Muhammad (SA) The Messenger of
Allah

Born in Makka on 17th Rabiul Awwal about 53 years before Hijra. The year of his
birth was called “Amul Feel” due to the invasion of the Ka’aba by Abraha
the viceroy of the Abysinian King. Since the forces of Abraha arrived on elephants which
is “Feel” in arabic, the arabs called this the year of the elephant. According
to the Christian Calendar it was 571 AD. The Roman Empire was in decline, the Capital was
transferred from Rome to Constantinople and the whole of Europe was divided into little
kingdoms fighting among each other. On the Eastern side The Sasanid Empire of the Persians
was also in decline. This was the world scene when a boy was born to the most renowned
family of the Qoraish, the Banu Hashim. His father was Abdullah son of Abdul Muttalib and
his mother was Amena daughter of Wahb. As a baby he was sent to the nearby Baduin Tribe
where a lady called Halima nursed him.

Muhammad (SA) was born an orphan as his father Abdullah died a few months before his
birth. His grand father Abdul Muttalib looked after the boy. Abdul Muttalib died when
Muhammad (SA) was only 8 years old and then his uncle Abu Talib the father of Ali, took
over the upbringing of his nephew. His first journey outside Arabia was to thenorthern
parts of Syria with the trading caravan of his uncle Abu Talib. During one such journey an
old christian monk called Bohaira met the trading caravan and saw young Muhammad (SA) who
was about 14 years old at that time. The old monk told Abu Talib to lafter the boy well,
“for very soon his enemies will try to hurt him”. The monk also told Abu Talib
that he saw unusual signs in the boy who will grow up into someone very important.
Muhammad (SA) remained with his uncle’s family until the age of 25. It was due to his
honesty and straight forward manner that he was successful in trading and became known to
many traders in Makka .

One of the leading trading families in those days was the family of Khadija
a widow who was looking for an honest young man to look after her business affairs.
Muhammad (SA) took Khadija's caravan party to Syria and various other places and was a
great success. Khadija was impressed and asked him for marriage. Although being much older
then Muhammad (SA), (she was 40 years old), the marriage was agreed upon by both families
and Muhammad’s uncle Abu Talib read the Khutba of marriage and performed the marriage
ceremony according to the Ibrahimic traditions. The words of the Khutba as described in
Sirat-e-Rasullallah by Ibne Hisham were:

“Praises be for Allah who was the God of Ibrahim who worshipped one God and a
muslim. I am the descendent of Ibrahim and have remained on the same religion of One God.
May Allah keep this purity among the descendents of Ibrahim for ever”. After this
Khutba Abu Talib completed the marriage ceremony between Muhammad (SA) and Khadija.
Muhammad (SA) moved to her house and the partnership from trading to partnership in life
began in earnest. A baby daughter was born to Khadija within a few years after the
marriage. She was named Fatima (SA). Khadija had two daughters from her earlier marriage
which ended in widowhood. So the three daughters, two from Khadija’s earlier
marriages and one from Muhammad (SA) grew up together in the same house. History mentions
another boy growing up in Muhammad’s house. He was Ali (AS), Abu Talib’s son.
Ali (AS) was born in the year 30 Amulfeel when Muhammad was 30 years old. Fatima’s
birth was recorded some five year’s later. So the difference of ages between Fatima
and Ali was about 5 years. Ali was treated by Muhammad (SA) like a son and Muhammad (SA)
took him every where he went. Ibne Hisham in his Sirat mentions that Muhammad (SA) began
to meditate more and more. He would leave the town of Makka to the nearby hill called
Jabal el Noor. There was a cave at the top of the hill and Muhammad (SA) would climb the
mountain and sit in the cave to meditate. Sometimes he would stay there for days. Many
times Ali accompanied him.

One such story tells us that on one occasion Muhammad (SA) did not return for 3 or 4
days and Abu Talib was concerned. His son Ali was also with him. They had taken some food
with them. So the searching party from Makka went to the mountain looking for the two.
When they reached the top and entered the cave they found Muhammad (SA) and Ali (AS)
meditating together, safe and sound. Abu Talib asked Muhammad what did he do there.
Muhammad told his uncle that he and Ali were engaged in meditating about the creator of
the universe, the God of Ibrahim and Ismael

This meditation continued until one day a voice was heard inside the cave. It said,
“Read”. Muhammad (SA) replied what shall I read. The voice said, “Read in
the name of thy Lord”. He was Angel Gabril who told Muhammad (SA) that he was
ordained by Allah to be the Messenger of Allah and to preach this “Deen” to the
people.

