

Who Is Muhammad?

(PBUH) Prophet of Islam

A short and brief story for what you don't know about Muhammad (PBUH), his life, his message, and what you may have never heard about him.

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Copyright © 2011.All rights are reserved. You may not distribute this report in any way. You may not sell it, or reprint any part of it without written consent from the author, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review

PREFACE

History is an important branch of knowledge. It is not a science like physics or biology. It mostly depends on documents that have remained of the past. Although we can have knowledge of the past and past events by means of documents, it is quite often very difficult to penetrate into the facts behind those events. We can hardly know the intentions of historical 'actors' or 'actresses' and the real motives behind events. In order to be able to judge rightly about persons and events, the documents we have to should be reliable. Nevertheless, it is quite possible that personal inclinations and interests. Prejudices, and different other motives may have a part of their own in documents, and worse, documents may have been distorted. For example, if the Qur'an had not been sent down to Prophet Muhammad, upon him be peace and blessings, we could not have had true knowledge about the Israelite Prophets and especially the Prophet Jesus, and the original identity of Christianity and Judaism. The Old and New Testaments have been so frequently and badly distorted and corrupted that it is impossible to open a way through them to historical truths.

Have you ever read about the religion of over 1.5 billion people on this planet?

Have you ever thought about why thousands of people all over the globe are converting every day?

Have you ever heard about the true story of the prophet of Muslims, what is the meaning of the word Islam and how and when it all started some 1400 years ago?

Read and discover the very specific and fascinating history that until this day influences so many Muslims in their everyday life.

This book will offer information in an objective and interesting way which will enable you to understand the reasons behind many events in today's news.

What makes a man a man?

In other words: what makes man genius, rascal, Saint or a thief?  
It is the idea.

Yes, it is the idea that takes hold of you to make you see the world or even the universe in a different way from others.

It is the idea that overwhelms you. It cannot be resisted as it creeps into your mind and seizes your own will. This idea about life and our role in it runs through our veins so that we do live only to realize it.

Where does it come from? Is it fate that transmits it to us or our personal qualities and experiences that form the idea? Is it the result of our qualities that enable us to receive the signals sent to us by the Creator, the Ultimate Good that masterminds your whole life to accomplish a certain mission?

Haven't you got a whim, a thought or an idea that took hold of you when you were about to take a crucial decision like choosing your spouse, taking a job or getting into the university? Don't you think such an idea was transmitted to you by Him, the Ultimate Good?

Why did that idea come to you exclusively? It may be your role or mission in life. It may be your inherent qualities that entitled you. It may be both. That was exactly the case of Abraham, the Father of Prophets, who was the only qualified and worthy man living on earth to be commissioned by God to revive the religion of Adam that was revealed to him by God.

He was inclined to template and characterized by deep thinking. Unlike others, he did not busy himself with the ordinary matters of life, but he sought to reach the truth that controlled the world and the universe, the truth that gave meaning to life as man is not created in absurdity.

Abraham inherited the genes of his good-doers and pious forefather Noah, who descended from Adam's offspring. Adam himself received that idea, or the Religion, from God, the Creator. Adam had been teaching it to his sons until he perished. In origin, all prophets called for worshiping God alone and to be committed to good manners in dealing with others. After Adam had passed away, humanity moved to polytheism and idolizing statues. At first, people wanted to immortalize good and pious people or saints with statues. By the time, these idols were worshiped as people thought that they would intercede with God and lead them to salvation.

This idea of Religion was revived by Noah some centuries later. It was inherited from his forefather Adam. He reminded humanity of the Word of God. It was passed from Noah to Abraham after more than 10 centuries. No one on earth except Abraham was worthy of that message and honor. This idea remained latent and alive and passed through heredity from one generation to another. It was like software that is being copied or cloned in the mind whereas the body was the hardware that executes it.

Abraham was provoked by those who idolize the statues that they make with their own hands. They cannot do good or bad or defend themselves, not to mention those who worshiped them.

In order to illustrate his idea, Abraham smashed all the statues that his people consider gods except the biggest one. He put the axe on its shoulder so that they would think it broke them or resort to it for explanation. He wondered about the source of that idea and concluded that God was the source of that inspiration and that he was destined himself to fulfill a certain mission namely to revive the True Religion of Adam revealed to him by God.

Abraham used logic sequence to convince his polytheist people of their false beliefs about the idols they worshiped. He refuted all their allegations to show them that there is only one God and that their alleged gods cause no gain or harm to man. He told them the planets shine and disappear. So, they are not worthy to be taken as gods. The moon also shines and fades away. The sun is greater and its light is more blazing, but it disappears. Therefore, they cannot be considered gods, and he reached with them to the conclusion no deity is worth of being worshiped but God alone. Logically, God never disappears or quits. Man should depend on his senses alone to reach the truth. Abraham finally said his folks, "Unless my God guides me, I shall surely go astray."

When Abraham call for the Word of God was resisted as his people found it too strange to believe in, he prayed to God to honor him and his offspring with conveying His Religion to all humans. God bestowed Abraham that wish. The Message or the Word of God was passed through inherited genes from generation to generation.

With little success of his call, Abraham and his spouse Sara decided to migrate from Ur (an ancient Iraqi town that lied on the Euphrates).They They crossed the river to Levant then moved to Egypt in order to spread the call for God and in response to heavenly inspiration. In Egypt, a ruler tried to seduce Sara as she was the most beautiful woman of that time. God preserved her in a miracle. Taking into consideration that she was pious and under the protection of God, the aggressor set them free and presented her an equally pious woman named Hager, who bore Abraham his eldest and first son, Ishmael.

Ur City, or city of light [1]

At an order of God, Abraham left Sara and moved to Arabia with Hager and their baby Ishmael. They reached Hejaz and settled in Mecca that was barren desert about twenty centuries Before Christ. He left her with Ishmael with little food and water. When he was about to leave her to go back to the Levant, She called him out, "O Abraham, O Abraham." Despite his grief, he did not turn his head to see them.

"Will you leave us so here in this desert with no one or anything but us?" He made no answer." Is it an order of God?" He nodded. "Then He shall not abandon us."

On moving was far enough not to see his wife and only child, Abraham looked in their direction and in sheer sadness, he supplicated to God "O Our Lord, I have made some of my offspring to dwell by Your Sacred House (the Ka'aba at Mecca) Grant, the company and peace and send from them an Apostle to guide them to Your Religion." Abraham was quite content and convinced that God would save them as He had saved Abraham before from the fire he was thrown in by polytheists.

When food and water ran out, Hager could not suckle her baby who cried out of hunger. She ran in despair and agony from one side of the valley of Mecca to another, seeking in vain for water to save her starving son. She was pleading in tears to God to mercy them and rescues her child. God, the Most Merciful ordered Gabriel to hit the ground in the spot that was just under Ishmael's leg.

Water spring poured instantly. It was a gift of God to reward the faithful and patient believers who passed the toughest test of their belief in Him. The spring water – called Zam Zam- gave life to this vacuum and sterile region. Our smart reader can easily imagine how valuable water is in the heart of such merciless barren desert.

Birds began to hover over the spring. Thus trading caravans learnt that there was water. A Yemen tribe called Jorhom was permitted by the spring owners-Hager and Ishmael- to settle there in exchange of protecting and serving them.

Hajer was now content and pleased thanks to God, who granted her and her son water and peaceful company. Ishmael – whose name in Hebrew language means that God has given me my wish – lived among the said tribe, spoke their Arabic language, and married from them.

Zam Zam well [2]

On the other hand, in Levant, Sara bore Isaac, who was thirteen years younger than his brother Ishmael. Abraham made a journey to Mecca to see how the Word of God was developing Mecca was now populated, which pleased him as his entreats to God realized and that the seeds of faith flowered and became fruitful. God ordered Abraham to rebuild the Sacred House of the Lord at Mecca as it was the first place on earth that had been devoted to the worship of God. It was set up by angels, but it disappeared under the desert sand. Abraham and Ishmael rebuilt it to enable believers from all over the globe to perform the pilgrimage and to worship and glorify God.

Ka'aba, house of the lord in Mecca [3]

Forty years later. Abraham built another Sacred House of the Lord at Jerusalem to remind humanity of monotheism and the Religion of God. Both Abraham and Isaac followed by his son Israel and their descendants- peace be upon them all - were truly faithful and devoted to God. Nevertheless, when Israel and his sons moved to Egypt as a result of drought, the people living around Jerusalem and Mecca returned to polytheism. They worshiped statues and idols. It was exactly like the sand that covered the House of the Lord at Mecca. These statues were first caved and set up to memorize Saints or good – doers. The following generation thought that their fathers idolized them to bring about good or repel evil or to intercede with God – God forbid – and defend them. It is an endless strife of mankind against Satan.

That was the situation in Arabia and around Mecca, this vast and strategic region with its scarce water and hot blazing sun who worsens the dry climate. The society of Mecca was as cruel and heartless as the climate. It was composed of the free noble class that lived in luxury and the poor and marginalized slaves who lived from hand to mouth. They raised sheep and wandered from place to another in search of water and pasture. They also depended on trade caravans that moved to Yemen in winter and Levant in summer. Mecca was in the heart of that trading rout. The inhabitants of Arabia and the surrounding areas used to visit Mecca to perform the pilgrimage as it had been an inherited tradition since the time of Abraham.

Arabs were –and still were –known for their generosity and chivalry. They preserved the bowel in which Abraham presented food to angels thinking that they were men. It is now kept in Turkey. Arabs acquired some of the Persian and Greek culture and knowledge by traveling for trade. They also mastered geography and astronomy that provided them with guidance throughout the desert roads. They followed the stars in their travels. They were also matchless in the field of poetry and eloquence. Every year, a festival was held at Mecca for competitions of poetry. People of Mecca and around rarely embraced Christianity or Judaism. Only six individuals were still following the religion of Abraham. Serving the pilgrims and protecting Ka'aba was the most sublime and honorable status a tribe can boast of.

Qurish was the tribe that maintained that honor. They were the descendants of Abraham and Ishmael whose offspring were the only owners of Zamzam spring and also who were the tribes entitled to serve the Sacred House of God. Abdul Muttalib was the leader of Mecca and a descendant of Abraham and Ishmael.

He was also the grandfather of Muhammad. He married his son Abdu Allah to a venerable lady named Aamena. Few days after that marriage Muhammad's father went on a trading journey leaving his pregnant wife at home. He fell ill and was left with his relatives in Yathrib (Al Madina).Then, the news of his death reached Mecca. Aamena was so sad that she nearly died of grief. Her only solace in life was the fetus she bore of her late husband Abdu Allah.

She had dreamt that her son would light the whole world. When he was born, she knew that he was blessed for she never felt any pain of pregnancy or birth like other women. His birth marked a new stage of the history of mankind. It was the birth of pure religion and the end of polytheism. He was chosen by God to renew the religion of Abraham and resume his mission on earth after oblivion had made the Word of God to fade.

At a moonlit night, on Monday, April 20th, 571, G, Muhammad was born. At that night, the Persian throne was shattered. The fire that Magi idolized was extinguished as a sign of God that their epoch was doomed to end at the hands of Muhammad's followers, those pious believers who submit to God alone.

Abdul Muttalib, his grandfather, considered his birth as compensation of his deceased son Abdu Allah. He carried the new born to Ka'aba and encircled it to thank God for His gift. He was inspired to call him Muhammad – which means in Arabic "praiseworthy "- to be praised and dignified by all. He was suckled by Halima Al-Saadia for it was the habit of Arabs to raise their children among Bedouin to be healthy due to fresh air of the desert. Desert life teaches tolerance and adds to stamina as it habituates people to hard life.

Halima discovered that Muhammad was blessed. Her sheep who were weak and thin of hunger became robust and produced more milk than usual. Whenever he moved from a place to another, a cloud was providing him with shade. He was also distinguished among children for his tendency to deep thinking and contemplation.

When he was six years of age, his mother Aamena took him to Yathrib to pay a visit to his father's grave with his grandfather Abdul Muttalib. On the way back to Mecca, his mother was seriously ill and died. Abdul Muttalib returned to Mecca with his orphan grandson in total distress and compassion for the lad who lost his parents in such an early age. To make up for that, he preferred Muhammad to his sons. He was inspired that Muhammad was created for a great mission, although he did not know what it was. Muhammad never idolized or knelt to statues. He never shared in absurd acts or fights like those who were around him.

When he was 8, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib passed away, and his eldest Uncle Abu Talib took charge of him. Abu Talib became his guardian and protector. Drought stroke Mecca, People and their animals faced a certain threat of death. Abu Talib went to Ka'aba, raised Muhammad with his hands and prayed to God to give them rain in honor of that blessed lad. Rain fell at once, and Mecca was saved.

