Chapter 1 QURAN

Definition of Quran
 The word Quran is an Arabic word, derived from the root “qaraa” which means to be
recited or to read.
 Quran: Is the speech of Allah, sent down to the last Prophet Muhammad through Angel
Jibreel, in its precise meaning and precise wording.
Need for revelation of the Quran
1. To unite different religious groups
2. The previous books were only intended for a particular group, society or community
but the Quran was intended for the whole mankind
3. The previous books were only suitable for a particular time but Quran‘s message is
everlasting up to the Day of
Judgment
4. To give good code of conduct to mankind
5. To give mankind true knowledge of Tawheed and Allah‘s attributes
6. Allah had promised to reveal the Quran in the previous books
7. The previous books were either lost or their messages distorted hence revelation of
the Quran to correct them
8. The earlier religions and messengers continuously assured their followers of the
coming of the messenger with a book. The revelation of the Quran was fulfillment of
this
9. To give knowledge of the hidden world e.g. Hell. paradise etc
10. To give knowledge relating to the science of the universe
Role of Angel Jibril in the revelation of the Quran
1. Brought down the revelation to the prophet (SAW) from Allah
2. He explain the message to the prophet(SAW)
3. He assisted the prophet (SAW) in memorization of the Quran.
4. He revised the Quran with the prophet (SAW) the complete Quran.
5. He guided the prophet (SAW) in the order of the arrangement of the Quran.
6. He visited the prophet (SAW) Frequently in human form as the need arose.
7. He transferred the Quran from lauhul-Mahfudh (preserved Tablet) to Baitul-Izza (The
lowest of the heavens).
8. He used to comfort the prophet during revelation
Reasons for revelation of the Quran in portions
1. Make the memorization of the Quran easier for the believers.
2. Allow room for spiritual development among the believers.
3. The revelation was difficult experience for the prophet (SAW) and needed time as a
human being to adopt the particular environment.
4. To serve as a miracle and challenge to the infidels of Mecca.
5. To serve the purpose of gradual legislation.
6. To make understanding and application of the revelation easier for the believers.
The study of selected surah
A. AL- FATIHA
Translation
1. In the name of Allah the most Gracious, most merciful.
2. Praise be to Allah, The cherisher and sustainer of the world.
3. Most Gracious most Merciful.
4. Master of the Day of Judgment.
5. Thee we worship and Thee aid we seek.
6. Show us the straight way

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7. The way of those on whom you have bestowed favor not of those who evoked your
anger or of those who go astray.
Significance
1. Acts as a supplication
2. It is the opening chapter of the Quran
3. It teaches us about attribute of Allah
4. It‘s a pillar of prayer (swalat)
5. It the essence of the book
6. It is referred as the mother of the Quran
7. The Surah advice mankind to seek protection against the wrath of Allah.
8. It praises Allah and shows His Majesty.
Lesson learned from the surah
1) That before man does anything he/she should always first praise Allah.
2) The surah teaches man how to conduct his/her prayers and indicate that before man
prays or asks anything from God he/she should first praise Allah.
3) We learned that Allah’s mercy is for everybody here on earth but on the last day it
will be for only those who will have done good deeds. So man should struggle to do
goods as much as possible. Man should know that the Day of Judgment is sure to
come and that there will be no helper on that day other than one’s good deeds. God
will be the judge on that day and thus people will get that which will be worth their
deeds. Therefore man should struggle to do good in order to escape hell.
4) Man learns that it is a crime to worship any other thing other than Allah and that
there is nothing that can help man other than God. But God regards nothing from
man. Therefore we should increase our prayers and ask for guidance from Him.
5) Because guidance is very difficult to attain, man should always ask Allah to assist
him.
6) That if person performs prayer without reciting this surah his prayer is not acceptable.
The prophet said:
‘Whoever performs any prayer without reciting in them the mother of the Qur’an his
prayer shall be incomplete. (He repeated this three times).
B. AL- NASIR
Translation
1. When the help of Allah and victory comes
2. And you see the people enter Allah‘s Religion in crowds
3. Then glorify and praise your Lord and ask His forgiveness. For He is the most
forgiving.
Teachings
1. The Surah is foretell to the peaceful conquest of Mecca
2. It concludes the holy message
3. It foretells the prophet‘s death. When this surah was revealed, the prophet (SAW)
said“ I have been informed of my death and it will take place this year”
4. We are taught to pray and seek God‘s forgiveness frequently so as to win the
everlasting peace and rewards in paradise.
5. We must thank our Lord for all sorts of assistance and favors He bestows upon us.
C. SURATUL AL-ASRI
Translation
1. By the time (through the ages)
2. Verily man is in a great state of loss
3. Except such as have faith and do righteous deeds and enjoin each other to uphold
truth and patience.
Teachings

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1. The surah stresses that man is ever in loss except those who have faith, do good
deeds and preach truth and patience.
2. It‘s subject matter is to make the people believe the importance of good deeds and
pious
3. Allah, the Almighty cites time as a testimony to the fact that man who boasts of his
worldly increases and successes indeed he is at lost
4. Importance of the declining day in the life of a man is of much importance as it is time
to calculate what one has gained or lost
D. AL-FIYL
Translation
1. Have you not considered (O Muhammad) how your Lord dealt with the companions of
the Elephant?
2. Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray?
3. And He sent against them flights of birds
4. Striking them with stones of hard clay
5. And He made them like eaten straw.
Teachings
1. A lesson for men intoxicated with power, who prepared a large army and all the
resources they can muster to show their superior forces but God is always mighty
2. None however strong and mighty can defeat the plan and the purpose of Allah, the
Almighty.
3. God is sufficient defender of His plans.
4. Allah can take revenge very easily on a proud person however mighty He may be.
5. He can do it using very simple means.
6. The position of the house of Allah is very high, sacred and inviolable.
7. Allah blessed the Quraysh by protecting them against the mighty enemy.
8. Allah warns the Quraysh with the example of what happened to the people of
elephant
9. If a man plans against Allah‘s will, he cannot succeed. Allah can easily destroy him
Circumstances under which Suratul fill was revealed
 Abraha Ashram’s envy of Mecca’s fame and sacredness.
 Establishment of Ecclesia (AI Qalis) cathedral in Sanaa by Abraha Ashram.
 Abraha Ashram’s bid to force Arabs to make pilgrimage to the Ecclesia (AI Qalis)
cathedral.
 Arabs’ defiance of Abraha Ashram.
 Abraha Ashram’s march to Mecca to destroy the Ka’aba with an army of 60,000
soldiers and 13 elephants.
 Meccan’s fleeing from Abraha Ashram’s advancing army.
 Abdul Muttalib’s supplication for divine intervention.
 Allah’s unleashing of miraculous birds with pellets of baked clay (Sijjil).
 Destruction of Abraha Ashram’s Army.

Other names of the Quran

1.Adh-Dhikr (Remainder) 2.al-Majid (Glorious) 3.
An-Nor (Light)
4.Furkan (Criterion) 5.Kitab (Book)
6.Bashir (Announcer)
7.Nadhir (Warner) 8.Tanzil (Revalation)
9.Hudan (Guidance) 10. Mubarak (Blessing) 11.Rahma (Mercy)

Subject contents dealt with the Quran

1. Devine unity of Allah
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2. Knowledge of the soul
3. Science of the nature of heavens and earth
4. History of the past
5. Allah`s commandments and laws
6. Prophecy of the future
7. Warnings and encouragements, punishments and rewards
8. Commercial ethics
9. Devotional acts
Etiquette in reading the Quran
1. Keep the Quran in a clean place.
2. Concentrate fully and leave aside all other preoccupations.
3. Be ritually clean and sit on clean ground preferably sit facing the Qabah.
4. Begin the reading with “Audhu-billahi………” following by “Bimilahi..”
5. Ask for Allah blessing when reading verse which contains a promise.
6. Ask for Allah‘s mercy when reading verse containing threat.
7. Say swadaqa –Allahul-adhwim at the end of recitation.
8. Close with a dua (prayer)
9. Let no day pass without reading the Quran
10. Read the Quran in a manner that will not disturb others
11. Stop reading when Adhan is heard
12. Observe sijdatu-tilawa, where applicable
13. Feel as though the Quran is addresses to you directly
14. Consider every verse is relevant Today and not as thing of pass
15. Read with a good voice
Reasons why some Muslims find it difficult to read
the Qu an regularly
1. Secularization
2.Ignorance.
3.Pop culture influence 4.Influence of non-Muslims.
5. Technological innovations. 6.Negative peer influence.
7.Negative socio- cultural environment. 8.Negative media influence.
9. Materialism. 10.Decay of faith.

Differences between the Quran and Hadith

Quran Hadith
1 It is the word of Allah sent down Is report about the acts, saying and
upon prophet Muhammmad confirmation of prophet
(p.b.u.h) through angel Jibril Muhammad
2 The Quran has no categories It is categorized as Hadith Qudsi and Hadith
because the meaning and wording nabawi
is from Allah
3 The Quran speaks in general Hadith being intepretion is analytical
terms and contains principles
4 Reading of the Quran the reader Reading of Hadith is not rewarded
is rewarded
5 Quran is being recieted in daily Hadith is not recieted in prayers
prayers and without which the
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 prayer is invalid
6 Cleanliness (Twahara) is a primary Cleanliness (twahara) is not requisite when
requisite for reciting the Quran reciting Hadith
7 Quran is authentic as it was Hadith are classified according to their
written and recieted in its original degree of authenticity
form from the time of the prophet
8 The recording of the Quran took The writing of Hadith may very
place during the prophet lifetime, dependening on the reporters
he supervised it and listen to its in
order of memorization
9 Thhe Quran is memorized and The word and sentences of hadith may very
recited in its original form/word depending on the reporters

Chapter 2: HADITH
Definition of the term Hadith and Sunnah
 Hadith literally means: a piece of vital information, account or story
narrated by a person
 In Islam it stands for: reported words, actions and silent approval of
the prophet (saw).
 Sunnah literally means: a path or a way.
 In Islam means: to designate the life style of the prophet (SAW).
 The actions of the companions are called Athar swahabat.
Differences between Hadith and Sunnah
HADITH SUNNAH
1 It is saying of the prophet It is the practice and customs of the
of the prophet
2 Is what prophet taught Is what prophet did
3 Is the instruction of the prophet on Is the worshipping itself
how to worship
4 Is the prophet guidance on how to Is the way prophet treated the
treat the others others
Evolution of Hadith
A. The prophet‘s own initiative:
1. Sometimes he would ask them a question in order first to extract from them what
they knew before embarking on his explanation or giving them the answer to the
question e.g: Do you know what is backbiting?
2. He gave an actual story in order to pass some lesson from it e.g. the three men of
Banu Israel went on a journey
………………
3. He related parable to hammer a point e.g. the people who were in a
ship…………………………….
B. As a response to the questions of his companions.
1. Sometimes even his foes asked questions to test his knowledge, prophet-hood or as a
challenge.
2. Sometimes two companions might have two different views on an issue. Therefore
had to go to the prophet and ask him as which of the two is correct or acceptable.
3. Women also asked questions
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C. As an interpretation of the Quran.
1. Sometimes he explained the meaning or the purpose of what he had deduced from
the Quran, without referring to it.
2. Sometimes he would mention Quran verse and then comment upon it or state the law
or injunction derived from it.
D. The demand of circumstances. Different circumstances and situation would present
themselves up as the prophet nurturing the companions and developing them
spiritually, morally, socially, economically as well as politically.
Forms of Hadith
There are two classes of Hadith: Hadith Qudsi and Hadith Nabawi.
Hadith Nabawi is divided into four categories:
1. Qaul: a Statement given by the prophet (saw).
2. Fiil: This is an action performed by the prophet (saw)
3. Taqrir: This is an action of some of the companions which had the silent approval of
the prophet (saw).
4. Sifat: traits or character of the prophet
Contribution of Hadith to Islamic thought and culture
1. Helps the Muslim to understand the Quran.
2. It is the second source of Islamic Law.
3. It guides one to Islamic way of life.
4. It describes details about the Quran.
5. It supplements Islamic teachings.
6. Allah will reward the applicant of Sunnah.
7. It teaches about the life of the prophet (saw).
8. It teaches Muslims to practice what they preach like the Holly Quran.
9. It is a source of wisdom and inspiration.
10. It promotes learning of Islamic literature
Chapter 3 PILLARS OF IMAN
Articles of Iman
1. To believe in Allah
2. To believe in His angels
3. To believe in His books
4. To believe in His messengers
5. To believe in the last day
6. To believe in divine destiny
Allah says in the Quran: “The messenger (Muhammad) saw believes in what has been
sent down to him from his Lord and (so do) the believers each one believes in Allah, His
Angels, His Books and His messengers………….” 2:285
A. Tawheeed
The meaning of Tawheed
Literally means unification, making something one or asserting oneness. It comes from
the Arabic verb “Wahada” which means to unite, unify or consolidate.
Islamically means: to believe that Allah is the one and only God.
Islamically means, the realizing and maintaining of Allah‘s unity in man‘s actions
(Rububiyyah), no one is similar to Him in His essence and attributes (Asmaa wa sifaat)
and worship (uluhiyyah)
Categories of Tawheed
1. Tawheed ar- Rububiyyah: maintaining the unity of the lordship.
2. Tawheed al-Asmaa was-swifaat: maintaining the unity of Allah‘s names and
attributes.
3. Tawheed al-Uluhiyyah (ibaadat) :maintaining the unity of Allah‘s worship.
The significance of Tawheed
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1. It assures the creatures that the creator is near to them and is ready to answer their
request.
2. It distance mankind from worshipping other than Allah
3. It gives man tranquility and peace of mind
4. It increases Taqwa since one is aware that Allah sees him wherever he may be and is
aware of an even who is hidden in one‘s heart and mind
5. It leads one to ensure his respect and maintain his dignity as a sign of respect to
creature.
6. It leads to satisfaction with what one has as he accepts wherever which Allah has
portioned for him
7. It removes from mankind pride.
8. Justice becomes part and parcel of his way of life as he strongly believes that Allah is
just and loves to see the same among His creatures who yearn for success.
9. It removes the fear of people sin
10. ce he strongly believes that not only his life but everything is in the hands of Allah.
11. It removes greedy and jealousy and the desire to achieve success through even evil
means as he believe that all success is in the power of Allah and not one‘s endeavor
12. It generate in man a sense of modesty and humbleness
13. It builds strong degree of determination and trust in Allah
14. It purifies the soul and inculcate righteous behavior
Attributes of Allah
1. Allah ----------------------------------- God All- Mighty
2. Ar- Rabu--------------------------------The lord, Sustainer, Cherisher
3. Al- Waahid-----------------------------The One
4. Arahman------------------------------ The Entirely Merciful
5. Ar-Rahim------------------------------ The Especially Merciful
6. Al-MalIk----------------------------- The King
7. Al-Qudus--------------------------- The Holly
8. Al- Khaliq--------------------------- The Creator
9. Al-Awwal--------------------------- The First
10. Al- Akhir------------------------- The Last
11. Al- Hayy-------------------------- The Ever-Living
12. Al-Aziz---------------------------- The Al-Mighty
13. Al- Qayyom--------------------- The Self-Sufficient
14. Al- Hakim----------------------- The All- Wise
15. Al- Aleem----------------------- The All- Knowing
16. As-Samee----------------------- The Hearing
17. As-Shakur---------------------- The All- Appreciative
18. Al- Wadud--------------------- The Most Loving
19. Al- Haqq----------------------- The Truth
20. Ar-Razaq---------------------- The Al- Provider
21. Al Akram---------------------- The Most Generous
22. Al- Majid---------------------- The Al- Glorious
23. Al- Mutaal--------------- The Most High
24. Al- Ghanee------------------- The Rich
Shirk
The meaning of shirk
Literally means: partnership, sharing or associating.
Islamically means: The act of associating partners or rivals unto Allah in whatever form it
may take, either in His worship or in His beautiful names and attributes or in His
lordship.
Shirk is the opposite of Tawheed and is which that nullifies it.
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Types of shirk
According to terminology of Islamic shariah there are
three types of Shirk. A. Shirk al-Akbar
 This is the act of making something or someone a god alongside Allah whether it is an
Angle, a messenger, a human being, a wali (saint), the moon, a rock, which is
worshiped as Allah, by praying to it, making vows to it and other kind of worship.
 It occurs when any act of worship is directed to anyone other than Allah
 Allah says “Surely we have sent to every nation a messenger saying, worship Allah
and a void Twaaghut (False gods)”Q 16:32
 Major shirk represents a great sin. It is a sin so great that it virtually cancels all good
person may do and lead to hell fire
 A mushrk who is guilty of major shirk is the one who believes in some else as Lord
alongside or beside Allah, such as the Christians who regard Allah as the third of three
(trinity) or the margins (Zoroastrians) who attribute good events to the light and bad
events to the darkness, or the Serbians who believed that the stars and the planets
controlled what happened on the earth. Muslims who pray to prophet Muhammad
(saw) or saints believing that they can answer their prayers, the grave worshippers
who claims that the souls of saints can control things after their death. Different
manifestation of shirk-Al-Akbar
1. Worshipping other beings besides Allah
2. making or selling Idols
3. Showing off (riyaa)
4. Supplication to other being other than Allah
5. Vising grave for the purpose of worshipping
6. Equating the power of humanbeings with that of Allah
7. Invoking the names of other than the name of Allah while slaughtering
8. Believing that people have the power to protect or harm
9. Believing/consulting whichdoctors, palm readers and sooth sayers
Common forms of shirk al-Akbar
1. Worshipping others beside or alongside Allah (SAW)
2. Shirk al-Mahabba: Loving a creature as one should love Allah.
3. Shirk al-Dua‘a : The act of supplicating to others than Allah
4. Shirk al-Hakamiyyah: Ruling by other than Allah‘s laws
5. Shirk Twa‘a: When one commits the excess of respect to an individual i.e. when one
takes his fellow human being to be very pure as the catholic church regards the pope
B. Shirk al- Asghar
 This involve doing actions of righteousness for showing off or doing things for the
sake of created beings and not performing act of worship purely for the sake of Allah.
 Thus any act of worship or any religious deeds done in order to gain fame or , power,
or any worldly benefits fall under this type of shirk
 This kind of shirk even though it does not put a person out of the fold of Islam, still
puts a person in a grave danger of reducing his rewards for any good deeds to a
avery great extent and may even cancel out good deeds altogether
 In a tradition of the prophet (saw) it is reported that he said “The thing I fear for you
most is shirk al- Asghar the companions asked Oh messenger of Allah what is minor
shirk? He replied Ar-riyyah (showing off) For verily Allah will say on the day of
resurrection when people are receiving their rewards “Go to those whom you were
showing off
in the material world and see it you can find any reward from them” {Ahmad and Al-
tabrani}
C.Shirkul –Khafi

