Day: 4 October 2020

By the time Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) reached the age of 40, he was ready for his divine mission. Finally the day dawned which was to change the history of the world. On 27th of Rajab, in 610CE, Archangel Gabriel [one of the four superior angels who was ordered by Allah (SWT) to convey revelation to prophets] descended to him, while he sat in cave of Hira (Ghare Hira), in the al-Noor mountain near the city of Makkah, Gabriel, the Angel of Revelation, said, ‘Recite!’ He said in surprise, ‘what shall I recite?’ Again the divine voice very clearly and openly called out, ‘Recite, O Muhammad!’

 

And a third time angel Gabriel (Jabra’il) repeated, ‘Recite in the Name of Your Lord Who created. He created the human being from a clot. Recite and your Lord is Most Honourable, Who taught (to write) with the pen, taught the human being what he knew not’ (96:1-5).

 

With these verses, angel Gabriel (Jabra’il) announced to Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) that Almighty Allah (SWT) had formally chosen (al-Mab’ath) him to be His last and final Messenger to humankind. When Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) was appointed, he had become responsible for a great mission (Risalat and Nabuwat). Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) felt dignity of Almighty Allah (SWT) more than before. An indescribable excitement and eagerness overcame Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw), for he had come into contact with a supreme supernatural world. His high spirit had now found a sacred support and an eternal refuge. He saw in himself the power of prophecy. No longer was any worry or agitation to be found in his blessed being. There was now just peace and confidence within him.

 

The appointment of Muhammad (saw), the Prophet of Islam and his selection as the Messenger of Allah (SWT) can be considered the most significant event in the history of Islam. Descent of the Noble Qur’an began at this time.

 

Clarification: Messenger of Allah (SWT), he was at his very birth but the prophethood was declared only after forty years. The Noble Qur’an was already there treasured in the blessed heart of Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) at his birth but the divine decree for its revelation/proclamation to the people came 40 years later. As we already know from Noble Qur’an (19:30), Prophet Jesus/Isa (pbuh) brought the book with himself and he was a prophet at his birth. Now if we accept Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) as the prophet only after 40 years then, Prophet Jesus/Isa (pbuh) emerges as a greater Prophet than our Prophet. But this is certainly not the case.

 

Some great events happened at the time of Prophet of Islam, Muhammad’s (saw) appointment. For instance, a groan was heard. Imam Ali (as) says about that: “I heard Satan’s groan when the first revelation was descended. I asked Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw): “What was that?” He answered: “it was Satan, who got disappointed by not being obeyed.” He also said: “You hear what I hear and see what ever I see; except you are not a prophet.”

 

As mentioned before, Imam Ali (as) accompanied Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) in different cases such as his seclusion periods. This narration, written in Nahj al-Balaghah, implies that he was with Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) when revelation was descended for the first time. It is inferred through the history that he was the only person with Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) at that time. Nobody else has claimed to be with Him then.

We have so far taken a glance at the earlier part of the blessed life of Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw). Now we must talk about some of the most momentous phases of his life. By the age of 40 he was still living among an extremely backward people who were devoid of any traces of civilization and humanity. These hard conditions severely tormented his pure soul. Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) observed nothing in that society but the darkness of ignorance. He would go to the Kaaba, but instead of witnessing the worship of God, he witnessed, idolatry. He would then leave the Kaaba and go among the people. But there, too, he was troubled by what he saw. He was pained by the ugly customs and false thoughts of his people. The pitiable condition of the poor and the destitute caused him great anguish. The deplorable situation of women, who were treated worse than animals, as well as the prevalence of gambling, wine drinking and murder tortured his blessed heart.

When he dealt with people as a merchant, their immoral behaviour gave so severe an emotional shock to him that he had to go to a lonely place where he would not be tormented by people’s inhuman behaviour. For these reasons and to find peace of mind, he would go to cave of Hira (Ghare Hira), in the al-Noor mountain near the city of Makkah and there think deeply about the amazing phenomena of nature and the vestiges of God’s All-Embracing Compassion. Initially he used to remain in the cave of Hira for a day or two and sometimes even 10 nights or more but the next few years saw him spending a whole month in that cave, praying to Allah (SWT) and contemplating guidance for the deviated people.

In short, Prophet of Islam, Muhammad’s (saw) forty year life period before the appointment was associated with chastity and honesty, trustworthiness and rightness, doing good with the poor and the lower, hatred towards the immoralities within the society along with its custom of idol worshiping. His high moralities and generosity in his behaviors gained the praise of all, to the extent that Allah (SWT) praised him in the Noble Qur’an for his high moralities. Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) was nicknamed as “Al-Amin, the trustworthy” from the beginning of his youth, thus people trusted him to watch over their properties.