At 12, Muhammad went on a trading journey following the example of his forefather Abraham, who moved throughout the earth. In Levant, a monk called Buhaira beheld him sitting under a specific tree and saw signs of a prophet. The monk asked about Muhammad and when he knew he was orphaned and illiterate, he said to those who were in the caravan, "I swear that he is the apostle who will be sent to revive the religion of God because when he sat under that tree, every single stone and tree bowed God in gratitude."

Like all prophets, peace be upon them, Muhammad was a shepherd. It gives man the opportunity and time to think of the vast open environment with its valleys. Mountain and sky lay before him. It teaches man patience and tolerance. Since he was known and named in Qurish as 'the honest', Khadija –a reverend noble lady-commissioned to take charge of her trading caravan. It was reported that he never lied or broke a promise. She was married to him for his morals and also due to a prophecy; she heard that Muhammad is heir of Abraham's message, and that he is the apostle who shall guide humanity to God.

At the age of 35, Ka'aba was about to collapse as a result of erosion factors. It had to be rebuilt. All tribes and clans wanted to have the honor of laying down the corner stone. As negations failed to settle the dispute, Muhammad was chosen to be the arbitrator. He was so wise that he settled it in a fair way. He put the stone on a piece of cloth and told every tribe chief to hold on end to share the honor of building Ka'aba.

Holly black stone inside Ka'aba [4]

Muhammad was the heir of the Word of God. Alternatively, the pure religion from his forefather Abraham He also inherited this mission in his genes as a descendant of Abraham. He was born in a similar environment to that of Abraham, like the desert surrounding, raising sheep, moving about from a place to another and the people who idolized statues. Muhammad never bowed or knelt before an idol. He never drank or gambled or commit adultery or any disgraceful act like those around him.

He was endowed with signs of prophecy before he met with the angel Gabriel. His dreams always came true on the following day. He dreamt of Gabriel giving him a book (Quran) although he was illiterate. It was true that the supplication of Abraham to God to grant humanity a guide to lead them along the path to God was answered and was embodied in a descendant of Abraham; Muhammad who inherited the same idea that Abraham had had many centuries before. Since God is just, He never inflicts his punishment on disbelievers without warning. Prophets are sent to guide people and warn them of disobedience of God.

About 40 years of age, Muhammad abandoned Mecca that was idolizing statues. He took refuge in an isolated cave called Heraa. He used to spend the month of Ramadan there entreating to God to guide him to the truth. That was exactly the model of Abraham for the idea that took hold of Abraham came to life again with Muhammad. If you were lucky to visit Mecca, you would see for yourself how high and risky it is to reach that cave. It seems like an oyster that keeps a valuable pearl –Muhammad – with all care and compassion.

Mountain of light in Mecca [5]

After spending Ramadan in that way, Muhammad went on his normal life and traveled for trade. At the end of the third successive year's contemplation in that cave, God responded to his plead. He met Gabriel, who said to Muhammad, "Read." Muhammad answered, "Don't read." It was repeated two times. At the third time Gabriel revealed to him the first verses of Quran: "Read by the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is the Most Generous, who has taught man by the pen what he knew not."

Heraa Cave [6]

Muhammad returned home shivering of fear. His wife calmed him and took him to a monk who was a relative of her. After hearing what happened, he said to Muhammad, "It is the Holy Spirit that was sent to Moses. You are the last apostle. Wish I could live to the time when your people will drive you to migrate." Muhammad wondered, "Will they drive me away?!" "Yes, every prophet bearing the Message of God is antagonized." When he saw Gabriel again sitting between heaven and earth, he was swept with panic. Shiver overwhelmed him. He hurried home where his wife wrapped him up and comforted him.

He was ordered to convey the message of God to humanity, to call people to worship God alone, to warn of the grave punishment for those who disobey and to call for good morals and justice.

The same idea of Adam and Abraham – the religion of God - was reborn with Muhammad. God has chosen him to spread His Word in that strategic central region. Muhammad is the last prophet as the world was destined to witness unprecedented progress in science and means of communications that will enable the call of Islam to reach all corners of the world. It was the will of God that this region will be central in economic life because of the discovery of oil as Muhammad had promised his followers that the "poor bare-footed shepherds of Arabia shall inhabit high buildings" as a sign of richness.

Since Muhammad began his call for Islam, he had no rest and never enjoyed his life-like anyone else. He sought no gain, no fame or glory. (At his death, his followers found out that he had mortgaged his shield to buy food. However, he never accepted charity) It was such grave burden and responsibility that no one except him could bear it. Following the order of God, Muhammad began secretly to call his closest acquaintances and wise people to embrace Islam. The first believers were his spouse, his close friend Abu Bakr and his cousin Ali Ben Abu Talib, who was a lad by this time.

For three years, the call was disclosed to be selected and limited individuals. It is the call for equality, fraternity and good morals. No free or rich or white man or woman is privileged over a slave or poor or black one. A short time ago, a Brazilian football coach in Saudi Arabia embraced Islam when he saw the poor porter of the club leading the team players who earn millions of dollars, although he was nothing compared to them.

Muhammad was ordered to declare his call. He gathered his clan, Banu Hashim, and addressed them, "I thank God, believe in Him and seek his support. I testify that there is no deity (worthy of being worshiped) but God. I have never lied to you. I swear by God that I am the apostle of God to you and that all shall die. All shall be resurrected and judged before God. You shall abide in paradise or hell forever for your deeds. Those gathering were astonished. Some wanted to attack him, but his protector, Abu Talib prevented it.

Despite opposition and resistance, Muhammad Never gave up. One day, he mounted the highest mountain and called up his people as if warning of an emergent danger or a military attack. When they gathered in alarm, he warned them of hell fire and wrath of God to disbelievers and polytheists. He warned, them," Work for your own good. You shall be judged before God Almighty and shall be sent to paradise or hell. No one, even I, shall bear God's punishment for another." He was faced with indignation and some cursed him. However, for Abu Talib, he could have been killed on the spot. He kept attending their forums and assemblies. He recited verses of Qur'an calling them to worship God alone. Qur'an calls for equality, fraternity and eloquence. Arabs realized that Quran was not the speech of a human being. Its rhythms and themes had never been said or heard before. Qur'an is the eternal miracle of Muhammad. Never was it excelled or matched. Its prophecies have been and still being realized. In this Holy Book, You can find a lot of scientific evidence that was never known to man at that time, like the movement of earth, genes, and others.

Qur'an began to attract believers especially slaves and marginalized classes Qurish, Muhammad's tribe, feared that he would spread his call at pilgrimage season when Arabs gathered in Mecca. Some said he was a magician, or madman or poet. They divided themselves on all routs leading to Mecca to warn people of listening to him. Muhammad spared no effort to call for the religion of Abraham. Like Jesus who said he aimed to revive the religion of Moses. Muhammad sought to revive it as it is all the same religion revealed to Adam by God. Thus, Muhammad was known to all Arabs because of Qurish warning. After pilgrimage season, Qurish plotted to root out that call in various ways:

Mockery, sarcasm and accusation of telling lies

They called him names, insulted believers, and composed poetry and jokes to satirize believers. God supported Muhammad reminding him that all apostles faced that suffering in the cause of God.

Spreading rumors and adverse propaganda

They accused Muhammad of being liar, magician or poet. God in Qur'an defended Muhammad as He reminded disbelievers of Muhammad's honesty and straightforwardness among them for 40 years before spreading the call of God.

They opposed the idea of resurrection

Qur'an said that God, who has created everything, can make the dead to live. Again as God is Omnipotent.

They denied judgment

God said that good doers and wrong doers shall not be equal.

They opposed monotheism

Qur'an states that if there were more than one god, they would compete and. Spoil the universe.

They claimed that the call of God was more than too a grave responsibility for man to bear

Qur'an said that Abraham, Ishmael and Moses were men and that Muhammad. It must be human to be followed by men.

They rejected Muhammad as a prophet for being poor

Qur'an said Muhammad's mission was to spread the call of God and not to be a king or emperor Muhammad is the model for the poor and rich and for mankind in general.

God supported Muhammad by a lot of miracles in addition to Qur'an as the eternal miracle.

Qurish used terrorism and panic to put an end to the call of God. This led to sympathy of others. Only true believers bore to torture and never resorted to sabotage or violence or terrorism as Islam never calls for them.

When one of the believers asked Muhammad to pray to God to grant them victory and to relieve them of that torture, Muhammad said, "Be patient, this call shall extent all over the world. You believers shall inherit the throne of Persia; conquer Levant, Egypt and more. You shall ride ships to conquer beyond that sea. (He meant Europe) all that came true.

Muhammad himself was subject to all kinds of suffering. Qurish masters said to his protector Abu Talib "If he seeks prestige, we will make him our master and king, if he wants money, we'll collect him money so that he will be the richest one. Either he refrains from insulting our gods or your hand him to us to kill him." Abu Talib complained to Muhammad. "O. my nephew I bear too much for your sake, pray, don't add to my burdens," M answered "O. uncle. By God, if they gave me the sun in one hand and the moon on the other hand to refrain from that call, I would never leave it until the Word of God is delivered, or else I shall die for His sake."

When negotiations with Abu Talib came to nothing, Qurish intensified their harm to Muhammad. They mocked him, threw dirt and rubbish at his door and put dirt on his head when he prayed to God.

In response, M took two wise steps:

1- He chose Ibn Al Arqam house as a secret center for the call and education.

2-He ordered his followers to migrate to Ethiopia to save themselves and children of suffering and torture.

Hijra (Migration) to Ethiopia

When disbelievers escalated and intensified their harm to Muhammad and his followers. God ordered them to migrate. Muhammad instructed them to settle in Ethiopia as its ruler was just. Mecca was nearly deserted by believers. Polytheists were afraid that monotheists would increase and find refuge. They sent two of their eloquent and sage negotiators to regain them. Amro Ben Aas was the prime negotiator. Knowing that the king was Christian, he said, "A dissident and deviant sect of our people forsakes our religion and did not embrace your religion either. They sought refuge in your Kingdom" "we were sent by our nobles to regain them." A believer defended himself and others. "We were a stray. We worshiped idols and statues. We did every evil and disgracing act" "God has sent us his apostle to guide us, and his apostle told us that Lord praised you as a just ruler." The king asked, "Can you read some of the Book revealed to him." When the believer read the verses of Quran, the king and priests were touched and wept.

On the second day, Amro Ben El Aas said to the king, "Ask them what was said in Quran of Mary and Jesus."

The believer said, "We believe that Mary the virgin was the most pious woman and that Jesus is the Word and Spirit of God that he implanted in her to guide humanity into His path." "He is an apostle, like every apostle of God." Priests grunted in protest, but the king said, "By God, Jesus is no more than what is revealed to you in Qur'an". "Stay here free and dignified." He addressed Amro Ben El Aas "Leave my land, take your gifts. I shall never expel them or give them to you." Thus, the prophecy of Muhammad that the king was just come true

When Qurish failed in their plot, their harm to believers was fiercer. As for Muhammad, he never abandoned the call of God. Despite harm and mockery, he kept reciting Qur'an and performing prayers everywhere in he was open. Polytheists proposed to worship God for a year on condition that Muhammad worshiped their idols for the next year. Muhammad refused it. They consulted the Jews, who advised Qurish to ask him about unfamiliar issues in their Scriptures. When Quran revealed them, Qurish thought of another scheme as believers increased despite their desperate efforts.

Qurish agreed to resort to the economic weapons. They concluded an agreement not to sell, buy, visit, befriend, talk to or mix with Banu Hashim or Banu Talib until they hand them Muhammad to be killed. The boycott and siege were so intense than Banu Hashim and Banu Talib faced real starvation. Traders of Qurish bought every food stuff so that those under siege could not have any of it. The boycott and siege in Mecca Mountains lasted for three years. The believers ate leaves, dead and deteriorated animals and skin. Voices of children and women could be heard moaning of hunger strikes.

Rarely could the boycott be breached if one of those under siege managed to sneak to by food. In such a case, food price would soar up.

Muhammad never felt despair or abandoned the Message as God promised him of victory. He kept calling people to follow and embrace Islam, the Religion of God. The Word "Islam" in Arabic means obedience to God. Some disbelievers occasionally broke that unjust siege and boycott out of humanitarian reasons.

One night, when some disbelievers were drinking and joking, one of the nobles said to his companions," How dare we eat and drink in pleasure while our brothers are starving?" "Aren't we humans?" Thus, they agreed to end up that boycott.

On the following day, they made to Ka'aba and said to their masters o Qurish, "How can you rejoice and enjoy yourselves whereas our clan re suffering?" Meanwhile, Abu Talib addressed Qurish masters saying, "O People, My nephew Muhammad told me that God has inspired him that he ordered rodents to eat up and erase the words that he does not consent to in your agreement parchment and leave his name. If Muhammad were a liar, would surrender him to you to do what you wish, if he were telling the truth, then there would be no reason to be committed to this unfair agreement."

They agreed to that convincing logic. When they opened up their agreement parchment, they discovered that its writing was all erased and eaten up by rodents except for "the Name of God." Disbelievers and polytheists were disgraced for God, praise be to Him, never fails Muhammad. In this way, boycott was over.

