The Sīrah Podcast - Life of the Prophet

8-6-2013

Episode 50: Uthman Bin Mazh'un Returns to Makkah & Abu Bakr Attempts to Leave

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 Uprising against the Boycott

There were a few people who opposed the boycott. Gradually, opposition grew and the people gathered together to speak out against it. Hisham went to Zuhair bin Abi Umayyah bin Mughirah. Hisham questioned his acceptance of the boycott, whilst his family suffered.  Zuhair said he was unhappy, but felt helpless. He felt they needed a third person to oppose the boycott. Mu’tim bin Adi was approached and they discussed the same issue. Mu’tim also disagreed with the boycott. These three influential people approached Abul Bukhtari and they go together to Zama bin al-Aswad, who also joins the opposition. They all agreed to gather together and make a stand at the Haram. This is the start of the abolition of the boycott discussed in the previous episode.

 

Uthman bin Mazh’un Returns to Makkah

Scholars say that the first return of the companions from Abyssinia occurred after the boycott. They heard rumours that the Makkans had accepted Islam and thought it was safe to return, but the harsh reality was that things were just as dangerous for the Muslims. It was the tradition at the time that if a respectable man would grant his protection to someone, that person would be saved from violence or harm.

 

Uthman bin Mazh’un, an early companion of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), was looking for protection. Walid bin al-Mughirah granted this to him and announced it to the community at the Ka’ba.  However, Uthman could not reconcile that he was being protected by someone who did shirk, but his fellow Muslim brethren were suffering. Thus, he publicly returned the protection, saying he was happy with Allah as his protector. A heated conversation ensued between Uthman and a poet from the Quraysh, resulting in Uthman being struck and suffering injury to his eye. Walid commented that if he maintained his protection, Uthman’s eye would have been fine, but Uthman retorted that the sacrifice was worth it if it was for the sake of Allah, and the other healthy eye was in need of injury for this cause. Uthman felt he needed no greater protection than the Almighty Allah.

 

Abu Bakr (RA) Attempts to Leave

With everything that had happened, Abu Bakr (RA) went to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with a heavy heart to seek his permission to go to Abyssinia. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) gave his permission. Abu Bakr (RA) packed his things and had travelled a day or two outside Makkah, where he met Ad-Dughna, the chief of Banu Kinanah. They had an alliance with Quraysh. Questioning where Abu Bakr (RA) was going, he explained that his people had forced him out, having made his life difficult. Ad-Dughna was shocked to hear this, as he knew the good Abu Bakr (RA) had contributed to society. Ad-Dughna advised him to return to Makkah under his protection, and the Quraysh were reprimanded for their actions. The good we do in society is the biggest statement of our beliefs.

Abu Bakr (RA) would pray at the front of his house and people would come to listen to his prayers and recitation: they would often cry and soften to what they heard. Quraysh complained to Ad-Dughna, saying that Abu Bakr (RA) was causing problems by encouraging the ‘weak-minded’ to gravitate towards him. Subsequently, Abu Bakr returned the protection extended by Ad-Dughna, satisfied instead with the protection of Allah. Within the next few days, Abu Bakr (RA) had dust thrown over him by an ignorant young man, and the Quraysh taunted him that this was brought on by his own actions.

8-1-2013

Episode 49: Aftermath of the Boycott - Consolation & Support from Allah

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).

This episodes recounts the multiple times Allah supported the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) by sending down revelation to guide him through difficult situations.

 

1)      1) During the boycott, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) missed visiting the Ka’ba: the confrontations started again when he returned. Abu Jahl told the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to stop cursing their idols, or they would curse his deity. However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) never cursed their idols profanely- he just said not to worship them. Allah revealed:

6: 108 [Believers], do not revile those they call on beside God in case they, in their hostility and ignorance, revile God. To each community We make their own actions seem alluring, but in the end they will return to their Lord and He will inform them of all they did.

