My fate. They abandon My Book and kill My prophets! Is it possible for Me to have a partner? Is it possible for Me to make a creature to be worshipped and to be obeyed besides Me? As for their reciters and jurists, they teach and learn what they like. As for the children of the prophets, they are oppressed and seduced and go with the crowd. They want positions of their fathers without the discipline, patience, piety and kindness of their fathers.” “By my powers, I swear that I shall send woe upon them that no wise man can understand. I shall replace their luxury with ordeal, chains, and fetters and after dwelling in palaces, they will dwell in dust. I will disgrace and degrade their womenfolk. I create my creatures and slaves with mercy and bounty. If they accept and recognize it, I complete My favors and mercy. When I change My mind, I change My mind, and if I change I am angry, and if I am angry, I punish, and nothing prospers with My anger!” Prophet Aramaya (AS) prayed, “By Your Grace, I have come to learn from You. By Your mercy, You have spared me to this day. None fears this punishment more than I do, because I have been among them while they disobeyed You, yet I did not change with them. If You punish me I deserve it, and if You spare me, I expect it of Your kindness. O Lord! You are Overlord! Are You going to destroy their country when it is the place of Your prophets, the place of Your revelations? O Lord, the Exalted and Blessed, is Your Name! Please do not destroy this place of worship and all pertaining to it and those houses which lauded Your praise! O Lord, please do not kill these people and punish them, as they are the issue of Ibrahim, Your Faithful friend and Dawud, Your Chosen one! O Lord, which village can escape Your vengeance; for, after all, they are the children of Your faithful friend Ibrahim (AS)?” Allah (SWT) said, “He who disobeys Me will not detest My punishment. I had honored them because they obeyed Me. If they disobeyed Me, I will place them among the disobedient, until I rescue them out of My Mercy.” Prophet Aramaya (AS) said, “O Lord! You made friends with Ibrahim and for his sake You preserved us, and Musa You did save, and he asked You to save us and not abandon us, nor throw us to the enemy.” Allah (SWT) Revealed, “O Aramaya! I made you honored in your mother’s womb and have chosen you to this day. If your people had protected the orphans, the widows, the helpless, and the stranded, I would have been their Sustainer. They would have been like a blissful garden to Me; but I complain of the children of Israel to you. I have been the kind shepherd to them, but I honor only those who honor Me and despise those who despise My commands. Those before them feared Me, but these people of yours have displayed their disobedience of Me in the temples, in the market places, on the hills and the mountain tops, and under the shade of trees until the heavens wondered at them, before Me, and the earth and mountains, including the
- 153. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 153 beasts thereon, wondered and wailed. All that had no effect on them, nor was the Book useful to them.” Prophet Aramaya (AS) gathered his people and delivered the message of Allah (SWT) to them. When the people heard the threats and the warnings of Allah (SWT), they said, “You lie if you say that Allah will destroy this land, His temple, His Book, His worship.” They overpowered Prophet Aramaya (AS) and imprisoned him. King Bukhtanasar, leading his powerful army, entered Jerusalem and surrounded the city. After a short siege, the Israelites surrendered and opened the city gates for the invading army of King Bukhtanasar. King Bukhtanasar imposed a savage and cruel rule over the Israelites. One-third of the Israelites were killed immediately, while the others were taken captive as slaves. Only the lame and the old people of the nation were spared. The king used his horses to trample over the Israelis and demolished their houses. The youth were enslaved and their women placed in the markets as commodities. He destroyed their castles and temples. He burnt the Taurat. He captured their princes and princesses along with their wealth and enslaved them. All the priests were also enslaved. After King Bukhtanasar had destroyed Jerusalem, he learned that for quite some time a prophet of the Israelites had been warning them about this ill-fated destruction of Jerusalem. The Israelis had imprisoned this prophet who had committed no crime. This innocent prophet was now languishing in jail. The king ordered that the prophet be brought to him. When Prophet Aramaya (AS) was brought before the king, King Bukhtanasar asked him, “Did you warn the Israelites about what has now happened to them?” Prophet Aramaya (AS) replied, “I did warn them. Allah (SWT) sent me to them and they accused me of lying. They imprisoned me and tortured me.” King Bukhtanasar exclaimed, “What a wicked race who deny their prophet and their Lord’s message! Will you accept the honor of joining me in service and advise me about the affairs of your nation?” Prophet Aramaya (AS) replied, “I live in the security of Allah (SWT)”. King Bukhtanasar released Prophet Aramaya (AS) to live wherever it suited him without any fear of being molested by anyone. Prophet Aramaya (AS) resumed his work of preaching to the Israelites, whoever was left among them, and reminded them, “Shame on us! We have disobeyed Allah. We must repent to Allah (SWT), the Great and the Majestic, for what we have done, and I shall also pray to Allah (SWT) to accept our repentance.” When Prophet Aramaya (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT), he was informed that Allah (SWT) would not Accept the Israelites’ prayers as there was no sincerity in their prayers. If the Israelites were sincere, they must stay with Prophet Aramaya (AS) wherever he lived. When the Israelites were told about this revelation from Allah (SWT), the Israelites refused. They said, “How can we stay in this town, which has been devastated and Allah’s anger is over it.” The Israelites dispersed and spread in other countries near and afar. They went to Hijaz, Taif, Medina, Egypt, and Morocco. King Bukhtanasar wrote to the King of Egypt to return the Israelites back to him. The King of Egypt refused. King Bukhtanasar mounted his army and invaded the countries of Egypt and Morocco. He defeated their armies, captured the Children of Israel, and brought them back to his kingdom, in chains.
- 154. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 154 Allah (SWT) Instructed Prophet Aramaya (AS) to return to Jerusalem, as He wanted it rebuilt. When Prophet Aramaya (AS) arrived in Jerusalem, he found it destroyed. There was nothing intact. Prophet Aramaya (AS) prayed and spoke to himself, “Exalted is Allah (SWT)! Allah (SWT) told me to come to this city and that He was reconstructing it. When will Allah (SWT) rebuild it? And when will He bring it back to life.” He tied his donkey near him and slept. Prophet Aramaya (AS) slept for a hundred years, during which time the rule of King Bukhtanasar was succeeded by King Laharasab. King Laharasab had ruled for about one hundred and twenty years. King Laharasab’s son, King Bashtaasib succeeded to the throne. King Bashtaasib is also known as King Cyrus of Persia in the Holy Bible. It was King Bashtaasib who had allowed and encouraged the children of Israel to return to their homelands to rebuild Jerusalem and its temples. When Prophet Aramaya (AS) awoke from his sleep, he thought he had been asleep for just a couple of hours! However, when he saw the changes around him, he realized and appreciated the magnitude of Allah (SWT), the Creator and the Designer. öΝŸ2 Α$s% ( …çμVyèt/ §ΝèO 5Θ$tã π($ÏΒ ª!$# çμ?$tΒr'sù ( $yγÏ?öθtΒ y‰÷è/ ª!$# ÍνÉ‹≈yδ ⎯Ç‘ósム4’¯Τr& tΑ$s% $yγÏ©ρáãã 4’n?tã îπtƒÍρ%s{ }‘Éδuρ 7πtƒös% 4’n?tã §tΒ “É‹©9$%x. ÷ρr& t s s s s t š‚Í‘$yϑÏm 4’n<Î) öÝàΡ$#uρ ( ÷μ¨Ζ|¡tFtƒ öΝs9 šÎ/#uŸ°uρ šÏΒ$yèÛ 4’n<Î) öÝàΡ$$sù 5Θ$tã sπs($ÏΒ |M÷VÎ7©9 ≅t/ tΑ$s% ( 5Θöθtƒ uÙ÷èt/ ÷ρr& $·Βöθtƒ àM÷VÎ7s9 tΑ$s% ( |M÷VÎ7s9 s Èe≅à2 4’n?ã ©!$# ¨βr& ãΝn=ôã& Α$s% …çμ9 š⎥¨⎫t7s? $£ϑn=sù 4 $Vϑóss9 $yδθÝ¡õ3tΡ §ΝèO $yδã”ų⊥çΡ y#ø‹Ÿ2 ÏΘ$sàÏèø9$# †n<Î) öÝàΡ$#uρ ( ÂZ$¨Ψ=Ïj9 Zπtƒ#u™ šn=yèôfuΖÏ9uρ t r t s ∩⊄∈®∪ փωs% &™ó©x« Or take the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to is roofs. He said, “Oh! How shall Allah bring it ever to life, after this type of death?” But Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up again. He said, “How long did you tarry thus?” He said, “Perhaps a day or part of a day!” He said, “Nay, you have tarried thus a hundred years, but look at your food and your drink, they show no sign of age, and look at your donkey, and that We may make of you a Sign for the people, look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh.” When this was shown clearly to him, he said, “I know that Allah has power over all things.” (Quran: 2/259)
- 155. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 155 PROPHET ZIKARIAH (ZECHARIAH) (AS) AND PROPHET YAHYAH (JOHN) AS. Prophet Zikariah (AS) was a hard-working and a pious Prophet, who was raised among the children of Israel. He practiced carpentry, but he was not a rich person even though he was a descendant of Prophet Suleiman (AS). However, he had a liberal heart and would never hesitate to help anyone in need. His sermons and preaching showed the righteous way to Allah (SWT). He knew that his people always needed consistent reminders of monotheistic worships. Prophet Zikariah (AS) had no children; both he and his wife had become old and feeble. His wife was a descendant of Prophet Haroun (AS), the elder brother of Prophet Musa (AS). Prophet Zikariah (AS) feared that his people would go astray after he passed away unless if there was no strong leader to guide them. One of his best pupils was Maryam, daughter of Imran. Maryam had secluded herself from her community and was spending most of her time worshiping Allah (SWT). Prophet Zikariah (AS) always encouraged her towards worships and would often visit Maryam to see if she needed any help or guidance from him. During one of his visits to Maryam, Prophet Zikariah (AS) observed a very strange fruit, which he had never seen before. He inquired about it. Maryam told him that Allah (SWT) provided her with this type of fruit each day. She had enjoyed eating it and was ever thankful to Allah (SWT) for His bounties. Maryam recited that Allah (SWT) provides without measure for whom He wills. Prophet Zikariah (AS) was extremely pleased with the devotion of Maryam towards Allah (SWT). He was pleasantly surprised that Maryam had drawn his attention towards an issue that had never occurred to him until then. He and his wife needed a child, yet they had never asked Allah (SWT) for that blessing. It was not an impossible task for Allah (SWT). â¨ù&§9$# Ÿ≅yèGô©$#uρ ©Íh_ÏΒ ãΝôàèø9$# z⎯δρ ’ÎoΤÎ) Éb>‘ tΑ$s% ∩⊂∪ $wŠÏyz ¹™!#y‰ÏΡ …çμ−/u‘ 2”yŠ$tΡ øŒÎ) ∩⊄∪ !$−ƒÌŸ2y— …çνy‰ö7tã y7În/u‘ ÏMuΗ÷qu‘ ãø.ÏŒ ∩⊇∪ üÈÿè‹γ!2 t y y u u ©Í_èOÌtƒ ∩∈∪ $wŠÏ9uρ šΡà$©! ⎯ÏΒ ’Í< ó=yγsù #Ï%%tæ ’ÎA&tøΒ$# ÏMtΡ$Ÿ2uρ “Ï™!#u‘uρ ⎯ÏΒ u’Í<≡uθyϑø9$# àMøÅz ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ ∩⊆∪ $wŠÉ)x© Éb>u‘ šÍ←!%tæ߉Î/ .⎯à2r& öΝs9uρ $Y6øŠx© r 4’¯Τr& Éb>‘ Α$s% ∩∠∪ $wŠÏϑ™ ã≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ …ã&©! ≅yèøgwΥ öΝs9 4©zøt† …çμßϑó™$# AΟ≈n=äóÎ/ x8çÅe³u;çΡ $¯ΡÎ) !$−ƒÌŸ2t“≈tƒ ∩∉∪ $|‹ÅÊu‘ Éb>u‘ ã&ù#yèô_$#uρ ( z>θà)÷ètƒ ÉΑ#u™ ô⎯ÏΒ ß^Ìtƒuρ u t y s ⎯ÏΒ šçGø)n=yz ô‰%uρ ×⎦Îi⎫yδ ¥’n?tã θèδ š•/u‘ tΑ$s% šÏ9≡x‹. tΑ$s% ∩∇∪ $|‹ÏFÏã Îy9Å6ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ àMøón=t/ ô‰s%uρ #Ï%%tæ ’ÎAr&tøΒ$# ÏMtΡ$Ÿ2uρ ÖΝ≈n=äî ’Í< Üχθä3tƒ s u x É>#tósÏϑø9$# ⎯ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÏΒöθ% 4’n?tã yltsƒm ∩⊇⊃∪ $wƒÈθy™ 5Α$uŠs9 y]≈n=rO šZ$¨Ψ9$# zΝÏk=s3è? ωr& y7çGtƒ#u™ tΑ$s% 4 Zπtƒ#u™ þ’Ík< ≅yèô_$# Éb>u‘ tΑ$s% ∩®∪ $↔ø‹x© Ûs? óΟ9uρ ã≅ö6s% z s s $wŠÉ)s? šχ%x.ρ ( Zο4θ.y—ρ $¯Ρà$©! ⎯ÏiΒ $ZΡ$oΨymuρ ∩⊇⊄∪ $wŠÎ6|¹ zΝõ3çtø:$# çμ≈oΨ÷s?#u™uρ ( ;ο§θà)Î/ |=≈tFÅ6ø9$# É‹è{ 4©zósu‹≈tƒ ∩⊇⊇∪ $|‹Ï±tãuρ Zοtõ3ç/ (#θßsÎm7y™ βr& öΝÍκös9Î) #©yr÷ρr'sù u x u ∩⊇∈∪ $wŠym ß]yèö7ムtΠöθtƒuρ ßNθßϑtƒ tΠöθtƒuρ t$Î!ãρ tΠöθtƒ Ïμø‹n=tã íΝ≈n=™uρ ∩⊇⊆∪ $|‹ÅÁtã #·‘$¬6y_ ⎯ä3tƒ óΟs9uρ Ïμ÷ƒy‰Ï9≡uθÎ/ #Ct/uρ ∩⊇⊂∪ y Kaf. Ha.Ya. ‘Ain. Saad. This is a recital of the Mercy of your Lord to His servant Zikariah. Behold! He cried to his Lord in secret, praying: “O my Lord! Infirm indeed are my bones, and the hair of my head glistens with grey, but never am I unblessed, O my Lord in my prayer to You! Now I fear what my relatives and colleagues will do after me, but my wife is barren; so give me an heir as from Yourself. One that will truly represent me and represent the posterity of Yaqoob, and make him, O my Lord! One with whom You are well-pleased.” His prayer was answered, “O Zikariah! We give you good news of a son, his name shall be Yahyah, on none by that name We have conferred distinction before.” He said, “O my Lord! How shall I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?” He said, “So it will be, your Lord says, That is easy for Me, I indeed created you before, when you had been nothing!” Zikariah said, “O my Lord! Give me a Sign.” “Your Sign,” was the answer “shall be
- 156. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 156 that you shall speak to no man for three nights, although you are not dumb.” So Zikariah came out to his people from his chamber, he told them by signs to celebrate Allah’s praises in the morning and in the evening. To his son came the command, “O Yahyah! Take hold of the Book with might.” And We gave him Wisdom even as youth. And pity for all creatures as from Us, and purity, he was devout. And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious. So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised up to life again! (Quran: 19/1-15) Prophet Zikariah (AS) and his wife prayed hard to Allah (SWT) for a son. Prophet Zikariah (AS) pleaded in his prayers that the children of Israel would always need the presence of prophets to guide them; otherwise, they would go astray and defy the laws of Allah (SWT) and even change the Books to suit their designs. They were vulnerable and would easily fall prey to Satan. Allah (SWT) Heard the pleas of Prophet Zikariah (AS) and told him that he would have a son who would also be a prophet. When the son was born, they named him Yahyah. Prophet Yahyah (AS) turned out to be a deeply religious and a compassionate person. He cared for helpless animals. Instead of spending his time playing games like other children his age, Prophet Yahyah (AS) read and studied. His diet consisted of fruits or leaves of the trees. When Prophet Yahyah (AS) grew into an adult, Allah (SWT) called upon him to read the Book of Jurisprudence closely; thus, Allah (SWT) made him the wisest and the most learned person of the time. Allah (SWT) also endowed him with total patience. He would hear about the affairs of the people and offer fair and sound solutions. He was an expert in interpreting religious submissions and guiding the people towards the righteous path. He always cautioned the people about the ever-present Satan. It was the sworn duty of Satan to mislead them. As Prophet Yahyah (AS) reached the age of maturity, he became a very compassionate person towards his parents and took extra care of his neighboring people and all the creatures around him. Whenever Prophet Yahyah (AS) was not actively engaged in the issues of his people, he would pray and worship Allah (SWT). His prayers were always supplemented with tears of devotion. Once, when his father, Prophet Zikariah (AS) was looking for him, he found him lying and praying in a grave that he had dug for himself! Prophet Zikariah (AS) asked his son the reason for this action. Prophet Yahyah (AS) replied, “O father! Did you not tell me that there is a very short span between Paradise and Hell? And that it cannot be crossed except by the tears shed in prayers to Allah (SWT)?” The tears that Prophet Yahyah (AS) shed while praying to Allah (SWT) left permanent marks on his cheeks. His sermons and praises of Allah (SWT) were so touching that most of his listeners also shed tears while they listened to him speak. $|‹ÅÁã #·‘$¬6y_ ⎯ä3ƒ óΟs9uρ Ïμ÷ƒy‰Ï9≡uθÎ/ #Ct/uρ ∩⊇⊂∪ $wŠÉ)s? šχ%x.uρ ( Zο4θx.y—uρ $¯Ρà$©! ⎯ÏiΒ $ZΡ$oΨymuρ ∩⊇⊄∪ $wŠÎ6|¹ zΝõ3çtø:$# çμ≈oΨ÷s?#u™uρ ( ;ο§θà)Î/ =≈tFÅ6ø9$# É‹è{ 4©zósu‹≈tƒ t t | ∩⊇∈∪ $wŠym ß]yèö7ムtΠöθƒuρ ßNθßϑtƒ tΠöθtƒuρ t$Î!ãρ tΠöθtƒ Ïμø‹n=tã íΝ≈n=y™uρ ∩⊇⊆∪ t “O Yahyah! Take hold of the Book firmly.” And We gave him Wisdom even as a youth. And pity for all creatures as from Us, and purity, he was devout. And kind to his parents, and he was not overbearing or rebellious. So Peace on him the day he was born, the day that he dies, and the day that he will be raised to life again! (Quran: 19/12-15) At that time, King Herod Antipas, a tyrant, was ruling Palestine. The king practiced all types of tyranny over his nation and decreed that his laws were superior to the commandments of Allah (SWT). Prophet Yahyah (AS) cautioned the king against such practices. These cautions increased the tensions between the king and the prophet.
- 157. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 157 King Herod was deeply infatuated with the exquisite beauty of his niece, Salome, who was the teenage daughter of his brother. King Herod declared his intention of marrying his beautiful niece, Salome. Such a marriage would be an illicit match according to the Book. Nevertheless, Salome’s mother encouraged this tie and urged some of the educated men of Zion to support the wishes of the king. Salome also liked the proposed match; as it would give her the chance to share the supreme power of the kingdom with her uncle and her husband-to-be, the King Herod. When Prophet Yahyah (AS) learned of the proposed marriage, he pronounced the match incestuous; he would never approve of it as it was against the laws of the Taurat. This pronouncement spread like wildfire among the Palestinians. Salome knew that unless she acted quickly she would lose her ambitions of ever becoming Queen of Palestine. Salome wore a beautiful dress, made herself up lavishly, and presented herself in the presence of King Herod. There she sang and danced provocatively, and aroused the passions of her incestuous uncle. The king sprang up and tightly embraced Salome. He offered to fulfill her every desire! Salome knew that she had won her spot, but to secure it she demanded, “I would love to have the head of Yahyah on a plate. He has defiled your honor and mine throughout our land. If you grant me this wish, it will make me happy and I will offer myself to you!” Bewitched by her charm and overcome with his desire for her, the king ordered the immediate execution of Prophet Yahyah (AS). Prophet Yahyah (AS) was beheaded, and his head was presented to the cruel Salome! This injustice was avenged by Allah (SWT) who caused a neighboring nation to invade Palestine, destroy the kingdom, and kill both the King Herod and the Queen Salome.
- 158. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 158 PROPHET EISA (JESUS) (AS) The Christians claim that Prophet Eisa (AS) is the son of God! The Holy Quran clearly and manifestly denies it. The Holy Quran reveals that such a claim is polytheistic. Polytheism is not acceptable to Allah (SWT); hence, it is against the main foundation of Islam. Prophet Eisa (AS) is a prophet of Allah (SWT), who was endowed with the Revelations of the Holy Bible. It is truly tragic for humanity that the original revelations in the Holy Bible are no longer available for people to read. What are available are the doctored versions that have been changed and rewritten as per the wishes of those who are in any position to dictate. Even at this time, changes are being made to the existing versions! ÏMs9$s% øŒÎ) ∩⊂⊆∪ íΟŠÎ=tæ ìì‹Ïÿxœ ª!$#uρ 3 <Ù÷è/ .⎯ÏΒ $pκÝÕ÷è/ Oπ−ƒÍh‘èŒ ∩⊂⊂∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# ’n?tã tβ≡tôϑÏã tΑ#u™uρ zΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) tΑ#u™uρ %[nθçΡuρ tΠyŠ#u™ #’s∀sÜô¹$# ©!$# ¨βÎ) * t t !$pκçJ÷è|Êρ ’ÎoΤÎ) Éb>‘ ôMs9$s% $pκ÷JyèÊρ $£ϑ=ù ∩⊂∈∪ ÞΟŠÎ=yèø9$# ßìŠÉΚ¡¡9$# |MΡr& y7¨ΡÎ) ( û©Íh_ÏΒ ö≅¬7s)tGsù #Y‘§ysãΒ ©Í_ôÜt/ ’Îû $tΒ šs9 ßNö‘x‹tΡ ’ÎoΤÎ) Éb>u‘ tβ≡tôϑÏã ßNr&tøΒ$# u u | u ns $yγn=¬6s)tFsù ∩⊂∉∪ ÉΟŠÅ_§9$# Ç⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ⎯ÏΒ $yγtG−ƒÍh‘èŒuρ šÎ/ $yδä‹ŠÏãé& þ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ zΟtƒötΒ $pκçJø‹£ϑy™ ’ÎoΤÎ)uρ ( 4©sΡW{$%. ãx.©%!$# }§øŠs9uρ ôMyè|Êuρ $yϑÎ/ ÞΟn=÷ær& ª!$#uρ 4©sΡé& z x ( #x‹≈yδ Å7s9 4’¯Τr& ãΛuqöyϑ≈tƒ Α$s% ( $]%ø—Í‘ $yδ‰ΖÏã ‰y`uρ z>#tósÏϑø9$# $−ƒÌx.y— $yγøŠn=tã Ÿ≅yzyŠ $yϑ¯=ä. ( $−ƒÌx.y— $yγn=¤x.uρ $YΖ|¡m $·?$t6tΡ $yγtFt7/Ρr&uρ 9⎯|¡ym @Αθç7s)Î/ $yγš/u‘ t y y y ∩⊂∠∪ A>$|¡Ïm ÎötóÎ/ â™!$t±o„ ⎯tΒ ä−ã—ötƒ ©!$# ¨βÎ) ( «!$# ωΖÏã ô⎯ÏΒ uθèδ ôMs9$s% Allah chose Adam and Nuh, the family of Ibrahim and the family of Imran above all people. Offspring, one of the other, and Allah hears and knows all things. Behold! A woman of Imran said, “O my Lord! I do dedicate to you what is in my womb for Your special service. So accept this of me, for You hear and know all things.” When she was delivered, she said, “O my Lord! Behold I am delivered of a female child!” And Allah knew best what she brought forth. “And no wise is the male like the female. I have named her Maryam, and I commend her and offspring to Your protection from the Evil One, and the Rejected.” Right graciously did her Lord accept her: He made her grow in purity and beauty, she was assigned to the care of Zikariah. Every time that he entered her chamber to see her, he found her supplied with sustenance. He said, “O Maryam! From where does this come to you?” She said, “From Allah, for Allah provides sustenance to whom He pleases, without measure.” (Quran: 3/33-37) During the lifetime of Prophet Zikariah (AS), a pious, childless couple was living in Nazareth. The woman was Hannah, a niece of Prophet Zikariah (AS), who was the wife of Imran. Imran was a leader among the children of the Israelites. Hannah prayed hard to Allah (SWT) for a child of her own. She pledged that any child granted to her would be offered in the service of Allah’s (SWT) house in Jerusalem. Hannah never lost patience or confidence that Allah (SWT) would bless her with a child upon whom she would shower all her motherly love. Allah (SWT) Granted her request. When Hannah learned that she was pregnant, both she and her husband, Imran, offered prayers of thanks to Allah (SWT) and distributed food among their poor neighbors. Unfortunately, Imran did not live long enough to see the birth of his long sought child! Hannah delivered the child, which was a female. The child was named Maryam. Hannah found it difficult to live by her promise of handing over her child in the service of Allah (SWT). The temple of Jerusalem did not accept females for service. Her relative, Prophet Zikariah (AS), counseled her and told her that Allah (SWT) knew what had been delivered and it was His design! Hannah was advised to wrap the baby and hand her over to the elders in the temple. It was a female baby, yet it was the child of their favorite and beloved leader, Imran. Hence, no objections were raised. In addition, Prophet Zikariah (AS) said, “I am the husband of her maternal aunt and her nearest relative in this temple!” and resolved the issue of her guardianship.
- 159. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 159 A secluded room was built exclusively for Maryam’s residence. Prophet Zikariah (AS) visited her daily and observed that Maryam spent most of her time worshipping Allah (SWT). As she grew in stature, so did her devotion to Allah (SWT). This progress pleased Prophet Zikariah (AS). Once Prophet Zikariah (AS) observed a strange fruit in the secluded room of Maryam, and asked her what the fruit was and who brought it to her. Maryam explained that every morning when she awakens, she finds some types of fruits or other foods in her room although all the doors and windows are locked from inside. She knew that these provisions were from Allah (SWT). He gives to whom He wills! Prophet Zikariah (AS) realized that Allah (SWT) had Designed to raise the status of Maryam above that of other women. He increased his visitations with her and spent more time teaching and guiding her to glorify Allah (SWT) and stay on the righteous path. Once, when Maryam was praying in her secluded room, an angel in the form of a man appeared before her. Terror and fear gripped her and she tried to flee, praying, and cautioning the intruder not to approach her as she was under the protection of Allah (SWT). The angel reassured her of her safety and told her that he was only a messenger in the service of Allah (SWT). He had come to give her glad tidings of a holy son. This news astonished her and she asked how this could be possible when no man has ever come close to her. The angel replied that Allah (SWT) had all the powers to design whatever He willed. All Allah (SWT) had to Say was “Be,” and what He willed became real. !$yϑ¯ΡÎ) Α$s% ∩⊇∇∪ $|‹É)s? MΖä. βÎ) y7ΖÏΒ Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§9$$Î/ èŒθããr& þ’ÎoΤÎ) ôM9$s% ∩⊇∠∪ $wƒÈθy™ #Z|³o0 $yγs9 Ÿ≅¨VyϑtFsù $oΨymρâ‘ $yγøŠs9Î) !$oΨù=y™ö‘r'sù $/$pgÉo öΝÎγÏΡρߊ ⎯ÏΒ ôNx‹sƒªB$$sù t | s θèδ Å7š/u‘ tΑ$s% Å7Ï9≡x‹. tΑ$s% ∩⊄⊃∪ $|‹Éót/ à8r& öΝs9uρ ×|³o0 ©Í_ó¡|¡ôϑtƒ öΝ9uρ ÖΝ≈n=äî ’Í< ãβθä3tƒ 4’¯Τr& ôMs9$s% ∩⊇®∪ $|‹Å2y— $Vϑ≈n=äñ Å7s9 |=yδL{ Å7În/u‘ ãΑθß™u‘ O$tΡr& u x s ∩⊄⊇∪ $|‹ÅÒø)¨Β #øΒr& šχ%x.uρ 4 $¨ΨÏiΒ ZπuΗ÷q‘uρ Ĩ$¨Ζ=Ïj9 Zπtƒ#u™ ÿ…ã&s#yèôfuΖÏ9uρ ( ×⎦Îi⎫yδ ¥’n?tã u She placed a screen between herself and them, then We sent to her Our Angel, and he appeared, before her as a man in all respects. She said, “I seek refuge from you by Allah Most Gracious. Do not come near me if you fear Allah.” He said, “Nay, I am only a messenger from your Lord, to announce to you the gift of a holy son.” She said, “How shall I have a son, seeing that no man has touched me, and I am not unchaste?” He said, “So it will be; your Lord says, “That is easy for Me. And We wish to appoint him a Sign to men and a Mercy from Us: it is a matter so decreed.” (Quran: 19/17-21) The Angel’s visit and the Decree of Allah (SWT) caused Maryam a great anxiety. With the passage of time, her anxiety increased. The possibilities of abuses and accusations being leveled and addressed to her gave her unimaginable nightmares. Sometimes she thought that the entire experience was only a nightmare which she had merely imagined! Later, when she felt the life kicking inside her, she knew that the revelations made by the angel were true. With a heavy heart, she left the temple and went back to Nazareth, the city where she had been born. She entered and stayed in a simple barn house to avoid any undue contact with the public. She was tormented with the main worry as to how she should reply to the numerous questions and slanders that people would level at her. After all, she was the child of a noble family. Her father had never been known to have any evil tendency and her mother was never an impure woman. She knew that being alone to face the tremendous challenge was not a light issue. She left the barn and wandered about aimlessly. Her womb was getting bigger and heavier. She had not gone very far from the barn when the pangs of childbirth attacked her. She was a I person; as such had no experience of such an event and she was alone. She sat and leaned
- 160. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 160 against the trunk of a dry palm tree for comfort. Then she gave birth to a son. The baby was beautiful, but the sorrow of having a child without a father was deep and painful. She cried, “I wish I had been dead and vanished under the ground before this happened to me!” Immediately, she heard, “Grieve not, your Lord has placed a rivulet below. Shake the tree, ripe dates will fall for you. Eat, drink, and regain your lost energy. Be happy. What you see is the powers of Allah Who made the dry palm tree regain life to provide food for you.” These words comforted her. Nevertheless, the newborn needed life-supporting essentials and a roof over his head. She decided to go back towards the city, but her fears haunted her. How would she explain this child? An immediate miracle gave her all the confidence. Much to her surprise, this child, born only moments ago, spoke to her, “If you meet any person, just give the sign. I am fasting for the Beneficent and will not speak to any human today.” She entered the city confidently. As she had anticipated, her entry into the city with a newborn child aroused curiosity among those who knew her. Someone scolded her: “This is a terrible sin and a terrible burden that you are carrying!” Maryam put her finger over her lips and pointed to the child. They asked her, “How can we talk to a newborn child who is still in the cradle?” But everyone was amazed when, clearly, the child answered, “I am Allah’s servant. Allah (SWT) has given me the Book, has made me a Prophet. Has blessed me wherever I may be, and has enjoined on me prayers and alms-giving as long as I live. Allah (SWT) has made me dutiful towards her who has borne me. Peace unto me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive again.” Most of those people who had heard the child speak; realized that the child was a unique phenomena and a Miracle of Allah (SWT). Still there were some among them; who thought that the infant’s speech was a magician’s trick! Nevertheless, Maryam was relieved at the reaction of the majority and accepted it to be a good omen for her to stay in Nazareth; where she would not be unduly harassed anymore. $wŠÅ¡Ζ¨Β $‹ó¡nΣ àMΖà2ρ #x‹≈yδ Ÿ≅ö6s% ‘MÏΒ ©Í_Fø‹n=≈tƒ ôMs9$s% Ï's#÷‚¨Ζ9$# Æíõ‹É` 4’n<Î) ÞÚ$y‚yϑø9$# $yδu™!%y`r'sù ∩⊄⊄∪ $|‹ÅÁs% $ZΡ%s3tΒ ⎯ÏμÎ/ ñV‹t7oKΡ$$sù çμ÷Gn=yϑyssù * u t x ’Í?ä3ù ∩⊄∈∪ $wŠÏΖy_ $Y7sÛâ‘ Å7ø‹n=tæ ñÝÉ)≈|¡è@ Ï'#÷‚¨Ζ9$# Æíõ‹Åg¿2 Å7ø‹s9Î) ü“Ìh“èδρ ∩⊄⊆∪ $wƒÎ Å7GøtrB Å7š/u‘ Ÿ≅yèy_ ô‰s% ’ÎΤt“øtrB ωr& !$pκÉJøtrB ⎯ÏΒ $yγ1yŠ$oΨsù ∩⊄⊂∪ s s u | t ( …ã&é#ÏϑøtrB $yγtΒöθ% ⎯ÏμÎ/ ôMs?r'ù ∩⊄∉∪ $|‹Å¡ΣÎ) uΘöθu‹ø9$# zΝÏk=Ÿ2é& ô⎯n=sù $YΒöθ|¹ Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§=Ï9 ßNö‘x‹tΡ ’ÎoΤÎ) þ’Í<θà)sù #Y‰tnr& Î|³;ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ¨⎦É⎪ts? $¨ΒÎ*sù ( $YΖøŠtã “Ìhs%uρ ’Î1uõ°$#uρ s s u #ø‹x. (#θä9$s% ( Ïμø‹s9Î) ôNu‘$x©'sù ∩⊄∇∪ $|‹Éó/ Å7•Βé& ôMΡ%x. $tΒuρ &™öθy™ r&tøΒ$# Ï8θç/r& tβ%x. $tΒ tβρã≈yδ |M÷zé'¯≈tƒ ∩⊄∠∪ $wƒÌsù $↔ø‹x© ÏM÷∞Å_ ô‰s)s9 ÞΟtƒöyϑ≈tƒ (#θä9$s% y r t t ©Í_≈|¹÷ρr&uρ àMΖà2 $tΒ ⎦ø⎪r& %º.‘$t7ãΒ ©Í_n=yèy_ρ ∩⊂⊃∪ $wŠÎ;tΡ ©Í_n=èy_uρ |=≈tGÅ3ø9$# z©Í_9s?#u™ «!$# ߉ö7tã ’ÎoΤÎ) tΑ$s% ∩⊄®∪ $wŠÎ6|¹ ωôγyϑø9$# ’Îû šχ%x. ⎯tΒ ãΝÏk=s3çΡ t u u y ß]yèö/é& tΠöθƒuρ ÝVθãΒ& tΠöθtƒuρ ‘N$Î!ãρ tΠθƒ ¥’n?tã ãΝ≈n=¡¡9$#ρ ∩⊂⊄∪ $|‹É)x© #Y‘$¬7y_ ©Í_ù=yèøgs† öΝs9uρ ’ÎA$Î!≡uθÎ/ #Ct/uρ ∩⊂⊇∪ $|‹ym àMøΒߊ $tΒ Íο4θŸ2¨“9$#uρ Íο4θn=¢Á9$$Î/ t r ö t u t $yϑ¯ΡÎ*sù #øΒ& #©|Ó% #sŒÎ) 4 ÿ…çμΨ≈ysö7ß™ ( 7$s!uρ ⎯ÏΒ x‹Ï‚−Gƒ βr& ¬! tβ%x. $tΒ ∩⊂⊆∪ tβρçtIôϑtƒ ÏμŠÏù “Ï%©!$# Èd,ysø9$# š^öθs% 4 zΝtƒötΒ ß⎦ø⌠$# ©|¤ŠÏã y7Ï9≡sŒ ∩⊂⊂∪ $|‹ym r s o t ∩⊂∈∪ ãβθä3u‹sù ⎯ä. …çμs9 ãΑθà)tƒ So she conceived him, and she retired with him to a remote place. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of palm tree. She cried in her anguish, “Ah! Would that I had died before this! Would that I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!” However, a voice cried to her from beneath the palm tree, “Do not grieve! For your Lord has provided a rivulet beneath you, and shake towards yourself the trunk of the palm tree, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you. So eat, drink, and cool your eye. And if you see any man, say I have vowed a
- 161. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 161 fast to Allah, Most Gracious, and this day I will not enter into any talk with any human being.” At length she brought the baby to her people, carrying him in her arms. They said, “O Maryam! Truly, an amazing thing you have brought! O sister of Haroun! Your father was not a man of evil or your mother an unchaste woman!” But she pointed to the baby. They said, “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?” The child said, “I am indeed a servant of Allah. He has given me Revelation and made a prophet; and He has made me blessed where so ever I be, and has enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live, He has made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable; So Peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life again.!” Such was Eisa the son of Maryam. It is a statement of truth, about which they vainly dispute. It is not befitting to the majesty of Allah that He should beget a son. Glory is to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, “Be” and it is. (Quran: 19/22-35) Joseph the carpenter was greatly surprised when he learned about the story of Maryam. He asked Maryam, “Can a tree come to grow without a seed?” Maryam replied, “Yes, the one that Allah created for the first time!” Joseph asked another question: “Is it possible to bear a child without a male partner?” Maryam replied, “Yes, Allah created Adam (AS) without a male or a female!” The news of the miracle of a newborn child, Eisa, talking and claiming the prophet hood upset the Jewish priests. The priests felt that a new prophet in the nation of the Israelites would create a division among their people. Naturally, if the prophet performed any new miracles, their nationals would again accept and practice the Islamic monotheism, which would displace the existing Jewish tenets. The Jewish priests’ supremacy and enforced authority over their people would dissolve, leaving them high and dry. They decided to suppress the news of the miracle of Eisa’s speaking from the cradle. This news should not be permitted to reach the masses of their nation. Instead, a vigorous campaign should be launched to defame Maryam and openly accuse her for a great moral misdeed: having a child out of wedlock! As Prophet Eisa (AS) progressed in his age, his reputation as a person of wisdom and superior knowledge also increased. Once, at the tender age of twelve, he joined a crowd listening to rabbis. All the audience was made up of adults; he was the only child. Prophet Eisa (AS) raised questions about some religious issues, which the rabbis could not answer or were unable to answer due to their limited knowledge. This was an embarrassment for the rabbis! They told him to remain silent and listen. Nevertheless, Prophet Eisa (AS) continued to question the rabbis, and sometimes would offer his interpretation by supplementing the information. The attending crowd was enjoying these exchanges and was truly amazed at the logical information that came out of the mouth of this very young person. To the crowd, Prophet Eisa (AS) appeared to be a youthful fountain of knowledge! In the past, Prophet Musa (AS) had commanded that the Sabbath, Saturday, the seventh day of the week, to be treated as a day of rest from work or business. What Prophet Musa (AS) had meant was that the Sabbath be dedicated to offer the extra prayers to worship Allah (SWT). However, the intended purpose of Sabbath was ignored; and instead new do’s and don’ts were introduced, which made a mockery of the original intention. The guardians of the law, the Pharisees, circumvented their own rules of Sabbath in exchange for a personal incentive offered to them as a bribe. Included among their rules of the Sabbath were the following: • It was prohibited to call a doctor to treat a very sick person even though the life of the patient was in jeopardy! • It was prohibited to travel more than a thousand yards!
