The Sīrah Podcast - Life of the Prophet

3-27-2013

Episode 40: The Prophet, Utba bin Rabi'ah & Surah Fussilat

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).

Encounter with Utbah bin Rabi’ah

A famous conversation occurred between the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and a key opponent of his: Utbah bin Rabi’ah. The incident occurred at the end of the 3rd/beginning of the 4th year of Prophethood. Utbah was a Qurayshi leader, who was very wealthy, politically influential and well-travelled. He had stood in the courts of all the major Kings of that time e.g. Rome and Abyssinia. The Quraysh formed a council to decide who would be best able to recognise a poet, magician or insane person, as they felt the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had divided the community and belittled their way of life. They identified Utbah bin Rabi’ah as the man for the job.

Utbah asked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) if he felt he was better than their forefathers. If yes, then they also worshipped the idols. If no, then he wanted to hear what the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had to say for himself. Utbah commented that they had never seen anyone cause more of a headache for their people than him. Utbah mentioned that the Quraysh were about to raise swords to deal with the situation, but he did not want it to get to that: he offered the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) the best of wealth, women and status. Throughout Utbah’s tirade, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) remained silent. Asking if Utbah was done, he commenced:

 

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Most Merciful

41:1 Ha, Meem.

41:2 [This is] a revelation from the Entirely Merciful, the Especially Merciful -

41:3 A Book whose verses have been detailed, an Arabic Qur'an for a people who know,

41:4 As a giver of good tidings and a warner; but most of them turn away, so they do not hear.

41:5 And they say, "Our hearts are within coverings from that to which you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a partition, so work; indeed, we are working."

41:6 Say, O [Muhammad], "I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." And woe to those who associate others with Allah -

41:7 Those who do not give zakah, and in the Hereafter they are disbelievers.

41:8 Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds - for them is a reward uninterrupted.

41:9 Say, "Do you indeed disbelieve in He who created the earth in two days and attribute to Him equals? That is the Lord of the worlds."

41:10 And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains over its surface, and He blessed it and determined therein its [creatures'] sustenance in four days without distinction - for [the information] of those who ask.

41:11 Then He directed Himself to the heaven while it was smoke and said to it and to the earth, "Come [into being], willingly or by compulsion." They said, "We have come willingly."

41:12 And He completed them as seven heavens within two days and inspired in each heaven its command. And We adorned the nearest heaven with lamps and as protection. That is the determination of the Exalted in Might, the Knowing.

41:13 But if they turn away, then say, "I have warned you of a thunderbolt like the thunderbolt [that struck] 'Aad and Thamud.

 

Utbah started screaming, ‘Please stop, please stop! Is there not anything else you could say to me apart from this?’ The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied no, and that this was his message. Another narration reports that Utbah placed his hand on the mouth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), asking him to stop. Utbah himself expressed fears that the punishment tha...

3-12-2013

Episode 39: A Diverse Community - Abu Dharr Ghifari & Dhimad Accept 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).

 

Abu Dharr al-Ghifari

Abu Dharr was a successful, confident businessman, well respected in the community. When he heard about the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he sent his brother to Makkah to find out everything about him. The brother reported on his return that he saw the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) telling people to have good character and that he was saying something that was not poetry. Abu Dharr was not satisfied with this information, so he himself set out for Makkah.

 

Abu Dharr did not know who he was looking for, but also did not want to attract attention and ask of his whereabouts. At night, he lay down in the corner of the Haram. Ali ibn Talib came along and noted Abu Dharr, wondering why this man was sleeping out. Ali offered Aby Dharr a place to stay, which Abu Dharr accepted. The next day, Abu Dharr failed to meet the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and again lay in a corner of the Haram. Ali again offered him a place to stay, which Abu Dharr accepted. The third day, after again failing to locate the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Abu Dharr was offered a place to stay for the night. This time, Ali enquires why Abu Dharr came to Makkah. Abu Dharr takes an oath from Ali that he will help him and he discloses his wish to meet the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

 

