chapter - 3 race of ishmaela, he prayed · chapter - 3 race of ishmaela when abrahama was raising...

Chapter - 3Race of IshmaelA

When AbrahamA was raising the plinth of the House of God with IshmaelA, he prayed:

Al-QuranSurah Al-Baqarah-2Verse: 127-128

Al-QuranSurah Al-Baqarah-2Verse: 129

Accept this from us, O Lord, for you hear and know everything. And makeus submit, to your Will, and our progeny a people submissive (Muslims) toYou. Teach us the way of worship and forgive our trespasses, for you areCompassionate and Merciful.Then AbrahamA requested:And send to them, O Lord, an apostle from among them to impart YourMessage to them, and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and correctthem in every way, for indeed You are Mighty and Wise.

This prayer of AbrahamA and IshmaelA actually represents a brief history of theirdescendents who lived during the period between 1900 BC to 570 AD (nearly two thousandsand five hundred years) in Arabian Peninsula, for whom AbrahamA prayed to be Muslims(submissive to God).

This prayer is most eloquent, most effective, and a combination of many prayers. It is infactone of the most impressive prayers in the Holy Quran.

While building the House of God, both the respected prophets worked hard humbly, butthey prayed to their Lord with full conviction of a devotee with the confidence that He will hearand understand their heart-felt desire. The contents of the prayer do indeed provide a proof ofthe nobility and loftiness of their characters.

The wordings of the prayer also show that it was exclusively for IshmaelA and his progeny.AbrahamA's prayers for his other son, IsaacA, are narrated elsewhere.

The desire of AbrahamA of a Muslim Ummah from the progeny of IshmaelA, and the birth ofa prophet from amongst them, was a wish of AbrahamA which he uttered and his Lord heard(fulfilled and accepted).

Historians may write whatever they like but according to this prayer of AbrahamA,authenticated by Quran, right from IshmaelA to prophet MohammadS, the lineage has to beMuslim (those who submitted to God). This is the firm belief of the Imams in the lineage of

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MohammadS and also the belief of those religious researchers who have probed the subject withdiligence and open mind.

Imam AliA who was given the title “Gateway to the City of knowledge” by prophetMohammadS, spoke on the genealogy of prophets in his sermon:

Nahj-al-BalaghaSermen: 92

Nahj-al-BalaghaSermen: 92

He the Almighty kept the prophets lineage in the best of security and thefinest of abodes and this lineage progressed through conception of virtuouschaste women by their virtuous righteous husbands.About the holy prophet MohammadS, Imam AliR says:His lineage was excellent and it had descended through the finest of histribe and tribesmen.

Right from the beginning wherever and whenever human race branched out, the most piousand excellent branch was the one through which the Holy Prophet's lineage and genealogydescended.

There was not a single, sinful, vicious evil person nor an impious transgressor in the lineagewhich gave birth to prophet MohammadS.

Race of IshmaelA (Arab-ul-Mustariba):

God told AbrahamA:

Bible, Birth Chapter: 17

I heard your prayer in favor of Ishmael. See I will bless him with prosperityand good fortune, he will be a fortunate lucky person. His descendents willincrease and twelve great chieftains will take power, they will form a greatnation.

This prophecy of Holy Bible was fulfilled as is proved by the history of Arabs.

IshmaelA had twelve sons who became chiefs of their tribes; their descendents are called“Arab-ul-Mustariba”.

We have already spoken briefly about God's Will to keep spot-lessly pure the lineage whichgave birth to prophets. So even among the sinning populations, if a prophet was to be born, hislineage was kept pure by the Almighty God. It never happened that the entire population wouldbe of sinners including the lineage which would give birth to a prophet. The case of prophetNoahA is a good example. The people of NoahA were the worst race where the entire populationhad turned sinners. The only exemptions were Prophet NoahA (who belonged to the pure lineageof Prophets) and only a few righteous souls who followed NoahA.

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Similar was the case of AbrahamA, who belonged to the pious lineage descending fromNoahA. He had only a few followers, whereas the entire population had turned sinners.

The holy Quran elaborates this position by calling AbrahamA a Shia ( ) of NoahA

(belonging to the creed of NoahA). Moreover Quran uses a plural.

Al-QuranSurah Saffat-37Verse: 83-84

And indeed Abraham was a Shia ( ) of Noah, when he came to hisLord with a heart compliant.

The use of plural for followers meaning all those who came down as prophets betweenNoahA and AbrahamA, indicates that they were all from the same creed.

It therefore becomes easy to understand that through their prayer AbrahamA and IshmaelA

wished a lineage of descendents who would submit to God and would ultimately give birth toProphet MohammadS and the Imams in the family.

This was a continuation of AbrahamA's prayer when he had pleaded God for grant of a Salih

( ) (righteous) son. God had accepted his prayer and had given him the good news of a son

(clement son IshmaelA).

Quran says:

Al-QuranSurah Saffat-37Verse: 100-101

(Abraham prayed): "O Lord, grant me a righteous ( ) son".

So We gave him the good news of a clement son (Ishmael).

The progeny of IshmaelA and Muslim Ummah:

IshmaelA has been given the title of Dhabih-Allah (who sacrificed himself for God).

“He is the prophet who is called virtuous, submissive and patient”.

His twelve sons grew up under his guidance to become men of extraordinary qualities. Theybuilt their houses around Ka’ba and IshmaelA thanked God, happy to see his future generationsflourishing. The dissolute barren land of Mecca soon changed into a sprawling city. Thedescendents and followers of IshmaelA held fast to their commitment of submission to God. Inreturn, God blessed them and their city with affluence, prosperity and above all peace. HolyQuran says, highlighting this fact:

Al-QuranSurah Ankabut-29Verse: 67

Do they not see that We have given them a safe sanctuary, while aroundthem men are being despoiled?

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Arab tradition is that the foundation of Mecca was actually laid on the day when this wasteland and barren spot received the Divine Gift of spring of Zam Zam and the infant IshmaelA,who grew up to earn the titles of a prophet, apostle and ancestor of a Muslim Ummah.

Spirit of IslamSyed Ameer Ali Page: 62

History relates that the first settler of Mecca or Becca was a Jashamy tribalchief Muffaz Bin Umr. It was his daughter who became the first wife ofIshmaelA, while the second wife of IshmaelA was the daughter of a Humyarichief.

Both these clans were Qhtany Arabs, and their native land was Mesopotamia (Iraq) whereAbrahamA too had lived for some time. Both of them i.e, Qhtany Arabs and progeny ofAbrahamA were descendents of Arphaxad Bin Shem Bin NoahA. Hence the lineage andoffspring's of IshmaelA were Semitic.

History confirms that Mecca city was established first and Ka’ba was constructedafterwards. This House of God was built by AbrahamA and IshmaelA on the same foundationslaid down by AdamA earlier, as Quran says:

Al-QuranSurah Al-i-Imran-3Verse: 96

The first House of God to be set up for people was at Bakkah the blessed, aguidance for the people of the world.

Ka’ba was the most revered spot for AdamA's descendents as well as the Arabs, thereforeMecca became the most important city of Arabia. AbrahamA after the completion of Ka’baconstruction left for Canaan, and appointed IshmaelA its custodian and Trustee. This was inaccordance with the Divine Will.

IshmaelA looked after Ka’ba for more than a century. The followers of AbrahamA soonstarted to arrive annually for Hajj (pilgrimage). For their traveling soon a route was directlymade from Canaan to Mecca. This linking road became a trading route and all caravans ofmerchants traveling between Yemen , India, Persia, Egypt, Canaan and Iraq started using thisroute. Thus Mecca developed into a big trading center. AbrahamA's prayer was thus granted.

