Universal Facts About Sayyiduna Rasool-Allah (Salallaho Alaihi Wasallam)

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) occupies an exalted, everlasting and the most unique position in the religious history of mankind. Of all the Founders of Religion only Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the first and the last to claim that the Message which he brought from Allah Ta'ala to mankind is absolutely complete and final, that his dispensation shall remain in force till the end of the world, and after him no Divine Messenger will come to modify, add, subtract or abrogate any of his teachings. In him, the institution of Prophethood attained its full, final and most perfect form.

History shows that the world from the beginning has not produced any other man who can rival the Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) in the field of his teachings, his actions, his deeds or practical way of life.

It was Hazrat Muhammad's (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) grandest contribution to the elevation of his fellow-men that he re-affirmed the sovereign principle of Monotheism and universal brotherhood of man transcending all barriers that people erect in ignorance and fear. Hazrat Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) arose in the midst of a society that was cruelly barbarious, which had no culture, no manners, no society and no civilisation. Humanity was coming very close to calamity. Imagine the same society is today the noble torch-bearer of a new and excellent civilisation. This is one of the main miracles the Prophet of Islam (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) performed and world history bears testimony to this truth. In a short span of 23 years he brought under one banner a most barbarous tribe spread over 2 000 000 square miles of a very remote region of the world.

It is a universal fact that Hazrat Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the only Prophet in whose honour praises have been sung by all other religious leaders and some have rather recommended to their followers to follow the path of this great Prophet. People like Guru Nanak, the spiritual head of Sikh sect, and George Bernard Shaw, the philosopher, are such personalities.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) accomplished what he undertook in his own short span of life with limited means and all round adversities, trials tortures and tribulations. The task that he accomplished, the work that he did, the manners and the character that he exhibited, and above all, the way in which he completed this stupendous task, is itself a clear proof of his being the last and the living Messenger of Allah whose religion is perfect, character blotless and complete, and teachings marvellous in all respects.

What he preached appealed to man's reasons and rational faculties rather than to mere sentimentalism, fanaticism, irrationality and superstition. He showed what was crystal clear.

Although he was apostle, philosopher, reformer, religious head, statesman, orator, commander, soldier, administrator, and the head of state, he never sat an inch above the place where his followers used to sit, or ate a morsel more than his Companions ate or wore what was superior than what others used to wear.He was a selfless and sincere friend, perfect guide, graceful companion, loving teacher, an impartial judge and above all a simple and straight forward person. He sat in such a simple attire and mixed up so freely and simply with all the common people that the foreign delegations visiting his capital used to inquire from others as to who the Prophet of Islam was. Can any head of the state or any religious head in any part of the world boast to possess such an amicable nature? Can any head of state be so courageous?

History has known many great and glorious civilisations. The main amongst them being the Chinese civilization, Greek civilization, Roman civilization, Marxism and the Imperialistic. None owes its origin and establishment to a single individual. Nor can it be counted as everlasting. Moreover, these civilisations of the world covered a certain field and certain part of the world. All the civilisations were basically collective efforts of many, but Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gave Islamic civilisation single-handedly for all times to come.

Over the hills of Makkah, there was a heavenly glow. The birth of our Prophet (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was an earth-shaking event in the year 570 A.D. Born in the most backward and uncivilized city of Makkah in the Middle East, lived only 63 years in this world, remained unlettered throughout, but changed the destiny of the entire humanity. The whole culture of humanity and the existence of human race was revolutionised during these 23 years of his Prophethood and throughout the world he was the only one single person with multiple capacities who could successfully carry out this stupendous task in such a short span of time and amidst untold adversities. He was the Prophet who uprooted Polytheism once for all.

His father, Hazrat Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) and mother, Bibi Aaminah (radi Allahu anhu), passed away after his birth. His grandfather, Hazrat Abdul Mutallib (radi Allahu anhu), who took care of him, too soon passed away. He was thus an orphan. Dai Halimah (radi Allahu anha) took care of him for full five years in the desert. But no one knew at that time that this shy, sweet and sublime orphan will grow up to be the greatest and the last Prophet of Allah and show the world the real path to salvation in the most simple and straight-forward style. They never knew that he is Mercy for them as well as for all the worlds and all the generations and all ages so long as the world lasts. Allah Ta'ala says in the Holy Quran: "We sent to you not but as a Mercy for all mankind".

