LECTURE 15 Road map to Al Madinah . . .

Masjed Alaqsa was also first Qiblah . . . A leader in Al Madinah, who had accepted Islam by the

name of Al Baraa ibn Ma’roor came to the Muslims and said, “I have an idea and I want your opinon. I don’t feel comfortable turning my back towards this building in prayer [the ka’abah—in Madinah they gave they back to it and faced jerusalem].” Ka’ab ibn Malek said, “the Prophet of Allah is praying towards Jerusalem and we don’t want to contradict him.” So Al Baraa said, “I am going to pray towards the Ka’bah” And he did.

When they got to Al Madinah Al Baraa said, “O my nephew let’s go to Rasool Allah and tell him about what I have been doing in this journey. The disapproval I have seen in you has somewhat disturbed me.” So, they asked in Makkah where Muhammad (saw) was and they asked them “Have you seen him before?” They said, “No!

They asked, “Do you know Al Abbas his uncle?” they said, “Yes, we used to see him in Madinah in business trips.”

They said, “You will find Al Abbas sitting next to Muhammad in the masjed.” So Ka’ab ibn Malek went there . . . Muhammad asked,“Abu Al Fadhl do you know these two men.” Al Abbas “ Said yes, this is Ka’ab ibn Malek and this is Al Baraa ibn Ma’roor the leader of his people.”

Ka’ab ibn Malek said, “I will never forget what the Prophet said

next, ‘do yo you mean the poet’” Why such a big deal? Because Prophet

heard about him, so proud and happy, his leader the man whom he meets for the first time had heard of him. Maybe even read his works

AL Baraa asks the Prophet (saw)“I have come to Islam with the guidance

of Allah and I have been praying ever since towards the Ka’abah and my friends disapprove of it.” Prophet (saw) said, “You aleardy have a quiblah and you should have kept it.”

Since then he did –in Makkah facing Jerusalem was facing towards the Ka’abah.

Let’s continue . . . The Prophet (saw) met the youth of Al Madinah—

this time they were 12 again—at the same time the following year, on the same day.

He made a pledge with them—called the 1st pledge of the Aqaba [also known as Pledge of the Women—because it did not include Jihad]

The Prophet (SAWS) sent with them, Mus'ab Ibn-Umayr the first ambassador in Islam.

Mus'ab Ibn-Umayr He was noble, rational, young (28 years old),

distinguished, and handsome. He stayed at the house of Assa’d Ibn-Zorarah, and

he started to teach people their religion, and to spread the good manners of Islam in al-Madinah.

Consequently, the people loved the teachings and the manners of Islam, and the result was that the number of Muslims increased.

Why stay with Assa’d Ibn-Zorarah?He had connections with both the tribes in

Al Madinah—the cousin of head of the Aws [Sa’ad ibn Muadh] but from Khazraj.

Islam of Ausayed ibn Khudair . . . He was one of the chiefs of the Aws and he was

asked by Sa’ad ibn Moadh to go and kick Mus’ab ibn Umayr out of where they were sitting—in AWS LAND!

so he went out carrying his spear. As’ad told Mus’ab “this is a leader of his people, be sincere with him. If he becomes muslim then his people will.”

Mus’ab said, “If he listens I will.” So here comes Usayd carrying his spear, speaking

harshly, “we don’t want you around here misleading the weak and ignorant around us. If you care about your lives you better get out of here and here I my spear.”

One of the attendees of the halaqa, started an argument, “you are the ones misleading us” and …

Mus’ab said calmly, “why don’t you sit down and listen to us. If you like it, good. If you don’t then it’s up to you.”

Usayd said, ‘fair enough” and sat down after sticking his spear in the sand. Mus’ab read Qur’an explained Islam and As’ad said, “Even without him uttering a word we could see Islam entering his heart. Because of the calmness of his face, and the radiance in his heart”

Usayd asks, “What does one have to do to enter your religion?”

Mus’ab said, “wash yourself and you come and pray.” And he did.

Usayd said, “Now I will send you a man, if you can convince him all of his people will follow him.”

Usayd went to Sa’ad ibn Muadh who said, “by Allah he has come back with a face different than the one he has left with [Firasa—are of reading the face. Shafii went to Yemen to learn this art]”

Usayd said, “everything is fine, slight problem however. Banu Al Harith [branch of al Khazraj] want to kill As’ad ibn Zorarah because he is your cousin.”