 2)      Another key opposition leader, Nadr bin al-Harith, approached the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and sat with him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) always seized these opportunities to give da’wah. He recited some Quran and invited him to Islam. Nadr bin al-Harith began to tell stories of his own and claimed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not have better stories than himself. Allah revealed:

25:1 Exalted is He who has sent the Differentiator down to His servant so that it may be a warning to all people.

25:2 It is He who has control over the heavens and earth and has no offspring––no one shares control with Him––and who created all things and made them to an exact measure.

25:3 Yet the disbelievers take as their gods things beneath Him that create nothing, and are themselves created, that can neither harm nor help themselves, and have no control over death, life, or resurrection.

25:4 The disbelievers say, ‘This can only be a lie he has forged with the help of others’––they themselves have done great wrong and told lies––

25: 5 and they say, ‘It is just ancient fables, which he has had written down: they are dictated to him morning and evening.’

25:6 Say, ‘It was sent down by Him who knows the secrets of the heavens and earth. He is all forgiving, all merciful.’

 3)      The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sat with Walid bin al-Mughirah and Nadr bin al-Harith came and sat again. He interrupted and insulted the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Allah sent down:

21: 98 You [disbelievers] and what you worship instead of God will be fuel for Hell: that is where you will go-

21:99 if these [idols] had been real gods they would not have gone there- you will all stay there.

21:100 There the disbelievers will be groaning piteously, but the [idols] will hear nothing.

When he recited this, Nadr bin al-Harith became quiet and speechless. Someone else approached him and gave him some advice about a rebuttal. He advised Nadr bin al-Harith to question the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) about how he could reconcile the apparent issue of Isa (AS) being burnt in the Hellfire because people worshipped him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) clarified that everyone or everything that claimed to be a deity and commanded people to worship them would be in the Hellfire. This would not be the case of good people who were wrongly turned into deities. Allah revealed:

21:101 But those for whom We have decreed Paradise will be kept far from Hell-

21:102 they will not hear a murmur from it- and endlessly they will enjoy everything their souls desire.

 

21:26 And they say, ‘The Lord of Mercy has taken offspring for Himself.

7-30-2013

Episode 48: Boycott in Makkah & its Annulment

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).

Boycott in Makkah

The Quraysh resolved to become harsher in their opposition to Islam. They felt the only solution was to kill the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Abu Talib gathered Banu Abu Muttalib and rallied them to protect Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), even if they disagreed with what he said. He advised they all move to a valley owned by him on the outskirts of Makkah, called Shib Abu Talib. This was to protect the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and show solidarity.

 

Quraysh started a complete social boycott of Banu Abdul Muttalib: they would not marry, sit, talk, visit or do business with anyone from the group, until they agreed to hand over the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for execution. They wrote a physical agreement that was non-negotiable.

 

The boycott lasted 3 years- the conditions were so severe and eventually the suffering of these people became so dire, you could hear the children screaming from the pangs of hunger. Many died due to starvation and sickness. The general sentiment in Makkah was an increasing intolerance of what was going on- they started to discuss this wretched agreement and how inhumane it was against people they loved.

 

Abu Talib lived 3 years on high alert. Every night, he would make the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) switch sleeping places. Sometimes he would be so nervous, he stay up all night long, or he fixed a rotation that someone would stay up guarding the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). After making him switch, he sometimes would still come in the middle of the night and make him switch again.

 

Abu Lahab had decided he was not with Abu Talib and the family and joined the Quraysh. He suffered a horrible ending to his life. He became senile, suffered a stroke and lost control of his bodily functions. His family made him live in a shed separately and servants were made to care for him. He would scream and cry all night. He died alone and the servants were asked to dispose of his remains- they left him to be consumed by wild dogs.

 

A compassionate nephew of Khadija (RA) and her servant took some food towards the valley. They ran into Abu Jahl and he was upset by what he saw: he threatened to beat and humiliate them for trying to help the outcast group. Khadija’s (RA) nephew tried to reason with him, but Abu Jahl refused to listen. A third man arrived and a brawl started amongst the group as they started to attack Abu Jahl. Hamza (RA) came along with some believers and broke up the fight, saving Abu Jahl. They did not want any blame for the death of Abu Jahl, as well as recognising the need to stop senseless violence.

