Stories for Children

Assalaamu Alaikum,




Below is a story that was written a couple of years ago by a dear Sister for children. It deals with Israa and Miraj of the Prophet Muhammad (sm).



Please read and enjoy.



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I wrote this story--based on authentic hadeeth of the Prophet Muhammad SAW because

of something a sister said to me. May all Muslims gain benefit from it.



Most scholars feel that Israa and Miraj happened on the night before the

27th of Rajab. Israa means "night journey" and miraj means "ladder" or

"ascension".



All good is from Allah and all mistakes are from me.





>>"AbdurRahman, mommy wants to tell you a story."



>>"I love stories."



>>"This is a true story about the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him."



>>"Oh, I love the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), mommy."



>>"And he loves you. This is a story about that love."



========================================

***The Night Journey***

========================================

One night, a long, long time ago in Makkah, the Angel Gabriel came to the

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) . He cut open his chest, took out his heart,

washed his heart in Zam Zam water, and then filled it with Belief. Then he

put his heart back into his body.



>>"Why did he do that?"



>>"Because his heart had to pure where he was going."



Then a white animal-smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey-was

brought to the Prophet. It was called al Buraq. The Prophet got on Buraq

and it took him to al Aqsa-the farthest mosque.



>>"It must have taken a long time to go from Makkah to Jerusalem on that

animal."



>>"Well, al Buraq was quite special. For each stride that it took, he

would travel as far as the eye could see."



>>"Oooh!"



The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) prayed two rakah in al-Aqsa and then came

outside. There, Gabriel held out two containers. The Prophet took one and

Gabriel said, "The other container holds wine and this one, which you

chose, holds milk. This is the religion of Islam to which you and your

followers submit."



Then Gabriel and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ascended to the closest

heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened.



"Who is it?"



Gabriel answered, "Gabriel".



"Who is with you?"



Gabriel replied, "Muhammad."



"Has Muhammad been called?"



Gabriel answered that yes, Muhammad had been called.



"He is welcome. What an excellent visit his is!"



The gate was opened. When he entered, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) saw Adam

(pbuh). Gabriel said to him:



"This is your father, Adam. Give him salaams."

So the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) gave salaams and Adam (pbuh) returned his

salaams and also said, "You are welcome, O pious son and pious prophet."



>>"We say 'peace be upon him' for all the prophets, Mommy, not just the

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him?"



>>"That's right. Ma sha'Allah."



Then Gabriel and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ascended to the second

heaven.



Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. When the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

entered, he saw the Prophet John (pbuh) and the Prophet Jesus (pbuh). The

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) exchanged salaams with them and then Gabriel and

he ascended to the third heaven where the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

exchanged salaams with the Prophet Joseph (pbuh). After exchanging

salaams, Gabriel and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ascended to the fourth

heaven where he again exchanged salaams, this time with the Prophet Idris

(pbuh). Then they ascended to the fifth heaven where the Prophet Muhammad

(pbuh) exchanged salaams with the Prophet Aaron (pbuh).



>>"Oh I understand! Each time he goes to a higher heaven, he meets a

different prophet."



>>"Yes, may peace be upon them all."



Then Gabriel and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ascended to the sixth heaven.

There, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) exchanged salaams with the Prophet

Moses (pbuh). As the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left, the Prophet Moses

(pbuh) began to cry. Someone asked Moses why he was crying. "I cry because

there was sent after me a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in

greater numbers than my followers."



>>"But Mommy, we don't follow the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We follow

Allah."



>>"That is a very good point, AbdurRahman. We follow the example of the

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the Sunnah, which is how we follow the commands

of Allah."



Then Gabriel and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) ascended to the seventh

heaven. After exchanging salaams with the Prophet Abraham (pbuh) who

welcomed him in the same way that the other prophets had, the Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh) saw the the most wonderful sight. It was the Lote Tree of

the farthest limit. Subhana'Allah! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr

and-



>>"What does that mean?"



>>"I think that it means that they were very big and ripe."



Its leaves were as big as elephant ears! Subhana'Allah! Words cannot

describe its beauty-



>>"I want to see it. Will I see it?"



>>"Insha'Allah, all people who go to Jannah will see it."



There were four rivers there-two were hidden and two could be seen. The

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) asked, "What are these two rivers, Gabriel?"



"The two hidden rivers are rivers of Paradise and the rivers that can be

seen are the Nile and the Euphrates."



Then Al Bait-ul-Mamur-the Sacred House-was shown to the Prophet. This is

where 70,000 angels are always giving praises to Allah SWT. It is under

Allah's throne. Then the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was told that Muslims

should pray fifty times a day.



>>"Fifty times? Don't you mean 'five', Mommy?"



>>"No, fifty. Listen and you will understand, insha'Allah."



When the Prophet Muhmammad returned down to the sixth heaven, Moses (pbuh)

asked him what Muhammad (pbuh) had been ordered to do. The Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh) told him that fifty prayers should be offered a day.



"Muhammad (pbuh), your followers cannot do fifty prayers a day. By Allah,

I have tested people before you, but Bani Israel could not do it. Go back

to your Lord and ask Him to reduce your followers' burden."



So the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) went back up and Allah reduced the number

of prayers to forty. When he came back to Moses (pbuh), he said the same

thing-that forty was still too many prayers. So the Prophet Muhammad

(pbuh) went back up and Allah reduced the number of prayers to thirty. But

Moses (pbuh) said the same thing. So again, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

went back up and Allah reduced the number of prayers to ten. Again, Moses

(pbuh) said the same thing. So the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) went back up

and Allah reduced the number of prayers to five. Moses said the same

thing-"Five prayers is too much of a burden on your followers. I speak

from experience with Bani Israel."



But the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not go back up. He said, "I have

requested so much from my Lord. I feel ashamed. I am satisfied now and

submit to Allah's Order." As the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) left the heavens,

a voice said, "I have passed My Order and have reduced the burden of My

Worshippers."



>>"Mommy, why are YOU crying?"



>>"Because…Allah has so much mercy. He reduced the number of prayers from

fifty to five. And still, Muslims complain, astaghfirullah!" Do you

remember that I told you that this was a love story?"



>>"Yes. But is it Allah's love?"



>>"Well, of course, there is Allah's love. But do you see that the Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh) loved his ummah-all Muslims-so much that he went back not

one, not two, not three, but FOUR times to his Lord, though he felt

ashamed?"



>>"Is that why we love the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) peace be upon him more

than any other man?"



>>"Yes. It is one reason."



>>"Mommy, I think that we should celebrate the Prophet Muhammad's peace be

upon him Night Journey."



>>"No, no, AbdurRahman. Remember, we follow the example of the Prophet

Muhammad (pbuh) and his companions who were the most righteous of Muslims.

