LIFE IN MAKKAH

MAIN EVENTS
571 A.D Birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

576 A.D The Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s mother died.

578 A.D The Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s grandfather died.

583 A.D He made a journey with his uncle to Syria.

586 A.D The Holy Prophet (PBUH) participated in a battle called Harb ul Fijar.

596 A.D The Holy Prophet (PBUH) married Hazrat Khadija R.A

606 A.D Fixing of black stone.

611 A.D First revelation.

616 A.D Migration to Abyssinia

618 A.D Boycott of Banu Hashim.

621 A.D The Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s visit to Taif / Year of grief / Marriage with Syeda Aisha (R.A)

623 A.D First pledge of Aqabah.

624 A.D Second pledge of Aqabah & first year of migration / 13th year of prophet hood.

LIFE IN MAKKAH
BEFORE PROPHETHOOD

Ancestors
Q Write about the ancestors of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Ans. Refer to page 40 in the book in topic “ancestors”.

Conditions Of Arabia At the time of the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
Q Explain why the time of the birth of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is called the “age of ignorance”.
Ans. Refer to page 40-41 in the book in topic “conditions of Arabia”.
You have to write about the religious, political and social conditions.

Birth and Upbringing

Q. Give an account of the early life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). [10]
Ans. Refer to page 41-42 in the book in topic “birth and upbringing”
Q. The Prophet’s family was important in preparing him for prophethood.’ Agree or disagree, giving reasons for
your answer. [4]

Points to Agree
His uncle was important for taking him on trade journeys with him, which helped him to learn the trade that would
provide for his family later on.
The experience of meeting Bahira indicated that he was not going to remain an ordinary man. This made Abu Talib
more prectective of the Prophet pbuh.
Abu Talib served as shield of protection when the Muslims went through difficult times in Makka.
Khadija helped to give him financial independence which allowed him more time for meditation.
Khadija helped him in the confirmation of prophethood by taking him to Warqa bin Naufal
Points to Disagree
They could disagree and say, e.g. that they were not important because the Prophet was protected and guided by
God, shown by the incident of the two angels coming to wash his heart,
His parents and grandparents died when he was young so they were not of help for him in his prophethood.

Harb-ul-Fijar
Q. Describe the importance of Hirb-ul-Fijar.
[4]
Ans. 1. This was the first war experience of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) which proved to be quite beneficial because he
was destined to be the leader of a community that would fight many wars.
2. He saw the bloodshed and destruction which was brought about by this war. The horrible result of the war must
have developed in him a very strong and lasting dislike for war. This could be said because for the rest of his life he
avoided war as much as possible.
3. This was a major incident in his early life in which he participated together with his uncles. His participation
made this incident important.
4. It was an important incident because it led to the formation of a peace treaty which granted the right to the
weak, the poor and the destitute.

Half-al-Fazul
Q. Describe the importance of Half-ul-Fuzal.
[4]
Ans. 1. This was a peace treaty which was signed at the end of the Hirb-ul-Fijar which meant that this treaty had an
important role in putting an end to the sacrilegious wars.
2. This was the first time when the people of Arabia had dedicated themselves to the cause of preserving the
human rights as one of the objectives of the treaty was to uphold the rights of the poor, the weak and the
destitute.
3. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was among those who attended the meeting and was so much impressed by its
objectives that he remained loyal to it for the rest of his life.
4. His active participation in this event showed that he was interested in welfare of the people at the very early
age.

Al-Sadiq and Al-Amin

Q. Explain why the Holy Prophet (PBUH) earned the title of Al-Sadiq and Al-Amin. [4]
Ans. Refer to page 43 in the book in topic “Al-Sadiq and Al-Amin”.

Marriage to Khadija

Q. Describe the importance of marriage to Khadija. [4]

Why was his relationship with his wife Khadija important for him? [4]
Ans. 1. Hazrat Khadija (R.A) always confronted and consoled him as and when needed (refer to the incident of the first
revelation).
2. She stood by him at all times.
3. She placed all her wealth at the disposal of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to facilitate his mission.
4. It was through this marriage that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was able to teach his followers the message of
respecting women especially widows by giving her extraordinary respect.
5. From this marriage only, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had children who continued his generation.
5. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had so much love for her that he did not marry other women as long as she was alive as
he used to say that Allah never provided him a better wife that Hazrat Khadija.

Q. Give an account of the events leading to the marriage of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with Khadija. [10]
Ans. Refer to page 43-44 in the book in topic “marriage with Khadija”.

Fixing of Black Stone (Hajr Al-Aswad)

Qs. Give an account of the fixing of the black stone.
[10]
Ans. Refer to page 44 in the book in topic “fixing of Black Stone (Hajr Al- Aswad).

Q. Describe the importance of the event of the fixing of the Black Stone. [4]

Ans. 1. The participation of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) in this event makes this event a significant one in the eyes of the
believers.
2. The wisdom with which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) resolved the entire matter without any bloodshed shows that he
had extraordinary qualities even before prophethood when he was regarded as an ordinary man by his community as
this event happened before the conferment of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
3. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) had shown a considerable insight into this matter by preventing bloodshed from
happening. This shows that he had high level of foresight which had to be beneficial for him when he would assume
the leadership of the community.
4. This incident serves as an example for the Muslim leaders as to how they can decide matters without restoring to
violence.

