Write an account of Holy Prophet’s attempt to preach the people of Taif.

Holy Prophet preached in Makkah for a long time but Quraish refused to accept his religion. Therefore,
he intended to preach the people outside Makkah so he went to the people of Taif, when he reached
there along with Hazrat Zaid bin Haris and started preaching them. They became more worse than the
people of Makkah as they set up a crowd of teenagers to abuse him, throw stones and drive him out of
Taif Holy Prophet was so much wounded that his shoes were filled with blood and his entire body
started bleeding. Therefore, he came out of the Town and sought refuge in an orchard where a bunch of
grapes was presented to him. While he was resting, the angel of the mountain came to take his
permission to destroy the whole town. But Holy Prophet instead of cursing he prayed for them and said
that I have been sent as a mercy not to curse people. This shows the noble character of Holy Prophet.

Q.What do Muslims learn from the Holy Prophet’s conduct in this event of visiting Taif?..... [4]

This was a very important event in the life of the Holy Prophet, which teaches us about his outstanding
qualities. It teaches a remarkable example of forgiveness that he was so much tortured that his body
started to bleed but stopped the angel to destroy the people and responded persecution with
forgiveness. We should also learn from his example to forgive others especially those who are our
enemies. We should have tolerance and be steadfast in our religion as he was at this crucial stage. It also
teaches that he never took revenge and never loved bloodshed because he had a peace loving nature so
we should also live in peace with other Muslims even our enemies.

Explain the importance of the Pledges of ‘Aqaba to the Prophet in the period leading up to the
migration. 4

The Pledges of Aqaba have great importance in the life of the Holy Prophet as he gains the support of
the people of Yathrab in these pledges. At this time, he was in a very weak position as he lost the clan
protection after the death of his uncle Hazrat Abu Talib and failed to gain the support of the people of
Taif. The enemies were against his Me who wanted to assassinate him but he got protection in the
pledges. This event led to the successful migration and further development of Islam in Yathrab. It saved
Muslims from persecution and opposition of Quraish, they became so strong after migration that they
easily defeated Quraish in the coming battles. The pledges also released the Yathrabites from the
clutches of the Jews who were cruel to them.

Suggest three reasons why Holy Prophet decided to move from Makkah to Madina. ) [4]

Holy Prophet after the death of Abu Talib lost his protection in Makkah. His enemies like Abu Jahal and
Abu Lahab became against his life and wanted to assassinate him so he migrated to Madina where he
was promised protection. He preached at Makkah for a long time but was not successful but when he
preached the people of Madina all converted to his religion and pledged him to support his religion at all
times. At Makkah, the followers of Islam were under threat and many of them suffered a long
persecution, but in Madina, they were able to live in peace. Holy Prophet wanted to set up an Islamic
community, which was possible only in Madina. The people of Madina elected him as a leader of their
town.

Explain the significance of migration to Abyssinia. 4

It was the first political move in which the Muslims were very much successful. It gave the Muslims a
chance to spread their religion outside Arabia. Their relations with the king of Abyssinia were
strengthened. It saved the new converts from the persecution of Quraish and gave them a chance to
follow their religion without any problems. This migration gave the Muslims a lesson that such steps will
be successful therefore, it led to the major migration to Madina. Due to this migration, the Quraish plans
and their relations with the king of Abyssinia deteriorated which showed Muslims success in the future
when the king accepted Islam.

Give an account of the events of the Prophet’s night journey and ascension [‘Isra wami’raj]. () [10]

In the year of grief when Holy Prophet lost the clan protection of Hazrat Abu Talib, the support of Hazrat
Khadija a. He was very much disturbed because the revelation also stopped for sometimes and had no
success in his religion. In this condition Allah blessed him with a sacred night journey (ascension). He
was sleeping in his house angel Gibrael awoke him, he perform ablution and rode on Buraq an animal
from heaven which was larger than donkey and smaller than mule, it has so fast speed that no one could
even imagine or belleve. It took him to the Farthest Masjid Al-Aqsa where he led all Prophets in prayer.
Then he rode on the same animal and journeyed to heavens and reached the final point (Sidra-tul-
Muntaha), here he was alone because the angel could not accompany him. He was in the presence of his
lord very close to him. The verse says about this journey " Glory be to Him Who transported His servant
by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa', the environs of which We had blessed, so that We
might show him some of Our signs. Surely He is the One Who is the All-Hearing, the All Seeing." He met
his lord and Allah blessed him with 50 daily prayers then were reduced to 5 because Hazrat Musa asked
him to pray to his Lord to reduce the number of prayers. Holy Prophet was shown heaven and hell and
the people inside. He drank milk in heaven and in the way back he met many Prophets who
congratulated him for this journey. This entire journey took place in one night. The next morning he
narrated it to the people in Makkah, no could believe it except his closest friend Hazrat Abu Bakr whom
he gave the title "Siddique" which means the testifier of truth because he testified this truth (Miraj). This
sacred journey relieved Holy Prophet from his worries.

Explain the importance of this event of night journey to the Prophet himself.

This was year of sorrow and grief in Holy Prophet’s life because he lost his closest supporters and he was
being mocked for being left by Allah when this journey took place. This journey relieved Holy Prophet
from his worries. It gave physical and • spiritual support; this event reassured him of closeness with
Allah and his status among other Prophets. There came a support from his companions that if
Muhammad says that he has done this journey then it is true and they testified him. This was a
miraculous event, which forced many people to believe in him as Prophet. He led Prophets in prayer
show that he has unique position amongst Prophets.