He just wanted him to go and listen, do he was angry—”you haven’t done me any good” and headed there.

Came with anger. As’ad said, “This is a leader of his people. Do your best with him.”

When Sa’ad came and saw the meeting, he could discern that he had been duped. Did not seem they were terrified, as naturally as a plot to kill would fathom.

Sa’ad ibn Muadh told As’ad his cousin, “Why are you taking advantage of being my cousin and bringing this man into my territory. Why do you bring him to mislead the ignorant and weak among us.”

Mus’ab said, “why not sit down and listen to me, if you like it accept it, if you don’t like it you reject it.”

They were willing to listen— As’ad said, “ I could tell he wanted to

accept Islam after listening to Went to his people immediately and said

them, “What if your opinion of me.”

They said, “You are the wisest among us and you are our leader.” He said “None of you speak to me and none are of me until you accept Islam. “ The narrator says, “By the end of that evening every house in Bani Ash’hal [branch of Al Aws] became Muslim.” Huge breakthrough with the Aws.

Let’s continue . . . The next year, the six brought along another

six; eight of the twelve were from Al-Khazraj while four were from Al-Aws. Throughout the past year, the two tribes managed to improve their relationshipfor the sake of Islam—they did it for the sake of Islam. Overcame their differences for the sake of Islam . . .

Today’s lecture is about . . . The final pact between the Prophet (saws)

and Al-Ansar from Madinah, to aid Islam and to prepare for the Muslim’s immigration to Madinah.

Situation in Al Madinah . . . .Every house in Al Madinah has at least a

Muslim or two in it by the end of that year. Thus, Islam spread, a year passed, and today’s we are in year 12.

How does the Prophet (saw) know? Mus’ab, his ambassador, sends him news

about the situation in Al Madinah.

We are in Hajj season again in yr. 12

Mus'ab Ibn-Umayr is coming back to Makkah with a delegation representing the Muslims of Madinah. [The prophet (SAWS) tried to make use of that season in spite of the fact that it was then the time of worship to the disbelievers. Thus, he turned it into a chance, and turned that chance to a point of strength—in the science of managements this is known as SWOT analysis, which is the method by which you measure Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats]

Meeting was carefully planned . . . to guarantee the safety of the delegation, which now

grew to include 73 people, and to prevent Quraysh from knowing about it, something that could abort the meeting and the whole immigration.

The Prophet (saw) was determined to meet them in person for them to deal with matters. The Prophet (saws) wanted to meet that brave group of people who believed in him without seeing him and who were risking everything to meet him.

Delegation from Al Madinah was . . to join convoy of non-muslims coming form Madinah and

heading to Makkah to perform Hajj. So, they were going to blend in with the society for a purpose [isolation not part of Islam]

The Muslims stayed with the non-Muslims throughout the long trip and their manners and righteousness influenced those around them and some of them embraced Islam as well. –such as Al-Baraa’ Ibn-Ma’roor, the leader of the tribe and a man over 70. The second was Abdullah Ibn-Hiram.

Mus’ab ibn Umary reports to the Prophet (saw)before meeting this delegation. Report on life in

Madinah: 1) the social standards, 2) the political situation, 3) the economical status, 4) the geographic standing, 5) the military power, 6) the Jews’ position

Also prior to the meeting . . the Prophet (saws) wanted to meet Al-

Bara’a Ibn-Ma’aroor , the leader of the Hajj group. Al-Baraa’ was accompanied by ka’ab Ibn Malik, a poet that would represent the role of media and culture in this day and time.

Among the delegation were 2 women Nusaybah bin Ka’ab Asma bint ‘Amer [Yazid]

So, they represented the women of Al Madinah—so there were also women in the delegation.

Prophet’s meeting with Ka’ab ibn Malek... When the Prophet (saw) was introduced to Ka’ab ibn Malek

the Prophet (saw) said, “The poet?” This should be clear to our media people who should

employ this highly influential means in a way that promotes righteousness and spread goodness [the bedouin came to ask the Prophet (saw) about prayer—but he was not understanding. So, Ka’ab ibn Malek said let me explain it, “The Salaat are four and four, then four followed by three, and don’t forget the morning prayer and lose it.”