Ali leads Abu Dharr to the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Once Abu Dharr listened to what he said, he accepted Islam straight away. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked him to return to his people and share the message of Islam. However, Abu Dharr wanted to proclaim his faith to the people of Makkah. Thus, he goes to Haram and screams out the Shahada. The people of Makkah proceeded to beat him up, until the uncle of the Prophet, Abbas, torn through the crowds, physically lay on top of Abu Dharr and covered him to offer protection. Abbas reasoned with the people, asking them to think of the consequences of their actions: Abu Dharr came from the tribe of Ghifar and killing him would affect their business, as the trade route for Sham passed through the tribal area of Ghifar. Thus, they left him. The next day, Abu Dharr woke up and goes to the Haram again to declare the Shahada. Again he is beaten up, until Abbas comes to cover and protect him.  Abbas takes him to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), asking him to talk some sense into Abu Dharr, and he calms down.

 

Dhimad

Dhimad came to Makkah from Yemen. He was well known for being a soothsayer. Dhimad came for business and whilst in Makkah, heard people talking ill about the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Thus, he approached the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), introduced himself and offers his assistance. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied:

 

‘Without a doubt, the ultimate praise was and always will be for Allah alone. We praise Him and we seek His assistance in everything we do. Whoever Allah guides, none can misguide and whoever he misguides, there is none that can guide him. I bear witness that there is nothing worthy of worship except Allah and he is absolutely unique and he has no partners.’

 

Dhimad was awestruck and asked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to repeat himself. After saying the words for a second time, Dhimad requests for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to repeat the words a third time. Dhimad found the words mind-blowing: he commented that he had heard the words of soothsayers, magicians, sorcerers and poets, but he had never heard anything like this in his life. He asked for the Prophet’s hand so he could give...

3-5-2013

Episode 38: The Prophet stands up to Abu Jahl

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 interactions between the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and Abu Jahl.

 

Abu Jahl and his cronies would often taunt the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Once, when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was making Tawaaf, they were making crude comments to him. Finally, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) walked over to the group and said, ' By Allah, Allah has sent me to you with sacrifice.' They became concerned by this open statement and its meaning, as they knew he never lost his cool and that he always spoke the truth. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) continued and everyone was silent after that.

 

Once whilst the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was praying at the Ka’ba, the friends of Abu Jahl egged him on to the point where he got a scarf and choked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Abu Bakr saw this and tackled Abu Jahl away. He asked, 'Do you want to kill this man simply because he worships Allah over all the idols you worship?'

 

A man from the tribe of Iraash came to Makkah to do business. He ran into Abu Jahl and entered into a business venture with him. He took his goods and Abu Jahl agreed to pay him later. However, when the Iraashi came to collect his money, Abu Jahl feigned having no knowledge of their agreement. The man called out to the people asking for help, but the onlookers mocked him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was also present. Even before he noticed this man, some of the others mocking this man went over to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), knowing him and Abu Jahl did not get along: they told him to join forces with the Iraashi, as they both had a common enemy. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) empathised with the plight of this man and offered his help: he took the man, went to the house of Abu Jahl and knocked his door. Abu Jahl asked, 'Who is there?' The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, 'Muhammad, come outside!' When he heard the name of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Abu Jahl responded with disdain, 'What do you want?' When he came out, Abu Jahl went very pale, as if he saw a ghost. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said to give the Iraashi what he deserved. Abu Jahl quickly agreed and handed over the money. The Iraashi went back to the Haram and expressed his appreciation for Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The people became confused and asked Abu Jahl what happened. Abu Jahl reported that when he opened the door to Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), standing behind him was the largest, wild, jinn-possessed male camel. Abu Jahl was petrified that the camel would kill him if he declined payment.

2-26-2013

Episode 37: The Torture & Suffering of the Early Muslims in Makkah

Seerah 37

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 covers how the Quraysh reacted to the new, growing Muslim community in Makkah. They decided to unleash terror and torture on the early converts, in an attempt to scare people away from the message of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). A key orchestrator of this tactic was Abu Jahl.