This was the first revelation that came over Muhammad (SA) when he was told to begin
his preaching of the Qur’an to Makkans. Muhammad (SA) came home and told Khadija
about this who immediately accepted him as the Messenger of God. She also said that her
uncle Warqa had told her that Muhammad (SA) had the signs of a great Messenger. When the
news of this first revelation of Verse from the Qur’an had reached Warqa through
Khadija he told her, “Didn’t I tell you that this husband of yours was the
Messenger of God”. Ali (AS) was living with Muhammad (SA) and had also accompanied
him to the Mountain of Hira, and had also experienced the revelation with Muhammad (SA).
He had no doubts who Muhammad (SA) was and was the first to acknowledge him as the
Messenger of Allah. Khadija among the women, their daughter Fatima (SA) and the two
daughters from Khadija’s earlier marriage. All acknowledged Muhammad (SA) as the
Messenger of Allah. Muhammad (SA) used to enter the Ka’aba and pray there with
Khadija and Ali (SA). The story was mentioned by Ibne Hisham in his Sirat as follows: 'One
day these three were praying while Abbas Ibne Abdul Muttalib, Muhammad’s uncle was
sitting on the nearby hill and watching. A trader from Yemen was sitting with Abbas. He
asked Abbas who were these three people praying in a strange man.

The woman was Muhammad’s wife Khadija and the boy was Abu Talib’s son Ali.
“they follow some strange ‘deen’ which we are not familiar with yet,”
was Abbas’s reply.

Muhammad (SA) said that “Lailaha Illallah” means that there is no god, only
Allah that Muhammad (SA) is His messenger, and that all men are born equal. He taught
against idolatry, and against social injustices of the time. In the beginning this
preaching of One God went on secretly. Zaid and Abubakr were the other two who accepted
Islam. The slave community of Makka began to accept this because they liked the tone of
equality of all human beings. But once they accepted the faith they became steadfast never
to go back to their adulatory even after suffering torture by their masters.

Muhammad (SA) preached Islam secretly for 3 years but only a few people were converted
to Islam. At the end of the 3rd year Allah told Muhammad to “invite your own family
and clan and announce to them that you are preaching Islam.” Muhammad (SA) asked Ali
to prepare some food. Some bread, meat and milk was brought in. Over 40 heads of the
Tribes of Qoraish were invited. They came, ate food then before Muhammad (SA) was able to
say anything they all dispersed. So the next day Muhammad (SA) Invited them again and
immediately after food Muhammad (SA) announced, “I am the Messenger of Allah and my
message is of peace and surrender to One God, any one who helps me in this work will be my
Deputy and will be my successor after me.” Ali who was only 13 years old stood up and
told Muhammad (SA) he will help him in his work. Muhammad (SA) asked Ali to sit down and
repeated the same announcement three times and all three times Ali stood alone. In the end
Muhammad (SA) announced that Ali will be his deputy and successor after him. One head of
the tribesmen laughed at this and one even told Abu Talib, father of Ali that “now
you should obey your son.” Now that this religion came out in the open the Qoraish of
Makka became openly hostile. In the beginning they thought that the whole thing was a
joke, but gradually when it became serious, they were angry and became openly hostile. For
the people of Makka and towns like Taif, this was a very strange religion. They disliked
it so much that first they persecuted the muslims, then organised a boycott of Muhammad
and his whole family of Banu Hashim. They banished him from Makka and the whole family
lived in the Hills and mountains around Makka. The place became known as Sho’be Abu
Talib, As Abu Talib as Head of the Clan of Banu Hashim protected the family while they
were in exile. For three years the family suffered hunger and great poverty. The Leaders
of Quraish had written down on a peace of goat skin that Banu Hashim shall never return to
the city until Muhammad (SA) denounces his single god religion. At the end of three years
Muhammad told his uncle Abu Talib to go to Makka and tell the Makkans that the peace of
skin on which the agreement was written was no more. As it was sealed and was kept inside
the Kaaba and no one was allowed to enter the place, they were surprised. The leaders said
that if Muhammad (SA) was right and the agrwas no more, then they will lift the siege of
Banu Hashim and let them return to the city. The Kaaba was opened, the sealed box was
opened and the peace of parchment on which the agreement was written was found to be
consumed by insects. When they saw this they agreed to liftthe siege and allowed the
family of Banu Hashim to return to the City. Little had they realised that the news of
this miraculous knowledge of Muhammad (SA) about the disappearance of the parchment, had a
great effect on the people of Makka and they began to accept Islam. After this event many
more Makkans were accepting Islam readily, especially the poor class of Makka who accepted
Islam in earnest. But with this conversion, the feudal lords of Makka had increased their
hostility towards new converts, punishing them and torturing them so much so that in the
end Muhammad (SA) told them to migrate to another land. Habasha (Abysiniya) was the
nearest country across the seas where they could hope to be safe. So the first migration
began and about 83 new muslims under the leadership of Ali’s elder brother Jaafer
Ibne Abi Talib, migrated to Habasha. Until that time Jaafer was the main writer of the
revelation (Wahii) with 2 other companions named Abdullah Ibne Masood and Obai Ibne
Ka’aba. Mas’ab Ibne Omair was also an early convert to Islam and a writer of the
Revelation. He was sent to Yathrib to teach Qur’an to the people early there who had
shown a great interest in this new creed.