Call to Prophethood

Q. Give an account of the event of reckoning. OR Describe the experiences of the Holy Prophet pbuh in the cave
of Hira. [10] OR Give an account of the Prophet’s first experience of receiving revelation. [10]

Refer to book topic “call to prophethood”

Q. Explain why the Holy Prophet (PBUH) started spending time in the cave of Hira. [4]
Ans. 1. He was not happy with the religious conditions prevailing n Makkah, Polytheism, idolatry etc.
2. He disliked the way people were involved in vices, gambling, drinking, ill treatment of women, slaves.
3. He was always in search of peace and solitude for carrying out meditation which was only possible in this cave
because it was away from the hustle of the main city.
4. He was in search of the God of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S) and believed that he would be able to find truth if he
started searching for it.

Q. Describe the importance of the experiences in the cave of Hira. [4]

Ans. 1. It shows that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was finally able to find the Truth which he had been looking for years.
2. It was through this experience that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was transformed from an ordinary human being to
a Prophet.
3. The revelations of the Holy Quran started from this experience which went on for the next 23 years to provide
us with an excellent Book of knowledge and wisdom.
4. It was after this incident that a revolution was started in Arabia with the start of Islam to remove the darkness
of ignorance with the light of knowledge.
 5. This experience of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) also supports the believers of the Muslims in the existence of
angels.
6. This experience of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) also teaches us that only those people are guided by Allah who are in
the search of guidance.

Q. Describe the importance of Angel Jibrael (A.S) at the time of revelation. [4]
Ans. 1. Angel Jibrael (A.S) acted as an agent between Allah and His chosen Prophet to communicate the Divine message.
2. Angel Jibrael (A.S) not only brought the message but also hugged and squeezed him tight to transform the good
energy into the body of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
3. The presence of Angel Jibrael (A.S) also supports the Muslim’s belief in the existence of the angels as the
messengers of Allah.
4. Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was told that this same angel used to bring revelations to other Prophets of Allah. In
this way Angel Jibrael (A.S) served as a link between Islam and all the other Divine religions sent to this world
through other prophets of Allah.

Q. Describe the importance of Warqa bin Nofil at the time of revolation. [4]

Ans. 1. He was a Christian scholar who bore witness to the fact that the message brought by Angel Jibrael (A.S) was not
a new message but a continuation of the messages that were sent to the chosen Prophets before Islam.
2. He played an important role in consoling and comforting Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) who was in a state of shock
and fright due to the strange experience in the cave of Hira.
3. He also prepared the Holy Prophet (PBUH) mentally for the upcoming hardships by telling him that his prophetic
mission would one day result into his expulsion from Makkah.
4. It was Warqa bin Nofil who confirmed that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had been chosen as a Prophet to guide the
ungodly world to the right path.

Miscellaneous Question from Life Before Prophethood

Q Give an account of the Prophet’s life up to the time the revelations began. [10]
Describe the main events in the Prophet’s life before he was granted prophethood. [10]
Describe the main events in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) from his childhood until he received
revelation. [10]
Write about the life of the Prophet up until the first revelation. [10]

Ans.
 Briefest description of the conditions of Makkah.
 Birth and upbringing.
 Journey to Syria with uncle Abu Talib.
 Harb ul Fijar
 Half al Fazul
 Titles that he earned.
 Marriage with Khadija.
 Fixing of the black stone.
 His dissatisfaction with the people and habit of going to the cave of Hira.
 Just a brief description of the first revelation.

Life in Makkah
LIFE AFTER FIRST REVELATION IN MAKKAH

Preaching by the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

Q Describe the stages that were involed in the process of preaching at Makkah that the Holy Prophet pbuh
carried out.
[10]
Give an account of the way in which the Prophet started to preach Islam in the first few years after he first
received the revelation. [10]
Q Give an account of the main events of the Prophet’s preaching up until the public declaration on Mount Safa.
[10]

Ans. There were three stages:

1. Preaching to close family members and friends
2. Preaching to the nearest kinsmen
3. Open preaching at Safa hill to all

Q. How did Islam grow in the years between the Prophet’s first revelation and his first public preaching in
Makka? [10]

 Details realated to the Visit ti Warqa bil Naufil

 Acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Khadija
 Revelation to Rise and Deliver Warnings
 3 years of sectret preaching. fiocus was on Oneness of Allah
 First coverts were very close people: their names
 Performance of two times prayers secretly
 There were more than 40 or so converts it could not be kept a secret any more.
 Then sura 26:214 was revealed to preach the message openly. He called his own clan to dinner; Abu Lahab rejected
the message while Abu Talib promised protection.
 Then the Prophet (pbuh) called the people of Makka to the mount of Safa and told them about the new faith and
believing in one God. His message was rejected.
 After this persecutions started on the early converts but Makkans continued to convert to Islam

Q Was it significant that the Prophet began preaching the message in secret? [4]

Ans: The message was new and so the Prophet and his closest followers needed time to get used to it.
They did not know how the Quraysh would react so it was better to wait until they had some strength in numbers
before openly preaching.
It was also better to wait until they were guided by God to preach Islam openly.
Q What do the Prophet’s struggles in these early years teach Muslims about dealing with their own difficulties?
[4]