 

Abu Jahl

His real name was Amr ibn Hisham and he belonged to the Makhzum tribe. Also known as Abu al-Hakam, he was a leader in Quraysh. As he denied and refused the preaching of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), he became known as ‘Abu Jahl’- the father of ignorance.

 

Bilal ibn Rabah

Abu Jahl started to torture the slaves in the community. Bilal was an African slave owned by Ummayah ibn Khalaf, who was best friends with Abu Jahl. Abu Jahl asked permission to deal with Bilal and his acceptance of Islam, which was granted. Abu Jahl would whip Bilal all night until he would become exhausted. When the heat would reach its peak, he would lay Bilal down upon the scorching sand and put a rock onto of him to pin him down. Bilal would be tied to horses made to run. Bilal’s faith would not be shaken: he became known by the calls of ‘Ahad, Ahad!’- ‘One God, One God!’ Abu Bakr bought Bilal for an inflated price and set him free. Bilal was made the muezzin of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

 

Amr bin Fuhairah

Amr bin Fuhairah was as a slave who was tortured. Abu Bakr purchased his freedom and he continued to work for him as a shepherd. Amr was skilled as a tracker.

 

Zunairah

This female slave belonged to the Makhzum clan. She was handed over to Abu Jahl to be tortured. Deprived of sleep, food and water, she became blind as a result of the malnourishment. Abu Jahl taunted her that that the idols Al-Lat and Al-Uzza had taken her sight away. She responded that her Lord Allah had decided this and that he could return her eyesight. Miraculously the next day, her eyesight was restored. Abu Bakr also purchased her freedom.

 

An-Nahdiyah

This lady and her daughter were slaves and tortured by their mistress. She brought them flour to grind and make bread. Abu Bakr secured their freedom and advised them to return the flour to their mistress. However, the mother and daughter finished the job they were given before moving on.

 

Khabbab ibn al-Aratt

Khabbab was kidnapped as young boy and sold into slavery. He accepted Islam in the early days. The Quraysh experimented torture upon him. He gained freedom and joined the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He would be an inspirational figure: Umar ibn al-Khattab would sit with him and when he felt overwhelmed, Umar would ask to see Khabbab’s back and the scars of his torture. Umar said he had never seen anything like it in his life.

 

Ammar ibn Yasir

Ammar was the son of Yasir and Sumayyah. Ammar accepted Islam and he would sneak at night to sit and worship with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). His parents were worried about the consequences of this, but after hearing about Islam, they both accepted. Abu Jahl found out and he inflicted torture upon the family. He tied the family up and would leave them there for days. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would walk by in tears saying, ‘Patience oh family of Yasir! Congratulations, you will be reunited in Paradise!’ Abu Bakr offered to purchase them but this was declined. Sumayyah shouted at Abu Jahl that no matter what he did, they would not renounce their Islam. Abu Jahl became infuriated and killed her with a spear in front of her husband and son.

2-19-2013

Episode 36: The Prophet Recruits Talented Young People

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 session talks about the early Muslim community. Of note, many of the young converts were from the younger generation.

 

Al-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam

He was the paternal cousin of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)through his aunt Saffiya. His son was Abdullah ibn Zubair.

 

Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf

His mother was present at the time of the birth of the Prophet(sallallahu alayhi wasallam), as she was a good friend of his mother Amina bint Wahb.

He was a leader of his people, having the metaphorical ‘Midas touch’ as a successful businessman. There is a famous story of him migrating to Madina with nothing, where he was paired with an Ansari brother: he was offered a share in the Ansari’s money and business, but Abd al-Rahman respectfully declined and asked for the marketplace. He started buying and selling and returned with much profit.

Also, known for his piety, Abd al-Rahman was from the ten guaranteed Paradise in a single gathering by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that he would lag behind because he would be busy giving accountability for the wealth he possessed. On hearing this, he cried and gave away everything in sadaqah.

When Umar ibn al-Khattab passed away, he appointed a council of 6 sahabah to oversee the appointment of the next Khalifah. He instructed that in a draw, the tie-breaker was to ask Abd al- Rahman ibn Awf.