Ali Ibne Talib, after his elder brother Jaafer’s departure to Habasha became the
head among the writers of the Revelation. Ali continued with the writing of the Revelation
up to the last Verse of the Holy Qur’an. This was revealed after the Khutba of the
Holy Prophet at Ghadeere Khum on 18th of Zilhijja 10th Hijri. This Verse is in Sura 5
(Maeda) V.3 which says that “This day I have perfected your Deen for you, and I have
completed my blessings on you, and I have approved Islam for your Deen.” Seventy days
after the event, the Holy Prophet passed away.

Islam was spreading rapidly, Muhammad’s uncle Hamza entered the fold of Islam
which gave great strength to the new creed. It was at this time that Omar Ibne Khattab
also came to accept Islam.

After Muhammads (SA) return from the Shu’be Abi Talib to the normal city life of
Makka, Islam had start to spread rapidly under the protection of Muhammad’s uncle Abu
Talib. But Allah had other plans. Abu Talib and Khadija both died within one year which
was a sad blow to the family. The Hostility of the Qoraish had taken a dangerous trend
especially after the death of Abu Talib. Abu Lahab and Abu Sofyan who were the leaders of
the hostile group against Islam made plans to end Muhammad’s life. They thought of a
scheme where if one person from each tribe of Qoraish surrounded Muhammad’s house,
entered the house in the morning and killed him then the blame would be on all tribes and
Banu Hashim would not be able to take revenge. Allah told the Prophet of this scheme and
instructed him to leave the city of Makka and migrate to Yathrib. Muhammad asked Ali to
sleep in his bed to deceive the enemy. Ali asked “ will this save your life,”
Muhammad (SA) said yes, it will save my life. Ali replied “then I have no hesitation
in sleeping in your bed disguised as you.” While Ali slept in Muhammad’s bed,
Muhammad (SA) himself left the house undetected by the enemy who had surrounded his house
with open swords. Abubakr was with the Prophet, when they left Makka from the southern
exit and hid in a cave a few miles away. While they were inside the cave a spider weaved a
web on the entrance to the cave to give an impression that no one had entered the cave.
Meanwhile in Makka the enemy with open swords entered Muhammad’s house in order to
kill him, but found Ali sleeping soundly. They asked Ali, where was Muhammad to which Ali
replied, “have you entrusted him to me?” The enemy left disappointed, but
realised that Muhammad (SA) must have gone to Yathrib. They tried to follow the tracks
with the help of professional trackers and reached the cave of Thaur where these two were
sitting inside. But the spider’s web deceived them and they all came back
disappointed.

Muhammad (SA) reached Yathrib, the town some 400 kilometres north of Makka and the
converts there named the city as ‘the city of the Prophet’ (Madinatun Nabi).
Ever since then the town has been known as Madina. The date of this migration was 26th
July 623 AD and under the new Islamic Calendar, the first year of the Hijra. Ali stayed in
Makka to give back to the owners all the valuables which the people of Makka had deposited
with Muhammad for safe keeping. After three days when this important task was completed
Ali (AS) set out for Madina and arrived there a week later. Muhammad (SA) waited for him
at the outskirts of the town and entered the town with the whole family.

The People of Madina helped Muhammad (SA) settle in this new place. Their help was
appreciated so much so that they were called Ansars, the Helpers, while those who came
from Makka were called Muhajiroon, the migrants. On orders from Allah, Muhammad (SA)
brought Muhajirs and Ansars together by making each Ansar a brother to a Muhajir. This way
they shared each others property like brothers. Muhammad (SA) took Ali (AS) as his brother
in faith, although Ali was his cousin in relation to blood. (Sirat Ibne Hisham).

