Chapter 2

The Life and Importance of the Prophet Muhammad

Life in Makkah
(b) Despite living through the days of ignorance, the Prophet remained true to
his mission. What lessons can Muslims learn from this today? [4] N14 P11

He was not swayed by falsehood and would only exemplify good character, even
when under pressure from others. By losing his parents at young age he was
growing up to be independent. Despite living in age of immorality, he was known
as ‘al-amin’, the trustworthy. Candidates could explain how when Muslims today
can be under pressure to be dishonest in business or become less committed to
their prayers, they can remain the example of the Prophet and look up to his
steadfastness in very challenging circumstances and use this as a model to follow.

(b) How did the events in the cave of Thawr help strengthen the Prophet’s
relationship with God? N18 P11

(b) In what respects were the Prophet’s experiences in the cave of Thawr
important for his prophethood? [4] N14 P12

(b) Explain the significance of one of these experiences for the development of
Islam.(In caves) [4] J10 P1

(b) Explain why one of these experiences was important in the history of Islam.
(i) Mount Hira(ii) Thawr [4] N07 P1

(i) Mount Hira: • This was the occasion on which the Qur’an was first sent down. •
It marks the beginning of God’s final guidance for humans, telling them how to
live their lives. • It marked the change from polytheism to monotheism. •
Muhammad was changed and was chosen for prophethood. (ii) Thawr: In notes
Pg 28.
(b) Explain the significance of the actions of the angel and Warqa lbn Nawfal in
this event.(1st revelation) [4] N04 P1

• The angel was performing the duty he had previously performed with other
messengers. • He was the first to alert the Prophet to his new career. • His
appearance is a sign that the revelations were truly from God. • Warqa was the
first to explain to the Prophet the significance of his experience. • He helped him
realise that he had been visited by the angel who had appeared to other
messengers. This helped the Prophet understand the responsibilities to which he
had been called.

(b) ‘The Prophet’s family was important in preparing him for prophethood.’
Agree or disagree, giving reasons for your answer. [4] J16 P12

If agree, e.g. that his uncle was important for taking him on trade journeys with
him, which helped him to learn the trade that would provide for his family later
on, and also because of what Bahira told Abu Talib, he had a protector when the
Muslims went through difficult times in Makka. Khadija helped to give him
financial independence which allowed him more time for meditation. If disagree,
e.g. they were not important because the Prophet was protected and guided by
God, shown by the incident of the two angels coming to wash his heart, or that
his parents and grandparents died when he was young so they were not of help
for him in his prophethood.

(b) Was it significant that the Prophet began preaching the message in secret?
[4] J15 P12

It was significant because the message was new and so the Prophet and his
closest followers needed time to get used to it. Also, they did not know how the
Quraysh would react so it was better to wait until they had some strength in
numbers before openly preaching. It was also better to wait until they were
guided by God to preach Islam openly. Candidates could also say that it was not
significant, for example, because they were only preaching in secret because they
were unsure about the message, or had very little to tell people in terms of what
had been revealed.
(b) Why is it significant that the Quraysh were still willing to keep their
belongings with the Prophet after he started to preach Islam? [4] J15 P11

Despite the message he was preaching, they still knew that his character would
not have changed because they had never found any discrepancies in his
character. Despite not liking what the Prophet was saying they still valued their
belongings and wanted to keep them where they knew they would get them
back. The reasons the Quraysh changed were political and social, not because the
Prophet had changed, or because they felt he was lying/spreading falsehood.

(b) How can the behaviour of the first converts to Islam provide an example for
Muslims today? J18 P11

Muslims now should be patient when someone abuses them. Muslims are facing
hostility for their faith in many places, but they should try not to get angry and
hurt others in return. Like many of the early Muslims, who carried on practising
their faith, Muslims should not despair and give up on their religious practices.
Being a good example to others would be a better way of promoting Islam.

(b) The Prophet did not change his character despite the way the Quraysh
changed towards him. What can Muslims learn from this? J18 P12

Some lessons could be that Muslims should know how to develop good character
traits and not change them, whatever the situation. That when people are trying
to make difficulties in your life, you should try your best to keep good relations
with them rather than reacting in a negative way with them in return. That God
looks at what you do and will help you when you remain patient.

(b) Why did the Quraysh fear the Prophet and his message even though he was
not violent or aggressive towards them? N18 P11

(b) Why did the people fear the message that the Prophet had brought? [4] N15
P12

(b) Why did the Quraysh feel they needed to reject the Prophet’s message? [4]
N11 P1
In notes Pg 20

(b) How does his conduct in one of these difficulties provide an example for
Muslims today?(Persecution on Prophet) [4] N10 P1

A brief mention of one incident, e.g. throwing intestines on Prophet, preaching at

Ta’if, etc., and elaborate: the Prophet reacted and the characteristics displayed
e.g. patience, tolerance, forgiveness, an example of how this could be related to a
present day situation+ a detailed explanation of how the prophet’s morals give
guidance for the contemporary situation. +Pg 20

(b) Drawing from this account, what advice could be given to Muslims now
living in fear of persecution? [4] N16 P11

(b) How are these accounts relevant to Muslims now(Persecution)? [4] J13 P41

(b) What can Muslims in modern times learn from these stories? [4] N12 P12

(b) What can these stories teach Muslims in their everyday lives today? [4] J11
P1

(b) Explain how their reaction to these difficulties can set an example for
Muslims today.[4] J07 P1

In notes. Pg 20

(b) In today’s world how practical are the reactions of the Prophet’s followers to
these persecutions? J17 P12

The reactions are practical because e.g. people, in the face of persecution, can
migrate and so change their situation, or they can have patience and ultimately
God will grant them ease, whether in this life or the next. The reactions are not
practical, e.g., because people now have too much invested in a country /
community to be able to leave it. Also, many people are too poor to leave their
homes and set up new homes elsewhere. They may feel they would not be
welcomed in any other country, or that the journey is too difficult to make.
(b) How does this migration compare to recent migrations of Muslims to other
countries(Migration to Abyssinia)? J18 P12

(b) Can this migration be compared to the migration of some Muslims today?
Give reasons for your answer. [4] J16 P11

(b) How is the migration of the Prophet like the migration of some Muslims
now? Give reasons for your answer. [4] N17 P11

Muslims around the world are facing persecution, such as in Syria, and are
migrating to other countries like Jordan and Turkey, where they are being allowed
to live in freedom. However, it is not like the migration to Abyssinia as the current
migrants usually live in refugee camps, where resources are limited. The
migration to Abyssinia can also be compared to Muslims migrating to non-Muslim
countries, where they are given freedom to live and work, but sometimes not
everyone welcomes them. It may be said it is not comparable to migration of
Muslims now, e.g. economic migration. Many Muslims now move for work and
financial reasons, so it is not similar.

(b) What was the significance of this migration for the early Muslim
community? [4] N13 P11

(b) What was the importance of making this migration at that time? [4] J12 P1

In notes. Pg 22

(b) Why did the people of Makka pursue these Muslims?( [4] J09 P1

Reasons for the migration, the Makkans wanted to destroy the new faith, as it
threatened their own religious and economic stability, and therefore didn’t want
the Muslims to escape and for Islam to flourish. Excellent answers will show a
clear understanding of the threat the Makkans felt and the fears they had due to
the increasing number of Muslims.

(b) What was the significance of this journey to the Prophet(Isra wal Mairaj)?
[4] N16 P12

(b) How did this journey help the Prophet in his mission? [4] N13 P11
(b) Explain the importance of this event to the Prophet himself. [4] J11 P1

In notes Pg24

(b) What lessons can Muslims today learn from the Prophet’s conduct in each of
these incidents (Preaching Al Taif)? J05 P1

(b) How can Muslims apply in practice the lessons learnt from the Prophet’s
behaviour in this situation? [4] N14 P11

Prophet did not give up his faith in times of difficulty, despite few conversions and
losing his wife and uncle, but rather he persevered. Muslims should learn to
persevere in times of difficulty, when they have lost family members or they are
living in difficult circumstances in their community; the Prophet did not curse or
wish the worst for those people who had treated him so badly, but rather prayed
for them. So Muslims now should not get angry and wish bad things towards
those who insult Islam or the Prophet, but should try to do or say good things for
them.

(b) Choose one quality shown by the Prophet in these activities and explain how
Muslims today can learn from it (spreading Islam outside Makka, before the
migration to Madina). [4] N14 P12

The forgiveness shown by the Prophet. He had an opportunity to have revenge on

those who had harmed him but instead he chose to pray for them. Muslims can
learn that prayer can be more powerful than retaliation. That it is not necessary
to fight violence with violence. In difficult circumstances, such as oppression, or
when people are harming you, forgiveness can be a powerful tool. Muslims
should learn to be more forgiving in all circumstances, e.g. if someone has stolen
from them, or has called them names.

