The limited number of pages of this book will not allow me to write in detail about the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) mission and his biography. However, you may refer to a number of books written by several Islamic scholars on this subject.
As we have discussed earlier that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has brought the divine message, the word of Allah in the form of Qur’an, the final revelation to the humankind.
Now, we can focus on the blessed biography of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
1. PREPARING THE PROPHETHOOD
Allah has prepared the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) with every essential aspect that was symbolic with his divine mission.
Allah took the following steps before assigning Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) with his divine mission:-
(i) The invocation of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), the glad tidings and prophecy of Prophet ‘Esa (Jesus) and the dream of the lady Aminah, the mother of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them all).
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said;
« أَنَا دَعْوَةُ أَبِي إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَبُشْرَى عِيسَى وَرَأَتْ أُمِّي حِينَ حَمَلَتْ بِي كَأَنَّهُ خَرَجَ مِنْهَا نُورٌ أَضَاءَتْ لَهُ بَصْرَى مِنْ أَرْضِ الشَّامِ »
“I am the confirmation of the invocation by my father Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), the glad tiding of ‘Esa, and the dream by my mother when she conceives me in her pregnancy as if she were seen a light that enlightening the land of Basra in the greater Sham or Syria”.
The meaning of the above saying of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) explicitly denotes as he telling:
(a) ‘I am the confirmation and the evidence of the invocation by the Al-Khalil, the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham)’. It refers to a story when the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael) were raising the foundations of Allah’s House, the Ka’bah at Makkah, he was saying, as Allah informed us in His Qur’an:
وَإِذْ يَرْفَعُ إِبْرَاهِيمُ الْقَوَاعِدَ مِنْ الْبَيْتِ وَإِسْمَاعِيلُ رَبَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُسْلِمَةً لَكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ رَبَّنَا وَابْعَثْ فِيهِمْ رَسُولاً مِنْهُمْ يَتْلُو عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتِكَ وَيُعَلِّمُهُمْ الْكِتَابَ وَالْحِكْمَةَ وَيُزَكِّيهِمْ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ الْعَزِيزُ الْحَكِيمُ
“And (remember) when Ibrâhim (Abraham) and (his son) Ismâ il (Ishmael) were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka bah at Makkah), (saying), "Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation submissive unto You, and show us our Manâsik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage - Hajj and Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful. Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allah answered their invocation by sending Muhammad Peace be upon him), who shall recite unto them Your Verses and instruct them in the Book (this Qur ân) and Al-Hikmah (full knowledge of the Islâmic laws and jurisprudence or wisdom or Prophethood, etc.), and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." [Al-Baqarah 2:127-129].
Allah has then answered the above mentioned invocation of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Ismail (Ishmael) – peace and blessings be upon them both - the clear confirmation of which Allah has assigned Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) from their offspring as a Prophet to entire humanity.
(b) The second part of the Hadith in which it is mentioned that ‘Prophet Muhammad is the glad tidings of Prophet ‘Esa (Jesus)’. He has prophesied concerning the prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as Allah informed us about this in His Holy Qur’an,
“And (remember) when Eisa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said, ‘O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you confirming the Taurât [(Torah) which came] before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed’.” [As-Saff 61:6].
It is worth mentioning here that ‘Eisa (Jesus) was the last Messenger from among the Children of Israel. No Prophets came in between ‘Eisa (Jesus) and the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them both). Therefore, the Prophet ‘Eisa (Jesus) – peace be upon him - has given glad tidings of a Messenger after him, whose name shall be ‘Ahmad’. Moreover, it is a well-known fact that ‘Ahmad’ is one of the popular names of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
(c) As for the last part of the Hadith mentions about the dream seen by the Lady Aminah, the respected mother of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This dream, of course, was true. The account of dream goes like this: when she had felt pain of the parturition and once the childbirth was over, it ascertained her of what she saw with two eyes that the light enlighten the land of Basra in the Greater Sham or Syria.
(2) PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S (PBUH) APPEARANCE AS AN ARAB
When Allah ahs assigned the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as His Messenger Arabs were the best civilization and people on the earth. However, they had accepted the religion of Islam in order to purify their soul and to reform the social and civil status.