Muhammad’s daughter Fatima was about l 9 years old and there were many suitors,
but whenever somebody asked Muhammad (SA) for Fatima’s hand in marriage he kept
quiet. One day Ali (AS) came to the mosque and asked for Fatima’s hand in marriage.
Muhammad replied "Yes, this has been ordained by Allah." He asked , "What
property do you have," to which Ali replied, "not much." He had a sword, a
horse and a protective shield. Muhammad said "sell the shield, because you will need
the horse and the sword for the protection of Islam." Ali sold his shield for 200
Dirhams, brought the money to Muhammad (SA) who added another 200 Dirhams over it and
asked his companions to buy household goods to set up home for the newly weds. He then
read the Khutba and finalised the marriage of Ali (AS) and Fatima. This was in the First
year of the Hijra. This was a simple Islamic marriage which should be copied by all
muslims instead of spending lavish amounts of money and huge dowries to cripple the
parents economically for ever.

As Islam was the religion of peace and surrender to the Will of God, aggression had
been forbidden. In spite of various attacks on the newly converted muslim community in
Madina, Muhammad (SA) had forbidden all retaliation. News came from Makka that all those
who left Makka had lost their property. The Makkans had taken all they had left behind.
Muhammad’s uncle Hamza asked Muhammad (SA) to fight with the Kuffars of Makka but he
did not agree. In the end when news came that the Makkans were marching towards Madina to
fight Muhammad (SA) and his newly converted muslim community, the Verses came down on
Muhammad (SA) to stand up and defend your “Deen”, but do not exceed the limits.
In other words you can only defend, aggression was totally forbidden. (Sura Baqra,Verses
173-174)

In the 2nd year of Hijra, 624 AD, 'The Battle of Badr' took place. The
Makkans marched towards Madina with 1000 soldiers. Muhammad (SA) with his army of 313 men
cam out of Madina. Badr is situated some 10 miles south of Madina and 240 miles north of
Makka. The Makkans travelled all the way to Madina to defeat Islam. The Muslims had no
choice but to defend Islam. Hamza, Ali Obaida came out of the Muslim side in single combat
with the chiefs of Makka who were all slain. The battle ensued and at the end of the day
the Makkans were defeated with 70 dead, while very few muslims were killed. Those Makkans
who were taken captive were told that if they could teach muslims to read and write, they
would live freely in the city and be provided with food and shelter. This was a clear
direction that gaining knowledge was the first priority in Islam.

In the 3rd year of Hijra, ‘The Battle of Ohud’ took place. The
Makkans did not like their defeat in Badr and began their preparations in earnest. They
came with 3000 men to fight Islam. Muhammad (SA) heard the news and came out of Madina
with 700 men. Muhammad(SA) arranged his small army in such a way that the mountain was
behind them. Some 30 archers from the Iarmy were strategically placed in an opening in the
mountain to protect the muslims from any attack from behind. Initially the Makkans were no
match for the valour of the muslim soldiers and they began to run away. Newly converted
Muslim soldiers prematurely thought they had won the war, so they began to take possession
of the booty of war. When the 30 archers saw this, they left their strategic mountain pass
to join the others. Khalid Ibne Walid saw this opening and cleverly attacked from behind
on the person of the Prophet himself. It was Ali (AS) and a few other true companions of
the Prophet that saved the day and saved the life of the Prophet. The Prophet was himself
injured by a stone. Khalid Ibne Walid shouted ‘Muhammad is killed’, upon which
hearing this, many companions began to run away in panic. The wounded Prophet was left in
the battlefield with only Ali, Hamza, Abu Dajjana and Zakwan to defend him. These brave
warriors fought fiercely and during this encounter Hamza was killed by a spear wound
inflicted by the Slave of Abu Sofian’s wife Hind. Zakwan and Abu Dajjana lay wounded
and Ali was left alone to defend the Holy Prophet. Ali had received 16 wounds during this
battle. He picked up the Holy Prophet while he was surrounded by the enemy and with Khalid
shouting to finish the Prophet off for good. Ali fought against them, killing two of them,
which led the others to run away. Ali (AS) boldly lifted the Holy Prophet and carried him
to the mountain and safety. Ali kept shouting “ the Holy Prophet is alive” so
that the muslims who ran away might come back. Those muslims who had not run far returned
and saw the wounded Prophet and his daughter Fatima (SA) attending to his wounds. They
took heart and began to fight the enemy under the command of Ali (AS) and drove them away.