 Patience and tolerance

 Bravery/ courage
 Determination/ firmness/ steadfastness
 Trust in Allah

Opposition and Persecution by the Makkans

Qs. Explain why the Quraish opposed the Muslims. [4]
Why did the Quraysh fear the Prophet and his message even though he was not violent or aggressive towards
them? [4]
Why did some people fear the message that the Prophet had brought? [4]
Why did the Quraysh feel they needed to reject the Prophet’s message? [4]

Ans. Refer to page 48 in the book in topic “ “

Q Give an account of the ways in which the Holy Prophet pbuh was persecuted by the Quraish during his stay in
Makkah. [10]
Q Outline the difficulties the Prophet faced between receiving his first revelation and the boycott of
BanuHashim. [10]
Q The Prophet Muhammad brought the message of Islam to Makka. Describe the ways the main clans treated
him after hearing his message. [10]
Q The Prophet (pbuh) was mistreated by the Makkans after preaching the message of Islam. Write an account
of the difficulties he faced. [10]
Q The Prophet’s relationship with the Quraysh changed after he began to receive revelations. Describe the
differences in the way the Quraysh treated him after he started preaching.

Ans. 1. Mental torture

 Insulting titles (Abtar, magician, poet, sooth-sayer, insane, mad man)
 He was cursed by many people.
 Poets were asked to ridicule the Holy Prophet (PBUH) by humiliating poems.
 He was made fun of by mockery.
 Abuses were hurled at him.
2. Physical torture
 Garbage thrown at him.
 Thorns spread in the path that he was expected to take.
 Attempts to strangle him to death.
 Camel fetus placed on his back.
 Magic spells cast upon him.

3. Made him a very difficult offer to refuse.

 Marriage to the fairest girl.
 Make him king.
4. Experiences in Shib-abi-Talib.
5. Death of Hazrat Khadija (R.A)
6. Death of Hazrat Abu Talib (R.A)
7. Increase in the opposition and persecution after the pledges of Aqabah.
8. Murder plan made at Dar un Nadwah.
9. Secret escape from Makkah.

Q Give an account of the ways in which the early Muslims were persecuted by the Quraish during their stay in
Makkah.[10]
Q Give an account of the difficulties experienced by the early Muslim community in Makka. [10]
Q Describe the main difficulties encountered by the Prophet pbuh himself during his time in Makka after his call
to prophethood.[10]
Q Describe the difficulties faced by the followers of the Prophet in Makka. [10]
Q Describe the persecution faced by the first Muslims in Makka. [10]
Q Describe the main difficulties faced by the early followers of Islam. [10]

Ans 1. Opposition and Persecution

2. Torture on the prophet pbuh
3. The Muslims were persecuted in ways such as:
 Hazrat Bilal was thrown on desert rocks and was tortured,
 Hazrat Usman R.A was imprisoned and starved,
 Hazrat Amar Khabab was choked wnen he was wrapped in a carpet and exposed to smoke
 Hazrat Yasir and Hazrat Sumanyan R.A were the first martyrs of Islam
 Hazrat Zinra was blinded.
4. The Muslims were tormented to such an extent that they migrated to Abyssinia.
  The Muslims had to leave everything.
 The Muslims had to go to an unknown place.
 The Muslims were followed to Abyssinia.
5. Boycott of Banu Hashim.
6. Persecution was redoubled after the pledges.
7. Migration to Yasrab.

Reaction of the Prophet pbuh and of the Muslims towards these difficulties

Q The Prophet did not change his character despite the way the Quraysh changed towards him. What can
Muslims learn from this? [4]
Q How can the behaviour of the first converts to Islam provide an example for Muslims today? [4]
Q In today’s world how practical are the reactions of the Prophet’s followers to these persecutions? [4]
Drawing from this account, what advice could be given to Muslims now living in fear of persecution? [4]
Q The Prophet (pbuh) faced challenges in his early years but maintained his good character. How can Muslims
learn from this today? [4]
Q The Muslims in Makka faced a lot of hostility after the Prophet began preaching openly. Describe the
persecutions against the followers of the Prophet at this
Q How can Muslims apply in practice the lessons learnt from the Prophet’s behaviour in this situation? [4]
Q Despite living through the days of ignorance, the Prophet remained true to his mission. What lessons can
Muslims learn from this today?
Q How does his conduct in one of these difficulties provide example for Muslims today / [4]
Q How can the Prophet’s response to opposition help Muslims when they are mistreated? [4]
Q How can these events give hope to Muslims today? [4]

Ans: Patience and tolerance

Muslims now should be patient when someone abuses them. Muslims are facing hostility for their faith in many
places, but they should try not to get angry and hurt others in return.
Steadfast and Firm
Like many of the early Muslims, who carried on practising their faith, Muslims should not despair and give up on
their religious practices.
Merciful and forgiving
Muslims should not make attempts to react in vengeful ways. They should continue showing forgiving attitude to
their enemies even when they are in the position to take revenge
Trust in Allah
Muslims should always remember that Allah is their sole protector in the face of difficulties and they should
continue to pray to Him alone with hope of Divine help.
Ready to Sacrifice
Muslims must learn the fact that they have to be ready to sacrifice all they have including their lives in the way of
Allah. They should not fear death as they know that sacrificing their lives in the way of Allah is the greatest
offering they can make to please Allah.

