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Every thursday after Nmaze Ishaa Khatme nabueat dars held at Iqra RiazulAtfal Walton road lahore cantt.Please come and show your spirit against qadianiat....

The History of Muhammad(PBUH)

The History of Mohammad

The name Mohammad in traditional Thuluth calligraphy
by the hand of Hattat Aziz Efendi

Less than one hundred years after Mohammad’s death in 632 the first Muslim historians began to write about his life. These were Muhammad ibn Ishaq (d. 767), Muhammad ibn ‘Umar al-Waqidi (d. c. 820); Muhammad ibn Sa’d (d. 845); and Abu Jarir at-Tabari (d. 923). These scholars reconstructed their narrative from oral traditions and early documents, and through their effort we know more about Mohammad than we do any other Prophet.

Nevertheless we need to keep in mind that the stories of Mohammad’s life were written to satisfy contemporary norms and included miraculous and legendary stories that might be misinterpreted today. As we have noted with the stories surrounding the Axial Sages, the Old Testament and the Gospels, such accounts are not to be taken literally. According to Reza Aslan they “function as prophetic topos: a conventional literacy theme that can be found in most mythologies. Like the infancy narratives in the Gospels, these stories are not intended to relate historical events, but to elucidate the mystery of the prophetic experience. They answer the questions: What does it mean to be a prophet? … It is not important whether the stories describing the childhood of Muhammad, Jesus or David are true. What is important is what these stories say about our prophets, our messiahs, our kings: that theirs is a holy and eternal vocation, established by God from the moment of creation.” (No god but God, The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, Reza Aslan.)

Not much is known about his early childhood, but according to tradition Mohammad was born in Mecca in 570, the year known as the year of the Elephant, in which Mecca was miraculously saved (see below). He was a Quraysh from the clan of Hashim. Many stories surround his childhood and birth, which was announced in a tale similar to the Christian story of Mary: Mohammad’s mother, a widow named Amina, one day heard a voice say to her: “You carry in your womb the lord of this people, and when he is born, say: ‘I place him beneath the protection of the One, from the evil of every envious person’, then name him Muhammad.”

Jashn-e-Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SalAllahuAliheWaSallam)