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This implies not being satisfied with what Allah has
decreed/ordained for a pperson Quran condemnation of shirk
1. The supplication of those who practice shirk is not answered (Q 13:14)
2. Those who practices it are punished in this world and in the Hereafter another
punishment waiting for them (Q 29:40)
3. They end up losers since all their good work in this life will be useless because of
practicing shirk (Q 39:65)
4. His work is unacceptable by Allah
5. It distance one from paradise
6. Can easily take one to hell fire (Q 5:72)
7. Shirk makes them in fear and terror
8. Shirk removes blessing in work, sustenance and all matters connected to his life and
next world (Q 7:97)
9. It courses disgrace and destitution/penury/indecency/poverty(Q 7:97)
10. Shirk leads to the curse of Allah and His wrath (Q 5:60)
11. it lowers ones dignity
12. it is a big sin that may not be forgiven infront of Allah
13. it creates enmity in the society
14. it make a person to distance him/herself from Allah
Belief in angels
Belief in angel is one of the six pillars of Iman. One cannot be called a Muslim, if he does
not belief in any of these pillars.
Characteristics of Angels
1. Angels are sinless
2. Angels are invisible
3. Angels are neither male nor female.
4. Angels are created from Nur.
5. Angels have the ability to change their form.
6. Angels glorify Allah’s name all the time and never disobey Allah.
7. Angels don’t poses human qualities and hence don’t require necessities of human life
e.g. drinking, eating etc
8. Angels are created without a free will they obey Allah without choice.
9. Their existence is not by procreation and marriage.
Names of Angels and their specific duties
1. Jibreel: He is entrusted with the revelation of wahyi. He brings it down from Allah to
whoever Allah wishes among his Prophet and Messengers.
2. Mikail: Is the head of angel in charge of rain and vegetation. He directs rain to
whenever Allah wishes.
3. Israfil: Is the one responsible for blowing the trumpet at the onset of the hour { the
day of judgment}
4. Ar-rad: He is responsible for the clouds.
5. Israel: Is the angel responsible for taking people’s souls.
6. Malik: He is the guardian of the Hell fire.
7. Munkar and Nakeer: are the angels who question people in their graves.
8. Raqib and Atid: These are angel which record men’s deeds.
9. Ridhwan: keeper of paradise.
Differences between angels, jinns and human being
N Angels Jinns Human being
O
1. They have been They have been They have been
created from light. created from fire. created from clay.
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 2. They can change They can change and They cannot change.
&take any form, but take any form, but
the shapes do not the shapes govern
govern them them.
3. Have been created Have been created Have been created
much earlier than much earlier than much late than
mankind. mankind angels & jinns.
4. They are neither They are male and They are male &
male nor female. females. female.
5. They do not disobey They are believers They are believers
Allah. and disbelievers and disbelievers.
Duties of Angles in general
1. Bringing Allah‘s Revelation to mankind
2. Strengthening and supporting prophets and messengers whenever the need arose
3. Strengthening and helping the believers against their enemies
4. Punishing the disbelievers at the time of death
5. Invoking Allah‘s blessings and forgiveness for believers
6. Encouraging human beings to do good deeds
7. They give glad tidings of paradise to believers and bad tidings to disbelievers
8. Recording of human actions
Exercise
1. Define the term shirk
2. Discuss the importance of Tawheed
3. Outline types of shirk and its adverse effects
4. Describe characteristic of Angles
5. Identify the names of Angles and specific duties
6. Explain the importance of benefit of Angles in the life of a Muslim
7. Identify five forms of shirk al-Akbar
8. Why shirk condemned in Islam
Chapter 4 DEVOTIONAL ACTS
There are five pillars of Islam, which every believer must perform. They are:
1. Shahada- The declaration of faith
2. Swalah – The five daily prayers
3. Saum – Fasting every day during the month of Ramadhan
4. Zakat- Payment of alms to those who qualify to receive the Zakat e.g. poor. Be
performed by those who have the required amount of wealth.
5. Hajj- To go for pilgrimage to Makkah for those who can affered it.
Hadith on pillars of Islam
Ibnu Umar (RA) Said that the prophet of Allah (SAW) said “Islam is built on five (pillars)
.To bear witness there is no other God to be worshipped except Allah and Muhammad
is His messenger, to say prayers, to give Zakat, fasting in Ramadhan and go to Hajj.
{Bukhar and Muslim} a. Shahada (Declaration of faith)
It is the declaration of faith. It is the saying of: “Ash-hadu Allailaah illallah, wash-hadu
anna Muhammadan Rasulullah”. “Meaning: I bear witness that none has the right to be
worshipped but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”
Measuring of Shahada
a. Shahada is the first pillar of Islam
b. When an individual make declaration of shahada he inter into the fold of Islam.

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c. However mere saying of this statement is not enough one has to put the meaning of
this statement in practice throughout his life
d. The first part of shahada stresses Tawheed (Monotheism) which is to believe in
oneness of Allah, it calls for worshipping none other than Allah
e. The second part of shahada is acceptance of the prophet Muhammad as the
messenger of Allah. There fore, the acceptance of the mission of Muhammad (pbuh),
means that his teachings and guidance are to obeyed and observed faithfully
f. The two parts of shahada are dependant on one another. One cannot choose to
accept the first and refuse the second or vise versa
Situations where shahada is pronounced
1. In swalat at Tahiyatu (Tashahud)
2. During Adhan and Iqam
3. when someone converts to Islam
4. When one want to sleep 5. when a person is dying
Significance of Shahada
1. It is the key to embracing (accepting) Islam
2. It must be pronounced in Adhan
3. It must be said in Swalah in (Attahiyyatu)
4. It is the price to pay for the paradise. He whose last words are “Laillah illa illallaah”
will enter the garden of jannah
5. It outweighs on the scales the records of sins.
6. It is the best of what the prophets have said 7. It is the best of all good actions
Differences between Shahada and Tashahud
Shahada Tashhud
1 It is the most fundamental article of It is what is said in prayer
faith
2 It is a pillar of Islam It is a pillar of prayer
3 It differentiate a Muslim from non- It confirms one‘s belief in Allah in
Muslim practicing prayer
4 It can be said any where It must be said in prayer only
5 It must be recited by new converts It is not recited by new converts
6 It must be said from time to time to It is not said from time to time unless in
reinforce (strength) one‘s faith e.g. teaching or learning
to bed to die.
7 It is complete in it self It must be included in prayer
b. Swalah
Definition of swalah
Literally means: Supplication and glorification.
Technically means: The worship or glorification of Allah by specific words, actions, and
movement in different postures, commencing with the words “Allahu Akbar” (Allah is the
greatest) and ending with the words “Assalam Alaykum Warhamatullahi” (May the peace
and the mercy of Allah be with you)
Essential condition of Swalah
The following conditions have to be fulfilled in order to perform a swalah:
1. Tahara: Ritual purity
2. Satril-aurat: Covering the private parts
3. To face the Qibla (Ka‘aba or it direction)
4. Niyyat: Intention