The plan for meeting was . . . The meeting was to be in the Hajj season, when Makkah

is busiest with the convoys coming to perform Hajj. It will be held at midnight on the last day of Mena, since

this is the last day of Hajj and should Quraysh know about the meeting, it will have no time to get them.

Furthermore, the delegation was supposed to meet the Prophet (saws) at Aqaba, where one of the rituals of Hajj is performed and thus no body would suspect their presence—on the day of Tashreeq.

Three conditions: 1. they had to sleep in their tents among those of the

disbelievers—so no sleeping in a different place 2. that no one wakes up another [who oversleeps

does not come], and that only two people would come together at a time.

3. Abu-Bakr and Omar were not to attend this meeting since they were to stand at the top of the mountains to watch the place.

So, the plan was executed . . . So, at night they sneaked out in twos until they all

gathered at the designated place waiting for the Prophet (saws).

To them, this incident remained the most important one in their lives, even more so than the battle of Badr—for it made Badr, and the conquest of Makkah later on. [one night that will make history and our calendar will start with an event made possible through this one night]

Ka’ab Ibn-Malik says in an authentic hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari, “I witnessed the Al-'Aqaba pledge of allegiance at night with the Prophet when we jointly agreed to support Islam with all our efforts I would not like to have attended the Badr battle instead of that 'Aqaba pledge although Badr is more well-known than it, amongst the people.”

Prophet (saw) comes and meets themhe was accompanied by Al-Abbas his uncle

[who was now playing the role of Abu-Tali] . He was representing the family now to give a clear message to Al-Ansar that the Prophet’s family is still behind him. Thus, when they all sat down, Al-Abbas started the meeting saying,

Al Abbas said (raa) . . . “O’ people of Auws and Khazraj, we were aware of

your arrival today. You too should know that we, the sons of Banu-Hashim, protect Muhammad until this day. Therefore, if you want him to come where you are, promise to protect him, or else we are capable of protecting him ourselves” Al-Ansar listened to Al-Abbas and requested that the Prophet speaks, “Ask for yourself and your Lord O’ Prophet of Allah”

Prophet (saw) speaks . . . The Prophet (saws) started his speech by reciting from the Qur’an and by

praising Allah (SWT). He wanted to touch their hearts before addressing their minds. Then, he asked them to make a pledge on five main issues:

1) to fully obey him [I am coming as a leader, so you obey me]2) to spend money in good and bad times [we are building a state so we will

need money] 3) to command good and forbid evil [you are going to reform and fix society

with me] 4) to defend Islam no matter what [ you have to be courageous in the face of

difficulties] 5) to protect him when he comes to them just like they protect their women

and children

Question for you all? Would you have agreed to these

conditions—and do you think that they are ones we can fulfill today? If so, how?

And this was in return for . . . Their reply was, “What do we have in return if we

promise that?” The Prophet (SAWS) looked at them and said one word, “Jannah!”(Paradise).

The Prophet (SAWS) never promised them that they will be given any political power [leadership, cabinet seats, ministries etc]. Indeed their role remained symbolical in the history of Islam as none of them became a Caliph or lead an army. Nevertheless, they were promised Jannah.

Years later after this incident . . . Anas Ibn-Malek reports the following incident in an

authentic Muslim hadith saying, “When it was the Day of Hunain …the polytheists suffered defeat, and the Messenger of Allah (saws) acquired a large quantity of spoils, and he distributed them among the refugees and the people recently delivered (of Makkah) but did not give anything to Al-Ansar. Al-Ansar said, ‘In the hour of distress it is we who are called (for help), but the spoils are given to other people besides us’

This (remark) reached him the Prophet, and he gathered them In a tent and said, “What is this news that has reached me on your behalf?” They kept silent. Upon this he said, “0 people of Ansar, don't you like that people should go away with worldly (riches), and you go away with Muhammad taking him to your houses?” They said, “Yes, happy we are Messenger of Allah” He then said, “If the people were to tread a valley, and the Ansar were to tread a narrow path, I would take the narrow path of the Ansar”

Al Ansar agree . . . Al-Baraa Ibn-Ma’aroor, who by then

embraced Islam, said, “Oh Prophet of Allah, shake my hand. Yes, we swear to He whom Has sent you with the truth that we will protect you like we protect our children and women. Carry on, O Allah’s Apostle, as we are the brave people of war who inherited it from our great ancestors”.