The personality of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the most perfect and profound in history. A personification of the moral code of life as enshrined in the Holy Quran, he created a moral society and a just State that blended the spiritual with the temporal in the most beautifully balanced synthesis. This was the only Prophet whose words and deeds were 100% alike. He preached what he and his Companions practised, he treated the King and commoner alike. He was sweet, simple, civil and kind to each and everyone. He never hurt the feelings of even his deadliest enemy.

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UNIQUENESS ABOUT THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the first creation of Allah.

Almighty Allah created the universe through the Sadqa of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) has been decorated with all the beauties of the garbs of Prophethood.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the most exalted of all the Prophets.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Universal Prophet.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Prophet of all Prophets.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the first and the last.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the final Messenger of Allah.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Mercy unto the Worlds.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the intercessor.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the bright proof of Allah.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Noor (light of Allah).

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Zikr (remembrance) of Allah.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Kaaba of the Kaaba.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is present and seeing everything.

Love and reverance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the basis of Imaan.

Insult to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Kufr.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is alive.

REMEMBRANCE (ZIKR) OF THE PROPHET (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Almighty Allah first made remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the Sunnah of Allah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the soul of Ibaadat.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the key to Jannah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the solution to all calamities.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is protection from Hell.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is cure for illnesses.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes away evil.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the path to salvation.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the means to Almighty Allah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is a way of thanking Allah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the way of all Prophets.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place amongst the Angels.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the way of humans.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the way of the Jinns.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in all the creations of the universe.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Shari’ah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Tareeqah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Ma'arifat.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Haqeeqat.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is Ibaadat.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is prayer.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the 

Holy Quran.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Injeel (Bible).

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Zaboor.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Torah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in all the Books of Allah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the Azaan.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in Namaaz.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place in the heights of the sky.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place in the depths of the earth.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place on the peaks of mountains and the depths of the sea.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the winds.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in every atom of the earth.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the beauties of the earth.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in Jannah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was in every era.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) takes place in every language.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the physical domain.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the spiritual domain.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the domains of the souls.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is in the domains of the body.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) took place before the earth existed.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will take place even after Qiyamah.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is even in the graves of the deceased.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will take place on the Day of Reckoning.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) always took place.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) will always take place.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) brightens one’s heart.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) strengthens ones faith.

Remembrance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) is the way of the Saints.

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The Seven Phases of Prophet Muhammad's Life

Traditional scholarship's divides Prophet Muhammad's life into Makkan and Madinahn phases. This is chronologically valid and represents the two broad aspects of his life before and after the watershed event of the Migration. It is historically important and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Additionally I believe Muhammad's struggle can be naturally divided into seven phases. Each phase brings forth a different aspect of his personality and highlights a different facet of his mission. Studying the Messenger's mission for its various phases and analyzing its internal dynamics is important as it gives the narrative relevance for today. Since his life is better documented than the lives of other prophets and leaders of major world religions, it is possible to build this analysis on a historical foundation.

The Prophet of Mercy

For thirteen years in his birthplace of Makkah, the Prophet Muhammad called people to the worship of the One True God, to do good and renounce all that was false. But the powers with interests to protect remained implacably hostile and made life intolerable for those who had submitted to the truth.

In constant search for fertile soil to plant the message of truth, the noble Prophet eventually migrated - not fled - northwards to Yathrib. The green oasis became known as the Madinah or the City of the Prophet and was to become the territorial base from which he won the hearts of multitudes and consolidated Islam's place in the landscape of the peninsula.

The leaders of Makkah and a large part of its citizenry remained stubbornly hostile and sought - through wars, siege and alliances - to destabilise the fledgling community. The Prophet, who desired security and peace for people, negotiated a truce with the pagan Makkans on terms that many of his followers were deeply unhappy about. This was in the fifth year after the hijrah or migration to Madinah.

About Mohammad The Prophet

Seal of Prophet Muhammad (SAS) This is an original copy existing in Istanbul, Turkey at the Topkapi Palace

In the desert of Arabia was Mohammad born, according to Muslim historians, on April 20, 571. The name means highly praised. He is to me the greatest mind among all the sons of Arabia. He means so much more than all the poets and kings that preceded him in that impenetrable desert of red sand.

