This month’s hadith is from Sahih Muslim, number 55:

It is narrated on the authority of Tamim ad-Dari that the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"The Religion is sincerity." We said, "To whom?" He said "To Allah, to His Book, To His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their masses."

The Muslims face persecution, but also add some muscle. This episode includes:

• The first Islamic martyr.
• The freeing of Bilal.
• A big loss for Abu Jahl.
• The addition of Hamza and Umar.

Say: O disbelievers!

I worship not that which ye worship;

Nor worship ye that which I worship.

And I shall not worship that which ye worship.

Nor will ye worship that which I worship.

Unto you your religion, and unto me my religion.

Second and final part of the Heretics episodes. Featuring the Druze, the Ahmadiyya, the Nation of Islam and others.

The Prophet said, "Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded; and gain strength by worshipping in the mornings, the afternoons, and during the last hours of the nights."

Muhammad was going public with his ministry. This was around the year 613. So who would listen? When

Muhammad went public the backlash was not immediate from most Meccans – he received plenty of mockery, but no outright violence. That would soon change.

When Allah's succour and the triumph cometh

And thou seest mankind entering the religion of Allah in troops,

Then hymn the praises of thy Lord, and seek forgiveness of Him. Lo! He is ever ready to show mercy.

On the shores of Lake Michigan, in the near north suburbs of Chicago, sits a large white temple that is so impressive it was named one of the seven wonders of Illinois. Keep in mind Illinois contains all the eye-popping, history-making architecture of Chicago, so yeah, it’s a pretty amazing structure – even next to the Sears Tower, Trump Tower, Hancock Building and all the other Chicago marvels.  It is the North American headquarters of the Bahai Faith, whose founder – Baha-ullah -- was once a Muslim.

The Prophet said: Allah will raise for this community at the end of every hundred years the one who will renovate its religion for it. In Arabic, this person is called the Mujaddid, or one who brings renewal.

A mysterious force grabbed hold of him, and he could not move. The force ordered him to recite, and soon came the words of the first Islamic revelation:

Read: In the name of thy Lord Who createth,

Createthman from a clot.

Read: And thy Lord is the Most Bounteous,

Who teacheth by the pen,

Teachethman that which he knew not.