Abu Talib who was the protector of Muhammad and stronghold of the call was ill and died. Soon afterwards, his spouse Khadija who provided him with support and comfort passed away too. The disbelievers were encouraged to be more rude and aggressive towards Muhammad. They cursed and stoned him. When was performing prayers, one of them poured dust and dirt over his head and so on... God promised in Quran to preserve his life. When one of them was about to kill him, he saw terrifying angels beside Muhammad, defending his life. Muslims remained more resolved and determined to stick to the call thanks to many factors:

1- Belief in God It gave them tolerance and perseverance.

2- Their love to Muhammad they were loyal to him and dignified him as he was a wise leader who was never tough or proud.

3- Sense of responsibility they realized that they were the carriers of the Word of God to humanity.

4- Belief in Doomsday they were certain that their suffering for the sake of God shall be rewarded either in this life or on Doomsday.

5- Qur'an they believed in Qur'an as the Word of God and the everlasting miracle and proof of Muhammad.

6- Prophecy of victory God in Qur'an promised believers of victory. Since they believe in Him, they were quite certain that they would triumph sooner or later.

They were strengthened by some heavenly miracles that deepened their faith. Here is one of them:

Persians and Romans

They were the two super powers of their age. At the time of Muhammad, Persians defeated the Romans. Polytheists of Mecca were happy for the triumph of non- believers over the Christian Romans whereas Muslims were distressed for that. God in Quran promised Muslims and Christians that the Romans shall defeat Persians in less than 10 years at the "lowest part of earth – The Dead Sea." It all happened, which proved that Muhammad was truly the Apostle of God. The reader can refer to Quran, Chapter number 30 that bears the title "Al Rome-or-Romans."

Muhammad moved around Mecca to spread the call. He settled in Al Taif for 10 days inviting every single person, either noble or ordinary to embrace Islam, but he was met with mockery and harm. Moreover, he was expelled and their masters ordered the lads and slaves to insult and throw stones at him. When he was bleeding, God sent an angel to him saying that the angel was permitted to crush those ungrateful people between the two mountains surrounding their valley if Muhammad wished. Muhammad answered, "Nay. May God guide their offspring to be believers in him."

Muhammad visited all the surrounding tribes in an attempt to convince them to embrace Islam. He spoke their dialects and answered their questions and arguments. He recited Quran so that they might be responsive to him. However, he had little success. As the case in our modern time, right with no power is fragile. Those tribes were hesitant, lest they should displease Qurish. At last, his strive was fruitful with a tribe called Banu Amer. On listening to verses of Quran, their chief exclaimed, "Swearing by God that is not the say of a human or a magician or a poet." That tribe dwelt in Yathrib (Al-Madina) where they mixed with Jews, who boasted that an apostle would be sent by God in that region and that they–Jews–would be the first to believe in and follow him. The tribe members flocked to Islam to surpass Jews.

In this way, the seeds of hope that were watered with strife, and suffering found the fertile soil for their roots. They flowered and provided shade and shelter. Here, the details:

When Muhammad overtook some people from Yathrib, he asked them," Who are you? Do you belong to Khazrag tribe?" They replied "Yes" "Are you from allies of the Jews?" he asked. "Yes" they replied. "Won't you be seated to talk?" When they agreed, he explained to them the truth and Call of Islam and invited them to believe in Allah, he recited verses of Quran before them. They finally agreed "O, folks! By God, you know he is the Apostle who Jews expect. Let them not be his followers before you and submit to God."

They were from the senates of Yathrib, worn out by civil recurrent wars that had just ceased with blazing hatred. They hoped Islam would put an end to war "We have just left folks with no precedent hostility and antagonism. We pray to Allah to make you the peacemaker. You will meet them, call them to believe in Him, invite them to Islam, if they united under your leadership, it will be a victory from Allah." When they returned to Al-Madina, they conveyed the message of Islam until Muhammad's call was as overwhelming as dawn light.

Muhammad and Israa and I'raj

At this stage, Islam call made its way among success and suppression. Hope started to twinkle over the remote horizons. When Israa (traveling by night) and Me'rag (escalation into heavens) event took place Muhammad. It was made to travel by night with his body from Mecca to Jerusalem, mounting a beast called Boraq, accompanied by Gabriel, until he dismounted and led prayers of all prophets and messengers; he tied his beast to the door of the mosque then. He was elevated from there to the first heaven, from Jerusalem. Gabriel called for angels to open up. He saw Adam, father of mankind. He greeted him. Adam greeted back, testifying his belief in Muhammad, then Allah made Muhammad witness happy believers' souls to the right of Adam and miserable disbelievers' souls to his left.

He was elevated to second heaven, when it was opened for him, he met John and Jesus, whom he greeted, and they testified their belief in his prophecy. He was elevated to the third heaven where he met Joseph, who greeted him and testified his belief in his prophecy. He was elevated to the fourth heaven where he met Enoch, who testified his belief in his prophecy. He was elevated to the fifth heaven where he met Aaron, who testified his belief in his prophecy. He was elevated to the sixth heaven where he met Moses, who testified his belief in his prophecy. He was elevated to the seventh heaven where he met Abraham testified his belief in his prophecy.

He was elevated to Sedret el Montaha "the Farthest Heavenly Tree" with so magnificent fruit and leaves. Heavenly lights and colors sparkled on it. That was beyond words or imagination. He was made to behold Al Bayt Al Ma'mor "the Eternal House" which seventy thousand angels enter daily and never comes back. Then he entered paradise with pearl wall and ground of musk, he raised high enough to hear the Creek of fate being written by pens.

He was elevated to meet Allah, where Allah ordered him and Muslims to pray five times a day. This heavenly journey was abundant with miracles. He was offered milk and wine. He chose milk, and then he was told that he chose the pure nature. He saw Malik, the Angel of Hell, who was always serious and fearful. He beheld those in paradise and those in hell. He saw people swallowing blazing fire, when he wondered; he was told they were people who dealt with usury. He saw adulterers, the Pharaoh, and others under torture for their sins.

On his way back to Mecca, he met some of his clans looking for a lost camel. He guided them and drank some of their water when these people came back to Mecca from their journey; they affirmed what Muhammad had said. On the following day, atheists denied this miraculous event in such a way that their punishment and torture for Muslims was at its worst. To challenge him, they asked him to describe Jerusalem, Allah made him behold it and so he described it in detail. He also told them about the lost camel in the tribe faraway from Mecca. However, they remained disbelievers.

Muhammad and his Call to Yathrib People

Six people of Yathrib were Muslims at pilgrimage season in the 11th year of his Message. They promised to spread the call of Islam. In the next season, the 12th year of his Message, July 621, G, and 12 people came Muslims. They vowed to Muhammad to sacrifice their lives for Islam.

Muhammad said to them "Vow before me to worship none but Allah, not to steal, not to do adultery, not to kill yourselves for poverty, not to disobey Allah." They vowed and swore by Allah in confirmation. They spread the call for Islam vehemently in Yathrib.

At the next season, the 13th year, June 622, G, Muslims reached more than seventy. They asked themselves in Yathrib, "Why we leave Muhammad to suffer and be expelled to the hills of Mecca?"

They exchanged messengers to meet secretly at Aqaba in sheer darkness. One of Ansar (The supporters oh Muhammad in Yathrib) leaders narrated that this moment which converted the world from atheism to oneness, in his words "We made for Mecca for pilgrimage. We planned to meet the Apostle, peace be upon him, at Aqaba. We never revealed our planned meeting with him. We also addressed our masters who accompanied us to be Muslim and meet the Apostle."

"When night nearly elapsed, we secretly went out for that meeting. We were seventy three men and two women. We talked and discussed our religious and military agreement. The Apostle addressed us explaining the risks and grave consequences pertaining to his moving to Yathrib. His uncle, who was Muslim, said, "o, folks, if you are able to protect him and shoulder that responsibility, he will come to you if not, leave him. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for his sake." Muhammad said, "Vow to hear and obey for God's cause, in thick and thin, to champion me and protect me, May Allah grant you his mercy." They swore to be loyal before him. One of them protested: "Once Allah grant you victory, will you abandon us and return to you people?" Muhammad smiled "I give you my word; never will I depart or abandon you."

Alliance was declared after he had been re-iterated how grave consequences might be. They pledged to sacrifice their lives for him in God's cause. Thus, Islam managed to establish its stronghold and homeland among a desert fraught with atheism and ignorance. A new era of Islamic history emerged when Muhammad gave permission to Muslims to migrate to Yathrib.

A Plot against Muhammad

Hijra (migration) meant sacrificing business, money and one's relatives to accompany Muhammad, not to mention the risks of death or starvation on the way to Yathrib. Atheists tried to hinder it in tooth and nail as it threatened their prestige over the other tribes, and it would tempt others to join Islam and finally conquer Mecca.

They knew that Muhammad is gifted with influential personality and leadership traits that made his followers willing to sacrifice everything to defend him. He healed the rifts between the conflicting tribes with the help of Allah.

They knew Yathrib had a strategic position for their trading routes from Yemen to Red Sea to Levant. People of Mecca had a one –fourth million gold Dinar worth trade, and that it needed security in these regions.

Thus, Islam was a real threat to the people of Mecca. Atheists saw the real solution to eliminate Islam was murdering Muhammad, the caller for Islam.

Muhammad and his Migration to Yathrib

On Thursday of the 14th year of his Call to Islam, September 12th, their parliament was held in an emergent session. All delegates of tribes attended it to consider a plan to assassinate Islam banner-bearer, Muhammad.

When they gathered, Satan appeared in the form of venerable Sheikh and stood by the door. When asked about his identity, he answered "A Sheikh of Najd, who is concerned about the affair of Muhammad. They welcomed him and invited him to their meeting. Throughout deliberations, someone said," We can expel him of our lands and end this sedition ". Satan replied: "You know his sweet speech and matchless convincing argument and also how he seizes the hearts of listeners. He may settle to anywhere then lead Arabs to conquer you."  
Someone suggested, "Lock him up in iron chains and wait until he goes mad in isolation like poets, and he will perish by then". Satan replied "Nay, if you lock him up, his followers will flock to rescue and free him. You know how they endear him."

After dismissal of these two, proposals they came to a concord, one polytheist said, "I suggest we gather a valiant youngster of every tribe with a sharp sword. They shall stab him like one man. Then, we'll be relieved of him. No one can avenge him as his tribe can't fight all the Arabs" Satan – in the shape of the Najdi Sheikh – hailed It "That's it."

Mecca parliament accepted the proposal at a consensus. They all agreed to conspire in this top-secret meeting. Life in Mecca was routine so that no one would discover the plot. Gabriel came with a message from Allah to inform Muhammad of Qurish's plot. Allah gave orders that Muhammad would not sleep in his bed, and that he would migrate.

At noon, when people get rest, Muhammad went to his companion, Abu Bakr, to plan migration route. Atheist of Qurish spent their day preparing their men to carry out their plot. Meanwhile, Muhammad went on in his routine life for fear of discovering the migration scheme.

Muhammad pretended to be asleep while his cousin, Ali Ben Abu Taleb, who was a lad, slept in his bed. When darkness fell, the atheists came to stab Muhammad, as planned. They thought he was asleep. They waited for him to kill him when he woke up. Qurish was sure of its success. So, one of their leaders addressed Muslims, mockingly, "Muhammad. I told you that they will be rulers over the world, and that you will be resurrected after death." The murderers kept awake and alert, but Allah saved his Apostle.

He came out whilst they stood to kill him, unseen in a miracle as he stepped out among them. He put sand on their heads as he recited verses of Quran "and we have put a barrier before them, and a barrier behind them, and we have covered them up, so that they cannot see." He accompanied Abu Baker by night to the cave of Thur in the direction of Yemen.

Thur cave [7]

The plotters kept waiting, but in vain. Failure and disgrace overwhelmed them when they were told that Muhammad had passed among them while they were awake. They awakened his cousin, Ali, who slept in his bed for camouflage.

Muhammad left his home on September 12th 622, G, per night. They took a reverse road until he reached Thur, a rocky mountain. He walked on tiptoes so as not to be terraced. Abu Baker, his companion walked before and after him for protection when they entered a cave, Abu Baker preceded him to secure the place and to get bitten by a scorpion or the like instead of him.

Abu Baker was bitten while Muhammad slept beside him, he did not wish to disturb Muhammad. When a tear fell on the Muhammad's cheek, he woke and treated the bite with his blessed saliva. They stayed in the cave for three nights Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Qurish was mad when the escape of Muhammad was known. They beat Ali, dragged him to Ka'aba, locked him up for a while. They hoped to get some information from Ali, but in vain. They asked the daughter of Abu Baker, when she refused to reveal secrets, she was beaten until she bled.