When he appeared Arabia was a desert -- a nothing. Out of nothing a new world was fashioned by the mighty spirit of Mohammad -- a new life, a new culture, a new civilization, a new kingdom which extended from Morocco to Indies and influenced the thought and life of three continents -- Asia, Africa and Europe.

When I thought of writing on Mohammad the prophet, I was a bit hesitant because it was to write about a religion I do not profess and it is a delicate matter to do so for there are many persons professing various religions and belonging to diverse school of thought and denominations even in same religion. Though it is sometimes, claimed that religion is entirely personal yet it can not be gain-said that it has a tendency to envelop the whole universe seen as well unseen. It somehow permeates something or other our hearts, our souls, our minds their conscious as well as subconscious and unconscious levels too.

Mohammad in the Bible

Those who follow the Apostle, the unlettered Prophet, Whom they find mentioned in their own Scriptures, in the Torah and the Gospel... (Holy Qu'ran: VII - 157; Translation: Yusif Ali)

BIBLE PROPHECIES ABOUT THE ADVENT OF MUHAMMAD

Abraham is widely regarded as the Patriarch of monotheism and the common father of the Jews, Christians and Muslims. Through His second son, Isaac, came all Israelite prophets including such towering figures as Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon and Jesus. May peace and blessings be upon them all. The advent of these great prophets was in partial fulfillment of God's promises to bless the nations of earth through the descendents of Abraham (Genesis12:2-3). Such fulfillment is wholeheartedly accepted by Muslims whose faith considers the belief in and respect of all prophets an article of faith.

BLESSINGS OF ISHMAEL AND ISAAC

Was the first born son of Abraham (Ishmael) and his descendants included in God's covenant and promise? A few verses from the Bible may help shed some light on this question;

Genesis 12:2-3 speaks of God's promise to Abraham and his descendants before any child was born to him.

Genesis 17:4 reiterates God's promise after the birth of Ishmael and before the birth of Isaac.

In Genesis, ch. 21. Isaac is specifically blessed but Ishmael was also specifically blessed and promised by God to become "a great nation" especially in Genesis 21:13, 18.

According to Deuteronomy 21:15-17 the traditional rights and privileges of the first born son are not to be affected by the social status of his mother (being a "free" woman such as Sarah, Isaac's mother, or a "Bondwoman" such as Hagar, Ishmael's mother). This is only consistent with the moral and humanitarian principles of all revealed faiths.

The full legitimacy of Ishmael as Abraham's son and "seed" and the full legitimacy of his mother, Hagar, as Abraham's wife are clearly stated in Genesis 21:13 and 16:3. After Jesus, the last Israelite messenger and prophet, it was time that God's promise to bless Ishmael and his descendants be fulfilled. Less than 600years after Jesus, came the last messenger of God, Muhammad, from the progeny of Abraham through Ishmael. God's blessing of both of the main branches of Abraham's family tree was now fullfilled. But are there additional corroborating evidence that the Bible did in fact foretell the advent of prophet Muhammad?

MUHAMMAD: The Prophet Like Unto Moses

Long time after Abraham, God's promise to send the long-awaited Messenger was repeated this time in Moses' words.

In Deuteronomy 18:18, Moses spoke of the prophet to be sent by God who is:

From among the Israelite's "brethren", a reference to their Ishmaelite cousins as Ishmael was the other son of Abraham who was explicitly promised to become a "great nation".

A prophet like unto Moses. There were hardly any two prophets ,who were so much alike as Moses and Muhammad. Both were given comprehensive law code of life, both encountered their enemies and were victors in miraculous ways, both were accepted as prophets/statesmen and both migrated following conspiracies to assassinate them. Analogies between Moses and Jesus overlooks not only the above similarities but other crucial ones as well (e.g. the natural birth, family life and death of Moses and Muhammad but not of Jesus, who was regarded by His followers as the Son of God and not exclusively a messenger of God, as Moses and Muhammad were and as Muslim belief Jesus was).

THE AWAITED PROPHET WAS TO COME FROM ARABIA

Deuteronomy 33:1-2 combines references to Moses, Jesus and Muhammad. It speaks of God (i.e. God's revelation) coming from Sinai, rising from Seir (probably the village of Sa'ir near Jerusalem) and shining forth from Paran. According to Genesis 21:21, the wilderness of Paran was the place where Ishmael settled (i.e. Arabia, specifically Mecca).

