The Prophet’s Last Sermon

[This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul-Hijjah 10 A.H. in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat’ in Mecca.]

After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (saws) said:

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

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib [the Prophet’s uncle] be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that i waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibn al Harithibn.

O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calender in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belogs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and my Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.”

(Source: http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA)

Muhammad in the Bible

By Sheikh Yusuf Estes, a former Christian Preacher

More than fourteen centuries have passed since the prophet of Arabia made claim to being the last and final ‘messenger and slave’ of Allah. Yet the intensity of discussion amongst scholars from all religions seems to have increased over the years and gained in velocity in the last few years more so than ever before.

Who was this man? What do his followers believe about him? How can others understand their undying devotion to his mission? What do the scholars tell us about this man, Muhammad, peace be upon him, and his ‘message’ to the world?

For more than fourteen centuries scholars from Judaism, Christianity and Islam have been discussing whether or not the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, could have indeed, been a true prophet from Almighty God.

Was he the long awaited ‘Messiah’ the Jews have been waiting for so many centuries?

Was he the one prophesied in the Old Testament Book of Isaiah, calling in the wilderness?

Was he ‘That Prophet’ mentioned in the New Testament Gospel of John?

We would like to share some of the findings of these scholars from their own sources and invite the reader to consider these evidences.

The most recent claim of revelation coming from the God of Abraham, Moses, David and Jesus, peace be upon them, is the claim of Muhammad, peace be upon him, regarding the Quran. The Quran makes the claim, Muhammad, peace be upon him, is the ‘slave and messenger’ of Almighty God.

But more importantly pertaining to our subject at hand, the Quran makes the claim that Muhammad, peace be upon him, is mentioned by name in the previous revelations (meaning the Bible). Can this claim be substantiated?

Let us begin by examining the statement in the Quran contained in the 61st chapter (As-Saff [the ranks]), verse 6:

And when Jesus said; “O Children of Israel! I am the apostle of God (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving glad tidings of an apostle to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.” [Holy Quran 61:6]

Please take notice of the name mentioned, ‘Ahmad’. This is one of the most common of several names given to the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, by his own people.

Now let us turn to the Old Testament (Torah of the Jews) and notice the book called Songs of Solomon, chapter 5, verse 16:

His mouth is very sweet;
he is totally desirable. 33
This is my beloved!
This is my companion, O maidens of Jerusalem!
Check the footnote (33) to discover what the word was BEFORE it was translated as “totally desirable” and in some versions of the translations we find, “altogether lovely.”

(makhmaddim, “desirable”) is the plural form of the noun (makhmad, “desire, desirable thing, precious object”; (see below note #33)

It is asserted that this word “Makhmaddim” is in reality the word “Akhmad” or “AHmad”. The reason for the emphasis on the “kh” sound is to prounouce the very hard “H” sound of the two types of “h” in the Semetic languages.

There is a word used in a passage of the New Testament of the Bible, located in the Gospel of John, chapter 14, verse 16, that many Muslim scholars refer to as pointing to the prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Let us review it and then observe what non-Muslim scholars comment about it.

14:15 “If you love me, you will obey34 my commandments. 35

14:16 Then36 I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate37 to be with you forever—

14:17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot accept,38 because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he resides39 with you and will be40 in you.

————————————–

Footnotes:
Old Testament Song of Solomon 5:16 note 33tn

The term (makhmaddim, “desirable”) is the plural form of the noun dm^j=m^ (makhmad, “desire, desirable thing, precious object”; HALOT 570 s.v. 1; BDB 326 s.v.). Like the plural (“sweetness”) in the preceding parallel line, this use of the plural is probably an example of the plural of intensity: “very desirable.”

34tn Or “will keep.”
35sn Jesus’ statement If you love me, you will obey my commandments provides the transition between the promises of answered prayer which Jesus makes to his disciples in vv. 13-14 and the promise of the Holy Spirit which is introduced in v. 16. Obedience is the proof of genuine love.
36tn Here kaiv (kai) has been translated as “Then” to reflect the implied sequence in the discourse.

37tn Or “Helper” or “Counselor”; Grk “Paraclete,” from the Greek word paravklhto” (paraklhto”). Finding an appropriate English translation for paravklhto” is a very difficult task. No single English word has exactly the same range of meaning as the Greek word. “Comforter,” used by some of the older English versions, appears to be as old as Wycliffe. But today it suggests a quilt or a sympathetic mourner at a funeral. “Counselor” is adequate, but too broad, in contexts like “marriage counselor” or “camp counselor.” “Helper” or “Assistant” could also be used, but could suggest a subordinate rank. “Advocate,” the word chosen for this translation, has more forensic overtones than the Greek word does, although in John 16:5-11 a forensic context is certainly present. Because an “advocate” is someone who “advocates” or supports a position or viewpoint and since this is what the Paraclete will do for the preaching of the disciples, it was selected in spite of the drawbacks.