 

Annulment

There was a growing sentiment amongst the Quraysh that what was happening was wrong. Abu Talib came to negotiate with Quraysh. He said the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had made dua and Allah had sent insects down upon the agreement that hung bound in leather in the Ka’ba: they specifically had eaten away wherever the name of Allah or Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was written. He asked them to bring the agreement: if what the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had reported was true, the boycott would be nulled. If it was untrue, he promised to hand over Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and they could do whatever they wished with him. However, the agreement was found exactly how it had been reported by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The agreement was torn up and the people were asked to return.

7-25-2013

Episode 47: Christian Delegation Accepts Islam in Makkah

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 Christian Delegation

The prominence of the Muslims in and around the Arabian peninsula was increasing. A Christian delegation from the an-Najd region, in the northern part of Arabia, came to explore the message of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in his 5th year of Prophethood. Consisting of 20 men, they had a long conversation with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Once they had asked everything they wanted, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked for permission to speak: he presented the message of Islam to them, as well as reciting Quran. The whole delegation attested to the truth of the message. They reported their priests had told of their scriptures detailing the imminent arrival of a warner, and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) fit that description.

 

When returning home, they encountered Abu Jahl with a group of Quraysh. He was irate that more people were joining Islam and cursed the group. He accused them of being the most foolish delegation, apostating from their religion and cheating their tribe at home. The delegation left expressing greetings of peace, as they did not want to reciprocate his ignorant behaviour.

 

In light of these events, the following ayahs were revealed:

28: 51 And We have [repeatedly] conveyed to them the Qur'an that they might be reminded.

28:52 Those to whom We gave the Scripture before it - they are believers in it.

28:53 And when it is recited to them, they say, "We have believed in it; indeed, it is the truth from our Lord. Indeed we were, [even] before it, Muslims [submitting to Allah ]."

It is amazing the effect a few ayahs had upon the delegation. Their lives had changed forever and they became propagators of Islam. This was because they came to the message already in submission. Certain things are a reality e.g. the Quran is the basis of an Islamic revival within the hearts of individuals and communities. This has certain prerequisites, however, which we sometimes overlook. It is our responsibility that we come to the Quran with an open mind and heart to benefit maximally from it. We must reassess ourselves if we find we are reading the whole Quran without it impacting our character and actions in the slightest.

28:54 Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and [because] they avert evil through good, and from what We have provided them they spend.

28:55 And when they hear ill speech, they turn away from it and say, "For us are our deeds, and for you are your deeds. Peace will be upon you; we seek not the ignorant."

Now the Quraysh leadership were highly agitated: extreme action was needed to deal with this ever expanding message of Islam.

7-23-2013

Episode 46: Political Unrest in Makkah

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).

With Umar (RA) and Hamza (RA) accepting Islam, the Muslims now prayed publicly in congregation at the Haram. Umar (RA) insisted on praying publicly as a student of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), talking through issues out loud. He asked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), ‘Do we not believe in the truth?’, ‘Is not what they believe in wrong?’, ‘Do we not have Allah on our side?’ He appealed as to what prevented the Muslims from praying publicly. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) concurred with these thoughts and also felt the time was right to do this. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not lack courage before this- he had placed a burden of belief on the followers themselves. The question is what are we willing to do for the Deen? The Ummah is a combination of the truth, which remains constant, and our actions. So, they all prayed in congregation at the Haram, but the Quraysh could not do anything.

The Quraysh leadership called a meeting. They did not know how to deal the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his followers. They decided to go back to a previous strategy and talk to his uncle, Abu Talib. They asked for him to reason with his nephew. When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) became emotional, Abu Talib agreed to continue his support.