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5. The appointed time of prayer
6. One must be sane
1. Twahara (Ritual purity)
Twahara (Ritual purity) means that the body, the clothes and the place where one
perform the prayer must be free from all sort of Najaasat
Najaasat (Impurities)
This refers to any substance that renders something pure to be impure.
Types of Najaasat:
1. Najaasat Mukhafafa (light impurity) this is the urine of a baby boy less than two years
and nourished nothing else apart from mother’s milk. This kind of Najasa is removed
by sprinkling water on the place of the Najasa.
2. Najasat Mutawasita (Medium impurity) all form of Najasaat falls under this category
except the Najasa of dog and pig
e.g. blood, urine, stool, pus and vomit. This kind of Najasa is removed by washing
thoroughly until the taste, smell and colour disapire
3. Najaasat Mughaladha ( heavy impurity) this is the Najasa of a pig and a dog
Classification of water
There are three classes of water:
1. Twahur: This water is pure in itself which can purify. This is the clear water from
whatever sources i.e. from the earth or fallen from the sky. If it is more than Qulatain
(about 17kg-171 litters) or where the container should not be less than 56cm long,
56cm wide and 56cm high. This is approximately equal to 12 debes of water.If
impurity enters in this water, the water can be used provided there is no change in
either its colour, taste, or smell. If impurity has changed in any of these three forms,
the water cannot be used.
2. Twahir: This type of water is considered pure but cannot be used for purification.This
type of water can be used for drinking and cooking, e.g. Tea, juices, water used for
purification like wudhu, etc since these ones have changed water from it original
status (form) and appearance.
3. Najis: This is the type of water in which an impurity has entered and it is less than
qulatain. If an impurity (najis) enters into water and it changes it colour, smell or
taste, such as water falls in this class. Methods of purification A. Ghusl Ritual Bath
A Musali (performer of swalah) must purify himself by Ghusli (a complete bath) in case of
major impurities.
Taking of ritual bath (Ghusl) is compulsory under the following circumstances:
1. After sexual intercourse, even if sperms are not ejected for both the man and woman.
2. After ejecting of sperms whether a person is a sleep or awake
3. When a person dies, then it is a must for Muslims who are alive to wash the body
4. After a women has completed her menstruation period
5. After a woman has given birth
6. After a woman completed her nifas. This is bleeding which occurs after a woman has
given birth Optional baths
It is Sunnah to take bath in the following occasions:
1. When going for Friday prayers
2. When going for the two Idd prayers
3. When a person wants to pray to Allah asking for rain (istiskai)
4. When a person goes for the prayer of any of the two eclipse i.e. eclipse of the sun and
eclipse of the moon
5. After washing the dead body
6. When a non-Muslim converts to Islam
7. When a mad or unconscious person becomes normal
8. When entering the Holly city of Mecca
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9. Before doing Tawaf (going round the kaaba seven times)
10.When standing at Arafat
11.When performing sayyi (running between swafa and marwa)
12.Entering the city of the Prophet (SAW)
13.Throwing the pebbles at Mina during the three days
Furudhul Ghusl (Essential acts)
When performing a ghusl (ritual bath), the person must perform the following:
a. Niyyah(intention):The person must have the intention that he is taking the bath for
ritual purity and not just washing his body
b. He must remove any form of impurity which is in his body preferably before washing
the body.
Sunnanul Ghusl (voluntary acts)
The following acts are Sunnah to be done while taking ritual bath:
1. Start by saying “BISMILLAH”.
2. Perform “WUDHU”.
3. Pass hand all over the body.
4. To wash the whole body three times.
5. Start by washing the right side of the body before the left.
How to perform ritual bath (Ghusl)
1. Make intention by heart and saying “Bismillah”
2. Remove the impurities
3. Wash both hands up to the wrist three times
4. Wash the sex organs
5. Perform Ablution as usual, leaving out the feet to be washed later when the whole
body has been washed
6. Pour water over the head three times, massaging the hair to allow the water to reach
its roots
7. Pour water over the entire body, starting with the right hand side then the left hand
side, ensuring that no part of the body is left untouched by water
Importance of taking Ghusl
1. To obtain purity after sexual intercourse or ejection of sperms
2. To please Allah and deserve His approval
3. To clean the body from dirt and dust or relief from heat
4. It ensure an overall healthy body
5. It‘s an act of personal hygiene
Things which are forbidden to be done by person in Janaba:
1. To hold or touch the Quran
2. To read or recite the Quran
3. To perform the prayers (swalat)
4. To enter the mosque
5. To perform Twaf (going round the Kaaba)
Things which are forbidden to be done by a woman in her monthly period
1. To read or recite the Quran
2. To hold or touch the Quran
3. To perform the prayers
4. To perform sexual intercourse with her husband
5. To enter the mosque
6. To perform Tawaf
7. To be divorced
B. Wudhu
Wudhu is the washing of certain prescribed parts of body in preparation for swalah.
Furudhuul Wudhui (Essential steps in performing Wudhu)
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When a person wants to perform wudhu (Ablution) he must do the following:
1. Niyyat : he must have intention of performing ablution
2. He should then wash his face. To do this he should wash every part of his face from
the base of his hair to his chin and all that between his two ears.
3. Wash the two hands up to the elbow.
4. Wipe part of the head with wet hands.
5. Wash the two feet up to the ankles.
6. Perform wudhu in the correct order or sequence we have just described.
Sunnan- al-Wudhu ( Act which are
voluntary in ablution) 1. To start with the
recitation of “Bismillah…………..”
2. To wash two hands up to the wrist.
3. Rinse the mouth with water.
4. Cleanse the nostrils of the nose by sniffing water into them.
5. To wipe the whole head or apart of it.
6. To wipe the two ears both outside and inside.
7. To wash inside of a thick beard by threading finger in them
8. To pass the fingers between the fingers of other hands and also to pass the between
the toes of the feet.
9. To repeat the acts three times
10. To do the whole of wudhu continuously at one time i.e not to do half of it now and
then finish it later
11. When washing always start with the right hand side.
Performance of wudhu accordance with sunnah
of the prophet (SAW) 1. Making the intention in
the heart that you want to parform wudhu.
2. To start with the recitation of “Bismillah…………..”
3. To wash two hands up to the wrist (3 Times)
4. Rinse the mouth with water with water (3Times)
5. Cleaning the nostrils of the nose by sniffing water into them (3 Times).
6. To wash the whole face from the top of the fore head to down to the bottom of chin
and from the ears to the ears (3 Times ).
7. To wash the two arms up to the elbows beginning with the right arm (3Times)
8. To wipe the whole head (once) or any part of it(3 Times) with wet hands.
9. To wipe the inner and outer part of the both ears (once).
10. To wipe the neck with wet hands (once).
11. Washing the feet up to the ankles (3 Times).
12. To recite the dua (supplication).
Essential conditions for wudhu (shurutul al-Wudhu)
1. He/she must be a Muslim
2. He/she must be sane
3. He/she must make an intention in his/her heart without uttering.
4. He/she must be in conscious state.
5. He/she must purify his/herself from all kind of impurities ie urine,excrement etc.
6. He/she must use clean water. Things which nullify wudhu
1. If anything comes out of from any of his two private parts, such as urine stool, semen,
gas or any other ones.
2. When one losses his sense either through intoxication, sleeping, fainting, insanity or
unconsciousness, but when one sleeps while his buttocks are firmly fixed on the
ground then ablution is not nullified.
3. Touching the mature (baligh) of opposite side whom one can marry.
4. Touch directly the private parts of any including oneself.
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5. Eating of camel meat.
C. Tayammam
Tayammum is the act of using dry sand or stone in place of water, when water is not
available or one is sick, which prevents the use of water for purification.
Reasons for Tayammum
One is allowed to perform Tayammum because of the following reasons:
1. If water is not available or it is at far distance, or if it scarce and getting it will cause
unnecessary hardships.
2. If there is danger of an enemy or animal near the source of water.
3. If water is needed for drinking and cocking while there is very little left
4. If water is harmful to ones health especially during cold season and one cannot heat
it.
5. If water is too expensive to buy or if one does not have money to buy it.
6. If water is far and one may miss a prayer which cannot be offered later.
Nullification of Tayammum
1. All that nullify wudhu nullifies Tayammum
2. Sight of the water, if Tayammum was done due to shortage of water
3. Soon after prayer Tayammum is nullified ie Tayammum for particular obligatory
prayer cannot be used for praying the next prayer.
Conditions for Tayammum
1. It must be done by clean, pure and unused sand dust which should have not been
mixed with anything else e.g. flour or such like
2. It should be done when the time for that particular prayer is ready. This is to be done
and observed for every prayer ( one Tayammum for one Fardh prayer )
Furudh Tayammum
1. Intention for performing Tayammum
2. Striking (hitting) both the palms on pure dust and wiping the face.
3. Striking (hitting) both the palms on pure dust and wiping the hands up to the wrist.
Sunnah parts of Tayammum
1. To start with “Bismillah………..”
2. To follow the right order (the face then the hands)
3. To shake or blow off extra dust.
4. To wipe the right hand before the left
Performance of Tayammum
1. To put intention (in the heart) to perform Tayammum
2. Strike the heap of sand with the palms of both hands and shake or blow off extra
dust.
3. Wipe the face using both palms
4. Strike the heap of sand with palms of both hands and shake or blow off extra dust.
5. Use the left palm to wipe the back of the right hand up to the wrist and then use the
right palm to wipe the back of the left hand up to the wrist.
D. istinjaa
It’s the act of using water to remove impurities from your private parts. In absence of
water one can use dry leaves or stones.
Ettiquate of Toilet
1) When entering toilet one should use the left leg first
2) When coming out one should use the right leg first
3) One should read dua while entering and coming out from the toilet
4) One should not read or recite Holy Quran in the toilet
5) One should not play or look at the private parts
6) One should not mention the name of Allah in the toilet
Shurutul- al-Muswali (conditions for one whom performing the prayer)
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He must make sure that his body, clothes he is wearing and the place he is praying are
al clean and free from any impurity ( najasa ).
He must have wudhu.
He must cover the nakedness.(satri aurat)
He must face the Qiblah
He must believe that the prayer is compulsory
He must make sure that the time of prayer has reached
He must stand if he is able to do so in fardh prayers. If he is unable to do so, then he
should pray while sitting and if he cannot sit he should pray lying facing Qiblah.
He must be sane.
2. Satri al-awrah (Proper clothing and concealing of Awrah)
 A man must cover from the navel to the knees at least.
 A woman should be completely covered from the head to the feet, except her palms
and face.
 For both transparent clothes must be avoided.
 A person should be decently dressed ie clothes without picture of living things or
words that may distract one from prayer.
3. To face the Qiblah
 A person when praying must face toward the direction of the Kaaba the
sacred mosque in Mecca Ways of locating Qibla
 If a person find difficult to locate the right direction of Qiblah because of
clouds, darkness or for areason,he may observe the following:
1. Asking the residents
2. By facing East where the sunrise
3. Using the modern technology of compass
4. Using the knowledge of constellation of stars
5. When fail to get help then he/she can make the best guess of the Qiblah and go on
performing swalah..
NB: In East Africa, the sun has to be on ones right hand side, if it is dawn or morning.
When it is in the afternoon the sun has to be on ones left hand side. The direction that
one will face will be the Qiblah Those exempted from facing the Qibla 1. A sick
person who cannot move.
2. One who has some sort of fear.
3. A person who has been forced not to face the Qiblah.
4. A traveler, who is riding an animal or an aircraft, a ship or using any other means,
may face the direction of his convenience.
4. Time of prayers
 A prayer should be offered at or in their stated times, because a prayer is not valid
if performed before its fixed time. Delays or postponements should be avoide.
 Every Muslim male or female, must pray five ordered prayer at their prescribed
times. He should never delay time unless he happens to be on a lawful journey.
Then he should combine the prayers. Times for ordained prayers are as
follows:
1. Swalatul- Dhuhur (The Noon prayer)
The time for this prayer commences when the sun has passed overhead and slightly
declined to the west and it ends when the shadow of every things becomes equal to their
original size.
2. Swalatul –Asri (The Mid- Afternoon prayer)
The time for this prayer begins when the shadow of objects becomes equal to the
originals and it ends just before sunset. This is the end of Dhuhri prayer.
3. Swalatul- Maghrib (The Sunset Prayer)

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The time for this prayer starts when the sun has set ans ends when twilight has
disappeared normally one and aquater hours later.
4. Swalatul-Isha (The evening prayer)
It begins immediately after the fading of the twilight (after Maghrib prayer). It time
extends throughout the night ending slightly before the Fajri.
5. Swalatul –Fajri (Dawn prayer)
It begins at down (Fajri sadiq) and ends as soon as the edge of the sun
appears, before sun rise. Times in which performance of prayer is
forbidden
1. After Fajri prayer until sun rise
2. After asri prayer until sun set
3. When the sun is at its zenith- (the highest point that the sun reaches in the sky,
directly above you).
4. When the fardh prayer in congregation is announced. It is not allowed to say sunnah
prayer.
5. Niyyah (Intention)
 One who performing prayer must dedicate his intentions and actions to Allah and not
for any other person or reason.
 One should declare his specific intention of the prayer intended by him in his heart.
Arkanu swalat (pillars of prayers)
These are the basic steps of the prayer. If any of the basic steps missed the prayer
becomes unacceptable, then the whole process must be repeated.
The following are the pillars of swalah (prayer):
1. Niyyat (Intention). When a person is ready for the prayer and is standing he must
have the intention for the prayer.
2. Takbiratul-Ihram (saying Allah Akbar), it is the expression for the opening of a prayer.
3. Qiyam (Standing up) in obligatory prayers for those who can.
4. Reciting suratul-Alfatiha in every rakaa of every prayer whether fardh or sunnah.
5. Ruku: To bow down and bend at the waist until the hands touch his/her knees and he
must come to rest in this position.
6. Itidal: To resume standing after bowing and should come rest in a right position.
7. Sajdah: To go down in such apposition that his forehead, his knees, his palm and toes
are all touching the ground. He should rest in this position.
8. To sit after first sajidah.
9. To pose in the sitting position.
10. To perform the second sajidah.
11. To pose in the second sajidah.
12. To recite the last Tashahud while sitting (Attahiyatu). This is done in a sitting position.
13. To say the prayer for the prophet (SAW) Allahuma swali alaa Muhammad walaa aal
Muhammad………)
14. To give the first sallam (Asallam alykum warahmatullah)
15. To follow the correct order.
Mubtilatul swalah (Acts which
nullify prayers) 1. Nullification
of udhu.
2. Failing to observe any of the condition of the prayer (shurut swalat).
3. Failing to observe any of the pillars of the prayer intentionally.
4. Talking, laughing (not smiling) or crying loudly.
5. Eating or drinking deliberately and not through forgetfulness.
6. Doing many actions, whidh are not part of prayer.
Adhan and Iqaamah

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 Adhan in Islam is a kind of announcement, which is made using prescribed words to call
the believers to perform a Jamaa prayer.
Iqamaah is the second call to prayers, said by a Muadhin telling the believers that they
should line up immediately behind the Imam for the prayer.
The Muadhin
Qualities of
Muadhin He
must be a male.
 He should have a good voice and say it loudly while facing Qiblah in a standing
position He should be pious and know the basic rules of shariah.
 He should be sane
 He should say it in Arabic.
 He should observe a little pose Responding of Adhan
 On hearing Adhan one should listen to it with greatest respect and repeat the same
words after the Muadhin.
 But when Muadhin says: come for prayers, we should say: we are helpless to do
goods or abstain from evils without the help of Allah.
 In Fajri prayer when the Muadhin say prayer is better than sleep. We respond by
saying: You have uttered the truth and counseled a right.
 We should recite the Dua after Adhan.
NB Adhan must be said before every fardh prayer even in a Journey. Iqamaah must be
said before every prayer. For the one who is praying at home the Adhan said from the
Mosque allows him not to say Adhan but must say the Iqaamah. Differences between
Adhan and Iqaamah
Adhaan Iqaamah
1 It is used to be said outside the It is said inside the Mosque
Mosque on a raised place (some
use loud speakers)
2 It is meant to call people to the It is meant to tell those who are inside the mosque
Mosque for to line up for
prayer prayer
3 It is said in a much loud voice It is said in a fairer voice.
4 Muadhin inserts fingers in his ears. Muqeem does not insert finger in his ears
5 It is said much earlier before prayer It is said when people immediately begin to line up
for prayer
6 The phrase are said a little slow The phrase are said a little faster
7 The Muadhin does not say it is time The Muqeem says: it is time for prayer after: come
for prayer after: come for success for success
Types of prayer
There are three classes of prayers:
a. The Fardh (obligatory) prayers
b. The sunah (optional) prayers
c. The Nafl (supererogatory) prayers
The Fardh prayer
There are two types of Fardh prayers, namely Fardh –Ain (obligatory) and Fardh-
kifayah (obligatory but collectively) 1. Fardh –Ain
 These are prayers which must be performed by each and every individual personally.
If one fails to perform it, one is liable to get severe punishment.
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 It is important that if one denies its obligatory nature he/she is liable to be classified
as kafir (unbeliever).
 The fardh-Ain prayers are the five daily prayers, namely Dhuhur, Asri, Maghrib, Isha
and Fajri.
2. Fardh-Kifayah prayers
These are prayers which if a section of Muslim performed it then all other Muslims are
free from the responsibility. This is like the funeral prayer (swalatul Janazah)
A. The Sunnah (optional) prayer
Sunnah prayer can be classified as either sunnnah muakadah (sressed) or sunnah
Ghair muakadah (not stressed). a. Sunnah muakadah ( stressed)
These are Sunnah which the prophet (saw) used to offer regularly or advised his
followers to do so. They include, the two Idd prayers, Tahiyatul masjid, eclipse of the sun
and moon, Qabliyah and Baadiyah, etc b. Sunnah Ghair muakadah (not stressed)
These are Sunnah which the prophet (saw) recomanded without emphasizing on it, e.g.
swalatul-Tasbih and Swalatul- Hajah.
Sunnah prayers
1. Tahiyatul-Masjid: Tahiyatul- Masjid means greeting the Mosque.
 There are two Raka‘at prayers performed whenever we enter the Mosque before
sitting.
 The prophet (saw) said “when anyone of you enter the Mosque he should not sit
down until he offered two Rakaat” 2. Ar-rawatib: These are two Rakaat done after
or before the daily five prayers. These prayers are divided into two :
1) Qabliyah: They are performed before Fardh prayers. They help to prepare ourselves
for the Fardh prayers. These are: 4 or 2 rakaat before Dhuhur, 2 rakaat before Fajri, 2
rakaat before Asri, 2 rakaat before Maghrib and 2 rakaat before Isha.
2) Baadiyah: They are performed after the Fardhi prayers. They help to make up and
cover any fault we might have committed while performing fardhi prayers. These are
2 rakaat after Dhuhur (or Jum‘aa), 2 rakaat after Maghrib and 2 rakaat after Isha.
3. Taraweh
 It is a Sunnah muakadah for both male and female during the month of Ramadhan.
 They are eight or twenty rakaat performed immediately after Isha prayer during the
month of Ramadhan.
 The prophet (saw) prayed eight rakaat as Imam in the Mosque in three night of
Ramadhan then he stopped going to the Mosque fear of it being made compulsory.
 It is the second caliph Umar Ibul khtwab who ordered the Taraweh prayers to be said
in congregation in the Mosque, unlike Abubakar who used to do it at home.
 It is preferred to be prayed in congregation in the Mosque and for those who wish to
pray at home, they may do so in congregation with their family and relatives.
 The prayer is said after Isha, praying two rakaat at a time, like other Sunnah prayers
and at the conclusion of every four rakaat a pause should be observe.
 It is expected that the entire Quranwill be recited during the whole month of
Ramadhan while praying Taraweh. This is because the month of Ramadhan is the
month of Quran and Ibaadah.
4. Dhuha
It is a two rakaat prayer at the minimum and eight rakaat at the maximum as was
practice of the prophet (saw). However twelve rakaat can also be said. The maximum
number is open.
The time for Dhuha prayers, after the rising of the sun. It also known as swalatul-
Ishraq.
5. Witri
 This is the last prayer to be said at night.