38tn Or “cannot receive.”
39tn Or “he remains.”
40tc Some early and important witnesses (Ì66* B D* W 1 565 it) have ejstin (estin, “he is”) instead of e[stai (estai, “he will be”) here, while other weighty witnesses ({Ì66c,75vid Í A D1 L Q Y Ë13 33vid Ï as well as several versions and fathers}), read the future tense. When one considers transcriptional evidence, ejstin is the more difficult reading and better explains the rise of the future tense reading, but it must be noted that both Ì66 and D were corrected from the present tense to the future. If ejstin were the original reading, one would expect a few manuscripts to be corrected to read the present when they originally read the future, but that is not the case.

When one considers what the author would have written, the future is on much stronger ground. The immediate context (both in 14:16 and in the chapter as a whole) points to the future, and the theology of the book regards the advent of the Spirit as a decidedly future event (see, e.g., 7:39 and 16:7). The present tense could have arisen from an error of sight on the part of some scribes or more likely from an error of thought as scribes reflected upon the present role of the Spirit. Although a decision is difficult, the future tense is most likely authentic. For further discussion on this textual problem, see James M. Hamilton, Jr., “He Is with You and He Will Be in You” (Ph.D. diss., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003), 213-20.

Source: www.prophetofislam.com

Sajdah As-Shukr

Subhana’Allah, there are so many sunnahs out there now that are neglected.  One of these sunnahs is the sajdah as-shukr (the prostration of thankfulness).  The fact of the matter is we should go directly into sajdah whenever we hear any good news from a good grade on a test to recognizing any beautiful bounty Allah (SWT) has bestowed upon us.  Sajdah as-Shukr is easy and takes seconds (if we want it to).  The place of sajdah is when we are closest to Allah (SWT) and it is the ideal position in which for us to make dua to Allah (SWT).  Let’s make this one sunnah that we revive, insh’Allah.  Below is Sayyid Sabiq’s collection of hadith with some commentary on Sajdah as-Shukr as found in his work, Fiqh-us-Sunnah:

The majority of the scholars say that it is preferred to make prostrations of thankfulness (shukr) when one receives a bounty or is rescued from some trial. Abu Bakr reports that, when the Prophet sallallahu alehi wasallam received something which pleased him or some glad tidings, he would make the sajdah in thanks to Allah. This is related by Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmizhi who says it is hasan.

And al-Baihaqi records, with a chain that meets al-Bukhari’s conditions, that when ‘Ali wrote to the Messenger of Allah, informing him that Hamazhan had embraced Islam, the Prophet prostrated, and when he raised his head, he said: “Peace be upon Hamazhan, peace be upon Hamazhan.”

‘Abdurrahman ibn ‘Auf relates that the Messenger of Allah went out once and he followed him until he entered a grove of palm trees and prostrated. His prostration was so long that ‘Abdurrahman feared that Allah had taken his soul. ‘Abdurrahman came to look at him and he raised his head and said: “What is wrong, Abdurrahman’?” Abdurrahman mentioned what had happened, and he said: “Gabriel alehi as-salam came to me and said: ‘Shall I not give you glad tidings’? Allah says to you, Whoever prays upon you, I pray upon him. Whoever salutes you, I salute him.’ Therefore, I prostrated to Allah in thanks.” This is related by Ahmad and by AlHakim who says: “It is sahih according to the criterion of al-Bukhari and Muslim. And I do not know anything more authentic than that.”

Al-Bukhari records that Ka’b ibn Malik made a sajdah when he received the news that Allah had accepted his repentance. Ahmad records that ‘Ali performed the sajdah when he heard the news that Zhul-Thudayyah of the Khawarij was killed. Also, as mentioned before, Sa’id ibn Mansur recorded that Abu Bakr made sajdah in thankfulness when Musailimah was killed.

The prostration of thankfulness is bound by the same requirements as the prostration in prayer, while some disagree as it is not a prayer. The author of Fath al-‘Alam remarks: “This latter opinion is closer to being correct.” Ash-Shaukani said: “There is nothing in the hadith to prove that ablution and purity of the clothes and place are required for sajdat-us-shukr. And that is the opinion of Imam Yahya and Abu Talib. And these hadith are silent about any takbir being made with the prostration. In alBahr it is stated that there is a takbir. Imam Yahya says: ‘One is not to make the prostration of thankfulness during a prayer as it is not part of the prayer.'”

Reference for Fiqh-us-Sunnah found at www.islamalways.com

Mufti Taqi Usmani on Milad an-Nabi

The birth date of our beloved Prophet (SAW) is approaching and many people tend to have a celebration on this particular day.  Unfortunately, this practice is not correct and it is an innovation in religion.  Below is an article written by Mufti Taqi Usmani, who is one of the most well-respected Hanafi/Deobandi scholars in the world.  Enjoy the article entitled, “Rabi-ul-Awwal” by Mufti Taqi Usmani, below:

From Superstitions into Light

Rabi’ul-Awwal is the most significant month in the Islamic history, because humanity has been blessed in this month by the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Before the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, not only the Arabian peninsula, but also the so-called civilized nations of Rome and Persia were drowned in the darkness of ignorance, superstitions, oppression and unrest. The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, came with the eternal truth of Tawhid (Oneness of Allah), the only faith which provides a firm basis for the real concepts of knowledge, equity and peace. It was this faith which delivered humanity from ignorance and superstitions and spread the light of true knowledge all over the world.