(b) Explain the importance of the Pledges of ‘Aqaba to the Prophet in the period
leading up to the migration. [4] N09 P1

(b) How were these pledges important for the future community of Muslims? [4]
N12 P12
In notes Pg 26

(b) Why was this migration important for the Muslim community? [4] J13 P41

(b) What was the significance of this journey for the Muslims? [4] N10 P1

(b) Explain why he thought it important to make this journey(migration to

Madinah). J08 P1

In notes. Pg 26

Life in Madinah
(b) What is the significance of the Prophet establishing mosques as a first task
after the hijra? [4] J14 P12

In notes Pg 31

(b) Using this example, what can Muslims do for those people who have left
their homes and come to live amongst them in their communities? N18 P12

(b) In your view, why should Muslims provide a safe haven for others? Give
reasons for your answer. J17 P12

(b) Today Muslims often seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Show how the
example of the Emigrants and Helpers can still provide a model today. [4] J15
P11

(b) How is this brotherhood a good example for Muslim communities now? [4]
N13 P11

(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from the brotherhood that was created in
Madina? [4] J13 P1

The concept of being selfless, sharing material belongings with others (whether to
friends/family or charity), or, welcoming, giving loyalty and protection to other
people, in particular other Muslims, into their lives, creating unity, and/or about
equality. Muslims should look to people coming to their country and
neighbourhood from other places, especially if they have had to leave their
belongings behind, e.g. from Afghanistan or Syria, and should help provide them
with food and shelter if they can. Muslims should always look to what they have
and what they can offer other people who are in need, like warm clothes in the
winter. Giving up extra items has more reward than keeping them and will create
better relations in the community. Muslims could also provide a safe haven for
those who have lost their families, especially children who are now orphaned,
whether it be due to war or famine or natural disasters. Providing homes and
shelter for them would allow them to start a new life much like Muslims of Makka
started a new life due to the invitation of the Madinans. Also, the Prophet said
that the person who looks after an orphan will be with him in paradise.

(b) Suggest reasons why his relations with the Jewish tribes changed. [4] J04 P1

He gradually became aware that the Jews did not respect his position. • They
refused to acknowledge that he was a Prophet like the one in their scriptures. •
They openly made fun of him, especially when the Qibla was changed. • An
important turning point was when they subjected a Muslim woman to public
humiliation. • They broke the Covenant by not defending Medina. • Their
treachery in conspiring with the Quraysh threatened the security of Medina. •
This was also a threat to the survival of Islam.

(b) Explain why the people of Makka fought against the Muslims of Madina. [4]
J06 P1

In notes. Pg 34 and 36

(b) How does his conduct in one of these battles provide a model for Muslims
today when they face difficulties?(while he was leader of the community at
Madina) [4] J09 P1

In notes Pg 36

(b) Can Muslims today learn from the Prophet’s treatment of his former
enemies? Give reasons for your answer. [4] N16 P12

Yes they can learn from his treatment of his former enemies because the Prophet
(pbuh) forgave those who had shown a lot of enmity towards him, such as Abu
Sufyan. In following this example, Muslims can forgive those in their life who call
them names, abuse them, or try to stop them from doing good, especially if they
are sorry for what they have done. A grudge should not be held against them. In
Makka the Prophet (pbuh) forgave everyone except a handful of people, including
those who had killed his family members such as Wahshi and Hind. Muslims
should realise that forgiveness is always a better option than revenge. No they
can’t learn from his treatment of his former enemies because they live in different
times and people/enemies are different now; the way in which people are
harmed is different now, e.g. using social media, so the way they have to be dealt
with has to be different.

(b) Can those involved in present day conflicts learn any lessons from the way
the Prophet treated prisoners after battles? [4] N16 P11

In modern day conflicts the lessons from the Prophet’s (pbuh) example are to
treat prisoners of the enemy’s side is to look after them and not humiliate them.
If they have a positive use, such as educating others, then they should be used for
benefit. However no harm should come of them. Candidates should relate this to
any modern conflict and the stories that are reported of prisoners and how they
are treated.

(b) ‘Success for Muslims depends on their obedience to the Prophet.’ Discuss this
statement in relation to Muslims today. [4] N16 P11

(b) ‘Success for Muslims depends on their obedience to the Prophet.’ Discuss this
statement in relation to Muslims today. [4] N15 P11

The rules and guidance of Islam is based on the Qur’an and also the sunna and so
to truly practise Islam the way of the Prophet has to be followed. In battle,
Muslims should stick to the rules that the Prophet gave, like not harming the
environment or women and children, and this can give Muslims success as they
are following the commands of God, which they will be rewarded for. In their
everyday lives Muslims can obey the Prophet’s commands as to how to live their
lives, in terms of prayer, being good to people, etc., and this will make them
successful in their lives as the guidance given is all for their betterment. Or,
following the Prophet does not make one successful nowadays because e.g.
success comes from individual’s work or their own thoughts and actions.

(b) The Battle of Tabuk became a mission of peace instead of war. What can
Muslims learn from this? J18 P12

The Prophet (pbuh) had set off to fight the Byzantines. They did not show, and so
there was no war. The Prophet (pbuh) made treaties with people along the
border. Some lessons Muslims can learn could be: • Muslims should favour peace
over fighting • Muslims should fight in defence just as the Prophet (pbuh) did,
preferring to make peace with those in neighbouring regions • Showing unity
could help remove the need to fight.

(b) Choose one of the four battles mentioned and explain what Muslim leaders
now can learn from it (Khaybar, Mu’ta, Hunain, Tabuk). [4] J15 P12

(b) Can the Prophet’s conduct during this battle contain lessons for military
leaders today? Give reasons for your answer.(Badr) [4] N13 P12

If agreeing that there can be lessons for military leaders today e.g. the Prophet
participated in the battles himself and leaders now may learn more or change the
way that they fight wars if they had a more active role on the battlefield. If not,
modern warfare is very different to that of the past and so the rules and conduct
cannot be the same and/or other reasons.

(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from either of these battles?(Khandak and
khaybar) [4] J12 P1

In times of difficulty to keep hope like when the Muslims were hungry and weak
during the battle of Khandaq and Khaybar (allowance was made to eat non-halal
food if there was no other option); Muslims should remain strong and patient and
work hard for their victory; despite victory, Muslims should remain fair and
trustworthy (keeping their promise to the Jews to allow them to remain in
Khaybar); they should have faith in God at all times; it is important to be open to
suggestions from others (e.g. the Prophet taking advice from Salman al-Farsi).
(b) What can Muslims learn from the Prophet’s involvement in the digging of
the trench? N17 P12

The Prophet (pbuh) was the leader of the army and yet he took part in digging the
trench, despite his severe hunger. This teaches Muslims that no matter what their
position, whether heads of state or community leaders, they should take part in
hard work required for the benefit of the community or others. It also provides a
lesson in patience and perseverance, and that God will help if you don’t give up. It
also teaches humility, that you do not think yourself above certain types of work.

(b) Choose one of these battles and explain why it was important for the
Muslims of Madina to fight in it (Khaybar and Mu’tah)? [4] J14 P12

In notes Pg 43 and 45

(b) From this event, what can Muslims learn about the importance of keeping
their word (Treaty of Hudaybiyya)? [4] J16 P12

The Prophet kept his word to the Quraysh for the duration of the treaty. Even
before the treaty was finished being written, he sent Abu Jandal back to the
Quraysh, on account of an agreement having been made verbally. This shows the
importance of promising to do something, then fulfilling that action, even if it has
not been put into writing. As all actions and agreements are recorded by angels,
God knows what has been promised and by fulfilling promises, no matter how
hard it is, then God will reward you accordingly. So, e.g. politicians should not go
back on the things they promise when they want to be elected, or people should
not take back something that they have promised to give a friend.

(b) The Prophet’s characteristic of mercy was clearly demonstrated in this event.
Is it realistic to expect Muslims today to follow his example (Conquest of
Makkah)? [4] N16 P11

(b) The Prophet showed great forgiveness despite the cruelty of the people of
Ta’if. Do you think Muslims now can follow this example? [4] N17 P12

(b) The Prophet’s characteristic of mercy was clearly demonstrated in this event.
Is it realistic to expect Muslims today to follow his example? [4] N15 P11
If agree it is realistic, because they should follow Islam no matter what time or
place they are living in and the Prophet’s example is for all time. E.g, people can
follow his example because they may face rejection for many reasons, whether
they are preaching about Islam to others who mock and ridicule them, or it may
be that someone is being bullied at school, or people are being tormented by
those occupying their lands; by remembering the Prophet’s forgiveness and being
steadfast in faith, would help forgive those who are hurting/rejecting you.. If it is
not possible for Muslims to follow his example, e.g. because he was the perfect
model and other humans are not, kind of mercy is only for those of a high status
or closeness to God, and for most people they are not able to control their anger
or they want to seek revenge if someone has done something small to them, and
so they would not be able to forgive anything as big as this.

(b) Why are the actions of the Prophet after the conquest important for Muslims
to learn from? [4] J13 P1

(b) What lessons can Muslims today learn from the Prophet’s conduct in each of
these incidents (Conquest of Makkah)? J05 P1

• Muhammad was unflinching in his intention to make Mecca a Muslim centre.

Hence, muslims too should be steadfast and rigid on their decisions. • He made
extensive arrangements to avoid violence in the city. In the modern day, muslims
should try to avoid fights with their family, friends, neighbours etc. and even
unknowns • He gave his enemies every chance to abandon their resistance to
him.• He did what was necessary to ensure no enemies were left.• He established
and upheld monotheistic faith.• He was sternly opposed to idolaters and enemies
of Islam.[+clear applications of these lessons to contemporary conditions e.g.,
write about the importance of forgiving people who have wronged/hurt you,
even if their actions were awful, just as the Prophet forgave Wahshi and Hind, as
it is better to forgive than hold animosity in your heart.]