The Quraysh wanted to approach Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) directly and asked what he wanted: they offered the materials of this life, whereas all he wanted was for Islam to be recognised as a legitimate faith. He said, 'I do not want position or money. Allah has sent me with a message and I present this to you. If you take this, I am here to tell you you will reap the rewards of Allah here and in the next life. If you reject this, your matter is between you and Allah and he will settle it'.

The Quraysh agreed to accept his message as a legitimate message, but they wanted him to recognise their beliefs as valid as well, but the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) declined this. Chaos broke out in the meeting. The Quraysh started to demand miracles from the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), asking for rivers in the arid desert and lush greenery. Another told him to raise up his forefather Qusayy bin Kilab, who established Quraysh as a power in Arabia. The Quran notes their irrational requests:

(8:32) And [remember] when they said, "O Allah , if this should be the truth from You, then rain down upon us stones from the sky or bring us a painful punishment.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sat quietly through this meeting, responding calmly and respectfully. He realised this was pointless and left.

Abu Jahl declared his intent to smash the Prophet's (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) head when he was prostrating at the Haram. To date, he had not done this, as the Prophet's (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) family would come after him in retaliation, but he encouraged all the leaders to support him. Abu Jahl was ready with his rock: as he held it above his head, he went pale and his knees shook. He walked away and sat down again. Abu Jahl said, 'I swear I saw a huge camel, ferocious, like a demon. It had sharp teeth. It appeared out of nowhere and kept growing'. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that this was Jibreel (AS). The following was revealed:

(5:67) O Messenger, announce that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people. Indeed, Allah does not guide the disbelieving people.

7-20-2013

Episode 45: Umar bin Al-Khattab Accepts Islam

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). This episode recounts the acceptance of Islam by Umar bin al-Khattab (RA).

Umar (RA) went to the Ka’ba and heard some people talking about the issues they were having with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He decided to deal with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) himself and thus went searching for him. He held his sword in his hand, demonstrating his intent to take action. On the way, he ran into Nuaym bin Abdullah, a Sahaba, who asked Umar (RA) what his intentions were. Umar (RA) expressed his desire to kill the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Nuaym did not want to cause problems, but he also wanted to protect the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He tried to phase Umar (RA) by asking him if Banu Abd Manaf would let Umar (RA) walk freely if he killed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Unphased by this, Nuaym had to try a different strategy: he then suggested that Umar (RA) dealt with his own family first, disclosing that his brother-in-law, Saeed bin Zayd, and sister, Fatimah, had accepted Islam.

 

Umar (RA) proceeded immediately to his sister’s house. On reaching the door, he heard three voices reciting the Quran. The third person present was Khabbab ibn al-Aratt. On hearing it was Umar (RA) at the door, Khabbab immediately hides. The Quran pages are still out, while Umar (RA) pounces on his brother-in-law, asking who the third person was and questioning his acceptance of Islam. Fatima tries to grab him, but he strikes her and she starts bleeding. She finally admits they accepted Islam and tells Umar (RA) to go ahead and kill them both for this. Seeing his sister bleeding, Umar (RA) calms down. He asks about the Quran, but Fatima snatches away the pages, saying he cannot touch them. Umar (RA) reassures her he does not want to destroy them, but to read them. Fatima says he is not pure and makes him clean up, before handing Umar (RA) the pages: he starts reading surah 20, Ta-Ha.

 

Putting down the pages, Umar (RA) asks to be taken to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) immediately to accept Islam. Khabbab comes out of hiding and congratulates Umar (RA), reporting that only the night before, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made dua to Allah to aid Islam through Abu Jahl or Umar bin al-Khattab. They reach Dar al-Arqam and Umar (RA) knocks. A few Sahaba were present: they looked and saw Umar (RA) with his sword at his side. Hamza (RA) says to let him in, saying that if he comes with good, they would do whatever needed to take care of him, but if he comes seeking something bad, then he would kill him with his own sword. Umar (RA) enters and expresses his wish to accept Islam. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) exclaimed the Takbeer and the rest of Sahaba cry out the Takbeer too.