- 162. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 162 • It was prohibited to light fires even if it was necessary to keep one warm during a chilly spell. It was on the blessed nights of Sabbath that the cruel and tyrannous authorities of the nations of Israel martyred two noble and prominent prophets; Prophets Zikariah (AS) and Yahyah (AS). It was also on the Sabbath when Prophet Eisa (AS) was commanded by Allah (SWT) to begin the call of righteousness on the children of Israel. Prophet Eisa (AS) strongly resented the strong-arm tactics used by the Pharisees and Sadducees over the poor and helpless people of the nations of Israelites. Although these Pharisees and Sadducees never agreed on many issues among themselves, they were always in complete agreement with each other on the matters of adding monetary interest. They would uniformly levy heavy interest rates on the money that they lent to the poor people of their nation. Such practices were also encouraged by their rabbis and priests. All the rabbis and the priests claimed that they were intercessors and mediators on behalf of Allah (SWT) and demanded offerings and gifts for themselves. In exchange for these offerings, they would arrange with Allah (SWT) to fulfill the prayers of their subjects. Another issue that bothered Prophet Eisa (AS) was that the priests would spoil and destroy a lot of the food that had come to the temples; instead of distributing the leftover abundant food among the poor people; who were always hungry most of the time and truly deserved such charities. Prophet Eisa (AS) declared that the Mosaic Laws revealed through Prophet Musa (AS) should be revived and reinforced for the benefit of all the nations of Israel. He openly denounced the malpractices of the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Prophet Eisa (AS) clarified that there could never be any mediators between the Creator and His creatures. Everyone had direct access to Allah (SWT) who Listens and Gives without bounds. These messages were well received among the poor masses, but were strongly opposed by those, whose major interests were to dominate and subjugate the helpless. The rabbis and the priests called upon their people to pay no attention to the sermons of Prophet Eisa (AS) as he was trying to change the Taurat that was revealed to Prophet Musa (AS). Prophet Eisa (AS) declared and vehemently clarified that he did not come to abrogate the Taurat, but that his mission was to complete it by going to the spirit of its substance and arrive at its essence. Prophet Eisa (AS) clarified that the Ten Commandments meant more than what was being interpreted by the rabbis. Moreover, there were many ways the Ten Commandments were being misused by those who were powerful and the leaders of their tribes. • The properties of the orphans were being diluted with high interest rates. • False testimonies were being offered. • Prayers had been replaced with worships not sanctioned by Allah (SWT). • The worst form of illegal sexuality was the exhibition of the nakedness and hungry looks of passion. • The people were involved in hoarding the wealth for living in their worldly life rather than to prepare and send something for their eternal abode in the Hereafter. • The life of this earth was temporary, while the life of the Hereafter was everlasting. • Allah (SWT) was the Forgiver and the Merciful. Humans should be more compassionate to each other as well. The sermons and the teachings of Prophet Eisa (AS) were being widely received and respected by the masses. The priests were annoyed that their own people were ignoring them.
- 163. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 163 These priests launched multiple campaigns to slander and embarrass Prophet Eisa (AS) and his mission. One of the accusations they leveled against Prophet Eisa (AS) was that he was destroying the Mosaic Law. To support and prove this accusation, the priests brought a Jewish woman to Prophet Eisa (AS) and told him that the woman was a confessed adulteress. According to the Mosaic Law, she deserved to be stoned to death! The priests asked Prophet Eisa (AS) if he was in agreement with the sentence of stoning her to death. Prophet Eisa (AS) looked at the woman and replied, “Yes!” The priests had not expected this affirmation. They had anticipated that Prophet Eisa (AS) would rule against the death and replace it with a milder sentence as a mercy and compassion; which had been his preaching to his followers. On the other hand, Prophet Eisa (AS) was also well aware that the priests were trying to trap and publicly disgrace him for what they thought would be the violation the Mosaic Law. There was a large crowd of onlookers who were anxiously listening to these exchanges. Prophet Eisa (AS) told the priests, “She deserves to be stoned to death for her adultery and is so sentenced. Make sure that only those among you who are sinless caste the stones!” The priests and those people who had assembled knew that not a single person among them could be sure that he was sinless! The woman was released. She bent down in front of Prophet Eisa (AS), who prayed for her: “O Lord, forgive her sins.” Prophet Eisa (AS) performed some miracles, by the Mercy of Allah (SWT), which had: • Brought some people back to life after their death! • Cured some lepers! • Provided sight to some of those; who were born blind! These miracles were a gift from Allah (SWT) to assist this prophet in his mission among those who had set up their own laws of worship and prayers. The priests, although having seen the miracle of resurrection, tried to defame Prophet Eisa (AS) by saying that only the people who had died recently were resurrected; maybe they were not dead at all! Their challenge to Prophet Eisa (AS) was to bring back Sam, the son of Prophet Nuh (AS). Prophet Eisa (AS) asked these challengers to take him to Sam’s grave. A large number of the people of the city also gathered at the gravesite. Prophet Eisa (AS) prayed to Allah (SWT) for divine help in resurrecting Sam. The grave split open and Sam, the son of Prophet Nuh (AS), walked out. Sam was gray-haired! Prophet Eisa (AS) asked Sam, “How did you get gray hair, as there was no aging in your time?” Sam replied, “O Spirit of Allah! I thought that the Day of Judgment had resurrected me. The fear of that Day caused my hair to turn gray.” Νà69 ß,è=÷z& þ’ÎoΤr& ( öΝà6În/§‘ ⎯ÏiΒ 7πƒ$t↔Î/ Νä3çGø⁄Å_ ô‰% ’ÎoΤr& Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t/ 4’n<Î) »ωθß™u‘uρ ∩⊆∇∪ Ÿ≅‹ÅgΥM}$#uρ sπ1u‘öθ−G9$#uρ sπyϑò6Ïtø:$#uρ |=≈tGÅ3ø9$# çμßϑÏk=yèãƒuρ s r t s $yϑÎ/ Νä3ã⁄Îm;tΡé&uρ ( «!$# ÈβøŒÎ*Î/ 4’tAöθuΚø9$# Ä©óré&uρ š⇑tö/F{$#uρ tμyϑò2F{$# Û˜Ìö/é&uρ ( «!$# ÈβøŒÎ*Î/ #MösÛ ãβθä3u‹sù Ïμ‹Ïù ã‡àΡr'ù Îö©Ü9$# Ïπt↔øŠyγx. È⎦⎫ÏeÜ9$# š∅ÏiΒ s ¨≅ÏmT{uρ Ïπ1u‘öθ−G9$# š∅ÏΒ £“‰ƒ š⎥÷⎫t/ $yϑÏj9 $]%Ïd‰ÁãΒuρ ∩⊆®∪ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟçFΖä. βÎ) öΝä3©9 ZπtƒUψ y7Ï9≡sŒ ’Îû ¨βÎ) 4 öΝà6Ï?θã‹ç/ ’Îû tβρãÅz£‰s? $tΒuρ tβθè=ä.ù's? y t | ÔÞ≡uÅÀ #x‹≈yδ 3 çνρ߉ç6ôã$$sù öΝà6š/u‘uρ †În1u‘ ©!$# ¨βÎ) ∩∈⊃∪ Èβθãè‹ÏÛr&uρ ©!$# (#θà)¨?$$sù öΝà6În/§‘ ⎯ÏiΒ 7πtƒ$t↔Î/ /ä3çGø⁄Å_uρ 4 öΝà6ø‹n=tæ tΠÌhãm “Ï%©!$# uÙ÷èt/ Νà6s9 ô‰γô©$#uρ «!$$Î/ $¨ΨtΒ#u™ «!$# â‘$|ÁΡr& ß⎯øtwΥ šχθ•ƒÍ‘#uθysø9$# š^$s% ( «!$# ’n<Î) ü“Í‘$|ÁΡr& ô⎯tΒ tΑ$s% tøä3ø9$# ãΝåκ÷]ÏΒ 4†|¤ŠÏã ¡§mr& !$£ϑn=sù * ∩∈⊇∪ ÒΟŠÉ)tGó¡•Β y y
- 164. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 164 çöyz ª!$#uρ ( ª!$# tx6Βuρ (#ρãx6Βρ ∩∈⊂∪ š⎥⎪ωÎγ≈¤±9$# yìtΒ $oΨö;çFò2$$sù tΑθß™§9$# $oΨ÷èt7¨?$#uρ |Mø9t“Ρr& !$yϑÎ/ $¨ΨtΒ#u™ !$oΨ−/u‘ ∩∈⊄∪ šχθßϑÎ=ó¡ãΒ $¯Ρr'Î/ t t u ∩∈⊆∪ t⎦⎪ÌÅ3≈yϑø9$# And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And appoint him a Messenger to the Children of Israel with this message, “I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah’s leave: and I heal those born blind, and lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah’s leave; and I declare to you what you eat, and what you store in your house. Surely therein is a Sign for you if you did believe; I have come to you, to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was before forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me. It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a way that is straight.” When Eisa found unbelief on their part, he said: “Who will be my helpers in the work of Allah? Said the Disciples: “We are Allah’s helpers: we believe in Allah; and you bear witness that we are Muslims. Our Lord! We believe in what You have revealed, and we follow the Messenger: then write us down among those who bear witness.” And the unbelievers plotted and planned and Allah too planned, and the best of planners is Allah. (Quran: 3/48-54) øŒÎ)ρ ( WξôγŸ2ρ ωôγyϑø9$# ’Îû }¨$¨Ψ9$# ÞΟÏk=s3è? Ĩ߉à)ø9$# ÇyρãÎ/ š›?‰−ƒr& øŒÎ) y7Ï?t$Î!≡uρ 4’n?ãuρ y7ø‹n=ã ©ÉLyϑ÷èÏΡ öà2øŒ$# zΝtƒótΒ t⎦ø⌠$# ©|¤ŠÏè≈tƒ ª!$# tΑ$s% øŒÎ) u u t t ä—Îö9è?uρ ( ’ÎΤøŒÎ*Î/ #MösÛ ãβθä3Fsù $pκÏù ã‡àΖtFsù ’ÎΤøŒÎ*Î/ Îö©Ü9$# Ïπt↔øŠyγx. È⎦⎫ÏeÜ9$# z⎯ÏΒ ß,è=øƒB øŒÎ)uρ ( Ÿ≅‹ÅgΥM}$#uρ sπ1u‘öθ−G9$#uρ sπyϑõ3Ïtø:$#uρ |=≈tFÅ6ø9$# šçFôϑ¯=tæ t r (#ρãxx. ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# Α$s)sù ÏM≈uΖÉi7ø9$$Î/ ΟßγtGø⁄Å_ øŒÎ) šΖtã Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t/ àMøxŸ2 øŒÎ)uρ ( ’ÎΤøŒÎ*Î/ 4’tAöθyϑø9$# ßlÌøƒéB øŒÎ)uρ ( ’ÎΤøŒÎ*Î/ š⇑tö/F{$#uρ tμyϑò2F{$# t t t ∩⊇⊇ ∪ tβθßϑÎ=ó¡ãΒ $oΨ¯Ρ'Î/ ô‰pκô−$#uρ $¨ΨtΒ#u™ (#þθä9$s% ’Í<θß™tÎ/uρ †Î1 (#θãΨÏΒ#u™ ÷βr& z⎯↵ÎiƒÍ‘#uθysø9$# ’n<Î) àMø‹ym÷ρr& øŒÎ)uρ ∩⊇⊇⊃∪ Ñ⎥⎫Î7•Β ÖósÅ™ ωÎ) !#x‹≈yδ ÷βÎ) öΝåκ÷]ÏΒ r Then will Allah say, ”O Eisa the son of Maryam! Recount My favor to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the holy spirit, so that you spoke to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold! You made out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My leave, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! You brought forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from violence to you when you showed them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said; This is nothing but magic. And Behold! I inspired the Disciples to have faith in Me and Mine Messenger: they said, “We have faith, and you bear witness that we bow to Allah as Muslims.” (Quran: 5/110-115) Prophet Eisa (AS) instructed his disciples to fast for thirty days. The disciples complied, and at the end of the fasting period of thirty days, the disciples asked him to bring the food from Heaven to break their fast. Prophet Eisa (AS) knew that his disciples had some doubts about the powers of Allah (SWT). He prayed for food from Heaven. People of the area observed that a fully covered table sandwiched between two clouds was coming downwards. Prophet Eisa (AS) immediately raised his hands in a prayer towards the heavens and said, “O Lord! Make it a mercy and not a cause of distress.” The fully covered table landed on the hands of Prophet Eisa (AS). Prophet Eisa (AS) and his disciples prostrated and offered prayers of thanks to Allah (SWT). Prophet Eisa (AS) said, “The one who is most devout and most righteous may uncover the table that we might eat to thank Allah (SWT) for it.” The disciples said, “O Spirit of Allah! You are the most deserving.” Prophet Eisa (As) uncovered the table and there was all types of heavenly food including roasted fish. One of the disciples said, “O Spirit of Allah is this food the food of this world or of Paradise?”
- 165. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 165 Prophet Eisa (AS) replied, “Did not Allah (SWT) Forbid you to ask such questions? It is the divine power of Allah (SWT) who Says, “Be,” and it becomes whatever Allah (SWT) wills!” The food of the table was shared between thousands of city-dwellers, none of whom got up hungry from the table! t⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΝçGΨà2 βÎ) ©!$# (#θà)®?$# tΑ$s% ( Ï™!$yϑ¡¡9$# z⎯ÏiΒ Zοy‰Í←!$tΒ $oΨøŠn=tã tΑÍi”t∴ムβr& š•/u‘ ßì‹ÏÜtGó¡o„ ö≅yδ zΟtƒötΒ t⎦ø⌠$# ©|¤ŠÏè≈tƒ šχθ•ƒÍ‘#uθysø9$# tΑ$s% øŒÎ) ¢Οßγ¯=9$# zΝtƒóΒ ß⎦ø⌠$# ©|¤ŠÏã Α$s% ∩⊇⊇⊂∪ t⎦⎪ωÎγ≈¤±9$# z⎯ÏΒ $uηøŠn=tæ tβθä3tΡuρ $uΖtFø%y‰|¹ ô‰% βr& zΝn=÷ètΡuρ $oΨç/θè=è% ¨⎦È⌡uΚôÜs?uρ $pκ÷]ÏΒ Ÿ≅à2ù'¯Ρ βr& ߉ƒÌçΡ (#θä9$s% ∩⊇⊇⊄∪ t t s $yγä9Íi”t∴ãΒ ’ÎoΤÎ) ª!$# Α$s% ∩⊇⊇⊆∪ t⎦⎫Ï%Η≡§9$# çöyz MΡr&ρ $oΨø%ã—ö‘$#uρ ( y7ΖÏiΒ Zπtƒ#u™uρ $tΡÌÅz#u™uρ $oΨÏ9¨ρX{ #Y‰ŠÏã $oΨs9 ãβθä3s? Ï™!$yϑ¡¡9$# z⎯ÏiΒ Zοy‰Í←!$tΒ $oΨø‹n=tã öΑÌ“Ρr& !$oΨ−/u‘ t | u ∩⊇⊇∈∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# z⎯ÏiΒ #Y‰tnr& ÿ…çμç/Éj‹ãé& Hω $/#x‹tã …çμç/Éj‹tãé& þ’ÎoΤÎ*sù öΝä3ΖÏΒ ß‰÷èt/ öàõ3tƒ ⎯yϑsù ( öΝä3ø‹n=tæ t Behold! The Disciples said: “O Eisa the son of Maryam! Can your Lord send down to us a Table set with foods from heaven?” Eisa said, “Fear Allah, if you have faith.” They said, “We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.” Eisa the son of Maryam said: “O Allah our Lord! Send us down from heaven a Table set with foods, that there may be for us – for the first and the last of us- a solemn festival and a Sign from You; and provide for our sustenance, for You are the best Sustainer of our needs.” Allah said, “I will send it down to you; but if any of you after that resists faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on any one among all the peoples.” (Quran:5/112-115) ’Í< §øŠs9 $tΒ tΑθè%r& ÷β& þ’Í< ãβθä3ƒ $tΒ 7oΨ≈ysö6ß™ tΑ$s% ( «!$# Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ È⎦÷⎫yγ≈s9Î) u’ÍhΓé&uρ ’ÎΤρä‹ÏƒªB$# Ĩ$¨Ζ=Ï9 |Mù=è% |MΡr&u™ zΝtƒótΒ t⎦ø⌠$# ©|¤ŠÏè≈tƒ ª!$# tΑ$s% øŒÎ)uρ } r t y ©Í_s?ósΔ& !$Β ωÎ) öΝçλm; àMù=è% $tΒ ∩⊇⊇∉∪ É>θã‹äóø9$# ãΝ≈¯=ã |MΡr& y7¨ΡÎ) 4 y7Å¡øtΡ ’Îû $tΒ ÞΟn=ôãr& Iωuρ ©Å¤øtΡ ’Îû $tΒ ãΝn=÷ès? 4 …çμtGôϑÎ=tæ ô‰s)sù …çμçFù=è% àMΖä. βÎ) 4 @d,ysÎ/ r t t Íκy− &™ó©x« Èe≅ä. 4’n?ã MΡr&uρ 4 öΝÍκön=tã =‹Ï%§9$# |MΡr& |MΨä. ©Í_tGøŠ©ùθs? $£ϑn=sù ( öΝÍκÏù àMøΒߊ $¨Β #Y‰‹Íκy− öΝÍκön=tã àMΖä.ρ 4 öΝä3−/u‘uρ ’În1u‘ ©!$# (#ρ߉ç6ôã$# Èβr& ÿ⎯ÏμÎ/ t | | u u ×M≈¨Ψy_ öΝçλm; 4 öΝßγè%ô‰Ï¹ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈¢Á9$# ßìΖtƒ ãΠöθtƒ #x‹≈yδ ª!$# tΑ$s% ∩⊇⊇∇∪ ÞΟŠÅ3tø:$# Ⓝ͕yèø9$# |MΡr& y7¯ΡÎ*sù öΝßγs9 öÏøós? βÎ)uρ ( x8ߊ$t6Ïã öΝåκ¨ΞÎ*sù öΝåκö5Éj‹yèè? βÎ) ∩⊇⊇∠∪ x p £⎯ÍκÏù $tΒρ ÇÚö‘F{$#uρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# à7ù=ãΒ ¬! ∩⊇⊇®∪ ãΛ⎧Ïàèø9$# ã—öθxø9$# y7Ï9≡sŒ 4 çμ÷Ζtã (#θàÊu‘uρ öΝåκ÷]tã ª!$# z©Å̧‘ 4 #Y‰t/r& !$pκÏù t⎦⎪Ï$Î#≈yz ã≈yγ÷ΡF{$# $yγÏFøtrB ⎯ÏΒ “ÌøgrB u y ∩⊇⊄⊃∪ 7ƒÏ‰s% &™ó©x« Èe≅ä. 4’n?tã uθèδuρ 4 And behold! Allah will say: “O Eisa the son of Maryam! Did you say to men, worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of Allah?” He will say, “Glory to You! Never could I say what I had no right to say. Had I said such a thing, You would indeed have known it. You know what is in my heart, though I do not know what is in Yours. For You know in full all that is hidden. Never said I to them, anything except what you commanded me to say, that ‘Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord’ and I was a witness over them whilst I dwelt amongst them; when You took me up. You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. If You punish them, they are Your servants; if You forgive them, You are the Exalted in power, the Wise.” Allah will say: “This is a day on which the truthful will profit from their truth; theirs are Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath, - their eternal home: Allah well-pleased with them, and they with Allah: that is the great Salvation.” To Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, and it is He who has power over all things. (Quran: 5/116-120) With the miracles and the popularity of Prophet Eisa (AS) on the increase among the materially poor people of the Israelites, the priests conferred and decided to get rid of the prophet. They knew that only the poor people of their nation were the followers and supporters of Prophet Eisa (AS). These poor followers were powerless and remained submissive to the authority of the politically powerful priests.
- 166. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 166 To safeguard against even a slight chance of a revolt by the poor dwellers of the city, the might of the Roman Empire was used in the execution of the plans by the local priests. The priests convinced the Roman governor that Prophet Eisa (AS) was planning an uprising against the empire and was, therefore, a security risk that had to be contained immediately. The priests requested the assistance of the Roman soldiers only to arrest Prophet Eisa (AS). Their own council of the high priests would hold the trial. The council also enlisted the aid of one of the disciples of Prophet Eisa (AS), Judas Iscariot, in locating and capturing the prophet. However, Allah (SWT) saved Prophet Eisa (AS) by raising him, in person, to Heaven! Another person, some say it was Judas Iscariot, was transformed by Allah (SWT) to look like the Prophet Eisa (AS). This person, and not Prophet Eisa (AS), was crucified on the cross along with two other notorious criminals. $tΒ 4 çμ÷ΖÏiΒ 7e7x© ’Å∀9 Ïμ‹Ïù (#θàn=tG÷z$# ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ¨βÎ)uρ 4 öΝçλm; tμÎm7ä© ⎯Å3≈s9uρ çνθç7n=|¹ $tΒuρ çνθè=tFs% $tΒuρ «!$# tΑθß™u‘ zΝtƒótΒ t⎦ø⌠$# ©|¤ŠÏã yx‹Å¡pRùQ$# $uΖù=tGs% $¯ΡÎ) öΝÎγÏ9öθs%uρ s t ωÎ) É=≈tGÅ3ø9$# È≅÷δ& ⎯ÏiΒ βÎ)uρ ∩⊇∈∇∪ $ΚŠÅ3m #¹“ƒÍ•tã ª!$# tβ%x.uρ 4 Ïμø‹s9Î) ª!$# çμyèù§‘ ≅t/ ∩⊇∈∠∪ $KΖŠÉ)tƒ çνθè=tFs% $tΒuρ 4 Çd⎯©à9$# tí$t7Ïo?$# ωÎ) AΟù=Ïæ ô⎯ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÎ/ Μçλm; r ô y s ∩⊇∈®∪ #Y‰‹Íκy− öΝÍκön=tã ãβθä3tƒ Ïπyϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# tΠöθtƒuρ ( ⎯ÏμÏ?öθtΒ Ÿ≅ö6s% ⎯ÏμÎ/ ¨⎦s⎞ÏΒ÷σã‹s9 That they boasted, “We killed Christ; Eisa, the son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah,” but they did not kill him, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, with no certain knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, for of a surety they did not kill him. Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise. And there is none of the People of the Book but must believe in Him before his death; and on the Day of Judgment He will be a witness against them. (Quran: 4/157-159) (#öθ㊠βr& ∩®⊃∪ #ƒ‰δ ãΑ$t6Ågø:$# ”σrBuρ ÞÚö‘F{$# ‘,t±Ψs?uρ çμ÷ΖÏΒ tβö©ÜxtGtƒ ßN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# ߊ%x6s? ∩∇®∪ #tŠÎ) $º↔ø‹x© ÷Λä⎢÷∞Å_ ô‰s)©9 ∩∇∇∪ #V$s!uρ ß⎯≈oΗ÷q§9$# x‹sƒªB$# (#θä9$s%uρ t y y ô‰)©9 ∩®⊂∪ #Y‰ö7tã Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§9$# ’ÎA#u™ HωÎ) ÇÚö‘F{$#uρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# ’Îû ⎯tΒ ‘≅à2 βÎ) ∩®⊄∪ #µ$s!ρ x‹Ï‚−Gtƒ βr& Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§=Ï9 ©Èöt7.⊥tƒ $tΒuρ ∩®⊇∪ #V$s!uρ Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§=Ï9 s u ∩®∈∪ #·Šösù Ïπyϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# Πöθtƒ Ïμ‹Ï?#u™ öΝßγ=ä.uρ ∩®⊆∪ #t‰tã öΝè䣉tãuρ ÷Λàι9|Áômr& t They say, “Allah, The Most Gracious has begotten a son!” Indeed you have put forth a thing most monstrous! At it the skies are ready to burst, the earth to split asunder, and the mountains to fall down in utter ruin. That Allah should invoke a son for Allah, The Most Gracious? For it is not consonant with the majesty of Allah, The Most Gracious that He should beget a son. Not one of the beings in the heavens and the earth but must come to Allah, The Most Gracious, except as a servant. He takes an account of them all, and has numbered them all exactly. And every one of them will come to Him singly on the Day of Judgment. (Quran: 19/88-95)
- 167. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 167 PROPHET MOHAMMED (SAW) Ç⎯ã öΝßγ8pκ÷]tƒuρ Å∃ρã÷èyϑø9$$Î/ ΝèδããΒù'ƒ È≅‹ÅgΥM}$#uρ Ïπ1u‘öθ−G9$# ’Îû öΝèδy‰ΨÏã $¹/θçGõ3tΒ …çμtΡρ߉Ågs† “Ï%©!$# ¥_ÍhΓW{$# ¢©É<¨Ζ9$# tΑθß™§9$# šχθãèÎ7−Ftƒ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# t t ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$$sù 4 óΟÎγøŠn=tæ ôMtΡ%x. ©ÉL©9$# Ÿ≅≈n=øñF{$#uρ öΝèδuñÀÎ) öΝßγ÷Ζtã ßìŸÒtƒuρ y]Íׯ≈t6y‚ø9$# ÞΟÎγøŠn=tæ ãΠÌhptä†uρ ÏM≈t6Íh‹©Ü9$# ÞΟßγs9 ‘≅Ïtä†uρ Ìx6Ψßϑø9$# ∩⊇∈∠∪ šχθßsÎ=øßϑø9$# ãΝèδ y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé& ÿ…çμyètΒ tΑÌ“Ρé& ü“Ï%©!$# u‘θ‘Ζ9$# (#θãèt7¨?$#uρ çνρã|ÁtΡuρ çνρ⑨“tãuρ Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and Gospel which are with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and will forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all god things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honor him, and help him and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are successful. (Quran: 7/157) Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was born in Makkah, on August 2, 570. The Arabic date was 12 Rabi’ Al-Awwal. His mother was Aminah from the Zahrah family. His father was Abdullah, son of Abdul Muttalib, the leader of the Hashemite clan in the Quresh tribe. Traditionally, the leader of the Hashemite clan was the Keeper of the Ka’bah. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his first- born son Prophet Ismail (AS) had built the Ka’bah. The lineage of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is directly linked to that of Prophet Ismail (AS), the co-builder of the Ka’bah. Prophet Ismail (AS) was the first-born son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). Prophet Mohammed’s (SAW) father, Abdullah, had died before his birth and his mother, Aminah, died before his sixth birthday. This orphan was taken over by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib. Abdul Muttalib died two years later. Abu Talib, son of Abdul Muttalib, took over the responsibility of caring and raising his orphan nephew. Makkah had flourished economically; it had two times the wealth of other inhabitations in the area. The two most prominent reasons for this prosperity were: • First, because it was situated on the main trade route of Arabia; thus, it became a well- developed and favorite stopping place for all the caravans; • Second, it had the Ka’bah, where thousands of people would come annually to pay homage to their gods. Ka’bah had hundreds of manufactured idols and images of gods within its four walls. The pagans held regular annual festivals to celebrate their idols! Economically, the inhabitants of Mak’ah and the surrounding areas were very rich, but spiritually the entire Arabia was in its darkest era of ignorance, paganism, and idolatry. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) had spent most of his youth in those surroundings and witnessed these and many other pagan rituals. Strangely, he was never influenced by what he saw or heard. As a child, he was occupied in looking after the sheep herds of his uncle, Abu Talib. When he started his teenage years, he accompanied his uncle, Abu Talib, on trade missions to Syria and Iraq. During one of these trips, a Christian monk observed him and, pointing towards Prophet Mohammed (SAW), advised his uncle Abu Talib to take extra care and protect him from the people of his nation. This monk did not explain his reason, for this specific caution, to Abu Talib; regarding his nephew. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) spent the most of his teenage years developing and looking after the business of his uncle, Abu Talib. The business flourished, and so did the personality and fame of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was a mild-mannered person of an excellent character, and was the most trustworthy in all dealings. Although he was an illiterate and remained an illiterate
- 168. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 168 throughout his life, he was frequently the most sought person to mediate in personal disputes or for his wise consul in the matters which involved trust. His judgment and fairness was accepted and appreciated by both the plaintiffs and the respondents involved in any dispute. He was the best mediator and never took sides in any disputes brought to him. His people vested upon him an irrevocable title of “Al-Ameen,” which means “the trustworthy.” In spite of his popularity among his people, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) preferred to spend his free time meditating and relaxing alone, by himself, in the surrounding deserts or the nearby mountain caves. He preferred to be away, realizing that it would be a temporary relief and would usually last for short durations. He was trying to escape, from, what were to him, the most puzzling customs and traditions of the Arabs. • The Arabs vigorously celebrated the births of male children in their families but resented the births of the female children, most of whom they buried alive, immediately upon birth! • The bloody feuds among the families and clans lasted for all the future generations. There was never an end to the revenge killings! • The women were downtrodden and had no civil rights within their society! • The oppressive treatments meted out to the slaves were, mostly, inhumane! • The visitors and the strangers were being robbed of their possessions! • The superstitions and the pagan rituals being practiced were disgraceful! At the age of twenty-five, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was delegated to lead a trade caravan of a noble and rich widow, Khadijah, from the Qureshites. The caravan generated and returned with huge profits for Khadijah. She was highly impressed with the honesty and the personality of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Khadijah proposed and sought his hand in marriage. Khadijah was forty years of age while Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was only twenty-five years old! His uncle, Abu Talib, advised Prophet Mohammed (SAW) to accept the proposal and solemnize the marriage. The marriage produced the happiness, comfort, and a close company of a consoling partner for Prophet Mohammed (SAW). It also gave him a political voice among the community. After the death of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib; the authority and the duties of the Caretaker of the Ka’bah had been divided among the ten prominent family heads of the Qureshites. However, there existed blood feuds among them; thus, there was never an agreement on major issues. Some of the major issues facing them included the laws related to the safety and security of everyone in Makkah. Neither the citizens nor the visitors felt safe in the city. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) proposed that a joint body be formed to face the lawlessness and protect those who needed protection from the oppressors and the criminals. The work of this body, called Fudul, meaning ‘favors,’ generated a sigh of relief among the people and the visitors to Makkah. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) maintained his aloofness and continued with his meditations on the outskirts of Makkah. At the age of thirty-five, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) confronted a situation that threatened to plunge the entire Arabia into a bloody civil war. The Ka’bah had deteriorated in a state of disrepair. The otherwise amicable reconstruction process was interrupted by a dispute. The dispute arose due to an issue; the issue was to decide who should have the honor to raise the black-stone, and affix it appropriately. The black-stone had been brought from Paradise by
- 169. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 169 Prophet Adam (AS). Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Ismail (AS) had affixed this black-stone as the corner stone in the Ka’bah. Each tribe claimed that the right to affix the black-stone was theirs! The tribes had drawn their swords and would not hesitate to use the swords to enforce their beliefs. The seniors among them suggested that this grave matter be settled by the fate. All of them agreed that the first person entering the main gate would make this decision for them. The first person who entered the gate was Prophet Mohammed (SAW). He was told about their dispute and their priority status among the tribes. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) suggested that all the tribes had equal rights and equal status; therefore, they must participate equally in raising the black-stone. He suggested that the black-stone should be placed on a sheet; all the tribal elders would hold the sheet at its ends and raise it to the level required and place the black-stone in its place. The tribal elders requested the Al-Ameen join them in their project; for after they had raised the black-stone to the requisite level, he should be the one to place the black-stone in its place on the wall of the Ka’bah! Almighty Allah (SWT) appears to have Decreed that the heavenly black stone, brought to the earth by the First Prophet, Adam (AS), should be finally placed in Ka’bah by none other than His Last Prophet and Messenger, Mohammed (SAW) His uncle, Abu Talib, had lost a lot of his wealth in the misadventures associated with the caravans and the trade. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) attempted to relieve some of the financial obligations of his uncle, Abu Talib, by adopting and educating his two cousins, Ali and Akil. Both Ali and Akil were the sons of Abu Talib. Khadijah bore seven children for Prophet Mohammed (SAW); three sons and four daughters. All the sons had died in their childhood; however, Ali became the symbol of his love. It was as if he became a father of Ali; and Ali loved to being treated as a son for him. Khadijah had also given a young slave boy to the prophet as a gift from her. This slave was Zaid Ibn Haritha. Zaid had been brought as a captive into Makkah and sold to Khadijah. Zaid’s father Haritha learned the whereabouts of his son, came to Prophet Mohammed (SAW), and offered a large sum for his ransom and freedom. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) suggested, “Let Zaid decide this issue! If he chooses to go with you, you can take him without paying any ransom. But if he chooses to stay with me, he should be allowed to stay here.” When Zaid was asked his preference, he declared that he wanted to stay with his master where he was treated as if he was the only son of the family. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) sealed this bond by taking Zaid to the Ka’bah; he placed his hand on the black-stone and publicly declared that Zaid was the adopted son of Mohammed. Haritha, father of Zaid, supported this adoption and left Makkah having satisfied himself about the better status of his son. Thereafter Zaid was always called, the son of Mohammed. By the age of forty, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) had increased his excursions towards the outskirts of Makkah. He frequently visited the cave of Mount Hira, sometimes alone, at other times his family accompanied him. Sometimes he would spend whole nights in solitary meditations in the cave. It was a place of solace for him, where he found a mysterious peace; away from the rituals of the everyday events of the life. Once whilst meditating in the cave of Mount Hira, Angel Jibrail (Gabriel) (AS), approached Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and said, “Read!” Prophet Mohammed (SAW) replied, “I cannot read. I am an illiterate!”
- 170. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 170 Angel Jibrail (AS) embraced and hugged hard Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and repeated, “Read!” Again, the Prophet replied, “I am not a reader!” Angel Jibrail (AS) again tightened the embrace and said, ∩⊆∪ ÉΟ=)ø9$$Î/ Ο¯=tæ “Ï%©!$# ∩⊂∪ ãΠtø.F{$# 7š/u‘uρ ù&tø%$# ∩⊄∪ @,n=tã ô⎯ÏΒ z⎯≈|¡ΣM}$# t,n=y{ ∩⊇∪ t,n=y{ “Ï%©!$# y7În/u‘ ÉΟó™$$Î/ ù&tø%$# ns z y Read! In the name of your Lord and Cherisher, Who created, Created man, out of a mere clot of congealed blood: Read! And your Lord is Most Bountiful., He Who taught the use of the Pen.” (Quran: 96/1-4) Prophet Mohammed (SAW) continued to repeat these words, out of fear. When he realized that the Angel had disappeared from his vicinity, he ran home; sweating and repeating what he was told to read. When his wife Khadijah saw him, she got worried at his physical appearance; he was sweating profusely and his body was shaking with fear. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) told her to wrap him up with a blanket. Ever loving and gentle Khadijah immediately wrapped him up and tried to pacify him. She was anxious to learn about the circumstances that had brought him to this condition. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) related his strangest experience to her, adding that it scared him! He was also afraid that if he had imagined it, he was on the verge of loosing his sanity! Khadijah consoled and reassured him against having such thoughts. Khadijah reminded him, “You always speak the truth! You are faithful in trust! You care for everyone! You are the most charitable! You are always hospitable and assist those in need! There is nothing for you to be afraid off!” Prophet Mohammed (SAW) again related his experience and repeated the words he had been told to read. When Khadijah heard the miraculous words, she reassured her husband and told him that she had a full faith in him and would not doubt that whatever he had experienced was not a figment of his imagination. After she was satisfied that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) had calmed down and was resting comfortably, Khadijah, went to her cousin, Waraqa Ibn Naufal, and told him about the strange event experienced by her husband, and the words relayed to him. Waraqa was a blind old man. He was fully versed and had translated into Arabic, the Scriptures of the Jews and Christians. He exclaimed, “I am sure that is Namus – The Holy Spirit- who had also come to Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Musa (AS); and later to Maryam, the mother of Prophet Eisa (AS)! O Khadijah! I think Mohammed is the Last Prophet that was mentioned in all the Scriptures!” Upon hearing this, Khadijah, ran home to Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and told him what she had learnt. Thereafter she took the hand of her husband, and pledged, “He in whose hands stands the life of Khadijah bears witness that you always speak the truth and that you are a Righteous!” Later Waraqa Ibn Naufal, the blind cleric, met Prophet Mohammed (SAW) in the street; Waraqa addressed him and said, “I swear by Him, Who Holds the life of Waraqa, Allah has chosen you to be the Prophet of these people. They will call you a liar. They will persecute you. They will banish you and they will fight against you. You will have to be very strong for your mission!” So saying, Waraqa kissed the Prophet (SAW) on his forehead. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) continued with his routine of meditations in the cave of Mount Hira. A few days later, he heard:
- 171. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 171 ∩⊂∪ ÷Éi9s3sù y7−/u‘uρ ∩⊄∪ ö‘É‹Ρr'sù óΟè% ∩⊇∪ ãÏoO£‰ßϑø9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ “O you wrapped up in a mantle! Arise and deliver your warning! And do magnify your Lord!” (Quran: 74/1-3) Prophet Mohammed (SAW) arose, recalled the message he had just heard, and decided to act upon it. He went home to his wife, Khadijah, and repeated what he had just heard in the cave. This revelation was a confirmation of what her cousin, Waraqa, had told her. She knew that her husband had been chosen to be the Prophet and Messenger of Allah (SWT). She pledged her allegiance to his mission. Khadijah was the first person to accept the Prophet Hood of her husband and pledged to follow him, and practice whatever he preached. After Khadijah, his cousin, Ali Ibn Talib, accepted and pledged allegiance to the mission of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Prophet Mohammed (SAW) started preaching his message to the people who were closest to him. Prophet Mohammed (SAW), his wife Khadijah and his cousin, Ali, started the ritual of going away from people, in the solitudes of the desert and meditate. This meditation gave them the satisfaction of a mysterious achievement. Their people were the pagans and the worshippers of the idols. Yet all the three discovered that their meditations, in the desert, gave them more than personal satisfaction; it uplifted their individual spirits! Once, whilst all the three of them were in meditations, Abu Talib came to them and asked. “O son of my brother! What is this religion you are following?” The Prophet replied, “It is the oneness of Allah! The Truth of His Messengers! Allah (SWT) Has instructed me to show the Truth!” Abu Talib turned to his son, Ali and asked, “Do you follow him and his religion?” Ali Ibn Talib replied, “I believe in Allah (SWT)! And I believe in His Prophet and go with him!” Abu Talib said, “I cannot abandon the religion of my father. But if you have decided to follow Mohammed, you are free to go with him.” Zaid, the adopted son of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was the next person to accept his adopted father as the Prophet. Abu Bakr (RA), a prominent and a leading trader from the Quresh tribe also joined Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and promised, to fully support him; in his mission. Abu Bakr (RA) was a wealthy merchant; had an impeccable reputation for honesty and the integrity. His association with the new faith provided a great moral strength to Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Soon afterwards, five more notable members of their tribe presented themselves to the Prophet (SAW) and pledged allegiance to his mission. More members of the general population also started joining the movement in small numbers. Even though their numbers were increasing, the movement continued to meet in secrecy for almost three years. Their principle objective was to discourage the idol-worships and the prevailing pagan rituals being practiced then. Both these objectives were against the overall interests of the Qureshites. After three years new Divine inspirations urged Prophet Mohammed (SAW) to openly, and publicly declare the Message revealed to him! Prophet Mohammed (SAW) started preaching Oneness of Allah and condemned the worshipping of the idols as their gods. No sooner had the message been delivered; than the retaliations of the citizens of Makkah rebounded upon the Prophet. Doubts were being raised on the sanity of the Prophet. Some people suggested that the Prophet was either crazy or possessed by evil spirits.