Al-QuranSurah Baqarah-2Verse: 126

And when Abraham said: "O Lord, make this a city of peace, and give thoseof it's citizens who believe in God and the last Day, fruits for food". Heanswered: "To those will I also give a little for a time, who believes not.Then drag them to hell, a dreadful destination".

Historians are surprised at how only Mecca and not Arabia remained comparatively safe andpeaceful from the unrest and conflicts, from invasions and skirmishes of the surrounding regionand tribes for centuries. Whereas lands were invaded, battles fought, cities plundered, and

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human blood-shed due to infighting of the power full neighboring warrior tribes all around theboundaries of Arabia.

Indeed this was a Divine Blessing as the House of God stood gracefully in the centre of thecity. As long as the generations of IshmaelA's progeny remained Monotheists and steadfast intheir faith, God showered on them Bounties and they lived under His Divine Blessings. Theyfollowed relentlessly the religion of AbrahamA, which came to be known as "Deen-e-Hanif

Ibrahim" ( ).

From this Monotheists centre IshmaelA preached for many years and those who arrived onpilgrimage were taught the faith of AbrahamA. IshmaelA being the custodian and trustee ofKa’ba, looked after its maintenance. He and his male family members repaired the House,while his wives and daughters made curtains for the doors and covering of the House from woolwoven from their personal sheep.

Every year pilgrims arrived and their numbers increased. IshmaelA and his sons tended totheir needs. They supervised the arrangements for their stay and provided them with food.

After IshmaelA his eldest son Nabat became the trustee and after him the trusteeship cameinto the hands of his able descendents. Thus the custodianship of Ka’ba remained generationafter generation with the virtuous off springs of IshmaelA.

These were the Muslims and Muslim Ummah, for which AbrahamA and IshmaelA hadprayed for. They held this leadership till 6th century BC for nearly 1300 years as followers of

AbrahamA's faith ( ).

Given below is a brief time-line and a family tree of IshmaelA's descendents, the MuslimUmmah, including the birth of the last prophet MohammadS and the Imams in his lineage.

Before Chrisy:Year

1850 BC till 605 BC

605 BC.

Before Christ A Era

Banu Jarhm and Banu Ishmael.

Invasion of BabylonianEmperor Nebuchadnezzar

Brief Details

AbrahamA brought Hagar and his elder sonIshmaelA to Mecca in 1900 BC. Banu Jarhmsettled down here. In the coming threecenturies the descendents of IshmaelA

became so powerful that they over poweredBanu Jarhm.

In the initial years of 7th century BC Emperorof Babylon Nebuchadnezzar attacked Mecca,Banu Ishmael were weakened and Banu

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605 BC.

After Christ:Year

1st century AD.

2nd century AD.

3rd century AD.

Birth: 398 AD.Death: 480 AD.

Birth: unknown.Death: 510 AD.

Banu JarhmBanu Khaza’a

Name

Adnaan.

Ma'd.

Fahr (Quraiysh).

Qasya Bin Kalab.

Abdul Dar

Abdul Munaf

1. Abdul Shams

2. Hashim

Jarhm took control of Mecca.Banu Jarhm remained in control for a shortperiod, then a tribe from Yemen (BanuKhaza’a) invaded and defeating Banu Jarhmtook control. Chief of this tribe started idol-worship and put idols in Ka’ba.

Brief Details

Married a daughter of the chief of Jarhmtribe and brought unity to both the tribes' i.e,Banu Jarhm and Banu Ishmael.

Fore-father of Banu Ishmael.

Fahr was in the third generation of Ma'd andwas the founder of Quresh Tribe.

He was in the 6th generation of Fahr. Hemarried the daughter of the last chief ofBani-Khaza’a and took back the custody ofthe Ka’ba.

He was appointed Qasya's heir during his lifetime.

Brother of Abdul Dar who succeeded him.

Authority was transferred among four (4)sons of Abdul- Munaf from one to the other:Son of Abdul Munaf, he handed over allauthority to Hashim.

He was given authority by Abdul Shams butUmayya, the son of Abd-Shams wasclaimant so he fought with his uncle. Theelders of Mecca banished him from Meccafor ten years, and authority remained with

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570 AD.

August 570 AD.12th or 17th Rabi-ul-Awwal.

3. Muttalib

Abdul Muttalib

Abdullah

King of Yemen Abraha-ul-Ashram attacked Ka’ba.

Birth of the holy prophet MohammadS.

Abu Talib

Hashim.

Hashim died in the city of Ghaza where hewas on a business trip. His son was bornthere after his father's death and his mothernamed him Sheeba-tul-Hamd (Sheba).

After Hashim he got all authority.

Nwfil, his brother, also gave up his authorityto Muttalib. When Muttalib, brought hisnephew from Gaza, the Meccans thought hehad brought a slave hence he was calledAbdul Muttalib and his birth name Sheeba-tul-Hamd was almost forgotten.

Son of Hashim, discovered the well of ZamZam, distributed the duties andadministration of Ka’ba.

Youngest son of Abdul Muttalib. He wasmarried to the best girl of the family, Amnabinte Wahab bin Abd Munaf. He died youngat the age of 25 and his son MohammadS wasborn after his death.

He arrived on elephants to attack Ka’ba butwas destroyed by Divine Chastisement. Fromthis incidence the year of the elephantstarted.

Prior to the birth of holy prophetMohammadS, his father Abdullah had died.His mother also died when he was six yearsold. His grandfather Abdul Muttalib diedwhen prophet was nine years old, then hisuncle Abu Talib became his guardian.

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580 AD.

595 AD.

597 AD.

Birth: unknown.

600 AD

610 AD.(40th year of the elephant).

610 AD.

612 AD.

First journey and meetingof Priest Baheera.

Marriage with KhadijaR.

Birth of first son Qasim.

Birth of second son Abdullah.

Birth of AliA.

First Revelation (Apostleship of Holy Prophet began).

Birth of Fatima.

Acceptance of Islam by prophet's family.

Abu-BakrR's acceptance of Islam.

He was the real brother of the holy prophet'sfather Abdullah, this was the reason hisgrandfather made Abu Talib his guardian.

Abu Talib was a merchant and traveled toSyria and Yemen. At the age of ten theprophet traveled for the first time with him.It was in this journey that he met priestBaheera for the first and last time.

At the age of 25 prophet married KhadijaR

who was called Queen of Arabia because ofher riches from trading.A son was born to MohammadS and KhadijaR

two years after their marriage, he died aninfant.

Another son was born and named Abdullah,he died too as an infant. His date of birth iscontroversial.

Father Abu TalibR, mother Fatima-binte-AsadBorn inside Kabaa'.

In the 27th night of Rajab, Angel Gabrielarrived with the first Revelation.

His daughter Fatima was born the same year,another tradition states she was born in 614AD.

Two years after the Revelation only theprophet's family members accepted Islamchief among them were his wife KhadijaR,his cousins AliA, Jaffar and Zaid.

The first to accept Islam outside of the

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612 AD.

612 AD.

613 AD.

615 AD.

615 AD.

616 AD.

617 AD, to 620 AD.(7th year to 10th year of revelation).

619 or 620 AD.

Dinner of Zul-Asheera.

Proclamation from the hill of Saffa.

Migration to Abyssinia.

Hamza the uncle of Prophet.

Umer FarooqR.

Social and economical boycott of Banu Hashim by infidels of Mecca.

Death of KhadijaR and Abu TalibR.

Taif and preaching of Islam.

prophet's family was Abu-BakrR.

(Invitation) call to his relatives to acceptIslam.

Proclamation of prophet-hood from thehilltop of Saffa and invitation to all Meccansto accept Islam.

Migration of Muslims to Abyssinia acrosssouth west shores of Arabia. It was ruled by aChristian king Najashy and gave asylum tothe group of Muslims persecuted by infidelsof Mecca.