Though they (Arabs) were illiterates and emotionally engaged in the adoration and worshipping of several deities and idols. Moreover, they were disintegrated into many factions and several dissidents groups of Bedouins.
In the meantime, the Arabs were distinguished with their freedom of thinking and self-liberty. At that time, the rest of the nations around them were shackled and enslaved by those who were indulged themselves in the false and superstitious practices, spiritually and materially.
Moreover, such people not only denied learning but were also restricted to follow what their priesthood and fortune-teller narrating them to do as being the rules of the land and verdict of religion.
All the more, the people at that time were barred from engaging into any civilian or the financial dealings. They were not dared to question the legality of such regulations even if the rules were illogical or confront with the natural laws.
The Arabs were known to have resolve and distinguished with their independent dealings while their contemporaries in the rest of the world were leading humiliated and subservient lives under the so-called oppressive kings or emperors.
The then tyrant rulers treated the people as animals. They (rulers) enslaved the people and confiscated their properties and wealth without any valid reason. In other words, there was neither freedom of speech for the people nor they could express their view in times of peace or war. The people were also denied of their rights in business dealing or in matters of employment or in their savings/earnings.
However, the Arabs were bold people with strong courage and known to have self-esteem, sturdy and resolute.
While the despotic rulers of that era in other parts of the world were corrupt, spendthrift and indulge in extravagance, immoderation, and leading a luxurious and opulent lifestyle.
In contrast, their subjects were weakened because they were pushed into live in misery, distress, and discomfort and a life that was full of hardship, difficulties and upheavals.
On the other hand, Arabs were popular for their just and fair attitude in dealings with others. They were impartial and treated their guests with politeness and hospitality since they had inherited customs considered being of grandeur and cultured in nature. They were so generous that they used to donate money and relief aid for the depressed and downtrodden. They offered protection to asylum seekers and refugees and had great respect for neighbors. They kind hearted and treated the people without any discrimination.
Such traits of Arabs had no match for the rest of the contemporary world when people were indulged in selfishness and egotism as the emperors at that time used to fleece their subjects with tax and royalty. Other social evil prevalent was the bribery also given to the ruling elite.
The Arabs were the only nation at that time living with elegance. Arabs were also popular for their purity and fluency of language (mother tongue). They influenced the people’s mind with their power of oration, logic and rational poetic skills.
On the other hand they (Arabs) used to express their free will when they receive any divine, legal or the logical information whereas their counterparts in the rest of the world were chauvinistic and known for their rigidity. They erected religious boundaries around them. The ethnic discrimination and apartheid attitude were rampant among the non-Arabs.
The most significant and the distinguishing factor of the Arabs of the past was their sound mentality and possession of high qualification. Among the most civilized people of that time, Arabs were the experts whether in terms of technical know-how or the knowledge in industrial sector.
The Islamic reforms are based on the restructuring of the soul, which should come from one’s inner heart, free will and mind. There should be a sanctifying factor that reforms the conduct and refines the character more than what one has spent in tilling the land for the cultivation of plants and animals or for excavation of the minerals.
Therefore, Allah has prepared the Muslim Ummah (nation) based on the reformation of what the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has revealed and taught to them.
(3) PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) & HIS NOBLE LINEAGE:
The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessing be upon him) lineage is the most renowned and of the noble character. Allah said,
إِنَّ اللهَ اصْطَفَى آدَمَ وَنُوحًا وَآلَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَآلَ عِمْرَانَ عَلَى الْعَالَمِينَ
“Allah chose Adam, Nûh (Noah), the family of Ibrâhim (Abraham) and the family of Imrân above the Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of their times). [Aal ‘Imran 3:33].
Therefore, Allah chose these people, the best from among His slaves whose lineage was noble and made them the true guide and His Messengers and Prophets to convey the divine message for those who fear Him and do righteous deeds.
Likewise, Allah had chosen the tribe of Quraysh from among the Kinanah, as He selected the tribe of Banu Hashim from among the Quraish. Allah then had chosen the leader of the progeny of Adam, Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) from among the Banu Hashim.
