The Scientific Miracles of the Prophet Muhammad Sayings: The Seven Earths

The seven layers of the earth which scientists have recently discovered was eluded to by Prophet Muhammad 1400 years ago.

A simple image of Earth and the interior layers.  Windows to the Universe, at (http://www.windows.ucar.edu) at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).  ©1995-1999, 2000 The Regents of the University of Michigan; ©2000-05 University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad is the second revealed source of Islam.  Like the Quran, it contains scientific information unavailable 1400 years ago.  From these miracles is the "seven" earths, mentioned by the Prophet in several of his sayings.  From them are the following two:

Hadith 1

It was narrated on the authority of Abu Salamah that a dispute arose between him and some other people (about a piece of land).  When he told Aisha (the Prophet’s wife) about it, she said, ‘O Abu Salamah!  Avoid taking the land unjustly, for the Prophet said:

"Whoever usurps even one span of land of somebody, its depth through the seven earths will be collared to his neck." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, ‘Book of Oppression.’)

Hadith 2

Salim narrated on the authority of his father that the Prophet said:

"Whoever takes a piece of land of others unjustly, he will sink down the seven earths on the Day of Resurrection." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, ‘Book of Oppression.’)

The aforementioned hadith prohibits oppression in general, especially the taking of a piece of land belonging to others unjustly.  What might the seven earths refer to?

Studies in geology have proven that the earth is composed of seven zones, identified from the inner to the outer layers as follows:

(1)  The Solid Inner Core of Earth: 1.7% of the Earth’s mass; depth of 5,150 - 6,370 kilometers (3,219 - 3,981 miles)

The inner core is solid and unattached to the mantle, suspended in the molten outer core.  It is believed to have solidified as a result of pressure-freezing which occurs to most liquids when temperature decreases or pressure increases.

(2)  The Liquid Outer core: 30.8% of Earth’s mass; depth of 2,890 - 5,150 kilometers (1,806 - 3,219 miles)

The outer core is a hot, electrically conducting liquid within which convective motion occurs.  This conductive layer combines with Earth’s rotation to create a dynamo effect that maintains a system of electrical currents known as the Earth’s magnetic field.  It is also responsible for the subtle jerking of Earth’s rotation.  This layer is not as dense as pure molten iron, which indicates the presence of lighter elements.  Scientists suspect that about 10% of the layer is composed of sulfur and/or oxygen because these elements are abundant in the cosmos and dissolve readily in molten iron.

(3)  The "D" Layer: 3% of Earth’s mass; depth of 2,700 - 2,890 kilometers (1,688 - 1,806 miles)

This layer is 200 to 300 kilometers (125 to 188 miles) thick and represents about 4% of the mantle-crust mass.  Although it is often identified as part of the lower mantle, seismic discontinuities suggest the "D" layer might differ chemically from the lower mantle lying above it.  Scientists theorize that the material either dissolved in the core, or was able to sink through the mantle but not into the core because of its density.

(4)  Lower Mantle: 49.2% of Earth’s mass; depth of 650 - 2,890 kilometers (406 -1,806 miles)

The lower mantle contains 72.9% of the mantle-crust mass and is probably composed mainly of silicon, magnesium, and oxygen.  It probably also contains some iron, calcium, and aluminum.  Scientists make these deductions by assuming the Earth has a similar abundance and proportion of cosmic elements as found in the Sun and primitive meteorites.

(5)  Middle Mantle (Transition region): 7.5% of Earth’s mass; depth of 400 - 650 kilometers (250-406 miles)

The transition region or mesosphere (for middle mantle), sometimes called the fertile layer, contains 11.1% of the mantle-crust mass and is the source of basaltic magmas.  It also contains calcium, aluminum, and garnet, which is a complex aluminum-bearing silicate mineral.  This layer is dense when cold because of the garnet.  It is buoyant when hot because these minerals melt easily to form basalt which can then rise through the upper layers as magma.

(6)  Upper Mantle: 10.3% of Earth’s mass; depth of 10 - 400 kilometers (6 - 250 miles)

The upper mantle contains 15.3% of the mantle-crust mass.  Fragments have been excavated for our observation by eroded mountain belts and volcanic eruptions.  Olivine (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 and pyroxene (Mg,Fe)SiO3 have been the primary minerals found in this way.  These and other minerals are refractory and crystalline at high temperatures; therefore, most settle out of rising magma, either forming new material or never leaving the mantle.  Part of the upper mantle called the asthenosphere might be partially molten.

(7)  Lithosphere

Oceanic crust: 0.099% of Earth’s mass; depth of 0-10 kilometers (0 - 6 miles)

The rigid, outermost layer of the Earth comprising the crust and upper mantle is called the lithosphere.  The oceanic crust contains 0.147% of the mantle-crust mass.  The majority of the Earth’s crust was made through volcanic activity.  The oceanic ridge system, a 40,000-kilometer (25,000 mile) network of volcanoes, generates new oceanic crust at the rate of 17 km3 per year, covering the ocean floor with basalt.  Hawaii and Iceland are two examples of the accumulation of basalt piles.

This image shows a cross section through the earth’s crust and upper mantle showing lithosphere plates (made of the crust layer and the top part of the mantle) moving over the asthenosphere (upper mantle).  Windows to the Universe, at (http://www.windows.ucar.edu) at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR).  ©1995-1999, 2000 The Regents of the University of Michigan; ©2000-05 University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.  Continental crust: 0.374% of Earth’s mass; depth of 0-50 kilometers (0 - 31 miles)

The continental crust contains 0.554% of the mantle-crust mass.  This is the outer part of the Earth composed essentially of crystalline rocks.  These are low-density buoyant minerals dominated mostly by quartz (SiO2) and feldspars (metal-poor silicates).  The crust (both oceanic and continental) is the surface of the Earth; as such, it is the coldest part of our planet.  Because cold rocks deform slowly, we refer to this rigid outer shell as the lithosphere (the rocky or strong layer).

This image shows the divisions of the Earth’s interior into 7 layers.  (Adapted from Beatty, 1990).

Conclusion

The layers of the earth coincide with the above mentioned hadith of the Prophet.  The miracle is in two matters:

(1)  The expression of the hadith, ‘He will sink down the seven earths on the Day of Resurrection,’ indicates the stratification of these "earths" around one center.

(2)  The accuracy with which the Prophet of Islam referred to the seven inner layers of earth.

The only way for a desert dweller to have known these facts 1400 years ago is through revelation from God.

References

Beatty, J. K. and A. Chaikin, eds.  The New Solar System.  Massachusetts: Sky Publishing, 3rd Edition, 1990.

Press, Frank and Raymond Siever.  Earth.  New York: W. H. Freeman and Company, 1986.

Seeds, Michael A. Horizons. Belmont, California: Wadsworth, 1995.

El-Najjar, Zaghloul.  Treasures In The Sunnah: A Scientific Approach: Cairo, Al-Falah Foundation, 2004.

What Does Islam Say about Terrorism?

  A look at the various principles of Islam which show that Islam is truly a mercy to the world, and the indiscriminate violence and terrorism is not condoned by the religion. 