The uncle of the prophet, Hamza acceptedIslam.

Conversion of Umer FarooqR to Islam (hewas to be the second Caliph) he was 27 yearsold when he accepted Islam.

After a long persecution of over 5 years ofMuslims by Meccan infidels, when theyfailed to stop Islam from spreading, theysevered all social, political and economicalrelations with Banu Hashim (the clan of theprophet). Banu Hashim were forced to leavethe city and take refuge in the mountains.There they were besieged for a period ofthree years.

When Banu Hashim returned to their homesafter three years the same year KhadijaR andAbu TalibR died. The year was called "Theyear of grief".

In the south east of Mecca is the town of

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620 AD.

620 AD.

621 AD.

621 AD.

621 AD.

621 AD.

621 AD.

622 AD.

622 AD.

Conversion of Jinns to Islam.

Revelation of Surah Kausar (chapter 108 of Quran).

First oath of allegiance at Uqba (Bayt Uqba Ula).

M’iraj or the Ascension of the holy prophet.

Marriage with SaudaR.

Nikah with AyeshaR.

Second oath of allegianceat Uqba (Bayt Uqba Thani).

Miracle of Division of theMoon.

Migration of prophet

Taif. After losing all hopes of Mecca, theholy prophet traveled to Taif to preach. Theresidents of Taif treated him badly and forcedhim to leave town.

On his return the holy prophet met a group ofJinns who accepted Islam at Nakhla.

This shortest but most eloquent Surah wasrevealed in which the prophet was given thetiding of grant of abundant offsprings to himand the cutting off of the lineage of hisenemy. This was when his enemy tauntedhim about the end of his lineage after thedeath of both of his sons.

Some residents of Yathrab (Medina) tookoath of allegiance with the holy prophet.

God summoned the holy prophet from Ka’bato the Mosque Aqsa (last limits of heaven) sothat he could witness the Powers and Signsof Almighty God.

After the death of KhadijaR the holy prophetmarried SaudaR a widow.

Few days after his marriage the prophet hadNikah with AyeshaR daughter of Abu-BakrR.More residents of Medina, 25 in numberaccepted Islam at Uqba. Previously only afew had done so.

Division of the moon was one of the greatestmiracle of the holy prophet and a proof of hisprophet-hood. Even this sign was rejected bythe Quraish unbelievers.

Following the Divine instructions the

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June 622 AD.Rabi-ul-Awwal.

Year

(622 AD,2nd July), Friday.Rabi-ul-Awwal 16.

1st Hijri,622 AD.Friday.

1st HijriJuly 622 AD.

1st Hijri622 AD.

2nd Hijri.623 AD, Shabaan.

2nd Hijri,623 AD.Ramzan.

2nd Hijri.623 AD.1st Shawaal.

from Mecca to Medina.

Name

Start of Hijri calendarEntry into Yathrab (Medina).

Construction ofMasjid-e-Nabavi.

Medina Pact of Alliance.

Change of direction of Qibla.

Fasting.

Battle of Badar.

Eid-ul-Fitr.

Banishment of Banu

prophet made AliA sleep in his bed, and leftMecca with Abu BakrR in midnight. After afew days of secret journey, they reached asmall settlement in the south of Medina i.e,Quba. Here he waited for AliA, and built thefirst mosque called Mosque of Quba.

Brief Details

Before leaving from Quba and beforeentering Medina, the Friday congregationwas held in the neighborhood of Bani Salem,and then Prophet entered Medina.

First preference was given to theconstruction of a mosque in Medina. It wasnamed Masjid-e-Nabavi.

A pact of alliance was signed betweenMuslins and non-Muslim tribes living in andaround Medina.

Instead of Bait-al-Maqdas the direction ofQibla was changed to Ka’ba.

Fasting was made mandatory for Muslimsfor one full month.

Meccan unbelievers attacked Muslims butlost. This was the first battle fought under thecommand of the prophet in self defense.

At the end of Ramadan fasting Eid wascelebrated (as a festival). Special prayerswere offered and special alms were given tothe poor i.e, Fitra.

After Battle of Badar, the Jews of Banu

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2nd Hijri623 AD.Shawaal.

2nd Hijri623 AD.Shawaal.

2nd Hijri623 AD, Zil-Hajjah.

2nd Hijri623 AD, Zil-Hajjah.

2nd Hijri,623 AD.10th Zil-Hajjah.

2nd Hijri,623 AD.Zil-Hajjah.

3rd Hijri,614 AD.15th Ramzan.

3rd Hijri,624 AD.Shawaal.

3rd Hijri,625 AD.Rabi-ul-Awwal.4th Hijri,

Qayqaa Jewish tribe.

Consummation of AyeshaR's Nikah.

Marriage of AliA and FatimaA.

Death of first Mohajrin (migrants) of Islam.

Eid-ul-Azha.

Attack of Abu-Suffyan.Ghazwah Aswyq.

Birth of HassanA.

Battle of Uhad.

Banishment of Jewish tribe Banu-Nadyr.

Death of Fatima Bint'e Asad.

Qayqaa tribe were banished from Yathrab(Medina) as they defied the peace pact.

Prophet brought AyeshaR to his house, herNikah was ceremonized in Mecca, yet theconsummation of marriage took place atMedina.

Prophet MohammadS married his daughterFatimaA with his cousin AliA.

The first Mohajir companion of the prophetUthman Bin Maz'oon died in Medina.

On 10th Zil-Hajj, Muslims celebrated Eid-ul-Azha at Medina and offered Eid prayers.

Abu-Suffyan attacked the border region ofMedina and quickly retreated after causingdestruction and blood-shed.

First grandson of the prophet and son of AliA

and FatimaA, HassanA was born.

Abu-Suffyan attacked Medina in full forcewith his supporting tribes, but did not win. Itwas the second battle fought by ProphetMohammadS in self-defense.

Due to their treachery and defiance of peacepact, the tribe of Banu Nadyr were banishedfrom Medina.Fatima Bint'e Asad, aunt of prophetMohammadS and wife of Abu TalibR andmother of AliA died. The prophet lent his

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625 AD.

4th Hijri,625 AD.3rd Shabaan.

5th Hijri,626 AD.Shawaal.

5th Hijri,625AD, Zeeqaad.

6th Hijri,627 AD.Shabaan.

6th Hijri,627 AD.Zeeqaad.

Birth of HussynA.

Ghazwah-e-Ahazb.(Battle of the Trench).

Jewish tribeBanu Qryza (punishment)

. Ghazwah Banu Mustalaq.

. Javeria Bint'e Harith.

. The incidence of Ifk.

Peace Pact of Hudaybiya.

Ghazwah (Battle) of Khyber and Orchard of

coverlet as shroud and buried her himselfand prayed for her soul.Second grandson of the prophet, HussynA

was born to AliA and FatimaA.

Non-believers of Mecca along with theirsupporting tribes besieged Medina but couldnot attack because of a trench dug out byMuslims. Ultimately they had to retreatbecause of a storm. It was the third battlefought by Prophet in self-defense.

After the Battle of Trench, the Jewish tribe ofBanu Qryza of Medina were punished due totheir treachery, collusion with unbelievers ofMecca and defiance of Peace Pact. Theywere awarded punishment according to thelaws of Torah.

The chief of Banu Mustalaq broke the peace

pact, Prophet MohammadS retaliated andattacked him. He was defeated and hid inthe mountains.

Amongst the war prisoners was his daughter

Javeria Bint'e Harith. Prophet freed her andmarried her.

On the return journey the incidence of Ifk

occurred. AyeshaR was exonerated onemonth later when the verses of Surah Nurwere revealed to the Prophet..

A peace agreement was Signed betweenProphet MohammadS and infidels of Meccaat Hudaybiya, near Mecca.