Q; Why is it significant that the Quraysh were still willing to keep their belongings with the Prophet after he
started to preach Islam?
Ans: Despite the message he was preaching, they still knew that his character would not have changed because they had
never found any discrepancies in his character.
Despite not liking what the Prophet was saying they still valued their belongings and wanted to keep them where
they knew they would get them back.
The reasons the Quraysh changed were political and social, not because the Prophet had changed, or because they
felt he was lying/spreading falsehood.

Migration to Abyssinia
Q Give an account of the main events involved in the Muslims’ migration to Abysinnia. [10]
The Prophet allowed some of the early Muslims to move to Abyssinia. Write about the events of this
migration.
 ‘Uthman and Ja’far were among the companions who migrated to Abyssinia. Write an account of this
migration and the events in it.
Write an account of the first migration (hijra) of the Muslims to Abyssinia. [10]
Describe the main events relating to the first migration (hijrah) of Muslims to Abyssinia.[10]

Refer to the book topic ‘Migration to Abysinnia.

Q. Explain why the Muslims migrated to Abyssinia. [4]

Ans. 1. Muslims were being badly persecuted by the Quraish so the Holy Prophet (PBUH) advised them to go to Abyssinia
which was under the rule of Najashi, who was a very kind and fair king.
2. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) wanted the Muslims to move out of Makkah and experience life in the absence of the
Holy Prophet (PBUH) to teach the Muslims how they would conduct their affairs without the presence of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH).
3. It was also to explore new and safe places for the Muslims outside Makkah to give Muslims some hope that they
had places to go to.
4. It was also a practical move as the Holy Prophet (PBUH) wanted to send the message of Islam outside the
boundaries of Makkah.

Q. ]Explain why the Quraish pursued the Muslims to Abyssinia. [4]

Ans. 1. They pursued the Muslims to Abyssinia because this migration was likely to cause the expansion of Islam which
was a threat to their political, social and economic power.
2. They pursued the Muslims to Abyssinia to bring them back because following the example of these people, many
other people would escape from Makkah in days to come.
3. This was also to tell the Muslims that they were not safe from the Quraish even if they migrated to other places
as they could easily bring them back to Makkah.
4. Chasing the Muslims to Abyssinia was another attempt made by the Quraish to prevent the growth of Islam.
They thought that they would be able to persuade Najashi to send them back.
5. The escape of the Muslims from Makkah was an attack on their pride and prestige as the Muslims had been able
to escape from Makkah in secrecy. By chasing and bringing them back, they wanted to restore their pride.

Q. Describe the importance of migration to Abyssinia. [4]

Ans. 1. This was the first political move made by the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
2. Muslims gained the experience of conducting their own affairs on their own in the absence of the Holy Prophet
(PBUH).
3. Those that remained in Makkah got closer to each other.
4. The message of Islam was spread further and out of Arab.
5. The prophet (PBUH) considered the immigrants to be in a state of Jihad.
6. The migration showed the strength of the faith of the believers who were ready to undergo any difficulty for
the sake of Islam.
7. This successful experience led to the greater migration of Yasrab.

Boycott of Banu Hashim

Q. Give an account of the event of the boycott of Banu Hashim. [5]
Ans, Refer to book page # 50 and 51 the topic “Boycott”

Q. Explain why the Banu Hashim was boycotted.

Ans. 1. All the attempts that the Quraish had made to stop the growth of Islam had failed so they decided to create
another discouraging experience to prevent the growth of Islam.
2. The Quraish were also dismayed to find that Hazrat Umar (R.A) and Hazrat Hamza (R.A) had accepted Islam.
The acceptance of Islam by these people was likely to make Muslims stronger.
3. Banu Hashim was continuously supporting the Holy Prophet (PBUH). When the Quraish asked Abu Talib to
withdraw his support from his nephew, he refused. The Quraish decided to boycott the tribe.
4. The Quraish also had a bad experience in Abyssinia when Najashi refused to send the Muslims back to Makkah
from Abyssinia.
Q. Describe the importance of boycott of Banu Hashim.
Ans. 1. It showed the strength of the faith of Muslims who were ready to undergo any difficulty for the sake of Islam
as they never renounced their religion.
2. The difficulties faced by the Muslims in Shib e Abi Talib had finally moved the hearts f those unbelievers who
were kind hearted. These unbelievers tried to convince the hard liners to lift the boycott. In this way, the boycott
had caused disunity among the unbelievers.
3. Through the experiences in Shib e Abi Talib, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the early Muslims were able to set
extraordinary examples of patience, tolerance and determination for all the Muslims to come till the Day of
Judgment.
4. The difficulties faced during the experiences had made the Muslims more determined and more united.

Year of Grief
Q. Explain why the death of Hazrat Khadija was a big loss.
Ans 1. Hazrat Khadija R.A was a source of consolation for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). With her death, the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) lost the company of a comforting partner.
2. The death of Hazrat Khadija R.A also left him in-charge of household and the children which she had so well
managed during her life.
3. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always had the highest degree of love and regard for Hazrat Khadija R.A. The death of
the wife whom he loved the most was a big loss for him.
4. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was passing through the most difficult stage in his prophetic mission. The death of
Hazrat Khadija R.A had left him with difficulties in personal life as well.

