SEERAH - Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Noble lineage of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)

●​ Superiority and Nobility of Quraysh:

Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) belonged to the tribe of Quraysh.

The noble tribe of Quraysh was responsible for taking care of the pilgrims and they were the custodians of Holy
Ka'abah.

The grandfather of the Prophet (P.B.U.H), Abdul Muttalib had a remarkable personality and was popular
because of his exceptional qualities.

●​ He rediscovered the well of Zamzam

●​ In the Year of Elephant, he prayed to God to save the people of Makkah from Abraha and his army. His
prayers were accepted and the incident increased his nobility. The people of Makkah started calling
Quraysh as 'the people of God'.

Birth and upbringing of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)

Birth:

12 Rabi ul Awal 570 AD, Makkah, the Year of Elephant. Born 6 months after the death of his father Abdullah.
Mother’s name was Amina. As soon as he was born, his grandfather was given the good news. He took his
grandson near the Kaaba and prayed for him. Grandfather named him ‘Muhammad’ (PBUH).

First feed: Fed initially for a few days by a slave-girl of Abu Lahab called Thaubiyah. She had also fed Hazrat
Hamza (RA). The Prophet PBUH has said,

“Hamza is my brother because of my fosterage.”

Roles of Haleema Sadia, Amina, Abdul Muttalib and Abu Talib

Haleema Sadia:

●​ Haleema, from the tribe of Banu Sad, arrived in Makkah with husband Harith along with her tribe
●​ One donkey, one camel, own baby boy & husband accompanied her
●​ Last one to arrive, only baby Prophet(pbuh) left, accepted him just before leaving
●​ First to arrive back home, more than enough feed for both babies, her flock of sheep thrived
 ●​ After 2 years, according to the custom, Haleema tried to return the Prophet to mother, but Amina
returned him due to epidemic in Makkah
●​ Around 4 years of age, 2 Angels visited the child Prophet , cut open his chest, cleansed his heart and
removed the black spot of satan, sealed his body again
●​ Haleema returned the boy out of fear of misfortune.

Role of Haleema Sadia:

●​ Learnt pure Arabic language & dialect, learnt the beauty of speech & poetry; a source of pride for
Quraish
●​ Fresh air for proper health, active lifestyle (life in cities encouraged laziness & slackness)
●​ Learnt shepherding
●​ Received natural feed of Haleema; its physical benefits lasted for a lifetime and gave him the strength of
40 warriors. The Prophet PBUH said,

“Verily! I’m the most perfect Arab among you; my descent is from Quraysh and my tongue is the tongue of
Banu Sa’d.”

Amina, Mother of the Prophet:

●​ At almost 4 years of age, Prophet was returned to mother

●​ Prophet 6 years old, Amina decided to meet relatives and visit the grave of husband in Yathrib
●​ Died on the way back at Abwa, buried there with the help of some travelers
●​ Barakah or Umme- Aiman, a young the Prophet back to his Grandfather Abdul Muttalib

Role of Amina:

●​ It was her motherly love that she sacrificed the time of the few early years of her son’s life for his security,
health and character building
●​ Taught her son to respect and love his deceased father by visiting his grave
●​ Taught him to be patient and calm
●​ Prophet received the warmth of a mother’s love for the short period of about 2 years that he spent with
her

Role of Abdul Muttalib

●​ Adopted the Prophet at 6 years of age

●​ Special love for Abdullah now transferred to grandson
●​ Took the Prophet with him to important meetings and discussions between the tribal chiefs and leaders
●​ Abdul Muttalib would ask the Prophet his opinion about different issues in these meetings
●​ The Prophet gained leadership qualities from the time spent with his grandfather
 ●​ The Prophet gained a noble family lineage from Abdul Muttalib
●​ The Prophet gained communication skills and decision-making qualities from Abdul Muttalib
(consulting people before making a decision)
●​ When the Prophet was 8 years old, Abdul Muttalib passed away

Role of Abu Talib:

●​ Abu Talib: very generous, kind hearted, good moral values

●​ Adopted the Prophet at the age of 8
●​ Loved the Prophet (pbuh) like a father, more than his own sons
●​ The Prophet (pbuh) used to look after Abu Talib’s sheep
●​ Prophet (pbuh) gained confidence [had he not been provided such an environment; he could have
grown insecure with an inferiority complex. Such good upbringing of an orphan was rare in those
times]
●​ The Prophet (pbuh) gained very good morals, learnt the ways of trading, shepherding skills, confidence
and security, all of which helped him become a great prophet in the future.

Important events:

●​ Visit to Syria-Bahira the monk- 12 years old: Bahira a Christian monk recognized signs of the last
messenger in him and advised Abu Talib to take him back and protect him from the Jews.
●​ Harb ul Fijjar:

15 years old: first military experience. Sacrilegious wars broke out between Quraish and Hawazin tribes which
continued in sacred months also, till 3-4 years. Prophet PBUH did not fight but just picked arrows of enemies
and handed them to his uncles

●​ The war disturbed his peace of mind

●​ The experience taught him the fighting skills, to defend oneself during a conflict
●​ Halaf-ul-Fadul:

19-20 years old: A peace treaty- signed by many people of Quraish to make sure justice would be given to the
oppressed. The Prophet PBUH said,

“I witnessed a covenant in the house of Abdullah bin Judan which I would not exchange for any number of red
camels; and if I was asked to take part in it during Islam, I would do so.”

●​ Between 20-25 years of age: looked for ways to earn his own living, used to graze people’s sheep. The
Prophet PBUH said,

“I used to shepherd the sheep of the people of Mecca for some Qirates.”
 ●​ Started taking people’s goods for trade, earned the titles of Sadiq (truthful) and Ameen (trustworthy)

Marriage to Khadija (R.A) :

Prophet (P.B.U.H) 25 years of age: when she sent a caravan with him and her servant Maysara. The servant
praised the Prophet (PBUH) so much, she was so impressed that she sent him a marriage proposal through
Nufaysa. Both their uncles met and the marriage took place. The Prophet PBUH shifted to her house.

The Happy Household:

4 Daughters: Ruqaiyah, Zainab, Umm Kulthum, Fatima, one adopted son Zaid bin Haris, one nephew Ali, one
maid Barakah

Fixing of the Black Stone:

35 years of age: The Quraish had decided to rebuild the Kaaba because its walls were weakened due to floods.
When the reconstruction began, all began to argue over which clan’s leader would put the Hajre-Aswad (Black
Stone). The Prophet PBUH gave a fair chance to all by placing the Black Stone in the middle of a cloth and
asking all leaders to carry that cloth near the Kaaba and then fixing the stone himself; hence reverting a war
among Quraish.