Islamic Celebrations

Thus the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was the most significant and the most remarkable event in human history. Had there been room in Islamic teachings for the celebration of birthdays or anniversaries, the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, would have undoubtedly deserved it more than the birthday of any other person. But that is against the nature of Islamic teachings. That is why, unlike Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism, there are very few festivals in Islam, which provides for only two Eids (Eidul-fitr and Eidul-Adha) during the whole year. The dates of these two Eids do not correspond to the birthday of any of the outstanding persons of Islamic history, nor can their origin be attributed to any particular event of history that had happened in these dates.

Both of these two Eids have been prescribed for paying gratitude to Allah on some happy events that take place every year. The first event is the completion of the fasts of Ramadan and the second event is the completion of Hajj, another form of worship regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam.

The manner prescribed for the celebration of these two Eids (festivals) is also different from non-Islamic festivals. There are no formal processions, illumination or other activities showing formal happiness. On the contrary, there are congregational prayers and informal mutual visits to each other, which can give real happiness instead of its symbols only.

No Birthdays

On the other hand, Islam has not prescribed any festival for the birthday of any person, however great or significant he may be. The prophets of Allah are the persons of the highest status amongst all human beings. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, or his noble companions never observed the birthday or anniversary of any of them. Even the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, which was the most happy day for the whole mankind was never celebrated by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, himself, nor by his blessed Companions.

The Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, remained alive after him for about a century, but despite their unparalleled and profound love towards the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, they never celebrated the birthday or the death anniversary of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Instead, they devoted their lives for promoting the cause of Islam, for bringing his teachings into practice, for conveying his message to the four corners of the world and for establishing the Islamic order in every walk of life.

The Origins of Christmas

In fact, commemorating the birth of a distinguished person has never been prescribed by any religion attributing itself to divine revelation. It was originally a custom prevalent in pagan communities only. Even Christmas, the famous Christian feast commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ finds no mention in the Bible or in the early Christian writings. It was only in the 4th century after the ascension of Jesus Christ that Christmas was recognized as a regular Christian feast. To quote the Collier’s Encyclopedia:

“It is impossible to determine the exact date of the birth of Christ, either from the evidence of the gospels, or from any sound tradition. During the first three centuries of the Christian era there was considerable opposition in the Church to the pagan custom of celebrating birthdays, although there is some indication that a purely religious commemoration of the birth of Christ was included in the feast of Epiphany. Clement of Alexandria mentions the existence of the feast in Egypt about the year A.D. 200 and we have some evidence that it was observed on various dates in scattered areas. After the triumph of Constantine, the Church at Rome assigned December 25 as the date for the celebration of the feast, possibly about A.D. 320 or 353. By the end of the fourth century the whole Christian world was celebrating Christmas on that day, with the exception of the Eastern Churches, where it was celebrated on January 6. The choice of December 25 was probably influenced by the fact that on this day the Romans celebrated the Mithraic feast of the Sun-god, and that the Saturnalia also came at this time.” (Collier’s Encyclopedia 1984 ed, v. 6, p. 403).

A similar description of the origin of Christmas is found in-the Encyclopedia Britannica with some more details. Its following passage will throw more light on the point:

“Christmas was not among the earliest festivals of the Church, and before the 5th century there was no general consensus of opinion as to when it should come in the calendar, whether on Jan. 6, March 25 or Dec. 25. The earliest identification of Dec. 25 with the birthday of Christ is in a passage, otherwise unknown and probably spurious, of the philos of Antioch (c.180), preserved in Latin by the Magdeburyg centuriators (i, 3, 118), to the effect that the Gauls contended that since they celebrated the birth of Lord on Dec. 25, so they ought to celebrate the resurrection on March 25. A passage, almost certainly interpolated, in ‘Hippelates’ (c. 202) commentary on Daniel iv, 23, says that Jesus was born at Bethlehem on Wednesday, Dec. 25, in the 42nd year of Augustus, but he mentions no feast, and such a feast, indeed, would conflict with the then orthodox ideas. As late as 245, Origin (hem. viii on Leviticus) repudiated the idea of keeping the birthday of Christ “as if he were a king Pharaoh”. (Britannica, 1953 ed. v. 5, p.642)

These two quotes are more than sufficient to prove the following points:

1. The commemoration of birthdays was originally a pagan custom, never recognized by a divine scripture or prophetic teaching.

2. The exact date of the Birth of Sayyidna ‘Isa is unknown and impossible to be ascertained.

3. The commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ was not a recognized practice in the early centuries of the Christian history.

4. It was in the 4th or 5th century that it was recognized as a religious feast, and that, too, under the influence of the pagans who worshipped Sun-god.

5. There was a strong opposition against the commemorating of the birthday by the early Christian scholars like Origin, on the ground that it is originally a custom of pagans and idolaters.