The victory was gained. The Prophet returned to Madina and declared three days of
mourning for his uncle Hamza. The Holy Prophet said afterwards that Ali’s bravery was
applauded by Angel Gabril who said that there is no braver youth than Ali and no better
sword than Zilfiqar.(Details of this battle can be read in the History of Tabari, Waqidi
and Abul Fida).

The Battle of Khandaq: 4th year of Hijra, 626 AD: At the end of the battle
of Ohud when Abu Sofian was unable to hurt the Holy Prophet, he returned to Makka after
promising that he will come back next year and will take revenge for the defeats of Badr
and Ohud. This time it was not only the non believers of Makka who were with him. He had
also taken the help of the Jews of Madina to defeat Islam for ever. The Jewish tribes of
Madina promised to help in two ways, one to send soldiers to fight in the battlefield and
two to create fear among the women and children who were left in the town unprotected. The
Prophet’s companion Salman Farsi suggested that the muslims must dig a moat on the
unprotected side of the town. The muslims took this advice and the moat was ready within 3
days in which the Prophet himself took part. When the enemy forces arrived at the scene
they were unable to enter the city due to the newly dug moat and they stayed on the
outerside. But one of their most famous soldier's named Amr Ibne Abde Wud jumped the moat
with his horse and challenged the muslims to fight with him. When The Prophet asked his
bravest to go and fight Amr none of them was eager to come out. Omar Ibne Khattab even
suggested that this man was so brave that he fought one thousand men alone and defeated
them. Ali was eager as ever to fight this man and he came out with the blessings of the
Holy Prophet who said, ‘Today the whole faith has come out to fight the whole
infidelity. ”Ali was able to kill the enemy soon and when the Prophet saw Ali
victorious he uttered the words “ Verily one blow of Ali’s sword on the day of
Khadaq is superior to the worship of all beings until the Day of Judgement.”

Amr was killed, but the battle was not over. Armies of non believers were on the other
side of the ditch while the muslims were inside the city almost besieged without any
provisions. After a while with the prayers of the Holy Prophet a storm blew up that
frightened the army of the non believers and they ran away never to come back again.

After the battles of Badr, Ohud and Khandaq the infidels of Makka avoided any
further military ventures. The Prophet decided to perform Umra in the 6th year of Hijra
(628 AD)As the muslims approached Makka, the infidels of Makka did not like this and
stopped the muslims entering Makka. Seeing them bent on aggression, the apostle of God
agreed to a treaty with the Makkans. It was wisely drafted by Imam Ali (AS), the terms
outwardly looked humiliating to muslims that if a muslim was taken captive by the infidels
he will not be returned but if an infidel comes to the hands of the muslims he will be
released immediately. When the Holy Prophet signed the treaty, Umar Ibne Khattab disliked
it so much that he uttered the words,” I have never doubted about the Prophethood of
Muhammad (SA) this much as I did today.” He questioned the Prophet about this
humiliating agreement to which the Prophet replied, "I am the Messenger of Allah and
all my acts are on the orders from Allah." But it is evident that this deviation from
the path of the Prophet was later to become an acceptable norm rather then an off the cuff
event. Later you will see how this misconceived habit of contradicting the infallible
Prophet of Islam created divisions within the religion itself. Those who followed Ali as
the follower of the Sunna of the Prophet became the partisan of Ali, others followed Omar
ibn Khattab.

(see Saheeh Bukhari, Kitab-alKholafa)