As’ad Ibn-Zurarah (RA)was aware of what his people were going through.

Please note that though Ibn-Zurarah is the youngest of the Madinan delegates, he noticed things that older and more experienced ones did not. As’ad Ibn Zurarah had something in mind, but because of the seriousness of what he wanted to say, he chose not to say it at the beginning in order to avoid changing the course of the discussion.

Structure of the meeting . . . two to three hours. First, Al-Abbas gives an introductory speech that

takes five minutes. Then, the Prophet (saws) gives a concise list of

conditions. Next, the discussion begins. Al-Baraa’ Ibn-Ma’roor

started the discussion with his enthusiastic approval of the conditions that the Prophet (SAWS) provided.

Discussion . . . Abul-Haytham Ibn-Tayhan, a young new

Muslim, raised his hand to speak. Thinking in the long term he said, “We have strong relationships with the Jews and your arrival might put an end to that. Now, if Allah grants you victory, would you rejoin your people (in Makkah) after we have destroyed our relationship with the Jews?”

Prophet assures them . . . and explained that by that time his blood would be

their blood and that his grave would be among theirs. He also promised them that he would make peace with their allies and stand against their enemies. He is still there today—in Al Madinah fulfilling this promise.

[Al dam al dam, wa alhadm al hadm. Ana menkum wa antum menee. U’adee men adaytum wa usalem men salamtum]

As’ad Ibn-Zurarah placed things in perspective . . . He said, “O People, should not you better see first

what you are pledging the man to?” Notice here that Ibn-Zurarah used the word “man” for the sake of objectivity. He continued, “You are pledging to him to fight the Arabs and the Persians, the white and the black . If you are going to disappoint him, then you had better leave him now” As’ad Ibn-Zurarah must have gone through scores of experiences to be that deep at this early age.

They agreed . . . .By that time everything was clear and the delegates

fully realized what they were getting into. They thus struggled to reach for the Prophet’s (saws) hand saying, “A successful bargain it is, [because Jannah is worth it] a successful bargain it is! We will not withdraw whatsoever”

[rabeh al bay’e rabeh al bay’e la naqeel wa la nastaqeel]

Meeting meant . . . the Hijrah (immigration) of hundreds of

Muslims was about to start, therefore, it was necessary to lay the foundation for it.

12 chiefs were nominated . . . The Prophet (saw) asked them to

nominate twelve chiefs from among them to administer Madinah. Hence, the Prophet (saw) started ruling Madinah in a “democratic” manner even before he actually went there by actually holding elections.

They were: nine chiefs from Al-Khazraj and three from Al-Aws. Among those were: 1. As’ad Ibn-Zurarah, 2. Al-Baraa’ Ibn-Ma’roor, 3. Sa’d Ibn-Mu’ath, 4. Usayd Ibn-Hudhayr, 5. and Abdullah Ibn-Amr Ibn-Hiram Prophet (saw) told them that they were responsible for their

town.

Plot is revealed . . . An unknown man stood atop a mountain and

shouted, “O Quraysh, overtake Muhammad and the dissenters. They are declaring war against you” In spite of all the precautions news about the meeting leaked out. Again this is a human experience that was liable to either success or failure.

Quraysh starts investigating . . . The next morning, Quraysh went to every camp and

asked its people whether they met the Prophet (saws) the previous night.

They entered the camp of the Madinan pilgrims and the Muslims held their breath and remained silent as the disbelievers of Madinah swore they never met the Prophet (saws). It has to be said here that the relations Muslims maintained with the disbelievers literally saved their lives.

Quraysh suspected it was Al Madinah By that time, all the Madinan companions have

already left, except for two; Sa’d Ibn-Ubadah and Al-Munther Ibn-Amr.

The disbelievers caught them and kept beating them until Al-Abbas came and suggested that they call out the names of the Makkan merchants who have business in Madinah. Abu-Sufyan, worried about his business and personal interests in Madinah, hurried to save them and sent them back home.

Companions are told of the pledge . . . Prophet (saws) held a meeting with the companions in

Makkah to tell them about the pledge Prophet (saw) said, “Allah has chosen for you a home better

than your home, and a family than your family. Allah has given us permission to migrate to Al Madinah.” And he ordered them to start migrating to Madinah as Allah (SWT) decreed.