Qurish decided in an emergent session of its parliament to chase Muhammad at every road with armed knights. A prize was declared to the one who caught or killed the fugitives. Everyone on Mecca was zealous to obtain the immense prize, including knights, infantry and tracers, but in vain. The chasers reached the cave where Muhammad and his companion hid, Abu Baker said, "If anyone looked down, he would see us "Muhammad assured him "Allah is with us." It was a miracle as Allah blinded them again. When the chase calmed down, Muhammad and his companion resumed their journey to Yathrib.

Abdullah Ben Arkad, a clever trace reader, was hired to guide Muhammad. He was a clever guide. Although he was not a Muslim then, he guided Muhammad throughout the desert roads. He dodged chasers as he took the road to Yemen, following costal line, then he made to the west and then to north again.

Muslim's migration from Mecca to Yathrib [8]

Muhammad and Establishing a Capital for Islam

Yathrib people crawled to welcome him, when he arrived, it was a historic day, and When Jews beheld him. They knew he was the prophet they find in their Books. Like Abraham, Muhammad migrated with the new religion to another land where he settled to base the Islamic state that converted the history into a new era. It was an unusual way to build up a nation. Muhammad united its citizens and resources. When the state was strong enough, order and constitution was declared. Allah inspired his Apostle to heal the rifts between conflicting sides. The nation was based on principles of Islam that esteemed brotherhood and equality. Muhammad first stayed at his follower's house in Qebaa. His cousin, Ali Ben Abu Talib, stayed in Mecca for 3 more days to deliver the trusts that were kept with Muhammad, as he was called "The Honest." Ali migrated on foot until he joined Muhammad in Qebaa where Muhammad stayed for three days; He built the first mosque in Islam. He sent to his cousins, Banu el Najar, who accompanied him with their swords to Al-Madina where hails of praise and gratitude for Allah raised in every house for saving his Apostle and honoring them with his stay among them.

Ansar (the believers in Yathrib) were not rich, but each hoped apostle would be in his guest. Wherever he passed a house, the household held the rein of his camel, inviting him in, He said to them "let her go, angels lead her." When it reached the place where the second holy shrine in Madina lies, she rested. Muhammad began this era by building a mosque.

Mosque of prophet Muhammad [PBUH] [9]

Hijra (migration) not only meant escape for rescue, but it also meant establishing the Islamic state, embodying the sublime principles of Islam. So, each Muslim had to flee to it to preserve his religion and champion the Apostle of Allah.

Muhammad was the leader, the paragon and guide. He was the embodiment of Qur'an.

Madina society was composed of various sectors. He made them one coherent people. Jews, before Muhammad, had sublime prestige as they were more educated and were called people of the Scripture.

Muhammad reached AL-Madina on Friday, September 27th 622, G. The first thing he did was building the Prophetic Mosque at Madina. He shared his followers in carrying the stones. At that time, Azan, the call for prayers, was inspired by Allah, It is the heavenly call for prayers, five times a day, declaring that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. It was a holy vision of one of the followers whom Muhammad consented to.

Muezzin [10]

The mosque was the center around which Muslims gathered. To stamp out racism, he made immigrants from Mecca brothers of Ansar (believers at Madina).

This fraternity meant surpassing past hatred, racism, differences of social classes, color bar and that loyalty is only for Islam.

Compassion, tolerance and altruism prevailed. This society was never achieved in history. Ansar wanted to provide for Al-Muhajereen (immigrants) and divide their property and even wives with them. Al-Muhajereen refused and sought help to work and earn their living. Muhammad formulated a treaty to crystallize Islamic unity. It stated: "This message is from Muhammad to Muslims, from Qurish and Yathrib and their allies.

1- They are one nation

2-Migrants from Qurish support the needy among them in good terms and justice. Every tribe shall support their needy and preserve their resources

3- Muslims shall relieve any suffering among them in benevolence and dignity

4- Muslims shall stand up to transgressors and sedition among them

5- They should unite against the unjust, even if he were one of them

6- A Muslim is not to kill a Muslim in revenge of an atheist

7- Muslims shall never champion an atheist against a Muslim

8- Muslims vow before Allah to apply justice to weak and strong alike

9- Jews allies shall be championed and treated in justice

10- Muslims' safety and security are inspirable. A Muslim shall not hold treaties for a person or a tribe alone

11- Muslim's blood is sacred and is spelt only for God's Sake

12- Muslims shall not prefer an atheist to a Muslim, either in blood or dealings

13- Muslims shall never kill a Muslim, save by mistake; blood money shall be paid or forgiven

14- Muslims act as one united nation

15- Muslims shall never champion or foster a traitor or else God will curse the sinner on doomsday

16- The reference to settle disputes is Allah, and the Apostle One of the believers asked him "Which is the best deed in Islam?" He replies "to feed the needy, to greet those whom you know or do not know." Muhammad says: "Spread greetings, feed the hungry be benevolent to your relatives, pray to Allah by night to be granted paradise"

\- He says, "No Muslim, who hurts his neighbors shall enter paradise"

\- He says, "No one shall be a believer until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself"

\- He says, "The Muslim is the one who abstains from his harm to others"

\- He says, "Muslims are one person"

\- He says, "A Muslim should never part with his brother for three days"

\- He says, "No Muslim shall remain fed up while neighbor is hungry "

\- He Says, "To insult a Muslim is sin, to fight him is blasphemy"

\- He says, "Charity is the best act to please God"

\- He says, "Whoever relieves a Muslim from hardship will be relieved by God"

That period enabled Muslims to spread the call of Islam, so, their number doubled.

Muhammad and his Messages to the World's Kings and Princes

Since the call for Islam is the goal for which Muslims suffered pain, agony, war, seditions and disturbances. Muhammad sent messages, in the 6th year of Hijra, to the kings at this epoch to call for Islam. When he wanted to address them, he was told that kings only read stamped messages. So, he had a silver stamp made on which he printed "Muhammad is the messenger of Allah". He chose ambassadors from his followers of those with knowledge and experience.

Yathrib city [11]

Here are some of these messages and their outcomes:

His message to Al-Nagashi, king of Ethiopia:

Here is the message text:

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. From Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah to Nagashi, King of Ethiopia. Peace upon you, then, I thank Allah, who bears witness whom none has the right to be worshiped but He. Allah, the Absolute, the True King, the Sacred. I bear witness whom Jesus is the Apostle of Allah and His word that was entrusted in Mary- the Virgin, the Chaste. She bore Jesus, whom Allah has created with His hand, without father like Adam. I call for worship of Allah. No deity is worth worshiping but He I invite you to follow me in the cause of Allah, praise be to Him. I am the Apostle of Allah. I thus have conveyed his call to you. Peace be upon the followers of His path.

The king took the message, put it over his head in respect, descended his throne and declared himself Muslim. He wrote back to Muhammad: In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. From Nagashi to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, God's peace and Mercy be upon you, I thank Allah, no god but He, then:

I received your message, o apostle of Allah; I read what you mentioned of Jesus. I swear by God of heavens that Jesus is no more than what you said. We acknowledge that you are true and honest. I vow to submit to Allah before you and your cousin. I hereby bear witness of my being Muslim. When Nagashi died as a Muslim, Muhammad wrote another message to his successor.

His message to Al-Mukawkas, King of Egypt:

Muhammad sent his message to Grig Ben Matha, or Al-Mukawkas, the king of Egypt: "In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. From Muhammad, the worshiper and prophet of Allah to Al-Mukawkas, the Monarch of the Coptic:

Peace be upon you, then, I call you to be a Muslim. Be Muslim to save yourselves of God's wrath and be granted his mercy. If you reject Islam, you bear sin for yourself and your people. Here is the call of Quran (O people of the Scripture, let us unite under the word that we worship none but Allah. We take none equal to him, and we consider none of us deity like Allah, if you deny it, bear witness, we submit to Allah."

Muhammad's message to Al-Mukawkas [12]

The ambassador was Hatib Ben Abu Baltaa. When the king finished reading, he said, "Why did not he ask God to curse his people? The ambassadors said, "like Jesus, he has mercy on them" the king praised him "You are wise, and you were sent by a wise man." The ambassador said, "Don't repeat the example of Pharaoh, whom Allah revenged and cursed him in this life and on the Doomsday. The king said, "We keep to our religion."

The messenger said, "Islam combines all previous religions. All prophets call for the religion of Allah; Muhammad is the last prophet who was sent for this time and after"

The king said, "We shall consider what you call for. We deny none of your words" he respected the message as he thought Muhammad was not magician, not a liar, and he called for the sublime morals. The king wrote back: "In the Name of Allah, Most Graceful, Most Merciful From Al-Mukawkas, the Coptic king to Muhammad Peace upon you" Then, I have read and understood your call.

I knew that a prophet was yet to come. I have honored your ambassadors and sent you a grand present peace be upon you." He did not declare himself Muslim.

His message to Kisra, Persian's king (Iran at present):

"In the Name of Allah Most Gracious Most Merciful; From Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah to Kisra, the Persians' king Peace be upon those who follow the path of Allah, who believe in Allah and his Apostle, who bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the worshiper and Apostle of Allah. I was sent to all peoples to worship Allah so that God's punishment to disbelievers may be justified by this call. Be Muslim to save yourself and your people. If you reject, you bear the sin of your people"

The message was torn by Persian king who said arrogantly, "One of my slaves writes his name before mine?" Muhammad said: "May Allah tear his Kingdom." The Persian king sent tough men to arrest the prophet and lead him to his court. When they arrived in Al-Madina, they told Muhammad "Our Lord (the king) wants you." Muhammad said: "My Lord, Allah, told me your king is died now" "tell his successors that Allah told me that my religion and rule shall overwhelm his Kingdom if you are Muslim You will rule your people in Islam." When they returned, they knew that the king was already dead and that Muhammad was right. Thus, Islam in the spread among Persians in Yemen that the king's messengers belonged to

His message to Caesar, the king of Romans:

"In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful from Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah to Caesar, the king of Romans, Hercules, Peace be upon those who follow the path of God. I call you to be Muslim to save yourself and your people of God's wrath. (O people of the Scripture let us unite under the word that we worship none but Allah. We take none equal to him, and we consider none of us deity like Allah, if you deny it, bear witness, we submit to Allah).

Muhammad's message to Hercules [13]

At that time, Abu Sofyan-who was not Muslim at that time-, was at a trading caravan in Levant. He was invited to meet Caesar to talk of Muhammad. Through an interpreter, Caesar asked him about Muhammad's manners, as he was his uncle. Caesar told other Arabs attending the session to oppose Abu Sofyan if he was telling lies. Caesar said, "Tell me about his lineage." Abu Sofyan answered" He is from the noblest families." When he was asked about whether Muslims get frustrated and covert from Islam, he answered that they never turn from Islam. Caesar asked who the followers of Muhammad were. Abu Sofyan answered that they were mainly the poor and marginalized, and that they were increasing although they were fought and subjected to torture and boycott. About the principles of Islam, he said, "To worship God alone, to preserve prayers, to be honest and chaste, and to honor kinship."

Caesar concluded to his guests that these traits tell of a prophet as the same characteristics were shared among all prophets. He said, "If I could, would be a sincere follower to him'. When his courtiers heard that, they protested loudly. Abu Sofyan was sure by this time that Islam would inevitably thrive.

His message to Munzer Ben Sanawy:

He was the ruler of Bahrain, who received a message from Muhammad to be Muslim. He wrote back:

"O Apostle of Allah I have read your message to the people of Bahrain. Some of them welcomed Islam, and they believe in your being the Apostle of Allah. Others remained disbelievers like Jews and Magi. I seek your order and advice."

He received another message: "In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful from Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah to Al Munzir Ben Sawy Peace to those who follow the path of Allah. Those who believe in Allah will do well to themselves. Whoever honors my messengers do hereby honor me. You are the ruler of your people. Give them freedom to determine whether to be Muslim or not."

His message to Hawza B EN Ali, the ruler of Yamama:

"In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful From Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah to Hawza Ben Ali Peace to those who follow the path of Allah. Bear in mind that Islam shall prevail everywhere. Be Muslim so that you can save yourselves, and then you will rule your people in Islam." He wrote back:

"How great your call is, but I am actually the ruler of this country."

Gabriel, the Holy Spirit, told Muhammad that this ruler died and a liar will emerge from this land and the messenger of Muhammad to him will kill him and end up this sedition. It came true in the following years.

His message to Al Harith Ben Abi Shumir:

"In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful From Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah to Al Harith Ben Abi Shumir Peace to those who follow the path of Allah. Peace be to the true believers of Allah. I call you to believe in God alone. No deity is worth being worshiped but He. Be Muslim to save yourselves the wrath of God and preserve your rule."

He wanted to wage war on Muslims but Caesar forbade him. Therefore, he honored the message bearer.

His message to the king of Oman:

"In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful From Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah to Jafar Al Jendi, king of Oman Peace to those who follow the path of Allah. I call you to be Muslim to save yourselves from the punishment of Allah. I was sent to all peoples to grant your choice and justify God's punishment to disbelievers. Be Muslim so that you preserve your rule for Islam shall prevail in every corner of the earth."