Original Islamic Resources

In original Islamic resources, also we cannot find any instruction about the celebration of birthdays or death anniversaries. Many Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, passed away during his life-time. His beloved wife Sayyidah Khadijah, Radi-Allahu anha, passed away in Makkah. His beloved uncle Sayyidna Hamzah, Radi-Allahu anhu was brutally slaughtered during the battle of Uhud. But the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, never observed their birthday or their death anniversaries, nor did he ever advise his followers to celebrate his own birthday in Rabi’ul-Awwal.

What is Wrong with These Celebrations

The reason for abstinence from such celebrations is that they divert the attention of people from the real teachings of Islam towards the observance of some formal activities only. Initially, these celebrations may begin with utmost piety and with a bona fide intention to pay homage to a pious person. Yet, the experience shows that the celebration is ultimately mixed up with an element of merrymaking and rejoicing and is generally confused with secular festivals and the secular, and often sinful, activities creep into it gradually.

The Transformation of Christmas

The example of Christmas will again be relevant. This Christian feast was originally innovated to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and, of course, to remember his teachings. But once the occasion had been recognized as a feast, all the secular elements of public festivals crept in. The following quotation from the Encyclopedia Britannia is worth attention:

“For several centuries Christmas was solely a church anniversary observed by religious services. But as Christianity spread among the people of pagan lands, many of the practices of the winter solstice were blended with those of Christianity because of the liberal ruling of Gregory I, the great, and the cooperation of the missionaries. Thus, Christmas became both religious and secular in its celebration, at times reverent, at others gay.”

Then, what kind of activities have been adopted to celebrate Christmas is mentioned in the next paragraphs of which the following quote is more pertinent here:

“Merrymaking came to have a share in Christmas observance through popular enthusiasm even while emphasis was on the religious phase. … In the wholly decked great halls of the feudal lords, whose hospitality extended to all their friends, tenants and household, was sailing, feasting, singing and games, dancing, masquerading and mummers presenting pantomimes and masques were all part of the festivities.” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1953 v. 5, p. 643)

This is enough to show as to how an apparently innocent feast of reverence was converted into a secular festival where the merrymaking and seeking enjoyment by whatever means took preference over all the religious and spiritual activities.

Being fully aware of this human psychology, Islam has never prescribed, nor encouraged the observance of birthdays and anniversaries, and when such celebrations are observed as a part of the religion, they are totally forbidden.

The Religion is Complete

The Holy Qur’an has clearly pronounced on the occasion of the last Hajj of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam: “Today, I have completed the teachings of your religion.” [Al-Maida 5:3]

It means that all the teachings of Islam were communicated to the Muslims through the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. No one is allowed after it to add any thing to them as a part of religion. What was not a part of religion during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, can never become part of it. Such additions are termed by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as Bid’ah or innovation.

Thus, the observance of the 12th of Rabi’ul-Awwal as a religious feast is not warranted by any verse of the Holy Qur’an or by any teaching of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. Had it been a part of the religion it would have been clearly ordered or practiced by the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and his blessed companions or, at least, by their immediate pupils. But no example of the celebration of the occasion can be traced out in the early centuries of the Islamic history. It was after many centuries [Albalagh Note: According to Maulana Yusuf Ludhinavi it was in the year 604 A.H.] that some monarchs started observing the 12th of Rabi’ul-Awwal as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, without a sound religious basis, and the congregations in the name of Maulood or Milad were held where the history of the birth of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to be narrated.

Disagreement About the Date

The observance of the 12th of this month as the birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is not only an innovation having no basis in the Islamic teachings, but the accuracy of this date as the real birthday of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is also very much doubted. There are different dates suggested in different traditions, and the majority of the authentic scholars is inclined to hold that the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, was born on the 9th of Rabi’ul-Awwal. This difference of opinion is another evidence to prove that the observance of the birthday is not a part of the religion, otherwise its exact date would have been preserved with accuracy.

The life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, no doubt, the most important source of guidance for all the Muslims, and every Muslim is under an obligation to learn and study the events of his life, and to follow the practical example set by him in every sphere of life. The narration of his pious biography (the Seerah) in itself is a pious act, which invites the divine blessings, but the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah have not prescribed a particular time or method for it. This pious act should be performed in all the months and at all the times. The month of Rabi’ul-Awwal has not been designated by the Shariah as a special season for holding such congregations to commemorate the birth or life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is thus an innovation (Bid’ah) to restrict the Seerah meetings to the month of Rabi’ul Awwal only, or to believe that the meetings held in this month are worthy of more reward than the meetings held on any other date during the year. In fact, the Companions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to commemorate the life of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, throughout the year, not only by studying and conveying his message to others, but also by following his way of life and acting upon his teachings in each and every branch of their activities, and this is exactly what a Muslim is required and supposed to do.

By this we do not mean that the Seerah meetings should not be held in the month of Rabi’ul-Awwal. The point is only that they should not be restricted to it, nor should it be believed that the Shariah has laid any kind of emphasis on holding such meetings in this particular month.

Another point that should always be kept in mind while holding such meetings is that they must be in complete conformity with the rules of Shariah. A Muslim is supposed to abide by the rules of Shariah in all his activities. But at least the meetings held in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, should be free from all the acts forbidden by the Shariah.