Mostly everyone was against his mission as the Prophet, but no one doubted in his trustworthiness and thus he continued to secure their properties. Despite the enmity that existed toward him in the city, no one doubted his honesty.

Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (saw) always named Allah (SWT) before eating, and never ate meat that was not properly slaughtered. Like other prophets, he spent part of his youth as a shepherd. Being a shepherd had great impact on the prophets. It allowed them to separate themselves from the bad deeds of the society; it taught them to endure the difficulties, and it increased their faith in Allah (SWT) as they saw the power of Allah (SWT) and the order.

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Gift Whenever they reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Then he would distribute them among his companions (Sahabah), those who sat around him. This morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

 

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said: O Messenger of Allah (SWT), you have over looked the right of those who watch while you eat?

 

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) smiled and waited till the poor man who had brought the fruit had gone. Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had I allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who had brought the gift. Rather than make him feel better, my palate accepted the bitterness.” Such were the conducts and manners of this most noble Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and a few other individuals were having their meal when a person, suffering from smallpox, came to the gathering. His disease was so acute that the boils had become septic. Every person, near whom this diseased person tried to sit, would show his revulsion and loathing by rising up and moving away from him. (Noticing this) Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) made the person sit beside himself and exhibited great kindness towards him.

On another occasion, Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), together with a few of his companions, was busy having his food when a leper arrived in the gathering. The people present expressed their abhorrence and detestation over his arrival but Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asked him to sit next to himself and invited him to eat the food.

Note: A person from the Quraish, who had displayed his aversion, was afflicted with the same disease before meeting his death!

A Man who sought guidance from Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)A simple unlettered man from the desert once arrived in Medina and came to Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). He asked Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to give him a word of advice, which he said he would follow. Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Control your anger.” And then Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) remained silent.

 

When he returned to the interior of the desert where he lived, he found that the situation has become quite tense. Some audacious young man from his tribe had raided another tribe in the vicinity and stolen their wealth. In retaliation, the other tribe had also carried out some raids. Now they were at war. Immediately he prepared himself to defend his tribe and was angered by the outrageous conduct of the adversaries.

 

Just as he stood in line to fight, he suddenly recalled what Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had told him. “Control your anger”. He was soon engrossed in deep thought. Admonishing himself, he said: “The anger has taken better of my reason. I have set out to fight without trying for an amicable settlement. What a shame!”

 

He came forward and addressed the leaders of the opposite side: “Brothers, what is this war for? If my people have raided your side and stolen your property, we could sit together and agree upon compensation. I am prepared to recompense form my personal wealth.”

 

The leaders from the opposite side felt totally disarmed by this new approach. They soon realized that bloodshed was not at all worth anything. So with all the magnanimity, their chief said: “Well, you have agreed to recompense. But we are in no way inferior. We have agreed to forego our demand!”

 

And both parties peacefully retreated to their places.

 

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “A strong person is not the person who throws his adversaries to the ground. A strong person is the person who contains himself when he is angry.”

 

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said, “When one of you becomes angry while standing he should sit down. If the anger leaves him, well and good; otherwise he should lie down.”

When Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was 35 years old and few years before Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) began his mission of preaching Islam there occurred an event of great concern in the lives of the Makkans.

 

It had rained heavily and continuously for a long period, and the water poured down towards the Kaaba. Kaaba was in the lower section of Makkah. This flood had shaken the foundations of the House of God, the Kaaba and cracked its walls. Besides, the Kaaba had no ceiling and the treasures it housed were exposed to robbery. The Makkans had seriously thought of rebuilding it; but a rebuilt Kaaba with doors and a ceiling, they imagined, would bring upon them a curse.

 

To each of the four clans of Makkah fell the task of demolishing and rebuilding one of the four walls of the Kaaba, but no one volunteered to begin the work of demolition for fear of punishment by its gods. At length Al-Walid after praying to the gods pulled down part of the Yamani wall assigned to his tribe, until the pillars that the Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) had laid down, appeared. With baited breath the rest waited to see what would befall him. When the morning came and nothing had happened to him they took courage and began to work.

 

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), like the others, helped in the work till the Kaaba was levelled except for the green stones which were found below the walls. The Makkans could not shake them loose and thus decided to use them as foundations on which to build the new walls. From the neighbouring mountains the Makkans carried stones of blue granite to the site of the Kaaba and the walls rose from the ground quickly.