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 A person may choose to perform one, three, five, seven, nine rakaat in witri During
Ramadhan witri is normally performed after Taraweh.
 Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said “ let the last prayer at
night be witri” (Bukhar and Muslim) 6. Swalatul Eidayn
 These prayers performed at the end of Ramadhan (during Idd- fitr celebration) and on
10th of Dhul- Hijjah the end of pilgrimage (during Idd-Adh‘aa celebration)
 It is normally performed outside the Mosque in the open field.
 It is Sunnah muakadah, and it is performed after sun rise and before noon. They
are two rakaat followed by two sermons ( khurbah) There is no Adhan or Iqaamah.
Swalatul – Jamaa (congregational prayer)
 Both the Quran and Sunnah have laid a great stress on the congregational prayer and
describe its unique excellence.
 The five daily prayers, Jum‘ah (Friday) prayer, the two Idd prayers and Taraweh
prayer all meant to be performed in congregation.
Regulation concerning congregational prayer
Four conditions have to be satisfied for holding a prayer in congregation. These are:
a. The participants have to be males; it is not essential for females to offer a prayer
collectively.
b. Adulthood: minor children are under no obligation to offer a prayer collectively.
c. Sanity and normal state of mind: Insane, abnormal and mad person are not bound to
offer prayers collectively
d. Being resident: congregational prayer is not binding on the traveler.
Significance of congregational prayer
1. A person who take part in congregational prayer is rewarded twenty seven times
more than a person who prays alone.
2. Congregational prayer helps to foster a sense of unity among the Muslims.
3. It helps to break social class and racial barriers among worshippers and promote
brotherhood among them.
4. It helps to strengthen the faith of each individual worshipper/helps in spiritual
development.
5. Prayers and supplications offered in congregation have a great chance of being
answered by Allah
6. It helps to develop punctuality and discipline in worshippers
7. It facilitates sense of regimentation (strictly discipline/organization) as all pray in one
roof and led by one Imam.
8. It helps people to socialize and get to know others and share experiences and
knowledge.
9. It builds a sense of collective responsibility
10. It inculcates competitive spirit among the worshippers for it attendance.
11. It helps to correct one‘s mistake in swalah or correct others
12. Much is to be learnt from Imam or scholar who might have pas by.
13. Worshippers may benefit more blessing from Allah because of the presence of various
men participating in it. 14. It helps in sharing problems of one another and announce
it in the Mosque
15. It is a sign of obedience to Allah.
Prayers on special occasions
c. Friday prayer b. kusuf and khusuf prayer c. swalatu Istisqai (prayers for rain) d.
istikhara prayer e. Taraweh prayer f. Eidyn prayer
a) The Friday prayer
1. Friday prayers are weekly congregation prayers performed at noon. They consist of
two rakah‘s instead of the usual four on other days.

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2. Friday prayers were instituted in the first year of Hijrah by the prophet (SAW) in the
mosque of Banu Sulem Ibn Awf on 6th of Rabiul Awal.
3. It is obligatory for every believer, who is neither sick nor on journey.
4. A sermon should precede the prayers and the congregation should not of less than
twelve, including Imam.
5. The Quran ordered the suspension of work during Friday prayers.
Pre-requisites of Friday prayer
For the Friday prayer to be valid it has to fulfill the following:
1. Being male: the Friday prayer is not binding on the females.
2. Being a free man: the Friday prayer is not binding on slave.
3. Being an adult and sane person: the Friday prayer is not binding on the child or the
insane person.
4. Being healthy and well: a sick disabled person, who cannot go to the mosque, he will
be under no obligation to attend Friday prayer.
5. Being resident: the Friday prayer is not binding on the traveler.
6. It should be done in a central mosque.
7. It must be at a time of Dhuhri prayer
8. There must be two sermons before the prayer.
9. It must be in congregation of at least forty/twelve people.
The importance of Friday prayer
It is the most excellent and distinguished day among the days of the week in the sight of
Allah.
1. Allah created Adam and Eve on this day.
2. This very day Adam died
3. There is a blessed hour on Friday during which a person is granted by Allah anything
lawful and good that he prays for.
4. This day Allah sent down to the Earth the prophet Adam as His vicegerent.
5. Resurrection will take place on Friday; that is way every thing in the Earth and
Heaven including angels and mountains, rivers etc stand in awe of Friday. Etiquette
of attending Friday prayer 1. Take a bath and wudhu.
2. Dress in best garment
3. Perfume one‘s dress
4. As soon as the first Adhan announced leave the business etc and prepare for prayer
5. As one enter the mosque perform two rakaat of sunnah
6. When the Imam comes to ascend the pulpit and deliver the sermons one should be
attentive and avoiding causing inconvenience.
7. The Imam will ascend the pulpit and sit there till the second Adhan is announced
before him. He will stand up and deliver the first sermon and sit down for a few
moments then will deliver the second sermon, Iqamat wil be recited and the Imam
will perform the two fardh Rakats.
Pillars of Friday Khutba (sermon)
1. The person delivering the sermons must begin each of the two sermons by offering
thanks to Allah.
2. He must offer prayer for the prophet (saw). This should be done in both sermons.
3. He should also pray for forgiveness for all Muslims, male and female.
4. He must admonish all Muslims and himself toward God fearing and piety in both
sermons.
5. He must recite at least one verse of the Quran, preferable one that has bearing to the
sermons subject. i. Swalatul- musafir
 Islam is a complete way of life. It has put into his system every kind of consideration
to its followers according to the different situations and environment.

21
  As travelling has a lot of problems, difficulties and inconveniences Islam has eased
several things for the traveler.
 On prayers one may pray two rakaa instead of four for swalat which have four rakaa
e.g. Dhuhur, Asri and Isha. Maghrib and Fajri cannot be reduced.
Conditions for shortening the prayer
1. The journey should be for good purpose and not for the evil thing or act which is
forbidden.
2. The shortening begins immediately when one is out of boundary of where he lives
(town, city or village)
3. The journey should be 95km (56 miles) or more irrespectively of the mood of the
journey
4. It is allowed for a traveler to perform the prayer behind the Imam. He can shorten his
prayer or carry out full in company with Imam and the congregation. When chosen as
Imam can shorten his prayer, but should inform the congregation before and to
complete theirs to the full.
The period for shortening
 When someone is on journey for a particular purpose he may shorten the prayers as
longer as he is there even for years.
 There are two ways of combining and shortening the prayers during the journey:
a. Jam‘u Taqdim: The later prayer is brought forward and prayed together with the
preceding prayer at the time of the preceding prayer i.e. combining Dhuhur (noon
prayer) with Asri (afternoon prayer) at the time of Noon prayer and combining
Maghrib (evening prayer) with Isha (Night prayer) and perform it at the time of
Maghrib.
b. Jam‘u Taakhir: The preceding prayer are delayed and perfomed alongside the later
ones and at time of the later ones,
i.e. combining Dhuhur and Asri and perform it at the time of Asri prayer and
combining Maghrib prayer with Isha and perfom it at the time of Isha prayer.
Allah said:”when you travel through the earth, there is no blame on you if you shorten
your prayers, if you fear that disbelievers may cause harm to you”.
Differences between Jum`a and Jama`a prayer
Jum‘a Jama‘a
1 It is sunnah to take bath before going It is not sunnah to take bath before going for
for Jum‘a prayer Jama‘a prayer
2 It must be preceding by two sermons It is not necessary to have sermon on jama‘a
prayer
3 It preferred to be held in central It is not necessary for jama‘a prayer to be held
mosque or in a limited number of in central mosque or in limited number of
mosques in town mosques
4 The minimum number of worshippers The minimum number for juma‘a prayer to be
for Friday prayer to be valid, varying performed is two persons
from 12- 40
5 It cannot be performed except in It is not a must to pray all jama‘a prayer in
congregation congregation, i.e.
fardh prayer is highly recommended tobe
performed in congregation but not a must
6 A Muslim must not miss three This does not apply to all fardh prayers
consecutive jum‘a prayer while he is
22
 able to perform it and he is in town
otherways he is condemned by Allah
7 It has two Adhan It has one Adhan except Fajr prayer which has
two Adhan
8 The earlier one arrives in the mosque This is not so in all jama‘a prayers
the greater the reward
9 It is forbidden to talk when the This is not applicable to all jama‘a prayers
sermon is being delivered
10 It is forbidden to conduct any It is not applicable to all jama‘a prayer.
business when the first Adhan is However one should respond to the Adhan
called
B. Kusuf and khusuf (solar and lunar eclipse prayers)
 These are two prayers which are Sunnah muakadah (highly recommended Sunnah).
They are prayed during the eclipse.
 The swalah is made up of two rakaah with two Qiyaam and two rukuu.
 There is no Adhan or Iqamah for these prayers. An announcement can be made by
saying words which will indicate tha its time for prayers.
 The prophet (saw) said “the sun and the moon are two of the signs of Allah; they are
not go into eclipse for the death or birth of anyone when you see one of them
eclipsed you should make dua to Allah and perform swalah until the eclipse ends”.
The performance of prayers
1. In the first qiyaam of the first rakaah, it is Sunnah to recite suratul Al-Bakarah after
reciting suratu Al-Fatiha. In the second Qiyaam after first rukuu it is Sunnah to recite
suratul Al-Imran or surah of almost length.
2. In the second rakaah, it is Sunnah to recite suratu Al- Nisaai after suratu Al-Fatiha in
the first qiyaam. In the second qiyaam of the second rakaah it is recommended to
recite suratu Al- Maidah or any other surah of the same length.
3. The rukuu and sujud should be long enough
4. The Imam should not bother about the followers as their dislike in making the swalah
long. Since he has to do as the way done by the prophet (saw).
5. There should be two sermons after the swalah as it is done in Idd prayer, but istighfar
replace takbir.
6. The eclipse of the moon prayer(khusuf) is the same as that of the sun prayer (kusuf)
except that:
 Khusuf (lunar prayer) can be prayed individually but not kusuf (solar) which must be
prayed in congregation.
 The kusuf prayer come to an end when the sun sets, but the case is not the same
with khusuf prayer
C. Swalatu Istisqai (prayers for rain)
 Istisqai means to ask for rain through supplication,
prayers, prayers and forgiveness during the time of
drought.
 This swalah is sunnah muakadah (highly
recommended sunnah) They are three ways by
which people can ask Allah to bring down rain:
1. To pray two rakaa followed by two sermons and dua (supplication).
2. To say dua (supplication) by the Imam in the Friday sermons.
3. To say dua irrespectively whether it is Friday in the mosque or at home and without
saying actual Istisqai prayer.
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 It is advisable that the prayer is preceded by giving alms, fasting, repentance and
doing good deeds and avoiding bad deeds.
 Allah‘s messenger (saw) took the people out (to the place of prayer) and prayed for
rain. He led them in two rakaat of prayer in the course of which he recited from the
Quran in aloud voice. He turned round his cloak and raised his hands for supplicate
for rain and faced the qibla (Abu Daud)
D. Istikhara prayer
Literally Istikhara means to desire good and seek well being.
When a person is faced with a dilemma and cannot decide between alternatives
regarding important affair of life he may observe two rakaahs of Nafl and recite
prescribed prayer for devine help and guidance.
The performance of prayer
1. One should offer two rakaah of Istikharah prayer and avoiding forbidden times.
2. One should recite Istikhara supplication as taught by the prophet and at the end
should go to sleep with face firmed face toward Qibla.
3. One may observe this prayer seven times then should follow the course toward which
he may find oneself certainly inclined and taking it to be in accordance with the will of
Allah.
4. If a person has no time to offer the prayer, or a woman is having menses or nifas
bleeding, he/she may only recite the supplication and then act the way indicated
above.
E. Funeral prayer
 It is a compulsory prayer of order of fardh kifayah.
 The performance of funeral prayer is different from the performance of other prayers;
one starts the prayer in the standing position and remains in the standing position
until the end of the prayer when he gives salaam.
 There is no rukuu, sujud or tashahud in this prayer.
 This prayer is said in congregation and is made up of Takbir. After avery takbir
something is read as follows:
1. After the first Tkbir you read Suratu Fatiha.
2. After the second Takbir you read Assaalam Ala-Nabi.
3. After the third takbir you read a dua for the dead person as follows:Allahuma ghfir,
lahu, waafihi waafu anhu
4. After the fourth takbir the following dua is read: Allahuma laa tahrimna ajraha wala
taftina baada waghfir lanaa awalahuu walil- muslimiin. After that you gave salaam
Significance of Swalah
1. Is the second pillar of Islam
2. It represents the clear division between a Muslim and a none- Muslim
3. It differentiate who are grateful to Allah and those who are ingrateful
4. It strengthen believe in the Existence of Allah and develops a sense of submission to
him.
5. It is foster the good and pious elements in the mind and brings about an upright way
of life
6. It is a means of cleanliness, purity and punctuality
7. It brings about qualities of patience, hope, confidence, gratitude and refinement
8. It is a proof of true equality, solidarity, unity and universal brotherhood of Islam
9. It trains us to accept good leadership (Imam) and limits obedience to such leadership
10. It brings us nearer and closer to Allah especially in prostration
Sijdat (prostrations)
 Prostration to Allah is the one of the best position of humility to Allah that a
worshipper can perform in recognition of his weakness servitude to Allah as a human
being.
24
 It is the best act of gratitude to Allah.
 Abu Huraira reported Allah‘s messenger (saw) as said: The nearest a servant comes
to his Load is when he is prostrating himself, so make much supplication in the
position of nearness to Allah. (Abu Dawud) There are three types of prostrations,
namely:
1) Sijdatu Tilawa (prostration of recitation)
2) Sijdatu shukri (prostration of thankfulness)
3) Sijdatu sahwi (prostration for forgetfulness)
1. Sijdatu Tilawa (prostration of recitation)
 There are fifteen places in the Quran where sijdah are performed.
 A reader of the Quran when he reaches such passages is enjoined to prostrate himself
once in the some manner as it done in normal swalah.
 When person is performing swalah and he comes across such verses in the course of
reading he is to perform the sijdah immediately without performing rukuu. After
performing it, one goes back into his standing position and complete reading.
 When one is not in swalah he has to make an intention, face the Qiblah, pronounce
Takbir and prostrate, make takbir again raises from prostration. There is no tashahud
or taslim in this sijdah.
 It is important to not that the conditions laid down towards performing this sijdah
namely: twahara (cleanliness), covering the private parts for swalah and facing the
Qiblah.
2. Sijdatu shukr (prostration of thankfulness)
 This sijdah is performed to express gratitude to Allah in making one a complish
something worthwhile in life.
 It is also performed when one is rescued from some trial.
 At any rate one knows exactly when such situations come to him. These may include:
a) Getting promotion or better profit.
b) Winning something he was dreaming.
c) Passing examinations.
d) Getting better after serious illness.
The person who receives such good news is expected to stand immediately and
perform this sajidah of showing gratefulness to Allah. He should stand up as if in
prayer and make an intention of performing this sijdah, after these he goes down to
prostrate, reciting the normal tasbih in prayer before giving salaam.
3. Sijdatu- asahwi (prostration for forgetfulness)
 Literally sahwi means to forget. It is an act of omission or commission which takes
place in the prayer due to forgetfulness.
 Two sajdah called sajdatu- sahwi have to be performed in the final sitting (tashahudi
al- akhira) to compensate for the mistake.
 To perform two sajidah for forgetfulness, one has to prostrate twice either before or
after the Taslim.
 Situation that call for sajdatu- sahw:
a) If one makes Taslim before the completion of the swalah, he should then complete
the remainder then perform two sijdah at the end of the swalah.
b) If one add something to swalah.
c) If one make forget the first Tashahud.
d) If one is unsureof how much rakaa he prayed. He should cast off what he is uncertain
about and build on what he is sure off then perform two sajidah.
Effects of neglecting prayers
1. He is not blessed in this world
2. He is deprived of the light with which the faces of the righteous are endured
3. He receives no rewards from Allah for his good practices
25
4. His dua (supplications) are not answered
5. He has no share in the supplication of the pious
6. He is hated by creatures in the world
7. He dies in disgrace
8. He dies hungry
9. He dies of thirst while the water in the ocean cannot quench him
10. He will be squeezed in the grave, so that the ribs of one side go into the other side.
11. Allah will throw him into the hell fire.
12. Allah will look at him angrily at the time of accountability and skin of his face will fall
out.
Etiquette of the mosque
1. Place the right foot first in the mosque and say the dua “O Allah open
for the door of your mercy” 2. Pray two rakat of greeting the mosque
(Tahiyatul- masjid)
3. Show humility, dignity and calmness.
4. Abstain from laughing, making noise and discussing worldly matters, trade and
business.
5. Sit where there is a space and avoid jumping over the shoulder of people and
disturbing them unnecessary.
6. Avoiding carrying or eating something with unpleasant smell like onions or garlic.
7. Keep the mosque absolutely clean and neat at all times avoid throwing or leaving any
unwanted thing in it.
8. Avoid sleeping in the mosque for the purpose of passing time unless it is for Itkaaf or
for one on a journey.
9. Do not run or rush in the mosque to catch up with Imam, walk in the mosque with
pose, dignity and humility.
10. One should not enter the mosque when he/she in a state of major impurity (janaba).
11. Avoiding taking very young children to the mosque, which might violate the holiness
of the mosque by unirating or passing stool or slitting. The role of the mosque
1. The mosque was a place of ibaada. Muslims gathered to the mosque so as to say their
prayers in congregation.
2. The mosque was a replica of today‘s parliament. The prophet (saw) consulted his
companions in the mosque where discussions and debates were held.
3. The mosque was a refuge and travelers` shelters
4. The mosque was used as a learning institution
5. The mosques were like social societies i.e. they used to collect zakat and sadaqah just
like social societies. Then they distributed the collection to the disserving one.
6. The mosque used to be army barrack i.e. it played role of military training camp in all
various fields besides preparing ammunitions.
7. The mosque used to be military health centre i.e. those injured in the battles were
given care in the mosque the same as military clinic do today.
8. The mosque used to be a court. The prophet used to sit in the mosque and try to
listen to the quarreling parties and deliver his judgment
9. The mosque used to be abode for delegates. The delegates who came to the prophet
(saw) were accorded the right to stay in the mosque.
10. The mosque was the home of captive. The war captives were kept in the mosque until
such time when their ransom was paid or after converting to Islam.
ZAKAT (ALMS)
Meaning of Zakat
The word Zakat is an Arabic derived from the root word Zakaa which means to increase,
to purify or to bless.
Technically, Zakat means:
26
 The poor due which a person gives in the form of alms in order to purify his property
 An obligation commanded by God on those Muslims who poses enough means to
distribute portion of their savings to the needy and other purposes as specified in the
Shariah.
Meaning of Sadaqah
Sadaqa is a voluntary charity to help the poor and needy for other social welfare
purposes.
The Difference between Zakat and Sadaqa
Zakat Sadaqa
1 Zakat is a pillar of Islam Sadaqa is not a pillar of Islam
2 Zakat has a nisab -the minimum Sadaqa has no minimum amount,
amount which one has to pay. which one has to pay.
3 There is fixed amount to be paid on There is no fixed amount to be paid in
prescribe items Sadaqa
4 Zakat is only paid on a certain Sadaqa is paid on anything one wishes
particular things to give
5 There is fixed period when one must There is no fixed period. One can pay
pay Zakat any time
6 They are eight categories of people who There are no particular people who are
are to be given Zakat. to be given Sadaqah
7 It is compulsory for all Muslims who It is not compulsory but voluntary to
qualify to pay it. any Muslim
8 It can only be given to Muslims. It can be given to both Muslim and
non-Muslims.
Types of Zakat
There are three types of Zakat:
1. Zakat Maal: This is paid yearly out of one`s wealth to eight special people.
2. Zakat Fitr: This is paid before the idd-ul-Fitr prayers to the needy Muslims so that they
can also enjoy Idd.
3. Sadaqah: This is pure charity which one may give at any time and with any amount to
whomsoever he finds fit to be helped.
The difference between Zakat-Maal and Zakat- Fitr
Zakat – ul –Maal Zakat- ul –Fitr
1 It`s paid any time of the year when It`s paid only before Idul-Fitr
Zakat is due.
2 It is paid by matured person It is paid by everybody even a child
before adulthood
3 The value paid is determined by the The value paid is determined by the
amount of wealth possessed number of people in the family.
4 Normal rate of Zakat on saving is two Two and half (21/2) kilogram of staple food
and half percent (21/2%). is payable per person.
5 The wealth has to be in owner`s It is not necessary for the wealth to be in
possession for one lunar year except possession of the owner for one lunar
in the case of farm produce year, even a child born before sunset of