The Jews of Madina ever since their treachery during the battle of Khandaq,
were always on the look out for some mischief to hurt Islam. This mischief mongering
increased so much so that they were banished from the city to live outside Madina. They
had extensive lands and had built strong fortresses where most of the jewish community
lived. The fort of Khyber was a strong fort built of stone with an iron gate. It was the
strong hold of the jews who invaded muslim lands and villages around the area. They killed
muslims and looted their property. Warnings were given to the Jews of Khyber to stop their
mischievous deeds but they did not bother even to acknowledge their misdeeds. The Holy
Prophet proceeded to stop this problem for the muslims. Muslim forces encamped outside
this fort. It was in the month of Muharram in the 7th year of Hijra. On the First day
Abubakr led the muslim forces to fight the jews. The Jews came out of the fort. A furious
battle was fought, muslims could not break the jews onslaught and retreated back to their
camp. The Next day Omar Ibne Khattab took the flag and tried to defeat the jewish forces
without success. That night the Prophet announced,” Tomorrow I will give the flag of
Islam to a man who is brave and does not run away from the battlefield, he loves Allah and
the Prophet of Allah and Allah and His Prophet love him.” The Next day, after morning
prayers the Prophet called for Ali (AS) and gave the Flag in his hands. Ali (AS) holding
the flag in his hand went towards the fort. Noticing that only one man was coming towards
the fort the jews did not come out in the open field. Reaching the gates of the fort Ali
fixed the pole on a hard stone slab. Noticing the fixing of the flag on a hard stone, a
jew who was a learned scholar, asked from the top of the wall, " who are you?
”Ali replied, “I am Ali son of Abu Talib.” Hearing the name the learned
scholar turned towards his people and told them, “I have read in the sacred bothat a
man of this name will defeat you." In accordance with the convention of the Arabs,
Ali announced his challenge and demanded the bravest of them to come out and fight him in
single combat. Merhub, one of the brave and skilled warriors came out and was killed by
Ali (AS) in one blow.

His brother Anter came out and he was also killed in a single blow of Ali’s
SwZulfiqar. Once these brothers were killed Ali went towards the iron gates and brought
them down. Once the gates were open muslims entered the fort and soon the jews were
defeated. This was a great victory for muslims, for the jews were a mischievous lot and
had been giving a lot of trouble to muslims of Madina and those living around. Most of the
jewish land came into the muslims hands. It was at this time that a Palm orchard called
Fadak also came into the muslim hands. The Prophet of Islam took this orchard for himself
and later gave it to his daughter Fatimah.

On the 10th of Ramazan 8th year of Hijra the Holy Prophet left Madina for
Makka with a large number of his companions. On arrival at Makka the Prophet met no
resistance. The people of Makka were so overawed that they did not come out, and most of
them for fear of their lives hid themselves in their houses. Prophet’s uncle Abbas
Ibne Abdul Muttalib took Abu Sofian to the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet asked him,
“ Has the time not come for you to verify the truth of accepting Allah and my
Prophethood.” Abu Sofian replied, "for that my heart still wavers." Abbas
hearing this reply said loudly, "woe to you, be quick in accepting Islam or you might
be killed.” Thereupon Abu Sofian verified that Muhammad was the Prophet of Allah and
recited the Kalema. His son Moawiya also came in the fold of Islam at this time together
with other children of Abu Sofian. The Holy Prophet then declared that any one who enters
Abu Sofian’s house would be safe. Holy Prophet then entered the Ka’aba and began
to demolish all the 364 idols perched inside the Holy shrine. The biggest one was Hubul
and to destroy that idol The Prophet asked Ali to climb over his shoulders and bring the
idol down to the ground. This way the Ka’aba was cleared of the idols and was
purified in the same manner as Holy Prophet’s ancestor Hazrat Ibrahim did in the
beginning when he built the Shrine for the service of one God and none else.

After the bloodless victory of Makka, the battle of Hunain took place in which Ali (AS)
was the main champion who had defeated the non believers and most of the tribes around
Makka accepted Islam. The battle of Tabuk took place in the same year when Prophet went to
the North of Madina. In this battle he did not take Ali (AS) with him. Instead he
appointed Ali as the leader in Madina while the Prophet was away. Some mischievous persons
told Ali (AS) that he was left with women and children rather then fighting with the
Prophet. When Ali (AS) enquired this from the Prophet he replied,” would you not
prefer the state of affair as it was between Moses and his brother Aron, except that there
will not be a Nabi after me. What the Holy Prophet meant that by leaving Ali inside the
city of Madina as his deputy, The Prophet was setting the example of Moses when he left
Aron in his place and left for Mount Sinai. This Hadith is called Hadith-e-Manzelat which
clearly declares that Ali was to become Prophet’s successor after him.(see Saheehe
Bukhari Kitab el Ahlulbayt, Also Soyuti Kitab al Khulafa)

The 9th year of Hijra was of great importance because of the treaty with the
Christians of Najran, This treaty is regarded of vital importance because it was the
result neither of war nor of any discussion but ended in Mubahela between the Holy Prophet
and the Christians of Najran.(This means cursing each other).