Last fight between Muslims and Jews, AliA

led the army and conquered the fort of

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7th Hijri,628 AD.Saffar.

7th Hijri,628 AD.Safar.

7th Hijri,628 AD.Zil-Hajjah.

8th Hijri,629 AD.Jamad-ul-Awwal.

8th Hijri,629 AD,Ramzan 20, Friday.

7th Hijri,628 AD.Shawaal.

Fidak.

Muslim Immigrants return from Abyssinia to Medina.

First Umrah.

Battle of Mauta.

Conquest of Mecca and the acceptance of Islam by Abu-Suffyan and Bani-Umayya.

Battles of Hunayn, Otaas,and Taif.

Khyber. The orchards of Fidak wereconquered without fighting. According to theQuran the property of Fidak came under theproperty of "Fay", over which Fidak becamethe property of the prophet and only ProphetMohammadS had the right. He gave it as agift to his daughter Fatima.

On the occasion of battle of Khyber theMuslim migrants reached Medina fromAbyssinya. Amongst them were JaffarTayyarR and Umme HabibaR.

About one year after the peace agreement ofHudaybiya the holy prophet and otherMuslims performed their first Umrah.

It was the first battle against the Byzantinianrulers. Three great Muslim commanderswere martyred: Zayd Bin HarithR, JaffarTayyarR and Abdullah Bin RawahaR.

When the Meccan unbelievers breached thepeace pact of Hudaybiya, ProphetMohammadS marched on Mecca andoccupied the city without fighting. Generalamnesty was announced and no slaves weretaken. Abu-Suffyan and his tribe Banu-Umayya accepted Islam.

The warriors tribes of Hunayn, Saqeef andothers who resided in the surrounding areasof Mecca, formed an alliance against theMuslims. A battle was then fought at Hunaynwhere inspite of initial setback Muslimsdefeated the allied forces of the tribes, whofled and took refuge in the forts of Taif andOtaas. The Muslim army besieged the forts

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7th Hijri,628 AD.

8th Hijri,629 AD.

8th Hijri,629 AD.

8th Hijri.629 AD.Jamad-us-Sany.

8th Hijri629 AD.Ramzan.

8th Hijri,629 AD.Ramzan.

Khalid Bin Walyd and mass execution of Banu Jazyma.

Birth of Ibrahim.

Expedition of Dhat-ul-Slasil.

House of Swalam demolished.

Mosque Dharar demolished.

Expedition of Tabuk.

and conquered them. Women and children ofBanu Saqeef were arrested but on the requestof their tribal chief they were freed. This actimpressed the tribe and it converted to Islam.The people of Taif too became Muslims.

The prophet sent Khalid Bin Walyd towardsthe tribe of Banu Jazyma to beckon themtowards Islam. Khalid Biun Walyd had anold animosity with the tribe, takingadvantage of the situation he got a largenumber killed through deceit. The prophetwas extremely angry, he sent AliA withcompensation money for this act.The Egyptian ruler Maquqas sent some giftsand a respectable lady Marya Qubtya. Theprophet accepted and married her; she gavebirth to a son Ibrahim who died at the age of1 year 3 months.

Two Christian tribes Banu Qada'a and BanuQyn prepared for attack on Medina. AliA wassent to fight them and he defeated them.

The hypocrites use to gather at the house ofSwalm to conspire against Muslims. Herhouse was demolished.

Hypocrites built their own mosque, calledMosque of Dharar, to conspire againstMuslims. Prophet MohammadS ordered todemolish this mosque also.

The prophet took an army against theRomans and Ghussani rulers and left AliA inMedina as incharge.

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8th Hijri,629 AD.Rajab.

9th Hijri,630 AD. Zil-Hajjah.

10th Hijri, 631 AD. Zil-Hajjah.

10th Hijri.631 AD.

10th Hijri,631 AD

10th Hijri, 631AD.8th to 9th Zil-Hajjah.

Expedition of Banu Tay and their chief Adi-bin-Hatim Taiye.

Entry of non-Muslims into Ka’ba banned.

Year of coming of delegations. (Aamul-wafud).

Delegation of Najran Christians and Mubahilah.

Yemen tribes accept Islam.

Hajjat-ul-Wid'a and Last Sermon.

AliA went for the admonition of Banu-Tayand returned successful. The whole tribe Andtheir chief Adi-bin-Hatim Taiye acceptedIslam.

Till 9th Hijri the Arabs including infidels andidolaters, all used to perform Hajj togetheraccording to their own customs. But after therevelation of Surah Bara'at (Tauba), prophetMohammadS sent AliA to make the importantannouncement infront of the congregation ofpilgrims in Ka’ba, that after this Hajj, theentry of all non-Muslims into Ka’ba wouldbe banned.

After the Prophet returned from Tabuk,various Arab tribes who had not acceptedIslam yet, sent their delegations to ProphetMohammadS. Majority of them acceptedIslam.The delegation of Christians from Najran didnot accept Islam but chose to debate withProphet MohammadS. When they werelosing the debate, they challengedMohammadS for Mubahila (each partypraying for curse of God on the opponent).But then they also abandoned Mubahila.

The major tribes of Yemen Kindah, Daws,Asharys and Hamdan accepted Islam. At thetime of Hajj their delegates came to Meccaand performed Hajj, this was the lastdelegation which came with Ali to Meccaand met the prophet.

After the last victory of Islam over itsopponents, God ordained the prophet andMuslims to perform Hajj. The prophet alongwith his wives, family members and

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10th Hijri,631 AD.14th Zil-Hajjah.

10th Hijri.631 AD.14 Zil-Hajjah.

10th Hijri.631 AD.28 Zil-Hajjah.

10th Hijri.631 AD.

Return from Mecca and sermon at Ghadeer.

Revelation of verses about completion of Islam.

Return to Medina.

Chastisement of Harith Bin Nauman Fhry. (rejector of declaration ofGhadeer).

Preparation for departure of Osama's army for

Muslims performed his first and last Hajj,and gave his "Last Sermon of the Hajj" inArafat. This sermon is the gist of Islamicpreaching and the Divine Book Quran, forthe betterment and purification of humansouls.

After performing Hajj, Prophet MohammadS

left Mecca. All Muslims accompanied himupto Hajfa from where routes separate fordifferent places. This place is also calledGhadeer-e-Khum. Prophet stopped here andordered to call everyone back. When all wereassembled, the prophet delivered a lengthysermon. During this sermon, prophet raisedthe hand of AliA and announced: "Just like Iam the Maula (master) of all Muslims, so isalso Ali their Maula".

Immediately after the sermon of GhadeerAngel GabrielA came with the Revelations ofthe verses declaring the completion ofreligion of Islam and the completion of thegift of God.

During the last ten days of Zil-Hajj, theprophet and his companions returned toMedina. They reached Medina when the sunwas rising in the skies.

After Prophet's return to Medina, an Arabnamed Harith Bin Nauman Fhry, came to theprophet and insolently rejecting Ghadeerasked for Divine chastisement if it was true.Divine chastisement came in the form of astone which dropped from sky and hit him onthe head. He died on the spot.

On reaching Medina Prophet MohammadS

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11th Hijri, 632 AD, Muharram.



11th Hijri,632 AD. 28 Safar or12 Rabi-ul-Awwal.11th Hijri,632 AD.28 Safar or12 Rabi-ul-Awwal.

revenge of losses in the battle of Mauta.

Illness of the prophet.

False claimants of prophet-hood.

Death of the holy prophet.

Funeral and burial of the prophet.

ordered immediate departure of a powerfularmy towards Syria to take revenge of themartyrs of Mauta and made Osama its'commander. Included in his army were allthe close companions of the Prophet exceptAliA. But this army did not depart and in themean time prophet expired.

The prophet became ill. He suffered fromfever and severe headache, both increasedday by day.