The messenger told him that Islam is rising and that Muhammad never tells lies and added that Nagashi, king of Ethiopia was Muslim. When the king asked about the principles of Islam, he was told that to be Muslim, one must be obedient to God. Do charities, honor kinship, refrain from injustice, aggression, adultery, liquor and never worship any deity or god but Allah. When those people were told about the history of Islam and the noble traits of Muhammad, they all embraced Islam.

His message to the Jews of Khyber:

"In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful from Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah, brother of Moses and believer in him. In the Testament, you find the annunciation of Islam. I call you to be Muslim by the verses of Qur'an that reveal what you conceal in your Testament) the Jews considered this message carefully and acknowledged the signs mentioned of Muhammad, and that although he was illiterate, he revealed their holy Books contents. They agreed to ask him about some obscure topics as very few Jews know of them. Their messenger and a delegate of Jew scholars visited Muhammad. When seated, he said: "There are some obscure points which we do not understand well." Muhammad told him that he knew these questions as Gabriel had just told him "You have collected 1404 questions from your Books, and you have written them yourself" he said. The messenger agreed and wept. "I am confident now that you are true, and that you are the Apostle of God." Said the Jews' messenger, Shamuael, he kept asking Muhammad about the other prophets and messengers. To get more knowledge, he asked about Islam. He was answered "To believe in one God, obey Him and bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah." He asked about faith. Muhammad said: "It means to believe in one God, to obey Him, to witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Apostle of Allah, to pray, give alms, to fast and to go on pilgrimage, if you can believe in prophets, messengers and angels."

Shamuael asked about the numbers of religions that the world witnessed from Heaven. Muhammad answered that the religion of God is the same, but every nation has its regulation.

Muhammad was asked whether pious get into paradise thanks to their good deeds or by Grace of Allah?. Muhammad said that they are entitled to be rewarded by their deeds, but the reward itself is grace of Allah since it is far greater than their good deeds. He was asked about the Heavenly Books that were revealed by God to the prophets? He answered that they were 104 books. Son of Adam got 50. Enoch had 30. Abraham had 20, Zabor was revealed to David. The three other Heavenly Books were revealed to Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Muhammad was asked about the angels Gabriel, Michael and Israfil. Muhammad described Adam and the angels.

About Adam: He was created from mud and water. The mud was collected from every part of the earth to make people of various colors and ethnics. God created Adam with His own hands gave him the soul through his mouth. God ordered Adam to dwell in paradise with his spouse, Eve, and not to eat from that tree. Muhammad detailed the paradise and its trees.

Muhammad answered that Adam descended to Earth first in India, met with Eve in Jeddah. The snake descended in Asfahan. Satan descended in Bisan. The Jews' messenger said, "You have bounteous and true knowledge from Allah" "What did Adam wear when he was descended to Earth?" "Three leaves from paradise. Eve was created from Adam, from his rib "Shamuael asked "Who dwelt earth before Adam?" Muhammad answered "Jin, then angels."

About angels: Muhammad answered that they had dwelt on the earth for seven hundred years after Jin. There are angels who write down man's deeds in a record that man shall be shown on Doomsday to justify the God's punishment or to prove to man that God is the Most Merciful. He said that every heaven is 500 years of travel in length, in width and thickness. Between the heavens, there are angels and guards. God beholds his creatures 360 times a day. Every time, He passes his fate among them. The universe is under a non-stop change. God has created the seventh heaven first. Then he created the rest of heavens downwards. The seventh heaven is created from smoke. The heavens are opened only with the Sacred Name of God.

The creation of each heaven is unique. The sun and moon are obedient worshippers of Allah. The stars vary in size and power. There are winds between heaven and the earth. They are for people's good, or for God's wrath. There is a wind for torture to disbelievers on the Day of Judgment.

About the angels who carry the throne of Allah: They are 80 rows. They are so giant that if a bird commuted a thousand years of travel between one ear to the other, it would not cover that distance, and it would not reach the other side.

He was asked about the offspring who was tougher than the origin. He answered that it is the iron that comes from stone. The messenger asked about the spot that the sun light reached only once? Muhammad answered that it is the spot where Pharaoh was drowned. He answered that the mount of Sinai was the only one that was raised high in the air when Moses held the Testament. The only inanimate thing that was given a soul was the stick of Moses. The only males who had no father were Adam, Jesus and the lamb given to Ishmael the center of earth is Jerusalem.

In answer, Muhammad described the Oak of Noah. He said that man's offspring are either similar to their direct parents or their heredity according to their blood genes. God, Praise Be to Him, shall never subject anyone to torture without being warned by a messenger or prophet to justify that punishment. The children of atheists or disbelievers who die young shall be under God's Mercy. People shall be resurrected in different lands and under different skies. The three holy shrines are in Mecca, Jerusalem and Yathrib.

The thing that comes to nothing is the worldly life that ends with no gain for man save good deeds. The Ever- lasting place for man is either Paradise or Hell. People who dwell on the paradise shall never evacuate, but they shall sweat with musk. The pleasures of paradise are never ending and unlimited. They are beyond description, language or even imagination. This also applies to hell torture. Paradise was created before Hell as God's forgiveness preceded his wrath. Paradise has eight doors while hell has seven doors. The distance between each door is one thousand years of travel. Paradise's doors are as high as 500 years of travel. Believers enter the paradise in their prime youth, 33 years of age, as handsome as Joseph, peace be upon him. They are as tall as Adam, as good mannered as Muhammad. The pleasures of paradise are beyond description, language and fancy.

About Hell: It burned for thousand years until it turned red; thousand years until it turned white, one thousand years until it turned black. It represents wrath of God, which is relentless and beyond description. If a flame reached the earth, it would inflame everything therein. It has seven layers. The first is for hypocrites. The second is for Magi. The third is for Christian sinners. The fourth is for Jewish sinners. The fifth is Sakkar. The sixth is Hellfire. The seventh – he wept hard – is for Muslim sinners.

About Doomsday: God orders Israfil to blow the horn for resurrection. The sun and stars are wiped out. Mountains are leveled to be ground. The earth is totally converted to a new shape. God makes all creations alive to be judged before Him. The path is set up over Hell for people to pass through. God – fearing believers shall pass safe other sinners. Disbelievers and polytheists shall fall to Hell. The first blow of the horn shall turn. Every Creature dead the Second one shall enliven every creature. Books bearing the records of humans' deeds shall be spread open. The Angel of Death shall. Be the last Creature to die by an order of God.

About resurrection: Israfil, the angel holding the horn shall be the first to rise from death. He shall blow the horn once more for the creatures to rise from graves to be judged before Allah Almighty. In resurrection, people shall pass six stages. They shall be mud, shall wear shapes, bodies, blood in veins, dressed hair before being tried in the Divine Presence. A wind bearing shall lead people to gather in Jerusalem. They shall stand in 120 rows, three for believers and 117 for disbelievers. Each row amounts to four thousand years of travel in length. Believers shall be known by the marks of ablution for prayers whereas disbelievers shall be black-faced. Believers shall be granted light from God to pass safely on the Serat (the pass set up over Hell). Some Muslims shall pass quickly; some will take twenty years to pass. Hypocrites and disbelievers shall cry for light to be saved from Hell. They shall be denied light for their sins. They shall finally fall in Hell to suffer forever. Death shall be made to take the form of a lamb. It shall be slain between Paradise and Hell so that shall not fear to be driven from Paradise, and disbelievers shall lose hope of salvation.

At the end of this session, the present Jews declared themselves Muslims and became true and sincere followers of Muhammad.

Through the above – mentioned messages, Muhammad has spread the call for Islam to most kings of his time and made Islam known, which made disbelievers more envious. A woman of Khyber prepared a poisoned lamb and invited him to it. When he was about to eat the dead lamb told him it was poisoned. The woman confessed that "If he is true, God will save him, if he is not, he will deserve to be killed." One of his followers died of its poison.

Muhammad and Widespread of his Call in Almost All Arabia

After ten years of the emergence of Islam in its capital, Yathrib, there had been many wars, which ended with victory that crowned Muslim's strife. Muslims increased in number and power. Finally, Muhammad opened Mecca and entered it peacefully as God has previously promised him. His aim from entering Mecca was not to revenge, but to perform pilgrimage and purify Mecca of statues and polytheism. He forgave the people of Mecca, who had previously been his bitter enemies. The conquest of Mecca was the greatest victory in Islam. It indicated the triumph of Islam over disbelievers and polytheists. It was an event, which changed history. It was also an indication of the end of Muhammad's message in earth and a warning of his death.

Muhammad and his Return to Mecca, the End of Idolatry

Abu Bakr sent messengers everywhere calling that no polytheist or bare people shall come to Mecca for pilgrimage. Since then, Islam has become the sole religion in Arabia. Muhammad was a matchless military leader. He prepared well for every battle he fought. Due to his courage and wisdom, he was never beaten. He managed to mobilize his men and resources in the optimum manner, study the battlefield, raise the morale of his followers, excel in strategic planning and control the battle in a unique sort of leadership.

These battles aimed to establish peace and preserve security. They were the battles of Islam against polytheism. The call needed power to protect it. Muhammad aimed to be allowed to spread the call to Islam and enable the peoples to make the choice. Man is free to be Muslim or not.

Muslims learned from Muhammad the tactics of war, so, they invaded other Persian and Roman countries in Iraq, Iran, Levant and North Africa as Muhammad promised Muslims, who were then under a fierce blockage in Yathrib. Hypocrites at that time mocked Muslims, but God realized his promise to Muslims. War aims changed from blunder and theft to free men will, to enable him to choose. War was no longer a means to oppress people or to revenge, but to spread the call of God, the call of fraternity, equality and good morals to elevate human society.

The war has become noble as Islam set up rules that the soldiers and leaders keep to. Muhammad ordered the leaders to fear God, preserve Muslim soldiers' lives, to fight the warriors only, never to kill an old man, a woman or child, never to blunder or sabotage, never to disrespect the dead or injured never to burn or pollute the enemy army's land.

His armies never fought at night, never burned, never blundered or killed the peaceful citizens. He said, "Whoever kills a peaceful man shall never enter paradise," the strife of Muhammad was not limited to protecting the state of Islam from outer aggression, but it also included establishing the rules to the regime, the code of ethics and fraternity.

In that glorious era, people were United under the banner of Islam, regardless of color, economic status or social strata. There was also the fight against sedition and Satan in man's conscience. It is an endless war inside man. Muhammad was supported by God until polytheism was eradicated, and Islam spread in every land. More than twenty years of strife were fruitful. Islam combined and United people of all colors, ranks and strata. Man was free from injustice and oppression. People all are equal before God. Before Islam, ignorance and hatred prevailed. There were no values or rules of conduct. Jungle law was the only rule. The world was polluted with injustice and slavery.

Atheism, tyranny and jungle law made no way for equality or fraternity. If you examine the followers of Muhammad, You will find them combining the free and slave, the rich and poor, and people from all countries and ranks standing in equal footing.

After Islam has emerged, the principles of chastity, purity, passiveness, freedom, equality, faith and human dignity prevailed. They are the bases of man evaluation before God. Man shall be judged for good deeds and his benevolence to others.

Recent photo of Ka'aba [14]

Muhammad was rewarded by God to witness the fruit of twenty years of strife and suffering for the sake of God's cause. Delegates of All Arab tribes came to Mecca to declare loyalty to Islam, which meant the fulfillment of Muhammad's mission on earth and his eminent death. Muhammad intended to perform the pilgrimage in the 10th year of Hijra. He performed the rites and then he gave his last sermon.

"O people Listen as I may not meet you after this year, Your blood and moneys are as sacred as this city and this shrine. I abolish every revenge and hostility before Islam. Fear God and be just to women whom you were wedded to in God's name. Be benevolent to them as long as they remain chaste. O people. No prophet will follow me, keep to Quran, The Book of Allah and fear Him. Do you witness that I conveyed the message of God? "They replied," yes "He said."O. My Lord witnesses to it."

When he finished his sermon, God revealed to him the last verses of Quran: "Today, your religion is complete." He wept as anything deteriorates after it is complete.

In his last days, Gabriel revised Quran with him more often. He spent twenty days in the mosque. Then, sickness seized him. His last sermon was to preserve (prayers and be benevolent). He kept saying, "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and that I am the Messenger of Allah) he died at 63 years of age on Monday, 12th Rabei Al Awal 11, H. It was a severe shock to Muslims. It was for beyond belief. Among feelings of shock and distress, Abu Bakr, his companion, was self-possessed and addressed the followers of Muhammad then gathering:

"O, people to whoever worshiped Muhammad, he is dead, to whoever worship Allah. He is the Eternal who never dies" After a lot of consideration and debates, his companion, Abu Bakr was elected to succeed him. On the next day, Muhammad was washed, without taking off his clothes, by his uncle and cousin.