Therefore, the clan of the Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) was the best and virtuous from among the first and the last of nations, as the children of the Prophet Ishaq (Isaac) were the best among the middle generation.
As for selection of Quraish as the best tribe, Allah has also honored them with nobility and virtues. Significantly speaking they were settled in Makkah, and become the proud custodian of Masjid al-Haram, the House of Allah because their lineage directly linked with Prophet Ismail (Ishmael).
Moreover, the descent was from the noble lineage and their characters and manners were of high caliber. They were eloquent in their language, considered to be the pride of that era. In fact, they paved the way for the reconciliation and in uniting the disintegrated people.
‘Amr bin ‘Abdu Manaf, was given a title as Hashim on the grounds that he first prepared a soup by mixing the mashed pieces of bread with meat. This food was considered as a delicious preparation in Arabia at that time. He used to distribute it among those affected by famine and droughts.
People were satisfied with the care he gave to them and used to take this special food served by him in certain season every year. It is said that this food was always available in his mess be it peace or a distress time.
However, ‘Abdul Muttalib, the son of Hashim, and the grand father of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has increased the serving of food not only to the needy people but also to the wild animals and birds. He was the first to start worship at the cave of ‘Hiraa’. It was also reported that he forbade himself from taking intoxicants.
The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) clan and his family were most respectable and known to have high moral values and the best quality of characters. They were the most virtuous people among their contemporaries.
Therefore, Allah has chosen Muhammad from the tribe of Banu Hashim being the Last Prophet, who is also the best leader from among the progeny of Adam.
(4) PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH), MATURITY & MORALITY:
Allah chose Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) because of his noble conduct and aristocratic nature that was found even before his assertion as the prophet. He was an intellectual blessed with high morality, self-purity and was renowned to be the most reliable personality.
He grew up as a gentle orphan. Although he lived all his youth in poverty, he married to one of the noblest and loveliest Arab women, as he was a proven sincere, honest and most trustworthy person.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) maintained his clean habit throughout his business dealings with Quraish. He never demanded anything from them be it relate to the worldly needs or spiritual. He kept away from their synagogues where they offered with devotion the traditional style of worship; neither he participated in any of their evening merry making organized for entertainment nor attended in their night counsels.
Against the human nature, he never showed any interest to stake power in the local administration or in the tribal government affairs.
With his aristocratic nature he was most trusted, noble, honest, loyal, which all characterized by moral values and high mannerism. These extraordinary qualities qualified him before the people for his prophethood as he was started to be the most popularly known as ‘Al-Ameen’ meaning the faithful or the loyal.
This was the state of affair of his lifestyle until he attained the full strength in the purity of mind and the perfect manhood. He was neither greedy for wealth, nor interested to gain cheap popularity by show off. He never indulged in boasting himself. He was fully grown-up and a matured personality when he received the divine revelation (Wahy) from the Lord of the entire universe.
(5) THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH) BEING AN ILLITERATE:
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was an illiterate who never learnt how to write and read. This was the most significant miracle and remarkable evidence to prove the credibility of his prophethood.
He was an illiterate man. He neither knew how to read a book nor to write a word. He never recited any poem nor drafted a prose. He was an ordinary man just like any other human being from among the ignorant commoners in Arabs.
One day he presented to the people most significant mission and the divine laws that were constituted by Allah. He explained to people the significance of the divine laws and how they bring the ultimate happiness in this life and the Hereafter for those who adopt them their lives. He explicitly narrated that the divine laws are made to bring justice, equity and equality among the people, to stop confusion that leads to chaos and social anarchy.
He promised them that the free will among the men would prevail by the emancipation of the people from slavery of man. He argued with them saying that the slavery of humans by human, according to the divine laws, is forbidden except for the Lord of the universe.
This citation was part of the preparations by Allah to raise him among the people to the highest rank and to that of the prophethood. The aim to mention about the divine laws was to produce evidence and to prove credibility of his divine mission.