 

Each quarter of the Kaaba was being built by one leading family of Quraish – the big and prominent tribe of Makkah. The sacred Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad) had to be placed in the East wall of the Kaaba. Dispute arose as to who would have the honour of placing the Sacred Black Stone. Little by little, the dispute turned into harsh enmity, and the various tribes got ready for a bloody war. The members of the clan of Abdul Dar filled a large jar with blood and put their hands into it, thereby giving each other a pledge of death at the battlefield.

 

This terrible discord went on for four or five days until Abu Umayyah, who was the oldest of the Quraish, used his influence and said to the Makkans, Let the first person to pass through the gate of the Haram (precincts of the Holy Kaaba) be our arbitrator and that all of us accept his view on the problem so it will be solved.

 

Here comes Al-Ameen (The Trustworthy)The Quraish accepted his proposal and waited to see who would pass through the gate first. Suddenly they heard footsteps heading towards them. It was Muhammad, the son of Abdullah. Everyone, of course, knew, loved, admired and respected Muhammad, the son of Abdullah. So with a loud voice, everyone said, “Here comes Al-Ameen (The Trustworthy)” and the joyous voice echoed through the place over and over again. We will accept his verdict! For indeed he was known to everyone as Al-Amin, the trustworthy!

 

Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was surprised to hear of that title with which they called him. Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not know about the matter. He was told about what the people of Quraish were fighting for. It was all silent for a while. Everyone thought his family was going to be favored. Their hearts were beating hard and they were getting anxious and impatient.

 

When they explained their problem to him, he said, ‘Bring me a piece of cloth’. Although the Quraish did not know what he meant by that order, they brought the cloth immediately. Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) spread the cloth, put the sacred Black Stone in the middle of it, and said, ‘Each tribe should take hold of one side of the cloth so all can share in the honour’. The Quraish did as he had told them and lifted the sacred Black Stone to the point where it was to be installed. Then Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who observed that if he let any of them install it, conflict and disputes would arise, himself lifted the sacred Black Stone and installed it in its place. Through this excellent device, he put an end to the terrible enmity and conflicts.

 

To reconcile a fiery people in those turbulent times required great wisdom and tact which was so well displayed by Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) in this incident in his life. This also clearly demonstrates the supreme character of Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and his excellent thought and intelligence, which ended a serious dispute without any bloodshed. It is also clear that he (pbuh) enjoyed a reputation for honesty among his people, who, as you have just read, so willingly subjected their claims to his sense of Judgement. We should take a cue from such instances of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life which is full of acts of great moral courage.

 

This is how Muhammad (pbuh), the son of Abdullah, the Prophet of Islam succeeded in uniting the ever-fighting and ignorant Arabs with his honesty, justice and noble character.

 

Indeed the Noble Qur’an says: “Certainly you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent exemplar for him who hopes in Allah and the latter day and remembers Allah much.” (Noble Qur’an, 33:21)

All went to the idol-temples except Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) who, without being taught by anybody, made his way to cave of Hira (Ghare Hira), in the al-Noor mountain near the city of Makkah, where he devotedly worshipped the Creator of the universe and praised His glory and power.

‘And you did not recite before it any book, nor did you transcribe one with your right hand, for then could those who say untrue things have doubted.’ (Noble Qur’an, 29:48)

Favoured by Almighty Allah (SWT), he distinguished his path from the very beginning, denounced the wrong manners of his people without any hesitation or fear, and proceeded against those wrong deeds and beliefs.

Not only was not one single moment of his blessed life spent in idolatry, but, as we have already mentioned, he hated to hear the names of idols.

His chasteness and purity were known to all. His extreme honesty led the people to give him the title of ‘the Trustworthy’, and this great virtue led Khadijah bint Khuwaylid to trust him with her commercial property.

The behaviour of Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) toward the people and his manners were so pleasant and excellent that they attracted all people. Thus the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) took a different direction than his people and was by no means infatuated with tribal customs and moods. In reality, under the control of the divine power, he (pbuh) advanced on his path of evolution and perfection.

For all these reasons, people had great respect for him and relied heavily on his views in solving their problems.

Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid’s proposal of Marriage Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid asked Nafisa, who was her close friend and whom she always trusted with her secrets, to speak to Hazrat Mohammed (saw) about marriage. Nafisa went to him and asked, ‘Why do you not get married?’ He answered, ‘My living conditions and financial situation do not allow me to get married’. Nafisa said, ‘Will you agree to get married if this problem is solved and a rich, beautiful, and honorable woman from a well-known family asks you to marry her?’