- 172. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 172 Whilst the citizens of Makkah ignored the preaching and the messages of the Prophet, the visitors to Makkah paid attention to him and his message out of pure curiosity. The Quresh countered by posting their agents at the entrances of Makkah. These agents were charged with the responsibilities of cautioning the visitors about the activities of a lunatic, who was advocating against their favorite idols. These agents would also warn the visitors that a dangerous magician was roaming around in Makkah who claimed to be a prophet. Nevertheless, the meetings between these visitors to Makkah and Prophet Mohammed (SAW) did produce a somewhat positive effect, in areas out of Makkah. When the visitors returned to their homes, elsewhere in Arabia, they carried with them the news about a bold preacher, who was loudly preaching to the Arabs, at the risk of his own life, and inviting them to abandon their idolatry and pagan rituals. This news gained momentum amongst the distant Arabian tribes. When the leaders of the Quresh learnt that the Arabs outside Makkah were hearing about the preaching and message of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) they decided to persecute the Prophet and his followers. Hostilities started with the Prophet being prevented from offering his prayers at the Sacred House of the Ka’bah. Groups were formed to follow the Prophet and his followers wherever the latter went and to harass them. Garbage and filth were being thrown at the Prophet and his followers. Thorns were spread on their frequented paths and ways. The places of their worships were being destroyed. These tactics and the abuses did not affect the resolve of the Prophet and his followers to pursue their newfound faith. The Prophet’s, youngest uncle Hamza (RA) Ibn Abdul Muttalib also pledged his allegiance to the newly founded faith of the Prophet. Hamza (RA) Ibn Abdul Muttalib was a person of distinguished bravery and a much-feared warrior in Arabia. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) continued with his preaching at the same time warning the Arabs against their pagan rituals of worshipping the idols; of burying their daughters alive; of their attitudes and practice of arrogant manners. Those who listened to him were told about the disastrous consequences suffered by the ancient tribes of Ad and Thamud when they had disobeyed their prophets of the time. His preaching showed the righteous way to Allah (SWT); the purpose of their individual life-span on the earth and the final accounting on the Day of Judgment. y7Ï9≡sŒ ( $/#tè? $¨Ζä.uρ $uΖ÷FÏΒ #sŒÏ™r& ∩⊄∪ ë=‹Ågx” í™ó©x« #x‹≈yδ tβρãÏ≈s3ø9$# tΑ$s)sù óΟßγ÷ΨÏiΒ Ö‘É‹Ψ•Β Νèδu™!%y` βr& (#þθç6Ågx” ö≅t/ ∩⊇∪ ω‹Éfyϑø9$# Éβ#u™öà)ø9$#uρ 4 úX óΟ=sùr& ∩∈∪ ?kƒÌ¨Β 9øΒr& þ’Îû óΟßγsù öΝèδu™!%y` $£ϑs9 Èd,ysø9$$Î/ (#θç/¤‹x. ö≅t/ ∩⊆∪ 8á‹Ïym ë=≈tGÏ. $tΡy‰ΨÏãuρ ( öΝåκ÷]ÏΒ ÞÚö‘F{$# ßÈà)Ζs? $tΒ $oΨ÷ΗÍ>tã ô‰s% ∩⊂∪ Ó‰ŠÏè/ 7ìô_u‘ n t £l÷ρy— Èe≅ä. ⎯ÏΒ $pκÏù $uΖ÷Fu;/Ρr&uρ z©›≡uρu‘ $pκÏù $uΖøŠs)ø9r&uρ $yγ≈tΡ÷Šy‰tΒ uÚö‘F{$#uρ ∩∉∪ 8lρãèù ⎯ÏΒ $oλm; $tΒuρ $yγ≈¨Ψ−ƒy—uρ $yγ≈oΨø‹t⊥t/ y#ø‹x. ôΜßγs%öθsù Ï™!$yϑ¡¡9$# ’n<Î) (#ÿρãÝàΖtƒ Å ;M≈s)Å™$t/ Ÿ≅÷‚¨Ζ9$#uρ ∩®∪ ωŠÅÁptø:$# ¡=ymuρ ;M≈¨Ζy_ ⎯ÏμÎ/ $uΖ÷Gu;/Ρr'sù %Z.t≈t6•Β [™!$tΒ Ï™!$yϑ¡¡9$# z⎯ÏΒ $uΖø9¨“tΡuρ ∩∇∪ 5=ŠÏΨ•Β 7‰ö6tã Èe≅ä3Ï9 3“tø.ÏŒuρ ZοuÅÇö7s? ∩∠∪ 8kŠÎγt/ ׊%tæuρ ∩⊇⊄∪ ߊθßϑrOuρ Äb¨§9$# Ü=≈ptõ¾r&uρ 8yθçΡ ãΠöθs% óΟßγn=ö7s% ôMt/¤‹x. ∩⊇⊇∪ ßlρãèƒø:$# y7Ï9≡x‹x. 4 $Gø‹¨Β Zοt$ù#t/ ⎯ÏμÎ/ $uΖ÷u‹ôm&uρ ( ÏŠ$t6Ïèù=Ïj9 $]%ø—Íh‘ ∩⊇⊃∪ Ó‰‹ÅÒ¯Ρ Óìù=sÛ $oλ°; r ∩⊇⊆∪ ω‹Ïãuρ ¨,ptm Ÿ≅ß™”9$# z>¤‹x. @≅ä. 4 8ì¬7è? ãΠöθs%uρ Ïπs3÷ƒF{$# Ü=≈ptõ¾r&uρ ∩⊇⊂∪ 7Þθä9 ãβ≡uθ÷zÎ)uρ ãβöθtãöÏùuρ QAF: By the Glorious Quran, you are Allah’s Messenger. But they wonder that there has come to them a Warner from among themselves. So the Unbelievers say: “This is a wonderful thing! What when we die and become dust, shall we live again? This is a sort of Return far from our understanding.” We already know how much of them the earth takes away: with Us is a Record guarding the full account. But they deny the truth when it comes to them: so they
- 173. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 173 are in a confused state. Do they not look at the sky above them? How We have made it and adorned it, and there are no flows in it? And the earth, We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and produced therein every kind of beautiful growth in pairs. To be observed and commemorated by every devotee turning to Allah. And We send down from the sky rain charged with blessing, and We produce therewith gardens and grain for harvests; And tall and stately palm-trees, with shoots of fruit-stalks, piled one over the other; As sustenance for Allah’s servants; and We give new life therewith to land that is dead: thus will be the Resurrection. Before them was denied the Hereafter by the People of Nuh, the Companions of the Rass, the Thamud, The Ad, Fir’awn, the Brethrens of Lut. The Companions of the Wood; and the People of Tubba; each one of them rejected the Messengers and My warning was duly fulfilled in them. (Quran: 50/1-14) &⎦⎫ÏÛ ⎯ÏiΒ Νä3)n=yz “Ï%©!$# θèδ ∩⊇∪ šχθä9ω÷ètƒ öΝÍκÍh5tÎ/ (#ρãxx. t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ¢ΟèO ( u‘θ‘Ζ9$#uρ ÏM≈uΗä>—à9$# Ÿ≅yèy_uρ uÚö‘F{$#uρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# t,n=y{ “Ï%©!$# ¬! ߉ôϑptø:$# s u $tΒ ãΝn=÷èƒuρ öΝä.ôγy_uρ öΝä.§Å™ ãΝn=÷èƒ ( ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îûuρ ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# ’Îû ª!$# uθèδuρ ∩⊄∪ tβρçIôϑs? óΟçFΡr& ¢ΟèO ( …çνy‰ΨÏã ‘‡Κ|¡•Β ×≅y_r&uρ ( Wξy_r& #©|Ós% ΟèO t t t t ¢ $tΒ (#σ¯≈6/Ρr& öΝÍκÏ?ù'ƒ t∃öθ¡sù ( öΝèδ™!%` $£ϑ9 Èd,ysø9$$Î/ (#θç/¤‹. ô‰s)sù ∩⊆∪ t⎦⎫ÅÊÍ÷èãΒ $pκ÷]tã (#θçΡ%x. ωÎ) öΝÍκÍh5u‘ ÏM≈tƒ#u™ ô⎯ÏiΒ 7πtƒ#u™ ô⎯ÏiΒ ΟÎγŠÏ?ù's? $tΒuρ ∩⊂∪ tβθç7Å¡õ3s? à t t | u y s x ΝÍκön=tã u™!$yϑ¡¡9$# $uΖù=y™ö‘r&ρ ö/ä3©9 ⎯Åj3ϑçΡ óΟs9 $tΒ Ä⇓ö‘F{$# ’Îû öΝßγ≈¨Ψ©3¨Β 5βös% ⎯ÏiΒ ΟÎγÎ=ö7s% ⎯ÏΒ $uΖõ3n=÷δr& öΝx. (#÷ρttƒ öΝs9r& ∩∈∪ tβρâ™Ì“öκtJó¡o„ ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#θçΡ%x. u y ∩∉∪ t⎦⎪Ìyz#u™ $ºΡös% öΝÏδω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ $tΡù't±Σr&uρ öΝÍκÍ5θçΡä‹Î/ Νßγ≈uΖõ3n=÷δr'sù öΝÍκÉJøtrB ⎯ÏΒ “ÌøgB t≈yγ÷ΡF{$# $uΖù=yèy_uρ #Y‘#u‘ô‰ÏiΒ r Praise be to Allah, Who created the heaven and the earth, and made the Darkness and the Light. Yet those who reject Faith hold others as equal with their Guardian-Lord. He it is Who created you from clay, and then decreed a stated term for you. And there is in His Presence another determined term; yet you doubt within yourselves! And He is Allah in the heavens and on earth. He knows what you hide, and what you reveal, and He knows the recompense that you earn by your deeds. But never did a single one of the Signs of their Lord reach them, but they turned away wherefrom. And now they reject the truth when it reaches them: but soon shall they learn the reality of what they used to mock at. Don’t they see how many of those before them We destroyed? Generations We had established on the earth, in strength such as We have not given to you, for whom We poured out rain from the skies in abundance, and gave fertile streams flowing beneath their feet: yet for their sins We destroyed them, and raised in their wake fresh generations to succeed them. (Quran: 6/1-6) The Leaders of the Quresh were alarmed by the increase of the followers, in numbers, and the addition of several powerful citizens to the religion of the Prophet. The Quresh saw this progress as a challenge to their power and prestige not only in Makkah but also in their surroundings in Arabia. The Quresh were the custodians of the idols; and the Prophet was threatening their idols. The Quresh were the lawgivers and the rulers; whereas the Prophet was promoting equality amongst the people! ∩⊇⊂∪ ×Î7yz îΛ⎧Î=tã ©!$# ¨βÎ) 4 öΝä39s)ø?r& «!$# y‰ΨÏã ö/ä3tΒò2r& ¨βÎ) 4 (#þθèùu‘$yètGÏ9 Ÿ≅Í←!$t7s%uρ $/θãèä© öΝä3≈oΨù=yèy_uρ 4©sΡé&uρ 9x.sŒ ⎯ÏiΒ /ä3≈oΨø)n=yz $¯ΡÎ) â¨$¨Ζ9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ t O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other –not that you may despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things. (Quran: 49/13) The Qureshites perceived that all these teachings and messages would destroy the image of the Quresh. They had amassed tremendous wealth and had enjoyed supreme powers over the massive numbers of their citizens, as the Keepers and the Caretakers of the Ka’bah. The Quresh strongly resented any actions that would lower their higher status and made them equal with all the citizens! Most of all the Quresh refused to give up their long inherited privileges.
- 174. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 174 An organized campaign of persecution of the Prophet and his followers was launched. All the families agreed to take immediate action to stamp out this new faith before it takes root or spreads out in Arabia. Every family must inflict torture on their family members or their slaves who were associating themselves with the new faith. The Prophet was under the protection of Abu Talib, Abu Bakr (RA) and other influential members of the Quresh. Those converts who had no powerful connections or resources were subjected to all types of tortures, which included imprisonment, starvation, and floggings. The Ramada hill and a place called Buta became the places of torture and cruelty. Utba Ibn Rabia, a paternal uncle of the Prophet, approached the Prophet and attempted to induce some personal gain for the Prophet, saying, “O son of my brother! You are a distinguished person of high qualities! You have sown a discord amongst us and cast dissension within our families! You have renounced our gods and goddesses and you have charged our ancestors with impiety! Now we want to make a proposition to you; and I ask you to carefully think about it before rejecting it!” The Prophet replied, “I am listening to you, O father of Walid!” Utba Ibn Rabia offered, “O son of my brother! If by this affair you intend to acquire riches, honors and dignity, we are willing to collect for you a fortune larger than is possessed by any one of us! We shall make you our chief and will do nothing without your permission! If you desire dominion, we shall make you our king! And if the demon that has possessed you cannot be subdued, we will bring you doctors and give them riches until they cure you!” The Prophet replied, politely, “O father of Walid! Now listen to me!” Utba Ibn Rabia answered, “I am listening” The Prophet recited: Ÿω ôΜßγsù öΝèδçsYò2& uÚtôã'sù #ƒÉ‹Ρuρ #Zϱo0 ∩⊂∪ tβθßϑn=ôètƒ 5Θöθs)Ïj9 $|‹Î/ttã $ºΡ#u™öè% …çμçG≈tƒ#u™ ôMn=Å_Áèù Ò=≈tGÏ. ∩⊄∪ ÉΟŠÏm§9$# Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§9$# z⎯ÏiΒ ×≅ƒÍ”∴s? ∩⊇∪ $Οm r r t O$tΡr& !$yϑ¯ΡÎ) ö≅è% ∩∈∪ tβθè=ϑ≈tã $uΖ¯ΡÎ) ö≅yϑôã$$sù Ò>$pgÉo y7ÏΖ÷/uρ $oΨÏΖ÷t/ .⎯ÏΒuρ Öø%uρ $oΨÏΡ#sŒ#u™ þ’Îûuρ Ïμø‹s9Î) !$tΡθããô‰s? $£ϑÏiΒ 7π¨ΖÅ2r& þ’Îû $oΨç/θè=è% (#θä9$s%uρ ∩⊆∪ tβθãèyϑó¡o„ Ï t ÍοtÅzFψ$$Î/ Νèδρ nο4θŸ2¨“9$# tβθè?÷σムŸω ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ∩∉∪ t⎦⎫Ï.Îô³ßϑù=Ïj9 ×≅÷ƒuρuρ 3 çνρãÏøótGó™$#uρ Ïμø‹s9Î) (#þθßϑ‹É)tGó™$$sù Ó‰Ïn≡uρ ×μ≈s9Î) ö/ä3ßγ≈s9Î) !$yϑ¯Ρr& ¥’n<Î) #©yrθムö/ä3è=÷WÏiΒ ×|³o0 u t È⎦÷⎫tΒöθƒ ’Îû uÚö‘F{$# ,n=y{ “Ï%©!$$Î/ tβρãàõ3Gs9 öΝä3§ΨÎ←r& ö≅è% * ∩∇∪ 5βθãΨôϑtΒ çöî íô_r& óΟßγ9 ÏM≈ysÎ=≈¢Á9$# (#θè=Ïϑãuρ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ¨βÎ) ∩∠∪ tβρãÏ≈x. öΝèδ t t t x s t ∩⊇⊃∪ ⎦,Î#Í←!$¡¡=Ïj9 [™!#uθy™ 5Θ$−ƒr& Ïπè/ö‘r& þ’Îû $pκsE≡uθø%r& !$pκÏù u‘‰s%uρ $pκÏù x8t≈t/uρ $yγÏ%öθsù ⎯ÏΒ ©Å›≡uρu‘ $pκÏù Ÿ≅yèy_uρ ∩®∪ t⎦⎫ÏΗs>≈yèø9$# >u‘ y7Ï9≡sŒ 4 #YŠ#y‰Ρr& ÿ…ã&s! tβθè=yèøgrBuρ t y t £ z È⎦÷⎫tΒöθƒ ’Îû ;N#uθ≈yϑ™ yìö7y™ £⎯ßγ9ŸÒ)sù ∩⊇⊇∪ t⎦⎫ÏèÍ←!$Û $oΨ÷?r& !$tG9$s% $δöx. ÷ρr& %·æöθÛ $u‹ÏKø$# ÇÚö‘F|Ï9uρ $oλm; Α$s)sù ×β%s{ߊ }‘Éδuρ Ï™!$uΚ¡¡9$# ’n<Î) #“uθtGó™$# §ΝèO t y s s s s s t ö/ä3è?ö‘‹Ρr& ö≅à)sù (#θàÊôã& ÷βÎ*sù ∩⊇⊄∪ ÉΟŠÎ=yèø9$# Í“ƒÍ“èø9$# ãƒÏ‰ø)s? y7Ï9≡sŒ 4 $ZàøÏmuρ xŠÎ6≈|ÁyϑÎ/ $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# u™!$yϑ¡¡9$# $¨Ζ−ƒy—uρ 4 $yδtøΒr& >™!$yϑy™ Èe≅ä. ’Îû 4‘ym÷ρr&uρ x t r y y ∩⊇⊂∪ yŠθßϑrOuρ 7Š$tã Ïπs)Ïè≈|¹ Ÿ≅÷WÏiΒ Zπs)Ïè≈|¹ Ha-Mim: A revelation from Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful; A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail; a Quran in Arabic, for people who understand; Giving Good News and Admonition; yet most of them turn away, and so they do not hear. They say: “Our hearts are under veils, concealed from that to which you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a screen; so you do what you will; for us we shall do what we will!” You say, “I am but a man like you; it is revealed to me by inspiration, that your God is One God – Allah: so stand true to Him, and ask for His forgiveness.” And woe to those who join gods with Allah. Those who do not practice regular charity, and who even deny the Hereafter. For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness have rewards that will never fail. Say, Is it that you deny Him, Who created the earth in two Days: And do you join equals with Him?
- 175. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 175 He is the Lord of all the Worlds. He set on the earth, mountains standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth, and measured therein all things to give them nourishment in due proportion, in four Days, in accordance with the needs of those who seek sustenance. Moreover He comprehended in His design the sky, and it had been as smoke: He said to it and to the earth: “You come together, willingly or unwillingly?” They said, “We do come together in willing obedience!” So He completed them as seven firmaments in two Days, and He assigned to each heaven its own duty and command. And We adorned the lower heaven with lights, and provided it with guard. Such is the Decree of Him, the Exalted in Might, full of Knowledge. But if they turn away, you say, “I have warned you of a stunning punishment as of thunder and lightning, like that which overtook the Ad and the Thamud!” (Quran: 41/1-13) Upon completion of the recitation, the Prophet added, “O father of Walid! This is my answer to your offer; now take whatever course you like.” The Quresh increased the persecution of the Believers and inflicted unbearable torments on them. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) told his followers, “Those of you who do not have protection here, should immigrate to Abyssinia. I have heard that the Christian King Negus of Abyssinia is a compassionate and a hospitable ruler.” About fifteen Believers left secretly for Abyssinia. Later on, more of their fellow- sufferers joined these Believers in Abyssinia. All together, they numbered close to one hundred. The hostile Quresh sent their delegates to the Court of King Negus to extradite them as their owned-people to be brought back from Abyssinia. The Quresh submitted a claim that these newcomers to Abyssinia had escaped their religiously imposed punishment of death. The King decided to investigate the matter personally and summoned the immigrants into his Court. The delegates from the Quresh were also present. King Negus asked the refugees to answer to the delegations’ charges, that they had adopted a new religion in preference to their old faith. Ja’afar Ibn Abu Talib, who was a brother of Ali, acted as the spokesperson for the immigrants. Ja’afar Ibn Abu Talib submitted, “O King! We the Arabs; were plunged into the darkness of ignorance and barbarism. We adored idols. We lived unchastely. We ate from the dead bodies; and we spoke abominations. We disregarded every human feeling and any sense of duty to our neighbors. We knew no law but that of the strong. When Allah (SWT) raised among us a man, whose birth, truthfulness, honesty, and purity were never in doubt. He called upon us to profess the Unity of Allah (SWT) and taught us to associate nothing with Him. He forbade us the worship of idols and enjoined us to speak the truth, to be faithful in all our trusts. Always to be merciful and to fully recognize the rights of the neighbors. He forbade us to speak evil of the worship of Allah (SWT) and not to return to the worship of wood and stone and abstain from evil. He advised us to offer prayers. To give alms; and to observe the fast. We have believed in him. We have accepted his teachings and his injunctions to worship Allah (SWT) alone and to associate nothing with Him. Hence our own people, like these delegates of Quresh, have persecuted us, by imposing upon us, their wills that we forgo the worship of Allah (SWT); and demanding upon us to return to the worship of their idols of wood and stone and other abominations. They have tortured and injured us. As we are finding no safety among them, we have come your kingdom; trusting that you will accord us the protection against their cruelty and persecution.” The kindhearted King Negus listened attentively and proclaimed, “The delegates of the Quresh will not be allowed to jeopardize the safety of these immigrants. The immigrants are welcome to stay as long as they obey the laws of this country. The immigrants will have the right to pursue their own religion without any fear from us. Go and live in peace and prosper.”
- 176. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 176 These believing followers of the Prophet found safety for themselves in the foreign countries. However the Quresh continued their efforts to suppress the activities of the Prophet and those of his followers who had decided to stay with him in Makkah. Further attempts by the Quresh to offer riches and honor to the Prophet in exchange for his abandoning his mission failed. The Quresh demanded that the Prophet show them some miracles, which would convince the people about the mission of the Prophet. The Prophet answered, “Allah has sent me to deliver His Message to you. He has not sent me to show personal wonders!” ∩∉∪ ⎦⎫Ï.Îô³ßϑù=Ïj9 ×≅÷ƒuρuρ 3 çνρãÏøóGó™$#uρ Ïμø‹s9Î) (#þθßϑ‹É)tGó™$$sù Ó‰Ïn≡uρ ×μ≈s9Î) ö/ä3ßγ≈s9Î) !$yϑ¯Ρr& ¥’n<Î) #©yrθムö/ä3è=÷WÏiΒ ×|³o0 O$tΡr& !$yϑ¯ΡÎ) ö≅è% t t You say, “I am but a man like you: it is revealed to me by inspiration, that your God is One God – Allah; so stand true to Him and ask for His forgiveness.” And woe to those who join gods with Allah. (Quran: 41/6) The Quresh insisted on the Prophet to show them some miracles, like the previous Prophets had shown to their people. The Prophet replied, “The miracles shown by the Prophets of the past had not convinced their people. Prophet Saleh (AS) had produced a live she-camel from a solid rock; exactly as his people had asked him, but the people killed the miraculous camel and challenged Prophet Saleh (AS) to produce the severe punishment. Before that, Prophet Nuh (AS) was sent with Signs but his people refused to believe them! Prophet Eisa (AS) showed all types of miracles, but most of the people of his nation did not accept his message!” The Prophet reminded his listeners that the entire humankind and everything else visible in the universe were themselves a miracle of Allah (SWT). Only Allah (SWT) had the power over the everyday miracles. The idols built by humans, honored and esteemed by the pagan Arabs, were nothing but the mere wood or stone of which they were built. They had no powers to neither listen to their needs nor grant anything to their worshippers. ⎯ÏiΒ Νèδ™!%` ô‰)s9uρ ( ߧàΡF{$# “uθôγs? $tΒuρ £⎯©à9$# ωÎ) tβθãèÎ7−Ftƒ βÎ) 4 ?⎯≈sÜù=ß™ ⎯ÏΒ $pκÍ5 ª!$# tΑt“Ρr& !$¨Β /ä.äτ!$t/#u™uρ öΝçFΡr& !$yδθßϑçGø‹®ÿxœ Ö™!$oÿôœr& HωÎ) }‘Ïδ ÷βÎ) u y s ∩⊄⊂∪ #“y‰çλù;$# ãΝÍκÍh5§‘ These are nothing but names which you have devised, - you and your fathers, - for which Allah has sent down no authority, whatsoever. (Quran: 53/23) The issues of idols concerned the leaders of the Quresh, who did not like any preaching by the Prophet that would lower the esteem of their gods and the worships of the pagan Arabs. The Quresh redoubled their persecutions; and the Prophet increased his intensity of speaking against the pagan rituals practiced by the Arabs. Despite all the persecutions, the new faith continued to grow steadily. The annual fairs; at Okadh, near Makkah, usually attracted large crowds of desert Bedouins and traders, from many parts of Arabia. These visitors listened to the messages of the Prophet and carried his denunciations of their idols and rituals back to their homes; where they would discuss what they had heard in Makkah. Thus a conduit of transferring the information was formed. The Prophet was the subject of discussions in almost all the major tribes of Arabia outside Makkah. Within Makkah, the Quresh asked the Prophet’s uncle, Abu Talib, to intervene and stop the preaching by the Prophet. Again they offered all that the Prophet desired in exchange for renouncing his new found faith. Abu Talib was threatened that his status as the leader of their clan would be taken away if he was unable to convert his nephew, the Prophet.
- 177. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 177 Abu Talib, approached his nephew, the Prophet, and informed him about the offer of the Quresh. The Prophet accorded all the respect to his uncle and replied, “O my uncle! If they placed the sun, in my right hand; and the moon, in my left hand; in exchange; to renounce my mission. Positively I will not accept to desist from delivering the Message of Oneness of Allah! I will not hesitate to loose my life in my cause!” Abu Talib realized that to change the resolve and the preaching of the Prophet was futile. At the same time the Prophet was endangering himself and his followers. All Abu Talib could do was to offer some sort of personal assurance to the Prophet. Abu Talib declared, “O my beloved nephew! Declare whatever you believe to be the truth! I will never abandon you!” When the Quresh learnt from Abu Talib, the failure of their objectives and his mission; the Quresh demanded of Abu Talib to remove his protection of his nephew, the Prophet and to abandon him. Abu Talib declared his intention to fully protect his nephew against any menace or any intended violence. Abu Talib enlisted the aid of the families of the Bani Hashim and the Bani Muttalib to help their kinsman, the Prophet, in this hour of need. Both the families agreed to offer a joint protection to the Prophet. However, another uncle of the Prophet, Abu Lahab, refused to join the group of the protectors. Abu Lahab played a prominent role in the persecutions leveled at the Prophet and his followers. Another opponent to the Message of the Prophet was Umar (RA) Ibn AlKhattab. Umar (RA) strongly resented the new faith. When Umar (RA) learnt that his own sister had adopted the new religion; he went to her house to execute her! When he entered the house, Umar (RA) heard a very melodious and an enchanting recitation in Arabic. Umar (RA) was fascinated by the vocabulary used by her in her recitation. When the sister saw Umar (RA), she stopped the recitation out of fear of Umar (RA). Umar (RA)’s opposition to the new faith was well known. She had stopped the recitation, but Umar (RA) remained in a transient state; noticing her silence, Umar (RA) asked her to continue with her melodious recitation. The sister resumed the recitation of the Surah known to her. Umar (RA) asked her about the author who had written such beautiful and thought provoking verses. His sister replied that the author was Allah (SWT) and the verses were not a song but part of a Message to the humankind. Umar (RA) asked his sister if she knew more than what she had recited. The sister recited whatever Ayahs she knew. Umar (RA) felt a complete change of personality within himself. He embraced and hugged his sister, congratulating her for her wisdom of choice. Umar (RA) sought and presented himself in the presence of the Prophet. He pledged allegiance to the Prophet and his mission. This induction, of a prominent Quresh warrior and a man of wisdom, strengthened the mission of the Prophet. The Prophet declared that all their future prayers would be performed in public; and none of their activities would remain secret. The Quresh had suffered the defeats in all their efforts to contain the new religion; their mission to Abyssinia to extradite their victims was a failure; the new faith was able to induct prominent members of their community, people like Abu Bakr (RA), Hamza (RA), Umar (RA); the visitors to Makkah were able to hear the Prophet and relay his message to their own communities all over Arabia. The new movement had survived for seven years and did not appear to be withering towards any decline. On the contrary it was strengthening and gaining momentum. The Quresh initiated a decisive action. A covenant was declared against the descendants of Hashim and Muttalib. Both these families were boycotted and they would not be encouraged to contract marriages outside their own two clans. This covenant split the Quresh into two groups; the Hashemite and the Muttalib families rallied under the leadership of Abu Talib. This group was
- 178. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 178 strong on the outskirts of Makkah but had very little support within the city of Makkah. Abu Sufyan Ibn Harb led the second group, which opposed them. Abu Sufyan was from the family of Umayyad. Abu Lahab, uncle of the Prophet, ardently hated the Prophet and his message; he joined the Abu Sufyan group. The Abu Sufyan group controlled the commerce and enjoyed the widespread support within Makkah and the surrounding suburbs. Abu Sufyan instructed his traders to refuse to sell their merchandise and food items to the followers of the Prophet. The Prophet and his followers survived on the sympathies and occasional help they received from the less bigoted citizens. Between the tenth and twelfth years of the Mission, the Prophet lost both Abu Talib and his wife Khadijah due to their death. These losses were serious, for the absence of Abu Talib exposed him to the dangerous elements amongst the Quresh; whilst the absence of Khadijah deprived him of a loving and a compassionate mate. The Prophet had realized that the Quresh did not accept the revelations towards righteousness and were stubbornly refusing to even listen to his reasoning. The Prophet decided to preach to the people of Taif. He stayed there for about a month but was unable to make any progress with the people of Taif. Eventually the Prophet had to leave Taif under threats of violent hostility. The Prophet returned to Mak’ah, where he continued his mission of preaching to the visitors and converting some of them. Among these new converts were six Jewish tribesmen of Khazraj. These six converts had come from Yathrib, now known as Medina. When these six converts returned to Medina, they spread the news, in their city about the Prophet, who was calling the Arabs to believe in Allah and to abandon their pagan ways of life. The new faith spread faster in Medina. During the twelfth year of his mission, the Prophet made his night journey; from Mak’ah to Bait Al Muqqadas, Jerusalem, called The Israa, and from there he ascended to All the Heavens above, called The Miraaj, whilst mounted on the Celestial body called Buraaq. He was escorted by the Angel Jibrail (AS). This was an actual journey, performed physically, during a period when the time was frozen and the entire universe came to a standstill! It was not a vision! θèδ …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 !$oΨÏG≈tƒ#u™ ô⎯ÏΒ …çμƒÎã∴Ï9 …çμ9öθm $oΨø.t≈t/ “Ï%©!$# $|Áø%F{$# ωÉfó¡yϑø9$# ’n<Î) ÏΘ#tysø9$# ωÉfó¡yϑø9$# š∅ÏiΒ Wξø‹s9 ⎯Íνωö7yèÎ/ 3“uó r& ü“Ï%©!$# z⎯≈ysö6ß™ u t s y ∩⊇∪ çÅÁt7ø9$# ßìŠÏϑ¡¡9$# Glory to Allah, Who took His Servant for Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless, in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who hears and Sees all things. (Quran: 17/1) Prophet Mohammed (SAW) fully detailed the Israa and Miraaj: “While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, someone came to me and cut my body open, from my throat to the pubic area. He took out my heart, washed it in a tray of Belief, filled it with Belief and replaced it. The cut was resealed. It was Angel Jibrail. Then, Buraaq, a white animal, which was smaller than a mule but bigger than a donkey was brought to me. I mounted it and Jibrail escorted me. We arrived at Bait Al Muqqadas, where a prayer was called for all the prophets; I led that prayer. After the prayer, I again mounted on the Buraaq and Jibrail ascended towards the Heavens. When we reached the gate of the nearest heaven, Jibrail asked for it to be opened. The gatekeeper asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail replied, “Jibrail.” The gatekeeper asked again, “Who is
- 179. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 179 accompanying you?” Jibrail replied, “Mohammed.” The gatekeeper asked, “Has Mohammed been invited?” Jibrail replied affirmatively. The gatekeeper said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” The gate was opened and when I went into the first heaven, I saw Adam there. Jibrail introduced me, “This is your father, Adam; pay him your greetings.” I greeted Adam, and he reciprocated the greetings saying, “You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.” Then Jibrail escorted me and ascended towards the second heaven. When we reached the gate, Jibrail asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail replied, “Jibrail.” It was asked, “Who is accompanying you?” Jibrail replied, “Mohammed.” It was asked, “Has he been invited?” Jibrail replied affirmatively. Then it was said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” The gate was opened. When I went into the second heaven I met both Yahyah and Eisa, they were cousins to each other. Jibrail introduced me, “These are Yahyah and Eisa. Pay them your greetings.” Both of them reciprocated the greetings saying, “You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.” Then Jibrail ascended with me to the gate of the third heaven and asked it to be opened. The gatekeeper questioned, “Who is it?” Jibrail replied, “Jibrail.” The gatekeeper asked, “Who is accompanying you.” Jibrail replied, “Mohammed.” It was asked, “Has he been invited?” Jibrail replied affirmatively. Then it was said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” The gate was opened and we entered the third heaven. I saw Yusuf there. Jibrail introduced me, “This is Yusuf. Pay him your greetings.” So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, “You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.” Then Jibrail ascended with me to the gate of the fourth heaven. Jibrail asked for it to be opened. It was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail replied, “Jibrail.” It was asked, “Who is accompanying you?” Jibrail replied, “Mohammed.” It was asked, “Has he been called?” Jibrail replied in affirmation. Then it was said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” The gate was opened and we went into the fourth heaven. There I saw Idrees. Jibrail introduced me and said, “This is Idrees. Pay him your greetings.” Therefore, I greeted him; and he reciprocated with the greetings, “You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.” Then Jibrail ascended with me to the gate of the fifth heaven and asked for it to be opened. It was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail replied, “Jibrail.” It was asked, “Who is accompanying you?” Jibrail replied, “Mohammed.” It was asked, “Has he been called?” Jibrail replied affirmatively. It was said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” The gate was opened and we went into the fifth heaven. There I saw Haroun. Jibrail introduced me and said, “This is Haroun. Pay him your greetings.” I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, “You are welcomed O pious brother and pious Prophet.” Then Jibrail ascended with me to the gate of the sixth heaven and asked for it to be opened. It was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail replied, “Jibrail.” It was asked, “Who is with you?” Jibrail replied, “Mohammed.” It was asked, “Has he been called?” Jibrail replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” The gate was opened and we went into the sixth heaven. There I saw Musa. Jibrail introduced me and said, “This is Musa. Pay him your greetings.” So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, “You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.” I learnt that after I left Musa; Musa wept. Someone asked him, “What makes you weep?” Musa replied, “I weep because after me there has been sent a Prophet whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers”.
- 180. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 180 Then Jibrail ascended with me to the gate of the seventh heaven and asked for it to be opened. It was asked, “Who is it?” Jibrail replied, “Jibrail.” It was asked, “Who is accompanying you?” Jibrail replied, “Mohammed.” It was asked, “Has he been called?” Jibrail replied, “Yes.” Then it was said, “He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!” The gate was opened and we entered the seventh heaven. There I saw Ibrahim. Jibrail introduced me and said, “This is your father, Ibrahim. Pay your greetings to him.” So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, “You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.” Thereafter I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha – The Lote Tree of the utmost boundary! Behold! There ran four rivers; two were hidden and two were visible. I asked, “What are these two kinds of rivers, O Jibrail” Jibrail replied, “The two hidden rivers are the rivers of Paradise. The two visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.” Then Al-Bait-ul-Maamur –The Sacred House- was shown to me and a container full of wine, and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Jibrail remarked, “This is for the Islamic religion; which is being adhered by you and your followers; and future generations of the Muslims”. Then fifty prayers, daily were enjoined on me. On my way back, when I passed Musa, he inquired, “What have you been ordered to do?” I replied, “I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day!” Musa said, “Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah (SWT) I have tested people before you, and I have tried my utmost with Bani Israel but to no avail. Go back to your Lord and ask for the reduction to lessen your followers’ burden.” So I went back, and Allah (SWT) reduced by ten prayers for me. Then again when I came to Musa and told him about the reduced prayers; Musa repeated his earlier sayings asking me to go back for further reductions. Then again I went back to Allah (SWT), Who reduced by ten more prayers. When I came to Musa and told him about the further reduction; again Musa insisted that I seek more reduction in the prayers. I went back to Allah (SWT), He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When Musa learnt about this reduction, he insisted that I go back and ask for more reduction. When I went back to Allah (SWT), I was told to observe only five prayers a day. When I came back to Musa, he asked, “What have you been ordered?” I replied, “I have been ordered five prayers a day!” Musa said, “Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and without doubt, I have tried the best for Bani Israel. Go back to your Lord and ask for more reduction to lessen the burden of your followers.” I replied, “I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah’s Order.” When I left I heard The Voice saying, “I have passed My order and have lessened the burden of My worshippers.” In the same year, a delegation of twelve men from Medina, came to Makkah and met the Prophet. The delegation was made up of ten people of Jewish tribe of Khazraj and two people from the Aws. Their purpose was to swear allegiance to the Prophet and ask for a guide who would travel to Medina and help develop the new Muslim faith amongst the Medinites. The oath ceremony was held on the hill of Aqaba, north of Makkah. The oath was named The Women’s Oath, not that there were any women in the delegation, because none of those taking the oath were obliged to take up arms to defend the Prophet or his Muslim religion. Similar oath was later exacted of the women. The oath was made up with these pledges:
- 181. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 181 • We will not associate anything with Allah; • We will not steal nor commit adultery or fornication; • We will not kill our children – as the pagan Arabs are doing. • We will not forge calumnies; • We will obey the Prophet in everything reasonable, and we will be faithful to him and his cause. After they had solemnly declared that they will adhere faithfully to these pledges, the Prophet assigned his disciple, Mus’ab Ibn Umair, to go to Medina with the delegation and to teach them all the prayers and the essential rituals of the Muslim religion. After the arrival of Mus’ab in Medina and with the help of those who had converted earlier, a major portion of Medinites converted to the Muslim religion. When the city chief, Usaid Ibn Khudair followed by the Prince of Aws, Sa’d Ibn Mu’adh converted to practice the Muslim religion, there was hardly any house in Medina that did not have a Muslim! The following year, a large delegation, from Medina came to Makkah and met with the Prophet. They invited the Prophet to settle in Medina, for his presence, amidst them as the reputed Al-Ameen, would be a great help in settling their ongoing disputes within their communities. This invitation provided a great relief for the Prophet and his followers, who were without any protection of a powerful clan-member. The Prophet cautioned these delegates to think again and to be sure of their invitation for him and his Muslim followers to settle in Medina. For if there were any doubts; about their invitations; in the minds of the Medinites, the matters should be clarified there and thence. Any turning back by them at a later date could be disastrous for the both the parties. The Medinites swore full allegiance to the Prophet and his cause and promised to defend him if and when required by him! The Medinites asked the Prophet, what would be their benefit if any of them were killed whilst defending the cause of Allah (SWT). The Prophet responded, “A permanent abode in Paradise for those who were martyred in the Cause of Allah (SWT)!” The Medinites repeated their allegiance and pledge to the Prophet. The Prophet instructed his followers to start moving their households towards Medina. About one hundred Muslim families secretly moved away from Makkah to Medina and were well received by their hosts. Later all the Muslims had moved out of Makkah with the exception, of the Prophet, his young cousin Ali and his faithful friend Abu Bakr (RA). The Quresh fearing the unknown consequences; of this new alliance, decided to assassinate the Prophet; which would then leave the Muslims without any leadership. The co- conspirators of the Quresh were well aware that the planned assassination would not be fully supported by all their clans and families; hence it was decided that every clan should provide an assassin; all assassins must strike the Prophet with at least one blow with his sword or dagger. Thus, all the families would share the responsibility and the guilt of the assassination equally. The Bani Hashim, the Prophet’s own tribe, would not be called upon to join in the planned assassination. The plan was to assassinate the Prophet when he would leave his house for the morning prayers; as, usually, it would still be dark at that hour, thus making it difficult for the assassins to be recognized by anyone later. The news of the planned attack had somehow reached the Prophet. The Prophet saw that his house was being encircled by some well-armed youths. The Prophet asked Ali, to wear the green robe of the Prophet, lie down on the Prophet’s bed, and cover himself up. Anybody looking into the house would assume that the Prophet was asleep in
- 182. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 182 the house. The Prophet slipped out of the house by jumping from a window, out of the sight of those who had assembled at the main door. The Prophet reached the house of his faithful friend Abu Bakr (RA) and told him about his plan to escape towards Medina. The Prophet wanted to take the advantage of the prevailing darkness to put as much distance between himself and his enemies. Abu Bakr (RA) decided to join the Prophet in his escape. Both of them mounted the camels provided by Abu Bakr (RA) and left for Medina. This is the day when the Islamic Lunar Calendar started; it is called The Hijrah. In the European annals it is called “the flight of Mohammed.” Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (RA), Umm-ul-Momineen, the wife of the Prophet (SAW), relates “ I can claim, that as long as I can remember, my parents never believed in anything except monotheism and oneness of God. I do not remember a single day when Allah’s Messenger had not visited us in the morning and in the evening. When the Pagan Arabs persecuted the Muslims, my father, Abu Bakr (RA), set out to go to Abyssinia. However, when Abu Bakr (RA) reached the Bark-al-Ghimad the area of the tribe of Qara; their tribal chief, Ibn Ad-Daghina, met my father and asked him where he was going? My father told Ibn Ad-Daghina, “My people have turned me out of my country, so I want wander on the earth and worship my Lord.” Ibn Ad-Daghina said, “O Abu Bakr (RA)! A man like you should not leave his home-land, nor should be driven out, because you help the destitute, provide for their living, and you keep good relations with your kith and kin, you help the weak and the poor, you entertain your guests generously, and help the calamity-stricken persons. Therefore, I am your protector. Go back and worship your Lord in your own town.” So my father returned in the company of Ibn Ad-Daghina. Ibn Ad-Daghina visited the nobles of Quresh and declared to them, “A man like Abu Bakr (RA) should not be forced to leave his homeland. Do Quresh, drive out a man who helps the destitute, provides for their living, keeps good relations with kith and kin, helps the weak and the poor, entertains the guests generously and helps the calamity-stricken persons?” As the Quresh could not refuse the protection of Ibn Ad-Daghina, they told him, “Let Abu Bakr (RA) worship his Lord in the privacy of his house. He can pray and recite whatever he likes there, but he should not hurt us with it, and should not do it publicly, because we are afraid that he may affect our women and children.” Ibn Ad-Daghina relayed this to my father, who agreed and did not pray publicly. Later my father built a mosque in front of our house and used it for his prayers and recitations. The curious pagan women and children started gathering and watching Abu Bakr (RA) in his prayers and recitations. These occurrences drew the attention of the Quresh, who asked for the intervention of Ibn Ad-Daghina. Ibn Ad-Daghina being aware that Abu Bakr (RA) had violated the agreement; hence he visited Abu Bakr (RA) and said, “O Abu Bakr (RA)! You know well what contract I have made on your behalf; You should either abide by it or release me from my obligation of protecting you, because I do not want the other Arabs to hear that my people have dishonored a contract I have made on behalf of another man”. Abu Bakr (RA) replied, “I release you from your pact to protect me and am pleased with the protection from Allah (SWT)”. During that time the Prophet was in Makkah and had told the Muslims, “In a dream I have been show your migration place, a land of date palm trees, between two mountains, the two stony tracts.” Some people had migrated to Medina, and most of those who had migrated to Abyssinia returned to settle in Medina. Abu Bakr (RA) had also planned to migrate to Medina, but was stopped by the Prophet, who said, “Wait for some time, maybe I will also be allowed to migrate.” A few days later, the Prophet came to our house and told my father about his intention to depart for Medina immediately. The Prophet and his friend, Abu Bakr (RA), traveled towards Medina and reached a cave on the mountain of Thaur. They decided to rest there and to confuse their pursuers. Both the friends spent three nights in the cave. At night Abu Bakr’s (RA) son, Abdullah, would bring food for them and guard them. Abdullah would depart for Makkah before the daybreak, to be in vicinity of the Quresh during the daylight hours. He would gather intelligence about the activities of the Quresh and relay the news to his father and the Prophet. The pursuit was relaxed, when the Quresh realized that their quarries had slipped beyond their reach. However, the Quresh, offered substantial cash-rewards to anybody who could bring, either individual, the Prophet or Abu Bakr (RA), or both of them.