(b) The Farewell Sermon given by the Prophet contains teachings for Muslims of
all times. Explain how two of these teachings can be applied today. [4] J16 P11
(b) Explain how any two teachings given in the Prophet’s Farewell Sermon can
help Muslim communities today. [4] N13 P12

The last sermon is considered a summary of the main elements of faith, as it

includes the five pillars, equality of humankind, ethics and morality. It can be used
in many modern day issues such as racism, inequality of women, the financial
structure (dealing in interest), adultery, responsibility of actions (particularly in
crimes), treating other Muslims as brothers, treating slaves/servants well, and
worshipping God. Candidates can choose any two of these to write about but
should elaborate on how these points in the sermon can be applied in life today.

(b) Many of the people who had been enemies of the Prophet accepted Islam.
What lessons can Muslims learn from this? [4] J16 P12

Their conversions show the importance of forgiveness in Islam, and that anyone,
even if once an enemy of Islam, can become one of God’s servants. This means
that people should not judge others, or be cruel to them, as it is just as possible
for them to become Muslim as anyone else. Or, that people should know that no
matter what they have done in their lives, if they are sorry for what they have
done then they can be forgiven by God. Wahshi and Hind are good examples of
those who became Muslim.

(b)Why is it important for Muslims to show obedience to God in difficult

situations? J17 P11

In difficult times, such as times of war, they should not give up hope of victory or
of ease in their situation, and that they should continue to pray and worship God
and carry on doing good deeds, because God is there for those who ask for help.
Or, in times of difficulty such as illness, God is testing how a person reacts,
whether they lose hope and despair, or whether they continue being steadfast in
their faith. God says call on Me and I’ll answer you.

Attributes
(b) Explain the meaning of the title ‘Seal of the Prophets’. [4] Specimen12
(b) Explain the meaning of the title ‘Seal of the Prophets’. [4] Specimen09

(b) Explain what Muslims mean by the title ‘Seal of the Prophets’. [4] N08 P1

• This is a title of the Prophet found in the Qur’an. • It means he completes the
line of prophets that stretched up to him. • Just as a wax seal closes a letter, so
his prophethood closes the line. • It also means he is a prophet for all times and
places unlike the local prophets before him.

(b) Choose one of these qualities and explain why it was important for the
Prophet to possess it (Trustworthy and Patient). [4] J14 P11

The Prophet needed to be patient because he was going to endure years of

hardships and becoming angry or giving up would not have been suited to a
Prophet and would not have allowed Islam to endure. Or, being trustworthy at all
times allowed people to have faith in him and his message when he started to
preach as they knew that his quality of being trustworthy was unshakeable.

(b) Which of the Prophet’s characteristics you have written about in part (a) is
the most important in your opinion and why? [4] N15 P12

In notes last Pg.

(b) How can Muslims apply the Prophet’s(PBUH) examples to their daily lives?

Muslims today can put into practice the golden examples set for them by their
Prophet (PBUH). Muslims can demonstrate their true love for the Prophet (PBUH)
by acting uprightly and honestly. They should remember that cheating can bring
them quick and handsome profits but at the cost of their faith since the Prophet
(PBUH) categorically said: “One who cheats is not among us.” A true Muslim
trader will therefore never indulge in the cursed practice of adulteration in food
or medicinal items. He will, likewise, never give short measure as he will always
remember this commandment: “So establish weight with justice and fall not short
in the balance.”(Al-Rahman;55.9) The Muslim Ummah today needs to be firm and
steadfast in its mission of inviting others to Islam. The Non-muslims can ask them
a number of tricky questions about the relevance of Islamic injunctions in the
modern world but they should patiently hear such questions and try to answer
them in a polite and satisfying manner. They may feel being mocked or ridiculed
but they should remember the example set by the Prophet (PBUH) in this regard.
They should continue to impress their fellow Non-muslim fellows by acting in a
sober way and by engaging themselves in intellectual debates debates and
healthy discussions. They themselves should not mock or insult in return. Finally,
the leaders of the Muslim states have a lot to learn from the Prophet’s (PBUH)
leadership qualities. They should treat the Non-muslim subjects with ove and
honour in order to win their hearts. They should make efforts to discourage any
insulting attitude towards their Non-muslim subjects. The Quran says: “Let there
be no compulsion in religion.”(2.255) The Prophet’s (PBUH) example may be
summed up in the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Imran: “Say (O Muhammad pbuh):
If you truly love Allah, follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins; for,
Allah is Oft-forgiving, most Merciful.” Thus it is only by following the example of
the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that Muslims can show their love for Allah, and earn His
love as well.

(b) How can Muslims put one of these qualities into practice?(Qualities that
make him a model for humankind) [4] N12 P11

(b) Choosing two of these qualities, give one example in each case to show how
Muslims can put them into practice in their own lives.(Any Prophet's personal
qualities) [2 x 2] N06 P1

(b) How can Muslims today apply the Prophet’s example of humility when
dealing with either friends or strangers? [4] J16 P11

Muslims can be humble by eating with their servants, or the same food as their
servants, or not treating them any differently to their own family; they can take
part in tasks to help the community such as looking after and cleaning the
mosque; they can help their family by doing chores and not thinking they are too
busy for it; if they are in positions of authority at work, they should not try to
treat their workers badly to show who is boss, but should treat them fairly and
equally.
(b) Giving examples, say how in your opinion Muslims can show self-restraint
and patience in their everyday lives. N17 P11

Generally people are required to have patience because daily life is so busy and
everyone wants everything done quickly, but people have to be patient and do
things in their own time as many things cannot be done instantly; that they need
to be patient when they want new clothes etc., because they or their parents may
not be able to provide them straight away. This also shows self-restraint; if there
is a lot of traffic on the road they should be patient and not get angry; they should
have patience if tragedy befalls them, e.g. the death of a family member or a
serious illness; self-restraint is required when reading about Islam online/in
media, how it is portrayed, e.g. the cartoons of the Prophet and the Charlie
Hebdo attacks.

(b) Can Muslims adopt a life of simplicity like the Prophet (pbuh) in current
times? Give reasons for your answer.J17 P11

Yes, e.g. because people now have too many things and can live without a lot of
them. They could simplify their lives and get rid of a lot of the things they have in
their homes, as well as eating less food. They could also spend less and give away
more to charity. Or no, e.g. because times have changed and it is difficult to live
without certain things, like electronics, cars, etc. and they have become so much
part of society that people feel they have a very low quality of life without them.
Or, because things are available they should be used.

(b) Giving examples, write how Muslims can be generous with their neighbours.
[4] N18 P12

They can look out for the needs of people who live around them, whether it be
helping them with their shopping, giving them food from what they have cooked
for themselves, giving gifts, especially on days of celebration, or spending time
with them, e.g. if they live alone.

Actions or qualities of the Prophet Muhammad that would make clear to the
people who lived with him that he was the Messenger of God: his quality of
forgiveness, shown at the capture of Makka; his periodic receiving of revelations;
his Night Journey. In each case give 1 mark for a basic identification; 1 extra mark
for a fuller description which introduces some details; and the final 1 mark for a
full and rounded description with all expected details, and maybe quotations from
the Qur’an or Hadith]

‘Seal of the Prophets/Finality of the Prophethood/Khatam-an-Nabiyyin’:

The long line of the prophets started with Adam and finished with Muhammad
(PBUH). The life and teachings of the prophets before him have been altered,
adulterated or lost by their followers, besides their message was only for those
people and not a universal message. Muhammad (PBUH) is the last of all the
prophets, Allah says, “Muhammad is…… and the seal of prophets.” (Al-Ahzab;
33.40) No prophet will come after him, he said, “There will be no Prophet after
me.” In other tradition he said, “My relation to the long lines of the prophets can
be understood by the parable of a building. The building was most beautifully
built. Everything was complete therein except the place for one brick. I have filled
the place and now the building has been completed.” He is termed as Khatam-an-
Nabiyyin. The primary meaning of Khatam is a “seal” and the secondary meaning
is the end, or last portion or part of a thing. The Quran says that the appearance
of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was foretold by each of one of the foregoing
Prophets. Jesus Christ had said, “When he, the spirit of Truth, is come, he will
guide you to all truths.” (John: 16:13) The Quran tells us what Jesus said to Bani
Israel, “……I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the law (which
came) before me, and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose
name shall be Ahmad…..”(61.6) Prophet (PBUH) said, “I was inscribed in Allah’s
presence as the seal of the Prophets (AS) when Adam was prone in his basic
substance.” The Holy Quran compares the personality of the Prophet (PBUH) to
the radiant sun while the prophets were like Divine lamps. The light of the sun
cannot be replaced by any other light. It is universal and no other light is needed
thereafter. So after the advent of the Prophet (PBUH) no necessity is felt of any
other prophet following him. The prophethood of Muhammad is distinguished in
many ways (Significance of the Seal of Prophethood) :
  Islam is a perfect religion and deals with all the aspects of human life i.e.
political, economic, ethical, legal and social aspects, it is perfect in all
respect, Allah says, “This day I have perfected your religion for you,
completed my favours upon you and have chosen Islam for you as your
religion.” (Al-Maidah; 5.3)
 It is a universal message for the mankind. Muhammad (PBUH) wasn’t sent
down to a particular county or nation but to the whole world, Allah says,
“And We sent you not (O Muhammad!), but as a mercy for the world.”(Al-
Anbiyaa; 21.107) The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Every Prophet who preceded
me was sent especially to his own people, but I have been sent as a Prophet
to all mankind.”
 The Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is eternal.
 The message of Muhammad has been preserved in the Quran; its is
unchanged, Allah promised to safeguard it, Allah says, “Indeed, it is We
Who have sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will guard it.”(Al-Hijr;
15.9)
 The details of the life and sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) are also recorded
and preserved.