They never celebrated the Night Journey, and we won't either."



>>"But we remember the night, yes Mommy?"



>>"Yes. We can never forget the night when Allah was so merciful to his

slaves and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) showed his love for his ummah."

Prophet Muhammad's (Pbuh) love for his Ummah

The Tears of Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam:




Do you realise how much our Prophet Muhammed sallalahu alaihi wasalam loved his people and how deeply he was committed. We should be proud to be a MUSLIM and more proud to be apart of his UMMAH.



Allah subhana wa'tallah kindled the glow of his beloved Prophet sallalahu alaihi wasalam from the outpouring of His own radiance and made the leader of all the Prophets and Messengers the meeting point of all virtues and perfection.



Aside from Allah subhana wa'tallah's Divinity, Oneness and Greatness, whichever attributes of perfection could be bestowed on a human being, were all put into the purest form of the Holy Prophet sallalahu alaihi wasalam thus making him a manifestation of all that is virtuous and perfect in this Universe.



Prophet Muhammad's sallalahu alaihi wasalam final day...



"Suddenly there was a person who said salaam. "May I come in?" he asked. But Fatimah did not allow him to enter the room. "I'm sorry, my father is ill," said Fatimah, and turned back and closed the door.



She went back to Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alaihi wasalam and he opened his eyes and asked, "Who was he, my daughter?"



"I dont know my father. It's the first time I'm seeing him," Fatimah said gently.



"Know one thing...! He is the one who erases the temporary pleasure; he is who separates the companionship in the world. He is the Angel of Death," said Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam.



Fatimah bore the bomb of her cry.



The death angel came towards Him, but Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam asked by Jibrail did not come along with him.



Then Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam looked at his daughter with a trembled look, as if he wanted to reminisce about every part of his daugther's face.



Then, Jibrail was called. Jibrail was ready int he sky to welcome the soul of Rasulullah and the leader of the Earth.



"O Jibrail, explain to me about my rights in front of Allah? (subhana watalah), Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam asked with a very weak voice.



"The doors of the sky have opened; the angels are waiting for your soul. All Jannats are open widely waiting for you" Jibrail said.



But, in fact, all that did not make Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam relieved.



His eyes were still full of worry.



"You are not happy to hear this news?" asked Jibrail.



"Tell me about the destiny of My People in the future?" said Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam



"Don't worry, O' Rasulullah. I heard Allah (subhana watala) told me: "I make Jannat haram for everyone, except the people of Muhammad," Jibrail said.



The time for Malaekat Izrail to do his work became closer and closer.



Slowly, Rasulullah's sallalahu alaihi wasalam soul was pulled.



It seems that the body of Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam was full of sweat; the nerves of his neck became tight.



"Jibrail, how painful this is!" Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam slowly uttered with a groan.



Fatimah closed her eyes, Ali sat beside her bow deeply and Jibrail turned his face back.



"Am I repugnant to you that you turn your face back O Jibrail?" Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam asked.



"Who is the one who could see Habibullah in His sakartul maut," Jibrail said.



"Not for a while," then Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam uttered a groan because of unbearable pain.



"O Allah (subhana watala) how great is this sakartul maut. Give me all these pains, but DON'T to MY PEOPLE."



The body of Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam became cold, his feet and chest did not move anymore.



With tears in eyes, His lips vibrated as if he wanted to say something.



Ali took his ear close to Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam, "Uushiikumbis salahti, wa maa malakat aimanuku" "Take care of the salat and take care of the weak people among you."



Outside the room, there were cries, each one shouting, Sahaba holding each other. Fatimah closed her face with her hands.



Again, Ali took his ear close to Rasulullah's sallalahu alaihi wasalam and with this mouth which became bluish, and TEARS IN HIS EYES, he uttered: "Ummatii Ummatii, Ummatii" " My People, My People, My People"







Could we ever love each other like Him. "Allahumma Salli Ala Muhammadin Abdika Wa Rasoolika Wa Salli Alal Mu'mineena Wal Mu'minaati Wal Muslimeena Wal Muslimaati"



How deep was Rasulullah's sallalahu alaihi wasalam love for us.



Reading this has brought tears to my eyes. It shows us the compassion and love Prophet Muhammad sallalahu alaihi wasalam had for His Ummah.



Let us be conscious and aware to love Allah subhana watala and Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam as Allah subhana watala and Rasulullah sallalahu alaihi wasalam love us.



Don't worry if people hate you because there are many others who love and care for you. But be worried if Allah subhana watala is displeased with you because there is non other who loves and cares for you here and in the Akhirat.



Fi Amanallah



Allah hafiz

Patience -Sabr

Patience is the first weapon for the believer to use when facing hardship. Patience has been mentioned in the Noble Qur'an more then 90 times. Also it was mentioned many times in authentic Ahadith of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). All of these verses and Ahadith talk about the importance of patience in the lives of the believers. All of the messengers of Allah (S.A.W.) suffered great hardships in their lives, yet all of them practiced patience. Therefore, Allah (S.W.T.) alleviated their hardship and promised them great rewards in the hereafter.






What is the Definition of Patience:



Patience is when a person restrains himself from being fearful during hard times. Also, a person who is patient restrains himself from doing prohibited acts and does what is obligated and righteous.



Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “There are three types of patience: Firstly, practicing patience to fulfill the obligations and to do righteous. Secondly, abstaining from evil and prohibited acts. And thirdly, practicing patience during times of hardship without complaints.”



Importance of Patience:



Imam Ibn Taymiyyah said, “Allah mentions patience in His Book more than 90 times. Within one verse, Allah orders us to practice both patience and prayer. Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Noble Qur'an what could be translated as, “O you who believe! Seek help in patience and prayer. Truly! Allah is with the patient.” (Verse 153) Surat Al-Baqarah.



Allah chose the qualities of a leader in Islam to be one who has both patience and certainty in one's deen. Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Noble Qur'an what could be translated as, “And We made from among them, leaders, giving guidance under Our command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayat.” (Verse 24) Surat As-Sajdah.



Ibn Taymiyya continues on to say that, all of Islam is built upon the knowledge of the truth and the implementation of that knowledge. Implementation of that knowledge requires patience. And seeking this knowledge also requires patience. With that Ali (R.A.) said, “ Patience's position to faith is similar to the position of the head to the body. If the head is cut off, the body dies.” Then he raised his voice saying, “There is no faith, for a person who doesn't have patience.”



We will go over The Three Types of Patience with more detail



The first type of patience is when a person works constantly to fulfill obligations and to do righteous deeds. With that said, Allah (S.W.T) commands His servants in the Noble Qur'an what could be translated as, “Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, so worship Him and be constant and patient in His worship.” (Verse 65) Surat Maryam. Similarly, Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Noble Qur'an what could be translated as, “And enjoin prayer on your family, and be patient in offering them.” (Verse 132) Surat Taha.