He was washed three times with scented water, shrouded in three - ply sheet. He was buried at the spot where he died.

Muhammad's tomb [15]

Muhammad as described by his followers

His followers were fascinated by his beauty as the poet. Hassan Ben Thabet described him, "You were matchless in beauty, free from any imperfection as if you were created as you wished." This beauty was mixed with reverence and sublime morals. It expressed deep faith and total obedience to God. His followers rose whenever they saw him out of respect and deep love, but Muhammad forbade them to rise to him. His followers dare not looks directly to him in the face. Om Mou'bed, a believer woman, described him saying that he was brilliant with heavenly light, white skinned, black eyed, with long eyelids, sweet voiced with thick black eye brows. When he spoke, his words were clear and solemn. He was the best one people can withhold. His followers encircled him out of loyalty and true love. No one of them preceded him in walk or speech. He was not swearing or gloomy.

His detailed body description

These are his followers' description so that you can imagine:

1- His beauty:

He was the most handsome one in each respect. His followers reported that he was of pleasant look, the best to see, with the noblest manners. He was neither tall nor short. When he was pleased, his face shone like a full moon.

2- His color: He was white colored with a pink tint.

3- His face: His face was round, brilliant with godly light, beautiful with majesty.

4- His eyes: He was wide eyed. As Ali Ben Abi Talib said, "The Apostle, peace be upon him, had wide eyes, long black eyelashes, thick black beard."

5- His eyelashes: They were long and good looking.

6- His mouth: It was good looking with perfect harmony with the face.

7- His teeth: They were white, perfect sized, when he talked, his followers saw a light emerging from them.

8- His nose: It was perfect in size, not big or small. It was in full concord with his beautiful face. His face lit as a miracle granted to him by God.

9- His cheeks: They were white with pink dint, as described by Hind Bent Hala: He was white, with pink color, black-wide eyed, long haired thick bearded with beautiful cheeks.

10- His forehead: He had a wide brilliant forehead.

11- His neck: It was perfect in size, neither long nor short.

12- His head: It was big, in accord with his body.

13- His shoulders: They were wide and strong, which told of a strong coherent body.

14- His chest: It was strong, white and flat. His chest and abdomen were flat.

15- His abdomen: It was flat, with no sign of imperfection. He was the paragon, both in body and manners.

16- His chest hair: His cousin, Ali Ben Abu Talib, and his wife, Aisha, described him as he had thick strong chest hair.

17- His back: His back was as straight and strong as an alloy of silver as his followers described him.

18- His arms: They were strong and in full harmony with the rest of his body. They were covered with thick hair.

19- His legs: They were middle sized. They were strong and white. They were as perfect as the rest of his body.

20- His feet: He had strong feet, which had no curves or any aspect of imperfection. His sweat was in drops like pearls. His odor was as sweet as musk. Jaber said, "You could trace him easily by his perfume" He had a godly stamp of prophecy between his shoulders. This mark was seen at no one else except him.

21- His eloquence: He was gifted with eloquence, right sound logic and convincing argument. He was granted conclusive wise judgment. He mastered Arabian dialect. He addressed every tribe with its own dialect no one could surpass him in argument, thanks to support of God.

He was tolerant and clement. He was also patient and characterized by perseverance. He never swore or cursed, despite the harm done to him by Qurish. Aisha said about him "Whenever he made a choice, he chose the easier thing, save sin. He never took avenge for a personal reason, but for violating God's obligations. He was hard to arouse, easy to please. Although God made him privy to sins and lies of others, he never scandalized them." He was most bounteous and generous. He gave charity fearing no poverty. Ben Abbas said, "He was the most generous. He was more giving in Ramadan when Gabriel revised Quran with him."

He was the most valiant and gallant. In war or in fear, no one could keep peace with him. Ali said, "When battles and war erupt, we took shelter in the Apostle as he was the nearest to enemy lines." Once, Yathrib people got startled and panicked, when their people hurried to face danger, they found that the Apostle, peace be upon him, was the first to hurry to it.

He was most modest and tolerant. Whenever he was angry, it could be known by his look, but he never cursed or swore. He was not proud even when he opened Mecca; he mounted his horse, looking down in modesty.

He was honest, just and trustworthy. His antagonists confessed it. He was called "the honest." When Hercules asked the disbelievers about him, they all said, "He never lies." He forbade his followers to be proud or arrogant. He visited and honored the poor and the needy. His wife Aisha said, "He used to serve himself, knit his shoes and clothes with his own hands."

He never broke his word or violated or a treaty. He honored kinship. He was most Clement to people and animals. He forbade Muslims to harm animals, or torment or burn it. He never punished evil doers with evil. He was modest and never liked to be treated as a king or ruler. He slept on rough plant rugs, which left marks in his arms, although he could live in luxury. He helped his followers with their work and bore hardships, fatigue and hunger like them.

Hend Ben Hala described him "He was solemn, not joking. He never knew a rest, but he was contemplating all the time. He listened to everyone; He never mocked a speaker or spoke in pride. He spoke generally and eloquently. He never backbit anyone. He was decent and never rough. He was tolerant and completely satisfied. When he was happy, he smiled and never laughed loudly. He never pocked his nose in others' affairs. He always healed any rift among his followers. He used to ask about his followers, honor them and pray God to help them.

He never ceased glorifying God, praising him or thanking Him. Once, an atheist was used to throwing rubbish and dirt at the prophet's door. When that atheist paused to do so due to illness, the prophet visited him to relieve him. The atheist then said, "Verily, these are the manners of prophets. I declare myself Muslim."

He never specified a place or a spot for his seat. He used to sit at the vacant spot. He never favored one follower to another. Every follower thought that he himself was the best for the prophet due to his generosity. The prophet, peace be upon him, never left his companion until he left the prophet, never interrupted or slighted with a speaker. He was always optimistic, easy to accompany, with no fear that he might shout or curse. God forbids. He abandoned three traits: hypocrisy, extravagance and pocking his nose in other's affairs. He never scared, daunted or exposed anyone. Followers obeyed him, respected him and were loyal to him. The prophet was even tolerant with rough poor people giving them excuse as they were needy.

Kharega Ben Zaid said, "The prophet's session was most solemn. He never mentioned trivial matters. He connived rough or indecent words. He smiled instead of laughter. His speech was so organized and clustered that one could count his words. No ruler, emperor or king was as honored or dignified by his followers like Muhammad, peace be upon him.

Sayings of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH]

Charity   
A man giving in alms one piece of silver in his lifetime is better for him than giving one hundred when about to die. To meet friends cheerfully and invite them to a feast are charitable acts. To extend consideration towards neighbors and send them presents are charitable acts.

Education   
To acquire knowledge is binding upon all Muslims, whether male or female. The ink of the scholar is holier than the blood of the martyr. He who travels in the search of knowledge, to him God shows the way of Paradise. Acquire knowledge, because he who acquires it, in the way of the Lord, performs an act of piety; who speaks of it praises the Lord; Who seeks it, adores God, who dispenses instruction in it, bestows alms; And who imparts it to its fitting objects, performs an act of devotion to God. Knowledge enables its possessor to distinguish what is forbidden from what is not; lights the way to Heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our companion in solitude, our companion, when bereft of friends; it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is our ornament in the company of friends; it serves as an armor against our enemies. With knowledge, the creatures of Allah rises to the heights of goodness and to noble position, associates with the sovereigns in this world and attains the perfection of happiness in the next.

Envy   
Keep yourselves far from envy, because it eats up and takes away good actions, like the fire that eats up and burns wood. Suppression of Anger Whoever suppresses his anger, when he has in his power to show it, God will give him a great reward. He is not strong and powerful, who throws people down, but he is strong who withholds himself from anger.

Behavior   
Deal gently with people, and be not harsh; cheer them and condemn not. Much silence and a good disposition, there are no two works better than these. The best of friends is he who is best in behavior and character. One who does not practice modesty and does not refrain from shameless deeds is not a Muslim.

Parents and Family

Paradise lies at the feet of the mother. He who wishes to enter Paradise must please his father and mother.

Pride   
No one who keeps his mind focused entirely upon himself, can grow large, strong and beautiful in character. Remembrance of God: Whoever loves to meet God, God loves to meet him. The five stated prayers erase the sins which have been committed during the intervals between them if they have not been mortal sins.

Sympathy   
God is not merciful to him who is not so to humankind. He who is not kind to God's creation and to his own children, God will not be kind to him. Whosoever visits a sick person, an angel call from Heaven: "Be happy in the world and happy be your walking; and take your habitation in paradise." Worldly Love and Materialism the love of the world, is the root of all evils. Wealth properly employed is a blessing; and a man may lawfully endeavor to increase it by honest means.

Miracles of Muhammad

Apart from the greatest miracle given to him, the Quran, Prophet Muhammad performed many physical miracles witnessed by his contemporaries numbering in hundreds, and in some cases thousands. The miracle reports have reached us by a reliable and strong method of transmission unmatched in world history. It is as if the miracles were performed in front of our eyes. The meticulous method of transmission is what convinces us that Muhammad indeed performed these great miracles with divine aid and, thus. We can believe him when he said, 'I am God's Messenger.'

Muhammad's great miracles were witnessed by thousands of believers and skeptics, following which verses of the Quran were revealed mentioning the supernatural events. The Quran made some miracles eternal by etching them in the conscious of the believers. The ancient detractors would simply remain silent when these verses were recited. Had these miracles not taken place, they would have seized the moment to scandalize it and belie Muhammad. However, rather, the opposite took place. The believers grew more certain of the truth of Muhammad and the Quran. The fact that the faithful grew stronger in their faith and the silence of the unbelievers and not denying their occurrence is an acknowledgment from both that the miracles took place exactly as the Quran describes.

In this section, we will discuss some of the physical miracles performed by Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.

## Miracles are from Divine Power. A miracle one of the factors which further strengthens the claim of a prophet of God Miracles should not be the soul essence of belief, as supernatural events can also take place using magic and devils. The truth of prophet hood is clear and evident in the actual message brought, as God has instilled a capability, although limited; in humans to recognize the truth as it is, specifically in the matter of monotheism but in order to further strengthen the argument of Prophet hood, God performed miracles at the hands of His Prophets from Moses, Jesus to Muhammad. For this reason, God did not produce miracles upon the demand of the Meccans, but the Wise God gave Muhammad the miracles he desired at the time he chose: "And they say, 'We will not believe you until you break open for us from the ground a spring, or [until] you have a garden of date-palms and grapes and make rivers gush forth within them in force [and abundance], or you make the heaven fall upon us in fragments as you have claimed or you bring God and the angels before [us] or you have a house of ornament [gold] or you ascend into the sky. And [even then], we will not believe in your ascension until you bring down to us a book we may read.' 'Say, exalted is my Lord! Was I ever but a human messenger?''' (Quran 17:90-93)

The answer was: "And nothing has prevented us from sending [this message, like the earlier ones, ]] with miraculous signs [in its wake], save [Our knowledge] that the people of olden times [only too often] gave the lie to them: thus, we provided for [the tribe of] Thamud the she-camel as a visible sign, but they wronged her. And never did we send those signs for any other purpose than to convey a warning" (Qur'an 17:59).

When demanded ostensibly, God in His wisdom knew they would not believe, so he refused to show them miracles: "Now they swear by God with their most solemn oaths that if a miracle were shown to them, they would indeed believe in this [divine writ]. Say: 'Miracles are in the power of God alone.' 'And for all you know, even if one should be shown to them, they would not believe so long as we keep their hearts, and their eyes turned [away from the truth], even as they did not believe in it in the first instance: and [so] We shall leave them in their overweening arrogance, blindly stumbling to and for.'" (Quran 6:109-110)

Splitting of the Moon

One of the times when God performed miracles at the hand of the Prophet was when the Meccans demanded to see a miracle from Muhammad to show his truthfulness. God split the moon in two separate halves and then re-joined them. The Quran recorded the event:

The prophet Muhammad would recite these verses of the Quran in large congregations of the weekly Friday prayer and the bi-annual Eid prayers. Had the event never occurred, Muslims themselves would have doubted their religion, and many would have left it! The Meccans would have said, 'Hey, your prophet is a liar. The moon never split, and we never saw it split!' Instead, the believers grew stronger in their faith and the only explanation the Meccans could come up with was, 'passing magic!'

The splitting of the moon is confirmed through eye-witness testimony transmitted through an unbroken chain of reliable scholars so many that is it impossible that it could be false (hadith mutawatir).

A skeptic might ask, do we have any independent historical evidence to suggest the moon was ever split? After all, people around the world should have seen this marvelous event and recorded it. The answer to this question is twofold.

