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   Number 1: Seerah: EP3 – Pre-Islamic Society Pt 1

   Episode 3: Pre-Islamic Society Pt 1 Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). To understand the Seerah, it important to appreciate the circumstances at that time in Arabia: this gives perspective as to why the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was sent to this region. The origins of the word ‘Arab’, as well as the geographic, political and economic background of Pre-Islamic Arabia are explored. Essentially, the area was a tribal-dominated system, with deep traditions of culture and language. In some respects, it was insulated from the outside world by the natural barriers of immense bodies of surrounding water and expanses of arid desert areas. Conversely, being bordered by the Persian and Roman empires and sea routes made it a natural epicenter for trade. Culturally, there were positives and negatives to life in Arabia. Privileges were enjoyed according to social standing: high-society controlled the political situation, and was immune from justice and accountability. Those unfortunate enough to belong to lower social classes were treated unjustly, and in some cases worse than animals. Family life was revered in some cases, with the institution of marriage respected. In contrast, immoralities like infidelity and promiscuity were also rampant. Positive characteristics of the Arab people themselves included their renowned hospitality, being true to their word, having a great respect for genealogy, and giving great weight to knowledge being passed on via oral traditions. The lack of unifying governance, economy and religion made pre-Islamic Arabia a prime area to receive divine guidance as a fresh start.

   May 07, 2021·1h 2min
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   Number 2: Seerah: EP2 – Intro Pt 2

   Episode 2: Introduction Pt 2 Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Further discussion is pursued about the benefits of studying the Seerah: it aids our understanding of the Quran, as the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) makes the Quran come to life. His (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) perfect example gives us the ultimate role model to emulate in our interactions with all demographics of society: children, youth, women, non-Muslims, students and family members to name a few. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) juggled all this, on top of the epic responsibility of being the Messenger of God. No human being’s life has been documented like his. Reports are so detailed as to describe physical features, like the light tan colour of his skin, his broad, welcoming face and his dark, almost black eyes, to his perfect conduct and character e.g. he was always concerned about the condition of the people, he did not talk unnecessarily, but was always the first to give salaam, and when conversing, he would turn his body fully to face people. This section also covers resources to supplement the study of the Seerah, including Ibn Ishaq’s ‘Sirat Rasul Allah’ (The Life of Muhammad), Ibn Kathir’s ‘Al Bidayah Wa Al Nihayah’ (The Beginning and the End), Martin Lings’ ‘Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources’, ‘Fiqh Us-Seerah’ by Muhammad Al-Ghazali, and ‘The Sealed Nectar’ by Safiur Rahman Mubarukpuri.

   May 07, 2021·57min
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   Number 3: Seerah: EP1 – Intro Pt 1

   Episode 1: Introduction Pt 1 Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). So what is ‘Seerah’? The word linguistically means ‘a path’, ‘to walk in a particular direction’. More figuratively, it refers to someone’s life biography. Specifically, Seerah refers to the Prophetic biography. It includes everything from the occurrences in the life the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), from his daily practices, attributes, physical characteristics, mannerisms, expeditions, to family life. Why study Seerah? It goes hand-in-hand with the study of the Quran. The Quran itself states that there is not a better example than the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) himself: There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. (Quran 33:21) This series hopes to be different from dry, factual studies, or ‘superhero-tales’, which we may feel we cannot ever aspire to: it aims to humanise the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and provide eternal practical lessons for every-day life, as well as engender love for the best of humankind. How can you possibly love someone you do not know?

   May 07, 2021·58min
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   Number 4: Seerah: EP43 – King of Abyssinia

   Episode 43: al-Najashi: King of Abyssinia Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Court of the Negus The Qurayshi envoy comes before the Negus. They claim that some foolish slaves have run away from their masters and have taken refuge in his Kingdom. The Negus says he cannot just hand them over until he hears both sides of the story. He requests the Muslims to attend the next day: they are very worried as they are unsure as to why they have been summoned, but they are also hopeful, as they had not done anything wrong. Ja’far ibn Abi Talib (RA) was appointed their leader: he was intelligent, well-spoken, and calm and collected. When Ja’far steps forward, he did not bow down like the Qurayshi envoy. However, he thanked the Negus respectfully. Immediately, Amr ibn Aas and Ammarah speak up and comment that he did not bow down. The Negus calls Ja’far forward and asks why he did not bow down like his relations. Ja’far says that we [the Muslims] do not bow down in front of anyone except Allah. When asked about Allah, Ja’far reports that Allah sent a Messenger to us, who said that we should not bow down to anyone, except for Allah. He commanded them to pray and give charity. He is the same Prophet that Isa (AS) foretold of his coming. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commanded to pray to Allah alone and not to associate partners, to establish prayer, to pay Zakat, do good things (e.g. be good to family, take care of orphans) and stay away from bad things (e.g. stealing, cursing and fornication). The Negus was very impressed by these words and responds that he did not see anything wrong with what they believed in: it was exactly what Isa (AS) asked him to do as well. Amr bin Aas speaks up and says that they had escaped from them. The Negus asks Ja’far about this: Ja’far is amused at this comment and asks how they can say we are slaves. He reports he is the son of the leader of the people and that they are equals. The claim that they are slaves was false. He asked Amr bin Aas if he had any evidence and he denied it. The Negus said he could not hand these people over and the court dispersed. Amr bin Aas leans over to Ammarah and he swears he will be back tomorrow with a better game plan.

   November 22, 2021·1h 7min
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   Number 5: Seerah: EP42 – The Wisdom of the Migration to Abyssinia

   Episode 42: The Wisdom of the Migration to Abyssinia Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised migration as he realised the survival of this small community was paramount and for the solidification of their faith- harder times were to come. There is also wisdom in taking action to protect oneself from the evil of Shayateen and of people. The Quraysh sent two high profile people to Abyssinia to deal with the Muslims: Amr ibn Aas and Ammarah bin Walid bin Mughirah. Amr ibn Aas (RA) eventually accepted Islam. He was the most well-travelled, having been in the courts of the major Kings at the time. They bought the most expensive gifts they could find e.g. camel hide, a favourite of the Negus. They also tried to find out which minister had the most trust from the Negus, so they could arrange an audience with him by offering the finest gifts. Ammarah, the son of Walid bin Mughirah, had a distasteful character. Ammarah was one of the individuals present and participating in the incident where the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was praying at the Ka’ba: they placed the intestines of a camel on the back of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) whilst he was in Sujood. The detritus was so heavy he fell under the pressure and got pinned down. Finally, some family members or Abu Bakr came and removed it. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was very upset and angry as they were all laughing immaturely. He warned them all, about seven in total, of the punishment of Allah. Amr bin Aas brought his wife on the journey to Abyssinia. Ammarah found her attractive and asked Amr if he may behave inappropriately with her. Amr declined emphatically. When no-one was looking, Ammarah grabbed Amr bin Aas and threw him off the boat, not knowing that Amr could swim. When Amr climbed aboard, Ammarah apologised and rudely commented that if he knew Amr could swim, he would not have thrown him overboard! When they arrive in Abyssinia, the ministers are given the gifts. The Qurayshi visitors explain that the new Muslim migrants will become a problem for them: an appointment is made to meet the Negus.

   November 22, 2021·47min
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