Was the Prophet first to leave? No, the Prophet (saw) did not migrate until he made sure that all the Muslims migrated safely.

The immigration plan was based on three conditions:1. leaving Makkah safely,2. securing the road to Madinah, 3. and preparing Madinah for their arrival

[Musa’ab and the rest of the Muslims who got there before him did this]

Strategies for the immigration . . . mix the rich and the poor, the strong and the week in each migrating

group. Omar Ibn-Al-Khattab (raa), for instance, migrated with twenty of the poor companions in order to guarantee them a secure trip to Madinah and to make the necessary arrangements with the twelve chiefs for lodging.

Some great stories of migrants . . . Um Salamah . . .“When Abu Salamah decided to leave Madeenah, he

equipped a camel of his and carried me along with my son Salamah. He then led his camel out. When men of Banu al-Mugheera (Umm Salamah’s clan) saw him, then went to him and told him, ‘There is nothing we can do to prevent you from going wherever you want but as for this sister of ours, we cannot leave you roaming about in the land with her.’

They then seized the bridal of the camel from him and took me away from him. When Banu ‘Abdul-Asad (Abu Salamah’s clan) heard of that, they got angry and aimed for Salamah saying, ‘By Allah we are not going to leave our son with her since they have snatched her away from our brother.’

They then took my son Salamah away from me. The men of Banu Abdul-Asad went away and Banu al-Mugheera held me in their custody. And my husband proceeded in his migration until he reached Madeenah. That was how they separated between me, my husband and my son!”

Umm Salamah said:

“I used to go out every morning and sit down at al-Abtah, and I would cry until the evening. I did this for nearly seven days, until a man among my cousins came by and saw that was on my face. He then told Banu al-Mugheera (my clan), won’t you let this poor woman go?! You have separated between her and her husband and son?! They then said, 'Go and join your husband if you like.’

Then the men of Banu ‘Abdul-Asad (my husband’s clan) gave my son back to me. I then prepared my camel, held my son to my chest and set out to join my husband in Madeenah; and no one was with me and that was the most difficult situation I confronted. When I reached Tan’eem I met Uthman ibn Talhah of Banu ad-Dar clan. He asked me, ‘Where are you going, daughter of Abu Umayyah?’ I said, ‘I want to join my husband in Madeenah!’ He said, ‘Is anybody with you?’

I said, ‘No, By Allah, it is only Allah and my son that are with me.’ And he said, ‘By Allah, you shall not be left alone.’

He then held the bridle of my camel and led me off. By Allah I have never been in a company of an Arab man more gracious than him. If he arrived at a place he would halt for me to rest and he would move to a nearby tree and lie down beneath it.

When it was time to move on, he would bring forth the camel and move a bit far from me and say, ‘Mount!’ when I had mounted and settled on the camel he would come, hold its bridle and lead me on until we arrived at the next halting place. He continued in this way until we arrived at Madeenah. When he saw the village of Banu ‘Amar ibn ‘Awf at Quba, he said, ‘Your husband is in this village.’ And truly Abu Salamah was residing there.” [story of Uthman ibn Talha and the key to the Ka’ba]

Suhaib Al Rumi Another brilliant example is that of Suhaib Al-

Rumi, who, giving us a narrative of his immigration, said, "The Prophet (saw) said, “I saw in a dream that I was migrating from Makkah to a land in which there are date-palms, and I thought that it was al-Yamaamah or Hajar, but it turned out to be al-Madeenah, Yathrib…”"

Suhaib added, "When the Prophet gave permission for his followers to migrate to Madinah, I resolved to go in the company of the Prophet and Abu Bakr. The Quraysh however found out about my intentions and foiled my plans. One cold night, I pretended I had some stomach problems and went out repeatedly as if responding to calls of nature. My captors then said one to another, 'Don't worry. Allah is keeping him busy with his stomach.'

They became relaxed and sleep got the better of them. I quietly slipped out as if I was going to the toilet. I armed myself, got ready a mount and headed in the direction of Madinah. When my captors awoke, they realized with a start that I was gone. They got horses ready and set out in hot pursuit and eventually caught up with me. I then asked them, 'Would you be interested in some gold in return of my journey out?' When they said yes, I told them to dig under the door-threshold; they would find gold there. (Having given away that) I left the town and joined up with the Prophet (saw) who had not yet moved from Quba'.