 

Sa’d ibn Abi-Waqqas

He was from the first dozen to accept Islam and very close to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Sa’d was also a cousin of the mother of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Sa’d was very close to his own mother, but she was devastated by his accepting Islam. She vowed to not eat or drink until he renounced the religion. This continued for 4 days, with Sa’d standing by her encouraging to have something to eat or drink, but reluctant to leave the religion. Obedience to parents supersedes Sunnah acts, but he was not allowed to renounce the religion for her sake. His mother finally desisted and took food and drink.

 

At the time f Hajjatul-Wida, Sa’d also went, but became sick, on the verge of death. He asked the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as he had one daughter, could he give away 2/3 of his wealth as sadaqah? The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said no. Half? No. One-third? The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said yes to this, but advised it would be better to leave family members well-off and self-sufficient.

 

In the Battle of Uhud, when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was under attack, Sa’d stood in front of him and launched arrows to protect him. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) commented, ‘Keep shooting, ya Sa’d, may my mother and father be sacrificed for you.’ The latter part of the statement would usually be said to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) by the companions.

 

Talhah ibn Ubaidullah

A cousin of Abu Bakr, he was an early convert to Islam. He was promised Paradise by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He was married to the sister of Zaynab bint Jahsh, called Halah bint Jahsh. In the Battle of Uhud, he showed bravery by defending the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) remarked that whoever wanted to see a living Shaheed should look at Talhah.

 

Abu Ubaydah Amir ibn al-Jarrah

2-5-2013

Episode 35: Two Uncles with Different Responses - Abu Talib and Abu Lahab

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 contrasts two uncles of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): Abu Lahab and Abu Talib.

 

Abu Lahab

His real name was Abdul Uzza. His complexion was light, but his cheeks were red. He was an intense individual and his face would become red: ‘Lahab’ is a red, burning coal. Abu Lahab was very wealthy, powerful and influential. He was more of a business leader as opposed to a civic leader, as he was not active in the service of his community.

 

He was married to Umm Jameel, who was the sister of Abu Sufyan. They were a ‘power couple’ at that time. Both individuals made it their life’s mission to oppose Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his message in the most vile and insulting manner.

 

Abu Lahab openly demonised the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in public. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would speak to people at local fairs and at Hajj about Islam, approaching people from all walks of life: free and slave, weak and powerful, rich and poor. Abu Lahab would tail him and cry out to any listeners that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had abandoned the religion of his forefathers, and made derogatory accusations of him being crazy, a magician, and a liar. He also carried pebbles, which he would distract the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with as he spoke to people by throwing them at his head.

 

Abu Lahab even forced his two sons who were engaged to the two daughters of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to cancel the engagement in a humiliating manner. One son simply announced the separation to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), but the other ripped his shirt and spat on him. Later, the daughters went on to marry Uthman ibn Affan during their lifetimes.

 

Umm Jameel would throw rubbish on the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) doorstep, as well as publicly throw dirt over his clothing to make him less presentable as he spread his message. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) simply continued his business, ignoring their indecent behaviour.

 

Allah revealed Surah Al-Masad:

111:1 May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he.

111:2 His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained.

111:3 He will [enter to] burn in a Fire of [blazing] flame

111:4 And his wife [as well] - the carrier of firewood.

111:5 Around her neck is a rope of [twisted] fiber.

 

Abu Talib

Contrary to the vile behaviour of Abu Lahab, Abu Talib was very attached to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He loved dearly Abdullah, the father of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), and was entrusted by his own father, Abdul-Muttalib, to care for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) when he passed away.

 

Abu Talib showered Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with love and affection, defending him against the Quraysh. He even approved of his son, Ali’s, conversion to Islam. The Quraysh approached Abu Talib to complain of the difficulty and nuisance being created by Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and his message, asking him to stop. Abu Talib called for Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and asked him to stop. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied that he was no more capable of stopping preaching the message than he was any more capable of going to the sun and bringing back a burning flame. Abu Talib replied that he never knew of Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) t...

1-29-2013

Episode 34: The Prophet Presents Islam & Appeals to Banu Hashim

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 second phase of Prophethood was initiated- it was time to take the message public. This did not occur all at once, but occurred as a phased approach.