2. SUMMARY OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD’S (PBUH) LINEAGE AND BIOGRAPHY:
The Lineage: Muhammad is the son of Abdullah and likewise Abdullah is the son of Abdul Muttalib, son of Hashim, son of Abd Manaf, son of Qusay, son of Hakeem, son of Murrah, son of Ka’b, son of Luay, son of Ghalib, son of Fahr, son of Malik, son of An-Nadr, son of Kinana, son of Khuzaimah, son of Mudrika, son of Ilyas, son of Mudar, son of Nizar, son of Mued, son of ‘Adnan, who belonged to Al-Arab, while al-Arab directly linked with the offspring of Ismail, son of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) peace be upon him).
The mother of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is Aminah, the daughter of Wahab bin Abdu Manaf bin Zuhrah. Zuhrah were paternal ancestors or brothers of grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
Abdullah, the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) father after marrying Aminah had stayed at her family house for three days and knew of her conceiving the would-be – Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). She never felt any burden or pressure of her pregnancy as were seen by the then healthy women of chaste and physical fitness.
As mentioned earlier, Aminah, the mother of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had a dream while she was pregnant.
She delivered the healthy baby, with normal physical fitness, who was the most attractive and beautiful. Her delivery coincided with the event of the ‘Year of the Elephant’ in 571.
Abdullah passed away before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Grandfather Abdul Muttalib took him in his custody. Aminah breast-fed him for three days before his grandfather, as was the practice among Arabs of the times, decided to appoint a nurse named Halimah As-Sa’diyah.
It was the custom of the then Arabs to foster their babies giving them to the desert women for nursing, where they meet the means of physical strength and natural health.
As Halimah As-Sa’diya took the baby with her, she found several amazing things happening, which are as follow:
Accompanied by husband she arrived in Makkah on a cart pulled very slowly by skinny female-donkey. But when returning from Makkah with the suckling baby on her lap the weak and frail donkey started moving swiftly.
The swift movement by a frail donkey on which Halimah was travelling with the newly born baby has left the caravan behind that amazed the people and other onlookers.
In another related story, narrated by Halimah that she had not enough milk to breast-feed her own suckling baby and he starts to cry of hunger. But the lactation was abundant while nursing baby was the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This had facilitated Halimah to breast-feed both babies: her own baby and Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) satisfactorily.
Halimah, in another incident recalled saying that the barren land of her tribesmen Banu Sa’d turned fertile and the livestock productive after she was honored with the suckling of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
The poverty of the region changed into prosperity, bliss and ease of life.
When the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) reached two years of age, Halimah brought the baby back to his mother and the grandfather in Makkah. However, she pleaded with Aminah to grant her another period of suckling as this has led the region to enjoy blessings and prosperity. Halimah was granted another term of suckling, thus she returned to the tribesmen with full felicity in her heart.
Once the term of additional two years was over, Halimah took the baby back to his mother. The baby then was four years of age. Aminah died when Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was six years old.
After his mother’s death, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib took him under his care. But Abdul Muttalib also died after being the guardian of the baby for two years.
Before his death, Abdul Muttalib has handed over the will and advised his son Abu Talib, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), to look after the welfare of the boy, by all means. Therefore, Abu Talib took all responsibilities to take care and protect the boy more than what he has done for his own family members.
Generally speaking the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) faced difficulties, hardship and discomfort in throughout his life. He always kept himself away from the opulence and the luxuries of this world. Believably because Allah has cared for him and blessed him from His bounties of spiritual richness, the permanent and the ultimate happiness in this life and the Hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has familiarized himself with grazing and rearing of sheep along with his foster brothers, who lived in the valley of the desert at the surrounding area of Banu Sa’id. Later, he worked as shepherd and maintained the accounts of inhabitants of Makkah to earn his livelihood. From this income, he used to spend on his personal day-to-day needs and also supported in the expenditures of Abu Talib, his uncle.
At the age of 12 year two months and ten days, he started to accompany with Abu Talib on his trade mission travelling to Greater Sham or Syria.
During that time monk ‘Buhaira’ has recognized him and given glad tidings to Abu Talib, about the boy’s impending Prophethood and warned against his enemies, the Jews. The monk has commented so after he found the seal of the Prophethood he spotted in the middle of the boy’s shoulders.