As soon as the news of prophet's sicknessspread, the far flung areas of Arabia startedhaving unrest. Taking advantage of thesituation many false claimants of prophet-hood appeared, such as Museelmah Kazab,Taliha Asady and Aswad Asny. But due tothe prudent policy of the prophet all threefailed in their plans.

The prophet died in the same sickness. Hedied reciting prayer in the presence of AliA

and his family members.According to the instructions and will of theprophet, AliA arranged for the burial andburied the prophet the same day in the sameroom in which he died.

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Destruction by the king of Babylon and re-emergence of Banu-IshmaelA (Fahr Qurysh):

6th century BC was the worst for the civilized population of those times, including theprogeny of AbrahamA and chiefly the branches of IshmaelA's descendents.

When Nebuchadnezzar (605-562 BC) ascended the throne of Babylon, he played havocwith the civilized populations around him, by attacking nearly all neighborly settlements andrulers. He rose from Babylon and invaded Assyrians in the north with a big powerful army.After victory he demolished and raised to ground the magnificent city of Nineveh. Then heattacked the Jewish state of Palestine, destroyed it and brought back thousands of Jews asprisoners to Babylon. He completely destroyed Jerusalem and the famous temple of SolomonA

(Maqdas). Not a single wall was left standing, and it became a pile of stones and rubble.

After Jerusalem he attacked Mecca. He could not damage the Ka’ba but the progeny ofIshmaelA was nearly wiped-out. Those who survived became so defenceless that soon BaniJarhm over powered them. Bani Jarhm took over the custody of Ka’ba and their chief becamethe powerful ruler of Mecca. Bani Ishmael were forced to stay away from Ka’ba, but retainingtheir Monotheist faith they developed some links with Bani Jarhm.

Bani Jarhm enjoyed this supremacy till the beginning of 3rd century BC, both in worldly andreligious affairs of the region.

Then they were attacked by Banu Khaza’a a branch of Banu Qhtan. This Arabian tribe overpowered Bani Jarhm. They came from Yemen, and entered Hijaz from the south and completelyannihilated the identity of Bani Jarhm from the annals of history.

They remained in power and controlled both Mecca and Ka’ba for nearly two centuries i.e,till 450 BC. Bani Ishmael had to tolerate them, and compromise with the situation.

According to Arabian history till the arrival of Banu Khaza’a, the descendents of IshmaelA

were monotheists and followed the faith of their fore-father AbrahamA.

The chief of Khaza’a, Umru Bin Lahy Khazaa’y was the first person who brought an idol ofHubl from Syria, and erected it in the centre of Ka’ba. Gradually many smaller idols wereplaced around it, and thus the Arabs of Hijaz became idol-worshippers.

However the followers of AbrahamA and IshmaelA kept their faith during this era. The eldersof various clans of IshmaelA's progeny, kept on gradually strengthening their position andpower. Their policy was to maintain peaceful relations with the members of the ruling class ofBani Jarhm and to strengthen their ties with Banu Khazaa (through inter-marriages). The mostfamous of these marriages was between a historical figure of IshmaelA's progeny, Adnan, and

20

daughter of Bani Jarhm's chief (first century BC). Two sons were born to them Ma'ad andLamak.

Ma'ad was the fore-father of the coming generation of Bani IshmaelA of Najd and Hijaz.Among his descendents was the famous Fahr who got the title of Qurysh. The word Qurysh isderived from Qarsh which means trade, as the profession of Fahr and his tribe was trading. Itwas during the life of Fahr Qurysh that Bani Khazaa attacked and captured Mecca from BaniJarhm.

Qussay Bin Kalaab (398-480 AD):

Qussay Bin Kalaab is the most famous amongst the descendents of Fahar. Scholars are ofthe opinion that from Qussay Bin Kalaab to the Holy prophet, the historical record is reliable.

Tafseer Ibne KaseerAllama Dyar Bakry,Ibne Hisham,Ibne Khuldoon,

Tareekh-e-Tabari,

Spirit of IslamSyed Ameer Ali.

Ibne Kaseer-1Page: 183

Historians state that the reign of the last chief Haleel of Bani Khaza’a, wasthe one in which Qussay lived. Both Quraiysh and Bani Khaza’a hadfriendly relations. Haleel married his only daughter to Qussay, and madehim his heir and successor. Thus with this heirship, Qussay took back thetrusteeship of Ka’ba and became chief of Mecca, a position which had beenthe right of his fore-fathers.Qussay after obtaining this position, came to the door of Ka’ba andannounced in a loud voice:“Should I worship one God or the thousands as have been installed here. Ihad no link with La'at and Uzaa. This is how a wise and intelligent personshould conduct. Hence I neither worship Uzaa, nor do I pay homage toother idols”.

Qussay and the settling of Bani IshmaelA:

Centuries of oppression had scattered the race of IshmaelA, they had left Mecca and settleddown in far flung areas living a life of anonymity.

After becoming the chief, the first action of Qussay was to bring back his tribe to Mecca.Leaving considerable space for pilgrimage, he made them settle down around Ka’ba. His planwas to protect Ka’ba from invasions; his descendents built strong houses around the Ka’ba.

Dar-ul-Nadwah:

21

For his own residence Qussay got a mansion built. Its main entrance opened in thecourtyard of the Ka’ba. It was named Dar-ul-Nadwah and held the same position as the seat ofgovernment. It was here where Qussay held his court, in which the problems and administrativematters were discussed, decisions were taken and laws were proclaimed. It was the centre ofauthority and governance.

Aqda-ul-Lwa':

Lwa' was the name of the flag of Quraiysh. Whenever they left for an expedition, Qussaywould personally tie a white cloth to the spear and hand it over to the commander of the outfit.This process was called Aqda-ul-Lwa', and it became a tradition of Arabs.

Arrangements for the poor pilgrims (Rafadha):

Since the days of AbrahamA, not only Monotheists but also infidels and non-believers cameto Mecca for yearly pilgrimage. The poor among the pilgrims faced considerable problems offood and living. Qussay asked the Quraiysh to contribute and donate money for this cause. Thedonations were used for the boarding and lodging of poor pilgrims. This system was called"Rafadha", and it existed even in prophet's days and later.

Nadwah:

Besides the above mentioned arrangements, a system of water distribution amongst thecitizens of the city was evolved which was called "Saqaya", and the person responsible for thekey keeping was called "Hjaba". Both these duties were carried out by Qussay himself. Besides,he also worked for the welfare of people, and a smooth and efficient administration.

During this period Bani Ishmael were divided into ten clans, he made the chiefs of theseclans to form a group of elders who were called “Prestigious Quraiysh ( )”. Thisgroup discussed among themselves all matters of disputes and controversies and resolved them.This brought about a unity amongst the tribe.

The God-gifted wisdom of Qussay and his administrative abilities soon brought dignity andhonour to the tribe of Quraiysh and their city Mecca.

During his life time Qussay had made Abdul Dar his heir. After Abdul Dar his youngerbrother Abd Munaf took charge, and proved an extremely worthy successor. He gained morepopularity and respect than his predecessors, and was given the title of “Moon of Batha

( )”. An Arab poet wrote about him:

History ofIbne KhuldoonPage: 176

The Quraiysh were chieftains and leaders, yet the pure essence of Quraiyshspirit was Abd Munaf.

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Historians say he was a dignified person of magnificent personality and apillar of strength for his people. He had an inscription written on a stoneslab as follows:“I Mughyra Abd-Munaf Ibne Qussay order piety and kindness”.

He was a merchant by profession. He once set out for a trade journey to Syria, became sickand died there. He left behind four sons Abd-Shams, Umru (Hashim), Muttalib and Nofil.