Islam, a religion of mercy, does not permit terrorism.  In the Quran, God has said:

“God does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought you about religion and have not driven you out of your homes.  God loves just dealers.” (Quran 60:8)

The Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, used to prohibit soldiers from killing women and children,[1]  and he would advise them: “...Do not betray, do not be excessive, do not kill a newborn child.”[2]  And he also said: “Whoever has killed a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not smell the fragrance of Paradise, though its fragrance is found for a span of forty years.”[3]

Also, the Prophet Muhammad has forbidden punishment with fire.[4]

He once listed murder as the second of the major sins,[5]  and he even warned that on the Day of Judgment, “The first cases to be adjudicated between people on the Day of Judgment will be those of bloodshed.[6]”[7]

Muslims are even encouraged to be kind to animals and are forbidden to hurt them.  Once the Prophet Muhammad said: “A woman was punished because she imprisoned a cat until it died.  On account of this, she was doomed to Hell. While she imprisoned it, she did not give the cat food or drink, nor did she free it to eat the insects of the earth.”[8]

He also said that a man gave a very thirsty dog a drink, so God forgave his sins for this action.  The Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was asked, “Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?”  He said: “There is a reward for kindness to every living animal or human.”[9]

Additionally, while taking the life of an animal for food, Muslims are commanded to do so in a manner that causes the least amount of fright and suffering possible.  The Prophet Muhammad said: “When you slaughter an animal, do so in the best way.  One should sharpen his knife to reduce the suffering of the animal.”[10]

In light of these and other Islamic texts, the act of inciting terror in the hearts of defenseless civilians, the wholesale destruction of buildings and properties, the bombing and maiming of innocent men, women, and children are all forbidden and detestable acts according to Islam and the Muslims.  Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the vast majority have nothing to do with the violent events some have associated with Muslims.  If an individual Muslim were to commit an act of terrorism, this person would be guilty of violating the laws of Islam.

By islam-guide.com

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Footnotes:

[1] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1744, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3015.

[2] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1731, and Al-Tirmizi, #1408.

[3] Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #3166, and Ibn Majah, #2686.

[4] Narrated in Abu-Dawood, #2675.

[5] Narrated in Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6871, and Saheeh Muslim, #88.

[6] This means killing and injuring.

[7] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1678, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #6533.

[8] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2422, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2365.

[9] This saying of Muhammad has been mentioned in more detail on this page.  Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #2244, and Saheeh Al-Bukhari, #2466.

[10] Narrated in Saheeh Muslim, #1955, and Al-Tirmizi, #1409.

Brief History of Al-Masjid al-Haraam in Makkah

Brief History of Al-Masjid al-Haraam in Makkah

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Praise be to Allaah.
Al-Masjid al-Haraam (the Sacred Mosque) is situated in Makkah, a city in the Arabian Peninsula 330 meters above sea-level. The history of the mosque goes back to its founding at the time of Ibraaheem (Abraham) and his son Ismaa’eel (Ishmael), peace be upon them both. Makkah is the place where the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was born and where the Revelation began, and from which the light of Islam spread. Al-Masjid al-Haraam is located here. This is the first mosque that was built for people on earth, as Allaah says in the Qur’aan (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, the first House (of worship) appointed for mankind was that at Bakkah (Makkah), full of blessing, and a guidance for al-‘aalameen (mankind and jinns).” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:96].
It was reported in Saheeh Muslim that Abu Dharr said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about the first mosque to be built for people on earth. He said, ‘Al-Masjid al-Haraam.’ I asked, ‘Then which?’ He said, ‘Al-Masjid al-Aqsaa [The Furthest Mosque, in Jerusalem].’ I asked, ‘How long between them?’ He said, ‘Forty years.’”
The Ka’bah – which is the direction of prayer for all Muslims throughout the world – is situated roughly in the middle of al-Masjid al-Haraam. It is a 15-meter high stone structure more or less in the shape of a cube. It was built by Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) on the command of Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And (remember) when We showed Ibraaheem the site of the (Sacred) House (the Ka’bah at Makkah) (saying): ‘Associate not anything (in worship) with Me, and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it, and those who bow and make prostration.” [al-Hajj 22:26]
The word “bawwa’naa” [translated here as “We showed”] means “He guided him and gave him permission to build it.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer).
Allaah also says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And (remember) when Ibraaheem and (his son) Ismaa’eel were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka’bah at Makkah)…” [al-Baqarah 2:127]
Wahb ibn Munbih said: “… It was built by Ibraaheem, then [rebuilt] by the Amalekites, then by Jurham, then by Qusayy ibn Kilaab. Its rebuilding by Quraysh is well known… They began to rebuild it with the stones of the valley, which Quraysh carried on their shoulders, and they built it up, 20 cubits high… Between the rebuilding of the Ka’bah and the beginning of the Revelation there were five years, and between the rebuilding and the Hijrah there were fifteen years. ‘Abd al-Razzaaq reported from Mu’ammar from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Uthmaan from Abu’l-Tufayl, and from Mu’ammar from al-Zuhri: ‘They were building it and when they reached al-Rukn, Quraysh argued about which tribe should lift it up. Then they said, “Let us ask the first person who comes from this direction to judge between us.” They agreed on that, then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to them, and he was a young man wearing a spotted sash. They asked him to judge between them, and he told them to place al-Rukn on a piece of cloth, then he told the chief of every tribe to hold the edge of the cloth, then he climbed up and they lifted al-Rukn up to him, and he himself (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) put it into its place.” (Taareekh Makkah by al-Azraqi, 1/161-164)
Muslim (2374) reported that ‘Aa’ishah said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) about al-Jadr [the wall] and whether it was part of the House [the Ka’bah]. He said, ‘Yes.’ I asked, ‘So why is it not incorporated into the House?’ He said, ‘Your people ran out of money.’ I asked, ‘What about the door? Why is it high up?’ He said, ‘Your people did that so they could let in whomever they wanted and keep out whomever they wanted. If it were not for the fact that your people are still new [in Islam] and too close to their Jaahiliyyah, and I am afraid that they would resent it, I would think of incorporating al-Jadr into the House and bringing the door down to ground level.’”
Before Islam (in the year in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was born), the Ka’bah was subjected to an attack by the Ethiopian Abrahah, who had built al-Qulays, a church to which he wanted the Arabs to make their pilgrimage. He set out with his army, with whom was the elephant, and when they reached Makkah, Allaah sent flocks of birds against them; each bird was carrying three stones like chickpeas or lentils, one in its beak and two in its claws. Every man who was struck by a stone was killed, so the army was destroyed, by the command of Allaah.
Allaah has mentioned this incident in His Book, where He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the Owners of the Elephant? Did He not make their plot go astray?
And sent against them birds, in flocks,
Striking them with stones of Sijjeel,
And made them like an empty field of slaks (in which the corn has been eaten up by cattle).” [al-Feel 105:1-5]
(See al-Seerah al-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Hishaam, 1/44-58).
There was no fence or wall around the Ka’bah until it became necessary. Yaaqoot al-Hamawi said in Mu’jam al-Buldaan (5/146): “The first one to build a wall around the Ka’bah was ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him); there was no wall around it during the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) or Abu Bakr. [The wall was built] because people were building their houses too close to the Ka’bah and making the space around it too small for people. ‘Umar said: ‘The Ka’bah is the House of Allaah, and a house needs a courtyard. You have encroached on its space, it has not encroached on yours.’ So he bought those houses, demolished them and added that space to the space around the Ka’bah. He also destroyed the houses of people in the vicinity of the Ka’bah who had refused to sell, and kept the money aside for them until they came and took it later on. He built a wall around the mosque, lower than the height of a man, and lamps were placed on it. When ‘Uthmaan was khaleefah, he bought more houses that were more expensive… It was said that ‘Uthmaan was the first one to build porticos around it … When Ibn al-Zubayr was in power, he improved its appearance, although he did not increase its size, by adding marble pillars, extra doors and other improvements. When ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwaan was khaleefah, he added to the wall of the mosque, and brought columns from Egypt by sea to Jeddah, which were carried from Jeddah to Makkah on wheels. Al-Hajjaaj ibn Yoosuf commanded that the Ka’bah should be covered in drapes (al-kiswah) and when al-Waleed ibn ‘Abd al-Malik was khaleefah, he added to the adornment of the kiswah and spent money on improvements to the drainage spout and roof… When al-Mansoor and his son al-Mahdi were khaleefahs, they added more adornments to the mosque and improved its appearance.”
There are also other religious monuments in the Mosque, such as Maqaam Ibraaheem (the Station of Ibraaheem), which is the rock on which Ibraaheem (peace be upon him) stood whilst he was building the Ka’bah. There is also the Well of Zamzam, which is a spring of water brought forth by Allaah for Haajar and her child Ismaa’eel (peace be upon him) when he got thirsty. We should not forget either the Black Stone and al-Rukn al-Yamaani, which are two of the precious stones of Paradise. Al-Tirmidhi and Ahmad reported that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr said: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saying that the Rukn and the Maqaam are two of the precious stones of Paradise, whose light has been extinguished by Allaah. If He had not extinguished their light, it would illuminate everything between the East and the West.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 804).
Near the Mosque are the two hills of al-Safa and al-Marwah. One of the unique features of the Mosque is that it is the only mosque in the world to which people come on pilgrimage (Hajj). Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily! Al-Safa and al-Marwah are of the Symbols of Allaah. So it is not a sin on him who performs Hajj or ‘Umrah (pilgrimage) of the House to perform the going (tawaaf) between them. And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allaah is All-Recognizer, All-Knower.” [al-Baqarah 2:158]
Another of its unique features is that Allaah has made it safe, and one prayer in it is equal to a hundred thousand prayers elsewhere. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“And (remember) when We made the House a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And take you (people) the Maqaam (place) of Ibraaheem as a place of prayer, and We commanded Ibraaheem and Ismaa’eel that they should purify My House for those who are circumabulating it, or staying (I’tikaaf), or bowing or prostrating themselves.” [al-Baqarah 2:125]
“In it are manifest signs (for example); the maqaam (place) of Ibraaheem; whoever enters it, he attains security. And Hajj to the House is a duty that mankind owes to Allaah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e., denies Hajj, then he is a disbeliever of Allaah], then Allaah stands not in need of any of the ‘aalameen (mankind and jinns).” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:97]
(See Akhbaar Makkah by al-Azraqi and Akhbaar Makkah by al-Faakihi).
And Allaah is the Source of Strength and the Guide to the Straight Path.

