The sun set on the world and darkness fell. Stars were sprinkled through the sky. The moon did not come out, because I was a night that came at the end of Ramadan.
For the people of Makkah I was like any other night. Some stayed up, chatting and entertaining themselves while others slept, waiting for the sun to rise.
I am a night of great power and glory. I will be remembered forever and ever.
My effect will be felt forever. I am a night filled with light; not that of the sun or the moon or even the light of electricity. I am abound with the light of Allah... that lights up heaven and earth.
Thanks to His light, and because of what happened that night, I am better than a thousand months.
I came in the Arabic month of Ramadan, in the year 610 of the Christian era, around thirteen years before the start of the Arab Hijra calendar.
On the outskirts of Makkah there was a cave called the cave of Hiraa’.
Muhammad Ibn Abdullah would often go there and spend long hours inside talking to his Creator, praying to Him and worshipping no other god but Him. Meanwhile, the people of Makkah worshipped idols.
When I came, Muhammad may Allah bless him and great him salvation, was forty years old. He was in the cave spending the night in worship, praying to his Creator and calling upon His saying:
“ O Lord of the Universe, O Creator of the heavens, O Creator of the sun and moon and stars, O Creator of the earth and the mountains, O my Lord Creator, Maker of all Creatures, how I desire to know you! ”
And as he recited this prayer and repeated this call the world was filled with light, light over the earth and light in the sky, and an angel descended from heaven bringing the most wonderful and beautiful words the world has ever heard. This angel, whose name was Jibreel, peace be upon him, said to Muhammad:
“Read!”
“I cannot read,” replied Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him salvation, for the Prophet did not know how to read and write.
So Jibreel went up to him and hugged him to his chest three times, each time saying to him: “Read!” And each time Muhammad replied: “I cannot read.”
Then Jibreel began to recite to Muhammad and Muhammad repeated after him:
Read! In the name of your Lord who had created. (1) He has created man from a clot. (2) Read! And your Lord is the most Generous. (3) Who had taught by the pen. (4) He had taught man that which he knew not. (5)
Surat Al-‘Alaq (The clot) 95
When Jibreel had left, Muhammad felt afraid. He hurried home and went straight to his wife Khadeeja. He was shivering and there where drop of sweat on his forehead. She quickly put him to bed and covered him with a blanket.
Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him salvation, began to feel warm and calm. He told his wife what had happened and how, despite the dark night, the cave was flooded with light. He told her how Jibreel had come and asked him to read and how he said he couldn't. He told her how he had repeated after Jibreel as the angel recited to him. He then recited to his wife the same words Jibreel had spoken.
Khadeeja tried to comfort the Prophet, praise and pace be upon him, saying:
“Allah is with you. You are a good generous man. You love your family and do not lie to any one. You help everyone and you give to each what is rightfully his. You are kind natured, honest and trustworthy.“
Khadeeja wanted to comfort the Prophet more so she took him to her cousin Ibn Nawfal. He was a wise man who had read many books and was a friend with Christians and Jews. He knew a great deal about religious matters and had come to hate the idols and no longer worshipped them.
When Waraqa Ibn Nawfal heard from Muhammad what had happened in the cave at Heraa’ he stood up and embraced him saying:
“This is a revelation that has come down to you. You are a prophet, the prophet of the Arab nation. Indeed, you are a prophet for the whole world. You are like Moses and Jesus. Allah has chosen you and sent you to guide people to goodness, mercy and love. The people will not believe you at first and they will turn you out of your town. But in the end you will be victorious over them, after you have fought them and made war against them.
I dearly hope I will live long enough to see the day when I can defend you and you message.
Muhammad felt comforted. He was happy with the words he had heard from Waraqa Ibn Nawfal. He wished that many nights like me would come in which he would hear Allah’s words sent down to him again. He went up to the cave in the mountains many times after that to wait with great longing and desire.