Hashim:

After Abd-Munaf his two sons Abd-Shams and Hashim shared power and governanceHowever Abd-Shams soon felt, he was incapable of performing his duties, so he handed overhis responsibilities to his brother Hashim.

Hashim and Umayya:

The sons of Abd-Shams did not approve their father's act, and the eldest son Umayyaaccused his uncle for usurping his father's powers. The elders of Quraiysh spoke in favor ofHashim and for breaching the peace and order of the city Umayya was banished from the cityfor ten years. This decision speaks for itself about the qualities and capabilities of Hashim.

Historians are unanimous in praising Hashim for his values, courage, boldness,humanitarianism, hospitality and generosity. He was a man of principles. His parents had namedhim Umru, but he became famous as “Hashim”, a title he gained for his hospitality.

The word Hashim has been derived from Hasham which is a dish of meat and bread curry.The reason for award of this title was that during his tenure a great famine struck the region.During the famine period Hashim used to get this dish prepared and fed to the needy, the poorand orphans. Thus he got the title of “Hashim” and the word became so famous in history thatsoon his clan was called “Banu Hashim”. When in the times of prophet MohammadS, peoplepraised Hashim, the prophet said:

“God chose Bani Kanana from Bani Ishmael, then He chose Quraiysh from Bani Kananaand from amongst Quraiysh he chose Hashim”.

No doubt Hashim was chosen by His Lord, who bestowed extra-ordinary wisdom andintelligence on him. Utilizing these divine gifts Hashim brought about reforms which provedbeneficial, ethical and popular.

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Quraiysh were professionally merchants and traders, but lacked organization, discipline andorder. They were used to spending their wealth for pomp and show and neglected poor andneedy, as a result poverty increased and wealth wasted.

Tafheem-al-Quran-6Page: 475

After taking notice of the situation, Hashim put up his suggestions to thegroup of elders:1. Every well-off family should adopt and look after a poor family.2. Merchants should not travel throughout the year, or travel alone. Theyshould always travel in caravans, and should travel towards Yemen inwinter and to Syria in summer.3. Friendly relations should be formed with foreign rulers and merchants, sothat special privileges could be obtained.

After approval from the group of elders, Hashim appointed his brothers as emissaries tonegotiate with the foreign rulers. He himself negotiated with the Ghussani ruler of Syria. Hisbrothers negotiated separately, Abdul-Shams with the king of Abyssinia, Muttalib with thechieftains of Yemen, and Nofal with Persian and Iraqi rulers. The net result of these efforts wasvery positive and many privileges and concessions were secured.

Due to these actions all the four brothers gained respect in the surrounding countries and theprestige of the tribe of Quraiysh and their honor sky rocketed.

The competence and intelligence of young Hashim, son of Abd Munaf, greatly impressedthe group of elders and turned them into his great admirers and supporters.

Reforms carried out by Hashim resulted in all round improvements:

1. Poverty alleviation was possible; gradually the Quraiysh became the wealthiest amongstother tribes.

2. It became safe for trade caravans to travel from country to country. During their journeythey no more had to suffer from scorching heat or freezing cold. Dacoits and robbers couldno more attack them because of the security provided by caravans. Because the trade routesbecame safe, more and more people started travelling and going for pilgrimage to Mecca.The importance of Mecca as a trade centre therefore increased manifold.

The wise and well planned efforts of Hashim were supported by blessings of Almighty God,making the Quraiysh a prosperous and respected tribe. But as time passed majority of Quraiyshbecame idolaters and arrogant. Merely 100 years after Hashim, when God showered them withHis grand blessings in the form of the Prophet MohammadS, they rejected him and opposed himtooth and nail. Then God reminded them of some of His favours:

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Al-QuranSurah Al-Quresh106Verses: 1-4

Since the Quraiysh have been united, united to send out caravans winterand summer. Let them worship the Lord of this House, who provided themagainst destitution and gave them security against fear.

The security provided by the Lord to Quraiysh was twofold. One was through the righteousand prudent actions of Hashim, and the other was through the popular respect and honor ofKa’ba, the House of God. No one dared to harm the dwellers of the Haram (Ka’ba).

If any encounter did occur the announcement that the caravan belonged to the residents ofHaram was enough for the attackers to leave them in peace.

Spirit of IslamSyed Ameer AliPage: 79

Hashim died at the age of 35, at Medina in 510AD. He had married awoman of Medina and left behind a son as his heir who was named"Sheba".

Muttalib Bin Abd Munaf:

After Hashim the responsibilities of Siqayah and Rifadha were put on the shoulders ofMuttalib. He performed his duties well, due to his elderly status and generosity he was called"Al-Fyz" which means "The Generous One". He had great love for his brother Hashim, henceafter his death, he visited Medina in search of his nephew. Met him and requested his mother:

TafseerIbne HishamPage: 145

My brother's son is now a grown up child, he is away from his native landand family. We belonging to a respectful family and are chief of our clan.Our people depend on us for their matters, hence it will be better for thechild to be with his clan and family.

The mother reluctantly let him take her son.

When he came to Mecca with the child, all who saw him thought that he had bought a slavein Medina who now accompanied him. So they called the child Abdul Muttalib (slave ofMuttalib). This name became so popular among people that his original name Sheeba-tul-Hamd(or Sheba) was completely forgotten.

In 520AD when Muttalib died during a journey to Yemen, his nephew Abdul Muttalibbecame his heir.

Abdul Muttalib:

25

When the only son of Hashim (Abdul Muttalib) took up the responsibilities of his family hewas only 20 or 22 years old. It was due to his intelligence and wisdom, bestowed upon him byGod, that all accepted his status as a chief.

Abdul Muttalib did not like the rituals which Banu Khaza’a had introduced when they werein power. One of them was circumambulating the Ka’ba in nude condition. So after takingcharge, the first order he issued was:

“No one will circumambulate the Kabaa' naked”.

Tareekh-e-AaimmaPage: 81

The Life of Mohammad.page: 4

The deviation of Banu Khaza’a from monotheism and their acceptance ofidol-worship had brought about a punishment on them. The well of ZamZam had dried up, the Banu Khaza’a chiefs had covered the well's mouthand placed two idols Aslaf and Nayla on it.Abdul Muttalib removed the idols and the well was dug out. With theDivine Blessings the dried up well became fully operative.

When Banu Khaza’a had taken over the control of Mecca, Banu Jarhm were banished. Theyburied the religious relics in the ground to save them from the invaders. Abdul Muttalibdiscovered them and brought them back to Ka’ba.

Among the priorities set by Abdul Muttalib for himself, the first was to reorganize theadministration of Ka’ba and then to protect the Zam Zam well and improve its' waterdistribution. Abdul Muttalib utilize the services of Group of Elders for a better management byreorganizing its' functioning. He divided the total management into 10 (ten) sub-groups. Eachsub-group was headed by an Elder and the position was made hereditary, the eldest of thefamily had an automatic right to succeed. These elders had great influence and authority, andthe one who enjoyed greatest influence and respect and was called Syed (chief). Here are thedetails of the sub-groups:

(i). Hajaba (Superintendencey of the Ka’ba):This position was the highest and more sacred and involved the keeping of the keys of

Ka’ba.

(ii). Siqayah (Management of water supply):The controlling authority of wells sacred to Arabs, and the distribution of water. The water

of the Zam Zam were solely for the use of pilgrims.

(iii). Dyat (Judicial Powers):It was a judicial post which remained in the family of Taym-bin-Marrah.

(iv). Safarat:

26

Diplomatic representation of the government and management of external affairs.

(v). Liwa (Possession of the Flag): It included defence of the state, protection of the flag and command of the army. This

position was given to Bani Umayya.

(vi). Rafadah: (Social welfare, Charity money and its distribution):

All money or contribution received from alms and charity was collected and used for theneedy, the poor pilgrims and helpless traveler's. This responsibility was taken up by AbdulMuttalib himself, after him Abu Talib carried out the duties.