Contemplation in Cave of Hira:

In his late 30s, he began to spend more and more time in the Cave of Hira, often taking food for a few days,
spending his time meditating, reflecting and praying to God to show his community a way out of their corrupt
ways.

THE FIRST REVELATION / THE CALL TO PROPHETHOOD

●​ powerful inward signs-true dreams, visions of dawn breaking, love of solitude

●​ It was Year 610 AD, Night of Laila tul Qadr in Ramadan, Prophet (PBUH) was 40 years old
●​ Cave of Hira, Angel Jibrael in the form of a man, “Read!”
●​ squeezed the Prophet 3 times, The Prophet PBUH said, “He held me and pressed me tightly, then he
released me and said ‘Read!’ I said, ‘I am not a reader!’ So, he held me and pressed me hard a second
time until I was exhausted, then he released me...” The third time the Prophet PBUH said, “What shall
I read?” The angel recited the first 5 verses of Surah Alaq,

“Read in the name of Your Lord, Who created; Created man from a clot of congealed blood. Read! Your Lord is
Most Bounteous, Who has taught the use of pen, Taught man what he did not know.”

●​ Prophet (pbuh) recited the verses after him, the Angel left
 ●​ Prophet (pbuh) full of fear, wondering if it was magic or he was possessed by a jinn
●​ The angel disappeared
●​ The Prophet PBUH fled from the cave
●​ hears voice of Jibrael, Prophet (pbuh) looked up, all sky completely covered till horizon with 600 wings
of Jibrael, “O Muhammad (pbuh)! You are the messenger of God and I am Angel Jibrael.” The angel
said these words twice.

(Role of Angel Jibrael: by giving him a tough experience, the angel was preparing the Prophet PBUH for the
tougher times ahead. Also, he introduced his prophethood to him)

●​ The Prophet (pbuh) reached home, “Cover me! cover me!”

●​ After calming down, he told his wife Khadija (R.A) everything. Khadija (R.A) consoled him and
reassured him, “Allah will not let you suffer any humiliation because you are kind to your relatives, you
speak the truth, you assist anyone in need, you are hospitable to guests.”

(Role of H.Khadija RA: she believed in him, comforted him)

●​ She then went to visit her Christian cousin, Waraqah bin Naufal, who was excited to hear her and he
confirmed that her husband was a prophet, “This is the same angel who visited Musa (A.S) and Isa
(A.S)!”
●​ The Prophet (pbuh) then visited Waraqah bin Naufal who repeated what he had said earlier to Khadija
(R.A) and added, “Your people will call you a madman and a liar and will expel you out of the city.”
The Prophet (pbuh) was amazed to hear this. Waraqah said, “No man has ever preached a message like
yours but was met with enmity. If I am alive at that time, I will give you all my support.”

(Role of Waraqah: confirmed his prophethood, predicted future events, showed his support to him)

Persecutions of the Companions

Leading persecutors: Abu Lahab, Abu Jahl, Waleed bin Mughira, Ummaya bin Khalf, Utbah bin Rabiah etc.

• Bilal (master: Ummayah bin Khalf, iron armor, skin would melt, laid on hot sand with boulder on top, ‘Ahad!
Ahad!’, Hazrat Abu Bakr freed him)
• Summaiyah, Yasir & their son Ammar ibn Yasir (Summaiyah: former slave, killed by Abu Jahl’s spear hitting
her below her waist; husband Yasir, also martyred with torture; their son Ammar ibn Yasir: unbearable torture
till uttered words of idols, asked the Prophet about it, the Prophet reassured him that the heart should remain
faithful)

• Khabbab ibn Al-Arat (mistress: Umm Anmar, worked as blacksmith, had no protection, clan and other
people stunned by his acceptance of Islam, beat him so much once that he fell unconscious. Once Umm Anmar
put a piece of heated iron on his head & kept it there until he fell unconscious, his clansmen would rip off his
clothes, deprive him of water, beat him & knock him down; coals would be put & pressed on his back; he would
be dragged on burning coals until his flesh would fall off; only the water that seeped out of his body would
extinguish the coals; Allah eventually punished Umm Anmar with a such severe headache that she would howl
& scream with pain, only cauterizing her head with something red hot would relieve it)

• Suhaib Rumi (tortured to the extent that he lost control over what he said & repeated anything the oppressors
asked, he was very sad but the Prophet consoled him that he was still a believer)

• Zinra (Roman slave girl; hot red iron rods were put in her eyes & she turned blind, Quraish taunted her to call
on One Allah to restore her sight; eyesight restored later)

• Abu Bakr & Talhah (tied with a rope together while praying, rope got untied mysteriously; Abu Bakr once
tried to give an Islamic sermon when the Prophet was with him, beaten so severely that he nearly died, still when
he gained consciousness he refused to eat or drink anything till he was certain the Prophet was safe)

• Musab bin Umair (led the most comfortable life of luxuries, best clothing, best perfume etc; when he became
Muslim he was apprehended & imprisoned by his own family, caste off by his relatives, drastic change in life, no
more luxury or comfort, skin hardened, body weakened, would wear torn & tattered clothes

• Saad bin Abi Waqqas (a dutiful son, suffered psychological torment from mother who refused to eat & drink
until he abandoned Islam, mother didn’t eat or drink for many days etc)
• Abdullah bin Masood (a young man, recited the Quran openly in Kaaba, was beaten till his face started
bleeding along with other injuries)

• Uthman bin Affan (his uncle would wrap him up in a mat and light a fire under the mat)
Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) freed many Muslim slaves including Bilal, Zinra, Amir bin Fuhairah, Abu Fakih etc.
Muslims remained patient as God commanded, “Bear with patience with what they say, and part with them
with a courteous farewell,” Quran.

The Prophet did not Encourage/Allow the New Muslims to Fight Back:
• Prophet, “I have been ordered to forgive so do not fight the people.”
• Ayahs of Patience were consistently being revealed, Allah had not yet permitted Muslims to fight (Jihad)
• Non-Muslims needed to be given a fair chance to receive and comprehend the message of Islam before
Muslims started retorting with violence. Allah knew many of the non-Muslims would become sincere, devout
Muslims later on
• Peaceful Preaching has a stronger impact (revenge & killings would have given a negative impression of
violence)
• Division, breaking up & killing in families to be avoided otherwise Islam would be labeled as a violent religion
• Muslims less in number, a minority. A battle would have imminently been won by the polytheists.