Qualities that make him a model for humankind:

Qualities that make him a model for Muslims to follow:

“Great Moral Character”(68.4):

 His patience, steadfastness and perseverance: From the beginning he was

patient in that he waited for guidance from God before teaching others or
preaching openly. He did not try to rush the message to hurry people into
accepting Islam. He was brutally beaten several times and they even tried
to kill him; This was also shown through the persecutions, when he was
abused and ridiculed e.g. he was labeled as an insane person and a crafty
poet, but he did not give up preaching because he had complete faith in
God’s support that came in such assurances and consolidations as: “By the
Star when it goes down. Your companion (Muhammad pbuh) is neither
astray nor being mesled. Nor does he speaks of his own will.”(Surah
 Najm;53.1-3); he did not react when rubbish was thrown on him; when he
was offered bribes by the Quraysh he refused and persevered, even
through the boycott; he waited until God guided him to migrate; he was
patient when revelations stopped for periods of time; he showed patience
when the Quraysh ridiculed him after the death of his son [on this his faith
was strenghthened when God promised him the abundance of spiritual
children: “We indeed have granted you the Abundance”(surah
Kausar;108.1). ]; the Prophet (PBUH) continued to set examples throughout
his entire Madinite life and during his clashes with the Makkans till he had
gained the decisive victory by conquering Makkah.
 Truthful/Honest/Trustworthiness/Reliability: he was known for being
honest and trustworthy i.e. he was known as Al- Sadiq and Al- Amin even
after the call to the prophethood. Khadija married him due to his honesty
in trade. The Quryash would keep their belongings with him, even after
they rejected his message; when he migrated to Madina he returned the
belongings to their owners (through ‘Ali). His closest companion Abu Bakr
never hesitated or doubted whatever the Prophet (PBUH) told or decided.
While the reconstruction of Ka’abah his decision of placing the Black stone
was accepted happily by the people because they trusted his judgment to
be fair and unbiased. While preaching on Mount Safa he was admitted to
be honest. When Abu Sufyan met the Byzantine Emperor, he spoke highly
of the Prophet saying he never lies or betrays other. Also, after the Treaty
of Hudaibiyyah, he kept his promise as Abu Jandal was sent back to Makka.
The Quran bears witness to the truth of the Messenger by declaring: “Verily
We have sent in truth as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner.” (Surah
Baqra). Throughout his life he continued to emphasize on the value and
need of honesty and fairplay by condemning all modes of Haraam (illegal)
earnings such as bribery, usury(Riba), and other similar undesirable means.
He declared the person as Allah’s friend who earns by sheer hardwork:
“One who earns for himself (by his own hand and hardwork) is a friend of
Allah.” He warned the giver and taker of the bribery by saying: “ One who
offers a bribe and the one who accepts it will both go to Hell.”
 Kind: He never discriminated btw men and women while showing kindness,
he said: “Allah is not kind to him who do not show kindness to others.” At
the time of the persecutions in Makka there was an old woman who threw
rubbish on the Prophet every day as he walked to the mosque; one day she
was not there; he asked her neighbour about her well-being and found out
she was ill; he asked permission to visit the woman; when he entered the
house, the woman thought that he had come there to take his revenge
when she was unable to defend herself because of sickness; but the
Prophet assured her that he had come to her, not to take any revenge, but
to see her and to look after her needs, as it was the command of God that if
anyone is sick a Muslim should visit him/her and should help him/her if
help is needed. This impressed her so much that she embraced Islam. Once
a man narrated a story to the Prophet (PBUH) that when he was burying his
daughter alive according to the pre-islamic custom, the child cried, “Father,
Father”, he did not stop dropping stones and earth upon her in spite of her
cries, till she was buried alive. The Prophet (PBUH) was so moved on
hearing the story that tears flowed from his eyes till his beard became wet.
He was not only kind to human beings but also to the animals. Once he was
passing bya a came that was fatigued due to overwork and hunger, he said,
“Fear Allah! With regard to these animals. Ride them in health and leave
them in health.”
 Merciful and Forgiving: he never cursed anyone nor expressed any desire
for retaliation or revenge. The Holy Quran endorse this fact as: “We sent
you not but as a mercy for all the creation.”(Surah Al-Ambiyah;21.107). A
Makkan woman used to through garbage on him… . The Prophet went to
preach Islam to the people of Ta’if, who rejected him and chased him away,
throwing stones at him causing him to bleed. When the angel Jibril came
and said God has given permission to destroy the people of Ta’if upon the
Prophet’s command, the Prophet replied that he would rather have
someone from their community believe in and worship one God. He was a
forgiving even to his bitterest enemies. Also, during the battle of Uhad,
when his head and face was injured his companions asked him to curse the
opponents but he replied that he was not sent to curse people but to invite
 them to the path of Allah. At the time of the conquest of Makkah, he
forgave Abu Sufyan who fought against him in a battle and his house was
declared a safe heaven, and all his enemies who had persecuted him for
the last many years, wounded his daughter Zainab (RA) which resulted in
her death, planned to kill him, and forced him to leave his town and
migrate to Madinah, he asked them, “What do you think I am going to do
to you?” They said…… Wahshi killed his uncle Hamza (RA) in the battle of
Uhad, later he accepted Islam, and came to Madinah; the Prophet forgave
him but asked him to hide his face from him as he reminded him of his
uncle’s face. He even forgave Hind, who had ripped open Hamza (RA)’s
body and chewed his liver at the time of battle of Uhad. On the death
Abdullah bin Ubayy, he was too forgiven. Abu Huraira (RA)’s mother who
lived with him in Madinah, was an unbeliever. She used to abuse the
Prophet (PBUH), about which he complained to the Prophet (PBUH) but he
prayed for her and asked Abu Huraira to be good with her. Once Prophet
(PBUH) was leading the morning prayer, a batch of unbelievers came down
from the mountain to kill the Prophet. They were caught by his companions
and were brought to him and he forgave them and set them free.
 Generosity (is giving freely without expecting anything in return): Examples
of the Prophet’s generosity are, Abdullah ibn Ubayy, one of the hypocrites,
was an enemy of Islam, yet on his death the Prophet prayed for him and
gave his own shirt to enshroud Abdullah’s body. He would never refuse the
beggar, would feed the poor and hungry, going hungry himself. He would
give away his possessions and money. When one of his poor companions
got married he felt that now his companion had become a family man and
he decided to help him but he didn’t want to injure the companion’s self-
respect. So, he went to him and bought his camel and when the Prophet
(PBUH) received the camel he gifted it back to him. He never turned down
anyone who asked him for something, and once a person asked for the
clothes he was wearing, the Prophet took off his garment and handed it to
the man. Once, 70 000 dirhams were brought to him and he laid them on
the floor and gave them out until they were all finished. He was most
generous in Ramadan. When he returned a debt he gave more than what
 he owed. He was generous with his prayers, praying for those who hurt him
rather than asking for their destruction, e.g. at Ta’if and Uhud.
 Hospitality: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was an ideal host; he
entertained his guests as best as he could. He did not make any distinction
btw a believer and a non-believer guest. Once a deputation from Abyssinia
came, he accommodated them in his house and he himself served them. At
another time, a non-believer came as a guest to the Prophet (PBUH), he
gave him milk of a goat, the guest was not satisfied and wanted more; in
this way, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave him milk of all seven goats,
till he was satisfied. The next morning, he embraced Islam.
 Humble/Simplicity (is living with few things and not being extravagant even
when you have the chance): the Prophet would do things with his own
hands, rather than asking others to do it for him, such as milking his goats,
patching his clothes, mending his shoes. He worked on the construction of
the mosque and digging the trench at battle. He did not like the
companions to stand up for him when he entered, he prohibited them by
saying, “Do not stand up for me as the foreigners do to show respect to
others.” When he went to an assembly, he sat wherever he found place,
but preferred to sit with the poor. He would eat as others ate, and sit on
the floor as others sat. He would take his meals with slaves and people
from any class of society. He would eat very little saying, “I am only a
servant, I eat like a servant or a slave eats, and I sit as any servant sits.” He
used to visit the sick and accompany funerals. Once, a funeral of a Jew was
passing by and he stood up as a mark of respect. When he performed
pilgrimage he kept on saying, “O Allah! Make this pilgrimage a pilgrimage
without pretence and fame.” He would sleep on a simple mattress on the
floor without home comforts or decorations, When the Prophet entered
Makka after the conquest, he did not enter with a big display of victory;
rather he was riding at the back of the army remembering and thanking
God. He was so hunched over that his beard was touching the back of his
animal; Prophet (PBUH) said, “Do not praise me as the Christians praise the
son of Mary. I am servant of God, call me a servant and Messenger of God.”
 He also said that whoever adopts humility for the sake of Allah would be
raised in status by him.
 Leader, Statesman and Statesman: The Prophet (PBUH) possessed enviable
qualities of head and heart. He remained calm yet steadfast in the hostile
environs (circles) of Makkah and then he established his worth as a
successful and strong leader at Madinah. He took several daring decisions
in order to promote peace and tranquility in Madinah. He, for example,
managed to unite the mutually hostile tribes of Aus and Khazraj on the one
hand and the Muslims and the Jews on the other (during the early years).
He established a new kind of brotherhood (Mawakhat) btw the Muhajireen
and Ansar. He was the baest strategist and therefore could fight any enemy
even many times stronger than the Muslims. According to him, “War is
nothing but deception.” His great success was to foil the attempt of the
Allies to win over the Jews of Banu Qurayza during the siege of Madinah in
5A.H. If that attempt had gained success, it might have brought destruction
for Madinah. In spite of his own genius he was in the habit of consulting his
Shoora, the body of his advisors, on all important occasions. This is a habit
that should be followed by all Muslim leaders modern times.
 Just: He did not treat those he knew or was related to differently to those
who were strangers. Once, a noble woman of the Quraysh committed theft.
Her relatives tried to intercede on her behalf. The Prophet called the
people saying: “What destroyed your predecessors was just that when a
person of rank among them committed a theft (or any crime), they left him
alone, but when a weak one of their number committed a theft (or any
crime), they inflicted the prescribed punishment on him. I swear by Allah
that if Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad, should steal, I would have her
hand cut off.” Many Jews of Madina brought their affairs and problems to
him, knowing that he would always be fair. In administering justice, he
made no distinction between believers and nonbelievers, friends and foes,
high and low. Once a Jew complained to Prophet (PBUH) that a Muslim
man slapped him, he called that man and scolded him for doing that. When
a Jewish man came to demand back the money the Prophet owed him, he
grabbed the Prophet by the collar. ‘Umar got angry at the Jew, but the
 Prophet smiled. He asked for the debt to be repaid and extra given due to
the harsh treatment by ‘Umar. A companion, Abdullah bin Abi Hadrad
Ansari was indebted by 5 Dirhams to a Jew. Abdullah was in a state of sheer
poverty but the Jew was not willing to give him any concession and he
appealed in the court of the Prophet for the recovery of his debt. On
Prophet’s (PBUH) orders Abdullah sold one of his garments for 3 Dirhams
and borrowed 2 Dirhams from another companion to return the debt of the
Jew. In Madinah, it was a custom among the issueless women that they
vowed to God that if a child was born to one she would devote the child to
Judaism. Now after the conversion to Islam several Muslim women wanted
to get their children back and make them Muslims. When the matter was
brought to Prophet (PBUH) he gave his verdict that it was up to the choice
of the children themselves and they could not be forced by the Muslims.
The Prophet (PBUH) took special care of the Non-muslim citizens of the
Republic of Madinah. He declared: “Whoever committed any excess against
a Non-muslim or used force against him unjustly, I will advocate against
such a Muslim on the Final Day.” Abbas, the Prophet’s uncle and Aas his
son in law were taken prisoners during the battle of Badr. They were
treated the same way, the other prisoners were treated. The Companions
asked the Prophet (PBUH) to free them without taking ransom, but he
refused to treat them differently. A Muslim once went to Khaybar and was
killed by Jews, his son complained to the Prophet, he said that if he would
swear as to who had committed the murder, he would have the right to
take his right from the murderer. The Jews were the only people who lived
there and there was no doubt to the fact that they had killed the man, but
since there was no eyewitness, the Prophet (PBUH) did not ask them
anything; and paid the blood money the state treasury.