- 183. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 183 Meanwhile, both the friends, the Prophet and Abu Bakr (RA) traveled slowly and, cautiously towards Medina. The people of Medina had learnt that the Prophet accompanied by his friend Abu Bakr (RA) were on their way to Medina. Some of the anxious Medinites, who wanted to be the first amongst those who welcomed the Prophet, would go out of Medina to await their sighting and their arrival, but when the darkness approached without any sign of their awaited guests, they would return to the city rather anxious. One day a Jew resident, who was on a high vantage point on the roof of a castle in Medina, saw two travelers at a distance on the tracks towards Medina, he shouted, “O Arabs! O neighbors! I see two men approaching us. I think they are the ones you all are waiting for!” A large number of the people went out towards the visitors. Most of them were anxious to see in person, the Prophet of Allah. All of Medina rejoiced the safe arrival of the Prophet amongst them! The Prophet resided with Bani Amr Ibn Auf for the first ten days of their arrival and established the Mosque of Quba. As every Muslim resident of Medina desired that the Prophet of Allah (SWT) stay with them, or build his residence on their ground, it was decided that the Prophet would settle wherever his she-camel rested in Medina. Accordingly the Prophet mounted the she-camel and let it walk on its own will. The she-camel reached the piece of land, owned by two orphan boys, Suhail and Sahl. The she-camel knelt down and rested there. The Prophet said, “This place, Allah willing, will be the abiding place!” The Prophet met with the orphans Suhail and Sahl, who were under the guardianship of Asad Ibn Zurara, and asked them their price for that piece of land so that a mosque could be built there. The boys replied, “We do not want any money! However, we will donate it as a gift! O Messenger of Allah!” The construction of the Mosque of the Messenger commenced, with all the volunteers joining in. The Prophet himself carried the unburnt bricks, in between the site of molding to the site of construction. He was often heard reciting, “This load betters the load of Khaibar, for it is more pious in the Sight of Allah. And it is purer and a better rewardable act!” Other times, the Prophet, was heard reciting, “O Allah! The actual reward is the reward of the Hereafter, so bestow Your Mercy on the Ansars and the Emigrants.” The Ansars were the people of Medina who were the helpers of the Prophet and the Emigrants were the Muslims who settled in Medina. The Prophet had proposed that the Ansars and the Emigrants establish closer bonds and ties amongst themselves that would help them and their future generations. The Ansars generously donated their spare lands to the Emigrants to build their homes. The Emigrants provided their skills and their knowledge to improve the standards of the Ansars. During that era the Medina and its suburbs were inhabited by three distinct groups; the Emigrants, the Ansars and the Jews. To develop a beneficial and a worthwhile confederation between these three prominent communities of Medina, the Prophet designed a charter between them. The charter defined their rights and their obligations to each other. This act was the origination of the “commonwealth amongst the nations.” This Charter was written: • In the name of the Most Merciful and Compassionate Lord. • Mohammed, the Messenger of Allah (SWT) accepted by all the Believers, gives this charter whether of Quresh or Medina, and all individuals of whatever origin who have a common cause and who shall all constitute one nation.
- 184. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 184 • The state of peace and war shall be common to all Muslims; no one amongst them shall have the right of concluding peace with, or declaring war against, the enemies of his co- religionists. • The Jews who attach themselves to our commonwealth shall be protected from all insults and vexations; they shall have an equal right same as, our own people, to our assistance and good offices. • The Jews of the various branches and all others domiciled in Medina shall form with the Muslims one composite nation; they shall practice their religion as freely as the Muslims shall. • The allies of the Jews shall enjoy the same security and freedom. • The guilty shall be pursued and punished. • The Jews shall join the Muslims in defending Medina against all enemies. • The interior of Medina shall be a sacred place for all those who accept this charter. • All true Muslims shall hold in abhorrence every person guilty of crime, injustice or disorder. • No one shall uphold the culpable, even though he is his nearest kin. • All future disputes arising amongst those; who accept this charter, shall be referred in the name of Allah (SWT) to the Prophet. This charter put an end to the state of anarchy that had prevailed amongst the Arabs of Medina. It constituted the Prophet as the Chief Magistrate of that nation. What gives this charter the most prominence in the history of the mankind; aside from the fact that this was the first ever document drawn for the constitution of more than one nation. This Charter was drawn by a person, who was completely an illiterate! Centuries later, this very charter is believed to have inspired the Magna Carta! The party of the Ansars, or the Helpers, did include some people who were not fully committed to the Muslim way of life. They were the Munafiqeen, (Hypocrites) and were led by Abdullah Ibn Ubai. Abdullah held a distinctive status among his clan. The Prophet watched the movements of this group very carefully; exercised with them the greatest patience and forbearance; with the expectations that these Munafiqeen will eventually abandon all their own pagan rituals and fully adapt to the Muslim way of life. During the second battle, at Uhud, between the Infidels of Makkah and the Muslims of Medina these Munafiqeen reduced the strength of the Muslim army by one-third when they walked out of the battle preparations. However later with the death of Abdullah Ibn Ubai, the party of the Munafiqeen completely disappeared. The majority of the Jews, the third party amongst the nation, were the elements of danger for the commonwealth in general and for the Muslims in particular. Although the Prophet was always, very kind to them and he generously accommodated all their demands; nothing seemed to satisfy the Jews. They broke off and associated themselves with the enemies of the Muslims. The Jews openly declared their preferences towards idolatry and its evil rituals, rather than the Islamic monotheism that had been revealed earlier by Prophet Musa (AS). This development multiplied the anxiety of the Prophet twofold; the Prophet had to watch for the enemies of Islam both inside and outside of Medina! The Quresh knew the vulnerability of the Muslims, and their strength in numbers, in Medina. The Quresh also knew that the Jews of Medina would easily become their allies, as both the Quresh and the Jews were idolaters.
- 185. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 185 During the second year of Hijrah, the Quresh from Makkah began a series of hostilities against the Muslims in Medina. Experienced and well-trained robbers were sent to Medina, who would rob the fruits from the farms, destroy the trees and drive away with the animal herds of the Muslims of Medina. The Prophet devised a military force from amongst the Muslims, charged it with the responsibilities of guarding the nation of Medina against any threats, external or internal. This military force was able to contain the raids on the farms and prevent the stealing of their herds. When the Infidels of Makkah learnt that the Muslim Army was able to defend its farms and the herds; the Infidels mounted a well-equipped army of a thousand men under the command of the ardent enemy of the Prophet and the Muslims, Abu Jahl. The Infidels marched towards Medina to attack the Muslims. When the Prophet learnt about this army and its objectives, he prepared a counter force of about three hundred Muslims, two thirds of whom were the citizens of Medina. The Muslims marched out to meet their enemy on the outskirts of Medina in the valley of Badr. Badr was located near the water between Makkah and Medina. When both the armies faced each other, the Prophet raised his hands towards the heavens and invoked the help of Allah (SWT) to meet the numerical challenge of the Infidels. The Prophet knew that the fate and the future of the Muslims lay with Allah. The odds of the combatants were one Muslim against more than three Infidels. As was the custom of the war, single combats commenced the engagements. When both the armies engaged in the general combat, the superior numbers of the Infidels were uncontrollable and unmanageable by their troop leaders; whereas the inferior numbers of the Muslims produced a well disciplined and a methodical units which were able to overcome and overrun their well-equipped enemies. The Infidels of Makkah suffered huge losses and were completely routed; from the battlefield of Badr. Majority of the Infidel chiefs lost their lives, including their commander Abu Jahl. A large number of the Infidel were taken prisoners and the Prophet took direct charge of them.. The Prophet ordered that the prisoners be well cared for and those who were injured should be treated for their injuries. This was beyond the expectations of the Infidels. Traditionally the Arabs and all the other nations that went to war never took prisoners of war. The enemy warriors were just killed and annihilated and the defeated nations’ general populations were enslaved. This act initiated the humane principles; of the treatment of the prisoners of war; which has been in practice thereafter, amongst the warring nations. *Sir William Muir, in his book Life of Mohammed, has chronicled this event and quoted one of the prisoner saying: “Blessings be on the men of Medina; they gave us ride, while they themselves walked; they gave us wheaten bread to eat, when there was little of it, contending themselves with the dates.” 7#≈s9#u™ ÏπW≈n=sWÎ/ Νä3š/u‘ öΝä.£‰Ïϑムβr& öΝä3ŠÏõ3ƒ ⎯s9r& š⎥⎫ÏΨÏΒ÷σßϑù=Ï9 ãΑθà)s? øŒÎ) ∩⊇⊄⊂∪ tβρãä3ô±n@ öΝä3ª=ès9 ©!$# (#θà)¨?$$sù ( ×'©!ÏŒr& öΝçFΡr&uρ 9‘ô‰t7Î/ ª!$# ãΝä.u|ÇtΡ ô‰s)s9uρ s u t y ∩⊇⊄∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏΒÈhθ¡ãΒ Ïπ3ׯ≈=yϑø9$# ⎯ÏiΒ 7#≈s9#u™ Ïπ¡ôϑsƒ¿2 Νä3š/u‘ öΝä.÷ŠÏ‰ôϑム#x‹≈yδ öΝÏδÍ‘öθsù ⎯ÏiΒ Νä.θè?ù'tƒuρ (#θà)−Gs?uρ (#ρçÉ9óÁs? βÎ) 4 #’n?t/ ∩⊇⊄⊆∪ t⎦⎫Ï9u”∴ãΒ Ïπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# z⎯ÏiΒ | s Í n z | ÷ρr& (#ÿρãxx. t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ⎯ÏiΒ $]ùtsÛ yìsÜ)u‹Ï9 ∩⊇⊄∉∪ ÉΟ‹Å3ptø:$# Í“ƒÍ•yèø9$# «!$# ωΨÏã ô⎯ÏΒ ωÎ) çóǨΖ9$# $tΒuρ 3 ⎯ÏμÎ/ Νä3ç/θè=è% ¨⎦È⌡yϑôÜtGÏ9uρ öΝä3s9 3“uô³ç0 ωÎ) ª!$# ã&s#yèy_ $tΒuρ z ø ∩⊇⊄∠∪ t⎦⎫Î6Í←!%s{ (#θç6Î=s)ΨuŠsù öΝåκtJÎ6õ3tƒ Allah has helped you at Badr, when you were a contemptible little force; then fear Allah; thus you may show your gratitude. Remember you said to the Faithful: “Is it not enough for you
- 186. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 186 that Allah should help you with three thousand angels specially sent down? Yes, if you remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush on you on hot pursuit, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels making a terrible onslaught.” Allah made it but a message of hope for you, and an assurance to your hearts: in any case there is no help except from Allah, the Exalted, the Wise. That He might cut off a fringe of the Unbelievers or expose them to infamy, and they should then be turned back, frustrated of their purpose. (Quran: 3/123-127) The victory at Badr was a great moral booster for the Muslims; who defeated a well- equipped army three times the size of their own. However, the division of the booty caused some dissension among the Muslims. The Prophet just distributed everything equally amongst all the combatants, although he was unhappy doing so. Later Allah (SWT) revealed the rules for the distribution of the war-booty. At least one-fifth of the war-booty was to go into the state treasury for the support of the poor and indigent, while the distribution of the balance of the four fifths was the discretion of the Chief of the State. The next battle between the Quresh and the Muslims was the Battle of Uhud. Mount Uhud is a hill about four miles to the north of Medina. The Infidel Quresh came well prepared to avenge themselves for their loss at Badr. The Quresh Chief, Abu Sufyan, led their well-equipped and well-trained army of three thousand men, with two hundred horses. The Infidel army encamped about six miles out of Medina and started looting the farms of the vegetations and the herds of the animals. The Prophet being well aware of his inferiority in numbers, planned to receive the Infidels within Medina; however some of his companions suggested and prevailed in persuading the Prophet to fight the war on the outskirts of Medina. The Prophet mounted an army of a thousand men, with only one horse to ride, and marched to meet the enemy. When the Muslim army reached Mount Uhud, the Prophet decided to encamp there and await the enemy. However, the Prophet was dealt with a psychological blow, when Abdullah Ibn Ubai, the leader of the Munafiqeen decided to withdraw his three hundred followers and leave the battlefield. Now the strength of the Muslim army was reduced to seven hundreds in total. The Muslim army spent the night at Mount Uhud. After they had offered their morning prayers, the army advanced into the plain field. The Prophet planned the strategy whereby the hill covered their rear flank, making it impossible for the enemy to surround them; fifty archers were placed on the heights with strict orders not to leave their positions, until called by him, irrespective of whatever happened. As the combat started the Muslims gained superiority over their enemies! However, the archers, thinking that the battle had been won by the Muslims, abandoned their advantageous positions and ran towards the battlefield. Their objective was to capture the war booty for themselves. The greed of the archers turned the tables against the Muslim army. As the rear flanks of the Muslims were exposed to the enemy; the enemy took advantage of it and turned a victory for Muslims into a devastating defeat for them. This onslaught by the Infidels very nearly cost the life of the Prophet, who was nevertheless injured and lost a front tooth. The rest of the Muslim army did not fare well either. Seventy Muslims were martyred, including the Prophet’s uncle Hamza (RA). The Infidels also lost a large number of their men. The Quresh were too exhausted to venture any further towards Medina or even driving up the Muslims from the heights of Mount Uhud. The Quresh opted to retreat back towards Makkah. However, they did not leave until they had cruelly and barbarously mutilated the bodies of the martyrs. Internal organs of Hamza (RA) were taken for presentation to Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan. Hind had pledged substantial sums to the soldier who would bring the internal organs of Hamza (RA)!
- 187. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 187 Commenting on these atrocities committed by the Infidels, their commander Abu Sufyan, told Umar (RA), the Muslim warrior, that the mutilations of the bodies of the Muslims was never sanctioned by him, as the commander of the Infidels, but he did not feel ashamed at the acts of cruelty by the Infidels. t⎦÷⎫t/ $yγä9Íρ#y‰çΡ ãΠ$−ƒF{$# 7ù=Ï?uρ 4 …ã&é#÷VÏiΒ Óyös% tΠöθ)ø9$# ¡§tΒ ô‰s)sù Óyös% öΝä3ó¡|¡ôϑtƒ βÎ) ∩⊇⊂®∪ ⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σ•Β ΟçGΨä. βÎ) tβöθn=ôãF{$# ãΝçFΡr&uρ (#θçΡt“øtrB Ÿωuρ (#θãΖÎγs? Ÿωuρ y s t š⎥⎪ÍÏ≈s3ø9$# ,ysôϑƒuρ (#θãΨtΒ#u™ ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ª!$# }ÈÅcsyϑãŠÏ9uρ ∩⊇⊆⊃∪ t⎦⎫ÉΚÎ=≈©à9$# =Ïtä† Ÿω ª!$#uρ 3 u™!#y‰κà− öΝä3ΖÏΒ x‹Ï‚−Gtƒuρ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# ª!$# zΝn=÷èu‹Ï9uρ Ĩ$¨Ψ9$# t t t p βr& È≅ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ Nöθyϑø9$# βöθ¨Ψyϑ? ÷Λä⎢Ψä. ô‰s)s9uρ ∩⊇⊆⊄∪ t⎦⎪ÎÉ9≈¢Á9$# zΝn=÷ètƒuρ öΝä3ΖÏΒ (#ρ߉γ≈y_ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ª!$# ÉΟn=÷ètƒ $£ϑs9uρ sπ¨Ψyfø9$# (#θè=äzô‰s? βr& ÷Λä⎢ö7Å¡ym ôΘr& ∩⊇⊆⊇∪ | t s y ∩⊇⊆⊂∪ tβρãÝàΖs? ÷Λä⎢Ρr&uρ çνθßϑçG÷ƒr&u‘ ô‰s)sù çνöθs)ù=s? So lose not heart, nor fall into despair: for you must gain mastery if you are true in Faith. If a wound has touched you, be sure that similar wound has touched the others. Such are the days of varying fortunes. We give to men and men by turns: that Allah may know those that believe, and that He may take to Himself from your ranks Martyr-witnesses to Truth. And Allah does not love those that do wrong. Allah’s object also is to purge those that are true in Faith and to deprive of blessing those that resist Faith. Did you think that you would enter Paradise without Allah testing those of you who fought hard in His Cause and remained steadfast. You indeed wish for Death before you met him; now you have seen him with your own eyes and you flinch! (Quran: 3/139-143) ∩⊇∈⊇∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# “uθ÷VtΒ }§ø♥Î/uρ 4 â‘$¨Ψ9$# ãΝßγ1uρù'tΒuρ ( $YΖ≈sÜù=ß™ ⎯ÏμÎ/ öΑÍi”t∴ムöΝ9 $tΒ «!$$Î/ (#θà2uõ°r& !$yϑÎ/ |=ôã”9$# (#ρãxx. š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# É>θè=è% ’Îû ‘É)ù=ãΖy™ s 4 šχθ™6Åsè? $¨Β Νä31u‘r& !$tΒ Ï‰÷èt/ .⎯ÏiΒ ΜçGøŠ|Átãuρ ÌøΒF{$# ’Îû öΝçFôãt“≈oΨs?uρ óΟçFù=ϱsù #sŒÎ) #_¨Lym ( ⎯ÏμÏΡøŒÎ*Î/ ΝßγtΡθ¡ßss? øŒÎ) ÿ…çνy‰ôãuρ ª!$# ãΝà6s%y‰|¹ ô‰s)s9uρ ⎦⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑ9$# ’n?tã @≅ôÒù ρèŒ ª!$#uρ 3 öΝà6Ψtã $xtã ô‰)s9uρ ( öΝä3uŠÎ=tFö;uŠÏ9 öΝåκ÷]tã öΝà6sùt|¹ §ΝèO 4 nοtÅzFψ$# ߉ƒÌム⎯¨Β Νà6ΨÏΒuρ $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# ߉ƒÌム⎯¨Β Νà6ΨÏΒ t ø s s $tΒ 4’n?tã (#θçΡt“ós? ŸξøŠx6Ïj9 5dΟtóÎ/ $Cϑî öΝà6t7≈rOr'sù öΝä31t÷zé& þ’Îû öΝà2θããô‰tƒ Û^θß™§9$#uρ 7‰ymr& #’n?tã šχ…âθù=s? Ÿωuρ šχρ߉ÏèóÁè? øŒÎ) * ∩⊇∈⊄∪ s x ô‰% ×πÍ←!$sÛρ ( öΝä3ΖÏiΒ ZπÍ←!$sÛ 4©y´øótƒ $U™$yèœΡ ZπuΖtΒ& ÉdΟóø9$# ω÷è/ .⎯ÏiΒ Νä3ø‹n=tæ tΑt“Ρr& §ΝèO ∩⊇∈⊂∪ tβθè=yϑ÷ès? $yϑÎ/ 7Î6yz ª!$#uρ 3 öΝà6t7≈|¹r& $Β Ÿωuρ öΝà6s?$sù s x u x r t t !t þ’Îû βθàøƒä† 3 ¬! …ã&©#ä. øΒF{$# ¨βÎ) ö≅è% 3 &™ó©x« ⎯ÏΒ ÌøΒF{$# z⎯ÏΒ $oΨ©9 ≅yδ šχθä9θà)tƒ ( Ïπ§‹Î=Îγ≈yfø9$# £⎯sß Èd,ysø9$# uöxî «!$$Î/ šχθ‘ΖÝàtƒ öΝåκߦàΡr& öΝåκ÷J£ϑδr& t t y 4’n<Î) ã≅÷Fs)ø9$# ãΝÎγøŠn=tæ |=ÏGä. ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# —y9s9 öΝä3Ï?θã‹ç/ ’Îû ÷Λä⎢Ψä. öθ©9 ≅è% 3 $oΨßγ≈yδ $uΖù=ÏGè% $¨Β Ö™ó©x« ÌøΒF{$# z⎯ÏΒ $oΨs9 tβ%x. öθs9 tβθä9θà)tƒ ( šs9 tβρ߉ö6ムŸω $¨Β ΝÍκŦàΡr& t y u ∩⊇∈⊆∪ Í‘ρ߉Á9$# ÏN#x‹Î/ 7ΟŠÎ=tæ ª!$#uρ 3 öΝä3Î/θè=è% ’Îû $tΒ }ÈÅcsyϑã‹Ï9uρ öΝà2Í‘ρ߉߹ ’Îû $tΒ ª!$# u’Í?tFö;uŠÏ9uρ ( öΝÎγÏèÅ_$ŸÒtΒ Soon we shall cast terror into the hearts of the Unbelievers, for that they joined companions with Allah, for which He had sent no authority; their abode will be the Fire; and evil is the home of the wrongdoers! Allah did indeed fulfil His promise to you when you with His permission were about to annihilate your enemy- until you fliched and fell to disputing about the order, and disobeyed it after He brought you in sight of the booty which you covet. Among you are some that hanker after this world and some that desire the Hereafter. Then He diverted you form your foes in order to test you. But He forgave you; for Allah is full of grace to those who believe. Behold! You were climbing up the high ground, without even casting a side glance at any one, and the Messenger in your rear was calling you back. There did Allah give you one distress after another by way of requital, to teach you not to grieve for the booty that had escaped you and for the ill that had befallen you. For Allah is well aware of all that you do. After the excitement of the distress, he sent down calm on a band of you overcome with slumber, while another band stirred to anxiety by their own feelings, moved wrong suspicions of Allah – suspicions due to Ignorance. They said, “What affair is this of our?” You say: “Indeed this affair is wholly Allah’s.” They hide in their minds what they dare not reveal to you. They say, to themselves: “If we had had anything to do with this affair, we should not
- 188. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 188 have been in the slaughter here.” Say: “Even if you had remained in you homes, those for whom death was decreed would certainly have gone forth top the place of their death”; but all this was that Allah might test what is in your breasts and purge what is in your hearts. For Allah knows well the secrets of your hearts. (Quran: 3/151-154) The tribe of An-Nadir of Medina started their campaigns to malign the Prophet and the Muslims. They purposely mispronounced some Arabic words from the Quran to represent an offensive and a derogatory meaning. Some highly sophisticated An-Nadir poets were employed to publish defamatory poetry for the Muslims. The defeat of the Muslims at Uhud was well publicized to sow sedition among Muslims. Other tribesman from Khaibar instigated his pagan Arab neighbors to terrorize the Muslims. These and many more seditious acts of terrorism against the Muslims put the Commonwealth of Medina in serious jeopardy. The Prophet arranged a meeting with the Tribal leaders and told them about their seditious activities which were, contravening the Charter and was also harmful for the future of the Commonwealth of Medina. An ultimatum was issued to these offending tribes; embrace Islam or leave Medina. The arrogant tribal leaders warned the Prophet, “So far you have gone to war with those people who do not know the art war! If you fight with us you will find that we are a force to be reckoned with!” The tribesmen went into their castle cities and locked themselves in there. The Muslims surrounded these castles and laid siege thereon. After fifteen days of siege, the tribesmen surrendered and were banished from Medina. These evicted tribesmen were allowed to take all their possessions with them except arms. However, before leaving the Medina they destroyed all their dwellings; to prevent these falling intact into the possessions of the Muslims. The Prophet distributed the immovable property and the arms left by the evicted amongst the Muslims. Later a Revelation decreed that all the acquisitions, not made in actual warfare, should belong to the state and its final disposition would be at the discretion of the ruling authority. ãΝèδ šÍׯ≈s9'ρé& 4 ÿ…ã&s!θß™u‘uρ ©!$# tβρçÝÇΖtƒuρ $ZΡ≡uθôÊÍ‘uρ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ WξôÒsù tβθäótGö6tƒ óΟÎγÏ9≡uθøΒr&uρ öΝÏδÌ≈tƒÏŠ ⎯ÏΒ (#θã_Ì÷zé& t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# t⎦⎪ÌÉf≈yγßϑø9$# Ï™!#ts)àù=Ï9 šχρãÏO÷σãƒuρ (#θè?ρé& !$£ϑÏiΒ Zπy_%tn öΝÏδÍ‘ρ߉߹ ’Îû tβρ߉Ågs† Ÿωuρ öΝÍκös9Î) ty_$yδ ô⎯tΒ tβθ™7Ïtä† ö/ʼnÏ=ö7s% ⎯ÏΒ z⎯≈yϑƒM}$#uρ u‘#¤$!$# ρ♧θt7s? t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ ∩∇∪ tβθè%ω≈¢Á9$# ∩®∪ šχθßsÎ=øßϑø9$# ãΝèδ šÍׯ≈s9'ρé'sù ⎯ÏμÅ¡øtΡ £xä© s−θム⎯tΒuρ 4 ×π|¹$|Áyz öΝÍκÍ5 tβ%x. öθs9uρ öΝÍκŦàΡr& #’n?tã Some part is due to the indigent Muhajirs, those who were expelled from their homes and their property, while seeking Grace from Allah and His Good Pleasure, and aiding Allah and His Messenger: such are indeed the sincere ones;- But those who before them, had homes in Medina and had adopted the Faith, - show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire in their hearts for things given to the latter, but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their own lot. And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, - they are the ones that achieve prosperity. (Quran: 59/8-9) Abu Sufyan, the Infidel leader of the Quresh of Makkah, again marched towards Medina for war with the Muslims. This time he was leading another well-equipped army that was ten- thousand men strong. They encamped near Mount Uhud. The Muslims could only gather an army of three thousands, with inferior armament. The Prophet decided to attain a defensive position within the outskirts of Medina. A deep and a wide trench was dug around the vulnerable quarters of Medina; whilst the Muslim defenders assembled near the main entrances to Medina. Here another trench was dug to prevent any direct assault on the Muslims. The internal defense of Medina was entrusted to the tribe of Quraiza. The Quraiza were the allies of the Muslims and
- 189. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 189 signatories to the charter of the Commonwealth of Medina. Before the battles began the Muslims found out that, the Quraiza had switched their allegiance towards the Infidels of Makkah. The Quraiza were advising the Infidels about the positions of the Muslims and the vulnerable points in the defense of Medina. The Muslims decided to maintain their defensive postures instead of venturing out towards the trenches and raiding the Infidels. The Infidel army made many attempts to approach Medina but were hampered by the trenches and the fury of the archers. After a siege of twenty days, the Infidels started loosing their patience. Moreover, their failures to cross the trenches for a decisive attack on the Muslims generated strong dissentions and infighting amongst the Infidels. A large number of the horses of the Infidels destroyed in their attempts to jump over the trenches. Their food supply was dwindling fast. However, Allah inflicted the severest blow to Abu Sufyan and his army of Infidels. A night storm of severe winds and rain caused a havoc for the Infidels; their tents and the contents were flown away; their lit lamps fell on them, searing them with severe burns. Abu Sufyan and the majority of his army ran away towards Makkah on whatever animal they could ride. Those army people of the Infidels who had no transport decided to seek shelter with the people of Quraiza. The Muslims were pleased with the outcome but extremely angry at the people of Quraiza who had turned traitors amidst the war of defense of Medina. The Prophet decided to take care of this menace and permanently settle it. The Quraiza were offered the option to convert to Islam or leave Medina forever. The Quraiza decided to defy the Muslims and locked themselves in the safety of their castles. After the siege of a few days the Quraiza decided to surrender; on the condition that any judgment on their behavior is passed by Sad Ibn Mu’adh, the Prince of the tribe of Aws. This Prince was a soldier himself; he had been supervising the defense of Medina from the side inhabited by his tribe of Aws. The side, the Prince was guarding, had come under a fierce attack by the Infidels. It was suspected that the Quraiza had briefed the Infidels to attack this side. Although this attack was repulsed; the Prince, however, had suffered some serious injuries. On the fate of the Quraiza, the Prince ordered that the fighting men of Quraiza be put to death; and the Muslims should enslave the rest of the people of the Quraiza. Immediately after the execution of this sentence, the Prince lost his life due to the injuries. Having secured some peace for Medina, the Prophet diverted his attention towards the Monastery of St. Catherine, near Mount Sinai. A liberal charter was drawn whereby the Christians were granted generous privileges and immunities from various obligations. 1. The Christians were to be protected by the Muslims; who would also defend their churches and the houses of the monks and the priests. 2. The Christians were not to be taxed unfairly; nor their bishops driven out of their diocese. 3. The Christians were free to perform their pilgrimages. 4. No Christian churches were to be demolished and replaced with mosques or houses for the Muslims. 5. Christian women, married to the Muslims may continue to enjoy their Christian religion and should not be forced to convert to become a Muslim. 6. The Muslims must help the Christians if their assistance was needed to repair the churches; the monasteries or any other religious structure. 7. If the Muslims were engaged in hostilities with the outside Christians, no Christian resident among the Muslims should be mistreated due to his religion.
- 190. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 190 The Prophet declared that any Muslim violating any clause of this charter should be regarded as a transgressor of Allah’s commandments, a violator of His testament and neglectful of His faith. During the seventh year of Hijrah, The Prophet announced his intention to visit the Ka’bah for the pilgrimage. The announcement pleased the majority of the Muslims, especially those who were originally from Makkah. A group of people, numbering between seven to eight hundreds prepared to accompany the Prophet to Makkah. These pilgrims were the Ansars of Medina and the Emigrants from Makkah. All the pilgrims were unarmed when they set out towards Makkah. The Quresh of Makkah nevertheless mounted a strong army to prevent these pilgrims from entering Makkah. The Prophet sent his envoys to the leaders of Quresh in Makkah, to assure them that the Muslims were unarmed and only intended to perform the annual pilgrimage! The Quresh mistreated the Muslims envoys and refused to permit the pilgrimage. The Quresh army and the Muslim pilgrims faced each other on the outskirts of Makkah. Neither party was willing to give way. However, the Quresh fearing that the news of this blockage, of intending pilgrims, by them would generate bad feelings amongst other tribes of Arabia sent their leaders to negotiate an agreement with the Prophet and the Muslims. After hard bargaining and negotiations, an agreement was reached between both the Quresh and the Muslims and a treaty, known as the Treaty of Hudaibiya was signed: The Treaty of Hudaibiya stipulated: • All hostilities between the Muslims and the Quresh would cease for ten-years. • That any person from the Quresh, who adopted the Muslim religion without the permission of the guardian or the clan-chief, should be sent back to Makkah. • That any Muslim who decided to go back to the religion of the Quresh would be allowed to do so, and would not be handed back to the Muslims. • That any tribe of Arabia was at liberty to choose their alliances with the group of their choice, among the Quresh or the Muslims, without any disputes or displeasures between the groups. • The Muslims would not be allowed to enter Makkah for their pilgrimage till the next year; when the Muslims would be permitted into Makkah for three days. • The Muslims could only bring their scimitars with them provided these were sheathed. The Treaty of Hudaibiya gave the Prophet and his followers, a much-needed relief from the atrocities of the Quresh from Makkah and the fears of the revolts from the surrounding tribes of Medina. Meanwhile, the Prophet (SAW) had received the Revelations that his mission was not restricted for the Arabian Peninsula only; but had been enlarged to cover the entire universe. The Prophet (SAW) dispatched several envoys to the rulers of the neighboring sovereign countries, inviting them to join the Muslims as Monotheists. Chosrous Pervais, the King of Persia, received the Muslim Ambassador with contempt and challenged the audacity of the “fugitive from Makkah who had addressed the King of Persia as if they were equals to each other in their status!” The King shredded, into pieces, the letter from the Prophet, in the open court and unceremoniously dismissed the Muslim Ambassador. When the Prophet heard about this treatment, from his Ambassador, the Prophet remarked, “That is how the Empire of Chosrous will be torn to pieces!”
- 191. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 191 The Muslim Ambassador to Heracles, the Emperor of the Romans, received the utmost courtesy and respect. The letter from the Prophet to the Emperor was presented and read: “In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. This letter is from Mohammed, the slave of Allah (SWT) and His Messenger to Heracles, the Ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him who follows the right path. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation to Islam, you will be committing a sin by misguiding your subjects. And I recite to you Allah’s Revelation: ωÎ) ÉΑθß™§9$# ’n?tã $tΒuρ 4 (#ρ߉tGôγs? çνθãè‹ÏÜè? βÎ)uρ ( óΟçFù=ÏiΗäq $¨Β Νà6ø‹n=tæuρ Ÿ≅ÏiΗäq $tΒ Ïμø‹n=tã $yϑ¯ΡÎ*sù (#öθ©9uθs? χÎ*sù ( tΑθß™§9$# (#θãè‹ÏÛr&uρ ©!$# (#θãè‹ÏÛr& ö≅è% ∩∈⊆∪ Ú⎥⎫Î7ßϑø9$# à≈n=t7ø9$# Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger; but if you turn away, he is only responsible for the duty placed on him and you for that placed on you. If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance. The Messenger’s duty is only to preach the Message clearly. (Quran: 24/54). The reply sent to Prophet was appropriate to the occasion. However a few days later when Abu Sufyan, the leader of the Quresh, was in Sham leading his trade caravan; Emperor Heracles, summoned Abu Sufyan and his group of traders from Makkah, to his court at Ilya in Jerusalem. When Abu Sufyan and his group arrived at the palace of the Emperor Heracles, they were courteously received, in the Court where all the Roman dignitaries were also in attendance. The Emperor asked, “Who amongst you is closely related to that man in Arabia, who claims to be a Prophet?” Abu Sufyan replied, “I am the nearest relative to him amongst this group!” Emperor Heracles signaled for Abu Sufyan to be separated and move closer to the Emperor, whilst the members of the group should stay close behind Abu Sufyan. The Emperor then told them that Abu Sufyan will be questioned about the Prophet. If Abu Sufyan told a lie, any member of the group should provide the correct version. This scared Abu Sufyan, who could say anything except truth about the Prophet. The Emperor asked, “What is his family status among you?” Abu Sufyan replied, “He belongs to a noble family amongst us!” The Emperor, “Has anybody among you ever claimed to be a prophet before him?” Abu Sufyan replied, “Never!” The Emperor, “Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?” Abu Sufyan, “No!” The Emperor, “Do the nobles or the poor follow him?” Abu Sufyan, “Most of his followers are poor; but some rich also follow him!” The Emperor, “Are his followers increasing or decreasing daily?” Abu Sufyan, “They are increasing in numbers!” The Emperor, “Has anybody, amongst those who embraced his religion, renounced it?” Abu Sufyan, “No!” The Emperor, “Have you ever accused him to telling lies, before he claimed to be a Prophet?” Abu Sufyan, “Never!” The Emperor, “Does he break his promises?” Abu Sufyan,“Never! We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do next!” The Emperor, “Have you ever had wars with him?”