Indeed the King James version of the Bible mentions the pilgrims passing through the valley of Ba'ca (another name of Mecca) in Psalms 84:4-6.

Isaiah 42:1-13 speaks of the beloved of God. His elect and messenger who will bring down a law to be awaited in the isles and who "shall not fail nor be discouraged till he have set judgement on earth." Verse 11, connects that awaited one with the descendants of Ke'dar. Who is Ke'dar? According to Genesis 25:13, Ke'dar was the second son of Ishmael, the ancestor of prophet Muhammad.

MUHAMMAD'S MIGRATION FROM MECCA TO MEDINA: PROPHECIED IN THE BIBLE?

Habakkuk 3:3 speaks of God (God's help) coming from Te'man (an Oasis North of Medina according to J. Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible), and the holy one (coming) from Paran. That holy one who under persecution migrated from Paran (Mecca) to be received enthusiastically in Medina was none but prophet Muhammad.

Indeed the incident of the migration of the prophet and his persecuted followers is vividly described in Isaiah 21:13-17. That section foretold as well about the battle of Badr in which the few ill-armed faithful miraculously defeated the "mighty" men of Ke'dar, who sought to destroy Islam and intimidate their own folks who turned -to Islam.

THE QUR'AN (KORAN) FORETOLD IN THE BIBLE?

For twenty-three years, God's words (the Qur'an) were truely put into Muhammad's mouth. He was not the "author" of the Qur'an. The Qur'an was dictated to him by Angel Gabriel who asked Muhammad to simply repeat the words of the Qur'an as he heard them. These words were then committed to memory and to writing by those who hear them during Muhammad's life time and under his supervision.

Was it a coincidence that the prophet "like unto Moses" from the "brethren" of the Israelites (i.e. from the lshmaelites) was also described as one in whose mouth God will put his words and that he will speak in the name of God, (Deuteronomy 18:18-20). Was it also a coincidence the "Paraclete" that Jesus foretold to come after Him was described as one who "shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak (John 16:13)

Was it another coincidence that Isaiah ties between the messenger connected with Ke'dar and a new song (a scripture in a new language) to be sang unto the Lord (Isaiah 42:10-11). More explicitly, prophesies Isaiah "For with stammering lips, and another tongue, will he speak to this people" (Isaiah 28:11). This latter verse correctly describes the "stammering lips" of Prophet Muhammad reflecting the state of tension and concentration he went through at the time of revelation. Another related point is that the Qur'an was revealed in piece-meals over a span of twenty three years. It is interesting to compare this with Isaiah 28:10 whichspeaks of the same thing.

THAT PROPHET- PARACLETE- MUHAMMAD

Up to the time of Jesus (peace be upon him), the Israelites were still awaiting for that prophet like unto Moses prophecied in Deuteronomy 18:18. When John the Baptist came, they asked him if he was Christ and he said "no". They asked him if he was Elias and he said "no". Then, in apparent reference to Deuteronomy 18:18, they asked him "Art thou that Prophet" and he answered, "no". (John 1: 1 9-2 1).

In the Gospel according to John (Chapters 14, 15, 16) Jesus spoke of the "Paraclete" or comforter who will come after him, who will be sent by Father as another Paraclete, who will teach new things which the contemporaries of Jesus could not bear. While the Paraclete is described as the spirit of truth, (whose meaning resemble Muhammad's famous title Al-Amin, the trustworthy), he is identified in one verse as the Holy Ghost (John 14:26). Such a designation is however inconsistent with the profile of that Paraclete. In the words of the Dictionary of the Bible, (Ed. J. Mackenzie) "These items, it must be admitted do not give an entirely coherent picture."

Indeed history tells us that many early Christians understood the Paraclete to be a man and not a spirit. This might explain the followings who responded to some who claimed, without meeting the criteria stipulated by Jesus, to be the awaited "Paraciete".

It was Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) who was the Paraclete, Comforter, helper, admonisher sent by God after Jesus. He testified of Jesus, taught new things which could not be borne at Jesus' time, he spoke what he heard (revelation), he dwells with the believers (through his well-preserved teachings). Such teachings will remain forever because he was the last messenger of God, the only Universal Messenger to unite the whole of humanity under God and on the path of PRESERVED truth. He told of many things to come which "came to pass" in the minutest detail meeting, the criterion given by Moses to distinguish between the true prophet and the false prophets (Deuteronomy 18:22). He did reprove the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:8-11)

WAS THE SHIFT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERSHIP PROPHESIED?