Rabiul Awwal is that bountiful month of Islam in which the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu AlaihiWasallam) graced the universe. On the 12th of Rabiul Awwal an inextinguishable light known as Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was born, triumphing over darkness which had prevailed till then. Allah Subhaanahu Wata’ala in His Infinite Mercy endowed mankind with a gift, immeasurable in worth. Celebrating, remembering and showing gratitude for that auspicious day on which we received this precious gift is known as Jashne Eid-Milad-un-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Indeed, it is a day of great and splendorous celebration, for in it we thank Allah Ta’ala for His gift, whose appreciation is beyond the power of mortal man. It is with this Meelad-un-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that we avail ourselves the opportunity of rejuvenating our souls and strengthening our belief in Allah Subhaanahu Wata’ala and His Beloved Rasool (Sallallahu AlaihiWasallam). Allah Ta’ala exclaims in the Holy Qur’an, “And remind them of the days of Allah.” [Surah Ibrahim,V5] Indeed all the days and nights, every fraction of a second of existence are among His creations and belong to Him, so of which days does Allah Ta’ala remind His servants? The days are those wherein Allah Ta’ala has sent His Bounties unto His servants. And which is the Bounty of Bounties? Those who believe know that above all the gifts from Allah Ta’ala none is more apparent in greatness than the very person of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Allah Ta’ala further says in the Holy Qur’an, “Say (Oh Muhammad), with the receival of Allah’s Bounty and Mercy the believers should be happy.” Therefore, the Holy Qur’an clearly sanctions the fact that the believers should remember and express joy at the receival of the gifts of Allah Ta’ala. Almighty Allah then says, “Proclaim and publicise the Bounty of thy Lord.” [Surah Duha, V11] Imam Bukhari (Radiallahu Ta’alaAnh) says that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is the greatest Bounty of Almighty Allah. Therefore in accordance with the Aayat and narration above, our Beloved Aaqa (SallallahuAlaihi Wasallam) should become the object of most publicity. The intention of celebrating Milad Shareef is to show joy and gratitude to Allah Ta’ala on the auspicious birth of the Noble Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and there is no doubt from the above Aayaat that this is a virtuous and commendable act. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu AlaihiWasallam) came into this mundane world on a Monday and as a mark of gratitude to Allah Ta’ala for this day, he would fast every Monday. When asked about his fasting on Mondays he replied, “I was born on a Monday and revelation also began on this day.” Therefore even the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) himself celebrated the day of his birth and showed gratitude to Allah Ta’ala, which is the essence of Milad-un-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) celebrations. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was born, Abu Lahab’s slave-girl Thuwaibah brought the news of a child (Rasoolullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) born to his brother Hazrat Abdullah (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh). In his frenzy of happiness Abu Lahab freed Thuwaibah from her chains of servitude. All Muslims know that Abu Lahab was a kaafir and that Surah Lahab is Almighty Allah’s Wrath upon him, yet Oh Muslims listen: It is stated in Bukhari Shareef that when Abu Lahab died he was seen in a dream by Hazrat Abbas (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) in a very bad state. Hazrat Abbas (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) asked him, “What has come to pass?” Abu Lahab replied, “I have known no peace since my separation from all of you but yes, from this forefinger of mine I receive water because with this finger I freed Thuwaibah.” In another narration Imam Hafiz Ibn Asqalani (Rahmatullah Alaih) writes that Hazrat Abbas (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) said that, “One year after Abu Lahab died I saw him in a very bad state in a dream saying to me that, “I have known no peace since I departed from you all but yes every Monday my punishment is lessened.” This was because Abu Lahab freed Thuwaibah on a Monday after hearing the good news of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Shah Abdul Haq Muhaddis Dehlvi (Rahmatullah Alaih) commenting on this narration writes, “In this incident there is clear proof for the celebration of Milad Shareef and that those who are happy and spend in the celebration of Milad Shareef then indeed they will be in a laudable position, because if a kaafir such as Abu Lahab received a gift for showing happiness at the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) then greater by immeasurable extent will be the reward for Muslims who do likewise.” Allamah Ibn Hajar Makki (Rahmatullah Alaih) writes in his great book Ne’matul Kubra the sayings of the first four Caliphs of Islam: Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) said, “He who hath spent in the recital of Milad Shareef one dirham, then he shall be my companion in Jannat.” Hazrat Umar Farooq (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) said, “He who hath kept in veneration the Milad of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), he hath kept Islam alive!” Hazrat Uthman Ghani (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) said, “He who hath spent one dirham in the recital of Milad Shareef, it is as if he had been a participant in the battles of Badr and Hunain!” Hazrat Maula Ali (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) said, “He who revered the Milad Shareef and was instrumental in its recital, he shall leave this world upon Imaan and shall enter Jannat without reckoning!” Allamah Ismail Haqqi (Rahmatullah Alaih) writes in his famous Tafseer Roohul Bayaan under the Qur’anic Verse “Muhammadur Rasoolullah” that the celebration of Milad Shareef is also a mark of respect for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Furthermore, Imam Jalaaluddin Suyuti (Rahmatullah Alaih) and Allamah Ibn Hajar Makki (Rahmatullah Alaih), who were giants of knowledge in Islam, proved the permissibility of Milad Shareef and at the same time, refuted the corrupt beliefs of those who claimed Milad Shareef to be ‘Bid’at-e-Sayyiah’ (bad  innovation). Hazrat Shah Waliullah Muhaddis Dehlvi (Rahmatullah Alaih) reports that, “In Makkah Shareef on the day of Milad-un-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) I was present. The people sent salutations on the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and mentioned his birth and the miracles at the time of his birth, and I saw Noor (light) and Blessings in that gathering. I ventured to find out where the Noor was coming from and I came to know that the Noor was that of the angels who are sent to such gatherings and I saw the Light of the angels and the Light of Mercy together.” He further goes on to explain that once his honourable father said that, “During the day of the birth of the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) I always have food cooked for the people but one year besides roasted chana (gram) I did not have anything else to give to my guests and I was saddened.” After this I had a dream wherein I saw the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and around him lay roasted chana and the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was indeed very happy.” If after all these proofs there are people who still do not want to acknowledge the permissibility of Milad Shareef, then they should ponder over the following statement. Imam Mujaddid Alfe Thaani (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) who was the Mujaddid of the 11th century has stated in his writings on Milad Shareef, “What matters when the Qur’an is recited sweetly and when praises are sung in honour of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)?” There are many more proofs on the permissibility of Milad Shareef however one more incident is being presented which will reinforce our belief in the permissibility of Milad Shareef. On the night of the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), angels came and stood at the door of Sayyidah Amina’s (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anha) home and commenced the recital of Salaat and Salaam. Yes, the natural wretch and disgraced Shaitaan ran in sadness. [Madaarijun-Nubuwwah] Therefore those, in whose bosoms kindles the light of belief, who celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and stand to send Salaam upon him, are following the practice of the angels. And those who stop others from attending such gatherings by calling it haraam and bid’at-esayyiah and run far from such gatherings are following the practice of shaitaan. So we should ponder carefully on this and decide whether we want to follow the angels or to follow shaitaan. Unfortunate beyond measure indeed, are those who are bereft of these bounties! May Allah Ta’ala grant us all the Taufeeq to participate in the beautiful occasion of Jashne Eid-Miladun-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), so that we may show our happiness and gratitude to Almighty Allah and attain the Mercy and Bounties of Allah Ta’ala that descend on this auspicious day, Ameen