- 192. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 192 Abu Sufyan, “Yes!” The Emperor, “What was the outcome of those wars?” Abu Sufyan, “Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we won!” The Emperor, “What does he order you to do?” Abu Sufyan, “He tells us to worship Allah; and Allah alone. And not to worship or associate anything along with Allah. And to renounce all that what our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with our kith and kin.” The Emperor told Abu Sufyan, “I asked you about his family and you replied that he belonged to a very noble family. It is a fact that all the Messengers have come from noble families among their people. I questioned you whether anybody else among you claimed Prophet Hood; your reply was in the negative. If you had said yes, it was to be assumed that this man was following up a previous claim. You were asked whether any of his ancestors was a king; again, your reply was a negative. If you had affirmed, I would have assumed that he wanted to revive his ancestral kingdom. I asked you whether he was ever accused of telling lies before his claim to be a Prophet. Your reply was in the negative. It makes me wonder, how can a person who has never lied before, could ever tell a lie about Allah. I then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that mostly they were poor but some rich also followed him. This is a fact that similar groups have followed all the past Messengers. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied they were increasing. This is a fact that the truth prevails. I asked you if anyone who had embraced his faith later renounced it. Again, your reply was negative. This is a sign of a true faith. Your reply was in negative to my question whether he had ever betrayed any one. Messengers never betray. When I asked you about his orders; you replied he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone; and not to worship anything along with Him; he forbids you to worship the idols, and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy and dominate all over! In addition, I know it from the scriptures that he was going to appear, but I did not know that he would be from you. If I were you I would go immediately to meet him, and when I am with him I would certainly wash his feet as a mark of respect to his claim of Prophet Hood!” Abu Sufyan was truly shaken by this confrontation in a foreign land! A Muslim envoy sent to an Arab prince of the Ghassanite tribe, was brutally murdered by the prince in defiance of the invitation from the Prophet. The Muslims were furious at this outrage, but the Prophet advised them to exercise patience for the moment. Revenge will be exacted as and when permitted by Allah (SWT). In the meantime, although the Medina was fully secured for the Muslims, the surrounding tribes were creating minor incursions to disturb the tranquility amongst the Muslims of Medina. Tribesmen of Khaibar were trying to form a coalition against the Muslims. Upon learning about the intents of the Khaibar people, the Prophet mounted an expedition of fourteen hundreds men and marched against Khaibar. Those tribes, which had
- 193. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 193 allied themselves to the people of Khaibar, separated themselves away from the people of the Khaibar. These tribes did not want any more confrontations with the Muslims. As was their habit and strategy the people of the Khaibar locked themselves into their fortresses. The Muslims encircled all the fortresses and laid a siege against the occupants. After a few days, these fortresses started surrendering one after the other. Eventually a binding agreement was concluded. The people of Khaibar were allowed to remain in possessions of their immovable properties and practice their own religions; but they had to surrender their arms to the Muslims and pledge never to arm themselves again. The Muslims guaranteed their defense against any attacks by other tribes. The same year the Prophet accompanied by two hundred Muslims performed the pilgrimage at Ka’bah. Whilst the Muslims were in Makkah for three days the Quresh left the city. Sir William Muir chronicles this strange event in his book, Life of Mohammed, Vol III*: *It was surely a strange sight that at this time presented itself at the vale of Makkah, a sight unique in history of the world. The ancient city is for three days evacuated by all its inhabitants, high and low, every house deserted, and as the retire, the exiled converts, many years banished from their birth-place, approach in a great body accompanied by their allies, revisit the empty homes of their childhood, and within the short allotted space, fulfill the rites of Pilgrimage. The outside inhabitants, climbing the heights around, take refuge under tents or other shelter among the hills and glens; and clustering on the overhanging peak of Abu Qubeis, thence watch the movements of the visitors beneath, as with the Prophet at their head, they make the circuit of the Ka’bah and rapid procession between Essafa and Marwah, and anxiously scan every figure, if perchance they may recognize among the worshippers, some long-lost friend or relative. It was a scene rendered possible only by the throes of which gave birth to Islam. In accordance with the terms of the treaty, the Muslims left Makkah at the end of three days visit. This peaceful visit was followed by important conversions among the Quresh, Khalid Ibn Al-Walid, known as the Sword of Allah, who had been, before the conversion, a bitter enemy of the Muslims. Khalid Ibn Al-Walid was the commander who turned the tables against the Muslims during the Battle of Uhud. Another well-known and an important warrior of the time, Amr Ibn Al-As also converted to Islam. After the Prophet and his followers returned to Medina, they arranged an expedition to exact retribution from the Ghassanite prince who had killed the Muslim envoy. A force of three thousand men, under the command of Zaid, the adopted son of the Prophet, was sent to take reparations from the offending tribe. Khalid Ibn Al-Walid was one of the generals chosen for the expedition. When the Muslim army reached the neighborhood of Muta, a village to the southeast of the Dead Sea, they met with an overwhelming force of the Arabs and the Romans, who had joined to oppose the Muslims. The Muslims resolved to continue on their mission and engaged the huge forces of the union of Arabs and Romans. Muslims suffered huge losses. Zaid and Jafar, a cousin of the Prophet were martyred along with some more notables. Khalid Ibn Al-Walid took over the command of the balance of the Muslims, and by clever maneuvers extricated the Muslims from the traps of the enemies. With Khalid’s maneuvers, the Muslims suffered no further losses. Khalid returned with these soldiers back to Medina. A month later however Amr Ibn Al-As marched unopposed through the same hostile lands and forced the surrender of the Ghassanite prince and his people. Thereafter the Muslims were firmly established on the Syrian frontiers. Towards end of the same year, the seventh year of Hijrah, the Quresh and their allies, Bani Bakr, violated the terms of the Hudaibiya Peace Treaty by attacking the Muslim allies of
- 194. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 194 Bani Khuzaah. Bani Khuzaah appealed to the Prophet for help and protection. The Prophet decided to stop the Quresh and other Infidels’ reign of terror, injustice and oppression in Makkah. An immediate appeal for a decisive the war against the Infidels generated an army of ten thousands men. They started their march towards Makkah on first January 630 c.e. After eight days march, the Muslim army halted and encamped at Marr Az-Zahran, a days journey away from Makkah. That evening, a delegation led by Abu Sufyan, approached the Muslim army and sought to meet the Prophet. Next day, in the morning, Abu Sufyan was allowed to meet the Prophet. The Prophet asked Abu Sufyan, “O Abu Sufyan! It is time for you to acknowledge that there is no deity save Allah and that I am His Messenger!” Abu Sufyan, after a few minutes silence, surrendered and pledged allegiance to the Prophet as a Muslim. Abu Sufyan was sent back to Makkah to prepare that city for the entry of the Muslims. With the exception of a tiny resistance by certain clans headed by Ikrima and Safwan, during which some Muslims were martyred, the Prophet and his army entered the city of Makkah almost unopposed. This city wherein the Infidels had inflicted cruelty on the person of the Prophet and on the Muslims; caused these righteous persons to be banished from the city and live amongst the strangers; and decreed the death of the Prophet, was now at the mercy of the Prophet and his followers. The inhabitants of Makkah had braced themselves to face whatever punishment was likely to be decreed by their conqueror, Prophet Mohammed (SAW). The Prophet entered the city reciting the Surah Al-Fat-h. xÞ≡uÅ_Ç9$# $tΡω÷δ$# ∩∈∪ Ú⎥⎫ÏètGó¡nΣ y‚$−ƒÎ)uρ ߉ç7÷ètΡ ‚$−ƒÎ) ∩⊆∪ É⎥⎪Ïe$!$# ÏΘöθtƒ Å7Î=≈tΒ ∩⊂∪ ÉΟŠÏm§9$# Ç⎯≈uΗ÷q§9$# ∩⊄∪ š⎥⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Å_U‘ ¬! ߉ôϑysø9$# x u ∩∠∪ t⎦⎫Ïj9!$Ò9$# Ÿωuρ óΟÎγø‹n=æ ÅUθàÒøóyϑø9$# Îöxî öΝÎγø‹n=tã |Môϑè÷Ρ& t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# xÞ≡uÅÀ ∩∉∪ tΛ⎧É)tGó¡ßϑø9$# t y r Praise be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. You do we worship, and Your aid do we seek. Show us the straight way. The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, those whose portion is not the Wrath, and who do not go astray. (Quran: ½-7) ∩⊄∪ $Vϑ‹É)tFó¡•Β $WÛ≡uÅÀ y7tƒÏ‰öκu‰uρ y7ø‹n=ã …çμFyϑ÷èÏΡ ¢ΟÏFãƒuρ t¨zr's? $tΒuρ šÎ7/ΡsŒ ⎯ÏΒ tΠ£‰s)s? $tΒ ª!$# y7s9 tÏøóu‹Ïj9 ∩⊇∪ $YΖÎ7•Β $[s÷Gsù y7s9 $oΨóstFsù $¯ΡÎ) t t ∩⊂∪ #¹“ƒÍ•tã #·óÇtΡ ª!$# x8tÝÁΖtƒuρ Verily We have granted you a manifest Victory: That Allah may forgive you your faults of the past and those to follow; fulfill His favor to you; and guide you on the Straight Way!; And that Allah may help you with powerful help. (Quran: 48/1-3) The Muslim army entered the city casually and peacefully. The security of the people of Makkah was never disturbed. No vengeances were taken. The Prophet had granted a general and a full amnesty to the people of Makkah. However, an order was issued to destroy all the idols and the pagan images of worship. The Sacred House of Ka’bah held more than three hundreds and fifty idols and images, all of these were thrown down and destroyed. The Prophet personally destroyed some of the images of the Quresh deities. During the destruction of the idols, the Prophet declared, for all those present to hear, “Allah is Great. Truth has come and falsehood has vanished; verily the falsehood is fleeting!” After all the idols and the images had been destroyed and cleared from the Ka’bah, the Prophet delivered a Divine Revelation as a sermon to all those who had assembled: ∩⊇⊂∪ ×Î7yz îΛ⎧Î=tã ©!$# ¨βÎ) 4 öΝä39s)ø?r& «!$# y‰ΨÏã ö/ä3tΒò2r& ¨βÎ) 4 (#þθèùu‘$yètGÏ9 Ÿ≅Í←!$t7s%uρ $/θãèä© öΝä3≈oΨù=yèy_uρ 4©sΡé&uρ 9x.sŒ ⎯ÏiΒ /ä3≈oΨø)n=yz $¯ΡÎ) â¨$¨Ζ9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈tƒ t
- 195. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 195 O mankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other, not that you may despise each other. Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is he who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted with all things. (Quran: 49/13) Large numbers of the people of Makkah gathered near the Ka’bah to pledge the allegiance to the Prophet. An assembly was held at the As-Safa Mountain.Umar (RA) deputized on behalf of the Prophet and administered the oath; that bound the people to abandon idolatry; pray to Allah (SWT) only and not to associate any other deity with Allah (SWT); to obey the Prophet; to abstain from theft, adultery, infanticide, lying and backbiting. During his stay in Makkah, the Prophet dispatched his emissaries in all directions to preach and spread the word about Islam among the pagan and wild tribes of the desert to call them towards the true religion of Islam. Some small detachments of the Muslim soldiers were sent to destroy the pagan temples of Al’Uzza, Suwaa and Manat. The subsequent two years were spent on mopping up operations and stamping out hostilities of the Pagan and wild Arabian tribes against the Muslims. It was also the era of the embassies when various tribes and countries sent their delegations to pledge allegiance and convert to Islam. The conquest of Makkah had enhanced the reputation of the Muslims as the just and the righteous people. All the surrounding nations desired to join them not only as allies but also as the followers of the same religion. The Prophet dispatched his followers in large numbers to the hometowns of the people who had sought teachers and religious guides. With the transformation of the pagan Arabia into what became the main base of Islam; the living conditions of the Arabs also changed towards betterment. The dark ages of ignorance were fast disappearing to be replaced by simple and practical allegiance to Allah and the acceptance of the Prophet Mohammed as his Messenger. In February 632, the Prophet left Medina with a very large group of Muslims, numbering between one hundred thirty thousand to one hundred forty thousands to perform the Hajj at Ka’bah, which was free of the Idols and the images. It would not be wrong to contend that this was the first Islamic Hajj, after the dark era that had engulfed Arabia. Finally the pilgrims were worshipping only Allah (SWT) without any intermediately supposed deities or images. Before the completion of all rites of the pilgrimage, the Prophet delivered his last Message, for the benefit of all the humanity, from the top of Mount Arafat: • People! Listen to my words, for I know not whether another year will be vouchsafed to me after this year to find myself among you. Your lives and property are sacred and inviolable among one another until you appear before the Lord, as this day and this month are sacred for all; and remember you will have to appear before your Lord; Who will demand from you an account for all your actions. • O people! You have the rights over your wives, and your wives have rights over you. Verily you have taken them on security of Allah (SWT) and have made their persons lawful unto you by the words of Allah (SWT). • O people! And your slaves, see that you feed them with such food as you eat yourselves, and cloth them with the stuff you wear, and if they commit a fault which you are not inclined to forgive, then part with them; for they are the servants of the Lord and are not to be harshly treated.
- 196. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 196 • O people! Listen to my words and understand them. Know that all Muslims are brothers. You are one brotherhood; but no man shall take aught from his brother; unless by his free consent. • Keep yourselves away from committing injustice. • Let him who is present here tell this to him who is absent. It may be that he who is told this afterwards may remember it better than he who has heard it now. • I am the last in the line of the Prophets and the Messengers. No Prophet or a Messenger will ever appear after me. • The Quran has been revealed to you. Read it and understand it. This is the Last Revelation. No other revelations will ever come after it. • The Message of the Quran is for all the mankind to read and understand. It is a living miracle and will last with you till the Day of Judgment. Allah will ask every human if he received and understood the Quran. The Prophet concluded his sermon by raising his hands and his face towards the heavens and declared, “O Lord! I have fulfilled my Message and accomplished my work.” The assembled multitude, responded in unison, and replied, “Yes, verily you have!” The Prophet again looked towards the heavens above, pointed his finger of shahada and prayed, “O Lord, I beseech You, bear witness to it.” The Prophet and his followers rigorously performed all the ceremonies of the pilgrimage. It was also to be known as the final hajj of the Prophet; He instructed that all their ceremonies performed, were to be copied and followed through by the succeeding generations. The Prophet returned to Medina. The Prophet involved himself in issuing guiding directives for the Muslims to follow; he would, also, clarify the meanings of the Quran where the issues needed to be clarified. As his health deteriorated, his activities increased. In spite of his weakness he continued to lead the prayers until last three days of his life when weakness prevented him from regularly appearing at the mosque. Abu Bakr (RA) was assigned to lead the prayers. After concluding the final prayer led by the Prophet, the Prophet offered a sermon, “By the Lord in Whose hand lies the soul of Mohammed, as to myself no man can lay hold on me in any matter; I have not made lawful anything excepting what Allah (SWT) has made lawful; nor have I prohibited anything but that which Allah (SWT) in His Book has prohibited.” Then turning towards the women, who sat in the rear, he addressed them, “O Fatima, my daughter, and O Safia, my aunt, both of you send forward the work which will procure your acceptance with the Lord, for verily I have no power to save and help you on the Day of Judgment! Every Muslim must send his good deeds forward. These good deeds will help tip the scales in favor of the Righteous.” The Prophet never appeared in public thereafter as he died within six hours of his return from the Mosque. His head was resting in the lap of Umm-ul-Momineen, Hazrat Aisha (RA). The news of the sudden death of the Prophet created a restless stir amongst the Muslims Umar (RA) drew his sword and declared that he will cut off the head of, any person, who says that the Prophet was dead. Abu Bakr (RA), the father of Hazrat Aisha (RA), sought permission to enter the room of the house where Aisha was sitting with the head of the Prophet resting in her lap. Abu Bakr (RA) touched the body of the Prophet, offered his prayers and left for the mosque where Umar (RA) was brandishing his sword in anger at everyone. Abu Bakr (RA) recited:
- 197. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 197 3 $↔ø‹x© ©!$# §ÛØtƒ ⎯n=sù Ïμø‹t6É)tã 4’n?tã ó=Î=s)Ζtƒ ⎯tΒuρ 4 öΝä3Î6≈s)ôãr& #’n?tã ÷Λä⎢ö6n=s)Ρ$# Ÿ≅ÏFè% ÷ρr& |N$¨Β ⎦'⎪Î*sùr& 4 ã≅ß™”9$# Ï&Î#ö7s% ⎯ÏΒ ôMn=yz ô‰s% ×Αθß™u‘ ωÎ) ϑptèΧ $tΒuρ ∩⊇⊆⊆∪ t⎦⎪ÌÅ6≈¤±9$# ª!$# “Ì“ôfu‹y™uρ Mohammed is no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will you then turn back on your heals? If any did turn back on his heals, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah on the other hand will swiftly reward those who serve Him with gratitude. (Quran:3/144) Abu Bakr (RA) added, “O Muslims! If any of you has been worshipping Mohammed, then let me tell you that Mohammed is dead. But if you really do worship Allah, then know that Allah is ever living and will never die.” This recitation helped calm down Umar (RA) who had, by then, realized his mistake and sheathed his sword. The Prophet was buried in the same room where he had died. Thus a glorious life transited and left for an everlasting life away from this universe.
- 198. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 198 THE PREDICTIONS ABOUT PROPHET MOHAMMED (SAW) BEFORE HIS BIRTH! I Will raise them up a Prophet, from among their brethren, like unto thee, and Will put My words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him [] And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto My word which he shall speak in My Name, I will require it of him [] (Deuteronomy: 18/18-19) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever [] Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you [] (John : 14/16-17) Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. [] He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. [] A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench; he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. [] He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till have set judgment in the earth; and the isles shall wait for his law. [] Thus saith God the Lord, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein. [] I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for light of the Gentiles. [] To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. [] I am the Lord: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. [] Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. [] Sing into the Lord a new song and his praise from the end of the earth, Ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof. [] Let the wilderness and the cities thereof lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar doth inhabit: let the inhabitants of the rock sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. [] (Isaiah: 42/1-11) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you, but if I go, I will send him to you [] And when he comes, he will convince the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment [] Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me [] Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will see me no more [] Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged [] I have yet many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now [] When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into the all truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come [] He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you [] (John : 16/7-14) And the Book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. (Isaiah: 29/12) 1. The last prophet will be born amongst the most prominent clan of his tribe; 2. He will be born on the twelfth day of the Lunar month of spring; the time of his birth will be two hours after the sunrise;
- 199. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 199 3. He will be born on an island where the dates and the olives will be staple diet of the people; 4. His father’s name will translate “servant of God”; his mother’s name will translate “peace”, “satisfaction” and “tranquility”; 5. He will be transported to the heavens, riding a horse that will travel with lightening-speed; 6. He will receive his prophesy in a cave through an Angel; 7. He will be an excellent rider and a swordsman. These details, above, are transcribed in the ancient Hindu Texts and have accurately forecasted all the relevant signs about the Last Prophet for the Humankind! The discoverer is; Pundit Dr. Ved Prakash Upadhyah, PhD, who had researched and interpreted these ancient writings contained in the Ancient Hindu Scriptures. Pundit Dr. Upadhyah is one of the most prominent researchers and an accomplished author of numerous Hindu Religious Books. Pundit Dr. Upadhyah was born and raised in India. Pundit Dr. Upadhyah wrote and produced a book, entitled “Kalki Avatar” related to this subject. Before the printing and the publication of his research; his presentation was minutely studied, scrutinized and was authenticated by eight of the well known and most prominent religious scholars; highest ranked pundits, who are known to be the undisputed experts of these Ancient Hindu Scriptures. Pundit Upadhyah has explained that all the forecasted signs, in the Ancient Hindu Scriptures, were directly pointing only towards Prophet Mohammed (SAW) and clarified those writings as follows: 1. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was born in the most prominent clan – The Quresh who were the leaders of their nation! 2. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was born during the early hours of the morning on the twelfth day of the Lunar month of Rabi-Ul-Awal; the Arabic month of the spring! 3. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was born in Arabia which is an island; the dates and the olives are the preferred food of the Arabs! 4. Prophet Mohammed’s (SAW) father was “Abdullah” which translates “servant of God” and his mother was “Amina” which translates any of these words “peace”, “satisfaction” and “tranquility”! 5. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was transported to the heavens above, riding on the celestial horse, Buraaq, which literally means “of lightening-speed”! 6. Prophet Mohammed, (SAW) received his first revelation and many more thereafter in the cave of Mount Hira! 7. Prophet Mohammed, (SAW) was a well admired rider and a skillful swordsman of his time! Pundit Dr. Upadhyah drew the attention of his co-religionists, The Hindus, and advised them, that the “promised prophet” mentioned in their Ancient Scriptures had already appeared; about fourteen hundreds years ago. Pundit Dr. Upadhyah contended that the relevant signs, foretold in their Ancient Scriptures, clearly reflect upon the Last Prophet Mohammed (SAW). He further supports his interpretations with the following submissions: There was no likelihood nor was it logical to expect or to wait any further for the “promised prophet” in this or any future era; as it was an undisputed fact that nowadays the missiles and the bullets are the weapons of war, instead of the sword. Moreover the helicopters and the mechanized vehicles are being used for transport of the army instead of the horse! This book and all of its available copies were seized by the Government of India. Some copies, however, did leak out. This book is a rare find!
- 200. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 200 THE COMMENTS OF THE SCIENTISTS, THE SCHOLARS, THE JOURNALISTS AND OTHER PEOPLE ABOUT PROPHET MOHAMMED, (SAW). “It has been a great pleasure for me to help clarify statements in the Quran about human development. It is clear to me that these statements must have come to Mohammed from 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 Allah!” Professor Keith Moore; Professor of Anatomy and Embryology; University of Toronto, CANADA. “The founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire that is Mohammed. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?” Lamartine. Historie de la Turquie. Paris 1854. “If a man like Mohammed were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems that would bring it much needed peace and happiness!” George Bernard Shaw. “He is also one of the most famous scientists in the world. I think it seems to me very, very mysterious, almost unbelievable. I really think if what you have said is true!” Professor Siaveda. “Thinking about many of these questions and thinking where Mohammed came from, he was after all a Bedouin. I think it is almost impossible that he could have known about things like the common origin of the universe, because scientists have only found out within the last few years with very complicated and advanced technological methods that this is the case!” Professor Alfred Kroner. Renowned Geologist. “It seems to me that Mohammed was a very ordinary man. He could not read or write. In fact, he was illiterate. We are talking about 1400 years ago. You have someone who was illiterate making profound pronouncements and statements that are amazingly accurate about scientific nature. I personally cannot see how this could be mere chance. There are too many accuracy’s and, like Dr. Moore, I have no difficulty in my mind in accepting that this is a divine inspiration or revelation which led him to make these statements!” Dr. T.V.N. Persaud. Professor and Head of Anatomy; Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health. University of Manitoba-Winnipeg. MANITOBA. Canada. “From my studies and from what I have learned throughout this conference, I believe that everything that has been recorded in the Quran, 1400 years ago must be the truth, that can be proved by scientific means. Since Prophet Mohammed could neither read nor write, Mohammed must be a messenger who relayed this truth which was revealed to him as an enlightenment by the One Who is an eligible Creator. This Creator must be Allah. Therefore, I think this is the time to say Laa ilaaha illallah, There is none to worship except Allah, Mohammed Rasool Allah, Mohammed is messenger of Allah.” Professor Tagata Tagasone. Dean of College of Medicine, University of Chiang Mai. CHIANG MAI, THAILAND.
- 201. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 201 “My choice of Mohammed to lead the list of world’s most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level!” Michael H. Hart. THE 100: A RANKING OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN HISTORY. HART PUBLISHING COMPANY, INC., NEW YORK. 1978. “I have studied him – the wonderful man – and in my opinion far from being an anti- Christ he must be called the savior of humanity.” George Bernard Shaw. Author of “The Genuine Islam” “In little more than a year he was actually the spiritual, nominal and temporal ruler of Medina, with his hands on the lever that was to shake the world!” John Austin. Author: “Muhammad the Prophet of Allah. T.P’s and Cassel’s Weekly: 24th September, 1927. “Four years after the death of Justinian, A.D.569, was born at Mecca, in Arabia, the man who, of all men exercised the greatest influence upon human race. Mohammed!” John William Draper. M.D., L.L.D., A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe. LONDON. 1875. “Mohammed was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around!” Diwan Chand Sharma. The Prophets of the East. CALCUTTA, India. 1935. “People like Pasteur and Salk are leaders in the first sense. People like Gandhi and Confucius, on one hand, and Alexander, Caesar and Hitler on the other, are leaders in the second and perhaps the third sense. Jesus and Buddha belong in the third category alone. Perhaps the greatest leader of all times was Mohammed, who combined all three functions. To a lesser degree, Moses did the same!” Professor Jules Masserman. “He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope’s pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar; without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammed, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports!” Bosworth Smith, MOHAMMAD AND MOHAMMADISM, LONDON. 1874. “His readiness to undergo persecutions for his belief, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as a leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement – all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Mohammed an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Mohammed!” W. Montgomery Watt. MOHAMMAD AT MECCA. OXFORD. 1953. “It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the greatest messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher!” Annie Besant. THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD.
- 202. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 202 MADRAS, India. 1932. “Muhammad, the inspired man who founded Islam, was born about A.D.570 into an Arabian tribe that worshipped idols. Orphaned at birth, he was always particularly solicitous of the poor and needy, the widow and the orphan, the slave and the downtrodden. At twenty, he was already a successful businessman, and soon became director of caravans for a wealthy widow. When he reached twenty-five, his employer, recognizing his merits, proposed marriage. Even though she was fifteen years older than him, he married her, and as long as she lived, remained a devoted husband. Like almost every major prophet before him, Muhammad fought shy of serving as the transmitter of God’s word, sensing his own inadequacy. But the angel commanded “Read”. So far as we know, Muhammad was unable to read or write, but he began to dictate those inspired words which would soon revolutionize a large segment of the earth: There is one God! In all things, Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred, and rumors of God’s personal condolence quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad is said to have announced, “An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is a foolish act to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human being”. At Muhammad’s own death an attempt was made to deify him, but the man who was to become his administrative successor killed the hysteria with one of the noblest speeches in religious history: “If there are any among you who worshipped Muhammad, he is dead. But if it is God you worshipped, He lives forever!” JAMES A. MICHENER. “ISLAM: The Misunderstood Religion.” READER’S DIGEST. MAY 1955.
- 203. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 203 TRUE ISLAM The foundations of Islam are based on the six main pillars of the belief: 1. Belief in Allah. An absolute conviction that Allah (SWT) literally and truly exists, and that He is the only Creator of the universe and everything in it. Nothing whatsoever can be associated with Him as a partner; nor can He be duplicated or copied as an image. “La Illah-ha-IllAllah;” “There is no God but Allah.” This is the finality! 2. Belief in Angels. A complete faith in the existence of angels. They are the honored worshippers of Allah (SWT). The angels execute every command of Allah (SWT) without ever disobeying Him. 3. Belief in the Books. The faith in all the Books revealed by Allah (SWT) to the messengers of the time. Specifically, the books are Injil (Gospel) to Prophet Eisa (Jesus) (AS); Tawrat (Torah) to Prophet Musa (Moses) (AS); Zabur (Psalms) to Prophet Dawud (DAVID) (AS); the Scrolls of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS); and the Quran to Prophet Mohammed (SAW). 4. Belief in the Messengers. All the Prophets were the messengers of Allah (SWT) charged with the mission to enlighten their nations about the monotheism of Islamic values. • The mission of Prophet Adam (AS) was to inhabit the universe with his offspring, humankind. • The mission of Prophet Nuh (Noah) (AS) was to save the Muslim believers from the corruption of the idolatrous nations. • The mission of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS) was to build the House of God – The Kabah in Makkah. • The mission of Prophet Musa (Moses) (AS) was to save and extract the children of Israel from the yokes of slavery of the pharaohs. • The mission of Prophet Dawud (David) (AS) was to save the children of Israel from the pagans. • The mission of Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) (AS) was to convince the humankind that the Jinn did not possess any supernatural powers which can forecast the future events. • The mission of Prophet Eisa (Jesus) (AS) was to enforce the Mosaic Law over the children of Israel. However, Prophet Eisa (AS) will come back to complete his mission towards the end of this world; • The mission of Prophet Mohammed (SAW), as the final messenger of Allah (SWT), was to complete the monotheism of Islam for the whole of humankind. With the final messenger also came the concluding verse of the first belief: “La Illah-ha-IllAllah, Mohammed –Ur- Rasool- Allah;” “There is no God but Allah, Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah.” However, these were not the only prophets; there were many more and all of them had the similar missions of spreading the Islamic monotheism. 5. Belief in the Last Day. All the Prophets of Allah have informed their nations about the events of the Last Day when Allah (SWT) will resurrect all of His creations, and Adjudge them according to their performed deeds in the universe. The
- 204. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 204 righteous believers will be sent to live in Paradise, and the unbelievers – anyone who followed the Satan – will be thrown in the Fire Wells of Hell. These will be the permanent abodes for their eternal life thereafter. It is called “last-day” because there will be no day or night thereafter. 6. Belief in Al-Qadar. Al-Qadar is Divine Preordainments; it means that whatever Allah (SWT) has ordained must happen according to His designs. Muslim believes in Al-Qadar, whether good or bad, which Allah (SWT) has measured and ordained for all creatures according to His fore knowledge and as deemed suitable by His wish. Al-Qadar has four levels: 1. Knowledge. Muslims believe that Allah (SWT) knows everything. He knows what has happened, what is happening, what will happen, and how it will happen. His knowledge is eternal. He does not acquire a new knowledge nor does He forget what He knows. 2. Recording. Muslims believe that Allah (SWT) has recorded in the secured tablet –Al-Lowhul Mahfooth – all that is going to happen till the Judgment Day. 3. Will. Muslims believe that Allah (SWT) has Willed everything in the universe and the heavens. Nothing happens except by His will. Whatever He Wills is going to happen; and whatever He does not Will, is not happening. 4. Creation. Muslims believe that Allah (SWT) is the creator and guardian of all things in the universe and in the heavens. This includes whatever Allah (SWT) does Himself; whatever His creatures do. Thus, every saying, deed, or omission of the people is known to Allah (SWT), Who has Recorded, Willed, and Created them. The Pillars above have been strategically placed as a strong foundation for constructing a strong building around them. Apart from these beliefs, other essentials are required to fit these building blocks, and the final building must also include (a) the rituals of Worship and; (b): the practice of true Islamic morals. U.. . The Rituals of Worship All the rituals or the acts of worships must be preceded by the appropriate intention of the performance: • Enforce the Shahadah daily, “La Illah-ha-IllAllah, Mohammed-ur-Rasool Allah” • Say five Prayers daily with ablution and a complete dedication to Allah. • Pay the due Zakat to the poorest. • Observe the fast and refrain from eating, drinking, or sexual activities from dawn to dusk during Ramadhan. Sexual activities are not restricted to personal and individual acts only, but also include the visual perception. • Perform the Pilgrimage of Hajj or Umra by visiting the House of Allah – the Kabah in Makkah, Saudi Arabia; at least once in a lifetime and only if the Muslim can afford the costs to perform it. ’n?ã ¬!uρ 3 $YΨÏΒ#u™ tβ%x. …ãs#yzyŠ ⎯tΒuρ ( zΟŠÏδ≡tö/Î) ãΠ$s)¨Β ×M≈uΖÉit/ 7M≈tƒ#u™ ÏμŠÏù ∩®∉∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèù=Ïj9 “Y‰èδuρ %Z.u‘$t7ãΒ sπ©3t6Î/ “Ï%©#9 Ĩ$¨Ψ=Ï9 yìÅÊãρ ;MøŠt/ tΑ¨ρr ¨βÎ) t s ∩®∠∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Ç⎯tã ;©Í_xî ©!$# ¨βÎ*sù txx. ⎯tΒuρ 4 Wξ‹Î6y™ Ïμø‹s9Î) tí$sÜtGó™$# Ç⎯tΒ ÏMøt7ø9$# kÏm Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# Lo! The first Sanctuary appointed for mankind was that at Mecca (Makkah), a blessed place, a guidance to the peoples; wherein are plain memorials of Allah’s guidance; the place where Ibrahim stood up to pray; and whosoever enters it is safe. And pilgrimage to the House is a