The messengers of Allah needed great patience in order to fulfill their obligations of conveying the message and fixing the conditions of individuals and society. Without this patience, they could not succeed in their tasks. Therefore, Allah (S.W.T.) commanded to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) in the Noble Qur'an, what could be translated as, “Therefore be patient [O Muhammad] as did the Messengers of strong will.” (Verse 35) Surat Al-Ahqaf.



Likewise, patience is needed when dealing with Muslims and righteous people. Using patience, a person can fulfill his obligations toward people. Although they may harm you, you must use patience with them. Thus, Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Noble Qur'an what could be translated as, “And keep yourself [O Muhammad] patiently with those who call on their Lord [your companions].” (Verse 28) Surat Al-Kahf. The prophet (S.A.W) said, “It is better for you to mix yourself around people who may harm you, and to be patient with them, then it is to isolate yourself from them, and to not practice patience from their harm.”



Also, a Muslim who is fighting for the cause of Allah (S.W.T) needs much patience. Hence, Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Noble Qur'an what could be translated as, “But if you remain patient and be pious, not the least harm will their cunning do to you.” (Verse 120) Surat Al-Imran.



The second type of patience is when a person abstains from prohibited acts and from evil. Abstaining from prohibited acts requires a great struggle against one's desires, and takes much patience in refraining from the evil influences of Satan among man and Satan among Jinn. Therefore, Allah (S.W.T.) will give great rewards on the Day of Judgment to those who patiently abstained from evil. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) told us about the people who will receive a special reward: “Seven are (the persons) whom Allah would give protection with His shade on the day when there would be no shade but His shade (i.e., on the Day of Judgment) and among them: a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah, …a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he rejected this offer by saying: I fear Allah….” {Imams Bukhari and Muslim} Prophet Yusuf (S.A.W.) is another example of a person who abstained patiently from the evil lure of the wife of the King of Egypt. Prophet Yusuf chose incarceration for several years rather than committing an evil act.



The third type of patience is when a person practices patience during times of hardship without complaints. One must not complain because Allah (S.W.T.) predestines their hardship. This is the fruit of believing in predestination. Predestination is one of the pillars of faith. Allah (S.W.T.) said in the Noble Qur'an what could be translated as, “No calamity befalls, but with the leave (decision and Qadar (Divine Preordainment) of Allah.” (Verse 11) Surat At-Taghabun.



People who are trying to be patient during hardship should not just sit around and do nothing to help out their bad conditions. Instead, a Muslim must be patient, yet ease his hardship by all lawful means. There are some tools that Allah has made lawful for us to use to fight against hardship. Therefore, we should make use of these means to relieve ourselves from these hardships.

The believer knows that Allah (S.W.T.) predestined hardship for man by His Greater Wisdom. And Allah (S.W.T.) will reward the believer for his patience during hardship, by wiping out sins and lifting him up to higher levels of Paradise. Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Noble Qur'an, what could be translated as, “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Saabireen (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. And they are those who are blessed and they are those who receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.” (Verses 155 to 157) surat Al-Baqarah.



Also, the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: “How wonderful is the situation of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this is not the case with any one except a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.”{Imam Muslim}



In another hadith, the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: “Never a believer is

stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn that his sins are removed for him.” {Imams Bukhari and Muslim}



Some of the Benefits of Patience:



We should recognize that there are many benefits of patience. A person will benefit from patience in this life and/or the hereafter. Allah (S.W.T.) says in the Noble Qur'an, what could be translated as, “Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.” (Verse 10) surat Az-Zumar.



Here are some of the benefits of patience:





Patience keeps you from getting bored during serious activities that require continuous energy and time.

Patience keeps you from rushing on tasks that require much time.

Patience controls you during times of anger and prevents you from committing wrong verbal or physical acts.

Patience controls you during conditions of fear and prevents you from committing wrong verbal or physical acts.

Patience controls you from greediness and prevents you from committing wrong verbal or physical acts.





Patience controls you from following your own desires.

Patience prepares you to withstand physical or psychological hardship when it is required.

Practicing patience is proof of the completion of faith and it is a good practice of Islam.

Practicing patience gives you guidance in your heart.

Practicing patience will lead you to being loved by Allah (S.W.T.) and the people.





Practicing patience is required in positions of power and authority.

Practicing patience will make a person enter Paradise and it will save him from the hellfire.

Practicing patience will always keep you under the protection and care of Allah (S.W.T.).

Practicing patience will protect you from the fear on the Day of Judgment.

Practicing patience will lead you to die as a good Muslim.

Finally, Practicing patience will give you the blessings and mercy of Allah (S.W.T.).



Overall, we have learned that patience is the key to success in this life and in the hereafter. Therefore, we should try hard to practice patience in our lives, and we should know that we could all gain patience with practice and struggle. We can also learn patience by being with those who are patient and being away from those without it. We should know that there are different levels of patience. We can all start at the first level, and ascend to the top with the help of Allah (S.W.T.). We ask Allah (S.W.T.) to make us among those who are patient, and to gather us with them on the Day of Judgment





(Imam Mohamed Baianonie at the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC, delivered this Friday speech on April 18, 2003)

Prophet Muhammad foretold in the Torah and Bible

The coming of Prophet Muhammad had been foretold in the Torah. God had said to Moses:

"I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put My words in his mouth; and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him" Deuteronomy 18:18

Who in the Old Testament were the brethren of the sons of Israel if not the sons of Ismael? (descended from Abraham's first wife Hagar at the well of Zam Zam at Makkah called Bakkah in those days) Who else could have been the Prophet like unto Moses? Who was more similar to him than the Prophet Muhammad?

The prophecy in Bible has been fulfilled by the advent of Prophet Muhammad. Jesus says in the Bible, John 16:7 and 16:13:

"If I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you, but if I depart I will send him unto you . . .We will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself but whatever he shall hear, that shall he speak . . ."