Wisdom & Benefits Behind the difficulties suffered by Early Converts:

• Raising the ranks of the believers. Late believers could never have the same status as early believers because the
early believers faced all the initial persecutions and stood by the Prophet PBUH when no one else did
• Islam was promoted by early believers’ patience. Non-Muslims were impressed by the forbearance and sacrifice
of Muslims.
• The difficulties prepared the believers for higher levels of Piety. Hardships strengthen a person. With hardship,
one dives into his own soul to extract greater courage. He becomes closer to God.

Persecution of the Prophet

Leading enemies: Abu Lahab (uncle), Abu Jahl, Uqbah bin Muait, Waleed bin Mughira, Ummaya bin Khalf,
Utbah bin Rabiah etc.

• Nazar Bin Harris’ scheme. He went to Persia, learnt long suspenseful stories; brought singing and dancing
girls to disturb the Prophet’s preaching.
• Uncle Abu Lahab's persistent opposition and abuse:
●​ The only close family member to oppose him
●​ showed delight on his second son’s death, would call him ‘’abtar”
●​ his 2 sons divorced the Prophet’s 2 daughters
●​ dedicated his life to fight Islam
●​ would throw stones at the Prophet
●​ would follow the Prophet in markets & hajj gatherings
●​ would interrupt him, harass him & defame him
●​ cursed him at Mount Safa when the Prophet invited to Islam openly
• Abu Lahab's wife, Aunt Umm Jamil’s role:
●​ would spread lies to defame him
●​ put thorn bushes in his path
●​ would put impure filth at his door

The enmity of Abu Jahl:

would be enraged on seeing the Prophet praying in the Kaaba;
would threaten him & use abusive language, swore that he would step on the Prophet’s neck if he prayed in the
Kaaba again
Prophet continued praying there, Abu Jahl stepped forward to step on him but held back by a wall of immense
heat like fire
Abu Jahl once instigated Uqbah bin Muait to put the intestines of a camel of the Prophet’s shoulders while he
was prostrating, Fatima arrived to help him & clean him
• Uqbah Bin Muait once spit on Prophet’s face
• While the Prophet PBUH was praying close to the Kaaba, Uqbah bin Muait came and placed a garment round
his neck and tried hard to strangle him. Abu Bakr (RA) then came and pulled Uqbah away, saying,
“Will you kill a man for nothing except that he says, ‘My Lord is Allah’ while he has given you clear instructions
from your God?”
• Waleed bin Mughira’s attempt to defame the Prophet by calling him a ‘magician’
• Quraish would Mock: “He is spoken to from heavens!” or “Haven’t you been spoken to from heavens today?”
• Some enemies would throw the internal organs of sheep in his cooking pot
• Sometimes mushrikeen would blow the powder of decomposed bones on the Prophet’s face and question
Resurrection
• Pressure through Abu Talib. Abu Talib talked to him to back off. The Prophet’s famous words “Even if you
put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand, I will not give up preaching this message.” Abu
Talib said, “I will support you as long as you want.”
• The different offers made to Prophet in exchange for leaving Islam
offer of riches and wealth, offer of the most beautiful woman of Quraish, offer of being made a leader
offer of following both religions (worshiping Islam’s One God and the Quraish’s multiple gods) turn by turn
every week. Allah revealed Surah Kafiroon, “I do not worship what you worship.”
• Suffering during the Ban
Allah sent ayahs to the Prophet to remain patient with whatever they said. “Bear with patience with what they
say, and part with them with a courteous farewell,” Quran.
Lessons:
• Patience
• Unity
• Faith in Allah
• Steadfastness in worship

The protective role of Abu Talib:

• Abu Talib was a leader, the most influential member of Banu Hashim (united the children of Hashim &
Abdul Muttalib)
• Abu Talib provided him ’Jiwar’: a term used for tribal protection
• The Quraish approached him, “Stop him from degrading our gods…’, Abu Talib talked to his nephew, the
Prophet’s (pbuh) reply “Even if you put the sun…”
• Abu Talib did not accept Islam but allowed the Prophet (pbuh) to continue doing what he believed in and
reassured his support to him
• Quraish offered Abu Talib a young man in exchange of the Prophet (pbuh) but Abu Talib rejected the offer
flatly
• The Prophet (pbuh) was able to move freely, speak openly without much fear for his life, comparatively safer
and less physically tortured
• remained supportive of the Prophet(pbuh) till his last breath

5th Year of Prophethood

Migration to Abyssinia

It was the 5th Year of Prophethood. When the persecutions got intolerable, the Prophet (pbuh) advised the
Muslims to migrate to Abyssinia as its king, Negus was known to be very fair. There was hope of introducing &
spreading Islam outside Arabia. Also, the Quraish had no authority in Abyssinia.

The First Group

• Around 15 Muslims, including Uthman bin Affan (ra) and his wife Ruqqayyah(ra), Abu Salamah (ra) & his
wife Umm Salamah (ra), Jafar bin Abi Talib (ra) and his wife Asma (ra) migrated secretly
• warmly welcomed by the Christians in Abyssinia
• After a few weeks, rumor reached Abyssinia that things had changed in Makkah, many people of Quraish had
accepted Islam & persecution had nearly ended.
• Muslims decided to return, some discovered near the border that this was fake news, some stayed in Makkah,
others returned to Abyssinia
• Quraish’s persecution got even more severe than before

The Second Group

• Around 80 men and 18 women migrated with children (98 in total)
• Quraish’s anger, could not let Islam spread out of control
• Quraish’s scheme: Amr ibn Al-As and Abdullah ibn Rabiah sent by Quraish, plan to bribe generals of Negus’s
court with expensive gifts

The Day at Negus’ Court

●​ After talking to the courtiers one day earlier, the Quraish made their demand in front of Negus,
●​ “Some foolish young men have come from our country to your country. They have invented a new
religion that is neither ours nor yours. Their families have sent us to request you to send them back.”
●​ Negus’ replied that he would first question the Muslims; summoned the Muslims to court
●​ Jafar bin Abi Talib (ra) chosen by Muslims on the basis of his eloquence, wisdom & intelligence, close
relative of the Prophet (pbuh), had a noble character, noble lineage, was a cousin of the Prophet (pbuh)
●​ Negus was ready with his priests with bibles open in front of them
Jafar (ra) made a long speech:
“O king! We were wicked and ignorant people who worshiped idols and ate corpses. We committed all types of
disgraceful acts and did not pay our due obligations to neighbors and relatives. The strong of us suppressed the
weak. Then Allah raised a Prophet (pbuh) amongst us whose nobility, righteousness, good character and pure
life were well known to us.
When we believed in him and acted upon his nice teachings, our people began persecuting us. When their
cruelties became unbearable, we took shelter in your country by the permission of our Prophet (pbuh).”