Subsequently, he traveled on one of the trade missions financed by the Lady Khadijah, daughter of Khuwailid. In that trade mission he made large amount of profit, which caused Lady Khadijah happy and she provided him more incentives than given to any one else. The trade engagement with him has also offered Lady Khadijah the ultimate happiness in life and the Hereafter.
Lady Khadijah was an intelligent and renowned personality among the Quraish, The reason for this because she maintained her chastity and as modest in her conservation and many other apparent virtues during the pre-Islamic ignorance era.
Once Maysara, the slave of the Lady Khadijah has disclosed her about what he found in the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) while accompanying him in the trade mission to the Greater Sham or Syria. He explained to her about the noble characters, sublime virtues as well as what the monk Buhaira has commented about him to his Uncle Abu Talib during his first trip to Syria. All these stories narrated by Maysara, had encourage her to attach more with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to be a life partner, though she was a widow.
Eventually, when she was 40 years old Lady Khadijah decided to marry him. The Prophet Muhammad’s (peace and blessings be upon him) age at the time of marriage was twenty-five years old, 15-year younger than her. However, their married life was the most successful and the happiest.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) did never marry any other woman after this blessed wedding throughout her lifetime. He never loved any woman more than his love with Khadeejah.
She died ten years later after the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was bestowed with the prophethood and the divine mission. Even after Lady Khadija’s death, he used to recall her on several occasions, and had given charity on her behalf. Not only this, he also used to present gifts to her women friends as a gesture and gratitude in her affection and remembrance. Khadeejah was the only wife, who delivered all of his children except the son Ibrahim, who was born, by his another wife Mariyah, the Coptic.
The above mentioned biography is a summary from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) before he was bestowed with the divine mission and prophethood.
(3) START OF DIVINE REVELATION (WAHY):
At 40 years of age, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has met all the requirements before the divine revelation (Wahy) was started to descend on him. The requirements included the healthy and spiritually rich physical condition, straightforward in reasoning and sound mind.
The first sign of the divine revelation (Wahy) was a dream that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has seen. Whenever he had any visions, they come true and visible or plain as clearly as the daybreak (dawn).
Whenever he had such an experience, he preferred to be in solitude. For this reason, he used to visit alone to the cave of ‘Hira’ in the mountain of Makkah, where he engaged in worshipping Allah in different ways and forms for several nights. His wife Khadijah used to serve him his favorite foods and beverages upon his return from the cave. Later, he received the Divine Truth from Allah while he was in the state of trance.
It was the month of Ramadan when Allah sent down to him the first verses of the Qur’an through appearing before him archangel Jibreel (Gabriel). The first revelation of the Qur’anic verse that Jibreel brought to him was the recital “Iqra’ meaning: Read.
To this, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied: “I cannot read”. Then the Angel Jibreel asked him again: “Read”. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) repeatedly said: “I cannot read.”
The Angel Jibreel consecutively for the third time asked him to ‘Read’, but the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) replied in the similar manner saying, “I cannot read.”
However, after each answer from the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) used to press him so strongly and insisted him fervently so that he could not endure. After the third attempt, Jibreel (Gabriel) left him alone to relax from the strong feelings. But the Archangel Jibreel read out the following Qur’anic verses:
“Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists). He created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He taught man that which he knew not.” [Al-‘Alaq 96:1-5].
The above Qur’anic verses Allah sent down through Jibreel to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) speak clearly the teachings for men to learn the knowledge. The verse also explain the initial stage of the creation of human being.
When the divine revelation (Wahy) was started to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) trembling in fear with panickly heart used to return to his wife Khadeeja but in sound health, mind and senses intact.
Upon returning in such a condition, he urged his wife Khadeejah twice: “Wrap me up with blanket” and she obeyed him.
When the panicky condition subsided and he returned to normalcy, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) told Khadeejah explaining everything in detail as to what had happened to him adding, “I felt horribly panicky to myself.”
Khadeeja responded him saying, ‘Do not worry, I swear by Allah, He will not let you disgraced, since you reunite the families, help the destitutes and the feeble, take care of the weak and assist the deserving and whoever in need of help.”