Q. Explain why the death of Abu Talib was a big loss.

Ans. 1. Abu Talib had always been a fatherly figure for the Holy Prophet (PBUH). His death meant that the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) had become an orphan once again.
2. Abu Talib, being the leader of Banu Hashim had always stood as a shield of protection for the Holy Prophet
(PBUH). His death meant that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was now open to attacks from the pagans.
3. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was facing the most difficult times in Makkah when Abu Talib died. In this way, his
death proved to be an additional trouble and grief for the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Visit to Taif
Q. Describe the events of the Prophet’s visit to Ta’if. [10]
Q The Prophet went to Ta’if to teach the people there about one God. Write about his experience of this
event. [10]
Q The Prophet (pbuh) went to spread Islam in Ta’if. Write about the background and details of this event. [10]

Ans, Refer to book page # 52 the topic “Visit to Taif”

Q. Describe the importance of visit to Taif.

Ans. 1. This was the first ever trip that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had made outside Makkah by way of his prophetic
mission to spread Islam.
2. It was during his visit to Taif the the Holy Prophet (PBUH) set an extraordinary example of forgiveness as he
even forgave those people who had injured him with stones especially when he had the power to take revenge.
3. The visit to Taif had made the Holy Prophet (PBUH) convinced that the people of Makkah would no more accept
Islam so he started concentrating on strangers coming to Makkah which led to the pledges Aqabah and finally to the
migration to Yasrub.
4. This visit by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is an example that all Muslims have the responsibility of spreading Islam
by travelling to places where non-Muslims are living and that they should preach Islam in a peaceful way to others.

Q The Prophet showed great forgiveness despite the cruelty of the people of Ta’if. Do you think Muslims now
can follow this example? Give reasons for your answer. [4]
Ans: The people can follow his example because they may face rejection for many reasons, whether they are preaching
about Islam to others who mock and ridicule them, or it may be that someone is being bullied at school, or people are
being tormented by those occupying their lands

Remembering the Prophet’s forgiveness and being steadfast in faith, would help forgive those who are
hurting/rejecting you.

Despite having the power to destroy the entire city of Taif through Divine help, the Prophet pbuh remained patient
and prayed for the people of the city. This sets an example that Muslims should turn to Allah for help and be
forgiving even when they are in the position to take revenge.

Q Giving examples, show how Muslims can practise forgiveness in their lives. [4]
 In their role as parents, they can forgive their children for the monor mistakes they commit if those mistakes are
not habitual.
 In their role as teachers, they can forgive students if they are found guilty of breaking the rules of class or school
once in awhile.
 As boss in their respective offices, they can forgive their subordinates for minor acts of misconduct or negligence
in the line of the discharge of their duties.
 In the capacity of a leader of a country, they can adopt a forgiving attitude to the leaders and people of other
countries instead of taking a drastic action of waging war.

Incident of Mairaj
Q. Describe the incident of Mairaj. [10]
The Prophet Muhammad was taken on a night journey and ascent to the heavens (al-‘israwa-l-mi’raj).
Write an account of this journey. [10]
Describe the events of the Prophet’s night journey and ascension (al-isra wal miraj). [10]
Give an account of the events of the Prophet’s night journey and ascension [‘Israwa-mi’raj].

Lexically “isra” means walking at night, traveling at night 

“miraj” means rising, going up to a high place.
The events of Night Journey and Ascension took place on the tenth year of the prophethood of Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) in Makkah.
It is stated in the chapters of al-Isra and an-Najm in the Quran how the miracle of Night Journey and Ascension took
place. The verses regarding the issue are as follows:“Glory to (Allah) Who did take His Servant for Journey by night
from the Sacred Mosque to the Farthest Mosque whose precincts We did bless― in order that We might show
him some of Our Signs: for He is the one Who heareth and seeth (all things).”
On the 27th night of the month of Rajab, Hazrat Prophet (pbuh) went from the Kaaba (Makkah) to Masjid al-Aqsa
(Jerusalem) on a Paradise animal similar to a horse called Buraq.
Before he reached Jerusalem, he stopped by the place of Hazrat Moses (pbuh) and performed a two-rak’ah prayer
there; then, he reached Masjid al-Aqsa.
There, he was met by a group of prophets among which there were Jesus (Isa), Moses (Musa) and Abraham (Ibrahim).
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) led the other prophets in a prayer of two-rak’ahs.
After that, the Prophet (pbuh) was brought two bowls; one of them had wine and the other had milk. He was told,  “Have
either of them!" The Prophet (pbuh) chose the milk.
He stopped by all of the layers of the sky. 
He met the prophets Adam, Yahya (John), Isa, Yusuf, Idris (Enoch), Harun (Aaron) Musa and Ibrahim (peace be upon
them all) respectively; they said to him,“Welcome!” and congratulated him. 
Then, he visited Bayt al-Mamur (the much frequented house), which seventy thousand angels visited every day. 
After that, he went to Sidra al-Muntaha (Lote Tree of the Extremity) together with Jibril. Sidra al-Muntaha is a tree
whose root is in the sixth layer of the sky and whose branches are over the seventh layer of the sky; it casts a shadow
that covers the whole sky and Paradise; its leaves are like elephant ears and its fruits are like large jars.
Jibril took the Prophet to higher places; eventually, he took the Prophet to such a high place that the Prophet started
to hear the pens writing people’s actions. 
 The Prophet (pbuh) saw that a very green Rafraf (silk bed) covered the horizon. The Prophet (pbuh) sat on Rafraf.
Jibril left the Prophet there. The Prophet was elevated and approached to his Lord, who is Aziz (Mighty and Strong) and
Jabbar (Compelling).
The Prophet started to hear the order of his Lord, "Do not be afraid, O Muhammad; approach!" In the end, he
reached the place that nobody had reached before, attaining divine acceptance, grants and bounties.According to the
narration of Ibn Abbas, the Prophet said, "I saw my sublime Lord!"
In Miraj, the Prophet (pbuh) gave the worshipping of all creatures to God Almighty as a gift instead of greetings.
Things that were Given to the Prophet in Ascension
The Prophet (pbuh) was given three things as a result of the encounter in Miraj:
Five daily prayers equal to the reward of fifty daily prayers.
The last two verses of the chapter al-Baqara.
The muqhimat (major sins) of the people from the ummah of Muhammad were forgiven except those
who associated partners with Allah.
Paradise was shown to the Prophet (pbuh)
After Allah revealed to the Prophet what He was to reveal, the Prophet (pbuh) was taken to Paradise by Jibril.
The width of Paradise was as much as the sky and what was under it.  
The Prophet (pbuh) saw villas made of pearl, ruby and chrysolite .
He noticed that the soil of Paradise smelled musky.  
The Prophet (pbuh) also saw a river next to which there were domes made of hollow pearls ; it was flowing on pearl and
ruby stones and on musk. The Prophet (pbuh) asked, "O Jibril! What is this?" Jibril said, "It is the river Kawthar,
which Allah gave you!" The water of the river Kawthar was tastier than honey and whiter than milk.