●​ Negus asked to hear some verses of Quran, Jafar (ra) recited ayahs from Surah Maryam (the ayahs about
Isa’s (as) birth & miracles with Maryam).
Jafar (ra) recited:
●​ “…She said, ‘How can I have a son when no man has touched me nor am I unchaste?’ He said,’So,Your
Lord said, ‘That is easy for Me…’ ”
●​ Negus & courtiers & priests were touched & moved to tears
Negus said, “By God this and the Bible are the lights of one lamp.”
Negus announced refuge to the Muslims

The Second Day at the Court

Amr Ibn Al-As connived to entrap Muslims a second time, said to Negus that Muslims called Jesus a ‘slave’
Negus called Muslims a second time, Muslims decided to stick to the truth
Jafar (ra): “We say what our Prophet has taught us: ‘Isa is the slave of Allah, His Messenger’(His Spirit & His
word breathed into Mary)”
• Negus ordered all gifts to be returned by him & his generals and ordered the Quraish to leave
• Both Quraishites returned back defeated
• Negus’ secretly accepted Islam
• Later, after many years the Prophet prayed his funeral prayers upon his death

Significance:
• previously persecuted Muslims got religious freedom
• Muslims community saved from the danger of death
• Introduction & promotion of Islam outside Arabia
• unity stronger among Muslims
• establishment of Muslim community without the Prophet (training)

Lessons:
• If one fears for his religion, it is legislated to leave one’s homeland
• It is permissible to enter into the protection of a non-Muslim
• one must not panic, always consult one another in all affairs/problems
• speak the truth, no matter what; seek the pleasure of Allah only, not caring to please anyone, not even a king
• Faith in Allah
• Unity
• Patience

Reasons the Prophet (PBUH) choose Abyssinia for Muslims’ migration:

• Negus was famously known to be a just king & a righteous man
• hope of introducing & spreading Islam outside Arabia
• Quraish had no authority in Abyssinia
• Christianity is closer to Islam than polytheism
• Abyssinia was a good choice because it was a trading center and a land of prosperity
• Umm Aiman & Bilal were Abyssinian so the Prophet had knowledge about that land and its people
6th Year of Prophethood
●​ Hazrat Umar (ra) and Hazrat Hamza (ra) accept Islam
●​ Hazrat Hamza’s (ra) acceptance of Islam (Abu Jahl’s misbehavior with the Prophet (pbuh), Hamza’s
(ra) response and challenge; acceptance of Islam)
●​ Hazrat Umar’s (ra) acceptance of Islam
●​ (the people Hazrat Fatima bint Al-Khattab & Hazrat Saeed bin Zaid [husband & wife] Hazrat Khabbab
bin Al-Arat); the incident at Umar’s sister Fatima’s house
●​ Umar openly announced his entrance into Islam near Kaaba, would openly pray near Kaaba and
encourage other Muslims to do so
●​ Often Umar & Hamza (ra) would accompany Muslims & pray openly in congregation

7th – 9th Year of Prophethood

THE BAN/BOYCOTT
• It was the 7th Year of Prophethood
• Non-Muslims agreed that the Prophet (pbuh) should be stopped or killed, Quraish was feeling desperate to
control Islam
• Abu Talib understood his nephew’s life was in danger. The previous incidents (Uqbah bin Muait’s attempt to
choke the Prophet; Umar’s (ra) determination to kill the Prophet) were proof that the Quraish would not
refrain themselves for long
• Abu Talib assembled the clan of Banu Muttalib and all vowed to protect the Prophet out of tribal and family
loyalty: whether Muslim or not
• When the Quraish saw their determination, they decided to ostracize the clan of Banu Muttalib by putting a
ban on them. The clan of Banu Hashim refused to agree to this ban so they were also included in it.
• Abu Lahab, the Prophet’s (pbuh) uncle, was not included in this ban as he refused to protect the Prophet
(pbuh)
Terms of the Ban:
Until Banu Muttalib surrendered the Prophet (pbuh) or until the Prophet (pbuh) gave up his prophethood, the
Quraish would have :
1.​ no intermarriage
2.​ no selling or buying
3.​ not allow any resources to reach them
4.​ no social visits
5.​ no sitting together
6.​ no talking
7.​ not even entering their houses
8.​ not show any mercy to them
9.​ not reconcile with the Banu Muttalib and Banu Hashim

• Bagheed bin Amir wrote down all these terms [his hand was later paralyzed]
• A document was prepared and signed by around 40 leaders of Quraish
• It was hung inside the Kaaba to make it sacred

Shi’b-e- Abi Talib (Valley of Abu Talib)

• Abu Talib decided it was most suitable to shift to a valley in the outskirts of Makkah for their unity & for
protection of the Prophet (pbuh)
• Abu Lahab, who lived near that valley, left that place and shifted with his wife among the non-Muslims to
show solidarity to the polytheists
• That valley later famously came to be known as Shab-e-Abi Talib
• Abu Talib greatly feared for his nephew’s life. When everyone would go to sleep, he would change places of
sleep with the Prophet (pbuh) to fool anyone wanting to attack the Prophet (pbuh) while asleep

Suffering of the Muslims

• Muslims came on the verge of starvation
• Every day the cries of babies could be heard from the valley in Makkah
• Nearly starved, ate boiled leather, leaves, grass, cooked camel skins
• extremely difficult time
• the Prophet (pbuh) commanded all Muslims to refrain from violence. Umar, Hamza, Abu Bakr (ra) all could
have used force, killing and war could’ve started, they were not cowards but they remained obedient to the
Prophet (pbuh) with patience. Not a single sword or punch was raised (though killing Abu Jahl or any enemy of
the Prophet was very easy for Umar)
• Quraish would buy all the commodities from caravans arriving in Makka so Muslims wouldn’t be able to buy
anything
• the Prophet (pbuh) continued to preach Islam, would visit the Kaaba in the sacred months
Help of Relatives & Friends
• Abu Bakr (ra) used all his wealth to help Muslims in any way possible. In 2 years time, his wealth had depleted
• Umar (ra) & Abu Bakr (ra) would think of various ways to help
• Abu Jahl was always watching closely. Once Hazrat Khadija’s nephew was taking a bag of flour. Abu Jahl
threatened to ostracize him and tried to stop him. Al-Bakhtaree intervened & struck Abu Jahl to ward him off
• Others (Hisham bin Amr) had close marriage connections with Banu Muttalib etc. At night he would bring a
camel laden with food & clothes and send it to Shi’b Abi Talib secretly

The Lifting of the Ban:

• In Makkah some Quraishis discussed at night that this ban was extremely cruel. Hisham bin Amr (who used to
secretly smuggle food to them) brought up this issue. Along with Al-Bakhtaree and 3 others (a total of 5
Quraishis) decided to raise the issue independently the next morning
• The next morning, when Abu Jahl & many other Quraishis were present, Zuhair said, “How can we eat and
drink contentedly when the children of Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib are dying? I do not agree to this pact
& I will not rest until it is torn up.”
• Abu Jahl jumped to his feet and declared, “By Allah, it will not be torn up!”
• Zuhair’s friend spoke up, “I also do not agree, it is unfair from the very start,” Abu Jahl opposed him as well
• The third accomplice (Al-Bakhtaree) spoke in favor of Zuhair. Then a fourth & a fifth person spoke up. More
Quriashis started speaking in favor of the boycott. Abu Jahl had to back off as he understood that they had
joined hands.
• Abu Talib, who was sitting in a corner, near Kaaba, said that the Prophet (pbuh) had been informed in
revelation about the destruction of the document
• There was an argument among the Makkans; decision to open the Kaaba and check, decided if Abu Talib true,
then the ban would be ended
• Kaaba opened; the document was wall eaten up by termites except where the names of Allah were written.
Quraish amazed, the ban ended
• 7th-9th year of Prophethood: after 3 years, Muslims & Banu Hashim & Banu Muttalib returned to their
houses

Lessons
• The ban brought further attention to Mulims’ impressive patience & dedication. Tribes outside Makkah were
very impressed & attracted to Islam & more people entered Islam. Surely this religion must be true if the
Muslims are willing to die for it.
• No matter how hard times are, Muslims make do with whatever they have with patience
• Allah’s promise in the Quran, “After every difficulty, there is ease.”

10th Year of Prophethood

Death of Uncle Abu Talib
• 6 months after returning from Shi’b Abi Talib, the Prophet’s (pbuh) uncle fell seriously ill
• A group of Quraysh leaders came, Abu Jahl, Utbah, Shaybah etc
• Quraish made another attempt with Abu Talib, offering gifts to the Prophet (pbuh) in exchange for the
Prophet to stop preaching. The Prophet pbuh rejected it.
• The Prophet (pbuh) pleaded with his uncle to make the Shahadah so he could testify for him on the Day of
Judgment.
• Quraish’s leaders to Abu Talib: “Would you really turn away from Abdul Muttalib’s religion?”
• Out of fear of dishonor, Abu Talib did not recite the Kalima Shahada and passed away - The Prophet (pbuh)
vowed to pray for his forgiveness until Allah forbid him from doing so

Death of Hazrat Khadija (ra)

• Very soon after the death of Abu Talib, Hazrat Khadija passed (ra) away at 65 years of age.
• The Prophet was about 50 years old now [Together they had a blissful & harmonious marriage for 25 years!]
• Hazrat Khadija’s (ra) financial help, unwavering encouragement, support, consolation and was irreplaceable for
the Prophet
• A great loss!

The New Leader Abu Lahab

• offered minimal protection to the Prophet (pbuh)
• the Prophet (pbuh) now mistreated more than ever- someone threw a handful of dirt on his face- another
threw sheep’s uterus while he was praying in his courtyard
• The Prophet (pbuh) felt very disappointed, sad and very grieved

THE VISIT TO TAIF

TAIF:
• 60 miles away from Makkah, a land of orchards & gardens
• close ties between Makkans & Thaqifs (the people of Taif)
• Taif’s support would be v. important as Quraish had financial & political interests in Taif
• Temple of 2nd most important idol Al-Laat was in Taif
• The Prophet (pbuh) wanted his decision to be a secret
• It was the 10th Year of Prophethood
• The Prophet went quietly by foot with Zaid bin Harris
(Why Zaid? trustworthy, close to the Prophet, loving just like a son)
• 3 Leaders (all brothers) in Taif:
“Could God find no one but you?”
“If God has sent you, I will tear down the hangings of Kaaba!”
“If you are a Messenger from God, you are too great for me. If you are lying, then you are not worthy enough for
me to talk to.”
• For 10 days the Prophet tried to convince the people there. Finally, the people decided to get rid of him,
throwing stones at him and Zaid, chasing them out of the city
• Both sought refuge in a nearby garden which actually belonged to Utbah and Shaybah (both of whom, by
coincidence were watching all this scene from a distance)
• Zaid left the Prophet (pbuh) under the shade of a tree to fetch some help
• The Prophet (pbuh) made a heartbreaking dua:
“O Allah! Into whose hands would You abandon me, the enemy who has been given control over me? But there
is nothing to worry about if your anger does not fall upon me. There is no Might and no Power except through
you!” (La haula wa la Quwwata illa billah!)
• Angel Jibraeel descended immediately with the Angel of Mountain and said,
“Oh Messenger of Allah, Allah has heard your prayer. He has sent with me the Angel of Mountain. If you say,
we will crush the people of Taif between 2 mountains.”
• The Prophet (pbuh), “I rather hope that someone from their descendants will worship One Allah.”
• Meanwhile Utbah & Shaybah felt pity for the Prophet and sent their Christian slave, Addas, to the Prophet
(pbuh) with a plate of grapes and other fruit
• The Prophet (pbuh) said “Bismillah…” before starting to eat.
Addas: “What words are these? People here don’t use these words.”
Prophet: “Where are you from?”
Addas:” The Land of Neniwah”
Prophet: “The Land of Neniwah meaning the Land of Yunus.”
Addas: “How do you Prophet Yunus?”
Prophet: “He is my brother. He was a prophet and I am a prophet.”
• Upon hearing this, Addas was immediately impressed by the Prophet (pbuh), in respect he started kissing the
hands & feet of the Prophet (pbuh).
• Utbah & Rabiah watching this scene from a distance started getting infuriated.
• Upon Addas’ return, both Utbah & Rabiah scolded him angrily but he replied, “He has told me something
only a prophet could know.”
• The Prophet now decided to return back to Makkah
• On the way back, while he prayed his night prayers at Nakhlah, 7 Jinns accepted Islam upon hearing his
recitation. The Prophet (pbuh) was informed about it through the revelation of Surah Jinn- it was a small
consolation in this painful trip.
• (Before entering Makkah, he sent a message to request for protection from some people. Mutim, accepted it
and declared protection for the Prophet)
ISRA & MEERAJ

Background:
• The Prophet (PBUH) had faced Difficulty after Difficulty: the ban, the 2 Deaths, the disappointing Visit to
Taif, the Increase in Persecution
• Allah took His Messenger (PBUH) on this amazing journey to encourage and motivate him