Contemporary Seerah Meetings and Shariah

It is often observed, especially in the Western countries, that the people hold the Seerah meetings where men and women sit together without observing the rules of hijab prescribed by the Shariah. The teachings of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are obviously against such mixed gatherings. How can a Seerah meeting bring fruits where such fundamental teachings of the Shariah are openly violated?

In some meetings the Na’ts (poems) in the memory of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, are recited by the women before the male audience, sometimes with music, which is totally against the instructions of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. It is clearly prohibited by the Shariah to hold such meetings or to participate in them, because it is not only a violation of the Shariah rules, but it is an affront to the sanctity of the Seerah of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

All other activities, often practiced on the twelfth of Rabi’ul-Awwal, like holding processions, constructing the mock tombs of the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, and illumination of the buildings and the roads are not warranted by any rule of the Shariah. Rather they are based on conscious or unconscious imitation of certain other religions. No example of such activities can be traced out from the earlier Islamic history.

Real Message of Seerah

What is really important with regard to the Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is, first, to follow his teachings, and second to make his pious Seerah available to every Muslim, to preserve it in the hearts of the Muslims from the very childhood, to educate the family members to run their lives according to it and to hold it as the most glorious example of the human conduct the universe has ever witnessed — and all this with utmost love and reverence, not manifested by some formal activities only, but also through actual behavior of following the Sunnah. This cannot be done by merely holding processions and illuminating the walls. This requires constant and consistent efforts and a meaningful program of education and training.

(Source: www.albalagh.net)

The Miracles of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) was granted many mirales by Allah (SWT) and some of them are as follows:

1. The Holy Qur’an is the living miracle bestowed by Allah upon Prophet Muhammad and this, Allah’s Book, was revealed to him through the (Gabriel). Today 1400 years have passed and nobody has been able to change a single letter or produce its imitation, as it is said in the Qur an (See Surah Hijr, V.15:9) and the statement of the Prophet : “Before me, every Prophet was given a miracle and they practised it during their lifetime: e.g., ‘Iesa (Jesus) used to cure the sick and make the dead alive, etc., Musa (Moses) was given the stick etc., and I have been given the permanent miracle of the Qur’an till the Hour is established, so I hope that my followers will be more in number than all the other Messengers’ as my miracle will last till the Day of Resurrection, and it is a Glorious Book; when anyone reads it, even if he is a pagan, etc., he is convinced that it is produced by none but by the Creator of the heavens and the earth.”

2. The splitting of the moon:

Narrated Anas, that the Makkans requested Allah’s Messenger to show them a miracle, so he showed the splitting of the moon.
( See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith No. 831)

3. The crying of the stem of the date-palm tree in the Prophet’s Mosque:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar, that the prophet used to deliver his Khutba (religious talk) while leaning against a trunk of a date-palm tree. When he had the pulpit made and used it instead, the trunk started crying and the Prophet went to it, rubbing his hand over it (to stop its crying).
(See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith No. 783)

4. The flowing of the water from among the fingers of Allah’s Messenger (See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith No. 779)

Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah: I was with the Prophet and the time for the ‘Asr prayer became due. We had no water with us except a little which was put in a vessel and was brought to perform ablution. The blessing is from Allah.” I saw the water gushing out from his fingers. So the people performed the ablution and drank, and I tried to drink more of that water (beyond my thirst and capacity), for I knew that it was a blessing. The subnarrator said : I asked Jabir, “How many persons were you then?” He replied, ” We were one thousand four hundred men.” (Salim said: Jabir said – 1500).
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.7, Hadith No. 543)

5.The Prophet’s meals used to glorify Allah while he ate, and this glorification was heard by the companions of the Prophet (See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith No. 779).

6. Stones used to greet the Prophet whenever he passed by through the lanes of Makka.

7. The throwing out of a dead body of a Christian by the earth:

Narrated Anas: There was a Christian who embraced Islam and read Surat Al-Baqarah and Al-Imran and he used to write the revelation for the Prophet. Later on he reverted to Christianity and used to say, “Muhammad knows nothing but what I have written for him.” Then Allah caused him to die and the people buried him but in the morning they found that the earth had thrown out his body. They said, “This is the deed of Muhammad and his companions. They have opened the grave of our companion and took his body out because he ran away from them,” so they again dug the grave deeper for him, but in the morning they again found that the earth had thrown the body out. They said, “This is a deed of Muhammad and his companions.” So they dug a third grave for him as deep as they could, but in the morning they found that the earth had thrown the body out. Then they believed what had befallen him, was not done by mankind, and they had to leave the body on the ground.
(See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.4, Hadith No. 814)

8. The screening (shading) by the trees, for the Prophet to answer the call of nature.

9. The rising of water in the well at Hudaibiya after it had dried. (See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4. Hadith No. 777)

10.The increase in the amount of dates in the garden of Jabir bin ‘Abdullah after the prophet went round the heaps of dates and invoked Allah for His Blessings. (See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadith No. 780)

11. Speaking of the wolf: It has been written that a wolf also spoke to one of the companions of the Prophet near Al-Madina, as narrated in Musnad of Ahmad, Vol.3, Page 83, Musnad Abi Saeed Al-Khudri.