Hell was shown to the Prophet (pbuh)

Among the smiling angels that met the Prophet (pbuh) in the sky of the world, there was an angel called Malik, angel of
Hell, who never smiled.
When the Prophet asked Jibril who he was and found out about his identity, he said to Jibril,
"Will you order him to show me Hell?"
Jibril said,
"All right!" He said to Malik,"OMalik! Show Hell to Muhammad (pbuh)!"
The Prophet saw the tortures of thirst, chains of torture, torture snakes and scorpions and some other tortures.

The Prophet (pbuh) returned to Makkah

The Prophet (pbuh) mounted on Buraq, which he had tied to the gate of the mosque Masjid al-Aqsa, and returned to
Makkah. The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet took place one night between the night prayer and the
morning prayer.

Q. Explain the importance of the event of Mairaaj. [4]

What was the significance of this journey to the Prophet? [4]
Why do you think it was important for God to take the Prophet (pbuh) on this journey? [4]
How did this journey help the Prophet in his mission? [4]

 This incident is mentioned in the Quran.

 This serves as a link between Islam and the faith taught by other Prophets of Allah. The fact that the Holy Prophet
pbuh met other prophets suggests that his teachings are a continuation of the teachings brought by other prophets
of Allah.
 This incident shows that the Prophet of Allah were made to undergo various experiences that were meant for their
spiritual development and growth.
 It is also stated that it was after this incident that the five prayers were made obligatory for the believers.
 This incident also showed the unique status of the Holy Prophet pbuh as Allah chose to allow him in His presence an
honour that was not conferred upon any other human being.
 This incident also provided the Holy Prophet pbuh with the much needed stock of hope in his prophetic mission as
the 10th year of prophethood was an extremely difficult year in his prophetic as well as personal life.

Pledges of Aqabah
Q: The Pledges of Aqaba were made in the Prophet’s last years in Makka. Outline the reasons for these pledges
and write about the details in them. [10]

Ans: Refer to Book

Q: Explain the importance of the Pledges of ‘Aqaba to the Prophet in the period leading up to the migration.[4]
1. Pledges of Al-aqabah gave hope to the prophet as he found support and protection from a different but willing
source.
2. These pledges led to the migration to Yathrib which meant an end to all such persecutions and torture at the hands
of the quraish.
3. Prophet could now see his mission fulfilling and foresaw the possible success and growth and growth of Islam as now
they found a small place, a home where the people pledged to support him and which had no priest class.
4. These pledges at Aqabah directly paved way to the migration of the Muslims to Yasrab as the people who accepted
Islam from Yasrab pledged full support to the Muslims and invited them to their city.
5. His name became a household name in yathrib and his arrival was anxiously awaited after the pledges, which
encouraged him to accept their invitation.
6. Prophet was shown Madinah as his next destination on mairaj which could be seen turning into reality after these
pledges.Hence it lifted up the status of the Prophet as yathribites wanted him as the leader and so these were very
important to the Prophet.
7. The pledges proved to be a turning point in the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the history of Islam because
they marked the end of the difficult phase and the beginning of a successful phase in the lives of the Prophet pbuh
and the early Muslims.