- 205. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 205 duty towards Allah for mankind, for him who can afford to perform it. As for him who is a disbeliever, let him know that Allah is Independent of all creatures. (Quran: 3/96-97) The Practice of True Islamic Morals The best way to understand and practice Islam is through its original source. The original source of Islam is the Quran. The model of morality in the Quran is completely different from the image that has been transmitted to the minds of the Westerners, including those people of Muslim origin born and raised in the west. The Quran is based on the concepts of morality, love, compassion, mercy, modesty, self-sacrifice, tolerance and peace, and a Muslim who truly lives according to these moral precepts is a highly refined, thoughtful, tolerant, trustworthy, and accommodating person. To those around him he gives love, respect, peace of mind, and a sense of the joy of life. The word Islam means peace. Peace means submission. Submission to the Will of Allah is Islam. Anyone in Islam who has fully submitted to the Will of Allah is a Muslim. All the Prophets and the messengers of Allah submitted to the Will of Allah, which made them Muslims. Islam is a religion of monotheism that came down when the humanity began. It offers a life filled with the peace and well-being in which Allah’s eternal mercy and compassion is manifested in the world. God invites all people to accept the moral teachings of the Quran as a model, whereby mercy, compassion, tolerance and peace may be experienced in the world. ∩⊄⊃∇∪ ×⎦⎫Î7•Β Aρ߉ã öΝà6s9 …çμ¯ΡÎ) 4 Ç⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# ÅV≡uθäÜäz (#θãèÎ6®Ks? Ÿωuρ Zπ©ù!$Ÿ2 ÉΟù=Åb¡9$# ’Îû (#θè=äz÷Š$# (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# $y㕃r'¯≈tƒ t You who believe! Enter absolutely into peace, Islam. Do not follow in the footsteps of Satan. He is an outright enemy to you. (Quran: 2/208) Allah has commanded humanity to avoid evil; he has forbidden immorality, rebellion, cruelty, aggressiveness, murder, and bloodshed. Those who do not obey this command are the followers of the Satan. Of the many verses that bear on this subject, here are two: öΝçλm;ρ èπΨ÷è¯=9$# ãΝßγs9 y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû tβρ߉šøãƒuρ Ÿ≅|¹θムβr ÿ⎯ÏμÎ/ ª!$# ttΒr !$tΒ šχθãèsÜø)tƒuρ ⎯ÏμÉ)≈sV‹ÏΒ Ï‰÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ «!$# y‰ôγtã tβθàÒà)Ζtƒ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ u o ∩⊄∈∪ Í‘#¤$!$# â™þθß™ But as for those who break Allah’s contract after it has been agreed and sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and cause corruption in the earth, the curse will be upon them. They will have the Evil Abode. (Quran: 13/25) ’Îû Š$|¡xø9$# Æö7s? Ÿωρ ( šø‹s9Î) ª!$# z⎯|¡ômr !$yϑŸ2 ⎯Å¡ômrρ ( $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# š∅ÏΒ y7t7ŠÅÁtΡ š[Ψs? Ÿωuρ ( nοtÅzFψ$# u‘#¤$!$# ª!$# š9t?#u™ !$yϑ‹Ïù ÆtGö/$#uρ y u u ∩∠∠∪ t⎦⎪ωšøßϑø9$# =Ïtä† Ÿω ©!$# ¨βÎ) ( ÇÚö‘{$# F Seek the abode of the hereafter with what Allah has given you, without forgetting your portion of the world. And do good as Allah has been good to you. And do not seek to cause mischief on earth. Allah does not love mischief makers. (Quran: 28/77) Through Islam, Allah has forbidden every kind of mischievous act, including terrorism and violence. Those who commit such acts in the name of the religion are condemned. A Muslim lends beauty to the world and helps improve it. Islam fosters freedom of life, ideas, and thought. It has forbidden tension, conflicts among people, calumny, and suspicion. It has even forbidden having negative thoughts about others. Islam not only forbids terror and violence, it
- 206. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 206 also does not support the offering of even the slightest imposition of any idea on the other human: ª!$#uρ 3 $oλm; tΠ$|ÁΡ$# Ÿω 4’s+øOâθø9$# Íοuρóãèø9$$Î/ y7|¡ôϑtGó™$# ωs)sù «!$$Î/ -∅ÏΒ÷σãƒuρ ÏNθäó≈©Ü9$$Î/ öàõ3tƒ ⎯yϑsù 4 Äc©xöø9$# z⎯ÏΒ ß‰ô©”9$# t⎦¨⎫t6¨? ‰s% ( È⎦⎪Ïe$!$# ’Îû oν#tø.Î) Iω Ï ∩⊄∈∉∪ îΛ⎧Î=tæ ìì‹Ïÿxœ There is no compulsion in religion. Right guidance has become clearly distinct from error. Anyone who rejects false gods and believes in Allah has grasped the Firmest Handhold, which will never give way. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. (Quran:2/256) The essence and the spirit of Islam are against the use of force to convert. The faith will only hold if it is freely accepted. Although it is the duty of every Muslim to point out to the other Muslim, any visible errors in worships; this issue should never be enforced to a level which may result in violence. All the worships are for Allah (SWT) only; it is not a feature which should be performed only to please others or to seek a higher status in the society. Allah (SWT) has promised severe punishments for those sinners who kill innocent human beings. True believers must never commit any acts that will result in the loss of innocent life. ô⎯Βuρ $Yè‹Ïϑ_ ¨$¨Ζ9$# Ÿ≅tFs% $yϑ¯Ρr'x6ù ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû 7Š$|¡sù ÷ρr C§øtΡ ÎötóÎ/ $G¡øtΡ Ÿ≅tFs% ⎯tΒ …çμ¯Ρ Ÿ≅ƒÏ™ℜuó Î) û©Í_t/ 4’n?tã $oΨö;tFŸ2 y7Ï9≡sŒ È≅ô_r ô⎯ÏΒ t y } s r ∩⊂⊄∪ šχθèùÎô£ßϑ9 ÇÚö‘F{$# ’Îû šÏ9≡sŒ y‰÷èt/ Οßγ÷ΨÏiΒ #ZÏWx. ¨βÎ) ¢ΟèO ÏM≈uΖÉit7ø9$$Î/ $uΖè=ߙ①óΟßγø?u™!$y_ ô‰s)s9uρ 4 $Yè‹Ïϑy_ }¨$¨Ψ9$# $uŠômr !$uΚ¯Ρr'x6sù $yδ$uŠômr s If someone kills another person – unless it is in retaliation for someone else or for causing corruption in the earth – it is as if he had murdered all mankind. And if anyone gives life to another person, it is as if he had given life to all mankind. Our Messengers came to them with Clear Signs but even after that many of them committed outrages in earth. (Quran: 5/32) ∩∉∇∪ $YΒ$rOr t,ù=tƒ 7Ï9≡sŒ ö≅yèøtƒ ⎯tΒρ 4 šχθçΡ÷“tƒ Ÿωuρ Èd,ysø9$$Î/ ωÎ) ª!$# tΠ§ym ©ÉL©9$# }§ø¨Ζ9$# tβθè=çFø)tƒ Ÿωuρ tyz#u™ $·γ≈s9Î) «!$# yìtΒ šχθããô‰tƒ Ÿω t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ y u Those who do not call on any other deity together with Allah and who do not kill anyone Allah has made inviolate, except with the right to do so, and so, and do not fornicate; anyone who does that will receive an evil punishment. (Quran: 25/68) Islamic morality demands a compassionate and a merciful attitude towards other members of the humanity. Islam is a modern, enlightened, progressive religion. A Muslim is, above all, a person of peace, one who is tolerant and has a democratic spirit. Any Muslim educated in the fine moral teachings of the Quran approaches everyone with love that Islam expects. A Muslim should respect beneficial ideas which do not cross the boundaries of Islam. Tolerance and forgiveness are some of the basic principles of Islam. For centuries, Muslims were characterized by their tolerance and compassion. World history is full of events when the believers in Islam were the most just and merciful ones. In the Islamic Empire, all the ethnic groups freely practiced their religions and enjoyed every opportunity to live in their own cultures and worship in their own ways. The tolerance of Muslims, when practiced as commanded in the Quran, can alone bring peace and well being to the whole world. The Quran refers to this particular kind of tolerance: ∩⊂⊆∪ ÒΟŠÏϑym ;’Íuρ …çμ¯Ρr(x. ×οuρ≡y‰ã …çμuΖ÷t/uρ y7uΖ÷t/ “Ï%©!$# #sŒÎ*sù ß⎯|¡ômr }‘Ïδ ©ÉL©9$$Î/ ôìsù÷Š$# 4 èπy∞ÍhŠ¡¡9$# Ÿωuρ èπoΨ|¡ptø:$# “ÈθtGó¡n@ Ÿωuρ t A good action and a bad action are not the same. Repel the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will be like a bosom friend. (Quran: 41/34)
- 207. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 207 Conscience is a spiritual quality that bids man towards a good attitude and positive thought and helps him think straight and determine the right from wrong. One of the important aspects of conscience is that it is common to all people. Through the conscience, Allah (SWT) lets us know the best and the most beautiful behavior and manners, which will please Him. Conscience is an inspiration from Allah (SWT). ∩⊇⊃∪ $yγ9¢™yŠ ⎯tΒ z%s{ ô‰s%uρ ∩®∪ $yγ8©.y— ⎯tΒ yxn=øùr ô‰s% ∩∇∪ $yγ1uθø)s?uρ $yδu‘θègé $yγyϑoλù;r'sù ∩∠∪ $yγ1§θy™ $tΒuρ §øtΡuρ And the self and what proportioned it and inspired it with depravity or taqwa, he who purifies it has succeeded, he who covers it up has failed. (Quran: 91/7-10) It is this very conscience that makes man guard against evil deeds and finds the right way. One of the most important aspects of conscience is that it helps man to find what is right of his own accord. An awakened conscience will positively show a man what is right, even if nobody else will. What matters for the man is to take recourse to his own conscience, listen to what it says, and act upon it. For this reason, we can say that conscience is the main component of religion. An issue that must be borne in mind is that every man, from the moment of gaining consciousness, is responsible for what Allah (SWT) had Ordered for him with the addition of the faculty of the conscience. If he follows his conscience, as per the guidance of the Quran, he will be rewarded with an eternal life in Paradise, but if he follows himself, he will meet an eternal sealed vaults of fire. Death is never distant from any one of us. It is perhaps even closer than we think. It is also a well-established fact that Allah (SWT) did not create the life of this universe and its death in vain. Our life has to be organized according to this great truth, as on the Judgment Day we will be adjudged according to the life we lived; our eternal life in the Hereafter will be decided on the tipping of the scales of justice. Can we really afford to risk so much and not work for our life in the hereafter? The only solution is to obey the commands of Allah (SWT) by listening to our awakened conscience. No matter what we do, our conscience will stay with us till we die. Conscience and the will are two different faculties and must remain apart at the moment of decision. Conscience is the voice of Allah (SWT) and we will continue to hear it till our death. Those who do not hear this voice or do not follow it when they hear it will regret it later. Then this voice of reality will not help them. In the Quran, there are many examples from the conversations in the hereafter whereby those in the hell have confessed about what they failed to do in their life. It is an absolute truth that everyone knows what he must and must not do. Evading the conscience is never a wise choice. If one is presented with an option for an immediate benefit in this world or the everlasting benefits in the hereafter, an awakened conscience should propel for the everlasting benefits in the hereafter as the obvious choice. $¨Ζä.ρ ∩⊆∈∪ t⎦⎫ÅÒÍ←!$sƒø:$# ìΒ ÞÚθèƒwΥ $¨Ζà2ρ ∩⊆⊆∪ ⎦⎫Å3ó¡Ïϑø9$# ãΝÏèôÜçΡ à7tΡ óΟs9uρ ∩⊆⊂∪ t⎦,Íj#|Áßϑø9$# š∅ÏΒ à7tΡ óΟs9 (#θä9$s% ∩⊆⊄∪ ts)y™ ’Îû óΟä3x6n=y™ $tΒ u y t u t Ößϑãm öΝßγ¯Ρr(x. ∩⊆®∪ ⎦⎫ÅÊÌ÷èãΒ ÍοtÏ.õ‹−G9$# Ç⎯ã öΝçλm; $yϑsù ∩⊆∇∪ t⎦⎫ÏèÏ≈¤±9$# èπyè≈xx© óΟßγãèxΖs? $yϑsù ∩⊆∠∪ ß⎦⎫É)u‹ø9$# $oΨ9s?r #©¨Lym ∩⊆∉∪ È⎦⎪Ïd‰9$# ÏΘöθ‹Î/ ÜÉj‹s3çΡ t t u …çμ¯ΡÎ) HξŸ2 ∩∈⊂∪ nοtÅzFψ$# šχθèù$sƒs† ω ≅t/ ( ξx. ∩∈⊄∪ Zοu¤³oΨ•Β $Zßsß¹ 4’tA÷σムβr öΝåκ÷]ÏiΒ ›ÌøΒ$# ‘≅ä. ߉ƒÌムö≅t/ ∩∈⊇∪ ¥οu‘uθó¡s% ⎯ÏΒ ôN§sù ∩∈⊃∪ ×οtÏΖtFó¡•Β ∩∈∈∪ …çνtŸ2sŒ u™!$x© ⎯yϑsù ∩∈⊆∪ ×οtÏ.õ‹s? What caused you to enter into Hell Fire? They will say, We were not among those who prayed, and we did not feed the poor. We plunged with those who plunged, and denied the Day of
- 208. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 208 Judgment, until the Certain came to us. The Intercession of the interceders will not help them. What is the matter with them that they run from the Reminder like panicked donkeys fleeing from a lion? In fact each one of them wants to be given an unfurled scroll. No indeed! The truth is they do not fear the hereafter. No indeed! It is truly a reminder to which anyone who will may pay heed. (Quran: 74/42-55) Righteous deeds are one of the key concepts of the Quran. The Arabic word “amelunsalihan” will be composed in English with good + beneficial + right + to amend. Literally translated it should read, “Every type of beneficial and good work or action done for the good of religion.” Every action or behavior of a Muslim should therefore be a righteous deed. The righteous deed seeks the favor of Allah (SWT). Salvation of any individual is not attained only through faith; righteous deeds as the sign of sincerity in faith also help save the soul. Merely saying, “I believe” yet failing to comply with all the commandments of religion does not lead any man to salvation. Allah (SWT) is absolutely clear on this issue: £⎯yϑn=èu‹s9uρ (#θè%y‰|¹ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# ª!$# £⎯yϑn=÷èu‹n=sù ( öΝÎγÎ=ö6s% ⎯ÏΒ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# $¨ΖtFsù ô‰s)s9uρ ∩⊄∪ tβθãΖtFøムŸω öΝèδuρ $¨ΨtΒ#u™ (#þθä9θà)tƒ βr (#þθä.uøIムβr â¨$¨Ζ9$# |=Å¡ym ÷ r ∩⊂∪ t⎦⎫Î/É‹≈s3ø9$# Do men think that they will be left alone on saying, “We believe” and that they will not be tested? We tested those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false. (Quran: 29/2-3) The way a believer does a righteous deed proves his mettle. His deeds indicate his perseverance, stability, determination and loyalty, which exhibit the depth of his faith. There are various kinds of righteous deeds: • Communicating the message of Islam to people; • Striving for the prosperity and benefit of the community and the Muslims; • Trying to attain a better understanding of the Quran, by regularly reading and reciting it. • Helping to solve every kind of personal and social problems of the community and the Muslims. All of these are important righteous deeds. The fundamental Islamic forms of worship, such as offering prayers to Allah (SWT), fasting, spending for the cause of Allah (SWT), and the pilgrimage to Makkah are also among the important and mandated righteous deeds: ’tA#u™ρ ⎯↵Íh‹Î;¨Ζ9$#uρ É=≈tGÅ3ø9$#uρ Ïπx6Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$#uρ ÌÅzFψ$# ÏΘöθu‹ø9$#uρ «!$$Î/ z⎯tΒ#u™ ô⎯tΒ §É9ø9$# £⎯Å3≈s9uρ ÉÌøóyϑø9$#uρ É−Îô³yϑø9$# Ÿ≅t6Ï% öΝä3yδθã_ãρ (#θ—9uθè? βr §É9ø9$# }§øŠ©9 * u z nο4θŸ2¨“9$# ’tA#u™ρ ο4θ=¢Á9$# uΘ$s%ruρ ÅU$s%Ìh9$# ’Îûuρ ⎦,Î#Í←!$¡¡9$#uρ È≅‹Î6¡¡9$# ⎦ø⌠$#uρ t⎦⎫Å3≈|¡yϑø9$#uρ 4’yϑ≈tGuŠø9$#uρ 4†n1öà)ø9$# “ÍρsŒ ⎯ÏμÎm6ãm 4’n?tã tΑ$yϑø9$# u n n t t ∩⊇∠∠∪ tβθà)−Gßϑø9$# ãΝèδ 7Íׯ≈s9ρéρ ( (#θè%y‰|¹ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé 3 Ĩù't7ø9$# t⎦⎫Ïnuρ Ï™!#§œØ9$#ρ Ï™!$y™ù't7ø9$# ’Îû t⎦⎪ÎÉ9≈¢Á9$#uρ ( (#ρ߉yγ≈tã #sŒÎ) öΝÏδωôγyèÎ/ šχθèùθßϑø9$#uρ y ' u u Righteousness does not consist in whether you turn your faces towards the east or the west; what is righteous is to believe in Allah and the last day, and the angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for you kin, orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which you have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain or suffering and adversity, and in times of war. Such as do so are people of truth. Such are God-fearing. (Quran: 2/177) Any act of charity or a donation for any cause, which highlights a personality, is not a righteous deed as it had not been done for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). It has only been done to
- 209. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 209 elevate the personal status in the society just as many acts of donations towards charities are publicized these days! The deeds of the true believers are by no means alms-giving: «!$# Ïμ_θÏ9 ö/ä3ãΚÏèôÜçΡ $oÿ©ςÎ) ∩∇∪ #·Å™ruρ $VϑŠÏKtƒuρ $YΖŠÅ3ó¡ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÎm7ãm 4’n?ã tΠ$yè©Ü9$# tβθßϑÏèôÜãƒuρ ∩∠∪ #ZÏÜtGó¡ãΒ …çν•Ÿ° tβ%x. $YΒöθtƒ tβθèù$sƒs†uρ Í‘õ‹¨Ζ9$$Î/ tβθèùθムô u t ∩⊇⊃∪ #ƒÌsÜôϑs% $U™θç7tã $·Βöθtƒ $uΖÎn/§‘ ⎯ÏΒ ß∃$sƒwΥ $¯ΡÎ) ∩®∪ #·‘θä3ä© Ÿωuρ [™!#t“y_ óΟä3ΖÏΒ ß‰ƒÌçΡ Ÿω They perform their vows, and they fear a Day whose evil flies far and wide. And they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive, saying: We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks. We only fear a day of distressful wrath from our Lord. (Quran: 76/7-10) If any acts ostensibly complying with the definition of “righteous deeds” are not intended to seek the good pleasure of Allah (SWT), they cease to be the “righteous deeds.” These acts are done simply to please other people. This is, in the terms of the Quran, associating partners with Allah (SWT), which is an unforgivable sin. Allah (SWT) explains how an act of worship performed, to attain not the approval of Allah (SWT), but other people, loses its value and becomes an ordinary act: ∩∉∪ šχρâ™!#tムöΝèδ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ∩∈∪ tβθèδ$y™ öΝÍκÍEŸξ|¹ ⎯tã öΝèδ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ∩⊆∪ š⎥,Íj#|Áßϑù=Ïj9 ×≅÷ƒuθsù Woe to worshipers, who are neglectful of their prayers; who only want to make a show of piety. (Quran: 107/4-6) Similarly, spending, which is a righteous deed as per the requirements of Allah (SWT), becomes an ordinary act if done to demonstrate one’s generosity in order to impress other people. Allah (SWT) describes the difference between spending to gain His approval and to satisfy one’s own desires: È≅sVyϑ. …ãé#sVyϑsù ( ÌÅzFψ$# ÏΘöθu‹ø9$#uρ «!$$Î/ ß⎯ÏΒ÷σムŸωuρ Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# u™!$sÍ‘ …ãs!$tΒ ß,ÏΨム“É‹©9$%x. 3“sŒF{$#uρ Çd⎯yϑø9$$Î/ Νä3ÏG≈s%y‰¹ (#θè=ÏÜö7è? Ÿω (#θãΖtΒ#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# $y㕃r'¯≈ƒ x | t ∩⊄∉⊆∪ ⎦⎪ÍÏ≈s3ø9$# Πöθs)ø9$# “ωôγtƒ Ÿω ª!$#uρ 3 (#θç7|¡Ÿ2 $£ϑÏiΒ ™ó©x« 4’n?tã šχρâ‘ωø)tƒ ω ( #V$ù#|¹ …çμŸ2utIsù ×≅Î/#uρ …çμt/$|¹r'sù Ò#tè? Ïμø‹n=tã Aβ#uθø|¹ t t ⎥÷⎫x÷èÅÊ $yγn=à2é ôMs?$t↔sù ×≅Î/#uρ $yγt/$|¹r οuθö/tÎ/ ¥π¨Ψy_ È≅sVyϑx. öΝÎγÅ¡àΡr ô⎯ÏiΒ $GÎ7ø[s?uρ «!$# ÅV$|ÊötΒ u™!$tóÏGö/$# ãΝßγs9≡uθøΒr šχθà)ÏΨムt⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ã≅sWtΒuρ É ∩⊄∉∈∪ îÅÁt/ tβθè=yϑ÷è? $yϑÎ/ ª!$#uρ 3 @≅sÜsù ×≅Î/#uρ $pκö:ÅÁムöΝ©9 βÎ*ù s s O you who believe! Do not cancel out your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury, - like those who spend their substance to be seen by others, believing neither in Allah nor in the last day. They are comparable to a hard, barren rock, on which there is little soil: on it falls heavy rain, which leaves it just a bare stone. They will be able to do nothing with anything they have earned. And Allah does not guide those who reject faith. Those who spend their substance, seeking to please Allah and to strengthen their souls, are like a garden, high and fertile: heavy rain falls on it, and makes it yield a double harvest, and if it does n0t receive heavy rain, light moisture suffices it. Allah see well whatever you do. (Quran: 2/264-265) #sŒ$tΒuρ ∩⊂∇∪ $YΨƒÌs% u™!$|¡sù $YΨƒÌs% …çμ9 ß⎯≈sÜø‹¤±9$# Ç⎯ä3tƒ ⎯tΒuρ 3 ÌÅzFψ$# ÏΘöθu‹ø9$$Î/ Ÿωuρ «!$$Î/ šχθãΨÏΒ÷σムŸωuρ Ĩ$¨Ψ9$# u™!$sÍ‘ öΝßγs9≡uθøΒr šχθà)ÏΨムt⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ s ∩⊂®∪ $¸ϑŠÎ=ã óΟÎγÎ/ ª!$# tβ%x.uρ 4 ª!$# ÞΟßγ%y—u‘ $£ϑÏΒ (#θà)xΡruρ ÌÅzFψ$# ÏΘöθu‹ø9$#uρ «!$$Î/ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ öθs9 öΝÍκön=tã t s We have prepared a shameful punishment for those who spend their wealth for the sake of ostentation but have no faith in Allah and the last day. If any take the evil one for their intimate, what a dreadful intimate he is! And what burden would it be on them if they had
- 210. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 210 faith in Allah and in the last day, and they spent out of what Allah has given them for sustenance? For Allah Has full knowledge of them. (Quran: 4/38-39) What turns an act into a righteous deed is the intention. If the intention is a righteous one, then the deed also becomes righteous, even if the desired result is not attained. For instance, with the intention of seeking Allah’s (SWT) approval, a believer may work hard towards a desired end, yet his effort may not be fruitful; nevertheless, he shall still have his rewards from Allah (SWT). Every believer should acknowledge that there is a reason why Allah (SWT) does not always let the individual reach his goal: óΟçFΡrρ ãΝn=÷ètƒ ª!#ρ 3 öΝä3©9 @Ÿ° uθèδuρ $↔ø‹x© (#θ™6Åsè? βr #©|¤tãuρ ( öΝà6©9 ×öyz uθèδuρ $↔ø‹x© (#θèδtõ3s? βr #©|¤tãuρ ( öΝä3©9 ×νöä. uθèδuρ ãΑ$tFÉ)ø9$# ãΝà6ø‹n=tæ |=ÏGä. u $u ∩⊄⊇∉∪ šχθßϑn=÷ès? Ÿω It is possible that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knows and you do not know. (Quran: 2/216) Only Allah (SWT) knows the fact if the desired end will have beneficial consequences for man. The result of each deed is Decreed by Allah (SWT). Each and every task should be done solely to please Him. Intention is the essence of the righteous deed. This is due to the fact that Allah (SWT) is free of all needs. He actually does not need any of the acts that His servants perform: 9“ƒÍ•yèÎ/ «!$# ’n?ã y7Ï9≡sŒ $tΒuρ ∩⊇∉∪ 7‰ƒÏ‰y` 9,ù=sƒ¿2 ÏNù'tƒuρ öΝà6ö7Ïδõ‹ãƒ ù't±o„ βÎ) ∩⊇∈∪ ߉‹Ïϑysø9$# ©Í_tóø9$# θèδ ª!$#uρ ( «!$# ’nÎ) â™!#ts)àø9$# ÞΟçFΡr â¨$¨Ζ9$# $pκš‰r'¯≈ƒ * t u t ∩⊇∠∪ O you men! It is you that have need of Allah: but Allah is the One free of all wants, worthy of all praise. If He so pleased, He could destroy you and replace you with a new creation. Nor is that, at all, difficult for Allah. (Quran: 35/15-17) He can do anything He Wills, when He Wills it. He does not need the deeds and efforts of the believers to make his religion prevail. â™!$t±o„ öθ©9 βr (#þθΖΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$# ħt↔÷ƒ($tƒ öΝn=sù 3 $·èŠÏΗsd ãøΒF{$# °! ≅t/ 3 4’tAöθyϑø9$# ÏμÎ/ tΛÍjä. ÷ρr ÞÚö‘F{$# ÏμÎ/ ôMyèÏeÜè% ÷ρr ãΑ$t6Éfø9$# ÏμÎ/ ôNuÉiß™ $ZΡ#u™öè% ¨βr öθs9uρ ãt r Ÿω ©!$# ¨βÎ) 4 «!$# ߉ôãuρ u’ÎAù'tƒ 4©®Lym öΝÏδÍ‘#yŠ ⎯ÏiΒ $Y7ƒÌs% ‘≅çtrB ÷ρr îπtãÍ‘$s% (#θãèoΨ|¹ $yϑÎ/ Νåκâ:ÅÁè? (#ρãxx. t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ãΑ#t“tƒ Ÿωuρ 3 $YèŠÏΗd }¨$¨Ζ9$# “y‰yγs9 ª!$# s ∩⊂⊇∪ yŠ$yè‹ÎRùQ$# ß#Î=øƒä† Had it been possible for a Quran to cause the mountains to move, or the earth to be torn asunder, or the dead to speak, this Quran would have done so. Nay, but Allah’s is the whole command. Do not those who believe know that, had Allah willed, He could have guided all mankind? As for those who disbelieve, disaster ceases not to strike them because of what they do, or it dwells near their home until the threat of Allah come to pass. Lo! Allah fails not to keep the appointed time. (Quran: 13/31) If a person does righteous deeds, it accumulates eternal benefits for him. Right action is surely the way to attain an eternal salvation: ∩∉∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Ç⎯tã ;©Í_tós9 ©!$# ¨βÎ) 4 ÿ⎯ÏμÅ¡øuΖÏ9 ߉Îγ≈pgä† $yϑ¯ΡÎ*sù y‰yγ≈y_ ⎯tΒuρ If any strive with might and main, they do so for their own souls: for Allah is free of all needs from all creation. (Quran: 29/6)
- 211. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 211 Anyone who offers prayers, fasts, spends in the cause of Allah (SWT), or supports Islam, accrues benefits for himself. It is he himself who needs to do good deeds and productive works; surely he shall have the Forgiveness and a great Reward in return. For the same reason, in the court of Allah (SWT), a righteous deed is acceptable only when it is a reflection of a good intention: š⎥⎫ÏΖÅ¡sßϑø9$# ÎÅe³o0uρ 3 ö/ä31y‰yδ $tΒ 4’n?tã ©!$# (#ρçÉi9s3çGÏ9 ö/ä3s9 $yδt¤‚y™ y7Ï9≡x‹. 4 öΝä3ΖÏΒ 3“uθø)−G9$# ãè!$uΖtƒ ⎯Å3≈s9uρ $yδäτ!$tΒÏŠ Ÿωρ $yγãΒθçté: ©!$# tΑ$uΖtƒ ⎯s9 ó x u ∩⊂∠∪ It is not their meat nor their blood, of the camels which have been sacrificed, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him: He has thus made them subject to you, so that you may glorify Allah for His Guidance to you and proclaim the good news to all who do right. (Quran: 22/37) Therefore, while performing a righteous deed, it is of vital importance to keep oneself occupied with the remembrance of Allah (SWT). To this end, a believer should pray to Allah (SWT) for the acceptance of his prayers and services. The prayer of Prophets Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) sets good example for all believers: ⎯ÏΒρ 79 È⎦÷⎫yϑÎ=ó¡ãΒ $uΖù=yèô_$#uρ $uΖ−/u‘ ∩⊇⊄∠∪ ÞΟŠÎ=yèø9$# ßìŠÏϑ¡¡9$# |MΡr y7¨ΡÎ) ( !$¨ΨÏΒ ö≅¬7s)s? $uΖ−/u‘ ã≅ŠÏè≈yϑó™Î)uρ ÏMøt7ø9$# z⎯ÏΒ y‰Ïã#uθs)ø9$# ÞΟ↵Ïδ≡tö/Î) ßìsùötƒ øŒÎ)uρ u y s ∩⊇⊄∇∪ ÞΟŠÏm§9$# Ü#§θ−G9$# |MΡr y7¨ΡÎ) ( !$oΨø‹n=tã ó=è?uρ $oΨs3Å™$uΖtΒ $tΡÍ‘ruρ y7©9 ZπyϑÎ=ó¡•Β Zπ¨Βé !$uΖÏF−ƒÍh‘èŒ Remember Ibrahim and Ismail raised the foundations of the House with this prayer: Our Lord! Accept this service from us: For You are All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. Our Lord! Make us Muslims, bowing to Your Will and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Your Will; and show us our place for the celebration of due rites; and turn to us in Mercy; for You are the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful. (Quran: 2/127-128) The address of Allah (SWT) to Prophet Suleiman (AS) and his people also stresses upon the significance of prayer and of giving thanks to Allah (SWT) during the performance of a righteous deed: ‘θä3¤±9$# y“ÏŠ$t6Ïã ô⎯ÏiΒ ×≅‹Î=s%uρ 4 #[õ3ä© yŠ…ãρ#yŠ tΑ#u™ (#þθè=yϑôã$# 4 BM≈u‹Å™#§‘ 9‘ρ߉è%uρ É#uθpgø:$%x. 5β$xÅ_uρ Ÿ≅ŠÏW≈yϑs?uρ |=ƒÌ≈pt¤Χ ⎯ÏΒ â™!$t±o„ $tΒ …çμs9 tβθè=yϑ÷ètƒ â ∩⊇⊂∪ They worked for him, as he desired making arches, image, basins as large as reservoirs, and cooking cauldrons fixed in their places: Work, son of Dawud, with thanks! But few of My servants are truly grateful! (Quran: 34/13) This is surely the type of service that strengthens one’s faith in Allah: One’s statement of “I Believe” is reinforced with this service and moves towards Allah (SWT): Ò#x‹ã öΝçλm; ÏN$t↔ÍhŠ¡¡9$# tβρãä3ôϑƒ z⎯ƒÏ%©!$#uρ 4 …çμãèsùötƒ ßxÎ=≈¢Á9$# ã≅yϑyèø9$#uρ Ü=Íh‹©Ü9$# ÞΟÎ=s3ø9$# ߉yèóÁtƒ Ïμø‹s9Î) 4 $·è‹ÏΗsd äο¢•Ïèø9$# ¬Tsù n﨓Ïèø9$# ߉ƒÌムtβ%x. ⎯tΒ t t ∩⊇⊃∪ â‘θç7tƒ uθèδ y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé ãõ3tΒuρ ( Ó‰ƒÏ‰x© To Him mount up all words of purity: It is He Who exalts each deed of righteousness. (Quran: 35/10) A devoted believer who performs righteous deeds throughout his life will surely attain the Gardens of Paradise and will be rewarded most generously by Allah (SWT) in the Hereafter:
- 212. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 212 ’Îû $tΒ $uΖôã“tΡuρ ∩⊆⊄∪ βρà$Î#≈yz $pκÏù öΝèδ ( Ïπ¨Ζpgø:$# Ü=≈ptõ¾r šÍׯ≈s9'ρé !$yγyèó™ãρ ωÎ) $²¡øtΡ ß#Ïk=s3çΡ Ÿω ÏM≈ysÎ=≈¢Á9$# (#θè=Ïϑtãuρ (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©!$#uρ t t ôNu™!%` ô‰)s9 ( ª!$# $uΖ1y‰yδ ÷β Iωöθ9 y“ωtFöκs]Ï9 $¨Ζä. $tΒuρ #x‹≈yγÏ9 $uΖ1y‰δ “Ï%©!$# ¬! ߉ôϑptø:$# (#θä9$s%uρ ( ã≈pκ÷ΞF{$# ãΝÍκÉJøtrB ⎯ÏΒ “ÌøgrB 9e≅Ïî ô⎯ÏiΒ ΝÏδ‘ρ߉߹ y s r s y Í ∩⊆⊂∪ tβθè=yϑ÷ès? óΟçGΨä. $yϑÎ/ $yδθßϑçGøOÍ‘ρé èπ¨Ψyfø9$# ãΝä3ù=Ï? βr (#ÿρߊθçΡuρ ( Èd,tø:$$Î/ $uΖÎn/u‘ ã≅ߙ①p As for those who believe and do good works no burden do We place on any soul, but that which it can bear, - they will have companions of the Garden, therein to dwell for ever. And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury; beneath them will be rivers flowing; and they shall say: Praise be to Allah, who has guided us to this felicity: never could we have found the right path, had it not been for the guidance of Allah: indeed it was the truth, that the messengers of our Lord brought to us. And they shall hear the cry: Behold! The Garden before you! You have been made its inheritors, for your deeds of righteousness. (Quran: 7/42-43)
- 213. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 213 THE EMINENCE OF WOMEN IN ISLAM The position of women in Islam has recently been an issue of debate, more so in the West. Some misconceptions arise, either from traditional practices that are thought to be “Islamic,” whereas they are not. They exist only because of ignorance and prejudices. The real issue is how women are regarded in the Islamic faith, and when we look at it objectively and without any prejudicial aforethought, it will be observed that Islam gives women the greatest social value, freedom, and comfort. To begin with, the people of the Book hold the woman to be the originator of the Original Sin, and blame her for the expulsion of humanity from the Gardens of Paradise. The Quran has clearly and specifically related that it was Prophet Adam (AS) that plucked the fruit from the forbidden tree, took and consumed the first bite, and then passed some of it to his mate, Hawwa (EVE). Allah (SWT) has issued distinct commandments about the status of women and the relations between men and women throughout the Quran. Islam specifies equality of rights, responsibilities and duties between both genders. Islam is based on sympathy, tolerance, and respect for human beings and does not discriminate against women. The examples of good morals communicated to us through the Quran are universally compatible with human nature and are valid during all stages of history. Respect for women and women’s rights fall within this. In the Quran, Allah (SWT) insists that the tasks and responsibilities of women are the same as those of men. Furthermore, while performing these tasks and responsibilities, men and women must help and support each other: ο4θ.¨“9$# šχθè?÷σãƒuρ ο4θ=¢Á9$# šχθßϑŠÉ)ãƒuρ Ìs3Ζßϑø9$# Ç⎯tã tβöθyγ÷Ζtƒuρ Å∃ρã÷èyϑø9$$Î/ šχρâßΔù'tƒ 4 Ù÷èt/ â™!$uŠÏ9÷ρr öΝßγàÒ÷èt/ àM≈oΨÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ tβθãΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ n x n n ∩∠⊇∪ ÒΟŠÅ3ym ͕tã ©!$# ¨βÎ) 3 ª!$# ãΝßγçΗxq÷zy™ y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé 4 ÿ…ãs!θß™u‘uρ ©!$# šχθãèŠÏ܃uρ ã The men and women of the Believers are friends of each other. They command what is right and forbid what is wrong, and establish prayer and pay alms, and obey Allah and His Messenger. They are the people on whom Allah will have Mercy. Allah is Almighty, All Wise. (Quran: 9/71) Allah (SWT) emphasizes that believers will be rewarded in the same manner according to their deeds, regardless of their gender: öΝÏδÌ≈tƒŠ ⎯ÏΒ (#θã_Ì÷zéuρ (#ρãy_$yδ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$$sù ( Ù÷è/ .⎯ÏiΒ Νä3àÒ÷èt/ ( 4©sΡé ÷ρr @x.sŒ ⎯ÏiΒ Νä3ΨÏiΒ 9≅Ïϑ≈tã Ÿ≅uΗxå ßì‹ÅÊé Iω ’ÎoΤr öΝßγš/u‘ öΝßγs9 z$yftFó™$$sù Ï t …çνy‰ΨÏã ª!$#ρ 3 «!$# ωΨÏã ô⎯ÏiΒ $/#uθrO ã≈yγ÷ΡF{$# $pκÉJøtrB ⎯ÏΒ “ÌøgrB ;M≈¨Ζy_ öΝßγ¨Ψn=Ï{÷Š_{uρ öΝÍκÌE$t↔Íh‹™ öΝåκ÷]tã ¨βÏex._{ (#θè=ÏFè%uρ (#θè=tG≈s%uρ ’Í?‹Î6y™ ’Îû (#ρèŒρéuρ u y t ∩⊇®∈∪ É#uθ¨W9$# ß⎯ó¡ãm And their Lord has heard them and He said: Lo! I suffer not the work of any worker, male or female, to be lost. You proceed one from another. So those who fled and were driven forth from their homes and suffered damage for My cause, and fought and were slain, surely I shall remit their evil deed from them and surely I shall bring them into Gardens underneath which rivers flow. A reward from Allah. And with Allah is the fairest of rewards. (Quran: 3/195) ∩®∠∪ βθè=yϑ÷èƒ (#θçΡ$Ÿ2 $tΒ Ç⎯¡ômr'Î/ Νèδtô_r óΟßγ¨ΨtƒÌ“ôfuΖs9uρ ( Zπt6ÍhŠsÛ Zο4θu‹ym …çμ¨ΖtÍ‹ósãΖn=sù Ö⎯ÏΒ÷σãΒ uθèδuρ 4©sΡé ÷ρr @Ÿ2sŒ ⎯ÏiΒ $[sÎ=≈|¹ Ÿ≅Ïϑtã ô⎯tΒ t t | Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of what they did. (Quran: 16/97)
- 214. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 214 In another verse, Muslim men and women are addressed uniformly. It is stressed upon both of them that they have the similar responsibilities and their status is equal in the Court of Allah (SWT): ÏN≡uÉ9≈¢Á9$#uρ t⎦⎪ÎÉ9≈¢Á9$#uρ ÏM≈s%ω≈¢Á9$#uρ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈¢Á9$#uρ ÏM≈tFÏΖ≈s)ø9$#ρ t⎦⎫ÏGÏΖ≈s)ø9$#uρ ÏM≈oΨÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ š⎥⎫ÏΖÏΒ÷σßϑø9$#uρ ÏM≈yϑÎ=ó¡ßϑø9$#uρ š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=ó¡ßϑø9$# ¨βÎ) u š⎥⎪ÌÅ2≡©%!$#uρ ÏM≈sàÏ≈ysø9$#uρ öΝßγy_ρãèù š⎥⎫ÏàÏ≈ptø:$#uρ ÏM≈yϑÍׯ≈¢Á9$#uρ t⎦⎫ÏϑÍׯ≈¢Á9$#uρ ÏM≈s%Ïd‰ÁtFßϑø9$#uρ t⎦⎫Ï%Ïd‰|ÁtFßϑø9$#uρ ÏM≈yèϱ≈y‚ø9$#uρ t⎦⎫Ïè±≈y‚ø9$#uρ | Ï ∩⊂∈∪ $Vϑ‹Ïàtã #·ô_ruρ ZοÏøó¨Β Μçλm; ª!$# £‰tãr N≡tÅ2≡©%!$#uρ #ZÏVx. ©!$# t Ï Men and women who are Muslims, men and women who are Believers, men and women who are Obedient, men and women who are Truthful, men and women who are Steadfast, men and women who are Steadfast, men and women who are Humble, men and women who give Alms, men and women who Fast, men and women who guard their private parts, men and women who remember Allah much: Allah has prepared forgiveness for them and an immense reward. (Quran: 33/35) The Quran has repeatedly emphasized that men and women are exactly equal in terms of their tasks and responsibilities and for the rewards or punishments they receive. There are a few differences in social issues, but these are for the benefit, the comfort, and the protection of women. The commands of the Quran regard congenial differences between the sexes resulting from their creation, and suggest a system maintaining equal justice for men and women in this light. Islam does not see women as mere objects. Therefore, it is not sanctioned and appropriate that a woman of good morals should marry a man of bad morals. There is no compulsion in the marriage. Both parties must make independent decisions about their wedlock. ×οtÏøó¨Β Νßγs9 ( tβθä9θà)tƒ $£ϑÏΒ šχρ♧y9ãΒ y7Íׯ≈s9'ρé 4 ÏM≈t6Íh‹©Ü=Ï9 tβθç7ÍhŠ©Ü9$#uρ t⎦⎫Î6Íh‹©Ü=Ï9 àM≈t6Íh‹©Ü9$#uρ ( ÏM≈sWÎ7y‚ù=Ï9 šχθèWÎ7y‚ø9$#uρ t⎦⎫ÏWÎ7y‚ù=Ï9 àM≈sWÎ7sƒø:$# ∩⊄∉∪ ÒΟƒÌŸ2 ×−ø—Í‘ρ u Corrupt women are for corrupt men and corrupt men are corrupt women. Good women are for good men and good men for good women. The latter are innocent of what they say. They will have forgiveness and generous provision. (Quran: 24/26) Also, in regard to marriage, the duties and responsibilities of a couple towards each other require equality. Allah Demands that both spouses protect and supervise each other. This obligation is distinctly expressed as follows: z$tGù öΝà6|¡àΡr šχθçΡ$tFøƒrB óΟçGΨä. öΝà6¯Ρr ª!$# zΝÎ=tæ 3 £⎯ßγ©9 Ó¨$t6Ï9 öΝçFΡruρ öΝä3©9 Ó¨$t6Ï9 £⎯èδ 4 öΝä3Í←!$|¡ÎΣ 4’nÎ) ß]sù§9$# ÏΘ$uŠÅ_Á9$# s's#ø‹s9 öΝà6s9 ¨≅Ïmé s ÏŠθó™F{$# ÅÝø‹sƒø:$# z⎯ÏΒ âÙu‹ö/F{$# äÝø‹sƒø:$# ãΝä3s9 t⎦¨⎫t7oKtƒ 4©®Lym (#θç/uõ°$#uρ (#θè=ä.uρ 4 öΝä3s9 ª!$# |=tFŸ2 $tΒ (#θäótFö/$#uρ £⎯èδρçų≈t/ z⎯≈t↔ø9$$sù ( öΝä3Ψtã $xtãuρ öΝä3ø‹n=tæ u Ú⎥Îi⎫t6ムy7Ï9≡x‹. 3 $yδθç/tø)s? Ÿξsù «!$# ߊρ߉ãn y7ù=Ï? 3 ωÉf≈|¡yϑø9$# ’Îû tβθàÅ3≈tã óΟçFΡruρ ∅èδρçų≈t7è? Ÿωuρ 4 È≅øŠ©9$# ’nÎ) tΠ$u‹Å_Á9$# (#θ‘ϑÏ?r ¢ΟèO ( Ìôfø9$# z⎯ÏΒ x x ∩⊇∇∠∪ šχθà)−Gtƒ óΟßγ¯=yès9 Ĩ$¨Ψ=Ï9 ⎯ÏμÏG≈tƒ#u™ ª!$# It is made lawful for you to go to your wives on the night of the fast. They are covers for you and you for them. Allah is aware that you were deceiving yourselves in this respect and He has turned in mercy toward you and relieved you. So hold intercourse with them and seek that which Allah has ordained for you, and eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn. Then strictly observe the fast till nightfall and touch them not, while you are at your devotions in the mosques. These are the limits imposed by Allah, so approach them not. Thus Allah expounds His revelations to mankind that they may ward off evil. (Quran: 2/187)
- 215. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 215 There are many more rules and commandments in the Quran that offer the protection of women’s rights in marriage. Marriage is based on the free will of both parties; the husband is obliged to provide the economic support for his wife. The wife is under no obligation to support her husband. Also the husband is obligated to look after his divorced wife until she remarries. These verses make clear that Islam brings justice to male-female relations and puts an end to the harmful practices resulting from customs and traditions of un-Islamic societies before the Quran was revealed. One example is the situation of women that prevailed among the pagan Arab societies. The pagan Arabs regarded women as inferior and having a daughter was something to be ashamed of. The majority of fathers preferred to bury their daughters alive rather than announce their birth! Through the revelations of the Quran, Allah (SWT) Prohibited this evil tradition and Warned that on the Judgment Day such people would definitely have to account for their actions. It is a fact that Islam brought with it a great emancipation for women, who were severely persecuted in the pagan era. Professor Bernard Lewis, believed to be one of the greatest Western experts on the history of Islam and the Middle East, commented as follows: In general, the advent of Islam brought an enormous improvement in the position of women in ancient Arabia, endowing them with property and some other rights, and giving them a measure of protection against ill treatment by their husbands or owners. The killing of female infants, sanctioned by custom in Pagan Arabia, was outlawed by Islam. But the position of women remained poor, and worsened when, in this as in so many other respects, the original message of Islam lost its impetus and was modified under the influence of pre-existing attitudes and customs… The Middle East, Weldenfeld Nicolson, London, 1995, p.210 Karen Armstrong, another Western expert on Islam, makes the following comment: We must remember what life had been like for women in the pre-Islamic period when female infanticide was the norm and women had no rights at all. Like slaves, women were treated as an inferior species, who had no legal existence. In such a primitive world, what Muhammad achieved for women was extraordinary. The very idea that a woman could be witness or could inherit anything at all in her own right was astonishing… Muhammad A Biography of the Prophet. Harper Collins Publisher, USA, 1992, p.191 In fact, during many centuries that followed Prophet Mohammed (SAW), women of the Islamic societies had a much higher social position then women of Christendom. Armstrong emphasizes that, during the Middle Ages: …the Muslims were horrified to see the way Western Christian treated their women in the Crusader states, and Christian Scholars denounced Islam for giving too much power to menials like slaves and women… Muhammad A Biography of the Prophet, Harper Collins Publisher, USA, 1992. p.199 The tendency to see women as “an inferior species” with no right to an education and who must be secluded from society arose much later in the Islamic world as a result of deviations from the righteous path of Quran. It can be said that the mentality despises women, excludes them from society, and regards them as second class citizens is a wicked pagan attitude with no place in Islam. In fact, devout women are depicted as good examples for mankind in the Quran. One is Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet Eisa (Jesus) (AS). ∩⊇⊄∪ ⎦⎫ÏFÏΖ≈s)ø9$# ⎯ÏΒ ôMtΡ%x.uρ ⎯ÏμÎ7çFä.uρ $pκÍh5‘ ÏM≈yϑÎ=s3Î/ ôMs%£‰¹uρ $oΨÏmρ•‘ ∅ÏΒ ÏμŠÏù $sΨ÷‚xoΨsù $yγy_ösù ôMoΨ|Áômr û©ÉL©9$# tβ≡tôϑÏã |MoΨö/$# zΝtƒósΔuρ t z u | And Maryam, daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity, therefore We breathed into her body something of our Spirit. And she believed in the words of her Lord and His Scriptures, and was obedient. (Quran: 66/12)
- 216. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 216 Another is, Asiya. The wife of the Egyptian pharaoh, Rameses, who, despite her husband’s wickedness, is also described as an ideal Muslim. Asiya picked up the infant Moses from the river and raised him as her son. ©Í_ÅngwΥρ ⎯ÏÎ#ϑãρ šχöθtãöÏù ⎯ÏΒ ©Í_ÅngΥuρ Ïπ¨Ψyfø9$# ’Îû $F÷t/ x8y‰ΨÏã ’Í È⎦ø⌠$# Ébu‘ ôMs9$s% øŒÎ) šχöθtãöÏù |NrtøΒ$# (#θãΖtΒ#u™ š⎥⎪Ï%©#Ïj9 WξsVtΒ ª!$# šUuŸÑuρ u y t u w ∩⊇⊇∪ š⎥⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à9$# ÏΘöθs)ø9$# š∅ÏΒ And Allah cites an example for those who believe; the wife of Fir’awn when she said: My Lord! Build for me a home with you in the Garden, and deliver me from Fir’awn and his work, and deliver me from evildoing folk. (Quran: 66/11) The Quran also describes very gentile conversations between Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) (AS) and the Queen of Sheba: ©Å¤øtΡ Môϑn=sß ’ÎoΤÎ) Å_Uu‘ ôMs9$s% 3 tƒÍ‘#uθs% ⎯ÏiΒ ×Š§yϑ•Β Óy÷|À …çμ¯ΡÎ) tΑ$s% 4 $yγøŠs%$y™ ⎯tã ôMx±x.uρ Zπ¤fä9 çμ÷Gt6Å¡ym çμø?ru‘ $£ϑn=sù ( yy÷¢Ç9$# ’Í?äz÷Š$# $oλm; Ÿ≅ŠÏ% à t ∩⊆⊆∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Ébu‘ ¬! z⎯≈yϑøŠn=ß™ yìtΒ àMôϑn=ó™ruρ It was said to her: Enter the hall. And when she saw it she deemed it a pool and bared her legs. Suleiman said: Lo! It is a hall, made of smooth glass. She said: My Lord! Lo! I have wronged myself, and I surrender with Suleiman towards Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. (Quran: 27/44) The conversation between Prophet Musa (Moses) (AS) and two young ladies at the Well of Midian symbolizes the civilized social relationship between the two genders. ’Å+ó¡nΣ Ÿω $tG9$s% ( $yϑä3ç7ôÜyz $tΒ tΑ$s% ( Èβ#yŠρä‹s? È⎦÷⎫s?rtøΒ$# ãΝÎγÏΡρߊ ⎯ÏΒ y‰y_uρuρ šχθà)ó¡o„ Ĩ$¨Ψ9$# š∅ÏiΒ Zπ¨Βé Ïμø‹n=tã y‰y`uρ š⎥t⎪ô‰tΒ u™!$tΒ yŠu‘uρ $£ϑs9uρ s ∩⊄⊂∪ ×Î7Ÿ2 Ó‡ø‹x© $tΡθç/ruρ ( â™!$tãÌh9$# u‘ωóÁム4©®Lym And when he came to the water of Midian, he found there a whole tribe of men, watering. And found apart from them two women, keeping back their flocks. He said: What ails you? The two said: We cannot give our drinks to our flocks till those shepherd turn away from water; and our father is a very old man. (Quran: 28/23) One of the most important rituals of the Islamic Pilgrimage to Makkah is to walk, and, at times run, seven times between the hillocks of Sufwaa and Murwaa. This mandatory ritual, performed by millions every year, is to commemorate the actions of Hajira, the slave wife of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS) and the mother of the Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) (AS). Hajira ran between these hillocks in search of water and human help if there were caravans in the vicinity. The infant Prophet Ismail (AS) was crying with thirst in the barren desert. Thus, this ritual follows the footsteps of a woman held high in esteem! Therefore, it is impossible for a Muslim to have a bigoted approach to women. In a society where true Islamic morals are practiced, immense respect and sympathy will be shown to women and it will be ensured that they can live in freedom and comfort. The fundamental rules in the Quran ensure that the derived meaning is conformity with the integrity of the Quran. When this is considered, it is seen that all the rules of Allah (SWT) pertaining to women form a social structure allowing them to live in the most comfortable and happy way. In a society where all the moral values mentioned by Islam are practiced comprehensively, the social position of women becomes even more exalted than in the societies that are regarded as modern.