Narrated Abi Saeed Al-Khudri: (While a shepherd was amongst his sheep) suddenly a wolf attacked a sheep and took it away. The shepherd chased the wolf and get back the sheep. The wolf sat on its tail and addressed the shepherd saying: “Be afraid of Allah, you have taken the provision from me which Allah gave me.” The shepherd said: “What an amazing thing! A wolf sitting on its tail speaks to me in the language of a human being.” The wolf said: “Shall I tell you something more amazing than this? There is Muhammad (the Messenger of Allah) in Yathrib (Al-Madina) informing the people about the news of the past.” Then the shepherd proceeded (towards Al-Madina) driving his sheep till he entered Al- Madina (city) , cornered his sheep to one side and came to Allah’s Messenger (Muhammad ) and informed the whole story.

Allah’s Messenger ordered for the proclamation of a congregational prayer , then he came out and asked the shepherd to inform the people (about his story) and he informed them. Then Allah’s Messenger said: “He (the shepherd) has spoken the truth . By Him (Allah) in Whose Hands my soul is, the Day of Resurrection will not be established till beasts of prey speak to the human beings, and the stick lash and the shoe-laces of a person speaks to him and his thigh informs him about his family as to what happened to them after him.
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 3, Page 83. Musnad Abi Saeed Al-Khudri)

12. The Mi’raj: The Ascent of the Prophet to the heavens. (See Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadith No. 345 and Vol.5, Hadith No. 227).

 (Source: www.ummah.com)

Belief in Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Believing in Prophet Muhammad’s Prophethood

Saying Muhammad Rasool Allah is the second part of the testification

• Believing that he is Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abdul Muttalib al-Qurashee, who was born in Makkah and passed away in Madeenah
  • The name Muhammad was not a common name at the time
  • Now it is one of the most common names in the world
  • Means one who is grateful, thankful and praised by the people of the world
  • His names are descriptions: Jabayr ibn Mut’im said, “I heard Allah’s Messenger (SAW) saying, ‘I have various names: I am Muhammad, and I am Ahmad, and I am Al-Mahi with whom Allah obliterates disbelief, and I am al-Hashir at whose feet people will be gathered, and I am Al-‘Aqib, and Al-‘Aqib is the one whom there is no prophet after him.” [Al-Bukharee, Muslim]
• He (SAW) was sent to ALL humankind and Jinn.
  • And We have not sent you (O Muhammad (SAW)) except as a giver of glad tidings and a Warner to all mankind, but most of men know not. [34:28]
  • [Surah 7, Verse 158]
• We believe in the truth of everything he informed us, fulfill his Sunnah by following what he commanded, and leaving that which he forbade.
  • And when the believers saw Al-Ahzab (the Confederates), they said: “This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad) had spoken the truth.” And it only added to their faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah). [33:22]
  • Say (O Muhammad): “Obey Allah and the Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)).” But if they turn away, then Allah does not like the disbelievers.” [3:32]
  • More than 30 times in the Qur’an it says we must obey the Prophet
• We love the Prophet (SAW)
  • Say: “If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, yoru wives, your kindred, the wealth you have gained, the commerece in which you fear a decline, and the dwelligs in which you delight…are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment).” And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqoon (the rebellious, disobedient to Allah). [9:24]
    • Anas reported, “None of you believes until I am more beloved to him than his parents, children and all people.” [Al-Bukharee, Muslim]
• We honor, respect him and support him and his Sunnah.
  • In order that you (O Mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger (SAW), and that you assist and honor him, and (that you) glorify (Allah’s) praise morning and afternoon. [48:9]
  • Abu Bakr said if I die and do not leave anything from the Sunnah of the Prophet, I fear my faith will not be correct.
  • When the Prophet commanded them Sahaba to do something, they did it.
  • Anas bin Malik said his father was drinking Alcohol and right before his cup was at his lips, he put it down immediately after hearing it
  • We deal with the statements of the Prophet as if they are ordinary statements.  We should show respect to what he said by following what he said.
  • Ibn Sa’d reported that the people used to teach the history of the Prophet as they used to teach the Qur’an
  • In 82 Hijri, the first book ever written was the life of the Prophet
• We take him as our role mode.
  • Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad (SAW)) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much. [33:21]
• He is the seal of the Prophets.
  • Muhammad (SAW) is not the father of any man amongst you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets.  And Allah is Ever All-Aware of everything. [33:40]
  • There are no Prophets after Muhammad (SAW)
  • Isa will follow the Shari’ah of Muhammad (SAW) when he comes.
  • Isa will not accept Jiziyyah
• We study his life and affairs (Seerah).
• We love his family and companions.

