Qalam Seerah: Life of the Prophet (pbuh)

Episode 56: The Death of Abu Talib Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The 11th year of Prophethood marks the Year of Sorrow, in which the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) lost his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and dear Uncle Abu Talib. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was eight when he came to the care of Abu Talib, who became a father-figure in his life. The Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) father died before he was born, his mother when he was aged 6, and his grandfather when he was aged 8. Abu Talib and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) became very attached to each other, with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) consulting him about major decisions e.g. with regards to his career and marriage. On proclaiming Prophethood, Abu Talib did not accept, but he defended the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) against the Quraysh. Abu Talib falls ill Abu Talib was in his late 70s and very ill. Quraysh realised he was approaching death and they sent a delegation of the leading Qurayshi figures, like Umayyah bin Khalaf and Abu Jahl. The delegation expressed their respect of Abu Talib, but also recognised that he was terminally ill. They wanted to address the political situation without any ambiguity. They did not agree with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), so they asked for him to be called to negotiate something between them: that he should leave them and they would leave him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) came and Abu Talib explained that the dignitaries of his people had gathered for negotiations. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) agreed, but never compromised in Tawhid. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made one request- if they gave this to him, they would rule over all the Arabs and the non-Arabs would come and follow them. Abu Jahl said, ‘Sure, by your father, I am ready, I will agree to 10 things!’ The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Say there is no God but Allah and you leave everything else’. The delegation clapped their hands as a sign of displeasure of this proposition. The delegation started saying to each other that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was not here to compromise, so they would continue the same and see who would come out on top. Everyone walked away, leaving the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sitting with Abu Talib, who commented, ‘I swear to God, beloved nephew, I do not think you asked them for a lot’. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) thought this was the opportunity to address his uncle. He encouraged him to accept Islam, so that he could vouch for Abu Talib on the Day of Judgement. Abu Talib said, ‘Beloved Nephew, if I was not afraid what these people would do to you and your family and I did not think the Quraysh would assume that I did it to escape death, I would have done it. I will not say it just to please you.’ Abu Talib’s final moments A few days later, Abu Talib became extremely ill and was breathing his last. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ran to his bedside, as did the Quraysh leaders. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) kneeled in close and said, ‘Dear Uncle, say there is no God but Allah, just once. Just one word and I will fight on your behalf in front of Allah.’ Abu Jahl started screaming, ‘Oh Abu Talib, will you leave the religion of your father, Abu Muttalib?’ They kept saying this, almost heckling the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), to the point where Abu Talib could not hear the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Finally, he looked at the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and said, ‘Upon the religion of Abdul Muttalib’, and passed away. Allah knows best whether Abu Talib accepted Islam or not, but this is something we do not need to ruminate over.

Seerah 55: The Prophet Loses Khadijah Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). At this point, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is close to 51 years old. It is a decade since he received revelation and started preaching Islam. He has seen many different things, including the initial lack of response from his own family, to the embracing of Islam by those who were nearest and dearest e.g. Abu Bakr (RA), Ali (RA) and Khadijah (RA). A small community was coming together. Opposition was also rising, but he continued on his mission. A group of Muslims had migrated to Abyssinia to escape the persecution, but numbers continued to grow inside and outside Makkah. In the 11th year of Prophethood, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would start a period that was very difficult and a huge shift in the overall message and his life. This all began with a personal tragedy: the passing of his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) after 25 years of marriage. Khadijah (RA) was of noble lineage from Makkah and had a great reputation as a dignified, educated and respected individual. She had been widowed and was wealthy. Khadijah (RA) ran her own business and would hire people to buy and sell goods on her behalf. That is how the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) first came to interact with her. Her status is very elevated:  when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was shaking after receiving the revelation, she held his hand and accepted Islam. She was the mother of his children and the first person to make wudu and pray with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) after he was shown by Gibreel (AS). She fully supported the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in his difficult mission, never raising her voice or bothering him. Gibreel (AS) came to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and asked him to convey salaam on behalf of her Lord and on behalf of himself. She was also given the good news of a home in paradise made from a single hollowed-out pearl, where there would be no noise or difficulty. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) missed Khadijah (RA) dearly after her death. Even the sight of her necklace which she had passed on to her daughter Zaynab brought tears to his eyes as it reminded him of her. Even after her passing, when an animal would be slaughtered, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would distribute some to the friends of Khadijah (RA).