- 217. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 217 COMMENTS ABOUT ISLAM “Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America, a guide and pillar of stability for many of our people.” Hilary Rodham Clinton LOS ANGELES TIMES, May 31, 1996 “Already more than a billion-people strong, Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion!” ABC NEWS “Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the country!” NEWSDAY, March 7, 1989 “Moslems are the world’ fastest-growing group!” USA TODAY, February 17, 1989 “Islam continues to grow in America, and no one can doubt that!” CNN December 15, 1995 “Five to six millions strong, Muslims in America already outnumber Presbyterians, Episcopalians, and Mormons, and they are numerous than Quakers, Unitarians, Seventh-day Adventists, Mennonites, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Christian Scientists, combined. Many demographers say Islam has overtaken Judaism as the country’ second-most commonly practiced religion; others say it is in passing lane!” Johan Blank US NEWS, July 20, 1998 “In fact, religion experts say Islam is the second-largest religion in the United States. Islam has 5 millions to 6 millions members, followed by Judaism, with approximately 4.5 millions. And Islam is believed to be fastest-growing religion in the country, with half its expansion coming from new immigrants and other half from conversions!” Elsa C. Arnett KNIGHT-RIDDER NEWS SERVICE “But Islam has a still further service to render to the cause of humanity. It stands after all nearer to the real East than Europe does, and it possesses a magnificent tradition of inter-racial understanding and co-operation. No other society has such record of success uniting in an equality of status, of opportunity, and of endeavors so many and so various races of mankind. In its hands lies very largely the solution of the problem with which Europe is faced in its relations with East. If they unite, the hope of a peaceful issue is immeasurably enhanced. But if Europe, by rejecting the cooperation of Islam, throws it into the arms of its rivals, the issue can only be disastrous for both. The great Muslim communities of Africa, India and Indonesia, perhaps also the small community in Japan, show that Islam has still the power to reconcile apparently irreconcilable elements of race and tradition, If ever the opposition of the great societies of the East and West is to be replaced by cooperation, the mediation of Islam is an indispensable condition!” H.A.R. Gibb “WHITHER ISLAM,” LONDON, 1932 “Islam replaced monkishness by manliness. It gives hope to the slave, brotherhood to mankind, and recognition of the fundamental facts of human nature!” Canon Taylor CHURCH CONGRESS AT WOLVERHAMPTON, October 7, 1887
- 218. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 218 “How, for instance, can any other appeal stand against that of the Moslem who, in approaching the pagan, says to him, however obscure or degraded he may be “Embrace the faith, and you are at once equal and a brother!” Islam knows no color line.” S.S. Leeder VEILED MYSTERIES OF EGYPT The nation’s claim to be a Christian country is about to meet its first challenge: the number of practicing Muslims is set to overtake Anglican Christians. There has also been a number of high-profile conversions to Islam from Christianity. These include Mike Tyson, the former World Champion Boxer; Chris Eubank, The British middleweight boxing Champion, who has changed his name to Hamdan; and Cat Stevens, the pop musician, who calls himself Yousef Islam. Prince Charles courted controversy earlier this year when he reaffirmed his claim that when he succeeds the throne, he does not wish to be the defender of only the Christian faith!” Rajeev Syal and Christopher Morgan SUNDAY TIMES, LONDON “The extinction of race consciousness as between Muslims is one of the outstanding achievements of Islam and in the contemporary world there is, as it happens, a crying need for the propagation of this Islamic virtue!” A.J.Toynbee CIVILIZATION ON TRIAL, NEW YORK “History makes it clear however, that the legends of fanatical Muslims sweeping through the world and forcing Islam at the point of the sword upon conquered races is one of the most fantastically absurd myths that historians have ever repeated!” De Lacy O’Leary ISLAM AT THE CROSSROADS, LONDON. 1923 “The Muslim community is much more aware of its religion and the use that religion plays within its community!” Dr. Peter Brierley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: CHRISTIAN RESEARCH ASSOCIATION, LONDON “I HAVE HELD THE RELIGION OF Muhammad in high estimation because of its wonderful vitality. It is the only religion which appears to me to possess that assimilating capacity to the changing phase of existence which can make itself appeal to every age. I have studied him – the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it much needed peace and happiness. I have prophesized about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today!” George Bernard Shaw THE GENUINE ISLAM “A growing number of Muslims in America, more than forty percent are African-American!” CHARLES BIERBAUER SENIOR WASHINGTON CORRESPONDENT “The rise of Islam is perhaps the most amazing event in human history. Springing from a land and a people like previously negligible, Islam spread within a century over half the earth, shattering great
- 219. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 219 empires, overthrowing long-established religions, remolding the souls of races, and building up a whole new world!” WORLD OF ISLAM “The closer we examine this development the more extraordinary does it appear. The other great religions won their way slowly, by painful struggle and finally triumphed with the aid of powerful monarchs converted to the new faith. Christianity had its Constantine, Buddhism its Asoka, and Zoroastrianism’s its Cyrus, each lending to his chosen cult the mighty force of secular authority. Not so Islam. Arising in a desert land sparsely inhabited by a nomad race previously undistinguished in human annals, Islam sallied forth on its great adventure with the slenderest human backing and against heaviest material odds. Yet Islam triumphed with seemingly miraculous ease, and a couple of generations saw the Crescent borne victorious from the Pyrenees to the Himalayas and from the desert of Central Asia to the deserts of Central Africa!” A.M.L. Stoddard ISLAM – THE RELIGION OF ALL PROPHETS “”I am not a Muslim in the usual sense, though I hope I am a “Muslim – as one who surrendered to God,” but I believe that embedded in the Quran and other expressions of the Islamic vision are vast stores of divine truth from which I and other occidentals have still much to learn, and Islam is certainly a strong contender for the supplying of the basic framework of the one religion of the future!” W. Montgomery Watt ISLAM AND CHRISTIANITY TODAY, LONDON, 1983 “I believe in One God and Mahomet the Apostle of God,” is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honors of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples with the bounds of reason and religion! Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay THE HISTORY OF THE SARACEN EMPIRE, LONDON, 1870 “The doctrine of brotherhood of Islam extends to all human beings, no matter what color, race or creed. Islam is the only religion which has been able to realize this doctrine in practice. Muslims, wherever in the world they are, will recognize each others as brothers!” R. L. Mellema Anthropologist, Writer and Scholar –HOLLAND “The universal brotherhood of Islam, regardless or race, politics, color or country, has been brought home to me most keenly many times in my life – and this is another feature which drew me towards the Faith!” Col. Donald S. Rockwell POET, CRITIC AND AUTHOR, USA “Medieval Islam was technologically advanced and open to innovation. It achieved far higher literacy rates than in contemporary Europe; it assimilated the legacy of classical Greek civilization to such a degree that many classical books are now known to us only through Arabic copies. It invented windmills, trigonometry, lateen sails and made major advances in metallurgy, mechanical and chemical engineering and irrigation methods. In the middle-ages the flow of technology was overwhelmingly from Islam to Europe rather than from Europe to Islam. Only after the 1500’s did the net direction of flow begin to reverse!” Jared Diamond PULITZER PRIZE WINNER
- 220. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 220 THE QURAN: THE FINAL REVELATION. The Quran is the final message for all of humankind. It is not the exclusive property of the Muslims. It was revealed by Allah (SWT) in Arabic to the Last prophet, Mohammed (SAW), because the prophet was an Arab and could only understand and speak Arabic. However, Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was an illiterate and could not read or write. ∩∈⊄∪ É=≈t6ø9F{$# (#θä9'ρé t©.¤‹ŠÏ9uρ Ó‰Ïn≡uρ ×μ≈s9Î) uθèδ $yϑ¯Ρr (#þθßϑn=÷èu‹Ï9uρ ⎯ÏμÎ/ (#ρâ‘x‹ΖãŠÏ9uρ Ĩ$¨Ζ=Ïj9 Ô≈n=t/ #x‹≈yδ u This is a clear message for mankind in order that they may be warned thereby, and that they may know that He is only One God, and that men of understanding may take heed. (QURAN: 14/52) The Quran completed and superseded all the earlier revelations from Allah, which included the Torah, revealed through Prophet Moses (AS); the Psalms, revealed through Prophet David (AS); and the Bible, revealed through Prophet Jesus (AS). The Quran also confirms and supersedes all the earlier scriptures which were revealed, and are referred as “the Book”. ô ∩⊂⊄∪ 9Ï.£‰•Β ⎯ÏΒ ö≅yγsù Ìø.Ïe%#Ï9 tβ#u™öà)ø9$# $tΡ÷œ£o„ ‰s)s9uρ And in truth We have made the Quran easy to remember; but is there any that heed? (Quran: 54/32) Questions are raised about the necessity of revealing the Quran when previously revealed books do exist and are in use by the people of their faith. There are two reasons why it is necessary to reveal the Quran: First, the Torah, the Psalms, and the Bible were revealed for the exclusive benefit of the nations who were the receivers! However, with the passage of time, these earlier revelations were distorted and rewritten by humans who considered themselves powerful enough to do so. They lost their quality as the divine word of God, as most parts consist of words and interpolations of man. Those interpreters and rewriters had no divine authority whatsoever to rewrite and change any part of the revelations. Their newer interpretations of the Torah, the Psalms, and the Bible were made to suit the needs of those who were in power. By changing and corrupting the revelations, the original purpose had been lost forever. Second, as humanity advanced in knowledge and developed a better understanding of the universe and what surrounds it, it was necessary to recall the past revelations and to refresh the minds of the people, who, by now, had better-developed mindsets that could accept and act on this information logically. However, these revelations were the true incidents of the past as it happened! ™ó©x« Èe≅à2 Ÿ≅‹ÅÁøs?uρ Ïμ÷ƒy‰tƒ t⎦÷⎫t/ “Ï%©!$# t,ƒÏ‰óÁs? ⎯Å6≈s9uρ 2”utIøム$ZVƒÏ‰tn tβ%x. $tΒ 3 É=≈t6ø9F{$# ’Í'ρT[{ ×οuö9Ïã öΝÎηÅÁ|Ás% ’Îû šχ%x. ô‰s)s9 ∩⊇⊇ ∪ tβθãΖÏΒ÷σム5Θöθs)Ïj9 ZπuΗ÷q‘uρ “Y‰èδuρ u In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing Scripture and a detailed explanation of every-thing, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe. (Quran: 12/111) Moreover, this time, the Quran was for the everlasting benefit and the guidance of the all humankind. This was the last message for humankind and contained a complete and a workable guidance valid for all the times, especially the future! The Quran is the only book of the divine revelation that has survived and remains intact. It has been preserved in its original language of
- 221. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 221 revelation, Arabic, as spoken and written by the Quresh of Makkah during the lifetime of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). The entire Quran was revealed, in stages, during a period of twenty-three years. From the first handwritten copy, written by the third Caliph, Hazrat Uthman (RA), which is currently displayed in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul, Turkey, to any reproductions available in any corner of the world, no contradiction or discrepancy can be found! ∩⊄∪ z⎯ŠÉ)−Fßϑù=Ïj9 “W‰èδ ¡ Ïμ‹Ïù ¡ |=÷ƒu‘ Ÿω Ü=≈tGÅ6ø9$# y7Ï9≡sŒ This is the Book; in it is certain and unmistakable guidance for those who fear Allah. (Quran: 2/2) These verses and many others emphasize that real purpose of the revelation of the Quran is to encourage people to ponder on such crucial issues as the creation and the purpose of life, to learn about Allah Who has Created them, and to guide them to the righteous way. The Quran needs an open mind to comprehend its marvels. The verses of the Quran strongly emphasize that, in order to understand the religion, there is no need to look for any source other than the Quran. Ÿξsù ( Èd,ptø:$$Î/ y7Îi/¢‘ ⎯ÏiΒ ×Α¨”∴ãΒ …çμ¯Ρr tβθßϑ=ôèƒ |=≈tGÅ3ø9$# ÞΟßγ≈oΨ÷s?#u™ t⎦⎪Ï%©!$#uρ 4 Wξ¢ÁxãΒ |=≈tGÅ3ø9$# ãΝà6øŠs9Î) tΑ“Ρr ü“Ï%©!$# uθèδuρ $Vϑs3ym ©ÈötGö/r «!$# uötósùr t n t t ∩⊇⊇⊆∪ t⎦⎪ÎtIôϑßϑø9$# š∅ÏΒ ¨⎦sðθä3s? Shall I seek for any judge other than Allah? – when He it is Who has sent to you the Book, explained in detail. They know full well, those to whom We have given the Book, that it has been sent down from your Lord in truth. Never be then of those who doubt. (Quran: 6/114) The religious duty of reciting the Quran cannot be satisfied by just reading it. In order to fulfill the duties ordered in the Quran, it has to be learned and put into practice. To begin, one should adopt the moral standards explained in the Quran by applying these standards in one’s own everyday life. Thus, learning the Quran is only an introductory step, and the application should follow it. “ωöκu‰ Ÿω ª!$#uρ 4 «!$# ÏM≈tƒ$t↔Î/ (#θç/¤‹x. t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ÏΘöθs)ø9$# ã≅sWtΒ }§ø♥Î/ 4 #I‘$xó™r ã≅Ïϑøts† Í‘$yϑÅsø9$# È≅sVyϑx. $yδθè=Ïϑøts† öΝs9 §ΝèO sπ1u‘öθ−G9$# (#θè=Ïdϑãm ⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ã≅sVtΒ t ∩∈∪ t⎦⎫ÏΗÍ≈©à9$# tΠöθs)ø9$# The likeness of those who are entrusted with the applications of the Mosaic Law, yet apply it not, is as the likeness of the donkey which carries huge bundles of books, but cannot understand them. Evil is the example of people who falsify the Signs of Allah; and Allah does not guide people who do wrong. (Quran: 62/5) Those who claim that the Quran has become outdated and needs to be revised to fall in line with this age cannot grasp the fact that the Quran is not confined by the chains of time, but covers all ages and societies, as it has been revealed by Allah (SWT), Who has the knowledge of the past, the present, and the future. When read with an open mind and a clean heart, it will be seen that the models of the people and the societies described in the Quran existed in every era of history, including that of today. The Quran explains the current state of people and societies. All the disorder, perversion, and mistakes of a society that has strayed from true religious values have been clearly stated in Quran. The Muslims and only the Muslims are to be blamed for this anarchy. They merely wrapped the Quran in an expensive, colorful cloth, tied this cloth, and stored the Quran on the highest shelves in their houses. It was, and, in most cases, still is a decoration and a reverence. No efforts were made to study it, or to present it to those who were not Muslims!
- 222. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 222 The reactions of the people of these societies towards Islam have been described with detailed character analysis. These descriptions and analysis are relevant in all respects to the world of today, thus demonstrating the “sociological miracle” of the Quran. What is interesting here is that inconsistent views such as, “Society is in a state of continuous progress, whereas religion is static or backward” have also been diagnosed in the Quran as arising from a deficiency of comprehension. The unbelievers, who lived thousands of years before the Quran, also interpreted religion as “old fashioned.” ∩⊄⊆∪ š⎥⎫Ï9¨ρF{$# çÏÜ≈y™r (#þθä9$s% ö/ä3š/u‘ tΑt“Ρr !#sŒ$¨Β Μçλm; Ÿ≅ŠÏ% #sŒÎ)uρ And when it is said to them: What has your Lord revealed? They say, just tales of the ancients. (Quran: 16/24) When an individual starts reading the Quran and tries to implement it in his daily life, he can be considered to be on his way to becoming a real Muslim as described in the Scriptures. With amazement, he begins to see how the Quran covers every moment of his life. Many events that a person experiences have been mentioned in the Quran, and the reactions of a Muslim who would befit those occasions have also been explained in detail. However, being satisfied with reading and knowing the Quran without practicing it may have certain displeasing consequences. ∩⊇∈∠∪ t⎦⎫Ï%ω≈|¹ ÷Λä⎢Ζä. βÎ) óΟä3Î7≈tFÅ3Î/ (#θè?ù'sù ∩⊇∈∉∪ Ñ⎥⎫Î7•Β Ö⎯≈sÜù=ß™ ö/ä3s9 ÷Πr ∩⊇∈∈∪ tβρã©.x‹s? Ÿξsùr ∩⊇∈⊆∪ tβθãΚä3øtrB y#ø‹x. ö/ä3s9 $tΒ What is the matter with you? How do you judge yourself? Will you not then receive admonition? Or have you a manifest authority? Then bring your Book of authority if you are truthful! (Quran: 37/154-157)
- 223. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 223 COMMENTS ABOUT THE QURAN • The name Quran means the recital or the reading. According to its own word, the Quran is a revealed book in the spiritual tradition of the Torah and Gospel transmitted by Moses and Jesus. Connecting itself and these distinguished predecessors to even earlier dispensations of original religion, the Quran represents its teachings as confirming and clarifying the truth of what was in those messages. It is also the criterion: it is called a reminder and also a clarification. • The Quran is undeniably a book of great importance even to non-Muslims, perhaps more today than ever. • For too long, the realities of Islam and the Quran have been a mystery to the Christian West. • Immediate benefit in reading the Quran is that it is a necessary step towards the understanding and tolerance without which world peace is in fact inconceivable. • For non-Muslims, one special advantage in reading the Quran is that it provides an authentic point of reference from which to examine the biased stereotypes of Islam to which Westerners are habitually exposed. Excerpts from “The Essential Koran”. By THOMAS CLEARY. CASTLE BOOKS, Edison. New Jersey. (USA). “I find it very interesting that this sort of information is in the ancient scripture of the Holy Quran, and I have no way of knowing where they would come from, but I think it is extremely interesting that they are there and that this work is going on to discover it, the meaning of some of the passages. Well, I would think it must be the divine being!” Professor William W. Hay Marine Scientist. USA “I can say, I am very much impressed by finding the true astronomical facts in Quran!” Professor Yushudi Kusan Director: TOKYO OBSERVATORY “It follows, I think, that only is there no conflict between genetics and religion, but in fact religion can guide science by adding revelation to some traditional scientific approaches. That there exists, statements in the Quran shown by science to be valid, which supports knowledge in the Quran, as having been derived form Allah!” Joe Leigh Simpson Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois “We need research into the history of early Middle Eastern oral traditions to know whether in fact such historical events have been reported. If there is no such record, it strengthens the belief that Allah transmitted through Mohammed bits of His Knowledge that we have only discovered for ourselves in recent times. We look forward to a continuing dialogue on the topic of science in the Quran in the context of geology. Thank you very much!” Professor Palmer U.S.A. Scientist
- 224. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 224 “I am impressed at how remarkably some of the ancient writings seem to correspond to modern and recent Astronomy. There may well have to be something beyond that we understand as ordinary human experience to account for the writings that we have seen!” Professor Armstrong NASA Scientist, USA “It is difficult to imagine that this type of knowledge was existing at that time, around 1400 years back. May be some of the things they have simple idea about, but do describe those things in great detail is very difficult. So, this is definitely not a simple human knowledge!” Professor Dorja Rao “Everything made so much sense. This is the beauty of the Quran; it asks you to reflect and reason. When I read the Quran further, it talked about prayer, kindness and charity. I was not a Muslim yet, but I felt the only answer for me was the Quran, and God had sent it to me!” YUSUF ISLAM former CAT STEVENS British Pop Star “Sense of justice is one of the most wonderful ideals of Islam, because as I read in the Quran; I find those dynamic principles of life, not mystic but practical ethics for the daily conduct of life suited to the whole world!” SAROJINI NAIDU Lectures on “The Ideals of Islam” Madras, India, 1918 “The essential and definite element of my conversion to Islam was the Quran. I began to study it before my conversion with the critical spirit of a Western intellectual. There are certain verses of this book, the Quran, revealed more than thirteen centuries ago, which teach exactly the same notions as the most modern scientific researches do. This definitely converted me. ALI SELMAN BENOIST Doctor of Medicine, France “I have read the Sacred Scriptures of every religion; nowhere have I found what I encountered in Islam: perfection. The Holy Quran, compared to any other scripture I have read, is like the Sun compared to that of a match. I firmly believe that anybody who reads the Word of Allah with a mind that is not completely closed to the Truth will become a Muslim!” SAIFUDDIN DIRK WALTER. Mosig, USA
- 225. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 225 THIS LIFE AND THE NEXT LIFE All attempts to seek something crooked in religion, stems from peoples’ lack of understanding about the reality of the Hereafter. It is stated in Quran, and all other books, that Allah (SWT) created this universe as a temporary home for us. This home is for testing the believers, having them purified, permitting them to be worthy of Paradise, and witnessing the unbelievers. 3 Ï^öysø9$#uρ ÉΟ≈yè÷ΡF{$#uρ ÏπtΒ§θ|¡ßϑø9$# È≅ø‹y‚ø9$#uρ ÏπÒÏø9$#uρ É=yδ©%!$# š∅ÏΒ ÍοtsÜΖs)ßϑø9$# ÎÏÜ≈oΨs)ø9$#uρ t⎦⎫ÏΖt6ø9$#uρ Ï™!$|¡ÏiΨ9$# š∅ÏΒ ÏN≡uθ㤱9$# =ãm Ĩ$¨Ζ=Ï9 z⎯Îiƒã— y ×M≈¨Ψy_ óΟÎγÎn/‘ y‰ΖÏã (#öθs)¨?$# t⎦⎪Ï%©#Ï9 4 öΝà6Ï9≡sŒ ⎯ÏiΒ 9öy‚Î/ /ä3ã∞Îm;tΡäτr ö≅è% * ∩⊇⊆∪ É$t↔yϑø9$# Ú∅ó¡ãm …çνy‰ΨÏã ª!$#uρ ( $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# Íο4θu‹ysø9$# ßì≈tFtΒ šÏ9≡sŒ u ∩⊇∈∪ ÏŠ$t7Ïèø9$$Î/ 7ÅÁ/ ª!$#ρ 3 «!$# š∅ÏiΒ Òχ≡uθôÊÍ‘uρ ×οt£γsÜ•Β Ól≡uρø—ruρ $yγŠÏù t⎦⎪Ï$Î#≈yz ã≈yγ÷ΡF{$# $yγÏFøtrB ⎯ÏΒ “Ìôfs? t u Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded for blood and excellence; and the wealth of cattle and well- tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but to return towards Allah is the best of goals. Say “Shall I give you glad tidings of things Far better than those? For the righteous are Gardens in nearness to their Lord, with rivers flowing beneath; therein is their eternal home; with companions pure and holy; and the good pleasure of Allah.” For in Allah’s sight all are His servants. (Quran: 3/14-15) However, the members of the society of ignorance disregard this reality and hold onto the material world as if it will never end. The mentality of the society of ignorance is shaped by these misconceptions; “Life is short, so get a life” “We come to this world only once, so enjoy it” are the simple statements reflecting this mentality. Those who have this mentality are the people who live their lives without considering their religious duties and totally ignoring the hereafter. To enjoy their lives, they will try anything for fun and personal benefit. From their perspective, everything they do is legitimate. This society of ignorance is in a state of deep ignorance. Although they know that death is an unavoidable end which will come sooner or later, they disregard this fact and keep it out of their agenda as much as possible. They purposely avoid thinking about it and hinder other people from talking about it. Every one of them leads his life as if it will never end. Most of them do not deny the existence of God. When they are asked, they claim that they do believe in the afterlife as well. However, their actions reflect exactly the opposite. That is because they do not really have the true faith in the Hereafter: ∩∈⊆∪ 8ÝŠÏt’Χ ™ó©x« Èe≅ä3Î/ …çμ¯ΡÎ) Iωr 3 óΟÎγÎn/u‘ Ï™!$s)Ïj9 ⎯ÏiΒ 7πtƒöÏΒ ’Îû öΝåκ¨ΞÎ) Iωr Ah indeed! Are they in doubt concerning the Meeting with their Lord? Ah indeed! It is He that doth encompass all things! (Quran: 41/54) An inescapable fact is the knowledge that every person will have his life terminated in death. However, in their desire to live forever, people do things hoping that people will remember them long after they die. They are unaware that their thinking and line of action towards those goals are unreasonable. They do not do anything towards their eternal life in the Hereafter. They try to leave their “name” in the world and want to be “unforgettable” after their death. This will bring them no benefit, neither in this world nor in the next.
- 226. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 226 ωÎ) “Ìô_ ÷βÎ) ( @ô_r ô⎯ÏΒ Ïμø‹n=tã öΝä3è=t↔ó™r !$tΒuρ ∩⊇⊄∉∪ Èβθãè‹ÏÛuρ ©!$# (#θà)¨?$$sù ∩⊇⊄∈∪ ×⎦⎫ÏΒr îΑθß™u‘ ö/ä3s9 ’ÎoΤÎ) ∩⊇⊄⊆∪ tβθà)−Gs? Ÿωr îŠθèδ öΝèδθäzr öΝçλm; tΑ$s% øŒÎ) y r r ∩⊇⊄®∪ tβρà$é#øƒrB öΝä3ª=yès9 yìÏΡ$|ÁtΒ tβρä‹Ï‚−Gs?uρ ∩⊇⊄∇∪ tβθèWt6÷è? Zπtƒ#u™ ?ìƒÍ‘ Èe≅ä3Î/ tβθãΖö6s? ∩⊇⊄∠∪ t⎦⎫Ïϑn=≈yèø9$# Ébu‘ 4’n?tã s r Behold, their brother Hud said to them: Will you not fear Allah? I am a messenger to you worthy of all trust: So fear Allah and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the Lord of the Worlds. Do you build a landmark on every high place to amuse yourselves? And do you get for yourselves fine buildings in the hope of living therein for ever? (Quran: 26/124-129) The belief of the Hereafter is a kind of consolation to repress the pain experienced during the life in the world. Sometimes even the most religious ones hold a suspicious faith. They believe that they are guaranteed the gardens in the Hereafter. ôM?#u™ È⎦÷⎫tF¨Ζfø9$# $tGù=Ï. ∩⊂⊄∪ %Yæö‘y— $yϑåκs]÷t/ $uΖù=yèy_uρ 9≅÷‚uΖÎ/ %m„à…≈oΨøxymuρ 5=≈uΖôãr ô⎯ÏΒ È⎦÷⎫tF¨Ζ_ $yϑÏδωtnL{ $uΖù=yèy_ È⎦÷⎫n=ã_§‘ WξsW¨Β Μçλm; ñUÎôÑ$#uρ * s y y ∩⊂⊆∪ #xtΡ –“ãrρ Zω$tΒ y7ΖÏΒ çsYø.r O$tΡr ÿ…çνâ‘Íρ$ptä† uθèδuρ ⎯ÏμÎ7Ås≈|ÁÏ9 tΑ$s)sù ÖyϑrO …çμs9 šχ%x.uρ ∩⊂⊂∪ #pκtΞ $yϑßγn=≈n=Åz $tΡö¤fsùuρ 4 $↔ø‹x© çμ÷ΖÏiΒ ΟÎ=ôàs? óΟs9uρ $yγn=ä.é t u #Zöyz ¨βy‰É`V{ ’În1u‘ 4’nÎ) ‘NŠÏŠ•‘ ⎦È⌡s9uρ ZπyϑÍ←!$s% sπtã$¡¡9$# ⎯àßr !$tΒuρ ∩⊂∈∪ #Y‰t/r ÿ⎯ÍνÉ‹≈yδ y‰ŠÎ6s? βr ⎯àßr !$tΒ Α$s% ⎯ÏμÅ¡øuΖÏj9 ÖΝÏ9$sß uθèδuρ …çμtG¨Ψy_ Ÿ≅yzyŠuρ t ’În1u‘ ª!$# θèδ O$¨ΨÅ3≈©9 ∩⊂∠∪ Wξã_u‘ y71§θy™ §ΝèO 7πxõÜœΡ ⎯ÏΒ §ΝèO 5#tè? ⎯ÏΒ y7s)n=yz “Ï%©!$$Î/ |Nöxx.r ÿ…çνâ‘Íρ$ptä† uθèδuρ …çμç7Ïm$|¹ …çμs9 tΑ$s% ∩⊂∉∪ $Y6n=s)ΖãΒ $yγ÷ΨÏiΒ u þ’În1u‘ 4©|¤èù ∩⊂®∪ #V$s!ρuρ Zω$tΒ y7ΖÏΒ ¨≅s%r O$tΡr Èβts? βÎ) 4 «!$$Î/ ωÎ) nο§θè% Ÿω ª!$# u™!$x© $tΒ |Mù=è% y7tF¨Ζy_ |Mù=yzyŠ øŒÎ) Iωöθs9uρ ∩⊂∇∪ #Y‰tnr þ’În1tÎ/ à8Îõ°é Iωuρ y s u $Y6n=Û …çμs9 yì‹ÏÜGó¡n@ ⎯n=ù #Y‘öθxî $yδäτ!$tΒ yxÎ6óÁム÷ρr ∩⊆⊃∪ $¸)s9y— #Y‰‹Ïè|¹ yxÎ6óÁçFsù Ï™!$yϑ¡¡9$# z⎯ÏiΒ $ZΡ$t7ó¡ãm $pκön=tæ Ÿ≅Å™öãƒuρ y7ÏF¨Ζy_ ⎯ÏiΒ #Zöz È⎦y⎫Ï?÷σムβr s t s y ⎯ä3s? öΝ9uρ ∩⊆⊄∪ #Y‰nr þ’În1tÎ/ õ8Îõ°é óΟs9 ©Í_tFø‹n=≈tƒ ãΑθà)tƒuρ $pκÅ−ρããã 4’n?tã îπtƒÍρ%s{ }‘Éδuρ $pκÏù t,xΡr !$tΒ 4’n?tã ÏμøŠ¤x. Ü=Ïk=s)ムyxt7ô¹r'sù ⎯ÍνÌyϑsWÎ/ xÝ‹Ïméuρ ∩⊆⊇∪ s t ∩⊆⊆∪ $Y6ø)ãã îözuρ $/#uθrO ×öyz uθèδ 4 Èd,ptø:$# ¬! èπu‹≈s9uθø9$# y7Ï9$uΖèδ ∩⊆⊂∪ #·ÅÇtFΖãΒ tβ%x. $tΒuρ «!$# Èβρߊ ⎯ÏΒ …çμtΡρçÝÇΖtƒ ×πt⁄Ïù …ã©! y Set forth to them the parable of two men: for one of them We provided two gardens of grape- vines and surrounded them with date palms; in between the two We placed corn-fields. Each of those gardens brought forth its produce, and failed not in the least therein: In midst of them We caused a river to flow. His man had abundant produce: he said to his companion, in the course of a mutual argument: I have more wealth than you, and more honor and power amongst my subjects. He went into his garden in a state of mind that was unjust to his soul: He said: I do not think that this will ever perish. Nor do I think that the Hour of Judgment will ever come: Even if I am brought back to my Lord, I shall surely find there something better in exchange. His companion said to him, during the argument with him: Do you deny Him Who created you out of dust, then out of a sperm drop, then fashioned you into a man? However on my part I think that He is Allah, My Lord, and none shall I associate with my Lord. When you go into your gardens, you should always say: Allah’s will be done! There is no power but with Allah! If you do see me less than you in wealth and sons, it may be that my Lord will give me something better than your gardens, and that He will send on your garden thunderbolts from heaven, making it as slippery sand! Or the water of the garden will run off underground so that you will never be able to find it. So his fruits and enjoyment were encompassed with ruin, and he remained twisting and turning his hands over what he had spent on his property, which had tumbled to pieces to its very foundations, and he could only say, Woe is me! Would I had never ascribed partners to my Lord and Cherisher! Nor had numbers to help him against Allah, nor was he able to deliver himself. Therefore, the only protection comes from Allah, the True One. He is the Best to reward, and the Best to give success. (Quran: 18/32-44) In another chapter of the Quran, there is another example of another person with similar mentality:
- 227. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 227 ’Í ¨βÎ) þ’În1u‘ 4’nÎ) àM÷èÅ_•‘ ⎦È⌡s9uρ ZπϑÍ←!$s% sπtã$¡¡9$# ⎯àßr !$tΒuρ ’Í #x‹≈yδ £⎯s9θà)uŠs9 çμ÷G¡¡tΒ u™!#§ŸÑ ω÷èt/ .⎯ÏΒ $¨ΨÏiΒ ZπtΗôqy‘ çμ≈oΨø%sŒr ÷⎦È⌡s9uρ y ∩∈⊃∪ 7á‹Î=xî A#x‹tã ô⎯ÏiΒ Νßγ¨Ψs)ƒÉ‹ãΖs9uρ (#θè=Ïϑtã $yϑÎ/ (#ρãxx. t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ¨⎦s⎮Îm6t⊥ãΨ=sù 4 4©o_ó¡ßsù=s9 …çνy‰ΨÏã n When We give him a taste of some Mercy from Ourselves, after some adversity has touched him, he is sure to say, “This is due to my merit: I think not that the Hour of Judgment will ever be established: but if I am brought back to my Lord, I have much good stored in His sight!” But We will show the Unbelievers the truth of all that they did, and We shall give them the taste of a severe Penalty. (Quran: 41/50) The keywords to observe are “If I am brought back to my Lord!” This is an expression of doubt: doubt in the Judgment Day and in the Hereafter! Allah (SWT) never created a doubt! The doubt is the first weapon of Satan, and Satan has used this weapon to mislead humanity from the beginning! Remember, Prophet Adam (AS) was ejected from Paradise after Satan had whispered something about immortality. Satan will continue to mislead humankind. It is also hard to understand the fact that the majority of humankind believes in God; inevitably they must come to the conclusion that Hereafter also exists. Allah creates the human, lets him live the life of his choice, gives him countless blessings, and shows great compassion and mercy. Hence, why should He want to terminate this relationship forever after the death of the human? If death were an end, then good people would continue to live forever while the evil ones died at their intervals. It is not the way it is happening! Everyone dies. ∩⊂∈∪ tβθãèy_öè? $uΖøŠs9Î)ρ ( ZπuΖ÷FÏù Îöƒø:$#uρ Îh¤³9$$Î/ Νä.θè=ö7tΡuρ 3 ÏNöθyϑø9$# èπs)Í←!#sŒ §øtΡ ‘≅ä. u s Every soul shall have a taste of death, and We try you with evil and with good, for ordeal. And towards Us you will be returned. (Quran: 21/35) Allah (SWT) ends every person’s life after allowing him to live for a certain period of time. This period of life is a period of trial. Sufficient time has been allotted for us to make our choice for the eternal life Hereafter. ( ãƒÉ‹¨Ψ9$# ãΝä.u™!%y`uρ t©.x‹s? ⎯tΒ ÏμŠÏù ã2x‹tGtƒ $¨Β Νä.öÏdϑyèçΡ óΟs9uρr 4 ã≅yϑ÷ètΡ $¨Ζà2 “Ï%©!$# uöxî $·sÎ=≈|¹ ö≅yϑ÷ètΡ $oΨô_Ì÷z !$uΖ−/u‘ $pκÏù tβθäzÌsÜóÁtƒ öΝèδuρ r ∩⊂∠∪ AÅÁ¯Ρ ⎯ÏΒ t⎦⎫ÏϑÎ=≈©à=Ï9 $yϑsù (#θè%ρä‹ù s And they cry for help there, saying: Our Lord! Release us; we will do right, not the wrong that we used to do. Did We not give you a life long enough for who reflected to reflect therein? And the warners came for you. Now taste the flavor of your deeds, for evildoers have no helpers. (Quran: 35/37) A point to remember is that our body is mortal; hence, it grows, degrades, deteriorates, and then degenerates in the grave. However, our souls are immortal and stay with us. After it leaves our body at death, our soul is individually stored until the Day of Judgment, when all will arise again with their bodies and souls rejoined together. That is the time when our real life begins, and that life will have no end to it. When this reality strikes home, the sensible humans seek the ways and means, as believers, to improve their image for their next and the real life by following the righteous path towards Allah (SWT); while the society of the ignorant insist on their blindness by rejecting the truth of the Quran. They are the unbelievers. They continue to deny the true purpose of their life in this universe. The true purpose of your life in this universe is to prepare yourself for the eternal life in the Hereafter.
- 228. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 228 ßk‹Íκu‰ §ΝèO …çμè?$t7tΡ u‘$¤ä3ø9$# =yfôã B]ø‹î È≅sVyϑx. ( ω≈s9÷ρF{$#uρ ÉΑ≡uθøΒF{$# ’Îû ÖèO%s3s?uρ öΝä3oΨ÷t/ 7äz$xs?uρ ×πuΖƒÎ—uρ ×θøλm;uρ Ò=Ïès9 $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# äο4θ‹sø9$# $yϑ¯Ρr (#þθßϑn=ôã$# | r x uy ∩⊄⊃∪ Í‘ρãäóø9$# ßì≈tFΒ ωÎ) !$u‹÷Ρ‘$!$# äο4θ‹ysø9$# $tΒuρ 4 ×β≡uθôÊÍ‘uρ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ ×οtÏøótΒuρ Ó‰ƒÏ‰x© Ò#x‹tã ÍοtÅzFψ$# ’Îûρ ( $Vϑ≈sÜãm ãβθä3tƒ §ΝèO #vxóÁãΒ çμ1utIsù t u u Know you all, that the life of this world is but play and amusement, pomp and mutual boastings and multiplying, in rivalry among yourselves, riches and children. Here is a similitude: How rain and growth which it brings forth, delight the hearts of the tillers; soon it withers; you will see it grow yellow; then it becomes dry and crumbles away. But in the Hereafter is a Penalty severe for the devotees of wrong. And Forgiveness from Allah and His Good Pleasure for the devotees of Allah. And what is the life of this world, but goods and chattels of deception. (Quran: 57/20) The main issue continues to be, “What is the real life?” It is known that, there will be only two different places in the Hereafter: The Paradise, the place for the believers; and the Hell, the place for the unbelievers.