Nullifies of Belief in Prophet

1. Believing that he has lied or that something which he said is not true.
   1. And if they belie you (O Muhammad (SAW)), so were Messengers belied before you.  And to Allah return all matters (for decision). [35:4]
      1. If someone does not believe in one Hadith, question:
         1. If they say it is fabricated, nothing wrong
         2. If they say they know for sure Muhammad (SAW) said that, and they still reject it, they are Kafir
2. Turning from his guidance and changing his religion.
   1. They (hypocrites) say: “We have believed in Allah and in the Messenger (Muhamamd (SAW)), and we obey,” then a party of them turn away thereafter, such are not believers. [24:47]
3. Doubting in him or his religion
   1. Only those are the believers who have believed in Allah and His Messenger (SAW), and afterward doubt not but strive with their wealth and their lives for the Cause of Allah.  Those!  They are the truthful. [49:15]
4. Hating him or what he brought.
   1. Whether you (O Muhammad (SAW)) ask forgiveness for them (hypocrites) or ask not forgiveness for them… (and even) if you ask seventy times for forgiveness…Allah will not forgive them, because they have disbelieved in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)).  And Allah guides not those people who are Fasiqoon (rebellious, disobedient to Allah) Those who stayed away (from Tabuk expedition) rejoiced in their staying behind the Messenger of Allah; they hated to strive and fight with their properties and their lives in the Cause of Allah, and they said March not forth in the light.” Say: “The Fire of Hell is more intnse in heat”, if only they could understand! [9:80-81]
5. Criticizing him and mocking him or his Sunnah.
   1. Verily, those who annoy Allah and His Messenger (SAW), Allah has cursed them in this world, and in the Hereafter, and has prepared for them a humiliating torment. [33:57]
6. Loving his enemies
   1. You (O Muhammad (SAW)) will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day, making friendship with those who oppose Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (SAW))… [58:22]
7. Enmity towards him and fighting against his Sunnah
   1. That is because they opposed Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (SAW)).  And whosoever opposes Allah, then verily, Allah is Sever in punishment. [59:4]

Evidence for Prophet Muhammad’s Prophethood

• The Eternal Miracle: The Qur’an
  • The Prophet (SAW) said, “Every Prophet was given miracles, and these miracles led people to believe in him.  And what I was given was a relevation which was revealed to him from Allah, so I hope to be the one with the most followers on the Day of Resurrection.” [Al-Bukharee]
• The Prophet’s message is similar to the message of the Prophets before him.
  • He (Allah) has ordained for you the same religion (Islam) which He ordained for Nooh, and that which We have inspired in you (O Muhammad (SAW)), and that which We ordained for Ibraheem, Moosa and Eesa saying you should establish religion (i.e. to do what it orders you to do practically), and make no division in it (religion) (i.e. various sects in religion)… [42:13]
  • All of the Prophets brought the same message
  • The ultimate goal is the same between them all: command the good and forbid the evil.
  • Muhammad (SAW)’s law is not different than the others, so why not obey and follow the laws?
  • Islam will add to your life, which is a good Dawah technique
  • Heraclius asked who the Prophet’s followers were, rich or poor?  They were poor.  When he heard the poor and weak are following him, he knew that he was not trying to gain position.
• His Sharee’ah
  • Say (to them O Muhammad (SAW)): “I exhort you on one (thing) only: that you stand up for Allah’s sake in pairs and singly, and reflect (within yourself the life history of the Prophet): there is no madness in your companion (Muhammad (SAW)), he is only a Warner to you in face of a severe torment.” [34:46]
  • He did not compromise.  He stood upon Islam until the very end, because his goal was not to gain power, but to spread Islam and save souls
  • He taught how to treat women in a respectful ways
  • Surah Takweer says from the beginning if little girls should be buried alive
  • At that time in France, they were debating if women were the devil or humans: they debating they are devils in human bodies
• Knowledge on some matters of the Unseen despite being illiterate
• Prophecies of his coming in previous scriptures.
  • No one after Muhammad (SAW) was able to claim to be a Prophet as Allah exposed those who did.
• His characteristics and manner of living
  • He used to live in very little poor conditions.
• His miracles
  • A dead tree cried when a mimbar (podium) was built for the Prophet (SAW), because he used to stand on it.  The Prophet (SAW) had to go and hug it so it would stop crying. He said if I did not hug this tree, it would keep crying until the Day of Judgment.  Allah brought life to a dead tree to show how much it loved the Prophet (SAW).

Note:  I did not type these notes up, rather a really good brother I know did.  He truly is an awesome guy.  May Allah (SWT) bless him.

Love from the Life of Rasoolullah (SAW)

We, as Muslims, can learn about love from the examples set forth by Rasoolullah (SAW) in how he acted with his wives.  With this post I hope to share some examples of love from the life of our beloved Prophet (SAW).  Women were something beloved to Rasoolullah (SAW) as he said, “Made beloved to me from your world are women and perfume, and the coolness to my eyes is in prayer” (narrated in Ahmad and An-Nisai).  Rasoolullah (SAW) also stated in a hadith found in Sahih Muslim that the most precious object in this world is the pious woman.