His wish came true. But the next time a revelation came to him he was at home. He felt himself trembling and shivering and he called his wife Khadeeja to cover him, saying:
“Cover me, cover me!”
Khadeeja covered him in his cloak as he lay on his bed, and he heard Jibreel, pace be upon him, reciting to him in a voice no one else could hear.
O you (Muhammad) enveloped in garments! (1) Arise and warn! (2) And magnify your Lord! (3) And purify your garments! (4) And keep away from Ar-Rujz (idols) (5) And give not a thing in order to have more. (6) And be patient for the sake of your Lord. (7)
Almighty Allah has spoken the truth.
Surat Al-Muddaththir (The One Enveloped) 72
After that, revelations continued to come down to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him salvation, and the Holy Quran was revealed verse after verse until the last verse to be revealed came down.
It was:
This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed my favour to you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. (3)
Almighty Allah has spoken the truth.
Surat Al-Ma’idah (The Table) 5
I, the night of Al Qadr, will always be proud that the revelation of the Quran began on my night.
Allah bestowed great honour on me. He mentioned me in the Quran, and made me powerful and mighty. He made me a blessed night.
That is why, every year, Muslims look forward to me during the final days of Ramadan, because they know that the gates of heaven are opened when I arrive, and on my night Allah answers every prayer.
We sent down (the Quran) on a blessed night. (3)
Almighty Allah has spoken the truth.
Surat Ad-Dukhan (The smoke) 44
We have sent down the Quran on the night of Al Qadr. (1) Would that you knew what the night of Al Qadr is like! (2) The night of Al Qadr is better than a thousand months. (3) On that night the angels and the Angel Jebreel came down by Allah’s permission with His decrees (4) That night there is peace until the break of dawn. (5)
First of all, it is very important to make it clear that fasting on the day of `Ashura’ – the 10th of Muharram- is of great merits in Islam. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Fasting the day of `Ashura' (is of great merits), I hope that Allah will accept it as an expiation for (the sins committed in) the previous year” (Muslim).
Also, fasting the 9th of Muharram is highly recommended by the Sunnah. Imam At-Tirmidhi reported that Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) used to say: We should fast on two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram to distinguish ourselves from the Jewish community. (At-Tirmidhi)
Explaining the virtue of fasting on the 9th and the 10th of Muharram, Dr. Muzammil H. Siddiqi, former President of the Islamic Society of North America, states:
It is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him used to fast on the day of `Ashura'. When he came to Madinah, he found out that the Jews of Madinah were also fasting on this day remembering Prophet Musa (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) admired this tradition and said to the Jews, "I am closer to Musa than you are." He fasted and he also told his Companions to fast on this day.
Later, before the end of his life, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) told Muslims to add the 9th day also. Thus, it is recommended to fast on both the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Moreover, in his well-known book, Fiqh As-Sunnah, the late Sheikh Sayyed Sabiq states:
Abu Hurayrah reported: "I asked the Prophet: 'Which Prayer is the best after the obligatory Prayers?' He said: 'Prayer during the mid of the night.' I asked: 'Which fasting is the best after that of Ramadan?' He said, 'The month of Allah that you call Muharram’" (Ahmad, Muslim, and Abu Dawud).
Mu`awiyyah ibn Abi Sufyan reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah say: "Concerning the day of `Ashura’, it is not obligatory upon you to fast on it as I do. Whoever wishes may fast and whoever does not wish to is not obliged to do so" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
It is noteworthy that Muslim scholars have stated that fasting of `Ashura’ is of three levels as follows:
1. fasting for three days, i.e., on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of Muharram,
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) is the practical image of Islam. There is no way that one can get to know Islam without knowing Allah's Messenger (PBUH); his guidance, work, instructions and prohibitions.
Allah's Messenger (PBUH) made peace and war, settled and traveled, sold and bought, took and gave. He never lived alone, neither did he travel alone.
Muslims had weakened only because they failed to follow his pattern and guidance for the Almighty Allah said" Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much."