This way, she tried to pacify him and drive away his fear and panic. She tried to convince him that Allah would not disgrace a man, who is on a mission, possesses good characters, and loves people and work for their well being. Accordingly, the divine law of Allah incorporates with the fact that ‘the reward for any deed will be recompensed with equally same kind.’
Subsequently, she took the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to her cousin, Waraqa bin Naufal, a literate person who had converted to Christianity from Arab paganism. He was well versed with the script of Gospel in Hebrew language. The aged and blind Waraqah was well a respectable man.
Khadeejah narrated the story concerning the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to him saying; ‘Listen to Muhammad what he saying’.
Waraqa asked him, ‘What have you seen, O my nephew?’
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) disclosed what he has seen. Upon listening, Waraqa commented, ‘that is an angel, the same angel, who was sent down to he Prophet Musa (Moses), by Allah. I wish I would be then young, and I could have lived to see the day when your own people expel you out of your native town.’
After listening, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) responded asking, “Will they drive me out?” He said, “Yes, of course”, he continued, ‘Never a man of mission, who revealed the divine message as you have brought except he confronted hostility and opposition from his own nation. Should I happened to be alive in the day when your own people will drive you out of this city then, definitely, I would have helped you and support your noble cause with all my might”.
Shortly after his bold talk with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Waraqah died and for a long period of time the divine revelation (Wahy) ceased to come. Though the interim period of the divine revelation (Wahy) had passed three years, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) strengthened himself and was eagerly awaited to receive more divine revelations.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
«بَيْنَمَا أَنَا أَمْشِي سَمِعْتُ صَوْتًا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ فَرَفَعْتُ بَصَرِي فَإِذًا الْمَلَكُ الَّذِي جَاءَنِي فِي حِرَاءَ»
“When I was walking, I heard a voice from the heaven, so I raised my eye to the horizon. There I saw the angel who had come to me in the cave of Hira.”
He was afraid once more to see the angel. Though his first appearance had caused him too much panic and he tried to obliterate those consequential signs from his heart. He then returned to his wife Khadeejah and she covered him in the blanket.
Thereupon, Allah revealed the following Qur’anic verses:
“O you (Muhammad) enveloped (in garments)! Arise and warn! And magnify your Lord (Allâh)! And purify your garments! And keep away from Ar-Rujz (the idols)!” [Al-Muddathir 74: 1-5].
These verses were ordained to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) that said: ‘O you who wrapped up in the garments! Arise and warn the people with the Qur’an and convey them the divine message and mission of Allah. Purify your garments as well as your deeds from the filth of Shirk or polytheism. Shun the idols and false worship and disown the people who indulge in such practices.
After the revelation of these verses, the divine message (Wahy) continued coming to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Allah has informed him about the intended divine mission to be conveyed to his people. Thus, they should worship only Allah and embrace Islam, being to the final religion acceptable to Allah.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) then with utmost wisdom and reasoning started to invite the people to the Way of Allah in the best possible manner.
His mission was divine so the initial response from the people was positive. The first from the women, who embraced Islam, was Khadeejah, the Prophet’s wife and Abu Bakr from the men. ‘Ali Bin Abu Talib was the first child to embrace Islam from among the children.
People started coming into the Islamic fold continuously, thus increasing the number of Muslims day after day.
The situation proved to be alarming to the pagans Arabs as the spread of Islam was remarkable. It had provoked the pagans and polytheists in Makkah and they started torture and to afflict enormous sufferings to Muslims.
Eventually, they indulged in driving the Muslims out of the city of Makkah by inflictong them severe physical injuries, which compelled even the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to emigrate to al-Madinah.
However, the divine revelation (Wahy) continued to be received by him. He was constantly inviting the people to Islam, and instructed them to wage holy war (Jihad) in the Way of Allah against the infidels. The result was fruitful the Muslims after conquering many areas and winning several wars, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) returned with them to his native city of Makkah, triumphantly.