Rasoolullah (SAW) always had a playful attitude with his wives.  For example, he (SAW) would call them by nicknames (i.e. he would call Aisha, Aaish).  Furthermore, Rasoolullah (SAW) would even race them sometimes for fun.  Originally Aisha (ra) beat Rasoolullah (SAW) in a foot-race.  Later, after she had gained some weight, Rasoolullah (SAW) would beat her and tease her about it.  When Saoda and Aisha once got into a food-fight, Rasoolullah (SAW) enjoyed the show and laughed about it.  Moreover, when Rasoolullah (SAW) and Aisha would bathe together, they would tease each other about who would be hogging all the water.

Rasoolullah (SAW) would sometimes extend his stay at Zainab’s house because she would give him honey as Rasoolullah (SAW) loved honey.  Aisha and several other wives teamed up to play a practical joke on Rasoolullah (SAW).  When Rasoolullah (SAW) came back from Zainab’s house after eating honey one day, his wives commented on the bad smell coming from his mouth.  Upon this, Rasoolullah (SAW) forbade himself from eating honey anymore.  This led to the revelation: “O Prophet! Why do you ban (for yourself) that which Allâh has made lawful to you, seeking to please your wives? And Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. Allâh has already ordained for you (O men), the dissolution of your oaths. And Allâh is your Maula (Lord, or Master, or Protector, etc.) and He is the All-Knower, the All-Wise. And (remember) when the Prophet (Peace be upon him) disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his wives (Hafsah), so when she told it (to another i.e. ‘Aishah), and Allâh made it known to him, he informed part thereof and left a part. Then when he told her (Hafsah) thereof, she said: “Who told you this?” He said: “The All-Knower, the All-Aware (Allâh) has told me”. If you two (wives of the Prophet, namely ‘Aishah and Hafsah) turn in repentance to Allâh, (it will be better for you), your hearts are indeed so inclined (to oppose what the Prophet likes), but if you help one another against him (Muhammad), then verily, Allâh is his Maula (Lord, or Master, or Protector, etc.), and Jibrael (Gabriel), and the righteous among the believers, and furthermore, the angels are his helpers” (Translation of the Meaning of the Holy Quran, 66:1-4).  This incident led Rasoolullah (SAW) to becoming angry with his wives where he decided to abstain from them for a month.  He (SAW) returned to Aisha 29 days later and instead of being pleased upon his return, she asked him why he had returned a day early.

Rasoolullah (SAW) would always make time for his wives.  While Rasoolullah (SAW) was in itikhaf in the masjid, Safiyyah came to visit him (SAW).  Instead of turning her away, Rasoolullah (SAW) listened to her talk until she was content and left.  Once while traveling, Aisha and Safiyyah traded places to play a practical joke on Rasoolullah (SAW).  Not realizing they had changed places, Rasoolullah (SAW) went to talk with who he thought was Aisha.  Instead, Rasoolullah (SAW) ended up spending the night with Safiyyah, which irked Aisha.

In addition to being a good listener, Rasoolullah (SAW) was also very patient and tolerant with his wives.  Aisha (ra) narrated that Rasoolullah (SAW) never abused a domestic worker physically or emotionally and neither did he (SAW) beat any of his wives (narrated in Muslim).  Furthermore, Aisha narrates that Rasoolullah (SAW) would only enjoy his meals when she would sit next to him.  They would drink from one cup and he (SAW) would watch where Aisha would place her lips on the cup so that he (SAW) could place his lips on the exact same position on the cup.  He would eat from a bone after she would eat from it as he would place his mouth where she had eaten.  Rasoolullah (SAW) would also place morsels of food into her mouth and she would do the same for him (narrated in Muslim).

Within his household, Rasoolullah (SAW) showed amazing passion and mercy.  Whenever his daughter, Fatima (ra), would visit the Prophet (SAW), he would take her hand and kiss it.  He (SAW) would have Fatima sit next to him and she would do the same whenever he (SAW) would visit her (narrated in Tirmidhi).  A bedouin once told Rasoolullah (SAW) that he had never kissed his children.  Rasoolullah (SAW) told him to show mercy to them by saying, “Has Allah withdrawn mercy out of your hearts?” (narrated in Bukhari and Muslim).  While carrying his grandchild, Hasan, Rasoolullah (SAW) said, “O Allah, I love him so love him” (narrated in Bukhari and Muslim).  Rasoolullah (SAW) would even carry his granddaughter, Umama, while in prayer (Bukhari).

The death of Rasoolullah (SAW) was very moving.  While on his death-bed with a high fever, Aisha (ra) would recite Quran to Rasoolullah (SAW).  He (SAW) laid in her lap with his head on her chest knowing it was the end.  Aisha’s brother, Abdur-Rahman (ra), walked into the room with his miswak.  Rasoolullah (SAW) saw the miswak and Aisha noticed this.  She asked him if he wanted it and he nodded.  She took Abdur-Rahman’s miswak and with her teeth she moistened its bristles and gave it to him.  Rasoolullah (SAW) then mumbled that he wanted to go to “the Higher Companion.”  He (SAW) went back to Allah (SWT) as his raised his finger and left this world.  Let us all benefit from his beautiful examples in this life.  He (SAW) surely was the best example and a mercy to mankind.