Episode 54: The Undeniable Truth Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to visit a Christian slave regularly. Some leaders of Quraysh accused the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) of scheming ideas together with this servant and propagating them. Allah revealed: 16:103 And We certainly know that they say, “It is only a human being who teaches the Prophet.” The tongue of the one they refer to is foreign, and this Qur’an is [in] a clear Arabic language.The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) used to recite Quran aloud at night. Abu Sufyan reports that he, Abu Jahl and Akhnas ibn Shariq would go to listen to this recitation as it was so captivating. After listening for a time, they would run back home before being seen. One night, the three ran into each other and tried to explain themselves. After confessing they came to listen to the recitation, they justified it as needing to keep track of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). They all promised not to come again, as it was a bad example for others. The second night, they all return and encounter each other again. Once again, they promise not to return. The third night, the same happened. Abu Sufyan reports that after this, they did not visit too often.Akhnas ibn Shariq asked Abu Sufyan what he thought about the recitation. Abu Sufyan said he understood some but some was beyond the human realm, which he did not understand. However, he felt this was not from Muhamad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Akhnas ibn Shariq also asked Abu Jahl. He replies that Banu Amir have always competed with Banu Abd Manaf. Now that one of them came saying he was a Prophet, Banu Amir needed to provide the same and they could not do this. So, to maintain social order, even though the message was obviously divine, they cannot accept his message.

Episode 53: Uplifting the Fallen

Episode 52: Prophetic Bodyslam: How the Prophet Gave Dawah Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was just as determined as ever to continue preaching the message of Islam. A da’ee, preacher, must have the following qualities: Have full conviction that the message preached is the unequivocal truth. Be motivated, driven, passionate and determined. Be tactful when delivering the message. In this post-boycott period, around the 10th year of Prophethood, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is 50 years old. This story recounts how the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) spread the message of Islam to a man called Rukana, who was famed at the time for being the strongest man in Quraysh. A distant relative of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he came from the tribe of Banu Abd-Manaf. We learn the tactful manner of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)- he understood people and dealt with them according to their personalities.   The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) saw Rukana in one of the outer areas of Makkah. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, ‘Do you not have any consciousness of God and that you would accept what I invite you to?’ Rukana replies, ‘Oh Muhammad, if I know what you are saying is the truth, why would I not follow you?’ Some narrations say that Rukana actually challenged the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) challenged Rukana to wrestle with him: if he managed to beat Rukana, would Rukana accept his word as the truth? Rukana agreed to these terms.   Rukana stands and starts to wrestle the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) grabbed him and slammed him on his back. Rukana had never been beaten- being body-slammed was an alien experience to him. He was not able to get up and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had him pinned down.   Rukana challenges him again: the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) slammed him again. Rukana says, ‘This is the most bizarre thing that has happened to me’. He could not believe he was being beaten. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said he would show him something more amazing if he would be conscious of Allah and follow what he told him to follow. Rukana asks further and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says, ‘You see that tree over there, I will call that tree to me and the tree will move towards me’. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) called the tree and the tree moved from the spot and came and stood right in front of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prohet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then told the tree to return to its place and it does so.   There are two versions of what happened next: After seeing this, Rukana goes to his family and says that everything on the earth has been enchanted by the magic of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), and that he had never seen a greater magician than him. The stronger narration recounts that Rukana was slammed three times in total. After seeing the tree move, he declared the Shahadah.