What is Islam?

Pre-Islamic Religion on the Arabian Peninsula

The peoples of Arabia were predominately polytheistic, and Mecca was the place of their most important sanctuary, the Ka’ba (see below).  Its ancient origins are unknown but, since all accessible deities were represented there, it was a place of annual pilgrimage for all tribes. At one time there were said to have been as many as three hundred and sixty idols in and around the Ka’ba. This, too, was under the control of the Quraysh, who wisely established a non-violent zone that was Haram (sacred, forbidden), radiating for twenty miles around the sanctuary, and made Mecca a place where any tribe could enter without fear and where they were free to practice both religion and commerce.

The Ka’ba in 1910

The Ka’ba was the most important holy place in Arabia even in pre-Islamic times; it contained hundreds of idols representing Arabian tribal gods and other religious figures, including Abraham, Jesus and Mary. It is a massive cube believed to have been built by the Prophet Abraham and dedicated to al-Lah (The God who was the same God worshipped by the Jews and Christians); it stands in the centre of the Sanctuary in the heart of Mecca. Embedded in the Ka’ba’s granite matrix is the famous Black Stone, which tradition says was originally cast down from Heaven as a sign for Adam.

The Zam-Zam holy well is nearby and is believed to have quenched the thirst of Hagar and her child in the wilderness. (Genesis 21:19). Arabs from all over the peninsula made an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, performing traditional rites over a period of several days. Mohammad eventually destroyed all the idols in and around the Ka’ba, and re-dedicated it to the One God, Allah, and the annual pilgrimage became theHajj, the rite and duty of all Believers.

The historian Ibn Ishaq tells of a reconstruction of the Ka’ba when Mohammad was a boy. A quarrel broke out between the Meccan clans as to which clan should set the Black Stone in place. The solution was to ask the first person who entered the Sanctuary from outside to be the judge. The young Mohammad was the first to do so. He put the stone on to a heavy cloth and had all the clan elders take part of the cloth to raise it and thus share in the task equally.