 

Umar (RA) goes to his uncle Abu Jahl’s house to inform him of his Islam. Abu Jahl is disgusted and calls him a fool. Umar (RA) went to the Haram and a group attacked him on account of his Islam. Some reports say he fought for an hour. Then an old man stood up and dispersed the crowd, asking why they were concerned about his path and warning of retaliation from his family.

 

Umar (RA) suggested that they needed to pray openly at the Haram. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) agreed and they gathered at the Ka’ba, with Hamza and Umar protecting the group. The Muslims were not able to pray near the Ka’ba until Umar (RA) accepted Islam.

 

We should never judge or underestimate the potential in someone. Some earlier converts could never have imagined Umar (RA) accepting Islam. For instance, a Sahabi reports she was preparing to emigrate to Abyssinia and Umar (RA) saw he...

5-22-2013

Episode 44: Hamza (ra) Accepts Islam and The Aftermath 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).

After the Encounter with the Negus

When Amr bin al-Aas came back to Makkah, he locked himself in his house and would not mix with anyone. This was unusual, as he was a leader and a businessman. He was deeply affected by the Negus accepting Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as a Messenger.

Later, some people came to Madina from Abyssinia. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) went and got food and supplies for them. The Sahaba said they would take care of it. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, 'These people honoured my companions when we were few and oppressed. Today, it is my honour that I get to serve them.' The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had this lasting gratitude towards the people of Abyssinia.

Whenever the Negus was challenged about his faith, he had a piece of paper on which he wrote his testimony of being a Muslim: he kept this hidden in pockets made in shirts over his heart. He would place his hand on his heart and say, ‘This is exactly what I believe’. The Quran confirms that if someone fears for their life, they can say what they need to say, but keep firm on their iman in their heart.

Acceptance of Islam by Hamza (RA)

Hamza (RA) was the uncle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and also a milk brother (Thuwaybah, a slave of Abu Lahab breast fed them both). Close in age, they were friendly and close, growing up as brothers. The majority of scholars say Hamza (RA) accepted Islam after the migration to Abyssinia.  

Before Islam, he was a much respected individual. Hamza (RA) was the centre of attention, renowned for his fighting abilities as a warrior, ambidextrous swordsman and hunter. Whilst Hamza (RA) was away one day on a hunting trip, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) went to the Ka'ba and crossed paths with Abu Jahl. Abu Jahl started to berate and insult him. Witnessed by a slave woman, after Hamza (RA) returned from the hunt, she informed him that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was treated abysmally by Abu Jahl. In a rage, Hamza (RA) goes to Abu Jahl and hits him over the head with his bow, making him bleed. Hamza (RA) commented that if Abu Jahl disrespected Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he would have to deal with himself. Abu Jahl remarked that it seemed like he had left their religion: Hamza (RA) affirms his belief in the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). A huge fight is about to ensue, but Abu Jahl tells everyone to back down, confirming that he did curse the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) badly.

Hamza (RA) leaves the scene and is emotional about what just happened: did he really believe or was this a hasty reaction? He makes dua: ‘Oh Allah, if this is true then put the truth into my heart and make me firm and if it is not, then Allah give me a way out’. His night passed in tension and finally he goes to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) for support and advice. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) inspires and warns him and eventually Hamza (RA) accepts the iman in his heart. Hamza’s (RA) conversion was a huge source of comfort and confidence for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Three days after this, Umar (RA) accepted Islam.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA)

Umar (RA) was from Banu Amir, a rival family of Banu Hashim. His mother was the sister of Abu Jahl. Umar (RA) had been mentored by Abu Jahl, thus he was a good leader. Pre-Islam, he was the delegate of Abu Jahl, sent to deliver the terms of contracts to tribes. He was very confident, direct and decisive, as well as imposing and a little intimidating. These qualities can work against someone without training e.g.

5-8-2013

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.