26:214 And warn, [O Muhammad], your closest kindred.

26:215 And lower your wing to those who follow you of the believers.

Allah had instructed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to warn his closest tribes people, and hinted of the possible negative response of his endeavours, by encouraging the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to show mercy to the believers who would soon encounter difficulties.

The Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) told Ali of his concerns that his family would not like the message, so he hesitated. However, Jibreel came and said ‘Oh Muhammad, if you do not do what your Lord has commanded, your Lord will punish you’. Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was being held accountable for delivering the message.

 

First Public Invitation

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) called Ali and asked him to prepare a goat, some accompanying food and a big bowl of milk. He was asked to gather the family of Abdul Muttalib. About 40 people came, including the uncles of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): Abu Talib, Hamza, Abbas and Abu Lahab. One of the miracles of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) occurred at this meeting: the spread was not sufficient for the gathering, but everyone ate and drank to their fill.

Just as Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was about to speak, Abu Lahab interjected, commenting on how Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had done magic in relation to the food and got up and left. The rest of the gathering followed suit and exited.

The next day, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) told Ali to make similar arrangements, as he did not have the opportunity to address the people. Everyone gathered and again, they all ate and drank miraculously from the small amount of food presented. Abu Lahab once again cut in as soon as the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was about to speak.

The third day, preparations were made again. Everyone ate, and then the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) beat Abu Lahab to the post. He said, ‘ Oh Banu Abdul Muttalib, I swear to God, I do not know any man from the Arabs who has brought to his people something that is more beneficial than what I bring to you- I have come to you with something to benefit you in this world and the hereafter. Allah has commanded me to call you to it, so who amongst you will help and aid me and be my brother in this cause?’

Silence… no-one responded. Ali, who at the time was 12 years old and the person of least social standing at the gathering said, ‘I will, oh Messenger of Allah’. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) expressed pleasure at Ali’s allegiance, praising him in front of everyone and commenting on how he would be a leader after him. Abu Lahab struck, taunting Abu Talib that his nephew was saying that Abu Talib should follow his own son. Abu Lahab left and the gathering dispersed.

The Call on Mount Safa

Now, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) gathered the Quraysh. He ascended Mount Safa and addressed each family individually, saying, ‘Listen, my brothers! What if I said there is a cavalry on the other side of this mountain that is about to come and attack you, would you believe me?’

They responded, ‘Yes, oh Muhammad, we have not found you to ever be a liar’. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) responded, ‘I am here to warn you about a severe punishment co...

1-23-2013

Episode 33: A Community in the Making - Some of the early Companions (ra)

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).

A hadith by Imam Ahmad reports that the first seven people to make their Islam known were the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Abu Bakr, Ammar ibn Yasir, his mother Sumayyah, Suhayb, Bilal and Miqdad. As far as the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was concerned, he was defended by means of his uncle, Abu Talib. Abu Bakr was protected by his people, Banu Taym. As for the rest, they were at the mercy of the disbelievers and their harsh treatment e.g. they would grab them, dress them in armour of iron and leave them to scorch in the hot desert sun. All were eventually able to have some reprieve from the torture, except Bilal. He would be handed over to the children of Makkah, who would tie him up and drag him around the streets of Makkah, as he proclaimed the oneness of Allah.

Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) took the message to some prominent, remarkable people: he was the direct means of delivering Islam to the following people in the first few days of himself becoming Muslim:

'Uthman ibn 'Affan

al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwam

Talhah ibn Ubaidullah

Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas

Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf

He gathered them together, took them to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who presented Islam to them and they all believed.

Abu Bakr had many qualities, including being:

a leader of his people

a businessman

of good character: he was never known to engage in social evils e.g. he was never intoxicated

an expert in genealogy i.e. of family trees. Later on, when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) engaged in more dawah, Abu Bakr would accompany him; he would start off a conversation by identifying family ties and then would introduce the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who could deliver his message.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that someone who guides towards something that is good, it is as if he has done it himself i.e. he gets the reward for it as well. Also, whoever starts a good practice in Islam gets the reward of it and the reward of whoever will follow that good practice i.e. it is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah.