MUHAMMAD ﷺ- THE UNIVERSAL MESSENGER, LETS KNOW HIM

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The best solution to unawareness and misunderstanding is education. Now, more than ever, Muslims need to answer to such questions as: "Who was Muhammad?" "Why is he loved so much by some and hated so much by others?" "Was he really a prophet of God?" "What did he teach?" "Did he live up to his claims?" "Did he encourage war and terrorism?" "What is the truth about this man?

An introduction to the Messenger of Allah i.e., Muhammad Bin Abdullah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace), who was sent 1400 years ago to call all mankind to follow the true path, no matter where or when; no matter if white or black, his message is for all whether Muslim or Non-Muslim, Male or Female.His message is the last and the lasting one, no messenger will come after him, he is the last Messenger. Success in the hereafter is only possible through the way which He has shown.And seek knowledge about Him with an open mind rather than biased western sources. Before going in detail about Him let’s know about the religion Islam first.

The religion Islam is based on the teachings of Qur’an and Sunnah. Qur’an is the verbatim words of  Allah (Glory be to Him) and Sunnah is the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace). The word "Islam" is an Arabic word which is derived from two root words i.e., Salaam and Silmun, Salaam means Peace and Silmun means Submission. In the Islamic context, Islam means peace acquired by submitting one’s will to the will of Allah (Glory be to Him). This means to act on what Allah (Glory be to Him) commands all of us to do (In the Quran) and what His beloved Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) demonstrated through his Sunnah (His Lifestyle and His Sayings) as per the understanding and practice of His Sahaba (Companions of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace)).

Islam is based on five Pillars i.e.,
(1) To give witness about Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (Shahadah),
(2) Compulsory prayers (Salah),
(3) Almsgiving (zakat),
(4) The pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj) at least once in a lifetime if one has ability to do so and
(5) Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm). (Sahih Al Bukhari Vol 1:7)

The first pillar of Islam is ‘to give witness’ or ‘to testify’ in the oneness of Allah (Glory be to Him) and His last Messenger Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) who was sent for the entire mankind. Therefore practicing Islam by Muhammad’s (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) way is the basic and the utmost requirement in all departments of life. ^[1]
 

Criteria for acceptance of any form of worship in Islam are when the following is true

A form of worship is only acceptable when the following is true:

1. One dedicates it to Allah alone, with a desire for the Hereafter. It cannot be done with the intention of being seen among men or for worldly gain.
2. One follows the Prophet's example, in words and deeds. This cannot accomplished except knowledge of the Sunnah. ^[2]

Qur’an

Criteria for paradise

All of mankind must believe in him and follow his sharee’ah in order to enter the Paradise of their Lord: “and whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace)) will be admitted to Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise), to abide therein, and that will be the great success”[Qur’an.Surah Nisa 4:13]

Allah (Glory be to Him) praises those among the People of the Book who believe in the Messenger, and He gives them the glad tidings of a two-fold reward, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “Those to whom We gave the Scripture [i.e. the Tawraat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before it, they believe in it (the Qur’an).

But no, by your Lord, they will not [truly] believe until they make you, [O Muhammad], judge concerning that over which they dispute among themselves and then find within themselves no discomfort from what you have judged and submit in [full, willing] submission. Qur’an.Surah Nisa 4:65 ^[3]

Sunnah

The Prophet (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) said: "Whoever obeys me, he obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, he disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, he obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, he disobeys me." Sahih Al Bukhari Vol 9: 251, Sunan Nasai Vol 5: 4198

He (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) also said:"All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." They said: 'O Allah's Messenger! Who will refuse?' He said, "Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses (to enter it)."Sahih Al Bukhari Vol 9: 384 ^[4]

History of Mankind         

Allah (Glory be to Him) Almighty repeatedly commands the Muslims in the Quran to observe, consider, and reflect upon the lessons from the history of bygone nations. The fact that majority of Allah's Final Message consists of stories of moral struggle of earlier peoples is an indication of the significance of learning history, and learning it with the right perspective of seeking lessons. Successful teachers and preachers of Islam always have a good grasp of history.

 

According to the Quran, Allah (The God) (Glory be to Him) has created the universe with a certain purpose, and all its parts are strictly under His control, carrying out His divine scheme without the slightest deviation. Similarly, man too has been created with a certain purpose. Yet man, is completely free to do what he wants, and act upon his own decisions. However, in spite of this freedom, he is watched constantly by Allah (Glory be to Him), for He does not allow any such deviation over a long period that would nullify the plan of His creation.

 

After creating a favorable world in the form of the Earth, Allah (Glory be to Him) created the first man Prophet Adam (Peace be upon Him) and his feminine counterpart, Hawwa (Peace be upon Her). Adam (Peace be upon Him) was the first man as well as the first Prophet. The way of Allah (Glory be to Him) is to select a man as His Messenger from amongst human beings themselves, in order to send His revelations to humankind. Therefore, Allah (Glory be to Him) revealed to Prophet Adam (Peace be upon Him) through an angel the purpose of man's inhabiting the earth.

 

Muslims believe in all the prophets and messengers sent by Allah (Glory be to Him). The Qur'an states that prior to its revelation, at least one prophet or messenger had been sent at some time to every nation. Every prophet was an outstanding man in his community, both morally and intellectually. Each one stated clearly that what he conveyed was not from himself, but an inspiration from Allah (Glory be to Him) for the benefit of mankind.

Each was supported by miracles granted by Allah (Glory be to Him) as proof of his prophethood. Prophets were human beings who, during particular periods of world development, conveyed a divine message to their peoples, supported by signs and miracles. All prophets were inspired with guidance which they taught exactly as they were commanded.