Relations
(b) Explain how any two of these could help you or those around you in
situations you have encountered recently. (i) in their treatment of other
Muslims, (ii) in their treatment of non-Muslims, (iii) in dealing with opposition,
and (iv) in business transactions. [2 x 2] J04 P1

(b) From one of your choices, explain how Muslims today can follow the
Prophet’s example.(his attitude towards two of the following: partners in
marriage, friends, and enemies) [4] Specimen12

(b) From one of your choices, explain how Muslims today can follow the
Prophet’s example.(his attitude towards two of the following: partners in
marriage, friends, and enemies) [4] (Specimen 09)

(b) How do these examples help Muslims in their relations with non-Muslims
today? [3 x 2] J06 P2

(b) How can these examples help Muslims today in their relationships with non-
Muslims? [4] N09 P1

(b) What can Muslims learn from this interaction? [4] J13 P41

(b) How can Muslims now apply the lessons learnt from the Prophet’s
interaction with non-Muslims? [4] N16 P11

Non-Muslims were respected by the Prophet (pbuh) and invited to Islam. If they
did not accept it they were left to live their lives freely under their own faith.
Muslims now can learn from this by inviting non-Muslims to Islam by teaching
them about the essentials of faith. If they do not want to accept Islam then they
should not be harassed or hurt, but rather respected and looked after. Muslims
who kill people from other faiths because they do not believe in Islam, are going
against the example of the Prophet (pbuh). Muslims should also enter into
agreements with non-Muslims to ensure both sides live amicably and do not have
their freedoms taken away by the other side. This allows both parties to know
where they stand and do not have to live in fear.

(b) What can Muslim leaders today learn from the Prophet’s conduct in their
relations with other states? [4] N11 P1
All the Muslim states can learn valuable lessons from the examples set by the
Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his deputies in shaping and reshaping the fundamental
principles of their foreign policy. The heads of all Muslim states should first of all
know that the life of Prophet (PBUH) will remain a role model for all times to
come. This belief rests on the universal truth that all the steps taken by him on
various occasions were only and only for the sake of Allah Almighty. All these
examples serve as beacon of guidance and enlightenment regard for the Christian
church of Jerusalem reflects the fulfillment of this Quranic command: “Let there
be no compulsion in religion.”(2:256) The Govt of Pak, for example, takes special
care of all the churches temples located on the land of Pak. Sikh and Hindu
pilgrims from India regularly and freely visit these sites and are fully protected
during their stay in Pak. Similarly, the Treaty of Hudaibiya has important lessons
for the Muslim rulers today. The Govt of Pak may make efforts to resolve the
deadlock with India over the Kashmir dispute. A similar peace deal may be signed
btw the 2 states while promising to make further progress in future. This way,
violence and disturbance in the Kashmir might be significantly controlled.

(b) How far do you think Islam teaches about equality between men and
women? N07 P1

Islam lays down clearly defined principles……….In notes. Last Page.

(b) “The best of you is the one best to his wife.” Explain what the Prophet meant
by this statement and how it is relevant to Muslims now. [4] N15 P12

The Prophet encourages men to look after their wives and that those with good
character treat their wife better than they treat others. Muslims should not
compete in jobs or wealth but rather in how well they treat their wife and family.
Those who treat their wife well are those who should have most respect. Now
many Muslims do not treat their wives well, they treat them like slaves, or they
beat them, but this is not what the example of the Prophet teaches Muslim men
about their relationship with their wives.

(b) From these relationships, what can be learnt about keeping family ties
(relation with Halima and Abu Talib)? J18 P11
(b) What can these relationships teach Muslims today about family ties (relation
with Halima, Aminah and Abu Talib)? [4] N12 P11

Relationship the Prophet had with these figures and how they teach Muslims
about their relationship with their family, despite not having spent a lot of time
with his mother he still had an emotional attachment to her in particular when he
visited her grave. So Muslims should not forget their parents after they are gone
and pray for them, although Halimah was not his biological mother, he gave her
the same respect as his own mother due to the time he spent with her and her
family (he stretched out his mantle for her when she visited him after
prophethood). This shows the respect that should be given to those who look
after you in childhood, the bond between the Prophet and Abu Talib, and how he
loved and respected Abu Talib when he wasn’t Muslim. This is an important
example for people who have family members who are not Muslim.

Teachings of Islam/Prophet (PBUH) about:

Financial Ethics: The economic system of Islam is based on justice. Man is given
freedom to choose his profession; there is no restriction on him on the basis of his
caste, color, and race. However, Islam teaches a man to strike a balance btw
moral and spiritual values while pursuing his profession. Everyman must work to
earn his living and should not be a burden on others, the Quran says: “You may
bounty from your Lord”. Prophet (PBUH) said, “The next to obligatory prayer is
the obligation of earning an honest living”. He also said, “No one eats better food
than that which he eats out of the work of his own hand”. There is no restriction
on the amount of wealth a person may accumulate. Man has the right to own as
much as he can, as long as it is earned through lawful means and Zakah has been
paid on it. Also, Islam doesn’t allow concentration of wealth in few hands. The
distribution of wealth is ensured through the system of Zakat and Sadaqat and
law of inheritance, “So that this (wealth) may not circulate solely among the rich
from among you.” (Al-Hashr; 59.7) The Holy Prophet (PBUH), as in all other walks
of life, was a perfect model of business ethics. First of all, he forbade all unfair
means of income. In almost every sermon he would urge the companions to earn
by fair means. He said, “He who seeks world lawfully to refrain from begging to
cater to his family, and to be kind to his neighbours will meet God with his face
shining like a moon.” Quran commands: “Give full measure when you measure
and measure with a balance that is straight.” (Al-Isra; 17.35) Once he observed
that a seller of grains tried to camouflage defective goods, he strongly
reprimanded (asked to reprove) him, telling him to display not to deceive. He also
ordered all sellers to clearly inform their buyers not only of the merits, but also
the defects, if any, of their merchandise. He also stopped buyers of foodstuff from
unnecessarily eating for free from stalls under the excuse of sample-testing. He
himself was known as Al-Sadiq and Al-Amin, the Truthful and the Trustworthy
even before the proclamation of the prophethood. The Prophet (PBUH) declared
a cheater as non-believer by saying: “One who cheats is not among us.” Both the
employee and employer are commanded to be honest and just in their dealings.
The employee must do his work honestly; and should not do anything that may
harm the interests of his employer, on the other hand the employer must not
overburden the employee and he should pay his wages as soon as the work
finihes, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Give the labourer his wage before his sweat
dries.” There was a business partner of the Prophet (PBUH) at Makkah. This man
Sa’ib reported: “whenever Muhammad (PBUH) led the caravan, he did not enter
his hose on his return to Makkah without clearing accounts with me.” The
Prophet (PBUH) worked with the same honesty for Khadija (RA) as her trade
agent. She was so impressed that she decided to marry him. Also, Prophet (PBUH)
prohibited a fraudulent and ambiguous transaction. Hence, all parties involved in
a joint business should share the profits as well as loss. Also, commercial
contracts should be written in the presence of two eye witnesses: “And when you
contract a debt for fixed time write it down.” (Al-Baqarah; 2.282) Similarly, the
Prophet (PBUH) condemned bribery by saying: “he who gives a bribe and he who
takes a bribe will both go to hellfire.” All kinds of activities, which harm the
interests of an individual or the society, are forbidden. The hoarding of goods to
create artificial shortage to raise the prices, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Hoarding is
accursed”; monopoly and profiteering which lead to the deprivation of the
majority are forbidden, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever monopolizes is a
sinner”. Riba means an addition over and above the principal amount that has
been loaned. Riba includes all kind of interests whether the rate is low or high and
whether the interest is or not added after fixed time. Exploitation of all kinds
including usury (riba) is forbidden: “But We have permitted trade and forbidden
usury” (Surah Al-Baqarah; 2.275). All games of chance; lotteries; horse racing;
alcohol and gambling are unlawful and trading in them is forbidden: “O you who
believe! Intoxicants and gambling (dedication of) stones and (divination by)
arrows are an abomination of Satan’s handiwork, eschew such (abomination) that
you may prosper” (Al-Maidah; 5.90). Taking what belongs to others is also
forbidden, “(O you who believe)! Devour not property among yourselves by illegal
methods except that it be trading by mutual consent.”(Al-Nisa; 4.28)

Relation btw Muslims and Non-muslims: In notes Pg 51-53. + When Ibraheem,

the son of Prophet (PBUH), died he said, “If he (Ibraheem) had lived I would have
exempted all the Copts from the Jizya as a mark of esteem (respect and
admiration) for Ibraheem’s mother”. Caliph Umar (RA): a Muslim usurped a piece
of land that belonged to a Jew and constructed a mosque on it, when Umar (RA)
learned about this, he ordered to demolish the mosque and to return the land to
the Jew. He exempted a Non-muslim Egyptian from jizya forever when he put
forward the project of re-digging the ancient canal from Fustat (Cairo) down to
the Red Sea thus facilitating the maritime transport of the foodstuffs from Egypt
to Madinah. After conquering the Jerusalem, he refused to offer his prayer
(salah) in the church as he didn’t want to set a trend for the Muslims to forcibly
convert churches into mosques in the future. Even on his death bed, he urged the
next caliph to take care of the rights of the Non-muslims. Islam commands
religious tolerance towards Non-muslims. Muslims can invite them to Islam but
the must not be forced to accept it: “Let there be no compulsion in religion.” (Al-
Baqarah; 2.258) They enjoy complete religious freedom; their places of are
protected, and they are allowed to build new ones. Muslims are allowed to dine
with them but making sure the food they consume is halaal (lawful) and prepared
in a lawful way. Since the Jews slaughter their animals as the way the Muslims do,
they are allowed to eat the Jews food. Muslim men are allowed to marry a Jew
and a Christian women and she has the right to retain her religion and visit the
church or synagogue.
Relation with Enemies: Prophet (PBUH) said, “The best among people are those
who are of help to people”. Enemy can be divided into 2 groups: combatant and
the non-combatant. The latter group comprise of women, children and the old.
Some fighting principles of Muslims are: There are specific instructions that they
must not be harmed; they will not be the first to initiate the fight, cut fruit
producing trees, the animals should not be slaughtered except for food, must not
plunder, demolish places of worship, they will not mutilate the bodies of dead,
and they must ask the enemy for surrender and if they surrender themselves or
agree to pay Jizya they must not be harmed; the prisoners of the war should also
be treated kindly and must not be treated inhumanly. Muslims are commanded
to be merciful and forgiving. Muslims must respect and honour agreements and
treaties they have made with other states. The terms and conditions of the
international treaties must be fulfilled under all circumstances: “Fulfill the
covenant of Allah when you have entered into it and break not your oaths after
you have confirmed them.”(16.91)When Prophet (PBUH) appointed someone as a
leader of an army or a detachment, he said, “…… Wage a holy war: do not
embezzle the spoils, do not break your pledge, do not mutilate (the dead) bodies
and do not kill children….” It is said, “Plundering is more unlawful than carrion”
(decaying flesh of dead animals). Prophet (PBUH): forgiveness……

Relation of Muslim States with other States: The guiding principles about the
foreign policy of a Muslim State were laid down by the Holy Quran, implemented
by the Prophet (PBUH) btw 622 AD and 632 AD and finalized by the rightly guided
caliphs from 632 to 661 AD. This relationship is based on the justice and equality,
Allah says: “…and if judge btw mankind, that you judge justly.” (Al-Nisa; 4.58).
Prophet (PBUH): Just…. This relationship stands on friendship and cooperation.
Islam commands to establish peace with the enemy and they are forbidden to
fight if the enemy is inclined towards peace but they are allowed to fight in the
cause of Allah against those who fight them: “Fight in the cause of Allah against
those who fight you but do not transgress limits for Allah do not love the
transgressors” (Al-Baqarah; 2.190). Islamic states must preserve and protect their
territory against foreign invasion. In case of war… (fighting principles of Muslims-
all). Prophet (PBUH): he wanted to preach the Divine message in a peaceful
manner but the Makkans had adopted a hotile attitude towards him and wanted
to dislodge him from Madinah. Consequently the city-state of Madinah was
attacked and besieged on 3 major occasions- Badr (624 AD), Uhad (625 AD), and
Trench (627 AD). The holy Prophet (PBUH), therefore, had to fight to defend the
Islamic state against those who wished to wipe it out. They are forbidden to fight
or to interfere in the internal affairs of the other state with whom they have made
alliances even for the purpose of helping and protecting their own people who
are living there. Prophet (PBUH): Treaty of Hudaibiyah-6 AH/628 AD. Rulers
should sign peaceful treaties with rival and non-rival states in order to present the
right image of the Islam before the world. Moreover, ambassadors should not be
harmed even if they bring an unpleasant message. Prophet (PBUH): Letters-7 AH.
Never lost hope, no matter how difficult the situation became.

Position of Women in Islam: According to Islam, a woman is completely equated

with man in terms of her rights and responsibilities because the Quran says:
“whoever works righteous, man or woman, and has faith, verily, to him (or her)
We give a new life that is good and pure….” (5.124) These 2 Quranic verses make
no distinction of gender for the reward of God and accountability before Him. For
the same reason the Prophet (PBUH) clearly stated: “Seeking knowledge is a duty
of every Muslim man and Muslim woman”. This means that Islam places woman
at the same level as man in the basic and most imp spheres and matters of life.
Also, they must be supported for acquiring knowledge as male children are. The
Prophet (PBUH) further explained this in one of his Ahadith: “Whosoever has a
daughter and doesn’t bury her alive, doesn’t insult her, and doesn’t favour his son
over her, God will enter him into Paradise”. Thus Islam completely reversed the
situation in favour of women in a society where the birth of a girl child was taken
as a curse. As women didn’t get much time to listen to the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
or enquire about their problems, he set aside a day for them. Women could talk
to him and ask for his advice about their problems freely and without any fear.
Once some women were sitting around the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and talking very
loudly to him. When H. Umar (RA) came into the room they all left and hid
themselves. H. Umar, addressing them, said: “You fear me but you do not fear
Allah’s Messenger.” They replied: “You are hot-tempered in comparison with
Allah’s Messenger.” Once the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was sleeping in the house of
H. Ayesha (RA). It was the day of Eid and the girls were singing. Abu Bakr (RA)
came and told them to stop but the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Let them sing. It is the
day of Eid”. Islam recognizes woman’s right to inherit, to have money, and own
property whether single or married, Allah says, “To men is allotted what they earn
and to women what they earn”. (Al-Nisa; 4.32) She can sell, buy, lease her
property, or invest it. She inherits property from her parents, brothers, and
husband, Allah says, “For the man is a share of two females”. Both men and
women are equal in the eyes of law and are treated alike, the punishments are
applied on both men and women, Allah says, “For the thief male or female cut off
his or her hand as a punishment prescribed by Allah.”(Al-Maidah; 5.38) The pillars
of Islam (fasting and prayers-also congregational prayers) are equally binding on
men and women except for the slight degree of exemption for women during
their menstrual and pregnancy periods. Women also have the right to express
their opinion. Once Umar (RA) during his caliphate, gave a sermon in the mosque
and exhorted the Muslims not ask for exorbitant dowers for their daughters. An
old woman at the time objected and said to the Caliph Umar that he was wrong
and was contradicting the book of Allah, as Allah said, “But if you decide to take
one wife in place of another even if you had given the latter a whole treasure for
dower take not the least bit of it back: would you take it back by slander and a
manifest wrong.” (Al-Nisa; 2.20) Hearing that Umar (RA) immediately withdrew
his statement and said that the woman was right and he was wrong.