Some Muslims went to the extent that they only read his biography (PBUH) during celebrations and forums without following his guidance. Some others read it either for obtaining blessings or for getting familiar with its events; wars, days…..etc.
This happens due to one of two reasons: first: their ignorance of the principal of following his pattern & guidance (PBUH) and not knowing that this is a necessity for achieving his love.
Second: their failure in perceiving the positions of guidance in his biography due to a weakness in their sense of conclusion or due to their lack of knowledge and readings.
Here lies the importance of deriving the lessons and benefits from his biography (PBUH).
The biography of the Prophet (PBUH) is not meant to be taught for the pleasure of reading nor for the knowledge of a certain historic period and not for the love of studying the biographies of the grand and heroes. Such kind of superficial study is performed by none Muslims. A Muslim should have various aims from studying his biography, among which are;
First: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) is the one to be followed for he is the example for all Muslims. He is the legislator whom we are instructed to follow, for Allah says" Indeed in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for him who hopes for (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah much." (Al-Ahzab:21). Allah (the Almighty) says" If you obey him, you shall be on the right guidance" (Al-Noor:54). Allah also says" He who obeys the Messenger, has indeed obeyed Allah" (Al-Nissa:80). And Allah also says" Say if you really love Allah then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins" (Al-Imran:31).
He is the practical image and incarnation of Islam without whom we can not possibly know how to obey the Almighty Allah or worship Him.
From his biography the scholars derive the techniques of the Call and its phases. They also get to know the tremendous effort exerted by Allah's Messenger (PBUH) for the sake of raising the word of Allah and how he reacted in facing the hardships and obstacles that faced him.
From his biography, teachers can derive the methods & techniques of education. From his biography, rulers can derive systems and methodology of leadership. From his biography, the ascetics can derive the meaning and essence beyond being an ascetic. From his biography, traders can derive the aims, systems and methods of trading. From it, those who are suffering can learn the highest degrees of patience and persistence, thus their determination can grow stronger and their trust in Allah increases knowing that the result will be finally in their favor. From it, the scholars derive knowledge which enables them to better understand the Book of Allah (Al-Quran) and the various sciences of Islam, among which are the abrogating and abrogated verses, the reasons behind the revelation of verses and many other knowledge. From it, the whole nation derives the morals, manners and merits.
Ibn Katheer said " a special care and attention must be paid to such type of study (the biography of Allah's Messenger (PBUH)) as it was narrated by Omar Al-Wakedi that Abdullah ibn omar ibn ali said that his father heard Ali ibn Al-Hussain saying: "we used to know the conquests of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) as we know the verses of the holy Quran".
Al-wakedi said, I heard Mohamed ibn Abdullah saying that he heard his uncle Al-Zuhri saying "in the science of conquests, lies both the science of life and that of the hereafter."
Ismail ibn Mohammed ibn Saad ibn abi Wakkas said " my father used to teach us the conquests of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) and repeated them to us saying: "these are the glorious deeds of your fathers so waste them not".
History had witnessed many kings, leaders, poets and philosophers but none of them had left behind such a biography and such pattern to be followed as it is with the Prophet's. History had wiped off all their credit and the only thing left is some of their names.
Biographies of many grand people had turned out to be mere jokes throughout history. Where is Namroud who said to Ibrahim (PBUH) "I give life and cause death" ?
Where is Pharaoh who said "I am your lord, most high." (Al-nazia'at:24), and what was his destiny" he who also said " I know not that you have an ilâh (a god) other than me." (AL-Qassas:38).
Those grand people of their ages are now being mocked by everyone; the young and the old, the knowledgeable and the ignorant, for if they had succeeded in deceiving their people at their time, their deception has been revealed and they became a mockery throughout time.