ISRA and MEERAJ

• The word “isra” refers to the Prophet’s night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem
• The word ‘meeraj’ refers to the Prophet’s ascension to the heavens (skies)

The Journey Begins

• It was the 10th Year of Prophethood, night of 27th of Rajab
• The Prophet (pbuh) was sleeping in the Hateem. The Quran says in Surah Al-Isra (verse 1),
“Glory to Him who carried His Servant by night from the Sacred Masjid (Kaaba) to the distant Masjid
(Masjid-e-Aqsa)– whose surroundings we have blessed …”
• Jibrael appeared, split open his body and removed his heart
• The heart was washed in a basin of gold and filled with Faith & Wisdom
• A white-colored beast called Buraq (between a mule and a horse, with 2 wings) appeared
• Buraq was named so due to its speed of light; it’s one step was as far as the eye could see
• The Prophet (pbuh) sat on it and was taken to Jerusalem to Masjid-e-Aqsa
• Offered 2 vessels of milk and wine there; the Prophet chose milk, Jibrael said, “you have chosen nature”
• The Prophet (pbuh) led 2 rakats prayer of all previous prophets in Jerusalem - “Imam-ul-Anbiya”

• Then the Prophet (pbuh) was taken up to the skies

• As they reached the 1st heaven, Angel Jibrael knocked on the door of the heaven. A voice inside inquired,
“Who is it?” Angel Jibrael said, “It is Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).” The reply came, “He is welcome! He is a
Blessed Comer!” [This conversation took place on each heaven]

1st heaven, he was introduced to Prophet Adam (as). Prophet Adam (as) was sitting on a wall. When he would
look to his left side, he would start crying. When he would look to his right, he would start laughing. Upon
inquiry, Angel Jibrael told the Prophet (pbuh) that when he looks to his left, he sees his children in hell and he
starts crying. When he looks to his right, he sees his children in Paradise and he starts laughing.
2nd heaven: Hazrat Yahya & Hazrat Isa (as)
3rd heaven: Hazrat Yusuf (as)
4th heaven: Hazrat Idrees (as)
5th heaven: Hazrat Haroon (as)
6th heaven: Hazrat Musa(as); Hazrat Musa started crying when the Prophet started to leave. Upon inquiry he
said, “I was told a youth after me would have more people enter Paradise than from my nation.”
7th Heaven: Hazrat Ibrahim(as)

• The Prophet (pbuh) and Angel Jibreel reached Sidra-tul- Muntaha which was the farthest lote tree; its leaves
were as broad as elephant ears and multi-colored fruits as large as vessels.
• Allah describes this in Surah Al-Najam,
“And indeed he saw him (Jibrael) at a second descent. Near Sidrat-ul-Muntaha.”
[This was the second time when he saw Jibriel in his real form]
The Prophet (pbuh) stepped forward and had a conversation with Allah
• given a gift of 50 obligatory prayers which were reduced to 5 prayers. The Prophet said to Hazrat Musa (as) “I
feel shy to ask Allah to reduce them further.”
• Last 2 verses of Surah Baqarah were revealed
• Allah promised the Prophet PBUH all major sins of his Ummah would be forgiven as long as they didn’t
commit shirk
• The Prophet is also shown Paradise, its 2 rivers, including Kausar and also Hell
• The Keeper of Hell was Angel Malik with a fierce, cheerless, frowning face

Punishments in Hell:
Backbiters: Were eating corpses
People who wrongly used wealth of Orphans: Were eating big pieces of fire and excreting them simultaneously
People who consumed Usury (interest): Enormous transparent stomachs with snakes inside
People who refused to pay Zakat: Eating thorns & their private parts were bare
Corrupt/Immoral Women: Hanging from body parts
People who left Salah: Crushing their heads again & again

Rewards in Paradise:
Martyrs: Rewards increased multiple times
Mujahideen: Good deeds multiplied 700 times
Prophet, “If a woman of people of Paradise appeared on earth, light and fragrance would fill all space between
heaven and earth.”

• The Prophet (pbuh) returned to the rock at Jerusalem from where he had taken off and then returned to
Makkah
• The Prophet (pbuh) declared his visit to Quraish. The Quraish laughed at him and asked for details. The
Prophet (pbuh) described the appearance of the previous prophets. He also described each and every door of
Masjid-e-Aqsa in Jerusalem (miraculous vision by Allah in front of his eyes)
• Quraish were dumbfounded
• The Prophet (pbuh) also described the caravans coming to Makkah:
One caravan’s she-camel was lost & being searched for. The Prophet (pbuh) drank a cup of water from there
One caravan’s white camel was walking in the forefront
One red camel had a white-striped saddle
• Each & every caravan arrived and all details were confirmed
• Waleed bin Mughira exclaimed, “A magician!” (accusation of magic)
• Abu Bakr’s response; given title of “As-Siddiq” meaning ‘testifier of the truth’

Significance for the Prophet (pbuh):

After all the difficulties he faced, the ban, the 2 Deaths, the Disappointing Visit to Taif, Allah provided the
Prophet Encouragement after Grief
• it filled the Prophet’s (pbuh) heart with strength & trust in Allah
• He was proven Imam of all prophets before him and titled as Imam-ul-Anbiya
• Confirmed as Imam of all generations to come
• Gifted 5 Obligatory Prayers (Salah)
• Gifted Last 2 verses of Surah Baqarah
• Exclusive honor as the only creation to cross Sidra-tul-Muntaha

Lessons:
• Every trial is followed by some reward or relief. The Quran says, “Verily after every difficulty there is ease.”
• Test for true Muslims-believe WHATEVER the Prophet (pbuh) says
• Speak the truth openly, even when afraid of being mocked or made fun of
• We must believe in whatever the Prophet (pbuh) said: the Isra & the physical journey to the skies; it was not a
‘dream’!

PLEDGES OF AQABAH
12th -13th Year of Prophethood

Background of Yasrib (old name of the city Madina):

• 2 Arab Tribes in Madina: Aws and Khazraj
• Madina was torn with battles between Aws and Khazraj [4th battle had just recently ended]
• 3 Jewish Tribes on the outskirts of Madina: Banu Qainqah, Banu Nadir & Banu Quraizah
• The news and signs of the last prophet prophesied by the Jews
• The Jews had a strong hold over the economy of Madina, provided loans, weapons, tools etc.