Prophet Muhammad was a receptacle of Divine revelation and Angel Gabriel used to bring the words from God, which would be "etched" upon his heart. The first revelation to Prophet Muhammad at the cave of Mount Hira:

"Read! In the name of your Lord Who Creates

Creates man from a clot of blood

Read! And your Lord is most generous

Teaches man that which he knew not" Quran 96:1-5

Genesis 17:7 Covenant Allah (Elohim in Hebrew) made with Abraham and Ishmael

MUHAMMAD, No. 1. The 100, a Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History by Michael H. Hart

My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the 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 levels. Of humble origins, Muhammad founded and promulgated one of the world's great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. The majority of the persons in this book had the advantage of being born and raised in centers of civilization, highly cultured or politically pivotal nations. Muhammad, however, was born in the year 570, in the city of Mecca, in southern Arabia, at that time a backward area of the world, far from the centers of trade, art, and learning. Orphaned at age six, he was reared in modest surroundings. Islamic tradition tells us that he was illiterate. His economic position improved when, at age twenty-five, he married a wealthy widow. Nevertheless, as he approached forty, there was little outward indication that he was a remarkable person. Most Arabs at that time were pagans, who believed in many gods. There were, however, in Mecca, a small number of Jews and Christians; it was from them no doubt that Muhammad first learned of a single, omnipotent God who ruled the entire universe. When he was forty years old, Muhammad became convinced that this one true God (Allah) was speaking to him, and had chosen him to spread the true faith. For three years, Muhammad preached only to close friends and associates. Then, about 613, he began preaching in public. As he slowly gained converts, the Meccan authorities came to consider him a dangerous nuisance. In 622, fearing for his safety, Muhammad fled to Medina (a city some 200 miles north of Mecca), where he had been offered a position of considerable political power. This flight, called the Hegira, was the turning point of the Prophet's life. In Mecca, he had had few followers. In Medina, he had many more, and he soon acquired an influence that made him a virtual dictator. During the next few years, while Muhammad's following grew rapidly, a series of battles were fought between Medina and Mecca. This was ended in 630 with Muhammad's triumphant return to Mecca as conqueror. The remaining two and one-half years of his life witnessed the rapid conversion of the Arab tribes to the new religion.




When Muhammad died, in 632, he was the effective ruler of all of southern Arabia. The Bedouin tribesmen of Arabia had a reputation as fierce warriors. But their number was small; and plagued by disunity and internecine warfare, they had been no match for the larger armies of the kingdoms in the settled agricultural areas to the north. However, unified by Muhammad for the first time in history, and inspired by their fervent belief in the one true God, these small Arab armies now embarked upon one of the most astonishing series of conquests in human history. To the northeast of Arabia lay the large Neo-Persian Empire of the Sassanids; to the northwest lay the Byzantine, or Eastern Roman Empire, centered in Constantinople. Numerically, the Arabs were no match for their opponents. On the field of battle, though, the inspired Arabs rapidly conquered all of Mesopotamia, Syria, and Palestine. By 642, Egypt had been wrested from the Byzantine Empire, while the Persian armies had been crushed at the key battles of Qadisiya in 637, and Nehavend in 642. But even these enormous conquests, which were made under the leadership of Muhammad's close friends and immediate successors, Ali, Abu Bakr and 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, did not mark the end of the Arab advance. By 711, the Arab armies had swept completely across North Africa to the Atlantic Ocean There they turned north and, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, overwhelmed the Visigothic kingdom in Spain.



For a while, it must have seemed that the Moslems would overwhelm all of Christian Europe. However, in 732, at the famous Battle of Tours, a Moslem army, which had advanced into the center of France, was at last defeated by the Franks. Nevertheless, in a scant century of fighting, these Bedouin tribesmen, inspired by the word of the Prophet, had carved out an empire stretching from the borders of India to the Atlantic Ocean-the largest empire that the world had yet seen. And everywhere that the armies conquered, large-scale conversion to the new faith eventually followed. Now, not all of these conquests proved permanent. The Persians, though they have remained faithful to the religion of the Prophet, have since regained their independence from the Arabs. And in Spain, more than seven centuries of warfare, finally resulted in the Christians reconquering the entire peninsula. However, Mesopotamia and Egypt, the two cradles of ancient civilization, have remained Moslem, as has the entire coast of North Africa. The new religion, of course, continued to spread, in the intervening centuries, far beyond the borders of the original Moslem conquests. Currently it has tens of millions of adherents in Africa and Central Asia and even more in Pakistan and northern India, and in Indonesia. In Indonesia, the new faith has been a unifying factor. In the Indian subcontinent, however, the conflict between Moslems and Hindus is still a major obstacle to unity.



How, then, is one to assess the overall impact of Muhammad on human history? Like all religions, Islam exerts an enormous influence upon the lives of its followers. It is for this reason that the founders of the world's great religions all figure prominently in this book. Since there are roughly twice as many Christians as Moslems in the world, it may initially seem strange that Muhammad has been ranked higher than Jesus. There are two principal reasons for that decision. First, Muhammad played a far more important role in the development of Islam than Jesus did in the development of Christianity. Although Jesus was responsible for the main ethical and moral precepts of Christianity (insofar as these differed from Judaism), St. Paul was the main developer of Christian theology, its principal proselytizer, and the author of a large portion of the New Testament. Muhammad, however, was responsible for both the theology of Islam and its main ethical and moral principles. In addition, he played the key role in proselytizing the new faith, and in establishing the religious practices of Islam. Moreover, he is the author of the Moslem holy scriptures, the Koran, a collection of certain of Muhammad's insights that he believed had been directly revealed to him by Allah. Most of these utterances were copied more or less faithfully during Muhammad's lifetime and were collected together in authoritative form not long after his death. The Koran therefore, closely represents Muhammad's ideas and teachings and to a considerable extent his exact words. No such detailed compilation of the teachings of Christ has survived. Since the Koran is at least as important to Moslems as the Bible is to Christians, the influence of Muhammad through the medium of the Koran has been enormous. It is probable that the relative influence of Muhammad on Islam has been larger than the combined influence of Jesus Christ and St. Paul on Christianity.



On the purely religious level, then, it seems likely that Muhammad has been as influential in human history as Jesus. Furthermore, Muhammad (unlike Jesus) was a secular as well as a religious leader. In fact, as the driving force behind the Arab conquests, he may well rank as the most influential political leader of all time. Of many important historical events, one might say that they were inevitable and would have occurred even without the particular political leader who guided them. For example, the South American colonies would probably have won their independence from Spain even if Simon Bolivar had never lived. But this cannot be said of the Arab conquests. Nothing similar had occurred before Muhammad, and there is no reason to believe that the conquests would have been achieved without him. The only comparable conquests in human history are those of the Mongols in the thirteenth century, which were primarily due to the influence of Genghis Khan. These conquests, however, though more extensive than those of the Arabs, did not prove permanent, and today the only areas occupied by the Mongols are those that they held prior to the time of Genghis Khan. It is far different with the conquests of the Arabs. From Iraq to Morocco, there extends a whole chain of Moslem nations united not merely by their faith in Islam, but also by their Arabic language, history, and culture.