Following the rejection of the last Israelite prophet, Jesus, it was about time that God's promise to make Ishmael a great nation be fulfilled (Genesis 21:13, 18)

In Matthew 21:19-21, Jesus spoke of the fruitless fig tree (A Biblical symbol of prophetic heritage) to be cleared after being given a last chance of three years (the duration of Jesus' ministry) to give fruit. In a later verse in the same chapter, Jesus said: "Therefore, say I unto you, The Kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruit thereof" (Matthew 21:43). That nation of Ishmael's descendants (the rejected stone in Matthew 21:42) which was victorious against all super-powers of its time as prophesied by Jesus: "And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder" (Matthew 21:44).

OUT OF CONTEXT COINCIDENCE?

Is it possible that the numerous prophecies cited here are all individually and combined out of context misinterpretations? Is the opposite true, that such infrequently studied verses fit together consistently and clearly point to the advent of the man who changed the course of human history, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Is it reasonable to conclude that all these prophecies, appearing in different books of the Bible and spoken by various prophets at different times were all coincidence? If this is so here is another strange "coincidence"!

One of the signs of the prophet to come from Paran (Mecca) is that he will come with "ten thousands of saints" (Deuteronomy 33:2 KJV). That was the number of faithful who accompanied Prophet Muhammad to Paran (Mecca) in his victorious, bloodless return to his birthplace to destroy the remaining symbols of idolatry in the Ka'bah.

Says God as quoted by Moses:

And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. (Deuteronomy 18:19)

HAZRAT MOHAMMAD Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam

Introduction:

Allah subhanahu wa t’ala has made seeking knowledge a most virtuous act of ibadah. There is a hadith which states: ‘Whoever goes forth to seek knowledge, Allah facilitates their journey to Jannah.’ The most virtuous type of knowledge is knowledge of the Deen that is, knowledge of Allah and His Prophet salAllahu alayhi wasallam. One of the benefits mentioned is that even the fish in the oceans seek forgiveness for those who are seeking knowledge. We ourselves cannot perceive this but the creation of Allah respond to His servants.

Allah has said in the Qur’an (meaning of the translation): Remember me, and I will remember you.’

Imam Qurtubi comments on this verse: ‘Any act of ibadah is an act of remembrance.’

So why is it unusual for the fish to seek forgiveness for someone seeking knowledge when this seeking of knowledge is an act of remembrance?

The Shamail Tirmidhi

Many traditional scholars recite from and teach from this book in Rabi al-Awwal. We are today following a noble tradition; this book has many benefits and blessings.

The season of Rabi al-Awwal is a special time. There are certain times which are more blessed and virtuous than other times; this is one of them. There is wisdom in this as once we know about the special times from Allah we can avail ourselves through them. For example, Jumu’a is the master of the week days and not all hours are the same either – the last third of the night is the most special with Allah.

Khadijah (r.a.) - wife of Rasulullah (saw)

Hadhrat Khadija (radhiAllaahu anha) was the first wife of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and she was the mother of Hadhrat Faatima (radhiAllaahu anha) and she was the Nani (maternal grandmother) of Hadhrat Hassan and Hussein (radhiAllaahu anhuma). Her father’s name was Khuwailid, her paternal grandfather’s name was Asad, her mother’s name was Faatima, and her maternal grandmother’s name was Zaahida. She was a Quraishi. She married Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), when she was 40 years of age. At that time Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was 25 years old.

Prior to her coming into Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)’s Nikah, she was married to two other persons, one after the other. She bore children for both of them. One of her previous husband’s name was Abu Haala, and the other was Ateeq bin Aa`id. There is a difference of opinion between the historians, regarding which husband was the first and which was the second. The author of “Isti`aab”, has preferred the opinion that Abu Haala was the first and Ateeq bin Aa`id was the second.