The 2 Pledges of Aqabah - Background

• The Prophet (pbuh) used to invite to Islam all the people from diverse communities at the time of Hajj (he
used to try very hard every year)
• Aqabah is a place near Makkah
• In the 11th Year of Prophethood, 6 men from Khazraj tribe in Madina accepted Islam as they recognized this
message as similar to the one often mentioned and predicted by Jews
• The 6 men returned to Madina with the intention to preach and unite their people (desperate and determined
to unify their war-torn community)

12th Year of Prophethood – 1st Pledge of Aqabah

• 12 men from Madina came for Hajj (5 were the same as previous year, 7 others)
• Declaration of Faith by the 12 men- Oath taken:
“We will worship none but Allah, we will not steal, we will not commit fornication, we will not kill our children,
we will not utter slander, we will not disobey the Prophet.”
• Prophet (pbuh) said, “If you fulfill this pledge, then Paradise is yours.”
• Musab bin Umair (ra) appointed as the first Muslim ambassador of Islam to Madina, to teach all the doctrines
of Islam to the Madinites
• Within one year, Islam spread in Madina like wildfire

13th Year of Prophethood – 2nd Pledge of Aqabah

• Musab bin Umair(ra) returned to Makkah after almost a year; he gave the Prophet (pbuh) glad tidings of
various new Muslims in Madina
• Hajj season again, 75 people (73 men and 2 women) came for Hajj from Madina
• A secret meeting took place between the 75 people and the Prophet (pbuh) and his uncle Abbas at midnight
(on the 13th Zilhajj)
• Hazrat Abbas (still a non-Muslim) wanted to make sure the Muslims of Madina would protect and fight for
the Prophet if the need arose.
• Abbas also wanted to know what kind of fighters the Madinites were. The Madinites assured him of their
fighting skills. Abbas said, “You know the esteem in which we hold Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). We have
protected and honored him. Yet he has resolved to join you. If you think you will protect him and fulfill your
promise to him, then take him. But if you think you will betray him, then leave him now.”
• The Prophet (pbuh) requested for their refuge just like they would protect their own families.
• The Madinites unanimously swore to give refuge and protection to the Prophet (pbuh), “By Him who sent
you, we will protect you just as we protect our wives and children. So accept our pledge for we are men of war.”
• The Prophet assured them he would never leave them.
• All the Madinite men held the Prophet’s (pbuh) hand one by one and swore their allegiance (bayt) to the
Prophet (pbuh).
• 12 deputies were appointed from among the Madinites as representatives of their people
• And so, the 75 people of Madina returned

Significance of the Pledges:

• A foundation stone for the migration of the Prophet (pbuh) and the Makkan Muslim's migration to Madina,
and eventually a foundation for the first Islamic state
• A source of hope and encouragement for the Prophet (pbuh) to have so many Madinites accept his teachings
so quickly
Why should Muslims provide a safe haven to others:
Refuge should be provided to refugees, whether Muslims, or non-Muslims
- for the sake of God’s pleasure
- for the sake of promoting justice
- for promotion of Islam’s love for peace
- Muslims should show no pride in giving protection & care for the sake of humanity as they themselves could
be in that place one day

1st Year of Hijrah

MIGRATION TO MADINA

Events that Led to the Migration to Madina:

• Persecution and opposition from the day Islam was declared openly in 3rd Year of Prophethood

• Successful migration to Abyssinia in 5th Year of Prophethood was an encouragement for Makkan Muslims
also to migrate

• Boycott of Banu Hashim in 7th -9th Years of Prophethood was extremely difficult time, preaching was greatly
hindered during this time; it got increasingly difficult to live in Makkah and the Prophet PBUH began to think
seriously about shifting some place else

• Death of Abu Talib, a leader in 10th Year of Prophethood; loss of a great protector and supporter

• Visit to Taif in 10th Year of Prophethood; by convincing the Thaqifs and having their support, the Prophet
PBUH had hoped to persuade Quraish in Makkah also to accept Islam. This however was an unsuccessful trip.
The Prophet PBUH returned to Makkah after getting protection from a non-Muslim called Mutim.

• Pledges of Aqabah in 12th and 13th Years of Prophethood provided hope and support to Prophet PBUH of
peaceful life outside Makkah. Makkan Muslims, with the Prophet’s PBUH permission, secretly started to
migrate to Madina after this pledge.

• Death of new protector Mutim soon after the 2nd Pledge of Aqabah left the Prophet PBUH vulnerable to
Quraish’s attack again

• Quraish’s plot made at Dar-un-Nadwa in 14th Year of Prophethood to kill the Prophet PBUH, Allah
commanded the Prophet PBUH to migrate
Events surrounding the Prophet’s Migration to Madina:
• Plot of Quraish made at Dar un Nadwa; Idea of Abu Jahl: one person from each clan of Quraish tribe will
strike a blow to the Prophet PBUH. This way, his murder would be blamed on all clans. Banu Hashim clan will
not be able to take revenge from all clans. Hence they would have to accept the blood money for this murder.

• Angel Jibrael informed the Prophet PBUH of the insidious plan, Allah commanded him to migrate quickly.
The Quran says,

“They plot and plan and Allah too plans but the best of planners is Allah.”

• Prophet PBUH quickly went to house of Abu Bakr RA, informed him of their plans to migrate that night,
Abu Bakr RA wept

• Prophet PBUH went back to his house, instructed Ali RA to sleep in his bed with his cloak, assured him no
harm would come to him, told him to return Quraish’s belongings the next morning and then migrate

• Prophet’s PBUH house was now surrounded by members of Quraish waiting for him to come out before Fajr,
as was his custom. They didn’t want to barge inside his house and kill him in presence of his daughters and wife;
this was against their honor.

• The Prophet PBUH left the house, took a handful of dust and threw it at the Quraish, walked right past the
Quraishites, reciting the verses of Surah Yaseen, “And We have put a barrier before them and a barrier behind
them and covered them up (from all sides) so that they cannot see.” (Surah Yaseen:9)

• The Prophet PBUH was completely invisible to them. Later they looked in his house’s window to check on
him and saw the figure of Ali RA sleeping with the Prophet’s cloak in his bed. They thought it was the Prophet
PBUH sleeping.

• The Prophet PBUH quickly went to Abu Bakr’s RA where 2 camels were ready.

• Instead of going north towards Madina, in order to avoid getting caught on that road, they decided to go south
and hide in the Cave of Thaur till their search had died down. As they left Makkah the Prophet PBUH looked
back towards Makkah and said, “Of all places on earth, you are the dearest to me, and if my people had not
driven me out, I would never have left you.”

• They climbed the mountain, Abu Bakr RA entered the cave first, took off his shirt, tore its pieces to clean the
cave and cover all holes of insects etc.
• For 3 nights Abu Bakr’s son Abdullah RA, his daughter Asma RA, and his servant Amir bin Fuhairah RA
visited them. Abdullah brought news every night, informing them that the Quraish had put a reward of a 100
camels to anyone who brought the Prophet PBUH dead or alive. Asma RA brought food for them. Amir RA
used to erase their footprints in the sand with a herd of sheep, and provided them milk from the sheep.