Relation with Wives: Both men and women have equal rights. However, man
has been declared the head of the family in the Islamic Shari’ah and great
responsibilities have been assigned to him: “And women shall have similar rights
to the rights against them according to what is equitable, but men have a degree
(of advantage) over them.” (Al-Nisa; 4.228) Also: “Men are maintainers of
women”.(Al-Nisa; 4.34). Islam restricted the unlimited polygamy with a maximum
of 4 wives. Woman is given the right to decide her marriage, the Prophet (PBUH)
said: “A grown up shall be asked permission about herself. If she is silent, it is her
permission, and if she declines, there shall be no compulsion on her.” In another
tradition narrated by Khansa bint Khidam that her father gave her in marriage
when she was a matron and she disliked that marriage. So she went to Allah’s
Apostle and he declared that marriage invalid. Similarly women has the right to
seek divorce (khula). It is reported that the wife of Thabit bin Qais (RA) came to
the Prophet (PBUH) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I don’t reproach Thabit bin
Qais in respect of character and religion, but I don’t want to be guilty of showing
anger to him.” The Prophet (PBUH) asked her what she had received from him.
She replied, a garden. The Prophet (PBUH) asked, “Will you give back his garden.”
She replied, “Yes.” The Prophet (PBUH) told Thabit to accept the garden and make
one declaration of divorce. The husband must pay dower to his wife at the time of
marriage: “And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift.” (Al-Nisa;
4.4) Women can keep her property acquired before marriage and she has no legal
obligation to spend on her family out of her personnel wealth. It is the duty of a
man to fulfill her material and financial needs. A man asked the Prophet (PBUH),
“O Messenger of Allah! What rights has the wife of one among us got over him?”
He replied, “It is that you feed her while feeding yourself, that you shall clothe her
when you clothe yourself, that you shall not slap (her) on the face nor revile (her),
nor leave her alone except within the house.” The husband ought to consider his
wife as a blessing of Allah and he should give her, his love, hold her in high
esteem and look after her needs. If she makes a mistake, he should overlook it
and correct her with patience. Prophet (PBUH) said; “…..and the best of you are
those who are best to their wives.” If a man dislikes his wife for some reason, he
should not hate her or think of divorce, instead he should look for good qualities
in her, and learn to admire her because of them. The husbands are enjoined to be
kind to their wives even if they have finally decided on separation, Allah says, “A
divorce is not permissible twice: after that the parties should either hold together
on equitable terms or separate with kindness.” (Al-Baqarah; 2.229) Both husband
and wife must decide family matters with mutual consultation. Allah says, “If they
both decide weaning by mutual consent and after due consultation there is no
blame on them.” (Al-Baqarah; 2.233) In case of more than one wife, man is
commanded to divide his time equally amongst all his wives and treat them
equally. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When a man has two wives and he doesn’t
deal equitably btw them, he will come on the Resurrection Day with a side
hanging down.” The husband should share some leisure time with his wife,
Ayesha (RA) accompanied Prophet (PBUH) in a journey, she said, “I had a race
with him on foot and overcame him, when I became fleshy I had a race with him
and he overcame me, he said, this is because of that beating.” Islam also lays
responsibilities on the wife; she should know that her happiness in both the world
lies in his pleasure. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If a woman dies while her husband
was pleased with her, she will enter the Paradise.” She should be faithful and
loyal to her husband, obey him and fulfill her domestic duties. Once the Prophet
(PBUH) was asked who was the best woman, he replied, “The one who pleases
her husband when he looks at her, obeys him when he demands something and
doesn’t go against his wishes regarding her person and property by doing
anything that is against his wishes.” A woman should fulfill her marital duties, the
Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whenever a man calls his wife to bed and she refuses, and
then he passes the night in an angry mood, the angel curse her till she gets up at
dawn.” She should not let anyone enter his house whom he disapproves. The
Prophet (PBUH)’s in his Farewell Sermon stated: “O you people, you have right
over your wives and your wives have right over you. Treat your wives with
kindness and love; verily, you have taken them on the security of Allah.” Thus
both husband and wife are a source of support, comfort and protection to each
other. Prophet (PBUH) loved his wives. Khadija (RA) was his 1 st wife. He didn’t
marry any other women during her lifetime. He used to send gifts to her family
and friends even after her death. He divided his time equally amongst his wives,
during his last illness, he asked his wives’ permission before staying in Ayesha
(RA)’s house. He was kind and loving. He helped them in their daily chores. He
looked after their comfort when they were on journey with him. He used to share
time with them. Ayesha (RA) reported that once Prophet (PBUH) stood at the
door of her room while some negroes played with spears in the mosque. Prophet
(PBUH) covered her with his sheet so that she could look at their sport. For her,
he didn’t moved, until she left.

Relation with Mothers: Islam offers a unique position to the mother, she is held
in great esteem and respect, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “Paradise lies under the
feet of mothers.” Muslims must treat their parents with kindness. Mothers bears
the child for nine months; goes through a lot of pain during delivery and sacrifices
her comfort to raise up the child. Allah has elevated her position: “We have
enjoined on man kindness to his parents, in pain did his mother bear him and in
pain did she give him birth…..” (Ahqaf; 46.15). The rights of mother are 3 times
more than the rights of a father. A person asked the Prophet (PBUH) that who has
the greatest claim on him with regard to service and kind treatment. The Prophet
(PBUH) replied, “Your mother, and again your mother, and once again your
mother. After her is the claim of your father.” Looking after ones mother is
preferable to Jihad and carries a great reward. Mother inherits from the property
of her child if he dies in her lifetime. Charity may be given on behalf of one’s
mother. The mother of Sa’ad bin Ubadah died in his absence. He said, “O Allah’s
Apostle! My mother died in my absence; will it be of any benefit for her if I give
Sadqah on her behalf?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Yes”. The debt of mother
should be paid if she dies and hajj may also be performed on her behalf. A woman
from the tribe of Juhaina came to the Prophet and said that her mother had
vowed to perform Hajj but she died before performing it. May she perform hajj
on her mother’s behalf? Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Perform hajj on her behalf. Had
there been a debt on your mother, would have paid it or not? So, pay Allah’s debt
as He has more right to be paid.” A person should respect his mothers even if
they are not his blood mother. Prophet (PBUH) was suckled for 3 days by
Thuwaybah (Sobia), a slave of Abu Jahl. She used to visit Prophet (PBUH) after his
marriage with Khadija (RA) and received love and respect of a loving son. Prophet
(PBUH) used to send her colthes and other gifts after the migration to Madinah.
He even inquired about her and her son at the conquest of Makkah but they had
died till then. A person should give due respect to his mother even if she is a
polytheist. Halima Saadia was another woman who suckled Prophet (PBUH). She
too received love and respect from the family of Prophet (PBUH). It was a time of
draught and famine. Halima visited Khadija (RA) and she came back with a camel
and a flock of 40 sheeps. He used to call her, “my mother”. Once, he spread his
mantle and asked her to sit on it as a mark of respect. Abu Huraira’s mother was a
polytheists who….

Relation with Daughters: the female child used to be buried alive at the time of
her birth. Islam prohibited this practice and commanded kindness. Sons should
not be preferred over daughters. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever has a
daughter and does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not prefer his
son over her, he will be received by God into Paradise.” They must be educated,
Prophet (PBUH) said, “Seeking knowledge is a duty of every male and female.”
Daughters should also inherit their respective shares from the property of her
father and mother. Prophet (PBUH) loved and respected his daughters. H.
Fatima…..

*Relation with Sisters: E.g: the Prophet (PBUH) had a foster sister Sheema
(daughter of Halima). When she was captured at Hunain, she claimed to be his
foster sister. Prophet (PBUH) inquired how could she verify her statement, she
said, “Once you gave me this bite while I was carrying you.” Prophet (PBUH)
recognized her and spread his mantle for her to sit on. Because of her he freed all
the captives from the clan of Banu Saad. He offered her to stay in his house with
honour and respect but she preferred to go with her people along with the gifts
he gave him. prophet (PBUH) was brought up in the hous of Abu Talib, his elder
daughter, Umme Hani, often looked after Prophet (PBUH) as she was somewhat
older. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always looked to her as an older sister. At the
conquest of Makkah he declared her house would be a safe haven.