HOW SHE CAME INTO THE SANCTUARY OF NABUWWAT

After Hadhrat Khadija (radhiAllaahu anha)’s two husbands passed away, one after the other, many noble persons were hopeful of marrying her owing to her honour, respect and wealth. However, what had happened was the desire of the Greatest, Allaah Subhaanahu Wa Ta`ala. Allaah Ta`ala had decreed that Hadhrat Khadija (radhiAllaahu anha) be honoured with marriage to the best of Mankind (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). And that she be blessed with the title of “Ummul Mu`mineen” (Mother of the Believers).

Saudah (r.a.) - wife of Rasulullah (saw)

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) married Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) and Hadhrat Saudah (radhiAllaahu anha) in the same year, when Hadhrat Khadija (radhiAllaahu anha) passed away. There is a difference of opinion in the kitaabs of history regarding who he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) married first. However, Haafiz Ibn Katheer (rahmatullahi alaihi) states in ‘Bidaya’, from Imaam Ahmed (rahmatullahi alaihi) that Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) said the following regarding Hadhrat Saudah (radhiAllaahu anha): “She was the first person to whom Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) got married to after me.” This incident of how Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) proposed to both these ladies has already passed in the chapter of Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha). Hadhrat Khaulah binti Hakeem (radhiAllaahu anha) had a great share in this proposal (for details look under Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) - Nikah).

PROPHET NABI MUHAMMAD RASULULLAH S.A.W. LAST SERMON

AMONG THE IMPORTANT CONTENTS FROM - THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD RASULULLAH S.A.W.'s LAST SERMON

(Among the contents extracted from the last Sermon delivered by Rasulullah SAW on the Ninth Day of Zulhijjah 10 AH at the Uranah Valley of Mount Arafah)

In the Name of Allah Most Beneficient and Most Merciful

O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I don't know whether, after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you carefully and take this words to those who could not be present here today.

WE MUST KNOW ABOUT NABI KAREEM SALLALLAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM

You may be an antheist or an agnostic; or you may belong to any of the religious denominations that exist in the world today. You may be a communist or a believer in democracy and freedom. No matter what you are, and no matter what your ideological and political beliefs, personal and social habits happen to be -- YOU MUST STILL KNOW THIS MAN.

ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA confirms:

"....a mass of detail in the early sources show that he was an honest and upright man who had gained the respect and loyalty of others who were like-wise honest and upright men." (Vol. 12)

THE GREAT FEATURES OF RASULULLAH (SAW)

HIS BEAUTIFUL FEATURES

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was neither tall nor short but of medium stature. His hair had a slight wave in it (neither straight nor curly). His eye lashes were long and his eyes extremely black. He had a broad chest with a well developed body. His palms were soft and fleshy. He had a thick beard, with a line of hair running from the chest to the navel. His teeth were like a set of pearls, beaming white. He always had a smiling countenance. His perspiration emitted a fragrance sweeter than musk. Ãyesha (R.A.) would frequently say “The women cut their hands off when they were enchanted and captivated by the beauty of Yusuf (A.S.), had they seen my beloved, they would have cut out their hearts.

Miracles at the birth of rasoolullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)

Not only did the angels, trees and the mountains rejoice at the birth of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) but the entire universe rejoiced. [Ahsanul Muwa’iz, pg 14]

BEFORE BIRTH: Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), the blessed mother of the Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) during her pregnancy informed the household members that she was often being visited by angels and previous Prophets who announced that the child in her womb was Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), the Promised Prophet, through whom the world would be blessed. They thought that perhaps some evil spirits might be appearing to Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), so just a few days before the birth, they chained her up so that the handcuffs and the chains made of iron would act as charms to ward off the evil spirits.

That night an aged man came to her. He touched the iron of the handcuffs and chains and they broke and fell away from her neck and hands. She asked him who he was and he replied, “Ibrahim Khaleelullah” i.e. Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam). Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) explained that the reason for the visit of angels and earlier Prophets to her were due to the fact that she was to be the mother of the Promised Prophet.