The biography of Allah's Messenger (PBUH) had provided the means for getting the people out of the darkness of polytheism and the corruption of worship to the light of monotheism and belief in Allah (the Almighty) who said " O Prophet ! Verily, We have sent you as witness, and a bearer of glad tidings, and a warner And as one who invites to Allah by His Leave, and as a lamp spreading light." (Al-Ahzab:45-46).
Second: we study Allah's Messenger (PBUH) biography so that our belief in his honesty may increase. Knowledge of his miracles and the signs of his prophecy are sure means to increase faith and trust in his honesty (PBUH). The study of his glorious biography and his great attitudes only prove his perfection, loftiness and honesty.
Third: we study his biography in order to have his love deeply entrenched in our hearts, for what his biography holds as regards his virtuous manners, his generous treatment, his great concern for guiding people to the right path and their welfare, his sacrifice with self and money for the sake of getting people out of the darkness and into the light and from distress to happiness and his great concern in warding off any hardships that may befall his nation
From Muhammad 's Sayings : - Jabir bin ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "May Allah's mercy be on him who is lenient in his buying, selling, and in demanding back his money". Narrated by Bukhari.
From Muhammad 's Life : - Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) demanding his debts (a camel) in such a rude (harsh) manner that the companions of the Prophet intended to harm him, but Allah's Messenger said (to them): "Leave him, no doubt, for the creditor (i.e., owner of a right) has the right to speak)). Allah's Messenger then said: ((Give him a camel of the same age as that of his)). The people said: "O Allah's Messenger! We do not find except an older camel (than what he demands). Allah's Messenger said: ((Give (it to) him, for the best amongst you (the people) is he who repays his debts in the most handsome manner)). Agreed upon.
2. Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a Buyer.
From Muhammad 's Sayings : - Abi Saeed Al-khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The merchant, who says nothing but truth and is honest, is in the company of the prophets - who teach, the sincere -, lovers of truth, and the martyrs (or witnesses) - who testify." Narrated by Tirmithi.
From Muhammad 's Life : - Safwan Suwayd ibn Qays (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I and Makhramah al-Abdi imported some garments from Hajar, and brought them to Mecca. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to us walking, and after he had bargained with us for some trousers, we sold them to him. There was a man who was weighing for payment. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to him: ((weigh out and give overweight)). Narrated by Abu Daud and Tirmithi and said good correct speech (hadith). Reported by Abu-Dawud and Al-Tirmithi and said Hadith Hasan Sahih (good and correct).
3. Muhammad (peace be upon him) as a Covenanter.
From Muhammad 's Sayings : - Abdullah bin Amr bin Al 'Aas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever has the following four (characteristics) will be a pure hypocrite, and whoever has one of these characteristics will have one characteristic of hypocrisy unless he gives it up: 1. Whenever he is entrusted, he betrays; 2. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie; 3. Whenever he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous; 4. Whenever he quarrels, he behaves in a very imprudent, evil and insulting, unjust manner." Agreed upon.
4. Muhammad (peace be upon him) in War.
From Muhammad 's Sayings : - Aisha reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) never beat anyone with his hand, neither a woman nor a servant, but only, in the case when he had been fighting for the sake of Allah and he never took revenge for anything unless the things made inviolable by Allah were made violable; he then took revenge for Allah, the Exalted and Glorious. Narrated by Muslim.
From Muhammad 's life : - Sulaiman b. Buraidah through his father reported that when the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) appointed anyone as leader of an army or detachment he would especially exhort him to fear Allah and to be good to the Muslims who were with him. Then he would say: Fight in the name of Allah and in the way of Allah. Fight against those who disbelieve in Allah. Make a holy war, do not embezzle the spoils; do not break your pledge; and do not mutilate (the dead) bodies; do not kill children. Narrated by Muslim.
5. Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the People of the Scripture (Jews & Christians)
From Muhammad's Sayings : - Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Once while a Jew was selling something, he was offered a price that he was not pleased with. So, he said, "No, by Him Who gave Moses superiority over all human beings!" Hearing him, an Ansari man got up and slapped him on the face and said, "You say: By Him Who Gave Moses superiority over all human beings although the Prophet (Muhammad) – peace be upon him - is present amongst us!" The Jew went to the Prophet and said, "O Abu-l-Qasim! I am under the assurance and contract of security, so what right does so-and-so have to slap me?" The Prophet asked the other, "Why have you slapped him". He told him the whole story. The Prophet became angry, till anger appeared on his face, and said, "Don't give superiority to any prophet amongst Allah's Prophets, for when the trumpet will be blown, everyone on the earth and in the heavens will become unconscious except those whom Allah will exempt. The trumpet will be blown for the second time and I will be the first to be resurrected to see Moses holding Allah's Throne. I will not know whether the unconsciousness which Moses received on the Day of Tur has been sufficient for him, or has he got up before me. And I do not say that there is anybody who is better than Yunus bin Matta." Narrated by Bukhari.
From Muhammad's Life: - Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A young Jewish boy used to serve the Prophet (peace be upon him) and he became sick. So the Prophet (peace be upon him) went to visit him. He sat near his head and asked him to embrace Islam. The boy looked at his father, who was sitting there; the latter told him to obey Abu-l-Qasim and the boy embraced Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) came out saying: "Praises be to Allah Who saved the boy from the Hell-fire." Narrated by Bukhari. - 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) died while his (iron) armor was mortgaged to a Jew for thirty Sas of barley. Agreed upon. - Sahl Bin Hunaif (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: A funeral procession passed in front of the Prophet and he stood up. When he was told that it was the coffin of a Jew, he said, "Is it not a soul (living being)? Narrated by Bukhari.
Considering the qualities and teachings of Muhammad (peace be upon him) testified to by some many people throughout history and even testified to by Allah Himself, we conclude the following to be only a partial list of the qualities, morals and virtues of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
A. Articulate - Muhammad (peace be upon him) although unable to read or write throughout his entire life, was able to express himself in clear and decisive terms and in the best of classical Arabic language.
B. Brave - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was praised for his courage and bravery during and after his life by his followers and opponents alike. He has always been an inspiration to Muslims and even non-Muslims throughout the centuries.
C. Courteous - Muhammad (peace be upon him) always put other people's feelings ahead of his own and was the most courteous of hosts and the best of guests wherever he went.
D. Dedicated - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was determined to carry out his mission and present the message with which he had been sent, to the entire world.
E. Eloquent - Muhammad (peace be upon him) claimed he was not a poet, yet he could express himself in the most concise manner, using the least amount of words in a most classic manner. His words are still quoted by millions of Muslims and non-Muslims today everywhere.
F. Friendly - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was noted for being the most friendly and considerate of all who knew him.
G. Generous - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was most generous with his possessions and never wanted to keep anything if there was anyone who was in need. This was true of gold, silver, animals and even food and drink.
H. Hospitable - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was indeed, noted to be the most gracious of hosts and taught his companions and followers to be the best of hosts to all their guests as a part of their religion.
I. Intelligent - Muhammad (peace be upon him) has been proclaimed by many commentators who have studied his life and actions, to be of the most intelligent of all men who ever lived.
J. Just - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was most fair and just in all of his dealings. Whether in business or in giving judgment in any matter, he practiced justice on all levels.
K. Kindness - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was kind and considerate to everyone he met. He tired his best to present the message of worship of the Creator instead of the creations to all he met in the kindest fashion and most considerate manner.
L. Loving - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most loving toward Allah and to his family members, friends, companions and even those who did not accept his message but remained peaceful to him and his followers.
M. Messenger of Mercy - Muhammad (peace be upon him) is proclaimed in the Quran by Allah, as being sent to the entire world as the "Mercy to all mankind and jinn."
N. Noble - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most noble and distinguished of all men. Everyone knew of his fine character and honorable background.