First, people around the world could not have seen it as it would have been daytime, late night, or early morning many parts of the world. The following table will give the reader some idea of corresponding world times to 9:00 pm Mecca time:

Mecca: 9:00 pm

India: 11:30 pm

Perth: 2:00 am

Washington D.C.: 2:00 pm

Tokyo: 3:00 am

Furthermore, it is not likely that a large number of people in lands close by would be observing the moon at the exact same time. They had no reason to. Even if someone did, it does not necessarily mean people believed him and kept a written record of it, especially when many civilizations at that time did not preserve their own history in writing.

Second, we actually have an independent, and quite amazing, historical corroboration of the event from an Indian king of that time. Kerala is a state of India. The state stretches for 360 miles (580 kilometers) along the Malabar Coast on the southwestern side of the Indian peninsula. King Chakrawati Farmas of Malabar was a Chera king, Cheraman perumal of Kodungallure. He is recorded to have seen the moon split. The incident is documented in a manuscript kept at the India Office Library, London, reference number: Arabic, 2807, 152-173. A group of Muslim merchant's passing by Malabar on their way to China spoke to the king about how God had supported the Arabian prophet with the miracle of splitting of the moon. The shocked king said he had seen it with his own eyes as well, deputized his son, and left for Arabia to meet the Prophet in person. The Malabari king met the Prophet, bore the two testimonies of faith, learned the basics of faith, but passed away on his way back and was buried in the port city of Zafar, Yemen.

It is said that the contingent was led by a Muslim, Malik bin Dinar, and continued to Kodungallure, the Chera capital, and built the first, and India's oldest, mosque in the area in 629 CE, which exists today. The news of his accepting Islam reached Kerala where people accepted Islam. The people of Lakshadweep and the Moplas (Mapillais) from the Calicut province of Kerala are converts from those days.

Splitting of Moon [16]

http://www.rasoulallah.net/

Cheraman Juma Masjid, named after India's first Muslim convert, Cheraman perumal Chakrawati Farmas, after renovation. The Indian sighting and the meeting of the Indian king with Prophet Muhammad is also reported by Muslim sources. The famous Muslim historian, Ibn Kahtir, mentions the splitting of the moon was reported in parts of India. Furthermore, the books of hadith have documented the arrival of the Indian king and his meeting the Prophet. Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, a companion of Prophet Muhammad, states:

"The Indian king gifted the Prophet with a jar of ginger. The companions ate it piece by piece. I took a bite as well." The king was thus considered a 'companion' – a term used for a person who met the Prophet and died as a Muslim – his name registered in the mega-compendiums chronicling the Prophet's companions.

Night Journey and Ascent to Heaven

A few months before the migration from Mecca to Medina, God took Muhammad in one night from the Grand Mosque in Mecca to al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, a month's journey of 1230 Kms for a caravan. From Jerusalem, he ascended to the heavens, passing the boundaries of the physical universe to be in a divine presence, meet God, and witness the Great Signs (al-Ayat ul-Kubra). His truth became apparent in two ways. First, 'the Prophet described the caravans he had overtaken on the way home and said where they were and about when they might be expected to arrive in Mecca; and each arrived as predicted, and the details were as he had described. Second, he was never known to have been to Jerusalem, yet he described al-Aqsa mosque to skeptics like an eye-witness.

Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem [17]

http://www.rasoulallah.net/

The event is also comes confirmed through eye-witness testimony transmitted through the ages with an unbroken chain of reliable scholars (hadith mutawatir).

## The Tree Trunk

In Medina, Muhammad used to deliver sermons leaning on a tree stump. When the number of worshippers increased, someone suggested a pulpit be built so he can use it to deliver the sermon. When the pulpit was built, he abandoned the tree trunk. Abdullah ibn Umar, one of the companions, gave an eye-witness testimony of what happened. The trunk was heard weeping; the Prophet of Mercy went towards it and comforted it with his hand. The event is also confirmed through eye-witness testimony transmitted through the ages with an unbroken chain of reliable scholars (hadith mutawatir).

## The Flowing of Water

On more than one occasion when people were in dire need of water, the blessing of the Muhammad saved them. In the sixth year after he migrated from Mecca to Medina, Muhammad went to Mecca for pilgrimage. In the long journey through the desert, people ran out of all water, only the Prophet was left with a vessel with which he performed ablution for prayers. He put his hand in a vessel; water began flowing from between his fingers. Jabir bin Abdullah, who witnessed the miracle, says of the fifteen hundred men, 'We drank it and made ablution. This miracle has been transmitted with an unbroken chain of reliable scholars (hadith mutawatir). The sprouting of water from human fingers is similar to the Moses' miracle of producing water from a rock.

## Blessing of Food

On more than one occasion, the Prophet blessed food by either praying or touching it so all present could get their fill. This happened at times when food and water shortage afflicted Muslims, these miracles took place in the presence of a large number of people and is, thus, impossible to deny.

## Healing the Sick

Abdullah ibn Ateek broke his leg and Muhammad healed it by wiping his hand over it. Abdullah said it was as if nothing had happened to it! The person who witnessed the miracle was another companion, Bara' ibn Azib (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)

During the expedition of Khyber, Muhammad healed the painful eyes of Ali ibn Abi Talib in front of a whole army. Ali, many years later, became the fourth caliph of Muslims.

## Exorcising Devils

Muhammad exorcised the devil out of a boy brought by his mother for healing to him by saying, 'Come out! I am Muhammad, the Messenger of God!' The woman said, 'By the one who sent you with the truth, we have never seen anything wrong with him since.

## Prayers Answered

(1) The mother of Abu Hurayra, a close companion of Muhammad, used to speak ill of Islam and its prophet. One day, Abu Hurayra came weeping to Muhammad and asked him to pray for his mother to be saved. Muhammad prayed and when Abu Hurayra returned home, he found his mother ready to accept Islam. She bore the testimony of faith in front of her son and entered Islam.

(2) Jarir ibn Abdullah was commissioned by the Prophet to rid the land of an idol worshiped besides God, but he complained he was could not ride a horse well! The Prophet prayed for him, 'O God, make him a strong horseman and make him one is guides and is guided.' Jarir testifies he never fell off his horse after the Prophet prayed for him.

(3) The people were struck with famine during the time of Muhammad. A man stood up when Muhammad was delivering the weekly sermon on Friday, and said, 'O Messenger of God, our wealth has been destroyed, and our children are starving. Pray to God for us.' Muhammad raised his hands in prayer.

Those in attendance testify that the moment, he lowered his hands after praying. Clouds began to build like mountains! By the time he stepped down of his pulpit, rain was dripping from his beard!

It rained the whole week until next Friday! The same man stood up again, complained this time, 'O Messenger of God. Our buildings are destroyed, and our property is drowned, pray to God for us!' Muhammad raised his hands and prayed, 'O God, (let it rain) around us, but not on us.'

Those in attendance testify that the clouds withdrew in the direction he pointed, the city of Medina was surrounded by clouds, but there were no clouds over it!

(4) Here is the beautiful story of Jabir. He testifies that on one time, the camel he was riding was exhausted because it was used for carrying water. The camel could hardly walk. Muhammad asked him, 'What's the matter with your camel?' On finding out how tired the poor camel was. Muhammad prayed for the poor animal and from that time, Jabir tells us, the camel was always ahead of others! Muhammad asked Jabir, 'How do you find your camel?' Jabir responded, 'It is well. Your blessing has reached it!' Muhammad bought the camel from Jabir on the spot for a piece of gold, with the condition that Jabir rode it back to the city! On reaching Medina, Jabir says he brought the camel to Muhammad the next morning. Muhammad gave him the piece of gold and told him to keep his camel!

It is no wonder why those around him who witnessed these great miracles performed in front of crowds were certain of his truthfulness.

What They Said about Muhammad

The following is writings of some western authors regarding Muhammad.

Lamar tine, Histoire de la Turquie, Paris 1854, Vol II, pp. 276-77:

Lamar tine, the renowned historian speaking on the essentials of human greatness wonders:

"If greatness of purpose, smallness of means and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers, which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislation, empires, peoples and dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and souls....his forbearance in victory, his ambition, which was entirely devoted to one idea and in no manner striving for an empire; his endless prayers, his mystic conversations with God, his death and his triumph after death; all these attest not to an imposture but to a firm conviction which gave him the power to restore a dogma. This dogma was two-fold, the unity of God and the immateriality of God; the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not; the one overthrowing false gods with the sword, the other starting an idea with the words."

"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 Muhammad as regards all the standards by which Human Greatness may be measured, we may well ask, Is there any man greater than he?"

(Lamartine, Histoire de la Turqui, Paris, 1854, Vol. II, pp 276-277)

The world has had its share of great personalities. However, these were one-sided figures who distinguished themselves in but one or two fields, such as religious thought or military leadership. The lives and teachings of these great personalities of the world are shrouded in the mist of time. There are so many speculations about the time and place of their birth, the mode and style of their life, the nature and detail of their teachings and the degree and measure of their success or failure that it is impossible for humanity to reconstruct accurately the lives and teachings of these men.

Not so this man. Muhammad may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, accomplished so much in such diverse fields of human thought and behavior in the fullest blaze of human history. Every detail of his private life and public utterances has been accurately documented and faithfully preserved to our day. The authenticity of the record so preserved are vouched for not only by the faithful followers but even by his prejudiced critics.

Muhammad was a religious teacher, a social reformer, a moral guide, an administrative colossus, a faithful friend, a wonderful companion, a devoted husband, a loving father - all in one. No other man in history ever excelled or equaled him in any of these different aspects of life - but it was only for the selfless personality of Muhammad to achieve such incredible perfections.

Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay, History of the Saracen Empire, London, 1870, p. 54:

"It is not the propagation but the permanency of his religion that deserves our wonder, the same pure and perfect impression which he engraved at Mecca and Medina is preserved, after the revolutions of twelve centuries by the Indian, the African and the Turkish proselytes of the Quran...The Mahometans[1] have uniformly withstood the temptation of reducing the object of their faith and devotion to a level with the senses and imagination of man. 'I believe in One God and Mahomet the Apostle of God', is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honors of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion."

Bosworth Smith, Mohammed and Mohammadanism, London 1874, p. 92:

"He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope's pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammed, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports."

Annie Besant, the Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p. 4:

"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."

W. Montgomery, Mohammad at Mecca, Oxford 1953, p. 52:

"His readiness to undergo persecutions for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as a leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement – all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history are so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad."

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James A. Michener, 'Islam: The Misunderstood Religion' in Reader's Digest (American Edition), May 1955, pp. 68-70:

"Muhammad, the inspired man who founded Islam, was born about A.D. 570 into an Arabian tribe that worshiped idols. Orphaned at birth, he was always particularly solicitous of the poor and needy, the widow and the orphan, the slave and the downtrodden. At twenty, he was already a successful businessman, and soon became director of camel caravans for a wealthy widow. When he reached twenty-five, his employer, recognizing his merit, proposed marriage even though she was fifteen years older, he married her, and as long as she lived, remained a devoted husband.

"Like almost every major prophet before him, Muhammad fought shy of serving as the transmitter of God's word, sensing his own inadequacy. However, the angel commanded 'Read'. So far, as we know, Muhammad was unable to read or write, but he began to dictate those inspired words, which would soon revolutionize a large segment of the earth: "There is one God."

"In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred, and rumors of God's personal condolence quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad is said to have announced, 'An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is foolish to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human-being.'

"At Muhammad's own death an attempt was made to deify him, but the man who was to become his administrative successor killed the hysteria with one of the noblest speeches in religious history: 'If there is any among you who worshiped Muhammad, he is dead. However, if it is God, you worshiped. He lives forever.'"

Michael H. Hart, the 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc. 1978, p. 33:

Michael H. Hart in his recently published book on ratings of men who contributed towards the benefit and uplift of mankind writes:

"My choice of Muhammad 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 levels."

Encyclopedia Britannica:

"....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 like-wise honest and upright men" (Vol. 12).

George Bernard Shaw said about him:

"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)

He was by far the most remarkable man who ever set foot on this earth. He preached a religion, founded a state, built a nation, laid down a moral code, initiated numerous social and political reforms, established a powerful and dynamic society to practice and represent his teachings and completely revolutionized the worlds of human thought and behavior for all times to come.

His Name is Muhammad. He was born in Arabia in the year 570 C.E., started his mission of preaching the religion of Truth, Islam (submission to One God) at the age of forty and departed from this world at the age of sixty-three. During this short period of twenty-three years of his Prophethood, he changed the complete Arabian peninsula from paganism and idolatry to worship of One God, from tribal quarrels and wars to national solidarity and cohesion, from drunkenness and debauchery to sobriety and piety, from lawlessness and anarchy to disciplined living, from utter bankruptcy to the highest standards of moral excellence. Human history has never known such a complete transformation of people or a place before or since - and imagine all these unbelievable wonders in just over two decades.

Mahatma Gandhi, speaking on the character of Muhammad, says in (Young India):

"I wanted to know the best of one who holds today's 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 these 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."

Thomas Carlyle in his (Heroes and Heroworship), 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"

Diwan Chand Sharma wrote:

"Muhammad was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him."