(vii). Nadwah: (Advisory council):

The head of the Advisory Council was regarded as the chief advisor of the management.Abdul Uza Bin Qussay's family held this position.

(viii). Khayma or Qabba:The person having this position held dual responsibility, to bring about the people to attend

the general congregation as and when called, and to organize the fighting force in case ofbattles. This position remained in the family of Makhzum Bin Mara.

(ix). Khazina (Finance and Treasury):

This position was held by Hasan-bin-Kaab's family.

(x). Izlaam:The protection of those special arrows which were used to seek the judgment and will of the

idols. This position was given to Sufwan Bin Umiyya.

The Arabs are by nature proud people, when the custody of Ka’ba and responsibilitiesattached with it were was distributed amongst the Quraiysh, they readily accepted it and triedtheir best to perform their duties better than the others.


Abdul Muttalib had no brother, his father and uncle both had died earlier.He desired a large family. God bestowed him with ten sons and sixdaughters:

Sons:1. Harith (the eldest son who was born in 538AD).2. Abu Lahab.3. Abu Talib (who was born in 540AD).4. Abdullah.5. Zubyr.6. Draar.

27

7. Abbas.8. Hamza.9. Jahm.10. Maqum.

Daughters:1. Aatiha.2. Amima.3. Urwa.4. Barah.5. Umme-Hakim.6. Safya.

There is a tradition related in some books of Seerat, that Abdul Muttalib had made a vowbefore the idols of Ka’ba that if ten or twelve sons are born to him, he will sacrifice one beforethem. This is a false tradition and cannot be true on many counts, namely: (i). Abdul Muttalibwas a monotheist. He could not indulge in an act of idle- worship. (ii). Human sacrifice is notpermissible in any Religion of God. The case of sacrifice of Prophet IshmaelA cannot be cited asexample because it was a command of God and the intention was not of slaughtering IshmaelA.(iii). Why only Abdullah was taken for sacrifice, he was neither the last son nor the first?

Companions of the Elephant and Abdul Muttalib:

Al-QuranAl-Fiyl-105(Elephant)

Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the people of the elephant?Did he not make their plot go wrong? And sent against them birds in flocks,which pelted them with pebbles of baked clay. Thus rendered them likestubble grazed (by cattle).

These few lines of one of the shortest Surahs of the Quran are an admonition and a warningwhile relating an incident which became so famous amongst Arabs that they made theircalendar start with it, calling it "Year of Elephant".

When these verses were revealed to the prophet less than 50 years had passed to the incidentand there were many elderly persons still living in Mecca who were eyewitnesses to thatepisode.

Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the prophet was the chief of Mecca and the custodian ofKa’ba at that time.

28

The background of this incidence goes back to sixth century AD, to the Christian state ofYemen, which was a part of the Abyssinian Empire. Then an African named Abraha was thegovernor of Yemen. On the other hand the Abyssinian Emperor was an ally of the Romans.After achieving complete control of Yemen, both the Roman and Abyssinian Emperors desired:

(i). To take control of those trade routes which passed through Arabia to reach Yemen.(ii). To end the central position and status of Ka’ba and to spread Christianity in Arabia.

To achieve these objectives Governor Abraha readily agreed to carry out the plan, as hehimself wanted to appease Abyssinian and Roman Emperors.

Abraha had already got a large temple constructed in his capital city of Sana. Arabhistorians call this temple "Alqlys" and Greeks call it "Ekklesia", Afterwards the word changed

into "Klesya" ( ). Now Abraha wanted to end the popularity and dignified status of Ka’ba.So he wrote to the Abyssinian Emperor:

"I will not rest until I change the pilgrimage of Ka’ba amongst the Arab to that of Klesya".

Then he sent his emissaries to the neighboring countries with the announcement that peopleshould not go on pilgrimage to Ka’ba but should come to Sana. When the Arabs heard this theywere furious. Some youth reached Sana and threw garbage and stones in the great (temple)Klesya.

This disrespect and insult of his worship place provided an immediate excuse to Abraha ofattacking Ka’ba, he swore:

“I will not rest until I have destroyed Ka’ba”.

In short, commanding a huge army with nine elephants in the centre and he himselfmounted on the biggest and most powerful elephant, he headed for Mecca.

Tafheem-al-Quran-6Page: 468

In the month of Muharram in 570 AD his army camped at Arafat under thehills which extend upto Taif.The scene was frightening. The large army with ferocious elephantsintimidated those who saw it. Even if the Arabs would have assembledtogether all their tribes they would have been no match for Abraha.

It is narrated by Abdullah Ibne AbbasR, when Abdul Muttalib saw all this he personally wentto Abraha and asked:

“Why have you come here”?He replied arrogantly:“I have heard Ka’ba is a place of peace, I have come to destroy this peace”.Abdul Muttalib replied:

29

“Ka’ba is the House of the Lord, nobody has succeeded till now to destroy it”.Abraha arrested:“We will not return till it is destroyed”.

Mohammad Bin Ishaaq narrated that after this dialogue, Abdul Muttalib returned to Meccaand summoning the Quraiysh addressed them:

“Take your women folk and children and leave for the passes in the hills, to save yourselffrom the destruction and ravages of the invading soldiers”.

After that taking the elders of the Quraiysh along with him, he came near Ka’ba and holdingthe handles of the door prayed:

SeeratIbne Hisham

Suhaili-Rozatul--AnafAbne Jarir Tabari

“O God! People protect their homes, so protect your House. Tomorrow theplans of the Christian Cross should not over power your plan.O Lord! In the conflict between the believers of the Cross and your ownbelievers, help your believers.O my Lord! Except you I have no hope of any help.O my Lord! Save and defend your House from them”.

Thus did Abdul Muttalib and other elders of Quraiysh plead. They wailed and cried, thenLord heard and brought consolation to their agitated souls, they too left for the hills. Early in themorning Abdul Muttalib sent one of his sons towards the hill called "Abu-Qabus" forsurveillance, he climbed the hill and seeing what he did returned with the news.

SeeratIbne-e-Hisham.Blagh-ul-Arab.Majma-ul-Bayan.Baharul-Anwaar.

From the north-western sea i.e. Red Sea, a black cloud is approaching.Abdul Muttalib was confident that God had heard his prayers, he happilyannounced:“O Quraiysh! Return to your homes. God's help has arrived”.

On the other hand Abraha had reached Mecca city with great pomp and show. When he triedto make his elephant enter the city, the animal did not budge. It swayed to and fro, right and left,but did not move an inch towards Mecca.

During this time the black cloud reached the Meccan skies. It was actually a large flock ofbirds, who had pebbles in their beaks which they rained down on Abraha's army. It was DivineChastisement, And it turned Abraha's great army and his elephants to look like a field full ofleft-overs of straw and stubble after it is gazed by cattle.


“Their bodies were changed into stuffed ones”.Abraha's army was mowed down to look like straw and stubble, left overafter grazing of cattle. Not only this, a storm hit the area with its full

30

severity. It was followed by a heavy downpour. The gushing water (as ifsome dam had broken up) washed away the remains of Abraha's army intothe sea.

Abraha while failing to move his elephant, died after falling from it. This chastisement andfrightened end of a great army was remembered well by the Arabs. The news of this occurrencealso spread beyond the borders of Arabia. Arab poet wrote about it and God's Book the HolyQuran gave immortality to the incidence by the revelation of Surah 105 "Elephant".

The incidence of Abraha was an eye opener for those who considered the forefathers ofProphet MohammadS as idol-worshippers. As discussed on previous pages it was a proof thatthe lineage which gave birth to prophet MohammadS was kept pure and pious by Almighty God.They were the pious personalities of the Muslim Ummah in the progeny of AbrahamA. At alltimes, they possessed highly noble qualities and were never polytheists or idol worshippers.