Finally the last Prophet and Messenger sent to the world was named Muhammad bin Abdullah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace). He was a descendant of Prophet Ishmael, the son of Ibrahim (Peace be upon them). And was from the Arab tribe of Quraysh. All good qualities and virtues were perfected in him even though he had not received any formal education or training.

The Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), as he was called, was appointed to instruct all of mankindandinvite humanity to the same objective as did by the prophets before him i.e., to worship Allah alone without associates or intermediaries. And the Qur'an confirms the finality of his prophethood, stating that he is the "seal of the prophets", Qur’an.Surah Ahzab 33:40.

Allah's message of Tawheed, monotheism, in history and the various human responses to it. After about 1000 years, the perversion became so all pervading that they were completely distanced from the path of the Sharee'ah (Divine Law) as shown by Prophet Adam (Peace be upon Him). Allah (Glory be to Him) subsequently sent Nuh (Noah) as His Messenger. He was granted an exceptionally long life of 950 years, during which he continued to show people the right path, generation after generation. In this way a long period elapsed between Adam and ‘Eesaa (Jesus); whereas earlier Allah's Messengers continued to come to the world in almost every generation. However, only a few people believed in them while the majority rejected these prophets in every age.

 

The Reasons for Perversion

What were the reasons for this continued transgression? There were two main reasons: political absolutism and ignorance about the world of nature. The other factor was ignorance. In ancient times, man knew too little about the world and its phenomena. Political absolutism had placed an almost total ban on scientific research. Therefore, all kinds of superstitions prevailed regarding natural phenomena. It was generally held that the Sun, Moon and the stars possessed supernatural powers.

 

Summary of Events

World Before Prophethood

Before the coming of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), humanity was going through one of the worst periods in its history, a truly “dark age” and humankind was immersed in a state of degeneration. Nothing was untouched by this darkness. It pervaded the lives of the people in every way: religiously, morally, socially, politically, and economically. Humanity was going through endless turmoil. Ignorance pervaded all aspects of a life typified by vain desires, deficiency, bigotry, and deviance.

The effects of the divinely revealed teachings of before had all but disappeared. They had become corrupted with alterations and substitutions to such an extent that they lost their relevance as Allah’s Message to humanity. The adherents of these faiths engaged in ideological conflicts with each other caused by the effects of human interference with the original religious teachings. This often led to violent wars between them. Those who remained on the uncorrupted faith were extremely few. They found no place for themselves in the societal framework in which they lived. Therefore, they preferred to be reclusive and live a life of seclusion.

The people who possessed the scripture had thrown the true teachings of their religion behind their backs, inventing religious laws for themselves in which Allah (Glory be to Him) had vested no authority. They the East and another in the West. In the East there was the Persian Empire, and in the West, the Roman were barely a footnote in the history of world events. There existed two great powers on earth: one in Empire.

 

Arabs during this Time

The Arabs were living under no better conditions. They were families and tribes comprising different attitudes and feelings; but they were all similar in one respect: they were slaves of habits and impulses. They used to take pride in invasion and plunder. Moreover, they were so low in their moral affairs that a number of them used to bury their daughters alive.

Their hearts were enamored with the legacy of their forefathers. They would slavishly follow in their ways and traditions of their forefathers, no matter how misguided, twisted, or corrupt some of those traditions might have been. This is why they worshipped idols. Each tribe had its own patron idol. They had replaced the monotheism of Ibraheem with the worship of idols, stars and demons, turning the Ka'bah, which was built for the One and Only Creator, into a pantheon of idols. In addition, tribal rivalries and blood feuds ran among them like the burning desert sands of Arabia.

Along with these major idols, there were countless minor ones, some of them seasonal. Abu Raja’ al-`Utaridi recalled: “We used to worship stones. When we saw a stone that was choicer than the one we had, we would discard our stone and substitute it with that one. When we could not find a stone, we would pile together a mound of dirt. Then we would bring a sheep and milk it over the mound. Then, we would circumambulate the mound.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Though they claimed that their idols merely acted as intermediaries between them and Allah, these false gods had taken complete possession of their hearts, their deeds, their behavior, and every aspect of their lives. Their consciousness of Allah was very weak.

Allah says: “And they assign to Allah a share of the tilth and cattle that He created. They say, according to their whims: ‘This is for Allah and this is for Allah’s partners.’ But the share of their “partners” does not reach Allah, while the share of Allah reaches their ‘partners’! Evil is the way they judge!” [Qur’an.Surah An’am 6:136]

Even what remained of the religion of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was not free from corruption and substitution. The pilgrimage had become a season for boasting, fostering enmity, and competing with one another. What remained of the pure beliefs of that religion had become weak and obscure, having been distorted by superstitions and fables that cut them off from their noble origins.

Nevertheless, no matter how corrupt people become and no matter how far they stray from guidance, as long as there remains a group of people on Earth who forbid corruption and proclaim the truth openly, clearly, and without hesitation, neither faltering nor fearing anyone, then success will be theirs, one way or another. Success will continue to alternate between truth and falsehood in the ongoing conflict between truth and unbelief. Allah (Glory be to Him) says: “Such days we give to people in turns.” [Qur’an.Surah Imran 3:140]

The people of Makkah used to practice usury on a large scale with very high interest rates -- sometimes a hundred percent. When the debtors were not able to repay -- and that was most often the case -- they were enslaved or obliged to force their wives and daughters to commit certain sins, in order to be able to collect enough money to repay the debt.

World during this time

Ignorance was not confined to the Arabs alone. On the fringes of Arabia where the desert gives way to hospitable lands, met the ever-changing borders of 'world arrogance', the two super powers of the age: the Persian and the Roman Empires.

The fire-worshipping Persians, with their strange concept of dualism were further plagued by the still weirder Mazdakite doctrine (i.e. a socio-religious movement that flared up in the Sasanian Kavad (488-531 CE) founded by Mazdak son of Bamdad), that advocated communal ownership and even ruled that women were the common property of all men. Like Mani a few centuries earlier, who had claimed a new religion by combining the teachings of Jesus and Zoroaster, Mazdakite's movement was also a reaction to the corruption of the traditional priestly class. Both creeds died away after the execution of their proponents, who more or less depended on royal patronage. On the other hand, the Sasanian aristocracy aligned with the Zoroastrian clergy was steeped in pleasures, burdening the oppressed masses with heavy taxes and oppression.

At the other end was the Byzantine world, which though claiming to profess a divinely revealed religion, had in fact polluted the monotheist message of Prophet Eesa (Jesus) (Peace be upon Him) with the sediments of ancient Greek and Roman pagan thoughts, resulting in the birth of Christianity. In 381 CE, the Greco-Roman Church council rejected the doctrine of Arius of Alexandria, to which most of the eastern provinces of the empire adhered, and in its place the council had coined the belief that God and Jesus are of one substance and therefore co-existent. Arius and his followers had held the belief in the uniqueness and majesty of God, Who Alone, they said has existed since eternity, while Jesus was created in time.

There were colonies of Jews scattered across West Asia and North Africa, to whom several Messengers had been sent by Almighty Allah (Glory be to Him). However, even these divine favors had failed to reform them. The laws sent to Prophet Moses had been distorted and tampered with.

Further to the east lay the once flourishing cultures of China and India, which were groping in darkness. Confucianism was spread the Chinese, robbing their minds of any positive thinking. On the other hand, Hinduism had no universal pretensions whatsoever, and was peculiar to the geographical confines of India, or more properly Northern India and its Aryan invaders. Conversion of foreigners was difficult because one had to be born in a particular caste and it was the mystery of ‘Karma’that determined one's fate.

In short, wars, bloodshed, slavery, oppression of women and the deprived held sway everywhere, might ruled over right. The world was in dire distress but no one seemed capable of delivering it from darkness. No religion, ideology, creed or cult during those times, could offer any hope to the agonies and frustrations of humankind.