Relation btw Men and Women/Relation with member of opposite sex: •

Unmarried Muslims should refrain from close relationships with the opposite sex.
Allah says, “Nor come near to adultery for it is filth and an evil, opening ways to
other evils.”(17.32) Prophet (PBUH) observed Quranic principles and never looked
at unfamiliar women (Ghair Mahram). Quran ordered 100 lashes to the person
who does adultery. Later, in the caliphate of Umar (RA) this punishment was
increased to 80. • They should ensure that in the way they dress and act in their
presence they do not cause offence. • Men should cover at least the central parts
of their bodies. • Women should cover the important parts of their bodies. Both
genders should respect each other. • Married Muslims should keep themselves to
their partners. A man from Banu Aslam came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said that
he had committed sexual intercourse with a woman. The Prophet (PBUH) ordered
the companions to stone him to death as he was a married person. • They should
treat each other as equals. Yet women are given some exemptions in the Pillars of
Islam during their pregnancy or menstrual periods. Also, the testification by a
woman has a higher weightage. • While husbands take initiatives in the
partnership, they should consult their wives' interests and cooperate as partners.
• [+relevant references to the Qur’an or Hadith.]

Relation with friends at school or work/Companions/Rights of Islamic

Brotherhood: the people who responded to the call of Prophet (PBUH) came to
be known as “Ummat um Muslimah” the Islamic Fraternity and Brotherhood. The
Ummah includes people from various countries, races, tribes and social ranks,
each with their own ethnic, cultural and linguistic features. The Prophet (PBUH)
commanded Muslim Ummah to behave kindly towards each other and help one
another at the time of need. The Prophet (PBUH) demonstrated this, when he
arrived in Madinah and established Brotherhood (Mawakhat) btw Emigrants and
Helpers, he said, “The connection btw Muslims is like that of a strong building-one
part strengthens another.” In another tradition, he said, “The Muslim society is
like a body in respect of mutual love and sympathy, if a limb in a body suffers
pain, the whole body responds to it by sleeplessness and pain.” The blood,
property and life of a believer are unlawful to another believer. Allah says: “Never
should a believer kill a believer; but (if it so happens) by mistake.” (An-Nisa; 4.92)
A Muslim must protect the honour and dignity of another Muslim and one must
stand by him at the time of need; protect and guard him from any evil or danger
that he may be unaware, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The Muslim who forsakes a
fellow Muslim brother (and doesn’t come to his assistance) at a time when his
honour is at stake, will be denied the help of Allah when he is greatly in need of it,
whereas the Muslim who stands by a fellow Muslim at a time when his honour is
at stake, -Allah will grant him His assistance when he will need it most.” There is a
great reward for looking after the needs of other Muslims and removing their
distress. Every Muslim has certain duties and obligations towards other Muslims,
the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The rights of a Muslim towards other Muslims are 6,
when you meet him you greet him, and when he calls you, respond to him, and
when he seeks your advice give him advice, and when he sneezes and praises
Allah respond to him and when he falls ill visit him, and when he dies follow him.”
The Muslim should not back bite, hate, envy or follow the secrets of other
Muslims. The Muslims should wish for his brother the same kind of privileges and
benefits that he wishes for himself, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “None of you believe
you want for your brother what you want for yourself.” A Muslim is not allowed
to stop meeting or serving ties with other Muslim for more than three days, the
Prophet (PBUH) said, “It isn’t allowable for a believer to keep from a believer for
more than 3 days.” It is the duty of a Muslim to make peace amongst the Muslims
in case of discord, “If 2 parties among the Believers fall into a quarrel, make you
peace btw them.” (Al-Hujrat; 49.9) Every Muslim should spread what is good and
right and forbid what is wrong and evil. He should spread good virtues and strive
to eradicate evil in the society. The Quran says, “(They are) those who, if We
establish them in land, establish regular prayer and give Zakat (regular charity),
enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong.” (Al-Hajj; 22.41) Prophet (PBUH):
construction of Masjid e Nabvi, he disliked when companions stood for him, gifted
a companion a camel. • They should try to act truthfully towards others. • They
should not use abusive language to others. • They should respect the differences
in opinion of others.

Relation with Animals: The Prophet (PBUH) was sent as a mercy to mankind. He
commanded the Muslims not only to be kind and merciful to humans, but also to
animals. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “If you show mercy to those who are on the
earth, He Who is in the heaven will show mercy to you.” A woman was sent to
hell because she locked a cat and it died of starvation, the Prophet (PBUH) said,
“A woman entered the (Hell) Fire because of a cat which she had tied, neither
giving it food nor setting it free to eat from the insects of the earth.” A prostitute
was forgiven, because, she saw a panting dog while passing by near a well. Seeing
that dog was about to die of thirst, she took of her shoe, and tying it with her
head-cover, she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that.
Animals should not be overburdened, they should be given food and rest. Once
Prophet (PBUH) passed by a camel that was exhausted and hungry, he said, “Fear
Allah! With regard to these animals. Ride them in health and leave them in
health.” He forbade sports based on animal fights, or killing of animals without
necessity or for mere sports, Hisham bin Zaid reported that he and Anas went to
Al-Hakim bin Ayub. Anas saw some boys shooting at a tied hen. Anas said, “The
Prophet has forbidden the shooting of tied or confined animals.” The Prophet
(PBUH) forbade the hitting of animals on their faces: he saw an ass which had
been cauterized on its face. He disapproved it by saying, “By Allah, I don’t
cauterize (the animal) but on a part at distance from the face”, and commanded
(for the cauterization) of his ass and it was cauterized on the buttocks and he was
the first to cauterize on the buttocks. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) told the people to
brand on those parts which were not tender. Prophet (PBUH) was seen branding
his sheep on ears. Once Muslims camped during a journey, a man lit a fire near an
ant-hill, when the Prophet (PBUH) saw the fire he immediately ordered him to
extinguish it. Once a companion caught 2 little baby birds; the mother started to
circle above them with cries of pain. When the Prophet (PBUH) saw this, he asked
the person to set them free. He also instructed that the knife for slaughter should
be sharpened to give minimum pain to the animals. He forbade to sharpen the
weapon in front of the animals. During the period of ignorance people would cut
the limbs of the animals while they were alive. The Prophet (PBUH) forbade this
inhuman practice.

Relation with Poor and Orphans: The poor and the needy include all helpless
people; the poor; the debtors; the orphans etc. He commanded to treat them
with kindness and spend on them, Allah says: “To spend of your substance out of
love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those
who ask and for the ransom of slaves” (Al-Baqarah; 2.177). The Prophet (PBUH)
commanded to treat the orphans kindly: “The best of the home of a Muslim is
one wherein there is an orphan who is treated well, and the worst home of
Muslim is one wherein there is an orphan who is treated badly.” Allah says, “Treat
not the orphan with harshness.” (Ad-Duha; 93.8). Islam lays special stress upon
feeding clothing of the poor and the orphans. Looking after orphans carry a great
reward, Prophet (PBUH) said, “I and he who takes charge of an orphan whether
his, or others shall be in Paradise like this”. He pointed out with his fore finger and
the middle finger leaving no space btw the 2. The guardian should manage the
property of orphan with the best of his ability, he should not mix the orphan’s
property with his own, or change it, or cheat in any other way. The well-to-do
guardian should not ask for payment for his services. Though the guardian may
receive a reasonable amount, Allah says, “…If the guardian is well-off let him claim
no numeration but if he is poor let him have for himself what is just and
reasonable” (An-Nisa; 4.6). Property of the orphan should be returned as soon as
he reaches adulthood, “To orphans restore their property (when they reach their
age) nor substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones….”(An-Nisa; 4.2).
Those who eat up the properties of orphan will be punished, “Come not nigh to
the properties of the orphan except to improve it…”(17.34) Allah says, “Those
who unjustly eat up the properties of orphans eat up a fire into their own bodies”
(An-Nisa; 4.10). Once a companion told Prophet (PBUH) that he had a hard heart,
he replied, “Pat on an orphan’s head and feed the poor.” Looking after the poor
carries a great, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “The one who strives for the widows and
the poor is like one who strives in the way of Allah. I shall regard him as the one
who stands up (for prayer) without rest and as one who fasts without break”. He
said, “A man has sinned enough if he neglects to feed those in need.” The Holy
Prophet (PBUH) always showed utmost kindness sympathy to the poor. He used
to go with them to the Ka’abah for prayers and the chiefs of Makkah used to
laugh at them. Once a companion stated that he was sitting in the Mosque of the
Prophet (PBUH) and the poor Muhajirin were sitting in the other part of the
Mosque. The Prophet (PBUH) came and sat with the poor, and said, “Give good
news to the poor muhajirin that they will enter Paradise 40 years before the rich.”
The Prophet (PBUH) used to pray, “O Allah! Keep me alive as a poor man; make
me die as a poor man and resurrect me in the company of the poor.” He said to
his wife, Ayesha, “O Aisha! Never turn away any needy from your door empty
handed. Give something, even if all you can give is half a date. Aisha! Love the
poor, bring them near to you and Allah will bring you near to Him on the Day of
Resurrection.” Once, H. Abu Bakr (RA) treated Salman and Bilal (RA), who were
among the poor muhajirin harshly. Prophet (PBUH) talked to Abu Bakr (RA) and
he went and asked forgiveness from the both of them. Once, some companions,
barefoot and in rags, came to him (PBUH). He was shocked to see them in such
condition. He asked Bilal (RA) to call out the Azaan. After the prayer, he asked the
people to help them. He issued instructions that Zakat should be collected from
the rich of every tribe and town and spent on the poor of the same tribe and
town.