Episode 51: The Amazing Story of Tufayl Bin ‘Amr From Daws Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).  The Amazing Story of Tufayl Bin ‘Amr In the 10th year of Prophethood, there was a man called Tufayl, a leader of the tribe of Daws. He was considered a great intellectual by his people. Quraysh recognised his status amongst his people- when he came to Makkah, all the leadership gathered to welcome him. They made him aware of the situation in the Makkah, with Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) claiming Prophethood. They wanted to warn him not to approach the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as they anticipated the consequences of him potentially accepting Islam. Tufayl recounts that they forbade him from meeting the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), to the point where he stuffed his ears with cotton before going to the Haram. He saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) praying near the Ka’ba and became intrigued.   Tufayl stood close to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), but he could not hear what he was saying. When Tufayl heard the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) words, he was impressed. Tufayl questioned what was wrong with himself: being an intelligent man who could tell the difference between good and bad, he wondered why he could not listen to what Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had to say for himself. He followed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) home and asked him to present his thoughts so he could decide for himself. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) recited the Quran to him. Tufayl accepted Islam.   He vowed to return to his people and invite them to Islam. The first person he met was his father. He explained that things had changed and on further enquiry as to the reason why, his father accepted Islam. Tufayl said the same to his wife, who also accepted Islam. However, the rest of the people did not accept the message. Tufayl returned a few days after to Makkah, where he asks the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to make dua against them for preferring idolatry. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), however, raised his hands and instead asked for the people of Daws to be guided. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised Tufayl to return to his people and to be gentle and kind with them.   Tufayl returned to his people and spoke to them about Islam. 8 years later, at the Battle of Khaybar time, he meets the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Madina with his people who had accepted Islam. He arrived with 70 or 80 families from Daws. He stayed in Madina until the victory over Makkah.

Episode 50: Uthman Bin Mazh’un Returns to Makkah & Abu Bakr Attempts to Leave Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Uprising against the Boycott There were a few people who opposed the boycott. Gradually, opposition grew and the people gathered together to speak out against it. Hisham went to Zuhair bin Abi Umayyah bin Mughirah. Hisham questioned his acceptance of the boycott, whilst his family suffered.  Zuhair said he was unhappy, but felt helpless. He felt they needed a third person to oppose the boycott. Mu’tim bin Adi was approached and they discussed the same issue. Mu’tim also disagreed with the boycott. These three influential people approached Abul Bukhtari and they go together to Zama bin al-Aswad, who also joins the opposition. They all agreed to gather together and make a stand at the Haram. This is the start of the abolition of the boycott discussed in the previous episode. Uthman bin Mazh’un Returns to Makkah Scholars say that the first return of the companions from Abyssinia occurred after the boycott. They heard rumours that the Makkans had accepted Islam and thought it was safe to return, but the harsh reality was that things were just as dangerous for the Muslims. It was the tradition at the time that if a respectable man would grant his protection to someone, that person would be saved from violence or harm. Uthman bin Mazh’un, an early companion of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), was looking for protection. Walid bin al-Mughirah granted this to him and announced it to the community at the Ka’ba.  However, Uthman could not reconcile that he was being protected by someone who did shirk, but his fellow Muslim brethren were suffering. Thus, he publicly returned the protection, saying he was happy with Allah as his protector. A heated conversation ensued between Uthman and a poet from the Quraysh, resulting in Uthman being struck and suffering injury to his eye. Walid commented that if he maintained his protection, Uthman’s eye would have been fine, but Uthman retorted that the sacrifice was worth it if it was for the sake of Allah, and the other healthy eye was in need of injury for this cause. Uthman felt he needed no greater protection than the Almighty Allah.

Episode 49: Aftermath of the Boycott – Consolation & Support from Allah Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). This episodes recounts the multiple times Allah supported the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) by sending down revelation to guide him through difficult situations. 1)      1) During the boycott, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) missed visiting the Ka’ba: the confrontations started again when he returned. Abu Jahl told the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to stop cursing their idols, or they would curse his deity. However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never cursed their idols profanely- he just said not to worship them.