The centrality of the Koran in the Moslem religion and the fact that it is written in Arabic have probably prevented the Arab language from breaking up into mutually unintelligible dialects, which might otherwise have occurred in the intervening thirteen centuries. Differences and divisions between these Arab states exist, of course, and they are considerable, but the partial disunity should not blind us to the important elements of unity that have continued to exist. For instance, neither Iran nor Indonesia, both oil-producing states and both Islamic in religion joined in the oil embargo of the winter of 1973-74. It is no coincidence that all of the Arab states, and only the Arab states, participated in the embargo. We see, then, that the Arab conquests of the seventh century have continued to play an important role in human history, down to the present day. It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.

Prophet Muhammad – The Prophet of Islam

A Prophet is a caring loving person who teaches people the right way to live. I am going to tell you about a prophet in the medieval times. His name was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who brought the message of Islam (peace) to the world. The people who follow Islam are called Muslims.


Prophet Muhammad preached that there is only one God and he, Muhammad is the messenger of God. Muslim is an Arabic word for one that submits to God and lives by God’s laws.




Prophet Muhammad was a very important man during medieval times in Asia. He taught the people to change from worshipping idols to one God. He taught them to respect their parents and elders. He taught about equal rights and respect for women. He taught that the rich and poor are alike in the sight of God and that their good deeds will help them meet God in heaven. He taught them to live honestly and that working hard to earn a living is also considered worship of God. God is called “Allah” in Arabic and he taught people to remember God at all times.



His teachings brought about peace and prosperity to the Middle East and all the lands ruled by the Muslims. During the medieval times, the great prosperity was due to a large extent from the preaching of Prophet Muhammad who said, “To obtain knowledge travel into China if necessary.” This made the people travel great distances in order to learn more and there was great trading and learning by meeting the people of India, China, Persia and the West. This prosperity spread to Spain where the Muslims ruled for 700 years, and in fact, the majority of the sailors on the Columbus ships were Muslims who had gained great experience from their travels and trading with the lands of India, Africa and China.




In the medieval times, Muslims were great scholars and scientists and preserved the work of the Greeks by translating them into Arabic. They used this knowledge as well as knowledge of making paper from China, of mathematics from India and they built the first University of the world in Egypt. This University called Al Azhar University, which is still in existence, a thousand years later.



In conclusion Prophet Muhammad’s teachings influenced not only the religious and social life of the people, but also their scientific and economic life and there was great prosperity brought about by following his instructions that came from God. In the medieval period, the Muslims provided the bridge of knowledge to the West who were experiencing the Dark Ages and by using this the Renaissance period began. The other good thing produced by the Muslims was the beautiful architecture, art and calligraphy as Prophet Muhammad taught that God loves beauty and the Muslims did everything beautiful to please God.

Prophet Muhammad preached that there is only one God


He taught the people to change from worshipping idols to one God.

He taught them to respect their parents and elders.

He taught about equal rights and respect for women.

He taught that the rich and poor are alike in the sight of God and that their good deeds will help them meet God in heaven.

He taught them to live honestly and that working hard to earn a living is also considered worship of God.

God is called “Allah” in Arabic and he taught people to remember God at all times.

His teachings brought about peace and prosperity to the Middle East and all the lands ruled by the Muslims. During the medieval times, the great prosperity was due to a large extent from the preaching of Prophet Muhammad who said, “To obtain knowledge travel into China if necessary.”




This made the people travel great distances in order to learn more and there was great trading and learning by meeting the people of India, China, Persia and the West. This prosperity spread to Spain where the Muslims ruled for 700 years, and in fact, the majority of the sailors on the Columbus ships were Muslims who had gained great experience from their travels and trading with the lands of India, Africa and China.



Before Prophet Muhammad started teaching about Islam, many Arabs did not know how to read. Prophet Muhammad's teachings from the Quran began a great education of all the people. Becoming a writer and a calligrapher was a great honor and Arabic grammar was established with Hazrat Ali as the main advisor.



In the medieval times, Muslims were great scholars and scientists and preserved the work of the Greeks by translating them into Arabic. They used this knowledge as well as knowledge of making paper from China, of mathematics from India and they built the first University of the world in Egypt. This University called Al Azhar University, which is still in existence, a thousand years later.

6 hadith from Bukhari Sharif :

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 1


Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:

I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for."

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 2

Narrated 'Aisha:

(the mother of the faithful believers) Al-Harith bin Hisham asked Allah's Apostle "O Allah's Apostle! How is the Divine Inspiration revealed to you?" Allah's Apostle replied, "Sometimes it is (revealed) like the ringing of a bell, this form of Inspiration is the hardest of all and then this state passes ' off after I have grasped what is inspired. Sometimes the Angel comes in the form of a man and talks to me and I grasp whatever he says." 'Aisha added: Verily I saw the Prophet being inspired Divinely on a very cold day and noticed the Sweat dropping from his forehead (as the Inspiration was over).

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 3

Narrated 'Aisha:

(the mother of the faithful believers) The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Apostle was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright day light, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food like-wise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet replied, "I do not know how to read.

The Prophet added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists) has created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your Kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones."

Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the PreIslamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Apostle described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while.

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah Al-Ansari while talking about the period of pause in revelation reporting the speech of the Prophet "While I was walking, all of a sudden I heard a voice from the sky. I looked up and saw the same angel who had visited me at the cave of Hira' sitting on a chair between the sky and the earth. I got afraid of him and came back home and said, 'Wrap me (in blankets).' And then Allah revealed the following Holy Verses (of Quran):

'O you (i.e. Muhammad)! wrapped up in garments!' Arise and warn (the people against Allah's Punishment),... up to 'and desert the idols.' (74.1-5) After this the revelation started coming strongly, frequently and regularly."

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 4

Narrated Said bin Jubair:

Ibn 'Abbas in the explanation of the Statement of Allah. 'Move not your tongue concerning (the Quran) to make haste therewith." (75.16) Said "Allah's Apostle used to bear the revelation with great trouble and used to move his lips (quickly) with the Inspiration." Ibn 'Abbas moved his lips saying, "I am moving my lips in front of you as Allah's Apostle used to move his." Said moved his lips saying: "I am moving my lips, as I saw Ibn 'Abbas moving his." Ibn 'Abbas added, "So Allah revealed 'Move not your tongue concerning (the Qur'an) to make haste therewith. It is for us to collect it and to give you (O Muhammad) the ability to recite it (the Qur'an) (75.16-17) which means that Allah will make him (the Prophet ) remember the portion of the Qur'an which was revealed at that time by heart and recite it. The Statement of Allah: And 'When we have recited it to you (O Muhammad through Gabriel) then you follow its (Qur'an) recital' (75.18) means 'listen to it and be silent.' Then it is for Us (Allah) to make It clear to you' (75.19) means 'Then it is (for Allah) to make you recite it (and its meaning will be clear by itself through your tongue). Afterwards, Allah's Apostle used to listen to Gabriel whenever he came and after his departure he used to recite it as Gabriel had recited it."