O. "Oneness" - Muhammad (peace be upon him) is most famous for his proclamation of the "Oneness of Allah" or monotheism (called "Tawhid" in Arabic).
P. Patient - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most steadfast and forbearing in all of the trials and tests he lived through.
Q. Quiet - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was often very quiet and never was heard to be boastful, loud or obnoxious on any occasion.
R. Resourceful - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was most clever and resourceful in handling even the most serious of difficulties and problems confronting him and his companions.
S. Straightforward - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was known by all to speak directly to a subject and not twist things around in his speech. He also used a minimal amount of verbiage and considered excessive talk to be vain and unproductive.
T. Tactful - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most delicate and tactful in his dealings with the people. He never scratched the dignity of someone, even though unbelievers often insulted him and maligned him.
U. Unmatched - Muhammad (peace be upon him) is known throughout the world today as the man who most influenced the lives of so many people during his own time and for all times to come.
V. Valiant - Muhammad (peace be upon him) gave new meaning to the word valiant and he was always most honorable in all of his affairs, whether defending the rights of orphans or preserving the honor of widows or fighting for those in distress. He was not intimidated when outnumbered in battle, nor did he turn away from his duties in protecting and defending the truth and freedom.
W. Wali - The Arabic word, “wali” (plural is owliya) is a bit difficult to bring into English without some explanation. For this reason I decided to leave it in Arabic and offer from my humble understanding one of the most important aspects of the character and personality of the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Some say the word means; “protectors” and others have said “darlings” or “those in whom you put full trust and confide everything” like the Catholics might do with their priests. While still others simply offered the word “friends.” While discussing this subject with one of my beloved teachers, Salim Morgan, he mentioned to me the meaning might be closer to the English word, “ally.” This is perhaps, a lot closer in meaning because when a person gives their pledge of allegiance to someone he or she is taking that person as a “wally” and this is called giving “bay’ah” in Arabic. Allah tells us the Quran not to take the Jews and Christians as “owliya” in place of Allah. While we understand the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) are the closest to us in faith, at the same time we are instructed here not to take anyone as our “confessor” or “intimate ally” or “one to whom we give our pledge of allegiance” in place of Allah or His messenger, Muhammad (peace be upon him). The prophet (peace be upon him) was the living example of the most trustworthy and loyal of all human beings who ever lived on this earth. Anything mentioned to him in confidence would never be divulged nor shared with others. And when he was put in place of authority or “wali” over the people, they found him to be the best of those to be trusted.
X. "X" - Muhammad (peace be upon him) could neither read nor write, not even his own name. In today's world he would have to use an "X" to "sign" a document. He used a signet ring worn on the little finger of his right hand to seal any documents or letters sent to the leaders of other lands.
Y. Yielding - Muhammad (peace be upon him) would yield his own desires and forego his own ideas in favor of whatever Allah directed him to do. While considering opinions from his followers, he often accepted their ideas over his own, preferring to yield in favor of others as much as possible.
Z. Zealous - Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most zealous of all the prophets of Allah, in carrying out his mission of "Peace through the submission to the Will of God." He truly was the most enthusiastic in regard to delivering the message with which he had been entrusted by Allah; the message of "Laa elaha illa-allah, Muhammadar-Rasululah" (There is none worthy of worship, except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah).
Alief. "AJEEB" (AMAZING) - We couldn't resist the chance for one more letter - even if it is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet ("|" alief). Muhammad was truly amazing in every respect. He delivered a message of a complete and total way of life, encompassing everything from the time a person wakes up until time to sleep and from the cradle to the grave. And if someone were to follow this Way of Life ("deen" in Arabic), they would achieve the greatest success here in this life and the greatest success in the Next Life as well.
You may be a Christian Protestant, Catholic, Jew, an atheist or an agnostic; or you may belong to any of many different religious denominations existing in today's world. You might even be a communist or believe in man's democracy as the rule on earth. Whoever you are and whatever ideological or political beliefs, social habits you may hold, there is no doubt -
You Must Know This MAN - MUHAMMAD (peace be upon him).