Abdullah:

He was a handsome youth of impeccable character and was loved by his parents andadorned by his family. His personality made him popular amongst the Quraiysh clan.

It is said that his father Abdul Muttalib always kept him near him, and he desired Abdullahto wed the best girl of the clan. So he chose Amna bint'e Wahab Bin Abd Munaf, and he tookhis son to her house, Wahab was the chief of Banu Zohra, a branch of Quraiysh tribe. Heaccepted the proposal happily.

The marriage took place with full glory in accordance with Quraiysh traditions.

After the incident of the elephants Abdullah, the son of Abdul Muttalib, died at the age of25. He had gone for trade to Syria. While coming back he stayed at Yathrab (Medina), where hefell ill and died. All he left was some camels, goats and a maid Umme-Aiman. This legacy waslater entrusted to his son (prophet MohammadS) who was born after Abdullah's death.

Birth of Holy Prophet MohammadS:

Time never stops it went on moving days changed into weeks and weeks into months, thenAbdul Muttalib heard the news he was waiting for, a son was born to Amna the wife ofAbdullah (it was seven weeks after the attack of Abraha). Abdul Muttalib visited her house. Themother handed over the child to the grandfather and informed him that at the time of his birth,she had seen the morning star shining brightly in the sky. I felt my whole house was filled with

31

Divine Light. Early in the morning the child placing both his hands on the ground bowed downhis head and prostrated, seeing all this Amna prayed.

“I give him in the protection of Allah against the evils of all those who are jealous andenvious”.

At that joyful moment the old grandfather would certainly have wished for his son Abdullahto be alive. His love for the child, for this orphan grandson, was boundless. Seeing some signsin the infant he declared:

“He is Mohammad, I name him Mohammad”.

Date and years of MohammadS's Birth:

The date of his birth is controversial amongst scholars. The most important cause of this isthat the date of birth of MohammadS is often worked out with the incidence of Abraha'selephant's army and the destruction that occurred. It is believed that he was born 45 or 50 daysafter this incident. Thus there are three different dates of his birth popular amongst the people.

Seerat-un-NabiMaulana ShibliPage: 100


According to the famous Egyptian astronomer Alim Mehmood PashaFalky's research, the birth of prophet MohammadS was 9th Rabi-ul-Awwalon Monday, 20th April 571 AD.Imamya scholars place his birth on 17th Rabi-ul-Awwal.The date commonly known is 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal i.e, 50 days afterAbaraha's defeat.

According to the Quraiysh tradition his “Aqiqa” ceremony was held on seventh day after hisbirth. A feast was given to the tribe, where his name was announced.

This was a totally new name for the Arabs, they had never heard it before. They asked withsurprise:

“Why have you named him so different from that of traditional tribal name”?Abdul Muttalib replied:“I pray that he be praised both in heaven and on earth (Mohammad means the praised one)”.The Lord of Abdul Muttalib heard this prayer and accepted it. The holy Quran revealed:

Al-QuranSurah Ahzab-33Verse: 56

God and His angels shower their blessings on the Prophet.

Along with came the command:

Al-QuranSurah Ahzab-33Verse: 56

O believers, you should also send your blessings on him, and salute himwith a worthy greeting.

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The mysterious experience of AmnaR and a particular name given by the grandfatherindicate that both these persons were aware that the new born was not an ordinary child, so theymade special arrangements for his upbringing.


According to Arab tradition the child was handed over to a wet-nurseHalima Sadia a Bedouin woman of Banu Saad clan, a branch of Hwazantribe.

The grandfather kept his vigilance over the child's well-being. When the child was twoyears old he was brought back to the mother. Now he grew up in the supervision of hisgrandfather and mother. His appearance and virtuous qualities made him loveable by all. Hischarms and manners made him a centre of attraction, and in this aspect he even surpassed hisfather.

It is said who ever saw the child was attracted towards him and praised him, perhapsbecause of this his grand father and mother started calling him "Ahmed" (one who deservespraise).

Like MohammadS, Ahmed also had not been used by Arabs as a name. Both the names werenew for the Arabs and the Quraiysh.

Now the question arises, where did these names come from? How did the grandfather andmother named him thus, perhaps this was also a spiritual revelation.

MohammadS is the name which is most commonly recited by Muslims in prayers. There arethree testimonies in the First Kalma out of which one is MohammadS. In the call for prayer(Azaan) and In the Tashahud, the name of MohammadS is repeated. Thus prayer of eachMuslim, offered five times a day, contains the name of MohammadS. Imagine the repetition ofthis revered name on daily basis when millions of Muslims pray five time a day all over theworld.

This is the fulfillment of the promise God made.

Al-QuranSurah Alam-Nashrah-94Verse: 4

We exalted your (fame).

Prophecy of Jesus ChristA about the coming Prophet:

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In the prophecy that Jesus ChristA had made about the coming about MohammadS he hadused the name Ahmed. As the holy Quran says:

Al-QuranSurah Al-saf-61Verse: 6

And when Jesus, son of Mary said: “O children of Israel, I am sent to youby God to confirm the Torah (sent) before me, and to give you good tidingsof an apostle who will come after me, whose name is Ahmed”.

What Quran said in the above verse is supported by Bible, but because Bible has beentranslated into many languages, the original word “Ahmed” of Syriac (the language spoken byJesus ChristA) has also been translated into its' equivalent words instead of retaining its'originality. The Greek translation used the word Periclytos for “Ahmed”. When translated intoEnglish, instead of Periclytos, its' corrupted version Paracletos was used which was translatedinto English as comforter, helper, advocate etc. The meaning of “Ahmed” in Syriac is ‘thepraised one’.

In the following three verses of Bible, Jesus ChristA spoke of the Prophet who will comeafter him. JesusA used word “Ahmed” for this prophet.

Gospel of John15:7

Gospel of John15:26

Gospel of John14:16

(Jesus said): “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that Igo away, for if I don't go away, the Comforter will not come to you; but if Idepart I will send him unto you”.(Jesus said): “But I will send you the Comforter, the spirit of truth. He willcome to you from the Father and will testify all about me”.(Jesus said): “And I will pray the father and he shall give you anotherComforter that he may abide with you forever”.

The meaning of Ahmed and Mohammad are the same i.e, “Praised one”. Moreover TheHoly Quran authenticates that Ahmed is the same Prophet who is called Mohammad (Al-Quran61:6). Besides the name Ahmed has been used in Islamic literature at many places, for example:

Abu TalibR

Hissan Bin SabitR

AliA Bin Abu Talib

Ahmed definitely has brought a religion which is not false.

God and the Angels who surround Him, and the virtuous send salutation onAhmed.

I pray for the success of Ahmed, the prophet and guide, who has beenpraise worthy in his childhood and in his youth.

Christian Priests and religious scholars knew about the prophecies in the Bible about thecoming of the future prophet. Similarly Jewish Rabaiis knew about such prophesies in Torah(Deuteronomy 18:18). That is why around 3rd century AD, Jewish and some Christian tribesmoved over to Arabia in Medina, Najran etc. awaiting the arrival of the promised prophet. Butwhen it did happen in seventh century AD, and prophet MohammadS declared his prophet-hood,

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only those Christian and Jews who had a righteous heart accepted him. Majority rejected him onthe basis that prophet-hood could only come in the progeny of AbrahamA's son IsaacA and not inthe progeny of his other son IshmaelA. This may perhaps be a faith-coated-excuse, the realreason may be the big danger to their economic interests and their big mafias which wereexploiting religion, and reaping the rewards.

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chapter - 3 race of ishmaela, he prayed · chapter - 3 race of ishmaela when abrahama was raising...

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