27
 the last day of Ramadhan must pay.
6 There is nisa (the minimum on which There is no nisab the i.e. the rate is flat
Zakat is payble) (21/2) kilogram of staple food
7 It is paid on a certain identified items It is paid on the staple food in particular
area
Conditions for Zakat
a. Giver
1. He must be Muslim. Zakat is not duty of non-Muslims.
2. He must be a free person. Slaves are not supposed to pay it.
3. He must be mature. (Have reached puberty).
4. He must be sane
5. He must possess wealth or property which has attained the Nisab.
6. The property must be in one`s possession for a full lunar year.
b. Distribution (wealth or property)
1. It must be legally acquired.
2. It should be given out to the eight categories of recipients of Zakat.
3. The Zakat of one place should not be transferred to another place unless under
neccesity.
4. One kind of Zakat must not be exchanged for another e.g. Zakat on maize crop,
should not be pay in coffee.
5. It must have attained the minimum (Nisab) on which Zakat is payble.
Recipients of Zakat
There are eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat:
1. The poor (Al-Fuqarah). These are people who cannot raise 50% of their basic needs.
These include orphans, widows, the unemployed, the old and the disable persons.
2. The needy (Al-Masakin). These are people who can raise 50% of their basic needs but
have to be assisted with the rest of their requements.
3. The Zakat collectors (Al-Amilina). Salaries of workers whose main job is to collect and
distribute Zakat (administrators, clerks etc) are to be paid from Zakat.
4. The converts (Al-Muallafatul-Qulub). These are people who have embraced Islam.
They may need help for proper resettlement and strengthening of their faith.
5. Those in slavery (Fil-Riqab). This may be done by paying ransom in order to have
Muslim hostages or prisoner of war freed from captivity.
6. The debtors (Fil-Riqab). These are Muslims through no fault of their own have incurred
debts and are unable to settle them.
7. In the cause of Allah (Fi-Sabilil-llah). These are those who propagate Islam.
8. Those who are far away (Ibnus-abil); A Stranger who may be far away from home and
is stranded.
Things in which Zakat is payable
1. Money, gold & silver
2. Trade & Merchandise
3. Live stock
4. Farms products
5. Valuable minerals dug out or discovered treasure.
6. .Savings from house and land rent.
Nisab (minimum in which Zakat is payable)
a. Gold, Silver and Money
Table of Zakat payment for Gold, Silver and Money
Wealth Nisab Rate
1 Gold 85 grams 2.5 %
28
2 Silver 595grams 2.5 %
3 Currency 1000$ 2.5 %
b. Trade & Merchandise: These include:
a) Saving from the sale of goods after a year.
b) Goods that have been in stock for a year.
c) Manufacture goods in an Industry
NB: The Nisab will be 2.5 % of their current value.
c. Live stock: These are domestic animals whose meat is used for food, this includes
goats, sheep, cattle, buffalos and camels on condition that they are free grazing
animals, raised for breading and milk production and the number reaches the
minimum payable (Nisab); if they are fed with grain or specially prepared food, and
are being raised for sale, Zakat be paid on it as a commodity of sale rate (2.5%).
Table of Zakat payment for Goats & Sheep
NISAB Rate
From To
40 heads 120 heads One sheep or goat
121 heads to 200 heads Two sheep or goat
201 heads to 300 heads Three sheep or
goat
NB: For every 100 extra goats or sheep one sheep is due for Zakat.
Cattle
NISAB RATE
From To
30 heads 39 heads One 1year old cow
40 heads 59 heads One 2years old cow
60 heads 89 heads Two 1year cow
NB: For every thirty extra heads one 1 year cow is due, and for every forty extra heads 2
years old cow is due.
Camels
13 RATE
From To
5 heads 9 heads One awe (female sheep)
10 heads 14 heads Two ewes
15 heads 19 heads Three ewes
20 heads 24 heads Four ewes
25 heads 35 heads One 1year old female camel
36 heads 45 heads One 2years old female camel
46 heads 60 heads One 3years old female camel
61 heads 75 heads One 4years old female camel
76 heads 90 heads Two 2years old female camels
91 heads 120 heads Two 3years old female camels
121 heads 160 heads Three 2 years old female
29
 camels
NB: For every forty camels, one extra 2years old camel is due and for every extra fifty
camels, one 3years old camel is due.
d. Farm products: The Zakat due for these products is 10% if the products are irrigated
by rainfall, springs or any other natural sources. But if they are irrigated by artificial
methods which need labour and capital, then the Zakat due for such products shall
be 5%.
Times for paying Zakat
1. In all cases shown above except for farms products and valuable minerals dug out or
discovered treasure , Zakat is to be paid when the money or property has been in
one`s possession for one year.
2. In case of farms products the time of harvest marks the end of the year and at that
time when Zakat is payable.
3. In the case of valuable minerals dug out or discovered treasure, Zakat is payable on
the sport i.e. immediately it is dug out or discovered.
Things exempted from Zakat
1. Animals used for transport e.g. Donkey
2. Private houses from which the owner uses for residence
3. House items e.g. furniture, personal clothes etc 4. Manufacturing goods e.g.
machines, engines etc.
5. Personal books.
6. Women jewelleries and gold ornaments which she uses for her self.
Those forbidden to receive Zakat
1. Unbelievers and atheist
2. Banu Hashim (family of the prophet)
3. Close relatives e.g. fathers, mothers, sons, daughters and grandfather 4. The wife.
The difference between Zakat and Tax
Zakat Tax
1 It is commanded by Allah It is introduced by government
2 It is given to Allah It is given to the government
3 It is an act of worship and brings It is not act of worship and may not
satisfaction causes dissatisfaction
4 It is given to particular categories of It is not given to particular categories of
people people
5 It must be from lawfully acquired wealth It can be from any sort of wealth
6 It is taken from rich and given to the poor It is taken from both rich and poor
7 The rate is fixed (2.5%) to the Day of The rate changes frequently
judgment
8 It is not possible to deceive Allah on the It is very easy to deceive the
amount to be paid. government on the actual amount one
possesses
9 Can only be paid by Muslims Both Muslims and non-Muslims pay it
1 It is a pillar of Islam It is not a pillar of Islam
0
1 It is paid on a certain identified items It is paid on various items
1
30
Importance of Zakat
1. It purifies the wealth of the giver
2. It purifies the contributor from cruelty,
selfishness and greed 3. It purifies the
heart of recipient from envy and jealousy.
4. It relieves the suffering of the needy and poor Muslims.
5. It aims at developing and establishing self supporting society, so that the poor and
the needy lead a decent life.
6. It is an act of worship; Allah will compensate the giver with divine rewards and
increases his wealth.
7. It is mentioned side by side with Salat.
8. it is a sign of accepting relios duty
9. It reduces the tension that would have developed between the rich and the poor
10. It brings about equality among the Muslims
Importance of Zakatul- Fitr
1. It purifies one`s fast. One might have spoilt his fast through lying, lust etc.
2. It evaluates the fast.
3. It makes the poor happy during the Idd day.
4. The poor also feel proud by paying Zakat if they have more foods to cater for the Idd
day.
5. It purifies the heart of recipient from envy and jealousy
Exercise
1. Explain the meaning of shahada
2. State the importance of shahada in the life of a Muslim
3. Describe the performance of :
 Wudhu
 Tayammam
 Ghusl
4. State shurut swalat.
5. Explain the following terms :
 Zakat
 Swadaqah
 Zakatul maal
 Zakatul fitr
6. Discus the importance of zakat
7. List down the recipients of zakat
8. Differentiate between zakat and tax
9. Differentiate between zakat maal and zakat fitr
10. Explain the following types of sijdat (prostration)
 Sijdatu-Tilawa Sijdatu- Sahwi
 Sijdatu- Shukr
11. State the condition which necessitate performance of ghusl (ritual bath)
12. Giving examples name the three catogaries of najasa 13. Identify types of prayers for
different occasions
14. Explain the following sunnah prayers:
 Tahiyyatul masjid
 Qabliyyah
 Baadiyyah
 Taraweh
 Dhuha
15. Explain the following terms:
 Jam taqdim
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  Jamu takhir
16. Outline the role of the mosque in the life of a Muslim
17. Define and give significance of itkaf
18. Explain the terms: a. Zakat b. Swadaqa c. Zakatul- Maal d. Zakatl-Fitr
19. Discuss the importance of Zakat
20. Differentiate between Zakat and tax
21. List down items payable for Zakat
Chapter 5 AKHLAQ (MORAL VALUES)
 The word moral means character, action or behavior considered or judged as being
good or evil, right or wrong. So whoever behaves well in the society is said to have
good morals and whoever behaves badly is said to have bad morals.
 The Islamic morals deal with the relationship between man and God, man and his
fellow men, man and other elements and creatures. The Muslims have to guard
their external behavior, their deeds, words and thought, their teachings and
intentions.
Essential components of Islamic morality
In Islam, the way of behaving is prescribed in the Quran, which is a major source of law
concerning what is good and what is bad. The laws are further explained by the prophet
(saw)
Dimension of Islam morality
a) Maarufat (virtues): These are good acts that show man‘s obedience to
Allah e.g. performing daily prayers, giving zakat, being just etc
b) Munkaraat (vices): These are acts that are prohibited in Islam e.g.
gambling, taking alcohol etc. Significance of Islamic morality 1.
To enforce the divine law.
2. To create and maintain conditions in which peace, justice and virtue may flourish.
3. To suppress and eradicate evil and disorder.
4. To foster virtues which are liked by God.
5. To seek the pleasure of Allah
Amri bil maaruf wa Nahy Anil-Munkar (commanding good and forbidding evil)
1. Take part in propagation of Islamic faith
2. Teach people how to practice good and avoid evil
3. Set up Institution to educate people how to avoid evil and do good.
4. Fight and defend Islamic faith and culture
5. Stand for the right of Muslims
Morality based on Iman (faith) and swalihat (good deeds)
Allah says in the holy Quran: “Who is better in speech than the one who calls (man) to
God, works and says, ‘I am of those who bow in Islam’ ”
1. Good deeds refer to actions which please not only Allah but also all good human
beings.
2. One cannot separate the performance of good deeds from the act of faith in Allah.
The two must combine themselves in a Muslim.
3. Without Iman in Allah the righteous deeds are worthless.
4. Morals which are not based in the Quran and Sunnah of the prophet Muhammad are
not Islamic values.
5. Morality in Islam must be preceded by complete faith in Allah.
6. Therefore every Muslim, when considering the principals of morality, the fundamental
principal upon which to base his conduct is to follow the example of the prophet (saw)
The concept of morality
In Islam the concept of morality is based on the fundamentals and the principles of
religion. Among these are the following:
1. Allah is the creator and source of all goodness, truth and beauty.
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2. Man is responsible, defined and honorable agent of Allah on the Earth.
3. Allah has put every thing in the heavens and the earth in the service of man.
4. By His mercy and wisdom Allah does not expect the impossible from man or hold him
accountable for anything beyond his power.
5. All things are permissible for man to do or to leave. However he must observe what is
obligatory and leave what is forbidden.
6. Man‘s ultimate responsibility is to Allah and is highest goal is to please Him.
Exercise
1. Explain the following terms:
 Maarufat
 Munkarat
2. Explain the significance of commanding good and forbidding evil.
3. Explain the various aspect of Islamic morality.
4. Discuss ways in which a Muslim can curb social disorders.
Chapter 6 MUAMALAT (RELATIONSHIPS)
 Man as a social being, it is obvious that he should live happily and peacefully with his
fellow man.
 To succeed he must develop healthy relationships based on doing good and avoiding
evil.
Family as an important unit in Islam
 Islamic society is composed of individuals and families who are governed by laws
given by the Quran and sunnah.
 Islam demands from its members, mutual love and affection, joy and happiness,
cooperation and co-existence in the society.
 Family life in Islam is the basic unit of society and is regulated in the light of the
golden principles given in the Quran and Sunnah of the prophet.
 In Islam the basic unit of the family is the husband and wife, who are joined through
lawful wedlock.
 The married couple plays an important role in rearing and training of their children
who later become responsible for creating a normal society.
 Islam has given some special instructions with regard to selection of one‘s life
partner, the prophet says: “ A woman may be married for four reasons: for her
property, for her rank, for her beauty and for her religion; so get the one who is
religious and prosper”
Again he said: “When someone whose character you are satisfied with asks for your
daughter in marriage, agree to his request, lest there be great disruption and wide
spread corruption in earth” Nikah (marriage)
Marriage: is a legal bond which commits the two persons to live together harmoniously.
Purpose of marriage
1. To safeguard against adultery and fornication.
2. To bind two families together and strengthen the responsibilities of both family.
3. To achieve legitimate procreation.
4. To provide favorable atmosphere for children to grow healthy under the care of both
parents.
5. To satisfy sexual desire through lawful means.
6. It gives room to express true mutual love and affection by the couples.
7. It is a tradition of the prophet (saw).
8. To enable mankind to grow into society.
9. To enable inheritance go to right heirs.
10. To obtain peace of mind.
Conditions and regulation of marriage