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 5

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:

Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds).

Bukhari :: Book 1 :: Volume 1 :: Hadith 6

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Abbas:

Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan), at the time when Allah's Apostle had truce with Abu Sufyan and Quraish infidels. So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya (Jerusalem). Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius's question said to them, "Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?" Abu Sufyan replied, "I am the nearest relative to him (amongst the group)."

Heraclius said, "Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his companions stand behind him." Abu Sufyan added, Heraclius told his translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions to me regarding that man (The Prophet) and that if I told a lie they (my companions) should contradict me." Abu Sufyan added, "By Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet. The first question he asked me about him was:

'What is his family status amongst you?'

I replied, 'He belongs to a good (noble) family amongst us.'

Heraclius further asked, 'Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same (i.e. to be a Prophet) before him?'

I replied, 'No.'

He said, 'Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?'

I replied, 'No.'

Heraclius asked, 'Do the nobles or the poor follow him?'

I replied, 'It is the poor who follow him.'

He said, 'Are his followers increasing decreasing (day by day)?'

I replied, 'They are increasing.'

He then asked, 'Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?'

I replied, 'No.'

Heraclius said, 'Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim (to be a Prophet)?'

I replied, 'No. '

Heraclius said, 'Does he break his promises?'

I replied, 'No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do in it.' I could not find opportunity to say anything against him except that.

Heraclius asked, 'Have you ever had a war with him?'

I replied, 'Yes.'

Then he said, 'What was the outcome of the battles?'

I replied, 'Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.'

Heraclius said, 'What does he order you to do?'

I said, 'He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with our Kith and kin.'

Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a very noble family. In fact all the Apostles come from noble families amongst their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else amongst you claimed such a thing, your reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the previous man's statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom.

I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I, then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in fact all the Apostle have been followed by this very class of people. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship any thing along with Him and forbade you to worship 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 this place underneath my feet and I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.' Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by Allah's Apostle

which was delivered by Dihya to the Governor of Busra, who forwarded it to Heraclius to read. The contents of the letter were as follows: "In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Apostle to Heraclius 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 of Islam you will be committing a sin by misguiding your Arisiyin (peasants). (And I recite to you Allah's Statement:)

'O people of the scripture! Come to a word common to you and us that we worship none but Allah and that we associate nothing in worship with Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah).' (3:64).

Abu Sufyan then added, "When Heraclius had finished his speech and had read the letter, there was a great hue and cry in the Royal Court. So we were turned out of the court. I told my companions that the question of Ibn-Abi-Kabsha) (the Prophet Muhammad) has become so prominent that even the King of Bani Al-Asfar (Byzantine) is afraid of him. Then I started to become sure that he (the Prophet) would be the conqueror in the near future till I embraced Islam (i.e. Allah guided me to it)."

The sub narrator adds, "Ibn An-Natur was the Governor of llya' (Jerusalem) and Heraclius was the head of the Christians of Sham. Ibn An-Natur narrates that once while Heraclius was visiting ilya' (Jerusalem), he got up in the morning with a sad mood. Some of his priests asked him why he was in that mood? Heraclius was a foreteller and an astrologer. He replied, 'At night when I looked at the stars, I saw that the leader of those who practice circumcision had appeared (become the conqueror). Who are they who practice circumcision?' The people replied, 'Except the Jews nobody practices circumcision, so you should not be afraid of them (Jews).

'Just Issue orders to kill every Jew present in the country.'

While they were discussing it, a messenger sent by the king of Ghassan to convey the news of Allah's Apostle to Heraclius was brought in. Having heard the news, he (Heraclius) ordered the people to go and see whether the messenger of Ghassan was circumcised. The people, after seeing him, told Heraclius that he was circumcised. Heraclius then asked him about the Arabs. The messenger replied, 'Arabs also practice circumcision.'

(After hearing that) Heraclius remarked that sovereignty of the 'Arabs had appeared. Heraclius then wrote a letter to his friend in Rome who was as good as Heraclius in knowledge. Heraclius then left for Homs. (a town in Syrian and stayed there till he received the reply of his letter from his friend who agreed with him in his opinion about the emergence of the Prophet and the fact that he was a Prophet. On that Heraclius invited all the heads of the Byzantines to assemble in his palace at Homs. When they assembled, he ordered that all the doors of his palace be closed. Then he came out and said, 'O Byzantines! If success is your desire and if you seek right guidance and want your empire to remain then give a pledge of allegiance to this Prophet (i.e. embrace Islam).'

(On hearing the views of Heraclius) the people ran towards the gates of the palace like onagers but found the doors closed. Heraclius realized their hatred towards Islam and when he lost the hope of their embracing Islam, he ordered that they should be brought back in audience.

(When they returned) he said, 'What already said was just to test the strength of your conviction and I have seen it.' The people prostrated before him and became pleased with him, and this was the end of Heraclius's story (in connection with his faith).

The Prophet’s (saas) patience

Throughout the period of his mission, the Prophet Muhammad (saas) experienced all manner of difficulty. Deniers and polytheists, from among his own people, insulted him most terribly, even calling him a magician or a madman. Others wanted to kill him and even schemed to do so. Despite all that, the Prophet (saas) tried to teach people of all backgrounds and cultures about the Qur'an, and therefore about proper morality and good behavior.




As Allah revealed in the verses of the Qur'an, some people had not the slightest idea of the basics of good manners, for which reason it never entered their minds that they might appall someone who possessed superior morality. The Prophet (saas) displayed the greatest patience in this circumstances, turning to Allah and asking for His help in all situations and encouraging believers to patience and submission.



In many verses in the Qur'an, Allah advises the Prophet (saas) to be patient despite the words of unbelievers:



So be patient in the face of what they say and glorify your Lord with praise before the rising of the sun and before it sets. (Surah Qaf: 39)



Do not be grieved by what they say. All might belongs to Allah. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. (Surah Yunus: 65)



We know that your breast is constricted by what they say. (Surat al-Hijr: 97)



Perhaps you are leaving aside part of what has been revealed to you and your breast is constricted by this because they say, "Why has treasure not been sent down to him or an angel not accompanied him?" You are only a warner and Allah is Guardian over all things. (Surah Hud: 12)



Believers must remember the kind of things Allah's Messenger (saas) was patient for, and take him as a model when dealing with their own difficulties. Those who despair at the slightest problem, who are unable to bear the smallest objection, who stop preaching the religion of Allah, or who lose hope when their business dealings go wrong, must be aware that such behavior is incompatible with Allah's holy book and the sayings and deeds of the Prophet (saas). Believers must always be patient, take Allah as their helper and give thanks to Him, adopt the superior morality of the Prophet (saas), and hope for the mercy, compassion and Paradise of our Lord.