The Christians of Najran were unhappy because of the rapid spread of Islam in the land
of Arabs. They wished to discuss this matter with the Prophet and arrived in Madina. Few
learned scholars were selected by the Christians who had a continuous dialogue with the
Prophet for three days. It started on Saturday, when Sunday arrived and they asked to
leave to go outside the city to pray the Prophet told them to stay and pray inside the
Mosque of the Prophet which they did to their surprise. Prophet of Islam was setting the
example that there is freedom of worship in Islam for all who believe in God. After their
Sunday service their discussion continued. They were unable to arrive on any mutual
understanding. The sticking point was the claim by the Christians of the divinity of Jesus
Christ as the son of God. The Holy Prophet told them, “ The birth of Jesus Christ is
similar to the birth of Adam. Allah created Adam without father and mother while Jesus was
born without a father and from his mother only. None of the two was the son of God. This
is the truth, for you accept the creation of Adam without parents yet do not claim him to
be of divine essence. Why then do you deviate from this truth." When they did not
agree on this point revelation from Allah came on the Prophet. (Sura Ale Imran V 61) The
Verse reads like this.” If you are not prepared to accept the truth after the fact
that you have failed in your arguments, Say, Come now, let us call our sons and your sons,
our women and your women, our Selves and Your Selves, then let us humbly pray and so lay
God’s curse upon the ones who lie.”

The next morning the Holy Prophet emerged from his house with his closest family. He
held the hand of Imam Hasan (AS) walking beside him, held Imam Hussain (AS) in his arms,
followed by his daughter Fatimah (SA). She was followed by Ali (AS). He came and stood
with this family in front of the Christian Bishops who also came forward to perform the
Mubahela. The chief of the Christians was Bishop Abul Harris. When he saw this small
family of the Prophet he turned towards his fellow christians and told them,” do not
indulge in Mubahela with this family, for I am observing such pious faces that if they
would order the mountain to come to them the mountain shall move towards them. It is
therefore prudent to make treaty with them rather than confrontation of this spiritual
imminence. They asked the Prophet for peace and it was accepted. The Holy Prophet extended
the hand of friendship towards them, a treaty was signed and both parties left on friendly
terms.

On the 25th Zeeqaad of the 10th year of Hijra the Holy Prophet left Madina
for a pilgrimage to the Holy Ka’aba at Makka. This was to be the last pilgrimage of
the Holy Prophet.

A very large number of people were with him who performed this last pilgrimage with the
Prophet. At the mount of Arafat the Prophet gave his last sermon and came out of Makka
towards Madina. Half way through their route the caravan arrived at a place called
Khadeer-e-Khum. It was 18th of Zilhijja 10th year of Hijra. The Prophet stopped there and
made a general announcement to stop all those pilgrims with him. When all companions were
assembled at the place the Prophet announced, “ Know all my followers that I am about
to leave this mundane world. I am leaving behind two valuable things for your future
guidance. One is the Book of Allah and the other is my Ahlulbayt, that is my family. If
you follow these two you will never be misled." After this the Holy Prophet took Ali
by his hand, raised him up so that all can see him. The Prophet said, “ Do you accept
that my Self is above your Selves. When all the companions replied in unison, "Yes,
O’Prophet of God, we accept, "then he announced that who ever accepted him as
his master, then Ali is to be their master. "O’ God, be witness that I have
passed your message as thou have ordered. Those who have love for Ali will have love for
me and those who will love me will love Allah."

After this Kutba the Prophet arrived back in Madina at the end of the month of
Zilhijja.

In the month of Safar 11 Hijra, the Holy Prophet fell ill. Moof this time
with the agreement of his wives the Prophet stayed at the house of Ayesha from where he
would come out to the mosque and lead the prayers. One day he was very ill so he asked
Ayesha to call Ali for prayers. She called her father Abubakr instead and asked him to
lead the prayers. While Abubakr was leading the prayers The Prophet woke up. When he
realised who was leading the prayers, he came out of the house with the help of his uncle
Abbas and his Moazzin Bilal, stood in front of Abubakr and lead the prayers. From there
the Prophet returned to the House of his daughter Hazrat Fatimah where he stayed until the
last day of his life.

It is narrated in Saheeh Bukhari and Muslim that Ibne Abbas narrated:

When the Holy Prophet was seriously ill, and all of us were around him, he opened his
eyes and said, bring me pen and paper so that I may write something which shall always
guide you and shall keep you on the Right Path and shall save you from being astray.
Hearing these words from the lips of the Holy Prophet, Omar said, " Ur- Rajulo la
-Yahjur” meaning this man was talking which makes no sense.”Hasbona Kitab
Allah” The Book of God is sufficient for us.