(D.C. Sharma, The Prophet of the East, Calcutta, 1935, pp. 12)

Edward Gibbon and Simon Ockley speaking on the profession of Islam write:

"I believe in One God, and Mahomet, an Apostle of God'is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honor of the Prophet has never transgressed the measure of human virtues; and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion."

(History of the Saracan Empires, London, 1870, p. 54)

Muhammad was nothing more or less than a human being. However, he was a man with a noble mission, which was to unite humanity on the worship of One and Only One God and to teach them the way to honest and upright living based on the commands of God. He always described himself as, "A Servant and Messenger of God," and so indeed every action of his proclaimed to be.

Speaking on the aspect of equality before God in Islam, the famous poetess of India, 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)

In the words of Prof. Hurgronje:

"The league of nations founded by the prophet of Islam put the principle of international unity and human brotherhood on such universal foundations as to show candle to other nations." He continues: "The fact is that no nation of the world can show a parallel to what Islam has done towards the realization of the idea of the League of Nations."

The world has not hesitated to raise to divinity, individuals whose lives and missions have been lost in legend. Historically, speaking, none of these legends achieved even a fraction of what Muhammad accomplished. And all his striving was for the sole purpose of uniting mankind for the worship of One God on the codes of moral excellence. Muhammad or his followers never at any time claimed that he was a Son of God or the God-incarnate or a man with divinity - but he always was and is even today considered as only a Messenger chosen by God.

Michael H. Hart in his recently published book on ratings of men who contributed towards the benefit and uplift of mankind writes:

"My choice of Muhammad 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 levels."

(M.H. Hart, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, New York, 1978, p. 33)

K. S. Ramakrishna Rao, an Indian Professor of Philosophy in his booklet, ("Muhammad, The Prophet of Islam,") calls him the "Perfect model for human life."

Prof. Ramakrishna Rao explains his point by saying:

"The personality of Muhammad, 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 Muhammad, the Prophet. There is Muhammad, the Warrior; Muhammad, the Businessman; Muhammad, the Statesman; Muhammad, the Orator; Muhammad, the Reformer; Muhammad, the Refuge of Orphans; Muhammad, the Protector of Slaves; Muhammad, the Emancipator of Women; Muhammad, the Judge; Muhammad, the Saint. All in all, these magnificent roles, in all these departments of human activities, he is alike a hero."

Today after a lapse of fourteen centuries, the life and teachings of Muhammad have survived without the slightest loss, alteration or interpolation. They offer the same undying hope for treating mankind's many ills, which they did when he was alive. This is not a claim of Muhammad's followers but also the inescapable conclusion forced upon by a critical and unbiased history.

The least you could do as thinking and concerned human being are to stop for a moment and ask yourself: Could these statements sound so extraordinary and revolutionary be really true? And supposing they really are true, and you did not know this man Muhammad or hear about him, isn't it time you responded to this tremendous challenge and put in some effort to know him?

It will cost you nothing, but it may prove to be the beginning of a completely new era in your life.

http://www.rasoulallah.net/

Summary about Islam

'Islam' in Arabic means 'submission', or specifically, submission to the Allah's will and obedience to His law.

God is 'Allah', who is immortal forever, omniscient, and omnipresent.

Islam is the final word of God. Although Judaism and Christianity preceded Islam and worships the same God as Islam, Islam claims to be more refined than them in that it built upon both.

Muhammad (PBUH) is the prophet and messenger of Allah. As (Jesus and Moses) were prophets and messengers of Allah, Muhammad is not to be worshiped but is to be respected and revered. Muhammad's life and teachings; (Sunnah) provide the examples of how one is to live his life.

The Muslims believe in Jesus and Mary (PBUH) as it's mentioned in the Holy Qur'an Surat (Al-Imraan):

[59] The similitude of 'Isa before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him "Be": and he was.

[42] Behold! The angels said: "O Maryam! Allah hath chosen thee and purified thee, chosen thee above the women of all nations.

[45] Behold! The angels said: "O Maryam! Allah give Thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Al-Masih 'Isa. The son of Maryam, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah;

Common Islamic Terms

QUR'AN: Islamic Holy Book, literally means "Recitation," from the verb Qara'a in Arabic, which means to read, because Qur'an is given by Allah to be recited and followed.

HADITH: the speech of Muhammad (PBUH), it is considered a reference for Explanation of the Holy Qur'an.

FATWAH: A legal pronouncement in Islam usually issued at the request of a judge or individual to settle a question when Islamic law is unclear on the subject.

IMAM: Community religious leader/clergy (bishop). In some contexts, 'Imam' merely refers to the prayer leader.

KHALIFA: Political Sunni leader chosen by elders.

MADRASSAH: A school. Normally secular with some integrated Islamic subjects, sometimes purely Islam oriented.

MUFTI: A Sunni Islamic law scholar who is an interpreter of Islamic Law (Shari' a) and capable of issuing a fatwah/fataawa.

SHARIA: Islamic Law, from the root (Shari' a) which means the path, because the Shari' is a path to be followed.

SHEIK: Leader of a family/village/tribe or mosque.

SUNNI and SHI'A: Two main branches of Islam.

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The Five Pillars of Islam

SHAHADAH - Declaration of Faith, This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah; (to witness that; (there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is Messenger of Allah).

The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad (PBUH).

SALAAH – Prayer, Salaah is the name for the obligatory prayers who are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshiper and God.

ZAKAAH – Alms, an important principle of Islam, whereas everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakaah means (purification). Possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need and for the society in general.

SAWM – Fasting, every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown--abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations with their spouses, as fasting is considered a good opportunity to train ourselves to (learn) self-restraint.

HAJJ – Pilgrimage, The pilgrimage to Mecca is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Over two million, people go to Mecca each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.

The Prayer Calling

Azan is the call to prayer to all Muslims, which reminds them that prayer time commences shortly hence giving them enough time to proceed to their nearest mosque. There are five times throughout the day when prayers must be done.

Most Muslims try to pray at the appropriate time but this is not always possible due to working schedules, etc. If you would like to go the extra mile to show respect to a colleague beliefs, then arrange meetings for before or after prayer times.

Friday

During the Friday service, there are two Khutbahs (sermons) given by an Imam. As the Sabbath is observed on Friday in the Islamic world becomes Thursday and Friday or Friday and Saturday.

Zakaat (Alms)

The Third pillar of Islam, from the Arabic word meaning to "purify" is Alms, where Muslims donate 2.5% of their gross income a year. However, this Collection is not enforced. A specific collection, called Sadaquah, is to be given for selected few people as Allah said in the Holy Qur'an: Surat At-towba:

[60] Alms are for the poor and the needy, and those employed to administer the (funds); for those whose hearts have been (recently) reconciled (to the truth); for those in bondage and in debt; in the cause of Allah; and for the wayfarer: (thus is it) ordained by Allah, and Allah is full of knowledge and wisdom.

Sawm (Fasting Ramadan)

The fourth pillar, Sawm, has a considerable effect on the everyday life of an observant Muslim during the Islamic month of Ramadan. This is a month of fasting from food, drink, smoking, and sexual intercourse during the daylight hours. It is a time for self-discipline, self-reflection, and empathy for the poor and experiences their feelings for 29 or 30 days. As Allah Said in the Holy Qur'an in surat al-baqara: [183] O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint.

Common Misconceptions about Islam

- All Arabs are Muslims, and all Muslims are Arab:

Arabs are a religiously diverse group – significant numbers of Arab Christians are in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq. Arabs make up between 18-20% only of the Muslims populations in the world.

\- Muslim women are oppressed and forced to wear the hijab:

Women often see it as empowering because they are not viewed as sexual objects but judged by their character. Muslim advocacy groups point out that four out of the five countries with the largest Muslim populations, although they are not Arab countries—, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Turkey — have had female heads of state, something the United States cannot claim.

Muslim's Contribution to History

For generations, the lore of "One Thousand and One Nights" helped shape Western notions about Arab's culture. The collection of tales described an exotic world of harems and flying carpets, Sinbad and monsters, Aladdin and the jinn, Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. However, there are few other things were more important than Arabian Nights tales.

The discoveries made by men and women in Muslim civilization have left their mark on the way we live today. An organization called 1001 inventions has uncovered a thousand years of science and technology that had a huge but hidden impact on the modern world.

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Did you know that Camera, Algebra, and Alchemy are originally Arabic words?!?

The camera is not a modern invention! It was invented around a thousand years ago by Muslim Arab scientist. His name is Abu Ali al-Hasan Ibn al-Haitham.

Ibn alHaitham did a great deal of revolutionary and influential work on optics through the meticulous experimentation and evidence collection, creative explaining and thorough recording. He was most likely the first to prove that light travels in straight lines, and that we see things when light reflects off an object and enters the eye. Ibn al-Haitham's 'Book of Optics had a profound impact on the work of Bacon (13thcentury) and Davinci (15thcentury). (Book Reference: Vision and Cameras,)

Ibn al-Haitham on Iraqi currency

Ibn al-Haitham who is well known by the name (Hazen) in western books was a 10th century scientist who revolutionized optics. Born in Basra, Iraq, he spent his adult life in Cairo, Egypt. His most influential achievement was his Book of optics, which formed the foundations for the science of optics. He rejected the Greek theory that an invisible light emitting from the eye caused sight, instead rightly stating that vision was caused by light reflecting off an object and entering the eye. By using a darkroom with a pinhole on one side and a white sheet on the other, he provided the evidence for his theory. He called this the 'Qamra' which means in Arabic the (dark lightning room), and it was the world's first camera. (Reference: 1001 Inventions website)

Algebra was invented by the Muslim mathematician Al-Khwarizmi in the book he wrote in 820. Algebra is the Arabic word (aljabr) for "equation," and the word "algorithm" comes from the author's name, Al-Khwarizmi. He is rightly known as "the father of Algebra." The word "algebra" is named after the Arabic word "al-jabr" from the title of the book [al-Kitāb al-mukhtaSar fī Hisāb al-ğabr wa-l-muqābala' , (The book of Summary Concerning Calculating by Transposition and Reduction), a book written by the Muslim mathematician, Muhammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī in 820.

The word Al-Jabr means "reunion. In fact, many ancient civilizations developed some sort of algebraic methods of solving problems, as far back as the Babylonians, Diaphanous of Alexandria and the Indian mathematicians such as Brahmagupta, but Al-Khwarizmi is considered by many to be the "father of algebra" because some of his techniques on solving quadratic equations are still in use today. He was the first to solve equations using general methods. He solved the linear indeterminate equations, quadratic equations, second order indeterminate equations and equations with multiple variables.

Al-khawarizmi on a stamp

It was one of the most significant advances made by Arabic mathematics began at this time with the work of al-Khwarizmi, namely the beginnings of algebra. It is important to understand just how significant this new idea was. It was a revolutionary move away from the Greek concept of mathematics, which was essentially geometry.

Algebra was a unifying theory which allowed rational numbers, irrational numbers geometrical magnitudes, etc., to be all treated as "algebraic objects." It gave mathematics a whole new development path so much broader in concept to that which had existed before, and provided a vehicle for future development of the subject. Another important aspect of the introduction of algebraic ideas was that it allowed mathematics to be applied to itself in a way, which had not happened in the past.

Alchemy

Jaber Bin Hay-yan is one of the world's most great scientists (born in 721- died in 815 ) was an Arabic scientist who lived in Iraq. He was an Arabic doctor and chemist, and the first to work and become a genius in old chemistry where even arabs called general chemistry as "handiwork of Jaber" and they called him (the father of chemistry) as he was the one who led the foundations for modern and contemporary scientific chemistry.

Some of his discoveries in chemistry:

\- Discovered "caustic soda"

\- First to evoke water gold

\- First to introduce the method of separation of (NOH)

\- First to discover nitric acid

\- First to discover hydrochloric acid

\- First to retrieve the sulphuric acid and termed it Alzaj oil

\- Introduced improvements to the evaporation methods of liquidation, distillation, fusion and crystallization

\- Been able to prepare a lot of chemicals like hydrated mercury

\- He explained in detail how to prepare arsenic, antimony, and purification of metals and dyeing fabrics

\- He manufactured incombustible paper

\- He made some sort of paint that prevents iron rust

\- The first to introduce the method of separating gold from silver solution by acids, which is the predominant mode to this day

Jaber also wrote so many books between two hundred and thirty-two and five hundred books (232-500), on which the world depended on for several centuries and until today.

Mariam al-Astrulabi

She was a 10th century Syrian astronomer who was a highly skilled astrolabe maker who continued her father's work of making sophisticated astrolabes throughout her life.

It was a simple thing you can hold on your hand for calculating or time keeping and knowing directions, which led for the today inventions of the compass and to the satellite navigation which helped people to travel around the world.

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References:

\- The Prophet's Simplified Biography.

\- The Sealed Nectar

\- Saheeh Muslim

\- Saheeh Al Boukhary

\- The Holy Quran