- 229. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 229 THE DEATH: THE LIFE OF SUSPENSION βθßϑ=÷è? öθs9 ξx. ∩⊆∪ tβθßϑn=÷è? t∃ôθy™ ξx. §ΝèO ∩⊂∪ tβθßϑn=÷è? š’ôθy™ ξ. ∩⊄∪ tÎ/$s)yϑø9$# ãΛänö‘ã— 4©®Lym ∩⊇∪ ãèO%s3−G9$# ãΝä39yγø9r t n s s s x ∩∇∪ ÉΟŠÏè¨Ζ9$# Ç⎯tã ‹Í≥tΒöθtƒ £⎯è=t↔ó¡çF9 ¢ΟèO ∩∠∪ È⎦⎫É)u‹ø9$# š⎥÷⎫tã $pκ¨ΞãρutIs9 ¢ΟèO ∩∉∪ zΟŠÅspgø:$# χãρutIs9 ∩∈∪ È⎦⎫É)‹ø9$# zΝù=Ïæ s u Rivalry in worldly increase distracts you; until you visit graves. Nay, but you will come to know! Nay but you will come to know! Nay, would that you knew (now) with a sure knowledge! For you will behold hell fire. Then, you will behold with sure vision. Then, on that day, you will be asked concerning pleasure. (Quran: 102/1-8) Every mortal who appeared and will appear in this universe had and will have his life terminated in death. Each and every mortal died and will die, with the exception of Prophet Eisa (AS) –Jesus son of Mary- who was lifted up and who will come back to complete his mission and his life towards the end of this universe. ∩∈∠∪ šχθãèy_öè? $uΖø‹s9Î) §ΝèO ( ÏNöθyϑø9$# èπs)Í←!#sŒ §øtΡ ‘≅ä. Every soul shall taste death in the end; to Us shall you be brought back. (Quran: 29/57) Only Allah (SWT) Possesses the power to inspire the life-giving breath from the birth to the final extraction upon death. It is an Islamic belief that Allah (SWT) has pre-ordained all the lifecycles individually. Yet, the majority of humankind does not hesitate to put forth any effort to prolong their lives or seek immortality. The believers, mostly, welcome their death while the unbelievers despise the very thought of it. ∩∇∪ tβθè=yϑ÷ès? ÷Λä⎢Ζä. $yϑÎ/ Νä3ã⁄Îm7t⊥ã‹sù Íοy‰≈y㤱9$#uρ É=ø‹tóø9$# ÉΟÎ=≈tã 4’nÎ) tβρ–Štè? ¢ΟèO ( öΝà6‹É)≈n=ãΒ …çμ¯ΡÎ*sù çμ÷ΖÏΒ šχρ”Ïs? “Ï%©!$# Nöθyϑø9$# ¨βÎ) ö≅è% | Say: the death from which you flee will truly overtake you: then you will be sent back to the Knower of things secret and open: and He will tell you, the truth of, the things that you did! (Quran: 62/8) The future of life in this universe has never been guaranteed by Allah (SWT). No one knows when, where, or how he will die. Nevertheless, when death comes to man, all the realities of life suddenly vanish. All the bodily functions cease. No limb can move. Even the eyelids stop blinking. The body becomes nothing but a heap of flesh. 4 $pκ÷]ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÏ?÷σçΡ ÍοtÅzFψ$# z#uθrO ÷ŠÌム⎯tΒuρ $pκ÷]ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÏ?÷σçΡ $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# z#uθrO ÷ŠÌム∅tΒuρ 3 Wξ§_xσ•Β $Y7≈tFÏ. «!$# ÈβøŒÎ*Î/ ωÎ) |Nθßϑs? βr C§øuΖÏ9 tβ$Ÿ2 $tΒuρ ∩⊇⊆∈∪ t⎦⎪ÌÅ3≈¤±9$# “Ì“ôfuΖy™uρ Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term fixed as by writing. If any do desire a reward in this life, We shall give it to him, and if any desire a reward in the hereafter, We shall give it to him. And swiftly shall We reward those who serve us with gratitude. (Quran: 3/145) Allah (SWT) Causes us to die daily at night during our sleeping period. Then He makes us wake up from our temporary death to praise and serve Him. ’Îû ¨βÎ) 4 ‘‡Κ¡•Β 9≅y_r #’nÎ) #“t÷zW{$# ã≅Å™öãƒuρ |Nöθyϑø9$# $pκö=æ 4©|Ós% ©ÉL©9$# ÛÅ¡ôϑçŠsù ( $yγÏΒ$oΨtΒ ’Îû ôMßϑs? óΟs9 ©ÉL©9$#uρ $yγÏ?öθtΒ t⎦⎫Ïm }§àΡF{$# ’®ûuθtGtƒ ª!$# | nt ∩⊆⊄∪ šχρã©3xtGtƒ 5Θöθs)Ïj9 ;M≈tƒUψ šÏ9≡sŒ It is Allah that takes the souls of men at death; and those that die not, He takes during their sleep; those on whom He has passed the decree of death, He keeps back, from returning to life, but the rest He sends back to their bodies for a term appointed. Verily in these are signs for those who reflect.
- 230. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 230 (Quran: 39/42) The moment of the death of the believer is described as: ∩⊂⊄∪ tβθè=yϑ÷ès? óΟçFΨä. $yϑÎ/ sπ¨Ψyfø9$# (#θè=äz÷Š$# ãΝä3ø‹n=tæ íΟ≈n=y™ šχθä9θà)tƒ t⎦⎫Î6Íh‹sÛ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# ãΝßγ9©ùuθtGs? t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# Those whom the angels cause to die, when they are good. They say: Peace is unto you! Enter the Garden because of what you used to do. (Quran: 16/32) The moments of the torments of the death for the unbeliever are stated: xÝt7ômr'ù …çμΡ≡uθôÊÍ‘ (#θèδÌŸ2ρ ©!$# xÝ‚ó™r !$tΒ (#θãèt7¨?$# ÞΟßγ¯Ρr'Î/ šÏ9≡sŒ ∩⊄∠∪ öΝèδt≈t/÷Šrρ óΟßγyδθã_ãρ šχθç/ÎôØtƒ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$# ÞΟßγ÷F©ùuθs? #sŒÎ) y#ø‹s3sù s t u y u ∩⊄∇∪ óΟßγn=≈yϑôãr How will it be when the angels take them in death, beating their faces and their backs? That is because they did not follow Allah and hated what is pleasing to Him. So He made their actions come to nothing. (Quran: 47/27-28) ÏŒÎ) #“s? öθ9uρ 3 ª!$# tΑt“Ρr !$tΒ Ÿ≅÷WÏΒ ãΑÌ“Ρé'y™ tΑ$s% ⎯tΒuρ Ö™ó©x« Ïμø‹s9Î) yyθムöΝs9uρ ¥’nÎ) z©Çrρé tΑ$s% ÷ρr $¹/É‹x. «!$# ’n?tã 3“utIøù$# Ç⎯£ϑÏΒ ãΝn=øßr ô⎯tΒuρ t s ’n?tã tβθä9θà)s? öΝçFΖä. $yϑÎ/ Èβθßγø9$# z#x‹tã šχ÷ρt“øgéB Πöθu‹ø9$# ( ãΝà6|¡àΡr (#þθã_Ì÷zr óΟÎγƒÏ‰÷ƒr (#þθäÜÅ™$t/ èπs3Íׯ≈n=yϑø9$#uρ ÏNöθRùQ$# ÏN≡tyϑxî ’Îû šχθßϑÎ=≈©à9$# t p ∩®⊂∪ tβρçÉ9õ3tFó¡n@ ⎯ÏμÏG≈tƒ#u™ ô⎯tã öΝçGΨä.uρ Èd,ptø:$# uöxî «!$# Who is guilty of more wrong than he who forges a lie against Allah, or says: I am inspired, when he is not inspired in anything; and who says: I will reveal the like of that which Allah has revealed? If you could only see the wrongdoers in the throes of death when the angels are stretching out their hands, saying: Deliver up your souls. This day you are awarded doom of degradation for that you spoke concerning Allah other than the truth, and scorned His portents. (Quran: 6/93) As soon as the soul leaves the body, it is taken to the heavens above and is stored in its allocated space. There are times when this soul goes back to the grave for short periods. When the body is buried in the ground, it is placed in an environment known as the life of suspension. ∩∈∈∪ 3“t÷zé ¸ο‘$s? öΝä3ã_ÌøƒéΥ $pκ÷]ÏΒuρ öΝä.߉‹ÏèçΡ $pκÏùuρ öΝä3≈oΨø)n=z $pκ÷]ÏΒ * u y From the earth did We Create you, and into it shall We return you, and from it shall We bring you out once again. (Quran: 20/55) The life of suspension in the grave is a fact. Everyone is to be interrogated and asked by two angels, known as Munkir and Nakir. The series of questions will include the belief, intentions, deeds, and actions. Questions will be asked about Allah, religion and the prophets. If the angels receive the correct answer, they know it is a believer. The face of the dead person will be turned right towards Paradise where his abode can be seen. However, if the dead is unable to satisfy the questioning angels, the angels know that the person is an unbeliever. His face will be turned towards the left to see the Hell where he will be tormented for his mischievous life in this universe. ∩⊇⊇∪ 7Î6‚©9 7‹Í×tΒöθtƒ öΝÍκÍ5 Νåκ®5u‘ ¨βÎ) ∩⊇⊃∪ Í‘ρ߉Á9$# ’Îû $tΒ Ÿ≅Å_Áãmuρ ∩®∪ Í‘θç7à)ø9$# ’Îû $tΒ uÏY÷èç/ #sŒÎ) ãΝn=÷èƒ Ÿξsùr * y t Does he not know, when that which is in the grave is scattered abroad, and that which is locked up in human breasts; is made manifest; that their Lord had been well-acquainted with them even to that day. (Quran: 100/9-11)
- 231. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 231 The life of suspension in the grave will last till the Day of Judgment. That is when all the creations will be resurrected in their own bodies. They will be presented with their own individual books of life. This book of life will have the record of all the deeds performed by them. Allah (SWT) will personally Hear every individual and Decree the appropriate Judgment.
- 232. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 232 THE AL-MAHDI Towards the end of the universe and before the advent of the Last Day, the Qiyamah, a righteous Muslim; who will not be a prophet but merely a rightly guided Muslim ruler (Khalifa) will emerge. He will rule with equality and fair justice for entire humanity. His title will be Al- Mahdi. “The Mahdi will be of my stock and will have a broad forehead and a hooked nose. He will fill the earth with equity and justice, as it was previously filled with oppression and tyranny, and he will rule for seven years.” This Hadeeth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is quoted by Abu Said Al-Khudri in ABU DAWUD. “A nation which has me at its beginning, Eisa Ibn Maryam at its end and the Mahdi in between will never be destroyed.” This Hadeeth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is quoted by Abdullah Ibn Abbas. Ahmad, Abu Nu’aym and an-Nasa’i. “The Last Hour will not come until the earth is filled with injustice and oppression. Then a man of my family (or of the People of my House) will arrive and fill it with justice and equity as it was previously filled with injustice and oppression.” This Hadeeth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is quoted by Abu Said Al-Khudri. Ahmad, Ibn Hibban, Al-Hakim, and Abu Nu’aym. “If there were only a single day of this world left, Allah would lengthen it until He sent a man from me or my family whose name is the same as mine, (Mohammed) and whose father’s name is same as my father, (Abdullah). This Hadeeth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is quoted by Abu Mas’ud. Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi. There is a general consensus and agreement among most of the scholars and commentators of Islam that Al-Mahdi is alluded to in this verse: ’Îû öΝßγs9 4 š⎥⎫ÏÍ←!%s{ ωÎ) !$yδθè=äzô‰ƒ βr öΝßγs9 tβ%x. $tΒ šÍׯ≈9'ρé 4 !$yγÎ/#tyz ’Îû 4©tëy™uρ …çμßϑó™$# $pκÏù tx.õ‹ãƒ βr «!$# y‰Éf≈|¡tΒ yìoΨ¨Β ⎯£ϑÏΒ ãΝn=øßr ô⎯tΒuρ t s ∩⊇⊇⊆∪ ×Λ⎧Ïàtã ë#x‹tã ÍοtÅzFψ$# ’Îû óΟßγs9uρ Ó“÷“Åz $uŠ÷Ρ‘$!$# And who does greater wrong than he who forbids the approach to the sanctuaries of Allah lest His name should be mentioned therein, and strives for their ruin? As for such, it was never meant that they should enter them except in fear. They will have disgrace in this world and in the Next World they will have a terrible punishment. (Quran: 2/114) Al-Qurtubi related from Qatada and As-Suddi that “disgrace in this world” refers to the advent of Al-Mahdi and the conquest of various great cities of the unbelievers. Ibn Kathir, As- Suddi, Ikrima and Wa’il Ibn Dawud explained “disgrace in this world” as being the emergence of the Al-Mahdi. However, “disgrace in this world” bears a more general significance than that. Ash-Shawkani also states in his tafsir that their disgrace in this world shall be when Al-Mahdi emerges, conquers, and slays them. In Nur Al-Absar, Shaykh Sayyid Ash-Shablanji says that Muqatal Ibn Sulayman and those commentators; who follow him, say, about the tafsir of the following Ayah; that it refers to Al-Mahdi, who will come at the end of time. After him the signs of the Last Hour will appear. ∩∉⊇∪ ×Λ⎧É)tGó¡•Β ÔÞ≡uÅÀ #x‹≈yδ 4 ÈβθãèÎ7¨?$#uρ $pκÍ5 χçtIôϑs? Ÿξsù Ïπtã$¡¡=Ïj9 ÖΝù=Ïès9 …çμ¯ΡÎ)uρ He is notification of the Hour. Do not have doubt about it. And follow Me: this is a straight path,” (Quran: 43/61)
- 233. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 233 “Three men will be killed at the place where your treasure is. Each of them will be the son of a Khalifah, and none of them will get hold of the treasure. Then the black banners will come out of the East, and they will slaughter you in a way which has never been seen before.” Then he said something which I do not remember; then, “if you see, go and give him your allegiance, even if you have to crawl over ice, because he is the Khalifah of Allah, the Al-Mahdi.” This Hadeeth of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) is quoted by Thawban. Ibn Majah, Kitaab Al-Fitan, Hadeeth 4084. It is a promised fact that the Al-Mahdi will appear towards the end of the universe. He will appear from the East, and people will swear allegiance to him at the Kabah, as some sound Ahadeeth indicate. It is also a positive fact that Al-Mahdi will be a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW). The Al-Mahdi will be named Mohammed and his father’s name will be Abdullah. However, it is not entirely clear if he will be a descendant of Al-Hassan (RA) or Al-Hussein (RA). It is an authentic belief that before being appointed the Khalifah, Al-Mahdi will have been born and raised in an ordinary family and will have lived the life of a common Muslim. He will never have lived in the caves! Numerous people have claimed to be the “promised Mahdi” or the “promised messiah.” Throughout the course of Islamic history, the idea of Al-Mahdi has been badly abused on many occasions and has been exploited by many self-interested persons and deluded visionaries. In its name, much unjustifiable sedition has taken place. Nevertheless, neither of their claims has withstood the test of time, nor has the Prophet Eisa (AS) descended, so far, as per the well- documented and universally accepted Ahadeeth of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW). • Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said, “How will you be when the Son of Maryam descends to you and your Imam is from among you?” Mukhtasar Sahih Muslim No: 2060. • Abu Said (RA) said that the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said, “Among us is the one whom Eisa son of Maryam will pray behind.” Sahih Al-Jaami As-Sagheer No: 5290. • Jabir Ibn Abdullah (RA) that he heard the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) say, “A group of my nation will fight while holding fast to the truth, remaining victorious till Yaum Al-Qiyamah. Then Eisa Ibn Maryam will descend. Their leader will say, “Come lead us in prayer,” He (Eisa) will say, “No. Some of you are leaders of others as an honor from Allah for this nation.” Mukhtasar Sahih Muslim No:2061. Al-Mahdi will be prepared for leadership in one night. After Allah (SWT) prepares Al- Mahdi for leadership, leaders of that time will try to kill him. Al-Mahdi will escape these attempts and take refuge in Makkah, along with some of his loyalists. He will have neither an army nor arms. An army will be sent to kill him. Umm Salamah (RA) said the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said: “A refugee will seek refuge in Al-Bayt (The Grand Mosque in Makkah). An army will be sent after him until they reach Al-Baydaa (a flat land just outside Madinah to the south on the road to Makkah) when earth will collapse underneath them.. I said, “Oh Messenger of Allah! How about he who disliked going after him?” He (SAW) replied: “The earth will collapse underneath them, but he will be resurrected on Yaum-Al-Qiyamah according to his real intention.” Sharh An-Nawawi ‘Ala Sahih Muslim Vol. 18 pp 5. After all these events, Al-Mahdi will receive an all-out pledge of allegiance as the Khalifah of all the Muslims. He will lead the armies of the Muslims in many battles with the
- 234. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 234 unbelievers. He will rule and dispense fair justice to everyone. Not even one of his subjects will be dissatisfied. During the reign of Al-Mahdi, the Constantinople (Istanbul) will be reconquered by the Muslims. Also during the reign of Al-Mahdi, Prophet Eisa (AS) will descend in Jerusalem and pray behind Al-Mahdi who will be leading the morning prayers. Prophet Eisa (AS) will kill the false prophet and anti-Christ, Al-Maseeh Ad-Dajjal, and rid the world of this menace. Prophet Eisa (AS) is also known as the promised messiah! The promised messiah and the Al- Mahdi are two different persons who will meet each other towards the end of this universe. While all these incidents are taking place, the Last Hour of the universe would have begun.
- 235. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 235 THE LAST HOUR: SIGNS The knowledge of the Last Hour is with Allah (SWT). However, the humanity has been provided with the clues, about the approach of the Last Hour, through the information in the Quran and Ahadeeth of the Prophet (SAW). All the prophets of Allah (SWT) had been warning their tribes and nations about the Last Hour, but they never gave the detailed signs which will precede the Last Hour. Prophet Mohammed (SAW) was provided with all the relevant details of the signs but the exact timing of the Last Hour was never revealed to him. However, the signs had been separated into two categories: the minor signs and the major signs. Although all the signs are not covered here, the most of the important ones are described. All these signs are, of course, based on Ahadeeth and the Quran. These signs have no particular chronological order. MINOR SIGNS: 1. The coming of the last prophet; Prophet Mohammed (SAW), appeared. 2. The slave will become master. 3. Shepherds will compete in the construction of tall buildings. The modern Cities in the Arabian Peninsula are visible example of this. 4. Knowledge of Islam will be taken away while ignorance will increase. The leaders of the Muslims will be chosen from ignorant people, and they will rule according to their whims. Studying Islam formally is considered to be an inferior career in most parts of the Muslim world. The leaders of the Muslim nations are well known for their political or oppressive ability than their knowledge of true Islamic beliefs. 5. Drinking and fornication will increase heavily. 6. The women will outnumber men by fifty to one. 7. Thirty people will claim to be prophets, followed by the final false claimant Al- Maseeh Ad-Dajjal (The Anti-Christ). 8. There will be such abundance of wealth, so that people will not be able to find recipients for Zakat. 9. Human killing will increase. 10. Time will be shortened so that a year will be like a month, a month like a day, a day like an hour. (This perception of the seemingly dwindling amount of time is very apparent, especially in the First World countries.) 11. Two great countries will fight and kill each other, both claiming the same thing. 12. Earthquakes will increase in numbers. 13. A person will pass by a grave and, in despair, will wish to trade places with the dead. MAJOR SIGNS (Roughly in chronological order) 1. Al-Maseeh Ad-Dajjal will appear, claiming to be God, holding the Heaven and Hell. His purpose is to deceive, and a lot of unbelievers will follow him. He is described as a short person, red-faced, blind in the right eye, with hair that sticks up. He will travel around the world but will be unable to enter Madinah or Makkah in Saudi Arabia. 2. Al-Mahdi will come at the time of Ad-Dajjal. He will exhibit and proffer true Islam and will be a military leader. His name will be exactly like that of the
- 236. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 236 Prophet (SAW) Mohammed Ibn Abdullah. He will be a direct descendant of Fatimah, the daughter of the Prophet (SAW). 3. Prophet Eisa (Jesus) (AS) will come at the time of Ad-Dajjal and Al-Mahdi. He will descend at the time of Fajr prayer on a Masjid in Damascus, Syria. He is of medium height, red-faced, with dripping wet hair that looks as if he has just taken a shower. He will call people back to Islam, but he will also be a military leader. The people of the Book will revert to Islam, and wealth will be super- abundant. Prophet Eisa (AS) will break the cross, kill the swine, and personally slay the Ad-Dajjal. He will stay on Earth for as long as Allah (SWT) has fixed his time. After his death and the burial, Prophet Eisa (AS) will have completed his lifecycle for the resurrection. 4. An animal will come and call the unbelievers back to Islam. (This animal is described as a hairy beast and it will be difficult to tell its front from its rear.) 5. Gog and Magog (two hidden tribes of people) will break free of the dam that holds them from ravaging this Earth. They will drink all the water, and go on a spree to kill the people until Allah (SWT) sends a worm against them, which will wipe them out. 6. Three places in the world will sink and be swallowed up by the earth: one in the west, one in the east, and one in the Saudi Arabian peninsula. 7. Fire will come from the area of Aden in Yemen and sweep northward. 8. The sun will rise from the West. 9. Smoke will appear all over the earth, which will cause the believers to catch something similar to a slight cold, whereas the unbelievers will be hit harder by it. Finally, a cold wind will come and kill all the believers, leaving only the unbelievers on the earth, who will then witness the Last Hour. The Archangel Hazrat Israfeel (AS) will blow the trumpet, and the resurrection of all the human beings and the jinns will begin. When the Day of Resurrection begins, the skies and the earth will be destroyed by Allah (SWT). This list is far from complete; there are many other signs. The following are other signs of interest: Constantinople (Istanbul) will fall before the Rome falls to Islam; the Muslim political system will change from prophetic leadership, to a Just-Khalifah; to an oppressive authority and finally back to a just Khalifah. It seems that, currently, we are in the last stage of this chain. Finally, the Prophet (SAW) has said that when the signs start to appear, they will come fast, like a string of beads falling one after another. And Allah (SWT) Knows best.
- 237. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 237 THE LAST HOUR: THE PROMISED MESSIAH It is a strong belief of Islam that the promised messiah, Prophet Eisa (Jesus) (AS) will descend to earth near the Last Hour during the rule of Al-Mahdi when Al-Maseeh Ad-Dajjal— the false prophet and Anti-Christ—would have appeared. Prophet Eisa (AS) will kill the Ad- Dajjal, and restore the Islamic faith. Prophet Eisa (AS) will complete his predetermined lifespan, the duration of which is known only to Allah (SWT). After his death he will be buried as per the Islamic rites. There is a large number of Ahadeeth in this context and every true Muslim believes in them. Allah (SWT) has clearly stated in the Quran, that Prophet Eisa (AS) was never killed by the Jews; instead Allah (SWT) lifted him up to the heavens to await his return to Earth to complete his mission and his worldly life before his transition toward eternal life. $tΒ 4 çμ÷ΖÏiΒ 7e7x© ’Å∀9 Ïμ‹Ïù (#θàn=tG÷z$# t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# ¨βÎ)uρ 4 öΝçλm; tμÎm7ä© ⎯Å3≈s9uρ çνθç7=¹ $tΒuρ çνθè=tFs% $tΒuρ «!$# tΑθß™u‘ zΝtƒótΒ t⎦ø⌠$# ©|¤ŠÏã yx‹Å¡pRùQ$# $uΖù=tGs% $¯ΡÎ) öΝÎγÏ9öθs%uρ s n| ωÎ) É=≈tGÅ3ø9$# È≅÷δ ô⎯ÏiΒ βÎ)uρ ∩⊇∈∇∪ $ΚŠÅ3ym #¹“ƒÍ•tã ª!$# tβ%x.uρ 4 Ïμø‹s9Î) ª!$# çμyèsù§‘ ≅t/ ∩⊇∈∠∪ $KΖŠÉ)tƒ çνθè=tFs% $tΒuρ 4 Çd⎯©à9$# tí$t7Ïo?$# ωÎ) AΟù=Ïæ ô⎯ÏΒ ⎯ÏμÎ/ Μçλm; r ∩⊇∈®∪ #Y‰‹Íκy− öΝÍκö=tã ãβθä3tƒ Ïπyϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# tΠöθtƒuρ ( ⎯ÏμÏ?öθtΒ Ÿ≅ö6s% ⎯ÏμÎ/ ¨⎦s⎞ÏΒ÷σã‹s9 n And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Eisa son of Maryam, Allah’s messenger. They slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so to them; and lo! Those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain, But Allah took him up towards Himself. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise. There is not one of the People of the Scripture but will believe in him before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them. (Quran: 4/157-159) Prophet Eisa (AS) will descend and correct the false claims made for and against him: • The Christians claim that he was divine; • The Jews made a slanderous accusation that he was born out of adultery! Prophet Eisa (AS) will correct these differences and the lies leveled against him. He will enforce the Islamic laws of the Quran and The Shariah. Prophet Eisa (AS) will not offer any new revelations! Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) said: “By Him in Whose hand is my life, the son of Mary (AS) will soon descend among you as a just judge. He will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish Jizyah. And wealth will pour forth to such an extent that no one will accept it, and one Sajdah (prostration during prayer) will be better than the whole life.” Sahih Muslim; No: 287. THE APPEARANCE OF GOG AND MAGOG The Gog and Magog are two tribes of people who will appear after Prophet Eisa (AS) has killed Al-Maseeh Ad-Dajjal, the false prophet and the Anti-Christ. This tribe will unleash havoc upon the humanity. However, Prophet Eisa (AS) will seek help from Allah (SWT) and in response Allah (SWT) will cause the destruction of Gog and Magog within the span of a night. “Gog and Magog will be released upon mankind just as Allah said: “Until, when Go and Magog are let loose, and they swiftly swarm from every mound. And the true promise of the Day of Resurrection will draw near to fulfillment. They will overwhelm the people. The Muslims will have to seek refuge in their cities along with their cattle. Gog and Magog will drain the water of the earth. Some of them will even pass by a river and drink it all until they leave it dry. Whoever is behind them will pass by the river and say, “there was water here once!” There will be no one left but he will seek refuge in a fort or city. One of them will say, “Those are the people of the earth, we are finished with them, only the inhabitants of the sky remain!” Then one of them will shake his spear and throw it at the sky and it will return bloody. All of this will serve as a test and Fitnah (for mankind). While they are doing this, Allah will send
- 238. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 238 creatures like locust worms which will attach to their necks, until they die the death of locust, piled upon one another. In the morning the Muslims will not hear a sound from them. Therefore, Muslims will say, “Will a man sell himself- for the sake of Allah- and see what happened to them. Then a man from them goes down, being sure that they will kill him. He will find them dead and piled on top of each other. He will shout to the Muslims, “Good News! You enemy was destroyed.” Then the people will come out and release their cattle. There will be nothing to graze upon but their corpses. They will become fatter from them than they ever did from eating any plant.” Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri quoted the saying of Prophet Mohammed (SAW) Sahih Sunan Ibn Majah, No: 3297. Also mentioned is the Hadeeth by An-Nawwas Bin Sam’aan (RA) that narrated the Prophet (SAW): “Afterwards, Eisa (AS) the Prophet of Allah will come down with his companions to the low grounds. They will find that no space of a handspun is saved from their fat and rot. Eisa (AS) the Prophet of Allah and his companions will supplicate to Allah. So, Allah will send birds as large as necks of camels, which will carry the corpses of Gog and Magog and will throw wherever Allah wills. Then Allah will send rain that will sweep and wash away all the surface of the earth. The rain will also demolish the houses made of mud or animal hair. The earth will be commanded, “Produce your fruits and retrieve your blessings. Blessed is the life after the Messiah.” The numbers of the Gog and Magog that will be annihilated can be visualized by the saying of the Prophet Mohammed (SAW): “For seven years Muslims will build fires with Gog and Magog’s bows and arrows.” Muslim, and At-Tirmidhi, As-Silsilah As Sahihah, No: 1924.
- 239. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 239 THE LAST HOUR: THE RESURRECTION All the prophets of Allah (SWT) called upon their tribes and nations to worship Allah and believe in life after death. The punishments and rewards for the acts committed during life in this universe will be awarded as and when all the creations are resurrected and before they are sent to their final abode in the hereafter. $u‹÷Ρ‘$!$# äο4θŠy⇔ø9$# $tΒuρ 3 y—$sù ô‰s)sù sπ¨Ψyfø9$# Ÿ≅Åz÷Šéuρ Í‘$¨Ψ9$# Ç⎯tã yyÌ“ômã— ⎯yϑsù ( Ïπyϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# tΠöθtƒ öΝà2u‘θã_é šχöθ©ùuθè? $yϑ¯ΡÎ)uρ 3 ÏNöθpRùQ$# èπs)Í←!#sŒ §øtΡ ‘≅ä. ! u ∩⊇∇∈∪ Í‘ρãäóø9$# ßì≈tFtΒ ωÎ) Every soul will taste of death. And you will be paid on the Day of Resurrection only that which you have fairly earned. Who is removed from the Fire and is made to enter Paradise, he indeed is triumphant. The life of this world is but comfort of illusion. (Quran: 3/185) ßk‹Íκu‰ §ΝèO …çμè?$t7tΡ u‘$¤ä3ø9$# =yfôã B]ø‹î È≅sVyϑx. ( ω≈s9÷ρF{$#uρ ÉΑ≡uθøΒF{$# ’Îû ÖèO%s3s?uρ öΝä3oΨ÷t/ 7äz$xs?uρ ×πuΖƒÎ—uρ ×θøλm;uρ Ò=Ïès9 $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# äο4θ‹sø9$# $yϑ¯Ρr (#þθßϑn=ôã$# | r x uy ∩⊄⊃∪ Í‘ρãäóø9$# ßì≈tFΒ ωÎ) !$u‹÷Ρ‘$!$# äο4θ‹ysø9$# $tΒuρ 4 ×β≡uθôÊÍ‘uρ «!$# z⎯ÏiΒ ×οtÏøótΒuρ Ó‰ƒÏ‰x© Ò#x‹tã ÍοtÅzFψ$# ’Îûρ ( $Vϑ≈sÜãm ãβθä3tƒ §ΝèO #vxóÁãΒ çμ1utIsù t u u Know that the life of this world is only play, and idle talk, and pageantry, and boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children; as the likeness of vegetation after the rain, whereof the growth is pleasing to the husband-men, but afterward it dries up and you see it turning yellow then it becomes straw. And in the Hereafter there is grievous punishment, and also forgiveness from Allah and His good pleasure, whereas the life of the world is but a matter of illusion. (Quran: 57/20) It is a well-known fact that majority of humankind has been rejecting their faith in the Hereafter, including some people who claim to be believers; these people have expressed doubts about the Hereafter. Their actions reveal their inner feelings! There are other factions, who claim to be the rightly guided believers and whose only contributions towards the righteous path are that they have Islamic names, were born in Islamic families, and have pronounced the Shahadah once or twice in their lifetimes! They live and die in their belief that they are among the rightly chosen nations who will be granted entry into Paradise through the intercession of Prophet Mohammed (SAW). This myth is absolutely wrong! Prophet Mohammed (SAW) used to regularly warn and urge his own daughter, Fatimah (RA), to maintain her worships and deposit, in advance, her righteousness with Allah (SWT). The Prophet (SAW) also used to caution her that he would not be able to help her on the Day of Judgment. Only her righteous acts will help her secure her place in Paradise. Fatimah (RA) was a dedicated worshipper and an ideal Islamic example of piety and virtue. Some scholars also believe that Fatimah (RA) holds the keys; those which will open the doors, of the Paradise! If a person of that stature and dedication towards righteousness is being asked to fully implement Islamic rituals in her daily life, it should give us enough reasons to ponder the fate of the people who think that their place in Paradise is secured merely by their Shahadah! ÏN≡uθ≈yϑ¡¡9$# à7ù=ãΒ ¬!uρ ∩⊄∉∪ tβθçΗsôètƒ Ÿω Ĩ$¨Ζ9$# usYò2r £⎯Å3≈s9uρ ÏμŠÏù |=÷ƒu‘ Ÿω Ïπyϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# ÇΠöθtƒ 4’nÎ) ö/ä3ãèyϑøgs† §ΝèO óΟä3çF‹Ïϑム§ΝèO ö/ä3‹ÍŠøtä† ª!$# È≅è% ∩⊄∠∪ šχθè=ÏÜö7ßϑø9$# ç£øƒs† 7‹Í×tΒöθtƒ èπtã$¡¡9$# ãΠθà)s? tΠöθtƒuρ 4 ÇÚö‘F{$#uρ y Say to them, O Mohammed! Allah gives life to you, then causes you to die, then gathers you on the Day of Resurrection whereof there is no doubt. But most of mankind knows not. And to Allah belongs the Sovereignty of the heavens and the earth; and on the day when the Hour rises, on that day those who follow falsehood will be the true losers. (Quran: 45/26-27)
- 240. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 240 The Resurrection begins when the Archangel Hazrat Israfeel (AS) blows the Trumpet. Everything in the universe will be annihilated; The Mountains and the valleys will be flattened. All the creations will be reborn in their own bodies and their souls restored therein. They will come out of their graves and burial places, naked and very close to each other. They will start moving towards the Assembly point. ÏN#sŒ ‘≅à2 ßìŸÒs?uρ ôMè|Êö‘r !$£ϑtã πyèÅÊöãΒ ‘≅à2 ã≅yδõ‹s? $yγtΡ÷ρts? tΠöθtƒ ∩⊇∪ ÒΟŠÏàtã í™ó©x« Ïπtã$¡¡9$# s's!t“ø9y— χÎ) 4 öΝà6−/u‘ (#θà)®?$# â¨$¨Ζ9$# $y㕃r'¯≈tƒ y ∩⊄∪ Ó‰ƒÏ‰x© «!$# šU#x‹tã £⎯Å3≈s9uρ 3“t≈s3Ý¡Î0 Νèδ $tΒuρ 3“t≈s3ß™ }¨$¨Ζ9$# “ts?uρ $yγn=÷Ηxq @≅ôϑym O mankind! Fear your Lord, Lo! The earthquake of the Hour is a tremendous thing. On the day when you behold it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling and every pregnant one will be delivered of her burden, and you, Mohammed, will see mankind as drunken, yet they will not be drunken, but the Punishment of Allah will be severe upon them. (Quran: 22/1-2) During the Day of Resurrection the sun will be only about a mile away from the people. The intensity of heat will generate so much sweat that people will be sunken in pools of their own sweat according to their deeds. Some will be ankle deep while others will have it up to their knees; some will have sweat up to their navels while others will have it up to their mouths. People will be horrified, baffled, and stunned. They will not be able to move or look anywhere else, as there eyes will be transfixed upwards. ∩∇∪ ×Å£ã îΠöθtƒ #x‹≈yδ tβρãÏ≈s3ø9$# ãΑθà)tƒ ( Æí#¤$!$# ’nÎ) t⎦⎫ÏèÏÜôγ•Β ∩∠∪ ×ųtFΖ•Β ×Š#ty_ öΝåκ¨Ξr(x. Ï^#y‰÷`F{$# z⎯ÏΒ tβθã_ãøƒ† óΟèδã≈|Áö/r $·è¤±äz t s With downcast eyes, they come forth from the graves as they were locusts spread abroad. Hastening towards the Summoner; the disbelievers say: This is a hard day! (Quran: 54/7-8) The Day of Resurrection will be the day when Allah (SWT) will fully exhibit His justice and mercy. Allah will Shower His mercy on those who suffered for His sake in the worldly life, believing that an eternal bliss was awaiting them. But those who abused his bounties, caring nothing for the life to come, or those who associated other gods with Allah (SWT), will be in the most miserable state. ãΑθà)u‹sù öΝÎγƒÏŠ$uΖムtΠöθtƒuρ ∩∉⊇∪ t⎦⎪Î|Øósßϑø9$# z⎯ÏΒ Ïπyϑ≈uŠÉ)ø9$# tΠöθtƒ uθèδ §ΝèO $u‹÷Ρ‘‰9$# Íο4θuŠysø9$# ì≈tFtΒ çμ≈uΖ÷è−G¨Β ⎯yϑx. Ïμ‹É)≈s9 uθßγsù $YΖ¡ym #´‰ôãuρ çμ≈tΡô‰tãuρ ⎯yϑsùr y | ∩∉⊄∪ šχθßϑãã÷“s? óΟçFΖä. t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# “Ï™!%x.uà° t⎦ø⎪r y Is he whom We have promised a fair promise which he will find true, like him whom We suffer to enjoy awhile the comfort of the life of the world, then on the Day of Resurrection he will be of those arraigned? On the Day when He will call to them and say: Where are my partners whom you claimed? (Quran: 28/61-62) This worldly life is a preparation for the eternal life Hereafter. Those who deny it are the slaves of their passions and desires. They make fun of the virtuous and God-fearing people. Such persons will realize their folly when they are grabbed by the Angel of Death. They will wish in vain to be given a further chance in the world. Their miserable state at the time of their death and their horror when they will face the realities of the Day of Judgment will only confound them further. öt/ ΝÎγÍ←!#‘uρ ⎯ÏΒuρ ( $yγè=Í←!$s% uθèδ îπϑÎ=x. $yγ¯ΡÎ) 4 Hξx. 4 àMø.ts? $yϑŠÏù $[sÎ=≈|¹ ã≅yϑôãr þ’Ìj?yès9 ∩®®∪ ÈβθãèÅ_ö‘$# Ébu‘ tΑ$s% ßNöθyϑø9$# ãΝèδy‰tn u™!%` #sŒÎ) #©¨Lym y u y r y ãΝèδ 7Íׯ≈9'ρé'ù …çμãΖƒÎ—≡uθΒ ôMn=à)rO ⎯yϑù ∩⊇⊃⊇∪ šχθä9u™!$|¡tFtƒ Ÿωuρ 7‹Í≥tΒöθtƒ óΟßγΨ÷t/ z$|¡Σr Iξsù Í‘θÁ9$# ’Îû y‡ÏçΡ #sŒÎ*sù ∩⊇⊃⊃∪ tβθèWyèö7ムÏΘöθtƒ 4’nÎ) y s s t s o
- 241. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 241 $pκÏù öΝèδρ â‘$¨Ψ9$# ãΝßγyδθã_ãρ ßxxù=s? ∩⊇⊃⊂∪ tβρà$Î#≈yz zΝ¨Ψyγy_ ’Îû öΝßγ|¡àΡr (#ÿρçÅ£yz t⎦⎪Ï%©!$# šÍׯ≈s9'ρé'sù …çμãΖƒÎ—≡uθΒ ôM¤yz ï∅tΒuρ ∩⊇⊃⊄∪ šχθßsÎ=øßϑø9$# u t ∩⊇⊃⊆∪ šχθßsÎ=≈x. Until, when death comes to one of them, he says: My Lord! Send me back. That I may do right in that which I have left behind! But nay! It is but a word that he speaks; and behind them is a barrier until the day when they are raised. And when the trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that day, nor will they ask of one another. Then those whose scales are heavy, they are the successful. And those whose scales are light are those who lose their souls, in Hell abiding. The fire burns their faces, and they are glum therein. (Quran: 23/99-104) Allah’s (SWT) attributes of justice and mercy will have no meaning if there was no life after death in the universe. Allah (SWT) has assured us that those believers of His creation; whose scales tip heavy in their favor, will be sent to the Paradise. The unbelievers, and those, whose scales tip light against them, will be sent to the Wells of Fire in the Hell. PARADISE is described as a place where no turbulence of any nature has ever taken place therein. Where every wish; of the every resident therein; is fulfilled. Its beauty and splendor are described as those, which are beyond any human imagination! HELL is described as a place that has nothing but the deep Wells of the Fire; which are so hot that the brains melt down merely from looking at the flames from far away. The punishments meted out to the dwellers of Hell are considered to be horrendous and indescribable.
- 242. AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion 242 INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR. THE AUTHOR was born in a Muslim family in Kenya. He studied and read the Holy Quran, as per the customs of his family and the surrounding society which was predominantly Muslim. About 70% of the population of Kenya has remained almost evenly divided between the Christians, mostly of Catholic Church; and Muslims, majority are Sunnis. The balance of the population of Kenya is composed of majority of pagans; Hindus, Sikhs, and Jews make up the balance. He never observed or experienced any inter-religious hostility between these denominations. He practiced photo-journalism and traveled to most of Africa in his early adult life. Later he served in Kuwait, Middle-East as the Chief Executive of a consortium which was representing major regional and international airlines operating in the area. Just before the invasion of Kuwait by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein in early 1990s he and his family emigrated and settled in the USA. He obtained his Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from the USA’s Columbia S. University; and also a Certification in Information Technology at Passaic County Community College, in Paterson, New Jersey, where he later served as an Adjunct Professor. What prompted the author to write this book is the ongoing negative and slanderous portrayal of ISLAM in the Western Media. The media portrayal of Islam has generated serious doubts and suspicious-confusions in the minds of the people of the West who know very little or nothing about ISLAM. In fact it is considered to be “the most knowledgeable” and profitable for the media to associate ISLAM as the sole author of all the violence around the world. The Western-media has not hesitated to use the tribal, the cultural and the traditional customs of the countries where ISLAM is the dominant religion, as an instrument for ISLAM-bashing. Added to these confusions have been the emergences of the recently published anti-Islamic books by those authors who, according to their own biographies, have never practiced any of the rituals of ISLAM; yet they claim themselves to be “qualified” experts on ISLAM! Most of them have been sponsored by the powerful and the richly funded anti-Islamic factions worldwide. The abhorred terrorists’ attacks of the 9/11 in the USA further distanced ISLAM from the minds of the people of the USA and the West. Again ISLAM became an easy target for the media and some of those prominent and maliciously mischievous personalities who do have some form of control over the dissemination of information to their readers and viewers. Very unfortunately any positive views about Islam lack the right avenues and the outlets! Added to these undesirable scenarios are the current chaotic conditions of the Muslims, who have divided themselves into various groups and who are actively promoting the sectarian division. Most of these acts are TOTALLY UNISLAMIC!!! Thus it has become all the more important that the universal religion of AL- ISLAM should be properly and accurately presented to everybody through the medium of this book “AL-ISLAM: Inception to Conclusion”. It is meant to portray AL-ISLAM in its true form; which should help in clearing the majority of the doubts of the non-Muslims of the West.