He was by far the most remarkable man that 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" (peace be upon him)
He was born in Arabia in the year 570 C.E. (Common Era), 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 23 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 a people or a place before or since - and IMAGINE all these unbelievable wonders in JUST OVER TWO DECADES.
The world has had its share of great personalities. But these were one sided figures who distinguished themselves in but one or two field, 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 is so much speculation about the time and place 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 is impossible for humanity to reconstruct accurately the lives and teachings of these men.
Not so this man. Muhammad (peace 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 records so preserved are vouched for not only by the faithful followers but even by his prejudiced critics.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) 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 (peace be upon him) to achieve such incredible perfection.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) was nothing more or less than a human being. But 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.
Today after a lapse of fourteen centuries, the life and teachings of Muhammad (peace be upon him) 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 Mohammed's (peace be upon him) followers, but the inescapable conclusion forced upon by a critical and unbiased history.
The least YOU can do as a thinking and concerned human being is to stop for a moment and ask your self: Could these statements sounding so extraordinary and revolutionary really be true? And supposing they really are true and you did not know this man MUHAMMAD (peace be upon him) 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. By Eng. Husain Pasha.
We invite you to make a discovery of this wonderful man, MUHAMMAD (peace be upon him), the like of whom never walked on the face of this earth.
The Islamic Sharia (Law) is Valid for Each Era & Each Place
You may believe that the Islamic Law is not valid for this era, but this belief is not right, because the grounds of such belief is not valid to judge the Islamic Sharia, and here are some of such invalid grounds:
First:
The (Islamic) countries are underdeveloped in all fields of life, and this makes others believe, under the biased mass media which aims at distorting the Islamic Sharia, that if their Sharia was actually valid then they would not be underdevelopment like today; however, the truth is that such Islamic Countries do not apply the Islamic Sharia in this era; contrary, they are fighting it. The real reason behind such underdevelopment is that we are not applying the provisions of the Islamic Sharia. The corruption and injustice which govern our societies did not result from the Islamic Sharia; contrary such backwardness, underdevelopment, corruption and injustice resulted the very fact that we are not complying with the provisions of the Islamic Sharia, whether as governors or as governed people.
Second:
You may see some persons applying the Islamic Sharia actually but they misapply its provisions because they misunderstand Islam; therefore, they sometimes exaggerate or become strict. They imprison the woman, prevent her from learning, demolish traces, do not take care of their appearance and they think, by such behaviors, that they are representing the Islam. Moreover, some mass media tries to exploit such things and show the world such pictures to convince people that this is the Islam propagated by the Muslims!
Therefore, people hate Islam and believe, like you, that this is the Sharia which the Muslims invite us to apply? This is the religion which they want us to embrace? We do not need it.
These are the reasons which make people believe that the Islamic Sharia is not valid to govern, but they are invalid, because they are judging certain laws in a wrong manner. Suppose that we have a just law but certain people apply it wrongfully, then can we say that the law is wrong or the people who apply it are wrong?
How can we judge whether a law is valid or invalid? We can judge only when we have people applying such law accurately. Then, and only then, we can judge such law, whether it is valid or invalid.
I believe that judging the validity of the Islamic Sharia is just like judging the other religions. For example, if we find a Christian criminal and murderer man, can we say that: Christianity is a religion of killing and crimes? Of course no, because we should differentiate between Christianity as a religion and the Christians who apply it, some of them apply its teachings while others do not. Similarly, this applies on Islam. So, if we want to judge a certain religion, whether it is valid or not, we should not establish our judgment on the status of its followers; contrary, we should view the religion and its provisions in order to be objective in our judgments.
We, the Muslims, believe in three things, which are worthy of being mentioned herein:
Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the last prophet, as mentioned in the Holy Quran {Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets} (Al Ahzab 40). Therefore, we believe that Islam is the last divine mission.
Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was sent for all mankind while the messengers (Peace be upon them) before him were sent to their own people only. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: ((Allah The Almighty has blessed me with five features which were not given to any prophet before me; ….. the prophets before me were sent to their own people only but I was sent for all mankind)) .
It is logical that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is the prophet of all mankind, because each prophet before him was knowing that a prophet will come after him; therefore, the prophets (Peace be upon them) were sent to their own people only, because the other nations will have their own prophets. Moreover, Allah The Almighty has sent, sometimes, more than one prophet at the same time, but each for a different nation, as the case of prophet Ibrahim and Lot (Peace be upon them) who were sent the same time, but each for his nation only.
Accordingly, since there is no prophet after Muhammad (Peace be upon him), it is natural then to send Muhammad (Peace be upon him) to all mankind, because no prophet after him will come to deliver the message of Allah; therefore, it is necessary to make his mission valid for all eras and places, and for all the people who will come after him.
Finally, in order to prove that the Islamic Sharia is valid to govern in all eras and places, I will set some examples of the history to verify my statements:
First: The Arab before and after Islam
It is known, historically, that the Arab have not built any prestigious culture and no one heard about them except after Islam. They have prevailed worldwide within less than forty years after the death of Prophet Muhammad – Peace be upon him – and such culture would not be achieved without applying the Islamic Sharia which was distinguished with comprehensiveness, justice, mercy, balance and gradualness, even the original people can sue the Caliph and take their right from him. Once, an Egyptian Coptic man went to the Caliph of the Muslims Omar – May Allah be pleased with him – complaining from the injustice of the son of Egypt Ruler, the Companion/ Amr Bin Al Aas (May Allah be pleased with him); hearing that, the Caliph Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) called the Ruler and his son, and authorized the Coptic man to take revenge from them both. This shining example cannot be found except in the Islamic Sharia. Therefore, Omar Bin Al Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him), said his famous statement: (We were lowest nation but Allah The Almighty has strengthened us with Islam; therefore, if we seek the power without Islam Allah will lower us).
Second: Islam has mastered The World for Six Centuries under the Islamic Sharia
Bani Omiyyah has governed from 661 A.D. to 750 A.D and their state extended from Spain in the West to China in the East, then Bani Al-Abbas governed from 750 A.D. to 1258 A.D. and for the whole of such period they were governing under the Islamic Sharia. So, what is the meaning of this? Doesn't this mean that the Islamic Sharia is strong and valid for governing and prevailing all the generations in all places. Islam has governed several nations in all fields of life, and has succeeded, under its noble mission, to unify and gather people.
Third: the Economic, Scientific and Cultural Progress under the Islamic Sharia
The Muslims did not witness, along their history, such progress in all fields of life except after they have applied the Islamic Sharia, the Law of Allah The Almighty, Who said: {And if there should come to you guidance from Me - then whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter]} (Taha 123).
The economic progress was clear and obvious. At the reign of Omar Bin Abdul Aziz, he was helping those who cannot marry, pay their debts, and allocate a salary for each newly born infant from the treasury of the Muslims. Once, Omar Bin Al Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) found an old man begging people. Seeing that, he asked him: What is your problem? The man said: I am from those who should pay the tax (Jiziyah) and I am unable to pay it; therefore, I am begging people to procure such tax. Hearing that, Omar – May Allah be pleased with him – said: "By Allah The Almighty we will not be just if we exhaust your youth and waste your senility", then he exempted him from the tax and gave him a sum of money from the treasury.
Regarding the scientific field, the shining beams of Al-Hasan Bin Al-Haitham, Al-Farabi, Ibn Sina, Al-Baironi, Jaber Bin Hayyan, Al-Khawarizmi, Al-Jebreti and the others talented characters from whom the West has built their culture, appeared only during the era in which the Islamic Sharia was applied. Isn't it a proof that the Islamic Sharia is valid to lead the world and find the way out from the current distress?