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1. The consent of the couples who are to marry one another: The
formula (al- sigha) consists of offer and acceptance (alIjab wal-
qabul).
2. The contracting parties (al- akidan):
 The couples must have attained maturity of age.
 They should be sane.
 It should not be between people whose marriage is forbidden e.g. brother and
sister.
3. The guardian (wali) of the woman must also give his consent. The
guardian are in this order: The father
 The full brother
 The half brother (paternal)
 Paternal uncle
NB in the absence or disqualification of the above mentioned then the kadhi can be wali.
4. Presence of witnesses during the marriage ceremony to witness the
vow. There conditions: They must be Muslims
 Their number should be either two male or one male and two female. They
must be matured and sane.
5. The husband should pay dowry (an obligatory gift given to the
bride). People to whom a man cannot be married to These
women are divided into four groups:
1. Blood relations:
a. Mothers and grandmothers
b. Sisters, either full or half sisters, paternal or maternal.
c. Daughters and their descendants.
d. Paternal and maternal aunts.
e. Nieces: the daughters of brother or sisters.
2. Matrimonial relations:
a. Step-mother, even if divorced or has become a widow
b. Mothers in- law
c. Step daughter if the marriage between mother and the step father has been
consummated. d. Daughters in- law
e. It is forbidden to have two sisters as wives at the same time.
3. Suckling mothers.
 A suckling mother is a woman who breastfed a person for not less than five different
times when that person was under two years of age.
 It is forbidden for a man to marry a woman from whom he suckled when he was a
baby. Such a woman becomes his mother and he is forbidden to marry any of her
relatives just as those of his own mother.
Polygamy
Polygamy means the plurality of wives i.e. having more than one wife at the same time.
Polygamy in history
 It has been practiced throughout human history.
 Some prophets practiced it e.g. Ibrahim, Yaqub, Daud, Suleiman and Muhammad
(saw).
 Today it is practiced by Muslims and non-Muslims in various forms.
 When Islam was revealed to the prophet Muhammad (saw) polygamy was common in
Arabia, but it did not have a limit.
 The Quran did not discard the practice or let it continue unrestricted.
Conditions for polygamy
1. The man must be able and be willing to divide his time and wealth among his wives
equally.
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2. He must be able to provide basic needs to all his wives justly.
3. He should treat and love all his wives on a balance of equality and kindness.
4. He should not show his love openly to one wife at the expense of the others.
5. A man is not allowed to marry more than four wives at a time.
Reasons for practicing polygamy
1. When a man married to a barren woman and he wants children.
2. Some men have strong sexual urge and cannot control their desires for a couple of
days i.e. when women go into menses, pregnancy months, child birth and breast
feeding times.
3. When a wife is chronically sick and cannot satisfy her husband’s sexual desire to add
another wife is better than to divorce her.
4. Women outnumber men, due to devastating wars in the past and present (it is men
who go for wars) and so if polygamy is practiced it could curb this gap.
5. If polygamy is practiced it can reduce increasing number of illegitimate children, born
today under condition of forcing monogamous marriage.
6. It minimizes cases of abortion which are normally as a result of unwanted
pregnancies because the father has abdicated his responsibility, or a girl fears or feels
ashamed to be discovered that she is pregnant.
7. It prevents the habit of keeping mistresses and concubines.
8. It gives room to husband to have his own child, if the first wife is barren instead of
adopting.
9. It reduces the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, which a man gets by having
sex outside wedlock.
10. It increases the number of man’s power in the society because children are additional
labor for the earning capacity of the family.
Marriage of the prophet (saw)
Rationale behind prophet Muhammad‘s marriages
(reason for his marriages) There are several reasons for
the prophet to marry more than one wife: 1. Education
purposes
 These was the main purpose of marrying more than one wife
 The prophet wanted women who would graduate from his college to teach women
matters concerning womanhood.
 There were no better people to tell us about his actions and life style than his wives.
 One wife could not carry all information about his utterances, actions, dislikes and
approvals.
 Hence the need for more wives who could carry the torch of being educators-with full
honors degree from the university (home) of the prophet (saw).
 Lady Aisha had about 2210 narrations (Hadith) while lady Ummu Salamah had about
378 hadith.
2. Social purposes
 He married Aisha the daughter of Abubakar and Hafswa the daughter of Umar, who
were his best friends, in order to strengthen their relationship
 He married some from Quraish in order to have them as his in-laws besides the
already existing blood relationship.
 He married from different clans and tribes in order to make them more affiliated to
him. As a result they accepted Islam and gave him backing in his mission.
3. Enforcement of law (shariah)
 Before Islam divorced women were not allowed to re-marry and adopted child was
considered equally to the real child.
 In order to abolish this practice Allah ordered the prophet to marry Zainab bint Jahshi,
a divorced wife of his adopted son (Zaid bin Harith).
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4. For humanitarian reasons
 He married widows to rehabilitate them e.g. Zainab bint Khuzaimah and Ummu
Salamata Hindu, whose husbands died in battles.
 He married some women in order to protect them and give them shelter e.g. Mariyah
Al- Qibtiyyah, who was given to him as a present and had no relatives in Arabia.
5. For political reasons
 The prophet married some women so as to bridge the hearts of, and become closer
to, some tribes, because if someone marries from a tribe, their relationship is
strengthened and they will support each other.
 Among those he married for political reasons are:
a. Juwairiyyah bint Harith – from Banu Musstaliq. This marriage led to all of his
tribesmen to be free and embraced Islam.
b. Swafiyyah bint Huyay, who was a Jew. The prophet proposed her after the death of
her husband in the battle of Khaybar.
c. Ummu Habibah (the daughter of Abu Sufyan). Her father was a great enemy of Islam
but this marriage decreased the torture which he used to inflict on Muslims.
Names of the wives of the prophet (saw)
1. Khadijah bint Khuwailid
2. Saudah bint zam‘ah
3. Aisha bint Abu Bakar
4. Hafswa bint Umar
5. Zaynab bint Khuzaimah
6. Ummu Salmata Hindu bint Abu Ummayah
7. Zaynab bint Jahshi
8. Juwairiyyah bint Harith
9. Swafiyah bint Huyay
10. Ummu Habibah bint Al- Harith
11. Maymunah bint Al- Harith
12. Mariyah al- Qibtiyah
Right and duties of family members
The rights of the parents and duties of the children to the them
1. Be obedient to them; avoid disobeying them
2. Show humility to them
3. Look at them with kindness
4. Talk gently with them
5. Not to raise ones voice above theirs
6. Support them financially
7. Praying for them when they are dead, if they are Muslims
8. Pleasing them and avoid displeasing them
9. Avoid abusing them
Right of the husband and duties of the wife to him
1. Obey him in matters that are not disobedience to Allah and which she is able to do, or
it is not too difficult for her.
2. She should not refuse to satisfy her husband’s sexual desire.
3. She should take care of the house and children
4. She should guard his property and protect his honor
5. She should beautify herself for her husband to be please with her.
6. She should not leave her house without his permission and not display her beauty to
others
7. She should seek his permission for sunnah fasting when he is present
Right of wife and duties of the husband to her
1. He must treat her in an honorable manner
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2. He should provide her with basic needs i.e. clothe, food and shelter.
3. He must teach her the necessities of her religion or allow her to attend learning
session.
4. He must direct her to follow Islamic manners and teachings and not give her
opportunity to go against commands of Allah.
5. He may discipline her if she goes astray, but not cause any physical harm to her 6.
He must not tell any of her private matters to others
7. He should direct her to perform prayers.
8. He should try to cope with some of her bad habits where possible.
Right of the children and duties of the parent to them
1. To be taught good behavior, moral and proper etiquette
2. Providing them with both religious and secular education
3. Marrying them to the right persons
4. To be corrected and disciplined when they do wrong
5. Ensure they grow healthy and strong
6. Try to provide them with something worthwhile to inherit 7. To be treated equally
without any discrimination
8. Parent should spare time to spend with them.
9. They should demonstrate their love, mercy and affection towards them, so that they
grow up confident, optimistic and with high level of self–esteem
10. They should always be alert to everything that may have negative influence on them.
The right and duties toward Extended family members
1. Keep ties of relationship with them
2. Give them something out of what you have
3. Give them preferences in charity
4. Do not cut relationship even if they do
5. One should not look down upon those who are unlucky in the society because of his
position or status 6. Be kind to them
7. The ties of kinship should be broken unless they ask for forbidden
acts e.g. polytheism Exercise
1. Explain the term Nikah
2. Outline the condition for marriage
3. Explain the purpose of marriage
4. Identify the reasons for the taking additional wives
5. Examine the reason for the prophet marriage to more than four wives.
6. Explain the right of the following family members:
a) Mother b) Father c) Children d) Extended family
Chapter 7 HISTORY OF ISLAM
Pre-Islamic Arabia: This is the period before the preaching of Islam in Arabia. It is also
known as the Jahiliyyah (the Day of ignorance).
Hejaz was the heart of Arabia and the Arabs for various reasons:
 It had the kaabah which used to give tranquility to the hearts of the Arabs as well as
giving them a higher status.
 It had Makkah the capital and the headquarter of all Arab land besides being the
homeland of Quraish, the leading Arab tribe and most respected on religious and
worldly affairs.
 It had Yathrib (Madinah) which is among the most fertile land in the Arabia peninsula
with good climate and weather.
Prevailing conditions
a. Social life
1. A general assembly was held once a year.
2. Those who gave the best poetry were like heroes.
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3. They used to drink alcohol.
4. They practiced polyandry (the custom where a woman is married to more than one
husband).
5. Women were considered as property of the whole tribe.
6. Generosity and hospitality was very significant in their lives.
7. They used to burry their daughters alive in order to avoid poverty and shame.
8. Widows were inherited by heirs of the deceased as any thing good could be inherited.
9. Women did not inherit from their relatives
10. There was no limit for polygamy. A man could marry as many women as he wish.
11. Tribal inclination was at its highest. One was ready to die for his tribesmen even if
they were wrong.
12. Gambling was part and parcel of their daily life.
b. Economic conditions
1. The Arabs were mainly nomads, they lived a
nomadic life.
2. They practiced Agriculture on a few areas where
there were oases 3. They practiced barter trade.
4. They practiced blacksmithing
5. They kept livestock especially camel
6. They practiced curving i.e. stone and wood carving.
7. They were hunters.
8. They practiced riba (lending money on interest).
9. They practiced slavery (human traffic)
c. Religious conditions
Religiously, the inhabitant of Arabia can be
classified into five: 1. The idolaters
 Many Arabs practiced idol worship
 There was about 360 Idols around the Kaabah
 Every home had an Idol
 Four Idols were held in great esteem by Arabs i.e. hubal, al- lat, al- uzza and manat. 2.
The Hanifs
 These are the people who tried to maintain the belief from the teaching of prophet
Ibrahim and Ismail.
 Hunafaa (singular Hanif) are those who turn away from the Idol worship.
 They lived righteously and upright life.
 When Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) started preaching Islam they readily accepted it.
3. The jews (Judaism)
 They were followers of Prophet Musa (Moses)
 They preached the unity of God
 The Jews in Arabia were ingrown community, practicing and guided by their own laws
and customs
4. The Christians
 They were the followers of Prophet Isa (Jesus)
 Christian who ran away from persecution which took place in the eastern church in
third century moved to Arabia They preached Christianity in Arabia and some Arabs
embraced it. 5. The Magians (Majusi) They worshiped fire.
 They believe anything good come from the light and anything bad come from the
darkness.
 Some Persians who came to Arabia as traders or as rulers brought together with them
this belief. d. Political condition
 There was no central government in Arabia; each tribe had its own tribal leader.

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 The Arabs existed in form of many tribes each living independently from the other,
each had its own habits, customs and cultural development
 The leader or chief of each tribe was called sheikh or sayyid .He exercised his
authority over his own people settled in undefined area and he ruled through the
council of elders.
 The sheikh had to prove that he had the necessary qualification before being chosen
i.e. a sense of fairness, courage and kindness.
 There were also some foreign colonies in Arabia. These were Persian, Jews and
Christians.
 In some areas like southern Arabia they had kings as the rulers e.g. the Himyarates.
Life History of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
 Abdillah was twenty five years old when his father Abdulmutwalib sent a proposal for
him to marry Amina bint Wahab. Amina was the best woman among the Quraish in
every aspect.
 Two month after the marriage, Abdillah went on a business trip to Syria, on his return
he fell sick and decided to move to Madinah to his uncles from Banu Najjar and he
died there.
 Muhammad (saw) was born in the morning of Monday 22 nd April 571 AD (12th Rabiul-
Awal year of elephant) in the holy city of makkah.
The early life of Muhammad (SAW)
a) Arabs had a custom in those days. They used to send their children to the countryside
to be nursed for the following reasons:
• It was in the countryside that children would pick the correct and pure Arabic.
• Children grew stronger in the harsher environment of the countryside compared to
the city life.  Epidemic frequently attacked cities and not the countryside.
• The Arabs who loved their homeland (countryside) wanted their children to get used
to it and to be aware of their actual home.
b) The prophet was breastfed by his mother Amina, Thuwaybatu al-Aslamiyyah (the
freed slave of Abu Lahab) for seven days and Halimatu al- Saadiyyah (who nursed him
for four years).
c) When he was five years old his mother took him back under her care. One year after,
she passed away in Madinnah ( when he was six years old ).
d) Muhammad at the age of six was left without father or mother. Abdul-Muttalib (his
grandfather) took care of him, but two years later he died.
e) His uncle, Abu-Talib, took care of him from the age of eight. This was in response to
request of Abdul Mutalib to take care of him after his death.
f) From eight years old on, for over forty years Abu-Talib remained a good uncle,
guardian, support and pillar of strength to the Prophet (saw).
Before the call
a) During his boyhood he worked as a shepherd for a very small pay for some Makkans.
b) He was illiterate (did not know how to read and write). However he used to listen to
the discussions and wisdom of elders.
c) He led a very different life from the Makkan youths. He did not drink, dance or
worship idols, he never told lies or gambled. He was honest in all his dealings, that is
why he was given the title Al-Amin (the trustworthy) and Assadiq
( the truthful )
d) At the age of twelve years, he accompanied his uncle to Syria, where a Christian
monk saw him and noticed signs in him; signs that he was to be a Prophet. The monk
told his uncle about it and urged him to take him back, he feared to be attacked by
the enemies.