Episode 48: Boycott in Makkah & its Annulment Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Boycott in Makkah The Quraysh resolved to become harsher in their opposition to Islam. They felt the only solution was to kill the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Abu Talib gathered Banu Abu Muttalib and rallied them to protect Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), even if they disagreed with what he said. He advised they all move to a valley owned by him on the outskirts of Makkah, called Shib Abu Talib. This was to protect the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and show solidarity. Quraysh started a complete social boycott of Banu Abdul Muttalib: they would not marry, sit, talk, visit or do business with anyone from the group, until they agreed to hand over the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for execution. They wrote a physical agreement that was non-negotiable. The boycott lasted 3 years- the conditions were so severe and eventually the suffering of these people became so dire, you could hear the children screaming from the pangs of hunger. Many died due to starvation and sickness. The general sentiment in Makkah was an increasing intolerance of what was going on- they started to discuss this wretched agreement and how inhumane it was against people they loved. Abu Talib lived 3 years on high alert. Every night, he would make the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) switch sleeping places. Sometimes he would be so nervous, he stay up all night long, or he fixed a rotation that someone would stay up guarding the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). After making him switch, he sometimes would still come in the middle of the night and make him switch again. Abu Lahab had decided he was not with Abu Talib and the family and joined the Quraysh. He suffered a horrible ending to his life. He became senile, suffered a stroke and lost control of his bodily functions. His family made him live in a shed separately and servants were made to care for him. He would scream and cry all night. He died alone and the servants were asked to dispose of his remains- they left him to be consumed by wild dogs. A compassionate nephew of Khadija (RA) and her servant took some food towards the valley. They ran into Abu Jahl and he was upset by what he saw: he threatened to beat and humiliate them for trying to help the outcast group. Khadija’s (RA) nephew tried to reason with him, but Abu Jahl refused to listen. A third man arrived and a brawl started amongst the group as they started to attack Abu Jahl. Hamza (RA) came along with some believers and broke up the fight, saving Abu Jahl. They did not want any blame for the death of Abu Jahl, as well as recognising the need to stop senseless violence.

Episode 47: Christian Delegation Accepts Islam in Makkah Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Christian Delegation The prominence of the Muslims in and around the Arabian peninsula was increasing. A Christian delegation from the an-Najd region, in the northern part of Arabia, came to explore the message of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in his 5th year of Prophethood. Consisting of 20 men, they had a long conversation with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Once they had asked everything they wanted, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked for permission to speak: he presented the message of Islam to them, as well as reciting Quran. The whole delegation attested to the truth of the message. They reported their priests had told of their scriptures detailing the imminent arrival of a warner, and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) fit that description. When returning home, they encountered Abu Jahl with a group of Quraysh. He was irate that more people were joining Islam and cursed the group. He accused them of being the most foolish delegation, apostating from their religion and cheating their tribe at home. The delegation left expressing greetings of peace, as they did not want to reciprocate his ignorant behaviour. In light of these events, the following ayahs were revealed: 28: 51 And We have [repeatedly] conveyed to them the Qur’an that they might be reminded. 28:52 Those to whom We gave the Scripture before it – they are believers in it. 28:53 And when it is recited to them, they say, “We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, Muslims [submitting to Allah ].” It is amazing the effect a few ayahs had upon the delegation. Their lives had changed forever and they became propagators of Islam. This was because they came to the message already in submission. Certain things are a reality e.g. the Quran is the basis of an Islamic revival within the hearts of individuals and communities. This has certain prerequisites, however, which we sometimes overlook. It is our responsibility that we come to the Quran with an open mind and heart to benefit maximally from it. We must reassess ourselves if we find we are reading the whole Quran without it impacting our character and actions in the slightest. 28:54 Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and [because] they avert evil through good, and from what We have provided them they spend. 28:55 And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, “For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant.” Now the Quraysh leadership were highly agitated: extreme action was needed to deal with this ever expanding message of Islam.