None of the religions in currency had any universal outlook or even pretensions and were limited to insurmountable geographical and psychological barriers, preaching discrimination and the narrow-minded superiority of a particular race.

Need for Prophet

In short, wars, bloodshed, slavery, oppression of women and the deprived held sway everywhere, might ruled over right. The world was in dire distress but no one seemed capable of delivering it from darkness. No religion, ideology, creed or cult during those times, could offer any hope to the agonies and frustrations of humankind.

None of the religions in currency had any universal outlook or even pretensions and were limited to insurmountable geographical and psychological barriers, preaching discrimination and the narrow-minded superiority of a particular race.

Thus, it was in such a chaotic state of depression that Almighty Allah (Glory be to Him) sent His last great Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), with the universal Message of Islam to save humankind from disbelief, oppression, corruption, ignorance and moral decadence that was dragging humanity towards self-annihilation.

Differences and disputes arose among the Children of Israel. They introduced alterations and changes in their beliefs and laws. Thus truth was extinguished and falsehood prevailed, oppression and evil became widespread, and people needed a religion that would establish truth, destroy evil and guide people to the straight path, therefore Allah (Glory be to Him) sent Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as Allah said (interpretation of the meaning):

“And We have not sent down the Book (the Qur’an) to you (O Muhammad, except that you may explain clearly unto them those things in which they differ, and (as) a guidance and a mercy for a folk who believe” [Qur’an.Surah Nahl 16:64]

Lineage of Prophet Muhammad to Ibrahim (Peace be upon them)

The Lineage and Family of Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace)
With respect to the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), there are three versions: The first was authenticated by biographers and genealogists and states that Muhammad’s genealogy has been traced to ‘Adnan. The second is subject to controversies and doubt, and traces his lineage beyond ‘Adnan back to Prophet Ibrahim. The third version, with some parts definitely incorrect, traces his lineage beyond Prophet Ibrahim back to Prophet Adam (peace be upon them).

The first part: Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdul-Muttalib (who was called Shaiba) bin Hashim, (named ‘Amr) bin ‘Abd Munaf (called Al-Mugheera) bin Qusai (also called Zaid) bin Kilab bin Murra bin Ka‘b bin Lo’i bin Ghalib bin Fahr (who was called Quraish and whose tribe was called after him) bin Malik bin An-Nadr (so called Qais) bin Kinana bin Khuzaiman bin Mudrikah (who was called ‘Amir) bin Elias bin Mudar bin Nizar bin Ma‘ad bin ‘Adnan. [Ibn Hisham 1/1,2; Talqeeh Fuhoom Ahl Al-Athar, Rahmat-ul-lil'alameen 2/11-14,52]

Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon Him) is widely regarded as the Patriarch of monotheism and the common father of the Jews, Christians and Muslims. Through his second son, Isaac, came all Israelite prophets including such towering figures as Yakub(Jacob), Yousuf(Joseph), Musa(Moses), Dawud(David), Suleman(Solomon) and Eesa(Jesus), (May peace and blessing be upon them all). The advent of these great prophets was in partial fulfillment of Allah’s promises to bless the nations of earth through the descendents of Prophet Ibrahim(Peace be upon Him), Qur’an.Surah Jumu’ah  62:2. Such fulfillment is wholeheartedly accepted by Muslims whose faith considers the belief in and respect of all prophets an article of faith.

After Jesus, the last Israelite messenger and prophet, it was time that Allah’s promise to bless Prophet Ismael (Peace be upon Him) and his descendants be fulfilled, Qur’an.Surah Baqrah 2:129. Less than 600 years after Jesus, came the last messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), from the progeny of Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) through Prophet Ishmael (Peace be upon Him). Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) was a descendant of Prophet Ismail (Peace be upon Him) through the lineage of his second son Kedar. Allah’s blessing of both of the main branches of Ibrahim’s family tree was now fulfilled.

Lineage of six prominent prophets according to Islamic tradition

Note: Dotted lines indicate multiple
Fig: Lineage of six prominent Prophets according to Islamic tradition

Beginning of Revelation

The first revelation that was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) was in the cave of Hiraa’ where he used to go to worship, when Jibreel came to him and commanded him to read. The Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) said, “I am not a reader.” This happened again, and on the third time, he said to him: “Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous [Qur’an.Surah Alaq 96:1-3].

The Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) went back home, his heart pounding. He entered upon his wife Khadeejah (R) and told her what had happened, saying “I feared for myself.” She calmed him down and said, “By Allah, Allah will never forsake you, for you uphold the ties of kinship, help the weak, honour your guests, give in charity and help when someone is stricken with calamity.”

Next day she went with him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who was a Christian. When he told him what had happened, he gave him glad tidings and told him, this is the Naamoos (an angel) whom Allah (Glory be to Him) sent to Prophet Musa (Peace be upon Him). He encouraged him to be patient if his people persecuted him and expelled him. Book revelation, Sahih Al Bukhari Vol 1: 3 Then the wahy (revelation) stopped for a while, and the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) was saddened by that. Then whilst he was walking one day, he saw the angel again, between the heavens and the earth. He went back to his house and wrapped himself in his blanket. Then Allah (Glory be to Him) revealed the words (interpretation of the meaning): “O you (Muhammad) enveloped in garments! Arise and warn!” [Qur’an.Surah Muddaththir 74:1-2] 

After that, revelations came one after another to the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace). The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) stayed in Makkah for thirteen years, calling for the worship of Allah (Glory be to Him) alone, in secret then openly, when Allah (Glory be to Him) commanded him to proclaim the truth. So he called them in a gentle and kind manner, without fighting. He called his clan and closest relatives, then he warned his people and those around them, then he warned all the Arabs, then he warned all of mankind. Then Allah (Glory be to Him) aid: “Therefore proclaim openly (Allah’s Message Islamic Monotheism) that which you are commanded, and turn away from Al Mushrikoon (polytheists, idolaters, and disbelievers)” [Qur’an.Surah Hijr 15:94] 

The Makkan Period

The Makkan phase can be divided into three stages:

1.      The stage of the secret Call: three years.

2.      The stage of the proclamation of the Call in Makkah: from the beginning of the fourth year of Prophethood to almost the end of the tenth year.

3.      The stage of the call to Islam and propagating it beyond Makkah: it lasted from the end of tenth year of the Prophethood until Muhammad’s emigration to Madinah.

A few people, rich people, nobles, the weak and poor, men and women, believed in the Messenger. All of them were persecuted for their faith. Some were tortured and some were killed. Some of them migrated to Abyssinia, fleeing from the persecution of Quraysh, and some of them were persecuted with the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), until Allah (Glory be to Him) caused His religion to prevail.

When the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace)  reached the age of fifty and ten years of his mission had passed, his uncle Abu Taalib, who had protected him from the persecution of Quraysh, died. Then his wife Khadeejah (R), who had been his consolation, also died, and the persecution of his people intensified. They harrassed him and persecuted him with all kinds of torments, and he bore it with patience, seeking the reward of Allah (Glory be to Him). May the blessings and peace of Allah be upon him.

When the persecution of Quraysh became too intense, he went out to al-Taa’if and called its  people to Islam but they did not respond; instead they insulted him and threw stones at him, until his heels started to bleed. He went back to Makkah and continued to call his people to Islam during Hajj and at other times.

Then Allah (Glory be to Him) sent to His Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) people who would help and support him.  During the Hajj season, he met a group from the tribe of Khazraj in Madina. They embraced Islam, then they went back to Madina and spread Islam there. The following year, they were over ten people, whom the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) met, and when they left he sent Mus’ab ibn ‘Umayr (May Allah be pleased with him) with them to teach them the Qur’an and Islam. Many people became Muslim through him, including the leaders of the tribe of Aws, Sa’d ibn Mu’aadh and Usayd ibn Hudayr (May Allah be pleased with them all).