Accordingly, Allah has completed the constitution of Islam, being the religion of glory and esteem and perfected the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), who attracted myriad of people coming into its fold.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was engaged in conveying to people the divine message of Allah for 23 years of his life and after completing the message he died of natural cause at the age of 63.
It is worth mentioning here that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had spent 40 years in pre-Islamic era before he was appointed being the Prophet of Allah.
That is how Allah has conveyed His heavenly message and commanded to men and jinns to obey Him Alone. Whoever, obeys Allah and His commandments will receive the ultimate happiness in this world and the Hereafter by securing a place in the Paradise.
In the meantime, whoever disobeys Him will face His wrath and stay disappointed in this life and his/her abode is the Hell-Fire in the Hereafter.
After the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) passed away, his successors, the Companions had taken the care and protection to continue the spread of the divine message. They conveyed the divine mission in the similar manner as their beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had taught them.
Accordingly, with wisdom, utmost care and reasoning they conquered several countries of the world. They were tirelessly engaged in the spread of the true aspects of Islam and through practicing and implementing its tenets into their daily lives, they gradually reached to every corner of the world.
Islam, the religion of Allah, is the religion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) too, which will prevail and exist until the Last Hour (i.e. the Day of Judgment).
Your impression of a man, whom you think a mere illiterate, raised from among the most ignorant people (the Arabs) has reformed the entire world and refined the entire humanity and changing its history – be it the constitution, politics or the rest of the affairs of the daily life whether materially or spiritual.
This divine mission will remain survived prevailing with its most eloquent language (Arabic) which appeared from the rugged mountainous lands of Hijaz and spread towards the far off boundaries of Europe and Africa, from the West, and to the borders of China from East.
Thus, the international communities, therein, were subservient to it and several countries had adopted its values as part of their civilization incorporating them into the cultures.
The justice and the kindness as presented by Islam were reflected on such countries, which encouraged their inhabitants to learn more from Islam. Not only the social and moral values Islam had imparted knowledge and supported in their scientific development.
The scientific revelation as narrated by Qur’an has vanquished the state of illiteracy and brought forth the sophistication reaching its zenith in the modern times.
Islam has been teaching that the reforms among the humans will cause the restructuring of the entire universe.
How can it be possible to accomplish this task without the divine revelation (Wahy) and heavenly support from Allah, the All Wise and All Knowing?
4. NOBLE CAHRACTER OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH):
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had possessed a very noble character. He was a perfect man with the best behavior and the finest manners. Allah his etiquette always reflected the most virtuous behaviour and deeds. If such noble characteristics, which he achieved in Pre-Islamic Ignorance era, what could be his behaviour after he was made by Allah the Prophet to guide the humankind?
Allah has described the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in His Qur’an as a personality of high standard, remarkable nature, and sublime morality. Allah said,
وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَى خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ
“And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character.” [Al-Qalam 68:4].
Allah has trained him with sublime morality. His noble character, exalted nature, and the best manners were fully based on the Glorious Qur’an. He was trained in such a way that from his life the people take lessons and guidance.
Just to mention a few eminent characters of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are:
* He was the personality with utmost tolerance. He was just and fair, generous, and virtuous from among the people.
* He used to do petty things such as the repair work of shoes, stitching the clothes, assists his family in their domestic work such as preparing meat for cooking.
* Though he was the strongest person, he showed bashfulness and modesty. He never stared at anyone in displeasure.
* He used to accept invitations from everyone regardless of who invited him. Similarly, he used to accept gifts presented to him even if it was of a minor value and usually he was reciprocal with something in kind in this regard.
* He used to express anger for the sake of Allah, but he never was infuriated for personal matters.
* At times he starved. Moreover, in times of starvation, he used to tie stone(s) around his stomach to lessen the pangs of hunger. He used to eat what is available and would not refuse anything.
Another superb trait was that he did not call names to the prepared food. Upon getting the dried dates, broiled things or brown or wheat bread, or sweets, or honey, he would eat them as in the same form. On the other hand, if he found yoghurt or milk without bread, he would consider them as full meal. He never hesitated to consume watermelon or ripe dates.
* He was in the habit of consoling the sick and attending the funeral.