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e) During the battle of Fujjar between the Quraish and Qays, he took part in negotiation
for peace. He also was a member of the league for protecting the rights of the weak
and oppressed.
f) Due to his good character he was appointed to lead the caravan to Syria by a rich
widow in Makkah, called Khadija who later became his wife at the age of twenty five
while she was forty years old.
g) They had two sons and four daughters:
1. Qassim: He was the eldest of his children. He lived only for two years then passed
away.
2. Abdallah: He was the second male. He passed away in childhood during the lifetime of
the Holy Prophet.
3. Zaynab: she was the eldest of the girls. She was married to Abu al-As.
4. Ruqayah: She was married to Uthman.
5. Ummu kulthum: She was also married to Uthman after the death of Ruqayah.
6. Fatimah al-Zahra: She was married to Ali bin Abi Talib.
h) He also had a son called Ibrahim from Maryam al-Qibtiyya, he died in infancy.
NB: All his children passed away before him except Fatimah who lived for six months
after him.
i) When he was thirty five years old, Quraysh started rebuilding Al-Kaabah. That was
after destruction by the floods, the prophet played an important role in settling the
dispute which was about to lead to bloodshed amongst the various tribes in Makkah.
 The problem was who would have the honor of replacing the black-stone to its original
place.
 One tribe leader suggested: “Let the first person who will enter this place from the
gate of Safa be arbitrator.” Every one accepted this proposal. This person happened
to be Muhammad (SAW).
 The Prophet placed the Black-stone on a cloth. He asked every leader of the tribes of
Quraysh to hold one side of the cloth, then they all raised the cloth together to it
place, when it reached the spot where it originally was, Muhammad placed it with his
own hands. This eased a very tense situation. Prophet‘s mission in Makka
A. Baath (Prophet hood and revelation)
1. When Muhammad was forty, signs of his Prophet Hood started to appear; they were
true visions he experienced for six months.
2. He used to spend most of his time alone and in meditation.
3. He used to go to a mountain cave called Hira, three miles from Makkah. There he
spent his time in prayer and meditation.
4. He was praying for the divine guidance as he was not satisfied with the beliefs of his
people.
5. He was protected by Allah from al evils.
6. One night in month of Ramadan, 609 AD, when he was praying in the cave of Hira,
Jibril came to him and said
“Read.” He answered “I cannot read.” The angel then squeezed him firmly and then
let him free, and said again “Read.” The Prophet answered again “I cannot read.” The
angel squeezed him again and said in a more commanding voice, “Read.” The
Prophet eventually replied, “What can I read?” The angle then recited “Read in the
name of Lord who created man from a clot. Read and your lord is the Most Generous-
who taught by the pen –He taught man which he knows not” {Quran 96:1-5}.
Muhammad repeated these words and they were imprinted upon his memory.
7. He went out of the cave onto the hillside and heard the same voice saying: “Oh
Muhammad you are the messenger and I am Jibril”. Then he raised his eyes and saw
the angel, in the likeness of a man, standing in the sky above the horizon.

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 Muhammad (saw) stood quite still, turning his face away from the brightness of the
vision, but whichever side he turned his face there stood the angel facing him.
 He remained thus for along time till long after, the angel disappeared
8. He began to tremble with fear and then he disappeared down the hill to his home.
On arriving, he said in a stammering voice “Khadijah, cover me cover me quickly.” She
covered him with sheet of cloth.
 On recovering his breath. He related his experience to her and expressed his fear for
his life.
 She listen with interest and comforted him by saying, “Your conduct has been such
that Allah would not let harm come to you, you are kind to your family, you help the
helpless, you welcome guests and you assist those who are in trouble”
 She stood up and went to Waraqa and informed him. Waraqa said “I swore by Allah
that he has received the same
Namus i.e. angel that was sent to Moses. He is the prophet of this nation tell him to
be patient.”
9. Jibril again appeared before the Prophet (saw) on a number of occasions to reveal the
wahy from Allah. From then on ward, the Prophet’s mission was to convey to people
Allah‘s message.
B. Early Muslim community
a) Most of the people of Makkah were Idolaters in those days and as such it was very
difficult to preach Islam which was contrary to their belief.
b) The Prophet started his mission from his own house and close friends.
c) His life was so clean, his character was so spotless and his manners so endearing that
he was heartily liked by his family.
d) The first person to believe him was lady Khadijah (his wife) The next was Zaid bin
Harith (a freed slave).
 The third convert was Sayydna Abu-Bakar (The Prophet’s dearest friend)
 The fourth person was Sayydna Ali bin Abi-Talib (his cousin)
e) Abu-Bakar invited many into the fold of Islam such as Uthman bin Affan, Zubair bin
Awam, Abdurahman bin Awf, Saad bin Abi-Waqqas and Talha bin Ubaidillah.
f) The Prophet and the early converts conducted this phase of the preaching secretly
and on individual basis.
g) After three years of continuous efforts, more than forty men embraced Islam.
Al-Arqam binul Arqam
a) Quraysh did not like Islam.
b) They were unhappy to see Muslims not worshipping Idols.
c) They were angered when Saad bin Abi-Waqqas hit a Quraysh with a bone of a camel
when the Quraysh interfered with his prayers.
d) To avoid such incidents from happening again, the Prophet, a lover of peace, decided
to assemble the Muslim converts secretly in the house of Al-Arqam to teach them all
the matters relating to Islam.
Public speech
a) In the fourth year of his mission, the Prophet was commanded by Allah to preach
Islam in public.
b) The Prophet went to a hill known as Swafa and asked them: “Would you believe me if
I tell you that a large army was hidden behind this hill ready to attack you?” The
people replied that they would certainly believe him because they had never heard
him telling a lie.
c) Then the Prophet said, “Well, I am a Prophet sent to you, bringing good tidings and
warning those who disbelieve of a severe punishment.”
d) When the people heard this message they got angry and were disturbed. They felt
that their religion of Idol-worship was being challenged.
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e) His uncle Abu-Lahab ridiculed the Prophet and cursed him by saying, “Did you call us
for this reason?” Allah at once sent the revelation supporting the Prophet in which he
said “Perish the hands of Abu-Lahab”
f) From there on the life of Muslims and the Prophet took different turn, in the face of
opposition and Quraysh; they persecuted them.
Modes of persecution
The Muslims were subjected to all kinds of persecution e.g.
1. They were not allowed to worship in the Kaabah.
2. Thorns were laid on the way of the Prophet to harm him.
3. Dirt and filth were thrown at him.
4. People followed Muslims shouting, clapping, jeering and abusing them.
5. Slaves were kept without food and water for days by their masters.
6. Bilal bin Rabah was made to lie on burning sand and a heavy stone was put on his
chest.
7. Some followers were killed cruelly e.g. Sumeyya the mother of Amar bin Yassir.
8. Dirt was also thrown on the door of the Prophet‘s house.
9. Others were slapped on the face or kicked until they bled.
10. A few were put into prison with iron chain tied to their legs.
Results of persecution
1. Muslims found life in Medina to be difficult or too hard.
2. The treatment they received from the enemy became unbearable.
3. They had to look for a peaceful place where they could worship freely and avoid
persecution.
4. The prophet advised Muslims to migrate to Abyssinia which was ruled by a Christian
king called Negus. Negus was known for his tolerance and justice.
Reasons why Abu Jahal opposed Muhammad (SAW)
1. He felt that Islam was a religion of the poor, the less fortunate.
2. He was ignorant about the truth.
3. He considered himself wiser than the Prophet since people used to refer to him as
‘father of the wisdom’ before the coming of Islam.
4. He regarded the Prophet to be younger than him hence could not imagine following
somebody younger than himself.
5. He did not wish to forfeit his Ancestors’ religion.
Muslims seeking asylum in Abyssinia
a) When the situation became unbearable to the Muslims. The Prophet advised those
who could not protect themselves from the terror to seek refuge in Abyssinia. This
was in 5thyear of the Prophethood.
b) King Negus was known for tolerance, fair and justice, and it was expected that the
Muslims would be in safe hands in this country.
c) At first fourteen men and one woman left. They sailed in boats and on reaching there
they were received with sympathy by the king. Thereafter the number increased to
eighty three.
d) When the Meccans heard that Muslims had taken refuge in Abyssinia, they sent two
men: Abdullah bin Abi Rabih and Amri bin Al-Aas with presents to Negus and his
general. These delegates asked the king to hand over the Muslims to them.
e) Negus asked the refugees for an explanation. Jafar bin Abi-Talib (the leader of the
Muslims immigrants) said: “Oh king, we were plunged in the depths of ignorance and
barbarism: we worshipped idols and lived in unchastely; we ate dead bodies and we
spoke abominations, we disregarded all human feelings, and also the duties of
hospitality and neighbourliness; we knew no law but that of might. Then Allah raised
amongst us a man whose birth, truthfulness, honesty and purity were well known to
us. He called us to the unity of Allah and taught us not to associate anything with
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 Him; he forbade us the worship of Idols and enjoined us to speak the truth, to be
faithful to our trusts, to be merciful and regard the right of our neighbours. He
forbade us to speak evil of women or to eat property of orphans; he ordered us to
refrain from vices and to abstain from evils. He taught us to offer prayers, to render
alms, to observe the fast. We believed in him; we have accepted his teachings and his
commands to worship Allah and not associate anything with Him. For this reason, our
people have risen against us, have persecuted us in order to make us forget the
worship of Allah and to force us to return to the worship of Idols and other
abominations. They (Meccans) have tortured us and injured us until we did not find
any safety among them. So we came to your country in the hope that you will protect
us from their oppressions”.
f) The king was very much impressed by these words and asked the Muslims to recite
some of Allah`s revelation. Jafar recited to king opening verses of Suratul-Maryam
(chapter 19-Mary). After Negus heard it he said: “By God what you have recited (from
the Quran) is similar to our book (Bible). The two are light of the same lamp”
g) When the Meccans saw that they were losing the case, they made another attempt
the next day. Now they tried to persuade the king against the Muslims. They came to
court and asked the king: “Do you know the belief these Muslims have about the
Christ”.
h) On hearing this, the king again called the Muslims. This was very critical time for the
Muslims as the king was Christian, who believed in the divinity of Christ. Jafar
however again frankly explained the Islamic point of view in this respect. He said:
“Jesus is the slave of God, is His Prophet and the word of God”
i) When Negus heard this he was satisfied and allowed Muslims to stay and preach their
religion freely.
j) Thus the Meccans delegates returned home disappointed and Muslims were allowed
to stay in Abyssinia peacefully for many years. In the mean time a number of
Abyssinians embraced Islam including Negus himself.
What do we learn from this migration?
1. The great concern of our Prophet on the well being of his people. He was not ready to
see them continue to suffer every day. Hence he directed them to go to that country.
2. The effect of the true faith of earlier Muslims who accepted to leave their wealth and
belongings behind for the sake of safety of their faith.
3. They did not hesitate to abide by the directive of the Prophet.
4. They did not fear going across the sea and to a place they hardly knew.
5. They were bold and spoke the truth; Jafar did it to the king. He did not fear to say that
Jesus was Prophet like any other one, yet he knew he was speaking to a Christian king
who believed that Jesus is the son of God.
NB: The Prophet chose Abyssinia for Muslims to migrate instead of other Arab states
because of the following reasons: Islam and Christian are true religions of God.
 The two religions have identical teachings.
 It is easier for Muslims to find themselves at home in Christian environment
(Abyssinia) than in country where the Idol worship dominates.
 King Negus was known for tolerance, fairness and justice, and it was expected that
the Muslims will be in safe hands in this country.
Result of migration of Muslims
1. Islamic culture spread in Abyssinia.
2. Muslims started trading with the community.
3. The Meccans failed to persuade the king Negus and returned to Mecca disappointed.
4. The Muslims Immigrants intermarried with the local people.
5. The Muslims were welcomed and allowed to live in Ethiopia.
Boycott of Banu Hashim
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a) The failure of their mission to Africa and the news of conversion of Hamza and Umar
alarmed the non-Muslims very much.
b) Abu-Talib persistently refused to remove his protection from the Prophet. Quraysh
family in Makkah organized a boycott against Banu Hashim.
c) During the boycott the Banu Hashim were expelled from Makkah and stayed in the
valley of Shiib Abi Talib. d) Terms of the boycott:
 They were cut from supplies of food and water.
 They were not allowed to have normal dealing with other Muslims.
 They were not allowed to conduct any form of business transaction with them.
 They were not allowed to intermarry with them.
 Social relations with Muhammad and his supporters would discontinue until the
Prophet (saw) was handed to them to be killed.
e. After three years the boycott was lifted and Muslims and Banu Hashim were allowed
to return home.
f. The boycott indeed brought many hardships to them.
g. Khadijah, the wife and the supporter of the Prophet died a short while after the
boycott due to suffering she endured. Two months later, Abu Talib died. This is
known in the History of Islam as the year of sorrow (10 thyear of Prophet hood or 619
AD).
The year of sorrow
a) Due to the difficulties and hardship that the Muslims faced when they were at the
valley of Abutalib two close relatives of the Prophet (saw) passed away. (Abutalib and
lady Khadija).
b) Grief and psychological pain over took him as it had never taken him before.
c) The death of Abutalib was the greatest calamity for him because he had loved
Abutalib more than any man ever loved his father.
d) Abutalib had been more than a father to him. He was his best friend and protector on
this earth.
e) The death of Khadija made matters still worse. She who had loved him so dearly and
comforted him in his physical and mental troubles was no longer there.
f) Revelation also stopped for sometime.
g) Surely it was a time of great sorrow thus called the year of sorrow.
h) The figures had been the main protector of the prophet against the Quraysh since the
early stage of Islam.
The role of Lady Khadija in the
Prophet`s (saw) mission 1.She created
employment for the Prophet in her business.
2. She assisted the Prophet in his basic needs.
3. She invited people to Islam.
4. She financed Islamic mission (d`awa) whenever necessary.
5. She consoled and encouraged the Prophet (saw) whenever he was faced with
difficulties in revelation.
6. She defended him from the enemies due to her position in the society.
7. She gave him love and comfort that a husband could expect from his wife.
8. She is the mother of almost all of the children of the Prophet (saw).
Assistance of Abu-Talib to the Prophet (saw)
1. He protected the Prophet since child hood and stood by him all these years.
2. He suffered not only in trade, but also bore threats and injustices at the hands of the
pagans because of the Prophet ( saw ).
3. He defended the Prophet against his enemies (Quraysh).
4. He persistently refused to remove his protection from the Prophet despite severe
threat from the Qurysh.
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5. He sided with the Prophet and endured hardships during boycott.
Journey to Taif
a) The death of Abu-Talib and Khadijah had removed a great support for the Prophet.
b) The non-Muslims now felt free to create more trouble for the Prophet.
c) The Prophet then decided to visit Taif. He travelled with Zaid, his faithful companion.
d) When he arrived at Taif, he spoke to the members of Thaqif tribe. But there was no
response. They did not wish to be diverted from their customary religion.
e) When he continued to preach Islam in their midst, the people of Taif set vagabond
and street boys against him, who pelted him with stones and drove him out of town.
f) The two left Taif bleeding from their wounds and returned to Mecca greatly
discouraged.
g) While were leaving the Town, Allah sent angle Jibril to ask the Prophet if he wished
that these people be punished, but he pleaded for mercy on their behalf, optimistic
that their offspring would embrace Islam. Isra wal-miraj (night journey and
ascension)
A. Isra wal miraj
 Al- Isra refers to the journey from Mecca to Jerusalem. The Prophet was on a swift
horse called al-Buraq.
 Al-miraj refers to the journey from Jerusalem to the heaven to be shown wonders of
Allah and be given favours. It took place in tenth year after Prophet hood (621 AD)
 The Quran describes this journey in the following verses:{Glory be to (Allah) who did
take His servant for a journey by night from the sacred Mosque (Mecca) to the
Mosque of Aqsa, whose precinct we did bless in order that we might show him some
of our signs for He is one who hears and sees (all things)}.
 The most important thing that happened during al-Miraj was the order of prayers.
 The news of the journey brought mockery and ridicule from the Makkans
 When Abubakar (RAA) was enquired to testify to this news, he immediately accepted
it as truth. From that day the Prophet (saw) gave him the title As-sidiq. Reasons for
the episode of Isra-wal Miraj 1. Mistreatment of the Prophet in Taif.
2. Boycott of Banu Hashim.
3. Death of some Muslims in the persecution e.g. Summeyya.
4. After the death of the Prophet`s uncle Abu-Talib and his beloved wife Khadijah the
Quraysh intensified their attacks to the prophet (saw).
5. The persecution of entire Muslim ummah.
6. To ease the Prophet`s heart after he had lost two main pillars of strength i.e. his uncle
and wife.
The events which took place during the night of Isra wal Miraj
1. The five daily prayers were commanded and given to the Prophet (SAW).
2. The Prophet led congregational prayer of all the Prophets in Masjid Al-Aqsa.
3. The Prophet was taken from Mecca to Jerusalem.
4. The Prophet was shown various punishments meted to the various sinners.
5. Prophet was ascended to the seven heavens.
6. The prophet (saw) was shown paradise and hell.
Importance of Isra wal-Miraj
1. It was a time when the five daily prayers were commanded
2. It shows the favours of Allah which He bestowed upon His Prophet (saw).
3. It strengthened the morale of the Prophet and Muslims after their ordeal during
boycott.
4. It shows the position of the Prophet Muhammad over the other Prophets when he was
requested by angle Jibril to lead the prayers.
5. The Prophet learnt a lot from this episode and conveyed that knowledge to us.
Problem faced by Muslims in Makkah 1. Muslims were minority in Mecca.
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2. They were oppressed and persecuted because of their faith.
3. They lived a life of insecurity.
4. They were deprived all power and privilege.
5. They suffered social boycott
6. They were not allowed to say prayers or practice their religion.
Prophet mission in Medina
The first covenant/pledge of Aqabah
In 621 A.D twelve men from Yathrib set out for Mecca. They met the Prophet at Al-
Aqabah and entered with him into an agreement known as “The first covenant of Al-
Aqabah”
The term of covenant of Aqabah
1. They agreed to adhere to the unity of God.
2. Neither to neither steals nor commits adultery.
3. Neither to neither kills nor knowingly commits any evil.
4. Not to fail to obey God in all His commandments.
5. They should obey the Prophet in all the time.
 On their return to Yathrib the Prophet sent along with them Mus`ab Ibn Umayr to
teach them the Quran and the fundamentals of Islam. He was the first missionary in
the history of Islam. Results of this covenant
 Islam soon spread in Medina. This showed that Yathrib was very friendly to the Muslim
cause, and it prepared for migration of the Prophet and his followers.
 In the next pilgrimage Mus`ab came back to Mecca and reported the success of the
mission.
The second covenant of Aqabah
a) In 622 AD a greater number of pilgrims came from Yathrib (seventy three men and
one woman).
b) The Prophet and the pilgrim leaders met secretly at Al-Aqabah and made the second
covenant of Al-Aqabah.
c) The Prophet (saw) was with his uncle Abbas who was not yet a Muslim.
d) The aim was to reach an alliance with the Yathribites to protect the Prophet and the
Muslims who would migrate to their land from the persecution of Quraysh.
The major term of the second covenant
 To protect the Prophet and his followers against the persecution of Quraysh.
 They agreed to protect the Prophet when he migrated to Yathrib.
NB: The Quraysh on learning the covenant were annoyed and they conspired to kill the
Prophet (saw).
Significant of the covenants to the Prophet
1. The two pledges bonded the people of Madinah to the Prophet.
2. They made many people of Madinah to join Islam.
3. They made it easy for Muslims to escape persecution.
4. They opened the road to Islamic success
5. They protect the Prophet from Meccans and gave him shelter.
6. They boosted spread of Islam to outside Mecca.
7. They threatened and further brought to an end the Mecca religion (idol worship).
8. They gave the Muslims a city of their own.
9. They open the road for Islamic success.
Hijra (migration)
a) The Prophet Muhammad (saw) saw that the time was ripe and he commanded his
followers to migrate to Medina. All Muslims departed to Medina except the Prophet
(saw), Abu-Bakar and Ali bin Abi-Talib.
b) The Meccans became aware of the plan of the Prophet (saw) to migrate to Medina.
They decided to kill the Prophet.
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c) Quraysh held an emergency meeting at Darin-Nadwa. Consultation went on, on how
to prevent the Prophet from migrating and what was to be done to him. Three ideas
seemed to have been the centre of their discussions. These are:
1. To imprison him by putting chains on his hands and feet and leave him in the prison
to die.
2. To kill him by any means
3. To throw him out of Mecca and impose a life ban on him (not to enter Mecca
throughout).
Allah said in the Quran “And (remember) when the disbelievers plotted against you, to
imprison you, or kill you, or to get you out (from your home i.e. Mecca).
d) After along consultation it was decided to kill him. Every clan was to bring a strong
youth with a sharp sword. These youths would all at once kill the Prophet with their
swords. This would make all the clans to share the burden of murder. Hence the Banu
Abdimanaf, the clan of the Prophet would be unable to fight all the clans or to
revenge the murder of the prophet.
e) The Prophet (saw) was informed by Jibril that the Quraysh were conspiring to kill him
and that he should leave Mecca for Medina.
f) The prophet (saw) asked Ali (RA) to spend the night on his bed and cover himself with
his green mantle and assured him full security under Allah`s protection and return all
the goods, jeweleries and property that was left in his trust by the Quraysh.
g) The prophet (saw) came out of the room and cast a handful of dust at the assassins
and managed to walk his way through them reciting verses of Noble Quran.
h) He proceeded direct to the house of Abu-Bakar and found his close friend ready for
Hijra.
i) They left Mecca immediately passed along the southern route to the cave of Al-Thaur,
where they spent three nights.
j) The assassins who laid siege to the house of the prophet were waiting for the zero
hour when someone came and informed them that the prophet (saw) had already left.
k) The searchers reached the cave. This worried Abubakar very much, but he was
reassured by the prophet “Do not grieve, verily Allah is with us” {Q9:40}. They found
the cave covered with cobwebs and there were a pair of pigeons laid at the entrance.
After some argument the searchers left the cave and took another way.
l) During these three days, Abdillah (son of Abubakar) used to visit them secretly to
bring them food and news of the Quraysh.
m) After three days, when it seemed that it was safe enough for them to emerge from
the cave, Abdillah bin Areeqat, a friendly and trusted guide, led them along the west
coast of the Arabian Peninsula, using a path seldom used by travelers.
Medina welcomes the prophet
a) The people of Medina had already received the news of escape of the prophet from
Mecca but had no knowledge of his three days stay in the cave.
b) They eagerly awaited his arrival. Every day the Ansar and Muhajirin used to go some
distance outside the city.
c) After traveling for eight days the first sight of their arrival in Quba (situated five
kilometers from Medina) was by few who were watching on a tower. Allah`s
messenger (saw) was warmly welcomed by the Muslims in Quba. While still in Quba
Ali joined them.
d) The prophet and his companions rested there for two weeks. They built a mosque
called masjid Quba.
e) The prophet (saw) arrived in Medina on Friday 12 thRabiul-Awwal 1stAH (27thSeptember
622 AD)and was received with shouts of rejoicing, the little girls of Banu Najar tribe
and others, joyful sang songs of welcome.
Tala`al Babru alayna O the white Moon rose over us
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Min thaniyyatil-Wadai from the valley of Wada
Wajabal- shukru alayna we owe it to show gratitude
Ma da`a lillahi da` where the call is to Allah.
Ayyuhal- mab`uth fina O you who were raised among us
Jita bil- amril-Mutwa coming with a word to be obeyed
Jita sharraftal- Madinah you brought nobility
to this city Marhaban yaa khayra da`
Welcome! Best caller to Allah`s way
f) The people of Yathrib renamed their city Medina-tun –Nabi (the city of the prophet). In
short time, it came to be known as Medina.
g) There were many tasks awaiting the prophet`s attention, the most important of them
being construction of mosque, rehabilitation of Meccan refugees, the fostering of
unity not only between Muslims, but also between inhabitants of Medina at large.
Problems encountered by the prophet immediately after migrating to Medina
1. There was a problem of accommodation for the Prophet (saw) and the muhajirin.
2. There was the problem of defending the Muslim ummah against external attack.
3. There was shortage of worshipping place i.e. there was a need the construct mosque.
4. The problem of spreading Islam to other people both inside and outside Medina.
5. The supply in Medina ran out due to over population which over stretched the limited
resources in Medina.
6. There was conspiracy of the Jews who wished to weaken the Muslims ummah so that
they should control the trade route to Syria (sham).
7. There was a problem of hypocrites, who concealed their enmity to the Muslims,
especial their leader who was about to be declared as the president of Medina.
Miracles of the prophet during Hijra (Migration)
1. People who surrounded prophet`s house fall into a deep sleep when prophet (saw)
passed them.
2. Prophet (saw) spited to Abubakar wound after being bitten by a snake while in cave.
3. Mecca’s searcher saw a pair of pigeons laying eggs at the mouth of cave.
4. Mecca’s searcher saw spider`s cobwebs blocking the cave.
5. Suraqah`s horse sunk in the sand when he approached the prophet (saw) intending to
harm him.
6. While on their way, prophet milked a weak goat at Ummu- Maabad`s house place.
7. In Medina prophet`s camel decided where the prophet would stay and location of the
mosque.
Beginning of Muslim ummah
a) First he built the first mosque in the history of Islam.
b) He united the two sections of the community i.e. Ansar (the helpers) and Muhajirin
(the immigrants).
c) The next move was to have meetings with Jews and other Arabian tribes in and
around Medina; he sought ways and means of ensuring peace between the sections
of the population.
d) He chalked out agreements with all the parties concerned and the document came to
be known as the constitution of Medina
The constitution of Medina
 It was the first political agreement between Muslims and non-Muslims.
 This agreement was meant to secure the cooperation, unity and freedom of the
different groups living in Medina.
 The aim of the prophet (saw) in signing this agreement was to ensure Islam was
taught and spread freely in contrast to the hostile environment in Medina
Its major Terms
1. The Ansar and Muhajirin shall form one group of ummah.
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2. Whoever is rebellious or spreads enmity, the hand of every Muslim shall be against
him, even if he be his son.
3. A believer shall not kill another believer nor support an unbeliever against a believer.
4. A criminal shall not be given help or refuge.
5. Any matter not agreed upon must be referred to God and His messenger Muhammad
(saw).
6. The Jews and the Muslims will each profess their own religion freely.
7. No going to war without the prophet`s permission; but lawful revenge is acceptable.
8. The Jews and the Muslims shall each be responsible for their own expenditure but if
Medina is attacked, they will assist each other.
9. Medina shall be sacred and inviolable for all that join this treaty.
10. Jews shall have equal right of citizenship
Importance of Medina constitution
1. It was an attempt of reconciliation of the tribes and focusing all of them to the new
religion.
2. The treaty shows and confirms the prophet as the supreme leader and controller of
the affairs of Medina.
3. It lays down the principles on which cordial relationship could be established between
Muslims and non-Muslims. 4. It was a great document which for so many centuries
ensured freedom of worship
5. It recognized protection of life and property and banned crime of all kind.
6. The treaty shows the prophet as a great political leader and organizer of people’s
affairs.
7. It protected Islam and Muslims against the conspiracies of the Jews. Why Hijra is
considered as a turning point in the history of Islam?
1. The prophet (saw) was given a worm reception by the people of Medina.
2. The prophet (saw) got a base to organize Muslims and Islam.
3. Islam made a rapid growth after the Hijra as opposed to the problems, persecution
and inferiority of Muslims at Mecca.
4. Muslims in Medina were able to conduct their affairs in peace resulting tin the
expansion of commerce and organized defence.
5. The Muslims were able to build strong force after moving to Medina so that they ere
able to fight enemies of Islam.
6. At the time of caliph Omar (RAA) the events of Hijra was marked as the starting point
of Islamic calendar.
7. After Hijra, Islam came to triumph (achieve victory) over the pagan religions and was
soon became the religion of the whole Arabian Peninsula and expanded to far away
land.
8. The name Yathrib was changed to Medina.
The battle of Badr
This battle was faught in the second year after Hijra, on the plain of Badri from which it
derived its name.
Reasons for the battle
a) To punish the Quraish and to cut off their trade and economic routes.
b) To compensate those who had lost their properties in Mecca.
c) To create fear in Quraish so that they would respect and fear Muslims.
Option in taking part in the battle
 It was during the month of Ramadan 17th624 A.D in the second year of Hijra, the
prophet was informed of a large caravan from Syria (sham), carrying goods worth a
large sum of money.