On seeing me, he said, "Your transaction has been fruitful, O Abu Yahya. Your transaction has been fruitful." He repeated this three times. I then said: "By God, no one has come before me to you, Messenger of God, and only JibriI (Gabriel) could have told you about this.”

Umar ibn Al Khattab leaves . .. http://

www.channels.com/episodes/show/10306928/The-Hijrah-of-Umar-part-3-Lesson-Learned-Do-Not-Ever-Trust-Al-Kuffar

I never knew any one migrate unless secretly except Umar, for he, when he resolved on migration, girt on his sword and slung over his bow and grasped in his hand its arrows, and went to the Ka'bah where in its quadrangle were the chiefs of the Quraish, and he went round about it seven times, then prayed two raka'ts at the station of Abraham, and went to each, one by one, in their circle and said, "May the face be foul of such who desires that his mother be bereaved of him, and his child be left an orphan, and his wife a widow, and if there be such a one, let him meet me behind this valley.” But no one followed him.

In Sahih Bukhari it is stated that some twenty Muslims accompanied Umar on the occasion of his migration from Mecca. His companions included Zaid bin Khattab the brother of Umar; Said bin Zaid, the nephew of Umar and Khunais bin Hudhaifah the son-in-law of Umar (the husband of Hafsa). Other persons who accompanied Umar included: Amr b Suraqah; Abdullah b Suraqah; Waqid b Abdullah Tamimi; Khaula b Abi Khaula; Malik b Abi Khallla; Ayas b Bukair; Aqil b Bukair; Amir b Bukair and Khalid b Bukair.

Others who went to Umar . . . Ayyash b Abu Rabiah al- Makhzumi and Hisham b Al-Aas b Wail

al-Sahmi also decided to migrate with Umar. They made an appointment to meet at the thorn tree of Adat of Banu Ghifar about ten miles from Mecca. It was decided that if any one of them failed to turn up at the appointed place by sunrise on the day of departure fixed before hand it would be construed that he was not coming and had been held back by force. Umar with his companions and Ayyash arrived at the appointed meeting place according to schedule. Hisham did not turn up and was held back by the Quraish.

The party arrived at Quba on the outskirts of Madina and there they stayed with Banu Amr bin Auf.

Abu Jahl and al-Harith rode to Quba and contacted Ayyash who was their cousin. They

told Ayyash that his mother had vowed that she would not comb her hair, nor take shelter from the sun until she saw Ayyash.

Umar told Ayyash that this was nothing but an attempt to seduce him from his religion. Umar added that if the lice disturbed his mother she would of her own accord comb her hair, and if the heat of Mecca oppressed her, she would herself take shelter. But Ayyash felt inclined to go. He said:

"I may go for a short while. I will clear my mother of her vow. I have also some money to recover from the people in Makkah which I would like to get."

Umar said:

"I am one of the richest of the Quraish and if you do not go with them, you may have one half of my money."

Ayyash, however, persisted in his wish to go to Makkah once. Thereupon Umar said:

"If you must go, then take this camel of mine. She is well bred and easy to ride. Don't dismount, and if at any stage you suspect them of treachery, you may well escape on this camel. Then Ayyash left for Makkah on the camel of Umar. After they had proceeded some distance, Jahl said to Ayyash: "I find my beast hard to ride. Will you not mount me behind you ?"

Ayyash agreed, and when they made their camels kneel to make the change over, Abu Jahl and al-Harith fell on Ayyash and bound him securely. They brought him to Makkah bound and said:

"O men of Makkah deal with your fools as we have dealt with this fool of ours".

Umar said we understood that thoseWho stayed behind or were enticed, Allah would never forgive them . . .  “O My bondmen who have been extravagant against themselves, (i.e.,

who have committed sins) do not feel despondent of the mercy of Allah! Surely Allah forgives guilty (deeds) all together; surely He, Ever He, is The Ever-Forgiving, The Ever-Merciful.”(39:53).

Omar wrote that ayah on a piece of parchment and sent it to Makkah to ’Ayash his friend who kept weeping upon receiving it until he saw the camel Omar gave him the day they parted. He rode it at once and took off to rejoin the Muslims.