* He never felt afraid of his enemies and dared to walk along with them fearlessly without being escorted as security measure.
* He was most humble in nature than any other human being and kept a cool and peaceful temperament without any sign of arrogance. While speaking he was most eloquent and to the point without exaggeration.
* In his personal appearance, he was elegant and handsome. He never frightened or disappointed with any of the worldly issues.
* He managed to wear with what is available to him such as cloak, mantle, or woolen jubbah (a long outer garment, with its front side open, having wide sleeves), a permissible dressing as per the Islamic view.
* For the purpose of transportation, he never mind riding on whatever available to him either on horseback, camel, mule, or a donkey. At times, he walked barefooted, too.
* He mingled easily with poor and used to eat with the needy and the destitute. He honored those with noble character and shared the esteem of performing righteousness deeds with them.
* He kept good ties with his relatives without discriminating between the wealthy and the downtrodden.
* He was never rude or harsh to anyone. He accepted apology from any person who approached him seeking pardon.
* He shared the happiness of the people and enjoyed if someone cracks decent jokes or makes fun. But he never spoken anything except which is truth. He used to laugh but never giggled.
* He used to participate in the match, race or contest (such as physical or intelligent exercise, etc.) conducted within his family members. People used to taunt him, but he always maintained endurance and forbearance.
* He never wasted time. His acts were in accordance with to obey Allah, or performed righteous deeds that would have brought well being to him.
* He had not despised or mocked at a needy person because of his poverty and never belittled them because of their sufferings. He never used to offer anything to ruler or a king because of his dominion. He invoked Allah with several inclusive supplications.
Though the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was an illiterate person, Allah has bestowed him with so many noble and virtuous characters.
Being a shepherd and an orphan whose father was died even before his birth the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was raised in the poor country and grew up in the rugged desert. Despite all these difficult circumstances, Allah has taught him to endure by bestowing upon him the noble characters, sublime morality, the praiseworthy means and all the information of the first and the last people of this world.
Allah has also taught him everything that was required to achieve the salvation and eternal bliss in the Hereafter, as well as the exultation, beauty and bliss in this worldly life.
* Those who urged or demanded him anything from him, he used to fulfill it. He was never rude and rough to anyone. He never shouted in the marketplace. He had never requited to anyone’s sin or fault or retaliated by the similar kind of sin, rather he preferred forgiveness and pardon over it.
* Among many noble characters, included one of his noteworthy practices was greeting the people with the Islamic salutation ‘Assalam….’ He never gave impression to his visitor(s) of any sort of boredom and let them to feel free and leave on their own convenience.
* Whoever shook hand with him, he used to extend the other hand in.
* Whenever he met any of his Companions, he used to shake hand, then he held his hand and interlaced it and pressed the hand to express warmth.
* While sitting on the ground he used to keep erect his two shanks (legs) and held them with the support of his hands. His meeting with the people was not at a particular place; rather he used to sit with his Companions at any place wherever they used to sit.
* He never used to stretch his legs in the confines of his Companions if the place is inadequate unless it was spacious.
* He honored his guests, although there was no family ties between them. He would spread the special piece of clothing for the visitor as a mark of hospitality toward him.
* Whoever visited him, he offered the pillow that he used to sit over it. If the visitor hesitated to accept it, he used to encourage him repeatedly until he received it and used for his own comfort.
* He used to treat his guest with honor and hospitality until he started to feel that he was the most honored person in the world. He tried to speak to his visitor as much as possible, listened to him, and exchanged the views by giving directives with due respect and kindness.
* However, his sessions with the Companions were filled with bashfulness and modesty, humbleness and trustworthiness.
* As per the Arab traditions he used to call his Companions with their surnames with honor and affection to them. However, he never used to call them with any other nickname if they do not have such names. Moreover, he used to call the women with their surnames. Each one of them had their surnames whether married with or without children. He also used nicknames to call the children to make them feel happy or to entertain them.
* He never got angry and was always cheerful. He was affectionate with people and worked for well being and welfare only.
* He liked everything that was easy to do and disliked that was tough.
These were the few characteristics and physical features of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
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