• The third night some sharp trackers were able to track the Prophet’s PBUH whereabouts. It was daytime, they
were very close to the entrance of the cave. Abu Bakr RA feared greatly for the life of the Prophet PBUH. The
Prophet consoled him. The Quran says, “..he had no more than one companion, the two were in the cave and he
said to his companion, ‘Have no fear, for Allah is with us.”

• The Quraish saw there was a spider web there and a part of a tree covered most of the entrance. A dove sat
undisturbed on its eggs in a nest in the tree. The Quraish left the cave without looking inside.

• The 3rd night, Abdullah RA brought 3 camels along with a guide for their journey to Madina. One camel was
given to the guide, one to the Prophet PBUH and one to Abu Bakr RA and his servant Amir RA.

• Soon after they had set off, they felt Suraqa bin Malik pursuing them. As soon as Suraqa would come close to
them to try to aim his arrow at them, his horse’s legs would sink in the sand. After multiple tries, he gave up and
requested the Prophet to write something for him. The Prophet PBUH prophesied that one day he would wear
the bangle of the Persian king. After getting this written Suraqa left, promising not to tell anyone about the
Prophet’s PBUH whereabouts.

• On the way further, they met Hazrat Talha (RA). In his joy, Hazrat Talha RA gifted the Prophet (PBUH) and
Abu Bakr (RA) 2 new white garments.

• The Prophet PBUH reached Quba in about 14 days. He stayed here for 3-4 days and laid the foundations of
the 1st masjid of Islam, Masjid-e-Quba. Then, after leading the first ever Friday congregational prayers, he set off
towards Madina.

• On Friday, 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, he entered Madina, sitting on camel Qaswa, in his shining new garment, it
was a sight of joy for the Muslims waiting anxiously for the arrival of the Messenger PBUH. All gathered around
his camel, shaking his hand, greeting Salaam to him. The Prophet PBUH beamed back humbly, giving words of
advice to everyone. Madinite young girls lined the streets to sing Naats and beat the drum-like musical
instruments called Daf.

• Many Madinites tried to take the Qaswa’s reins and lead it to their homes but the Prophet PBUH said, “Let it
be, it is under (Allah’s) orders.” The Prophet PBUH had let the camel decide where he would stay. For a long
time, Qaswa walked on with the Companions watching anxiously where it would halt.
• Finally Qaswa stopped at an empty plot of land which belonged to 2 orphans, Sahl and Suhail. The Prophet
PBUH called them, fixed the land’s price with them, even though they insisted he could have it for free. The
Prophet PBUH borrowed money from some Companions and paid the price of the land.

• Abu Ayyub al-Ansari’s (RA) house was next to that empty plot. He eagerly came forward and took the
Prophet’s PBUH baggage with him and the Prophet PBUH followed him. Some Companions protested and
begged the Prophet PBUH to stay with them. The Prophet PBUH replied, “A man stays with his baggage.”

Significance of this migration for the Muslims or the Prophet:

• freed of persecution

• Prophet’s life saved

• Turning point in the history of Islam

• Establishment of first Islamic state based on Islamic principles

• Start of Hijri calendar

• Prophet PBUH made the head of the Islamic state established in Madina

Stay in Cave of Thaur strengthen the Prophet’s PBUH relation with God:
• By saving his life with the miracle of the spider web and the tree, God reassured the Prophet PBUH that He
would never abandon him. His trust was reaffirmed and he knew God would always be there to protect him in
future also.

• God provided him with food and milk in the cave for 3 days; Prophet’s PBUH faith was strengthened that God
would always provide for him, no matter where he was.

• God provided him support through the companionship of a loyal friend hence the Prophet PBUH felt very
grateful to God for all His favors. The Prophet’s PBUH bond with God grew stronger than ever.

Emigrants and Helpers

• Immigrants (Muhajireen) from Makkah arrived in 1st A.H.

• Left behind most of their belongings in Makkah. The Helpers (Ansars) welcomed them open-heartedly.
• The Prophet (PBUH) created a Brotherhood or Mawakhat between the Ansars and Muhajireen: In the house
of Anas bin Malik (RA), 90 Ansars and Muhajireen were joined in pairs of brotherhood.

-​ The Quran states, “The believers are a single brotherhood.”

H. Abu Bakr (RA) was made the brother of Kharija Bin Zaid (RA)
H.Umar (RA) was made the brother of Atban bin Malik (RA)
H. Abu Ubaidah was made the brother of Sa’ad bin Muaaz (RA)
H.Abdur Rehman bin Awf (RA) was made the brother of Sa’ad bin Rabiah (RA)

When H.Ali (RA) asked the Prophet (PBUH) who his brother was, the Prophet (PBUH) replied, “You are my
brother in this world and the next.”

• These two groups became like blood brothers. The Ansars (Helpers) were good-natured, soft-spoken and
pious people. They helped the Muhajireen (Immigrants) settle in Madina. This unique bond of brotherhood
proved to be very beneficial in uniting the whole community. Each Ansar took his Muhajir brother to his house
and shared half of all his wealth. They shared all their belongings, their lands, their farms with their new
brothers. The Quran says, “But those who before them had homes and had adopted faith, (they) show their
affection to those who came to them for refuge….” (59:9)

• The Immigrants from Makkah were traders by profession and at this time did not have much wealth to do
trade. The Madinites were mostly farmers by profession. The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged the Immigrants to
quickly learn the art of farming and help their Ansari brothers in work instead of sitting idle. He strongly
encouraged them not to be a burden on the Ansars and become self-dependent as soon as possible.

• Thus the Muhajireen took only what was essential and worked equally with their Ansari brothers in their
work. The Quran states, “And the first and the foremost Immigrants and Helpers and those who followed them
with good; Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Allah.”

• Very soon, through hard work, the Muhajireen were able to stand on their own feet. An outstanding example
of self-dependency was set by H.Abdur Rahman bin Awf (RA). When his Ansari brother Sa’ad bin Rabiah
(RA) offered to give him half of all his property, H.Abdur Rahman bin Awf (RA) replied, “May Allah give you
Barakah in your wealth. Just show me the way to the market.” With his small belongings, he started his business
and within a short period of time, Allah blessed him with great profits and wealth.

The number of Muhajireen in Madina gradually grew. All of them were given whatever support and help that
was possible by the Madinites. The example set by these Muslims is unmatched in history and a role model for
all Muslim communities to follow today.