The Second Meeting

The Negus arranges for food and a safe place to stay for the night. Amr goes to the Negus and says he has no argument with his decision, but wanted to let him know that the Muslims say some very serious, shocking things about Isa (AS). The Negus, a devout, practicing Christian, is taken aback. The next morning, he reconvenes the Muslims, Qurayshis and ministers. The Muslims are even more worried about this meeting. Ja’far stands again as a speaker. The King looks a little upset and asks what they say about Isa (AS). In response, Ja’far does not say anything, but starts reciting some of Surah Maryam from the Quran.

There was not a single dry eye in the court. The Negus’s beard was all wet. It took a couple of minutes before he could talk. Ja’far explained that Isa (AS) is the spirit of Allah and the result of the command of Allah. Allah brought him to the Earth from the chaste mother Mary: no man had gone near her. When the Negus regains his composure, he bends down and sees a twig on the ground- he holds up the twig and swears to God to the gathered ministers and priests that what the Muslims say about Isa (AS) did not differ from them by as much as the twig he was holding up. There were audible gasps in the room: many Christians believed that Isa (AS) was the son of God. He welcomes the Muslims to his Kingdom and says that the man they were representing i.e. Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was also welcome. He gives testimony that Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is the Messenger of God and ...

4-10-2013

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.

4-3-2013

Episode 41: 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 First Migration to Abyssinia

This episode talks about the first migration to Abyssinia. There were about 100 believers in Makkah now, giving the group strength and solidarity. In spite of this, the safety of the believers was of great importance to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had heard the Negus, the King of Abyssinia, also followed a monotheistic religion (Christianity) and he was well known for his religious tolerance. Thus for their own safety, he advised those who felt under threat to migrate to that land. The journey would not be easy.

In this first group of migrants, there were reported to have been 15 or 16 people: 11 or 12 men and 4 women, who were wives. It included people like Uthman bin Affan, his wife Ruqayyah (the daughter of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)), Abu Salamah and Umm Salamah. The Quraysh were not happy about this and sent out a search party for the group. However, the group managed to board a boat to Africa from a port. They arrived quietly in Abyssinia, as instructed by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), choosing residence outside a major city.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) heard about someone coming from Abyssinia and asked him about the welfare of the migrants. He received news that they were well and he prayed ‘May Allah be with them’. He said that Uthman had revived a great tradition of the Prophets of the past- he was the first to migrate with his family for the sake of his faith since Lut (AS). Thus, there is no credibility in accusations that those who emigrated were weaker than those who remained behind in Makkah.

 

Surah An-Najm

Two months after, a very interesting incident occurs. In Ramadan, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was standing praying in the Haram. He was reciting out aloud and initially, people became irritated. But then, they came closer and he started to raise his voice. Everyone was quiet and listening to him, from surah 53 ayah 19.

53:19 So have you considered al-Lat and al-'Uzza?

53:20 And Manat, the third - the other one?

53:21  Is the male for you and for Him the female?

53:22 That, then, is an unjust division.

53:23 They are not but [mere] names you have named them - you and your forefathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. They follow not except assumption and what [their] souls desire, and there has already come to them from their Lord guidance.

53:24 Or is there for man whatever he wishes?

53:25 Rather, to Allah belongs the Hereafter and the first [life].

53:26 And how many angels there are in the heavens whose intercession will not avail at all except [only] after Allah has permitted [it] to whom He wills and approves.

53:27 Indeed, those who do not believe in the Hereafter name the angels female names,

53:28 And they have thereof no knowledge. They follow not except assumption, and indeed, assumption avails not against the truth at all.

53:29 So turn away from whoever turns his back on Our message and desires not except the worldly life.

53:30 That is their sum of knowledge. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who strays from His way, and He is most knowing of who is guided.

53:31 And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is in the earth - that He may recompense those who do evil with [the penalty of] what they have done and recompense those who do good with the best [reward] -

53:32 Those who avoid the major sins and immoralities, only [committing] slight ones. Indeed, your Lord is vast in forgiveness. He was most knowing of you when He produced you from ...