Q: Give an account of the events surrounding the Pledges of ‘Aqaba and the main details in them. [10]
 General Opposition and persecution
 Boycott
 Death of Abu Talib and Khadija
 Unsuccessful trip to Taif
 Preaching of islam to strangers visting Makkah
 Details of pledges

Migration to Yasrab
Q. Give an account of the hijraof the Prophet from Makka to Madina. [10]
Q Give an account of the Prophet’s migration (hijra) from Makka to Madina. [10]
Q Describe the main events of the Prophet’s migration (hijra) from Makka to his welcome in Madina. [10]
Q Describe the events of the migration (hijra) from Makka to Madina. [10]

Ans. Refer to book topic ‘Migration to Yasrab”

Q Write about the Prophet’s activities in spreading Islam outside Makka, before the migration to Madina. [10]
 Preaching in three stages (firstly, sectret preaching to his trusted friends and family members, secondly to his
kinsmen. Thirdly, open preaching at Safa hill )
 Visit to Taif
 Pledges of Aqabah

Q. Explain why the People of Yasrab invited the Muslims.

Ans. 1. They wanted to help the Muslims by saving them from the persecution at the hands of the Quraish.
2. They wanted to facilitate the mission of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as in Makkah there was no chance for anyone
to accept Islam anymore whereas, in Yasrab, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) could openly preach.
3. The people of Yasrab also wanted the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to come to Yasrab and resolve the dispute between
Aus and Khazraj tribes who were always battling against each other.
 4. They wanted to have the honour of the presence of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in their city so that they would be
able to learn directly from him.

Q. Explain why the Holy Prophet accepted their invitation.

Ans. 1. He saw that the Muslims were in grave difficulties in Makkah so he wanted to move them to safety.
2. A great number of people of Yasrab had already accepted Islam who were ready to give support of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH) for further expansion.
3. He did not want to disappoint the people of Yasrab who were so eager to receive him in their city.
4. He knew that there was no further chance for acceptance of Islam by the Makkans so he decided to move to
Yasrab where he had greater chances of success.
5. All the decisions that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to make were made according to the will of Allah.

Q. Explain why the Muslims migrated to Yasrab.

Ans. 1. Persecution in Makkah.
2. The Muslims migrated to Yasrab as they thought that there were better chances for further growth of Islam.
3. There was likely to be less opposition in Yasrab because there was no priest class in Yasrab.
4. The people of Yasrab had eagerly invited them.
5. The people of Yasrab were as not as cruel hearted as the people of Makkah were.

Q. Describe the importance of migration to Yasrab.

Ans. 1. Muslims showed the strength of their faith by sacrificing their families, houses, businesses to move out of their
native town to an unknown city.
2. Muslims got free from persecution.
3. Muslims got freedom of religion.
4. It led to the growth of Islam.
5. The morale of the Muslims and of the prophet (PBUH) was raised as they started to become successful.
6. It led to the establishment of first ever Islamic state.
7. The status of the prophet (PBUH) was raised as he was recognised as the undisputed leader of every one in
Madinah.

Q. Describe the importance of the experiences in the cave of Saur.

Ans. 1. His experiences in the cave of Saur were extremely important because his life was saved when he took refuge in
this cave. The stay at Saur was crucial in the history of Islam because Islam would have ended if the Quraish had
discovered him in the cave.
2. They Holy Quran makes a reference to this experience in the following words, “the two were in the cave, and he
said to his companion, have no fear, for Allah is with us”.
3. His experiences in the cave of Saur tell the believers how Allah saves His righteous people through miracles. In
this way God fearing people are told that Allah would always help them against their enemies when they are walking
on the path of Islam.
4. The experiences in the cave of Saur also demonstrate the strong sense of friendship which existed between the
Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his friend Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) who was ready to risk his life for the sake of the Holy
Prophet (PBUH).
Q In what way is this journey significant for the Muslim community now? [4]

 The migration has allowed Islam to spread and flourish, allowing it to reach Muslims in all parts of the world until
the present day.
 It also laid the foundation of a Muslim state which has resulted in many Muslim nations around the world.
 It became a lesson for Muslim communities facing political, social and religious problems. Such communities can also
find alternative ways to come out of these problems.
 The communities that host immigrants can also learn valuable lessons about how to accommodate and help migrants.
 It was significant for the Muslims because their Islamic calendar starts from the year of migration.

Q The Companions showed friendship and support for the Prophet (pbuh). How can Muslims show friendship and
support for each other? [4]

 By providing moral support to their Muslims brothers in times of difficulty

  By providing financial support to Muslim brothers when they are in need (times of natural calamities)
 By joining in their celebration such as marriage ceremonies and religious festivals
 By saving them from sources of harm such as removing stones from path or any other

Q: Trace the events that led up to the Prophet’s migration (hijra). [10]
Abu Talib died in 619.Describe the events following this that led to the Prophet’smigration (hijra) to Madina.
[10]
 Opposition and persecution
 Migration to Abysinnia
 Boycott
 Death of Abu Talib
 Failure at Taif made the Prophet pbuh concentrate on visitors to Makkah
 Pledges of Aqabah paved way to migration
 Invitation by the people of Yasrub
 Murder plan at Dar un Nadwa/ Aattack at the house of the Prophet pbuh

Q How does this migration compare to recent migrations of Muslims to other countries? [4]
How is the migration of the Prophet like the migration of some Muslims now? Give reasons for your answer.[4]
Ans CAN BE COMPARED
Muslims around the world are facing persecution, such as in Syria, and are migrating to other countries like Jordan
and Turkey, where they are being allowed to live in freedom.
However, it is not like the migration to Abyssinia/ Madinah as the current migrants usually live in refugee camps,
where resources are limited.
The migration to Abyssinia/ Madianah can also be compared to Muslims migrating to non-Muslim countries, where
they are given freedom to live and work, but sometimes not everyone welcomes them.
CANNOT BE COMPARED
It may be said it is not comparable to migration of Muslims now, e.g. economic migration.
Many Muslims now move for work and financial reasons, so it is not similar.