There were people with varying characters and ideas that surrounded the Prophet (saas). Throughout his life, however, he showed an interest in each and every one, warned them about their mistakes and failings, and tried to educate them in all matters, from cleanliness to matters of faith. That compassionate, tolerant, understanding and patient attitude of his was the means by which many peoples' hearts warmed to Islam and developed a genuine love for the Prophet (saas). Allah describes this pleasing attitude adopted by the Prophet (saas) towards those around him in the Qur'an:



It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them… (Surah Al ‘Imran: 159)



In another verse, Allah told the Prophet (saas) how he should behave towards those around him:



We know best what they say. You are not a dictator over them. So remind, with the Qur'an, whoever fears My Threat. (Surah Qaf: 45)



The Prophet (saas) never pressured those around him to accept the religion, nor imposed conditions on them. Instead he always used the pleasantest ways to tell them about it.



He always supported the community of the faithful with his strong conscience, and was a benefactor to them at all times. On account of these traits, the Prophet (saas) is described in many verses as "your companion." (Surah Saba': 46: Surat an-Najm: 2, Surat at-Takwir: 22).



Those believers who were able to comprehend the conscientiousness of the Prophet (saas) regarded him as closer to them than all others, and humbled themselves towards him. In one verse, Allah states:



The Prophet has closer ties to the believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers… (Surat al-Ahzab: 6) Imam Ghazali, the great Islamic scholar, summed up the Prophet (saas)'s treatment of those around him in light of the information found in the hadiths:



"... Everyone thought that the Prophet honoured him more. Whoever came to him could see his face.

... He used to call his companions by their surnames with honour and he used to give one surname who had no surname.

... He was very affectionate and kind in dealing with the people.

... Nobody could speak loudly in his assembly." 1



The Prophet (saas)'s human love, kind thought and compassion, which turned those around him to true religion and warmed their hearts to faith, is that superior morality which all Muslims should seek to reproduce. (For further reading about the attributes of the Prophet (saas), see “The Prophet Muhammad (saas)” by Harun Yahya)



1. Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, The Book of Religious Learnings, Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 2001, Volume II, p.240

Prophet Mohammad (sm)

Muhammad (SAW)

What a year was 570 AD

A person was born, a prophet to be

Muhammed (saws) that was his name

People were misguided and thats when he came

He would go on to leave all the idols behind

He is an example to all of mankind

Rabbi al Awwal the 12th, that was the day

He came to this world to show us the way

He was born in Mecca, the holiest place

A life full of challenges he was to face

Abdullah(ra) his father,had by then passed away

Leaving Amina (ra)his mother,in her arms he lay

Haalima Sadia,took over his care

Until he was six,our prophet was there

His mother then died,he was left all alone

Abdul Muttalib(ra) his grand-dad then made him his own

When our prophet was nine, his grandfather died

Abu Talib, his uncle, became his new guide

In his 20's,a merchant Muhammed (saws) became by trade

Al-Amin,(the trustworthy) became his grade

Hazrat Khadija(ra)aged 40, became his bride

He was 25, with her by his side

To the poor,she gave away all her wealth

A dedicated wife in sickness and health

360 idols in the Kaaba, they were at that time

Our prophet realised that this was a crime

He would go to mount Hira,leaving behind his wife

Reflecting and wondering about the meaning of life

Whilst thinking there in the midst of the night

He heard a loud voice which filled him with fright

It was the angel Gibrail(as) who asked him to read

Our prophet couldn't and didnt take heed

The angel embraced him and thern asked him later

Read, Read in the name of the Creator

Who created man from a drop of blood

Our prophet couldn't read but at that time he could

Our prophet rushed to the path straight ahead

He heard a voice from the heavens which said

Muhammed(saws) truly you are the messenger of God

Muhammed (saws) was scared and thought this quite odd

'Praise be to God' his wife said instead

''I know you've been chosen as God's messenger' she said

And thus Khadija (ra) became the first woman of islam

And over the next 23 years came the revelation, the Quran

He preached to all people, every creed every race

Yet so many hardships he had to face

There were fears for his life,then the Hijrat took place

He then entered Medina, all by Allah's grace

He was greeted by the Ansaris who gave their salaam

To him and his companians,the Sahaba ikram

Then came the battles,which were fought face to face

Then the conquest of Mecca,Muhammed (saws)'s birthplace

An Nasr was revealed, it's message was clear

Muhammed (saws) knew that his time was near

Everyone gathered to hear his last speech

little did they know how far Allah's message would reach

Muhammed (saws) gave us the miracle the Quran

And now a 1/4 of the world follow Islam

He is our role-model, the best of mankind

And has left the Quran and his Sunnah behind

Read the Quran as much as you can

The words of Allah(swt) for the guidance of man

And follow our prophet's sunnah, when eating and dressing

And send him salutations and many a blessing

He came to mankind to show us the way

And Insha-Allah,we'll meet him, we'll meet him one day

The Prophet Mohammad's Last Speech

After praising & thanking GOD he said:


"O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefor listen to what I am saying to you very carefully & TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.



O people, just as you regard this month, this city as sacred, so regard the life & property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury(Interest), therefor all Interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer inequity.



Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.



O people it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your waives only under ALLAH's trust & with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed & clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well & be kind to them for they are your partners & committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friendship with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.



O people, listen to me earnest, worship your LORD, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, & give your wealth to Zakat(Charity). Perform Hajj if you can afford to.



All mankind are from Adam & Eve, an Arab has no Superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has superiority over an Arab;ALSO a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety & good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to another Muslim & that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow muslim unless it was given freely & willingly. Do not therefor, do unjustice to yourselves.



Remember, one day you will appear before the GOD & answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.



O people, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME & NO FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefor, O people, understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, The QURAN & my examples the Sunnah & if you follow these you will never go astray.

Life of Prophet Mohammad (sm)

Life in Mecca :

Muhammad was born and lived in Mecca for the first 52 years of his life (570–622) which was divided into two phases, that is before and after declaring the prophecy.

Childhood and early life :


Muhammad was born in the month of Rabi' al-awwal in 570. He belonged to the Banu Hashim, one of the prominent families of Mecca, although it seems not to have been prosperous during Muhammad's early lifetime. Tradition places the year of Muhammad's birth as corresponding with the Year of the Elephant, which is named after the failed destruction of Mecca that year by the Aksumite king Abraha who had in his army a number of elephants. Recent scholarship has suggested alternative dates for this event, such as 568 or 569.