This gave rise to a dispute among the companions. Some were of the opinion that as the
Holy Prophet was to be obeyed at all times and under all circumstances a pen and paper
should be provided to him, while some of them were on the side of Omar. The hot discussion
on that point between the companions gave rise to noise and the Holy Prophet angrily told
them to go away from his presence and leave him alone.”

Whenever Ibne Abbas, who was the most profound scholar and commentator of the Holy
Qur’an and the most reliable narrator of the traditions, remembered the event of the
day, he used to weep and would say, “Alas, what an unfortunate day it was when the
Holy Prophet demanded that a pen and paper be provided to him and there arose a dispute
among his companions and they made such a noise that the Holy Prophet told them to get
away from him and leave him alone.”

The Holy Prophet asked Ali to come close to him. Ali (AS) came and observing the ailing
condition of the Holy Prophet raised his head and placed it on his own chest. The Prophet
passed away while his head was resting on the chest of Ali (AS).

The news of the death of the Holy Prophet spread quickly among the companions. All of
them came out of their house weeping and crying loudly. Umar was very upset. He took his
sword out and said, nobody should say that the Prophet was dead. Then he took Abubakr away
from the place to a house outside Madina called Saqeefa Bani Sa’ada. Many companions
went with them. While Ali (AS) and most of the Bani Hashim stayed in the house of the Holy
Prophet while Ali (AS) prepared for his burial. The Historian Ibnul Wardi mentions in his
book that the funeral bath to the Holy Prophet was given by Ali (AS), assisted by his
uncle Abbas and many other relatives. The Holy Prophet laid to rest on the night of
Wednesday. He was 63 years of age. He was buried in the house of his daughter Fatimah
which was annexed to the Mosque of the Prophet.

The best known description of the Holy Prophet appears in 'Universal
History' by Tabari(d.Baghdad 310AH 923 AD) and is attributed to Imam Ali (AS)
Prophet’s cousin and also his son-in-law.

Asked for details of the Prophet’s external appearance, Ali said, “ He was of
medium height, neither very tall nor very short. His complexion was pinkish white, his
eyes were black, and his hair was thick, glossy and beautiful. A full beard framed his
face. Hairs of his head were long, falling to his shoulders. They were black. His walk was
so energetic that you would have said that he tore himself from the rock with each step,
and yet at the same time he moved so lightly that with each stride he seemed not to touch
the ground. But he did not walk proudly, as princes do. There was so much gentleness in
his face that once in his presence, it was impossible to leave him. If you were hungry,
you were satisfied by looking at him and thought no more of food. Any man suffering from
an affliction forgot his troubles when in his presence, charmed by the gentleness of his
features and his discourse. All, who saw him, agreed that they never met, neither before
nor after, a man whose discourse was so delightful. His nose was straight; there was a gap
between his teeth. Sometimes he would let the hair of his head fall naturally, at other
times he wore it knotted into two or four bunches. At sixty three years, no more than
fifteen hairs on his whole body had yet become white with age.”

1. "Seek knowledge even if it were in China." It was knowledge of good from
evil, which made man worthy of getting the great job of the vice-regency of God on earth.
Knowledge has given man superiority over more powerful creatures. It is self evident that
nations, which had more knowledge, acquired greater power. The above tradition stresses
the need of acquiring knowledge even if one has to travel long distances.

2. "Masses follow the religion of their rulers.” A deep study of history
surely reveals the truth of this proverbial saying. Christianity was going through a very
hard time until Constantine the great made it a state religion of the Roman Empire. After
acquiring this status Christianity spread throughout the Empire like bush fire. More or
less the same thing happened in the East when Islam became the religion of the ruling
class. Even now in this age of so called individual freedom and a democratic life style,
in most countries force is used to subdue and subjugate the people who dare to defy the
policy of the ruling classes.

This clearly means that a just and guided ruler is essential for the up lifts of the
people as a whole, hence the need of the presence of an Imam to guide them.

3, “ Refrain from slanderous situations. People say that such and such a person
associates with thieves, he must be a thief himself. A wise man keeps himself away from
such situations.”

4. “ Actions are determined by their intentions.” Saying prayers while your
mind is somewhere else is worthless."

5. "To associate with a learned man for an hour is better than the company of a
worshipper for seventy years."

6. “ Some one asked the Holy Prophet during the battle of Badr, “What is
Deen”. The Prophet replied, Belief in One God and service of the people.”