 

Hazrat Mohammed (saw) asked, ‘who is this woman you are talking about?’ Nafisa answered, ‘Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid’.

 

Hazrat Mohammed (saw) said, ‘How is it possible? She has rejected the proposals of many of the Quraish aristocrats and rich men. Would she marry me?’ Nafisa said, ‘This union is possible and I will arrange it.’

 

When he (saw) became quite sure of Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid’s inclination towards marriage with him, Hazrat Mohammed (saw) talked to his uncles about the matter. They were very pleased with this good news, and they attempted to arrange the marriage for their blessed nephew. And finally this auspicious marriage was celebrated with special ceremonies.

 

Hazrat Mohammed (saw) spent 25 years of his life with Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, who was not only a loving wife for him, but also his best and most helpful mate. This period is considered to be the best period of his married life.

 

Some of the researchers have said that Hazrat Fatima al-Zahra (sa) was her only child; however, most scholars say that she had other children as well.

 

Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, peace be upon her, was the first woman who believed in Hazrat Mohammed’s (saw) divine prophecy. She chose to marry Hazrat Mohammed (saw) who was financially in a lower class. After marriage, she devoted all her wealth in spreading Islam. Hazrat Mohammed (saw) said: “Khadijah’s wealth was the most useful wealth I ever had.” In the 6th year after Hazrat Mohammed’s (saw) appointment, when Muslims were surrounded in an area called “Sheb-E-Abu Talib”, Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid used her wealth and power among Quraish to help surrounded Muslims. She spent all of her wealth for Muslims to the extent that before her demise, she had nothing left. As saying goes, “Islam did not rise except through Ali’s sword and Khadijah’s wealth.”

 

Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was so devoted to her husband and showed such great sympathy and self-sacrifice for him and for the promotion of his religion that not only did he love her dearly and respect her highly during her lifetime, but even after her death. Each time he remembered her, his blessed heart filled with sorrow and he wept at her loss. Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid’s brilliant sun of life set at the age of 65 in 619 CE, ten years after the actualization of prophetic mission of Hazrat Mohammed (saw).

When the commercial caravan of the Quraish was ready to start moving towards Damascus (Syria) and Hazrat Mohammed (saw), too, had made provisions for the trip and was about to join the caravan, Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid ordered her servant, Mysara, to accompany him to Damascus and be always ready to serve him.

Obviously, it is not possible to explain in detail this historical journey, and we content ourselves with mentioning the following points: This journey brought about many blessings and much good fortune, such as enormous profits in commerce, the manifestation of Hazrat Mohammed’s (saw) wonderful personality to the people in the caravan, the meeting with the Christian monk, the prediction of his prophecy, and the preliminary causes of an auspicious matrimonial union. When the trading was over, the caravan returned from Damascus.

Mysara explained the trip to Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid in detail, reporting the huge, unprecedented profits they had gained. She also spoke about Hazrat Mohammed’s (saw) excellent character and his generosity, as well as his many other virtues manifested during this journey.

Upon hearing this and hearing about the predictions of a learned Jewish man about his divine character and his marriage with the most honorable woman of the Quraish, Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid not only started to cherish his love in her pure heart, but also came to realize that he was her ideal husband.

Also, her uncle, Warqa ibn Nawfal, had talked to her about the predictions of the last prophets and about the good news of his marriage with Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. These words, too, added to her love and enthusiasm.

But how was she to talk to him about her desire and heavenly affection? This was not so easy for Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, who was herself the most respected woman of the Quraish.

Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid’s business proposal Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, who was an honorable wealthy woman, used to put her wealth at the disposal of others who traded for her and received wages in return for their services.

 

As Hazrat Mohammed’s (saw) fame for honesty, virtue and trustworthiness spread throughout Arabia and reached Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, she started seeking his cooperation. Then she made this proposal to him: ‘I will put at your disposal some property plus a servant, Mysara, and pay you more than others’.

 

Being well aware of his uncle’s financial problems due to his old age, low income, and large family, Hazrat Mohammed (saw) accepted Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid’s offer.

 

Hazrat Khadijah, the daughter of Khuwaylid, was a lady of supreme character. Moreover, at that time, it was common amongst Arabs to disrespect women and kill their daughters. In such a period however, Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was famous for titles such as “the pious” or “the Lady of the women of Quraish”. Though she was forty years old, her enormous wealth, popularity, and prestige had led many wealthy and powerful Quraish to court her. But she did not accept any of them as her husband and avoided marriage, for she knew well that they either were interested in her wealth or were men whose character she detested. Other narrators, however, record that Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was younger at the time of marriage.