Cave of Thaur/Saur

Q Outline the Prophet’s experiences in the caves of Hira and Thawr. [10]/
The Prophet had different experiences in the caves of Hira and Thawr. Give an account of his experiences in
both caves. [10]
Describe the events relating to the Prophet’s experiences in caves. [10]

On his journey to Madinah, the Prophet obuh had stayed in the cave of Saur at Mount Saur. When the Prophet ( ‫ )ﷺ‬and Abu
Bakr (‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬arrived at the cave Abu Bakr ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬entered first to clear away anything that might injure the
Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬. He found a few holes and stuffed them with pieces of cloth. The Prophet ( ‫ )ﷺ‬then entered and went to sleep
on Abu Bakr’s ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬lap. Suddenly, something stung Abu Bakr’s ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬foot, but he did not twitch, fearing he
would wake the Prophet (‫)ﷺ‬. The pain was so intense that tears began to run down his cheeks and onto the Prophet’s ( ‫)ﷺ‬
face. The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬woke up and saw that Abu Bakr ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬was in pain. He applied his spittle on the injury and the
pain disappeared.

For three consecutive nights the Prophet ( ‫ )ﷺ‬and Abu Bakr ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬remained hidden in the cave. During this period,
Abu Bakr’s ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬son, Abdullah, would pass his nights nearby. The young man would return to Makkah very early in
the morning so that the Quraysh had no idea that he had slept elsewhere. Each day in Makkah he collected information
about the activities of the Quraysh, and each night went back to Jabal al-Thawr to inform the Prophet ( ‫ )ﷺ‬and his father
Abu Bakr (‫)رضي هللا عنه‬.

Abu Bakr’s ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬slave, Amir bin Fuhayra ( ‫)رضي هللا عنه‬, would graze Abu Bakr’s ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬goats near the cave
so that both men could drink fresh milk. Early the next morning Amir would drive the goats back to Makkah along the same
route that Abu Bakr’s ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬son took, to obscure his footprints.
When they were inside Allah (‫ )ﷻ‬sent a spider to spin a web from a bush across the entrance to the cave. Allah ( ‫ )ﷻ‬also
commanded two doves to fly down between the spider and the tree, make a nest and lay eggs. Meanwhile the Quraysh search
party scoured the area south of Makkah where the Prophet ( ‫ )ﷺ‬and Abu Bakr ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬where hiding. They came upon
the mouth of the cave, and had they looked down while standing at the edge of the cave, they would have surely found the
men they were hunting.

With the Quraysh so close to discovering their hiding place, Abu Bakr ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬became very tense about the Prophet’s
(‫ )ﷺ‬safety. The Prophet (‫ )ﷺ‬reassured him, “How can you be apprehensive about two with whom is a third, especially
when the third one is Allah?”

On seeing the spider’s web and dove nest, the Quraysh concluded that no one could have entered the cave and left.
Describing this scene the Quran mentions in Surah Taubah: “If ye help not (your leader), (it is no matter): for Allah did
indeed help him, when the Unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than one companion; they two were in the cave,
and he said to his companion, “Have no fear, for Allah is with us”: then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and
strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the
word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in might, Wise.“  [9:40]

After three days when they learnt that the search by the Quraysh had petered out they left the cave and headed towards
Yathrib (Madinah). Asma (‫)رضي هللا عنها‬, the daughter of Abu Bakr ( ‫ )رضي هللا عنه‬came to them bringing food for the
journey.

Q In what respects were the Prophet’s experiences in the cave of Thawr important for his prophethood? [4]
How did the events in the cave of Thawr help strengthen the Prophet’s relationship with God? [4]
Ans These experiences gave him reassurance that God was looking after him, as the web that was spun on the cave saved
his life, so Islam was spread.
It also confirmed the loyalty of Abu Bakr to the Prophet, as Abu Bakr was afraid but did not give himself or the
Prophet away to the Quraysh.
The Prophet pbuh was saved from the evil plan of the Quraish to murder him.
These experiences also ensured the life and growth of Islam in Madina. Islam would not have grown they way it did
if the Prophet pbuh had been caught by the Quraish. The entire growth of Islam was based on these experiences.
Miscellaneous Question from Life in Makkah after Prophethood
Q. Give an account of the interactions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with the Quraish before and after revelation.
[10]
Ans. BEFORE REVELATION
Harb-ul-Fijar ( the Holy Prophet (PBUH) fought together with the Quraish.
Half-ul-Fazul.
Al-Sadiq, Al- Amin.
Fixing of the black stone.
AFTER REVELATION
Safa Hill incident.
Persecution (mental and physical)
Bride offer.
Boycott of Banu Hashim.
Plan of his murder, attack on his house, chase
Badr, Uhad, Trench
Treaty of Hudayiya.
Attack on Makkah, the conquest and general pardon.

Q Write about the changes in the relationship between the Prophet and the Quraysh in the years between his
marriage to Khadija and the death of Abu Talib . [10]
 Friendly relationship initially. They called him Al Sadiq and Al Amin
 Considered him respectable person . Reference to fixing of the Black Stone
 Relationship changed after start of prophethood
 Opposition and Persecution
 Extreme hatred and dislike towards him and his mission. Boycott
 Death of Abu Talib left him open to attacks by the Quraish