The following year when the Hajj season came, more than seventy men from al-Aws and al-Khazraj (May Allah be pleased with them) came and invited the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) to come to Madina after the people of Makkah had persecuted him and boycotted him. During the night of one of the days of Tashreeq, the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) made an appointment to meet them at ‘Aqabah. When one third of the night had passed, they came out to meet him and found the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), accompanied by his uncle al-‘Abbaas, who was not a believer, but he wanted to take care of his nephew’s affairs. Al-‘Abbaas (R), the Messenger and the people spoke together in a pleasant manner, then the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace)  accepted their oath of allegiance on the basis that he would migrate to them in Madina and they would protect him, support him and defend him, and Paradise would be theirs in return. They gave their oath of allegiance, one by one, then they left. Quraysh found out about them, so they set out in pursuit of them. But Allah (Glory be to Him) saved them from them, and the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) remained in Makkah for a while:

“Verily, Allah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allah is All Strong, All Mighty” [Qur’an.Surah Hajj 22:40]

Then the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) commanded his companions to migrate to Madina, so they migrated in groups except for those who were prevented from doing so by the mushrikeen. Then there were no Muslims left in Makkah apart from the Messenger of Allah, Abu Bakr (R) and ‘Ali (R). When the mushrikeen realized that the companions of the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) had migrated to Madina, they feared that he would join them and become strong. So they agreed to kill him. Jibreel told the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) about that, so the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) commanded ‘Ali to sleep in his bed, and he returned the things that had been entrusted to the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) to their owners. The mushrikeen spent the night at the door of the Messenger, waiting to kill him when he came out, but he came out in the midst of them and went to the house of Abu Bakr (R), after Allah (Glory be to Him) had saved him from their plot. And Allah (Glory be to Him) revealed the words (interpretation of the meaning): “And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you (O Muhammad) to imprison you, or to kill you, or to get you out (from your home, i.e. Makkah); they were plotting and Allah too was plotting; and Allah is the Best of those who plot” [Qur’an.Surah Anfaal 8:30]

Then the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) resolved to migrate to Madina, so he and Abu Bakr (R) set out to the cave of  Thawr and stayed there for three nights. They hired ‘Abd-Allah ibn Abi Urayqit, who was a mushrik, as their guide, and the yet him lead their camels.  Quraysh were alarmed when he left, and they looked for him everywhere, but Allah (Glory be to Him) protected His Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace). When the search for them died down, they travelled to Madina. When Quraysh despaired of finding them, they offered to anyone who could bring one or both of them to them two hundred camels. So the people intensified their search and on the way to Madina, Suraaqah ibn Maalik found them; he was a mushrik and he set out after them, so the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) prayed against him and his horse’s legs sank into the ground. So he realized that the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) was protected, so he asked the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) to pray for him and said that he would not harm him. So the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) prayed for him and Suraaqah went back, and diverted the people away from them. Then he became Muslim after the conquest of Makkah.

The Madinan Period

The Madinese era could be divided into three phases:

1.     The first phase was characterized by too much trouble and discord, and too many obstacles from within coupled by a hostile wave from without aiming at total extermination of the rising faith. It ended with Al- Hudaibiyah Peace Treaty in Dhul Qa‘da 6 A.H.

2.     The second phase featured a truce with the pagan leadership and ended in the conquest of Makkah in Ramadan 8 A.H. It also witnessed the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) inviting kings beyond Arabia to enter the fold of Islam.

3.     In the third phase, people came to embrace Islam in hosts. Tribes and other folks arrived in Madinah to pay homage to the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace). It ended at the death of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) in Rabi‘ Al-Awwal 11 A.H.

The migration of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) from Makkah to Madina is When the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) reached Madina, the Muslims exclaimed “Allahu akbar!” with joy at his coming. This migration from Makkah to Madina is called Hijrath, and the counting of Muslims calendar is based on this graet event. Men, women and children came out to meet him, rejoicing. He stayed in Quba, where he and the Muslims built the masjid of Quba. He stayed there for over ten nights, then he rode on Friday and prayed Jumu’ah amongst Bani Saalim ibn ‘Awf, then he rode his camel and entered Madina, with the people all around him taking the reins of his camel so that he would come and stay with them. The Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) told them to leave her, for she would be guided (by Allah), so she walked on until she sat down in the place where the Masjid is today.

Allah (Glory be to Him) made it possible for His Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) to stay with his maternal uncles near the masjid, so he stayed in the house of Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari, then the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) sent someone to bring his family and his daughters, and the family of Abu Bakr (R), from Makkah, and thus he brought them to Madina.

Then the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) and his companions started to build his masjid in the place where the camel had sat down. He made the Qiblah facing towards Bayt al-Maqdis (Jerusalem). Its pillars were made of tree trunks and its roof was made of palm branches. Then the qiblah was changed to the Ka’bah more than ten months after he had come to Madina.

Then the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace ) established brotherhood (mu’aakhkhah) between the Muhaajireen and the Ansaar. The Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) made a treaty with the Jews and wrote a document agreeing to peace and to defend Madina. The Jewish scholar ‘Abd-Allah ibn Salaam became Muslim but most of the Jews insisted on remaining kaafirs. In that year the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) married ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her). In the second year, the adhaan was prescribed, and Allah (Glory be to Him) changed the qiblah to the Ka’bah, and the fast of Ramadaan was enjoined.

The Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) remained in Madina and Allah (Glory be to Him) supported him with His help. The Muhaajiroon and Ansaar consolidated their ranks around him, and their hearts were devoted to him.

In 6 AH, the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) resolved to visit the Ka’bah and perform Tawaaf around it, but the mushrikoon prevented him from doing so. He entered into a treaty with them at al-Hudaybiyah, to stop the fighting for ten years, during which time the people would be safe and could choose what they wanted. Then the people entered Allah’s religion in crowds [Qur’an.Surah Nasr 110:2]. He sent letters to the kings of the earth, inviting them to Islam.

In 8 AH, the kuffaar of Makkah broke the treaty, so the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) headed towards them with a great army and conquered Makkah. He cleansed the Ka’bah of idols and and freed it from the custodianship of the kuffaar. Then he and his companions performed ‘Umrah, then they went back to Madina.

Hajjatul wida

In 10 AH, the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) resolved to perform Hajj, and he called the people to do likewise. Many people from Madina and elsewhere performed Hajj with him. He entered ihraam at Dhu’l-Haleefah and reached Makkah in Dhu’l-Hijjah. He performed Tawaaf and Sa’ee’, and he taught the people their rituals. He gave a great and comprehensive sermon at ‘Arafaah, in which he affirmed the just rulings of Islam. He said: “O people, listen to my words, for I do not know if I will meet you again after this year. O people, your blood, your wealth and your honour are sacred to you as the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours, in this land of yours. Every practice of the jaahiliyyah is beneath my feet and the blood feuds of the jaahiliyyah are cancelled. The first claim of blood that I abolish is that of Ibn Rabee’ah ibn al-Haarith, who was suckled among the tribe of Bani Sa’d and was killed by Hudhayl. The ribaa of the jaahiliyyah is abolished, and the first ribaa that I abolish is that of ‘Abbaas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib. It is abolished completely.

Final Sermon of Prophet Muhammad

Fear Allah (Glory be to Him) concerning women, for you have taken them on the security of Allah (Glory be to Him) and have made their bodies lawful to you by the words of Allah (Glory be to Him).  Your right over them is that they should not allow anyone whom you dislike to sit on your bed. If they do that, then hit them, but not severely. Their rights over you are that you should be kind to them and clothe them properly.