AT BIRTH: Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) stated that as soon as the labour pains of child birth started, an angel came and asked her to drink from a cup in his hand. This drink was whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. As soon as she drank this heavenly drink her pain disappeared and all fear left her. [Ajaibal Kassas, vol 2, pg 43-44]

Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) then saw the gates of heaven open. The angels came down for the adoration of the new baby. Three angels went towards the Kaabah. One angel placed a flag over the Kaabah, another went to the East and placed a flag and the third went to the West and placed a flag. A light then spread out lighting up the universe. In this miraculous light, Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) stated that she could see distinctly the palaces of Palestine and Syria. Subhaanallah! [Ahsanul Muwa’iz, pg 18-19]

Then four ladies appeared miraculously before Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) to attend to the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The first, who was very tall, said she was Hazrat Bibi Hawa (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), the mother of mankind. The second was Hazrat Bibi Sarah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), the mother of Hazrat Ishaaq (Alaihis Salaam), the third was Hazrat Bibi Hajira (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), the mother of Hazrat Ismail (Alaihis Salaam) and she came with Otto, a sweet-smelling essence from heaven to express her love for this child. The fourth person was Hazrat Asiya (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha), the wife of Fir’oun. She was the Queen of Egypt who brought up Hazrat Moosa (Alaihis Salaam) from a little child when he was found floating in the basket on the river and she was the first person in Fir’oun’s court to believe in Allah.

In the hands of these four great nurses was the Mercy unto all the worlds, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) born, with his foreskin already circumcised miraculously, his navel already separated miraculously from his mother’s body, and his body miraculously pure and clean without any kind of blood or impurity. [Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwalul Ambia, vol 2, pg 10-13]

AFTER BIRTH: Immediately upon birth, the child did prostration to Allah Ta’ala and with his right index finger raised, miraculously recited the following words in a clear voice:

“Ash hadu al la Ilaaha Illallaahu Ana Muhammadur Rasoolullah. Ya Rabbi Habli Ummati.”

“I give evidence that none is worthy of worship except Allah, I am Muhammad the Messenger of

Allah. O Sustainer (of the Universe) bless me (and) those who follow me.”

At once Allah Ta’ala spoke to His Beloved and replied (translation from Arabic):

“I have blessed you (O Muhammad) and those who follow you. O Angels, be ye witnesses of the fact

that when he has not forgotten his followers upon his birth, then how can he forget them on the Day

of Judgment.” [Ajaibul Kassas, vol 2, pg 44]

Three angels then appeared. One of them took a seal and marked the right shoulder and handed over the child to Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha). A voice then announced, “Ruler of the whole universe, the universe is your slave.” When Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) looked upon the face of the blessed child it was shining like a full moon and perfume of the finest Otto was coming from his blessed body.

A white cloud then appeared inexplicably and covered him and took him away saying, “O animals on the face of the earth, fishes in the seas, and the trees, remember the name of this child (Muhammad) and recognise him well. He has combined in himself all the wonderful and good qualities that were in all the Prophets that have come on earth from Hazrat Adam to Hazrat Esa (Alaihimus Salaam)” When the cloud returned and replaced the child, he was clothed in green silk.

Hazrat Abdul Mutallib (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh), the grandfather of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was at the Ka’bah at this early hour. All of a sudden the walls of the Ka’bah bowed miraculously before Maqaame-Ibrahim, where Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis Salaam) had stood and prayed during the building of the Ka’bah. Then the Ka’bah spoke as follows (translation from Arabic):

“Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, He is the Sustainer of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), who will purify the Ka’bah from idols and idolatry and restore it to the House of Allah. Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) has just given birth to this child.”

Hazrat Abdul Mutallib (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) hearing the walls of the Ka’bah talk and seeing all the idols fall, ran home to verify if the blessed child had been born. He did not find Noor-e-Muhammadi shining from Hazrat Bibi Amina’s (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) forehead. He thus knew the child had been born so he asked Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) to please show him his grandchild. Hazrat Bibi Amina (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) replied that Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was in the next room but nobody could see him for three days as the angels and the dwellers of heaven were paying homage to him. Hazrat Abdul Mutallib (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh)wanted to tell the Makkans about the miraculous bowing of the Ka’bah and the adoration of the blessed child by the inhabitants of heaven but was strangely dumbstruck for three days and could not tell anyone. [Tafrihul Askia Fil Ahwalul Ambia, vol 2, pg 14]

INCIDENTS IN MAKKAH: There were a number of people at the Ka’bah at the time of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) when all the idols fell prostrate. Some of the people picked up and erected the fallen idols but the idols again fell down on their faces. They propped them up again but the idols collapsed for the third time. One of the persons present, Osman bin Habiras said to his companions that something very serious must have happened, causing the idols to fall repeatedly. In reply, the idols miraculously spoke in Arabic and said the following:

“We idols (all over the earth) have fallen down to bow to a child just born, whose light has lit the universe from East to West. All idols all over the world have fallen (at the exact time of the birth of the Promised Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), with a view to honour this child! Emperors of the earth have been frightened tonight. The Emperor of Persia was grief-stricken and the (Magi) fire quenched. Stopped forever is the heavenly information by which the jinns used to foretell. O Children of Quassa leave aside idolatry and come towards Islam, so that ye may become owners of the garden of eternal bliss.” [Ahsanul Muwa’iz, pg 25]

These idols remained prostrate on the floor for a full twenty-four hours. Any effort to pick them up and to erect them throughout the world was unsuccessful. It was only the next day that they were refitted and this was witnessed by thousands of people worldwide.

After three days Hazrat Abdul Mutallib (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) took his grandchild to the Ka’bah and named him Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). As soon as the child was taken to the Ka’bah for the naming ceremony, the four corners of the walls of the Ka’bah spoke and declared:

“There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Seal of Prophethood.”

INCIDENTS IN PERSIA: At the date and time of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) the following miracles took place in Persia:

1) The fire in the Magi temple of the Zoroastrians which had been alight for thousands of years became quenched for the first time in history.

2) Fourteen towers of the royal palace of Nausherwan, the Emperor of Persia, broke and fell.

3) The famous stone, on which the fabulous throne of Persia was kept, cracked.

4) The deep and fast flowing river Sawa in the Persian Empire dried up instantly.

5) The river Samawa in the Persian Empire which had been dry for the past thousand years or more started flowing immediately.

6) The tower of the palace on the River Tigris, which was built so strongly that nothing could damage it for hundreds of years, broke and fell to the amazement of all, without any logical reason.

INCIDENTS IN YEMEN: There lived in Yemen a man named Amer, who was praying with his wife before an idol. At the time of the birth of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) he saw a Noor (light) spreading light from East to West and from North to South. In this light he saw the gates of heaven open. Many angels descended, prostrating themselves. In this light he saw the trees and the hills also prostrating themselves. Then the idol in front of him fell on its face. As he went to lift the idol it said:

“The Promised Prophet, whose coming was being looked forward to for hundreds of years, has just been born. The trees and the stones shall speak with him. For his sake the moon will split into two.”

So shocked was Amer that he asked his wife if she also heard what he did. She answered, “Yes, but please ask the idol where this child has been born and what is his name.” The idol informed them that the child’s name was Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he had been born in Makkah and that it would be he, through whom the whole universe would be blessed. Amer had a deformed daughter who was also seeing and hearing all that was taking place. Consequently, she prayed aloud, “O Allah, in the name of Muhammad who has just been born, I pray that I be cured.” At once she was completely cured. Subhaanallah!

So impressed were they all at this miracle performed by merely taking his name, the family journeyed to Makkah to pay homage to this blessed child. They traced Hazrat Abdul Mutallib (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) and asked him to show them this amazing child named Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasllam). On seeing the marvellous face of Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) Amer collapsed out of joy and died on the spot. [Ahsanul Muwa’iz, pg 23-24]

INCIDENTS IN ROME: The Roman Emperor Justin II was frightened on the date of the birth of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). When he went into the Royal Chapel to pray on that morning he was surprised to find that the statue of Jesus Christ had very strangely come out of its firm base and was lying on the ground. It reminded him of the foretelling of Hazrat Esa (Alaihis Salaam) that on the day of the birth of the Promised Prophet all idols all over the world would fall down. As he lifted up the statue it again fell on its face on the floor and declared:

“A child has been born with his foreskin circumcised miraculously. This child would be the greatest personage to come on earth and he would be from amongst the circumcised people. This baby was not from a Jewish family but from the brethren of the Jews. He would be a destroyer of idols and would lay the foundation for the destruction of idolatry. Those who would not listen to his teachings would be losers in this earth and in the hereafter. He would be the light of learning, which would be the cause of filling the earth with wisdom and knowledge and removing the darkness of ignorance.”

Subhaanallah! May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the true love and respect for Nabi-e-Karim (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and may we be blessed with the opportunity of spending the 12th of Rabiul Awwal in front of the Rauza-e-Mubarak of our Beloved Master Muhammad Mustafa (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), Ameen.

By Raza-e-Khushtar Team