Talhah ibn Ubaidullah

Talhah ibn Ubaidullah reports he went to the souk of Busra. There, a worshipper in his temple was enquiring from the people if anyone from the Haram was present. Thus, Talhah presented himself. The worshipper asked if Ahmed had appeared. Talhah enquired who this was: he said he was son of Abdullah, the son of Abdul Muttalib, and that this was the month he was supposed to become apparent to the people as the finality of the Prophets. The worshipper also commented how he would appear at the Haram and later migrate to a place described as the landscape of Madina at that time. The worshipper tells Talhah that he must find this Prophet and attach to him. Talhah quickly departed home and the residents of Makkah confirmed that in his absence, Muhammad al-Amin ‘pretends’ to be a Prophet and that Abu Bakr has followed him. Talhah went to Abu Bakr, who confirmed he followed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Abu Bakr advised Talhah to go and meet him and to follow him as he called to the truth. Abu Bakr took him to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and he accepted Islam.

Other Early Converts

The next day, Uthman bin Maz’un, Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah (dubbed by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as the most trustworthy man of this Ummah), Abd al-Rahman ibn ‘Awf and Abu Salamah bin Abdul Asad (whose wife was Umm Salamah, who would later marry the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi w...

1-3-2013

Episode 32: The Next 3 Converts: Ali bin Abi Talib, Zayd bin Harithah & Abu Bakr (ra)

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).

Afif the Businessman

 

Afif was a businessman who attended during the Hajj to do trade with Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was also a businessman. While they were sitting, they saw a man came out of a tent, face the Ka’ba and start praying. Then a woman came out and stood behind him and prayed. Then a boy came and stood to his right and started praying.

One narration states that Afif questioned Abbas about this religion, as it did not seem familiar. Abbas reported that this was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, who believes that Allah had sent him as a Messenger and that that the treasures of the emperors of Rome and Persia would be opened for him and his followers. This was his wife Khadijah, who believes in him and follows him, and this boy was his cousin Ali ibn Abu Talib, who also believes in him. Afif later said he wished he believed that day, as he would have been the second adult to believe.

The second narration describes the prayer. The man went into ru’ku and the boy and woman went into ru’ku with him. After that he stood up and the child and woman stood up with him. Then the man fell into sujood and both of them went into sujood. Afif commented that this was really remarkable. Abbas asked if Afif knew who these people were, commenting that this was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, his nephew; the boy was Ali ibn Abu Talib and the woman was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the wife of the man. ‘He says your Lord, the Lord of the sky, has commanded him to do what you see them doing’. Abbas commented that, ‘I swear by Allah, I do not know anyone other than these three who follows this religion today’.

It is interesting to see that at such an early stage, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) emphasised the importance of praying together as a family and that the prayer was one of the first things he taught new followers.

Zayd ibn Harithah

 

The next person to accept Islam was Zayd ibn Harithah. As a young boy, he went off playing and a passing caravan snatched him, brought him Makkah and sold him as a slave. One of the cousins of Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) brought him and gifted Zayd to her at the time of her marriage to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) gave him to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

 

Zayd’s father, a tribe leader, was desperately trying to find him. His poetry about this incident became so famous that it the news reached Makkah. People told the father his son was in Makkah. When Zayd’s father and uncle arrived, they discovered he was in the care of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). They approached him with great praises and requested he returned their son. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said he would let Zayd decide his future. Zayd recognised his family when he was called, but expressed his wishes to remain with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Zayd reported he has seen something with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) that he would not find anywhere else i.e. he was referring to revelation.

 

His father was distraught: the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was so concerned about the father’s emotional plight, that he embraced Zayd, declared his freedom from slavery and adopted him as his son. He was known as Zayd bin Muhammad from that day on, and his father left content. Later in Islam, to claim someone as your biological son would be disallowed: Zayd changed his name back to Zayd ibn Harithah.

12-19-2012

Episode 31: The First Four Revelations & The First Convert To Islam