I have left you with something which, if you adhere to it, you will not go astray after I am gone: the Book of Allah (Glory be to Him). If you were asked about me, what would you say?” They said: “We would bear witness that you have conveyed (the message), fulfilled (the trust) and advised us sincerely.” Then he pointed with his index finger towards the sky and then towards the people, and said, “O Allah, bear witness, O Allah bear witness,” three times.

When Allah (Glory be to Him) perfected this religion and its basic principles had been established, Allah   (Glory be to Him) revealed to him in ‘Arafaah: “This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion, [Qur’an.Surah Maa'idah 5:3 – interpretation of the meaning]

This Hajj is called Hujjat al-Wadaa’ (the Farewell Pilgrimage) because in it the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) made farewell to the people, and he did not perform Hajj after that. Then after completing his Hajj, the Messenger (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) returned to Madina,

In 11 AH, in the month of Safar, the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) fell sick. When the pain became too intense, he told Abu Bakr (R) to lead the people in prayer. In Rabee’ al-Awwal, his sickness became worse and he (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) died in the morning of Monday 12 Rabee’ al-Awwal 11 AH. The Muslims were grief-stricken by that. The Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) was washed (Ghusl) and the Muslims offered the funeral prayer for him individually on the 13th, in the evening, and he was buried in the house of ‘Aa’ishah(R), today this house comes under the boundary of Masjid E Nabwi.

Then the Muslims chose the one who had been his companion in the cave and during the Hijrah, Abu Bakr (R) to be their khaleefah, based on ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace). After him, the position of khaleefah passed to ‘Umar, then to ‘Uthmaan, then to ‘Ali (May Allah be please with them all). These are the Khulafaa’ al- Raashidoon (the Rightly-Guided Khaleefahs).

With these noble and praiseworthy characteristics, he (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) was able to bring people together and soften their hearts, by Allah’s leave: “And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him)” [Qur’an.Surah Ale Imraan 3:159]

Allah (Glory be to Him) sent His Messenger Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) to all of mankind. He revealed to him the Qur’an and commanded him to call people to Allah (Glory be to Him), as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “O Prophet (Muhammad)! Verily, We have sent you as witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner,

And as one who invites to Allah (Glory be to Him) [Islamic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allah (Alone)] by His Leave, and as a lamp spreading light (through your instructions from the Qur’an and the Sunnah the legal ways of the Prophet”[Qur’an.Surah Ahzaab 33:46] 

Allah (Glory be to Him) favoured His Messenger Muhammad over the other Prophets in six ways, as the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) said:  “I have been favoured above the other Prophets in six ways: I have been given the ability of concise speech; I have been supported with fear [in the hearts of my enemies]; war booty has been made permissible for me; the earth has been made pure and a masjid [place of worship] for me; I have been sent to all of mankind; and I am the seal of the Prophets.” Sahih Al Muslim, 523 ^[5]

Proofs of Preservation of His sayings

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), was the only Messenger and man in the history of mankind whose entire record is fully preserved. Not only the important events of his life, but the record of his daily life from birth to death are written on the pages of history - all his sayings, doings and approving of things and the details of his conduct and character; even details of his life style such as how he walked, talked, dressed, cut his nails and comb his beard and hair, as well as how he treated his wives, friends, enemies, servants and slaves. So his life was fully known to his companions and was recorded as an open book, so that the following generations from all around the globe could follow and learn lessons, get inspiration from this perfect example and attain goodness, piety and success in their individual as well as social life. Allah (Glory be to Him) says (what means): {You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) a beautiful pattern [of conduct] for any one whose hope in Allah and the final day, and who engages much in the praise of Allah.} [Qur’an.Surah Ahzab 33: 21]

And this sameness is brought about firstly through the presence of the Holy Quran and secondly, and in a more immediate and tangible way, through the presence of the Prophet, in his community by virtue of his Sunnah and Hadeeth. Allah (Glory be to Him) told us in the Quran to pray, but did not explain how, were it not for the Prophetic Sunnah we would not know how to perform prayers.

This applies to a thousand and one other situations so that it is almost unnecessary to emphasize the vital connection between the Qur'an and the Hadeeth of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), whom Allah (Glory be to Him) chose as His revealer and interpreter to mankind.

Muhammad's standards of character and personality were far above those of other human beings. He possessed the best and noblest qualities of a human being as a boy, a man, a husband, a father, a trader, a legislator, a ruler and a statesman, an educator and a teacher. Muhammad, attained the highest moral and spiritual perfection and set the noblest ideal for prosperity, justice and rightness. All goodness and excellence seem to have combined in the person of Muhammad, as Allah (Glory be to Him) says (what means): {And you [O' Prophet,] are on an exalted standard of character.} [Qur’an.Surah Qalam 68: 4]

He invited all mankind in spite of color, race or creed to the highest standard of behavior and virtue. Allah (Glory be to Him) said in Quran: We sent you not, but as a mercy for all the worlds.} [Qur’an.Surah Anbiya 21: 107]

The call which Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), started in Makkah was not for a specific type of person but rather for all mankind. It was not for the building of a small nation but it was a new renaissance for nations and generations which would continue to inherit the truth and spread it around the globe until life and death end on this universe.It was the most momentous of all revolutions known to the world, which undertook a mental and physical liberation of mankind.

Allah (Glory be to Him) chose Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace), and prepared him from the first moment to carry this noble task and lead all righteous people chosen and selected by Allah (Glory be to Him). He conveyed the message perfectly and was always like a bright light in the darkness.

Allah (Glory be to Him) Himself in the Quran has ordered Muslims to take the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) as their role model and to listen and obey his words, Qur’an 3: 31, 32, 132; 4: 13, 59, 61, 64, 65, 69, 80; 5:92; 8:1, 20, 46; 24: 47, 48, 51,52, 54, 56, 63 ; 47:33; 59:7; 33:36, 71; 48:17; 49:14; 64:12. .  The Sunnah is the ultimate normative practical expression of Islam.  It is also the definitive explanation of the Quran itself.  Without it there can be no true understanding of how to implement Islam.

As earlier mention today we are talking about the preservation of the Hadeeth or the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) & we were talking about how important the Sunnah & the example of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) is in understanding the religion of Islam. ^{[6] [7]}

What did the Eminent Non-Muslims said about PROPHET MUHAMMAD ﷺ

Michael H Hart 

"My choice of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level."
(Michael h. Hart "the 100: a ranking of the most influential persons inhistory", New york: hart publishing company, inc., 1978, p.33)

Encyclopedia Britannica

Confirms regarding Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace)”   ". . . a mass of detail in the early sources shows that he was an honest and upright man who had gained the respect and loyalty of others who were likewise honest and upright men." (Encyclopedia Britannica Vol. 12)

Lamartine

Calls Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace): "Philosopher, Orator, Apostle, Legislator, Warrior, Conqueror of Ideas, Restorer of rational Dogmas, of a Cult without Images; the Founder of Twenty Terrestrial Empires and of One Spiritual Empire, that is Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace).
As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any Man greater than He? " (Histoire De La Turquie, Paris, 1854, Vol. II, pp. 276-277)

George Bernard Shaw

Says: "He must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it much needed peace and happiness." (The Genuine Islam, Singapore, Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936)

K.S. Ramakrishna Rao 

An Indian (Hindu) professor of Philosophy calls him the "Perfect model for human life." Professor Ramakrishna Rao explains his point by saying: "The personality of Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace), it is most difficult to get into the whole truth of it. Only a glimpse of it I can catch. What a dramatic succession of picturesque scenes. There is Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Prophet.

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Warrior;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Businessman;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Statesman;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Orator;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Reformer;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Refuge of Orphans;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Protector of Slaves;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Emancipator of Women;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Judge;

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) the Saint. All in all these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activities, he is alike a Hero."
(Muhammad the Prophet of Islam" by Professor K.S Ramakrishna Rao)

Mahatma Gandhi 

Speaking on the character of Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace), says in 'YOUNG INDIA' Mahatma Gandhi said: "I wanted to know the best of one who holds today undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind...