Mohammad at the Ka’ba from an Ottoman
(Turkish) epic about the life of Mohammad,
completed around 1388, Illustration
by Nakkaş Osman.

Like other pre-Axial societies, pre-Islamic Arab beliefs involved a pantheon of accessible deities with whom people could communicate. They also believed in darhor fate which probably helped them adapt to the high mortality rate. Above all of the lesser Gods was the one remote God, al-Lah – the God who was the same God worshipped by the Jews and Christians. He was beyond the reach of ordinary people. Lesser deities were represented in the Ka’ba and in shrines to their individual honor scattered throughout the peninsula. These gods would be prayed to for rain, children, health and the like and would intercede on their behalf to Allah – the God in times of dire need.

This pre-Islamic attitude towards religion provided a framework that was open to ideas and interpretations. The Sasanian presence in the Arabian Peninsula had brought with it the influence ofZoroastrianism, in which Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, the Gods of Light and Darkness, were in constant battle for the souls of humanity. Jewish presence in the area dates possibly from as early as theBabylonian Exile in 597 BCE and certainly from the time of the Great Revolt in AD 70, almost six centuries before Mohammad. Scholars note that a symbiotic relationship existed between the two peoples: Jews were Arabized and Arabic speaking and over the centuries Arabs had absorbed Jewish beliefs and practices. There were Jewish merchants and Jewish Bedouin, farmers, poets and warriors. What today is the center of Islam, the Ka’ba in Mecca, has ancient Semitic roots: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and others were associated with it long before the rise of Islam.  Both Jews and Arabs were believed to be descendants of Abraham, an idol of whom could be viewed inside the pre-Islamic Ka’ba.

Since their earliest times Christian groups were established in Syria and Mesopotamia. In AD 313, the Emperor Constantine made Christianity legal and it became accepted as the imperial religion by Rome. The First Council of Nicaea in AD 325, declared Christ to be both fully God and fully man and established belief in the Trinity which represented God as three in one: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Those who disagreed with this new orthodox position, Nestorians, Gnostics, and Arians for example, were excommunicated and declared heretics. Many fled from persecution, beyond the reach of the Byzantine Empire into the Persian and Arab worlds. Theirs was a proselytizing faith and as they spread throughout the Peninsula a number of tribes were converted. The Ghassanids, who wintered on the border of Byzantium, became the largest early Christian tribal community, the Nabateans another, and by the sixth century the Yemenite city of Najran was a center of Arab Christianity.

The distance from both empires enabled beliefs in the Arab Peninsula to evolve and flourish independently, especially in Mecca. According to Fred M. Donner, Professor of Near Eastern History at the University of Chicago, by the sixth century paganism was receding in the face of the gradual spread of monotheism. Hanifism arose in Mecca and spread throughout the Hijaz. Its members “turned away from” idolatry, seeking to follow the original monotheism of Abraham, before the establishment of either Judaism or Christianity. The Prophet Abraham, who is traditionally believed to have built the Ka’ba, is the ancestor of the Arabs, according to the Old Testament, and the ancestor of the Muslim believers through his faith, according to the Qur’an.

The Hanifs regularly spent some of their time away from the polytheist environment and made retreats to nearby hills to pray, as did Mohammad. One such hill was Hira’ the location where Mohammad would receive his first revelation from the Archangel Gabriel (Jibreel).  Hanifs worshipped only the one God, who required commitment to a moral code: believers had to strive to be morally upright, mindful of an afterlife when one’s choices would be judged.

There is a tradition that tells of a meeting between one of the four founding Hanifs, Zayd, and the young Mohammad.  Whether that took place or not, there is little doubt that Mohammad would have been aware of Hanifism since his youth and would have heard Hanif preachers in Mecca. The Qur’an has several entries that mention Hanif, for example: 22:31Be hanif in religion towards Allah, and never assigning partners to Him: if anyone assigns partners to Allah, it is as if he had fallen from heaven and been snatched up by birds, or the wind had thrown him into a distant place