Muhammad's father, Abdullah, died almost six months before he was born. According to the tradition, soon after Muhammad's birth he was sent to live with a Bedouin family in the desert, as the desert-life was considered healthier for infants. Muhammad stayed with his foster-mother, Halimah bint Abi Dhuayb, and her husband until he was two years old. Some western scholars of Islam have rejected the historicity of this tradition. At the age of six Muhammad lost his mother Amina to illness and he became fully orphaned. He was subsequently brought up for two years under the guardianship of his paternal grandfather Abd al-Muttalib, of the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. When Muhammad was eight, his grandfather also died. He now came under the care of his uncle Abu Talib, the new leader of Banu Hashim. According to Watt, because of the general disregard of the guardians in taking care of weak members of the tribes in Mecca in sixth century, "Muhammad's guardians saw that he did not starve to death, but it was hard for them to do more for him, especially as the fortunes of the clan of Hashim seem to have been declining at that time."

While still in his teens, Muhammad accompanied his uncle on trading journeys to Syria gaining experience in the commercial trade, the only career open to Muhammad as an orphan. According to tradition, when Muhammad was either nine or twelve while accompanying the Meccans' caravan to Syria, he met a Christian monk or hermit named Bahira who is said to have foreseen Muhammed's career as a prophet of God.

Little is known of Muhammad during his later youth, and from the fragmentary information that is available, it is hard to separate history from legend. It is known that he became a merchant and "was involved in trade between the Indian ocean and the Mediterranean Sea." Due to his upright character he acquired the nickname "al-Amin" (Arabic: الامين), meaning "faithful, trustworthy" and was sought out as an impartial arbitrator. His reputation attracted a proposal from Khadijah, a forty-year-old widow in 595. Muhammad consented to the marriage, which by all accounts was a happy one.

Wives and children :



Muhammad's life is traditionally defined into two periods: pre-hijra (emigration) in Mecca (from 570 to 622), and post-hijra in Medina (from 622 until 632). Muhammad is said to have had thirteen wives or concubines (there are differing accounts on the status of some of them as wife or concubine). All but two of his marriages were contracted after the migration to Medina.

At the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. The marriage lasted for 25 years and was a happy one. Muhammad relied upon Khadija in many ways and did not enter into marriage with another woman during this marriage. After the death of Khadija, it was suggested to Muhammad by Khawla bint Hakim that he should marry Sawda bint Zama, a Muslim widow, or Aisha, daughter of Um Ruman and Abu Bakr of Mecca. Muhammad is said to have asked her to arrange for him to marry both. Traditional sources dictate that Aisha was six or seven years old when betrothed to Muhammad but the marriage was not consummated until she was nine or ten years old. Later, Muhammad married additional wives, nine of whom survived him. Aisha, who became known as Muhammad's favourite wife in Sunni tradition, survived him by many decades and was instrumental in helping to bring together the scattered sayings of Muhammad that would form the Hadith literature for the Sunni branch of Islam.


After migration to Medina, Muhammad (who was now in his fifties) married several women. These marriages were contracted mostly for political or humanitarian reasons, these wives being either widows of Muslims who had been killed in the battles and had been left without a protector, or belonging to important families or clans whom it was necessary to honor and strengthen alliances.

Muhammad did his own household chores and helped with housework, such as preparing food, sewing clothes and repairing shoes. Muhammad is also said to have had accustomed his wives to dialogue; he listened to their advice, and the wives debated and even argued with him.

Khadijah is said to have borne Muhammad four daughters (Ruqayyah bint Muhammad, Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad, Zainab bint Muhammad, Fatimah Zahra) and two sons (Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad and Qasim ibn Muhammad) who both died in childhood. All except two of his daughters, Fatimah and Zainab, died before him. Shi'a scholars contend that Fatimah was Muhammad's only daughter. Maria al-Qibtiyya bore him a son named Ibrahim ibn Muhammad, but the child died when he was two years old.

Muhammad's descendants through Fatimah are known as sharifs, syeds or sayyids. These are honorific titles in Arabic, sharif meaning 'noble' and sayed or sayyid meaning 'lord' or 'sir'. As Muhammad's only descendants, they are respected by both Sunni and Shi'a, though the Shi'as place much more emphasis and value on their distinction.

Beginnings of the Quran :


The cave Hira in the mountain Jabal al-Nour where, according to Muslim beliefs, Muhammad received his first revelation.

At some point Muhammad adopted the practice of meditating alone for several weeks every year in a cave on Mount Hira near Mecca. Islamic tradition holds that during one of his visits to Mount Hira, the angel Gabriel appeared to him in the year 610 and commanded Muhammad to recite the following verses:

Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful,- He Who taught (the use of) the pen,- Taught man that which he knew not.(Qur'an 96:1-5)

According to some traditions, upon receiving his first revelations Muhammad was deeply distressed. When returned home, Muhammad was consoled and reassured by his wife, Khadijah and her Christian cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal. Shia tradition maintains that Muhammad was neither surprised nor frightened at the appearance of Gabriel but rather welcomed him as if he had been expecting him. The initial revelation was followed by a pause of three years during which Muhammad gave himself up further to prayers and spiritual practices. When the revelations resumed he was reassured and commanded to begin preaching: Your lord has not forsaken you nor does he hate [you] (Qur'an 93:1-11).

According to Welch these revelations were accompanied by mysterious seizures, and the reports are unlikely to have been forged by later Muslims. Muhammad was confident that he could distinguish his own thoughts from these messages. According to the Qur'an, one of the main roles of Muhammad is to warn the unbelievers of their eschatological punishment (Qur'an 38:70, Qur'an 6:19). Sometimes the Qur'an does not explicitly refer to the Judgment day but provides examples from the history of some extinct communities and warns Muhammad's contemporaries of similar calamities (Qur'an 41:13–16). Muhammad is not only a warner to those who reject God's revelation, but also a bearer of good news for those who abandon evil, listen to the divine word and serve God. Muhammad's mission also involves preaching monotheism: The Qur'an demands Muhammad to proclaim and praise the name of his Lord and instructs him not to worship idols apart from God or associate other deities with God.

The key themes of the early Qur'anic verses included the responsibility of man towards his creator; the resurrection of dead, God's final judgment followed by vivid descriptions of the tortures in hell and pleasures in Paradise; and the signs of God in all aspects of life. Religious duties required of the believers at this time were few: belief in God, asking for forgiveness of sins, offering frequent prayers, assisting others particularly those in need, rejecting cheating and the love of wealth (considered to be significant in the commercial life of Mecca), being chaste and not to kill newborn girls.