I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life.

It was the rigid simplicity,

The utter self-effacement of the Prophet,

The scrupulous regard for his pledges,

His intense devotion to his friends and followers,

His intrepidity,

His fearlessness,

His absolute trust in God and in His own Mission.

These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle. When I closed the 2nd volume (of the Prophet's biography), I was sorry there was not more for me to read of the great life." ('YOUNG INDIA' 1924)

Thomas Carlyle 

Says I was simply amazed as to: "How one man single handedly, could weld warring tribes and wandering Bedouins into a most powerful and civilized nation in less than two decades." (Thomas Carlyle in 'Heroes and Hero Worship’)

Annie Besant 

"It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher."The Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p. 4:

Sarojini Naidu 

Says: "It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for in the mosque, when the call for prayer is sounded and worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and king kneel side by side and proclaim: 'God Alone is Great'... I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible Unity of Islam that makes man instinctively a brother. (S. Naidu, Ideals of Islam, vide Speeches & Writings, Madras, 1918, p. 169).

Bosworth Smith 

"Head of the State as well as the Church, he was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without the Pope's pretensions, and Caesar without the legions of Caesar, without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a police force, without a fixed revenue. If ever a man ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life." Bosworth Smith in 'Muhammad and Muhammadanism,' London, 1874. ^{[8] [9]}

He is Prophesized in other Religious Scriptures of the World

Prophet Muhammad In Hindu Scriptures

NARASHANGSA

Rigveda – 1:13: 3, 1:18:9, 1:106:4, 1:142:3, 2:3:2, 3:29:11, 5:5:2, 7:2:2, 10:64:3, 10:182:2, 19:70:2.

Athervaved – 20: 27^th section and 20:172

Samveda – Mantra no. 1349.

Yajur veda(bright) – 29:27

Muhammad (pbuh) prophesised in Bhavishya Purana - 

Bhavishya Purana in the Prati Sarag Parv III Khand 3 Adhay 3 Shloka 5 to 8.
Bhavishya Purana in the Pratisarag Parv III Khand 3 Adhay 3 Shloka 10 to 27
Bhavishya Purana, Parv - III Khand 1 Adhay 3 Shloka 21-23

Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Prophesised in Atharvaveda-

He is mentioned in the Kuntap Suktas i.e. in Atharvaveda book 20 Hymn 127 verses 1-13

Muhammad (pbuh) prophesised in the Rigveda

Rigveda Book I, Hymn 53 verse 9

Muhummad (pbuh) is also prophesised in the Samveda

Samveda Book II Hymn 6 verse 8

Prophet Muhammad In Christian and Jewish Scriptures

The Qur’an mentions in Qur’an.Surah Araf 7:157: "Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures) in the law and the Gospel".

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible:
Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18

Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 19

Book of Isaiah chapter 29 verse 12

Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16

Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible:
John chapter 14 verse 16

Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26

Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7

Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14

That Prophet – Paraclete – Muhammad

Up to the time of Jesus, the Israelites were still awaiting for that prophet like unto Moses prophesied in Deuteronomy 18:18. when John the Baptist came, they asked him if he was Christ and he said “No”. they asked him if he was Elias and he said “No”. then, in apparent reference to Deuteronomy 18:18, they asked him “Art thou that Prophet” and he answered, “No”. (John 1:19-21). 

In the Gospel according to John (Chapters 14, 15, 16) Jesus spoke of the “ Paraclete” or comforter who will come after him, who will be sent by Father as another Paraclete, who will teach new things which the contemporaries of Jesus could not bear. While the Paraclete is described as the spirit of truth (whose meaning resemble Muhammad’s famous title Al-Amin, the trustworthy), he is identified in one verse as the Holy Ghost (John 14:26). Such a designation is however inconsistent with the profile of that Paraclete. In the words of the Dictionary of the Bible, (Ed. J. Mackenzie) “ These items, it must be admitted do not give an entirely coherent picture.” 

 

Prophet Muhammad In Buddhist Scriptures

Buddha prophesised the advent of a Maitreya

Almost all Buddhist books contain this prophecy. It is in Chakkavatti Sinhnad Suttanta D. III, 76

According to Sacred Books of the East volume 35 pg. 225

According to the Gospel of Buddha by Carus pg. 217 and 218 (From Ceylon sources)

Buddha’s doctrine was Esoteric and Exoteric

Sacred Books of the East, volume 11, pg. 36 Maha-Parinibbana Sutta chapter 2 verse 32

Devoted Servitors of the Buddhas

Sacred Books of the East volume 11 pg. 97 MahaParinibbana Sutta Chapter5 v 3

Gospel of Buddha by Carus pg. 214 ^[10]

Seal of Prophethood and the Proofs

• Universal Messenger: His prophethood is not confined to a particular people, tribe or Nation, Qur’an.Surah Saba 34:28, Surah Anbiya 21:107. Surah Furqan 25:1, Surah A’raf 7:158.
  
• Time Bound: As geographically He is not confined, similarly His teachings are not Time bound as this was not the case with the earlier Prophets. Qur’an.Surah Ma’idah 5:3
  
• Universal Message: His message was universal till the end of this world. Qur’an.Surah 16:89, Qur’an.Surah Ma’idah 5:48
  
• Way of life: The way of life taught by Him is not only for Muslims but for entire mankind and universe, Qur’an.Surah Anbiya 21:107.
  
• Scripture: Allah revealed Qur’an on Prophet Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him peace) as universal message for the entire mankind, Qur’an.Surah Baqarah 2:185.
  
• Ideal: He was an ideal for all the human beings, Qur’an.Surah Ahzab 33:21.
  
• Seal of Prophets: Favoured over the other Prophets in six ways: I have been given the ability of concise speech; I have been supported with fear [in the hearts of my enemies]; war booty has been made permissible for me; the earth has been made pure and a masjid [place of worship] for me; I have been sent to all of mankind; and I am the seal of the Prophets.” Sahih Al Muslim, 523 Allah confirms in quran the Prophet Muhammad is theseal of Prophets,Qur’an.Surah Ahzab 33:40.
  

Conclusion

Therefore practicing Islam by Muhammad’s (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) way is the basic and the utmost requirement in all departments of life. The declaration that Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) is the Messenger of Allah is an integral part of faith. Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) must be trusted in all that he informed us about Islam. He (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) must be obeyed in all that he had ordered and we must stay away from all that he forbade. The obedience to Muhammad (May Allah honour Him and grant Him Peace) is an obedience to Allah. He left us with all that leads to Paradise and warned us from all that leads to Hell. ^{[11] [12]}

References

[1] http://muttaqun.com/shahada.html
[2] http://sunnahonline.com/library/hajj-umrah-and-the-islamic-calendar/325-how-to-perform- the-rituals-of-hajj-and-umrah
[3] http://quran.com/
[4] http://www.sunnah.com/
[5] http://www.islamweb.net/prophet/index.php?page=showarticle&id=150944
[6]http://www.themodernreligion.com/basic/q uran/quran_proof_preservation.htm
[7]http://www.islamindepth.com/contents/details/62
[8] http://www.askislampedia.com/en/wiki/-/wiki/English_wiki/What+Prominent+Non +Muslims+say+about+Prophet+Muhammad,
[9]www.iacr.net
[10] http://www.irf.net/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=123&Itemid=96#
[11]http://islam.thetruecall.com/modules.php? name=News&file=article&sid=246
[12]http://www.quran-o-sunnah.com/english/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53:finality-of-prophet-hood-of-muhammad-salal-laho-aliehi-wasalam-in-light-of-quran-and-sahih-hadith&catid=34:articles&Itemid=30

See Also: The Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad; Prophets in Islam; What Eminent Non Muslims say about Prophet Muhammad;