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  The prophet on hearing this, decided to attack the caravan in order to revenge for al
the loss that the Quraish had inflicted on the Muslims. They were only 40 people
guarding this caravan led by Abu Sufyan.
 The prophet set out with 313 Muslims to go and intercept this caravan.
 Abu Sufyan on learning of this sent word to the people of Mecca, who prepared an
army to come and defend their caravan.
 When the information reached the prophet (saw), he consulted his companions. It was
decided that they go ahead with the campaign regardless whether the Muslims would
counter the Mecca army or find the caravan
Account of the battle
 The battle started with dual between individuals. The Quraish put forward three of
their brave noble men and asked the Muslims to bring forth 3 of their men to face
them.
 The Quraish forwarded Utba, his brother Shayba and Utba`s son Walid, and the
Muslims forwarded Hamza, Ali and Ubeyda bin Harith. Ali and Hamza killed their
opponents, but Ubeyda and his opponent drew.
 After that then the main battle began. The Muslims fought with great courage, and
the prophet (saw) was saying endless prayers, at last they defeated the Quraish.
Statistic of Badr
The Muslim Army The Quraish Army
1 Th They were 1000 men
ey were 313 men
2 86 were Muhajirin and 277 were Ansar They included the aristocrats of
Mecca
3 They had 76 camels, and 2 horses They had 750 camels and 100
horses
4 They were armed with swords and only one 600 of the soldiers were wearing
wearing military armour military armour
5 14 were killed) 70 were killed
6 They were no captive 70 were captive
Reasons for Muslim`s victory in the battle of Badr
1. The Muslims were fighting on principles and for a good and proper cause.
2. The love for the hereafter stimulated the Muslims to fight.
3. Complete faith and confidence in God without looking at the number of fighters and
preparation.
4. The high standard of fighting skills of the Muslims which took no time to be seen right
from the individual combat.
5. Consultation of the leader (the prophet) with his people and involvement in the
fighting by himself.
6. The Muslim Army was united in opinion and ideas in fighting the Quraish.
7. The reinforcement from Allah; He sent angles to assist the Muslims.
8. Allah wanted to approve to the Muslims that, materials are not only surety to victory,
but trust and strong faith in Him is also needed.
Importance of Badr to the Muslims
1. The Muslims consider this battle of Badr a victory from Allah, when the numbers were
few and they were poorly equipped.
2. This battle was symbolic of success of power of truth over falsehood. It strengthened
the faith in Allah.

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3. Muhammad (saw) was now a successful leader of religion and state; the victory of
Badr strengthened and reassured his position and that of Muslim in general.
4. If Muslims had been defeated at Badr it could have been the end of Islam. So the
victory of Badr was indeed very essential for the survival of the Muslims.
5. This victory created fear in the heart of non-Muslims, and some decided to join the
fold of Islam.
6. This victory attracted attentions of many people and nations. So they were eagerly
wanted to learn more about Islam. By this way Islam became popular religion in the
Arabian Peninsula.
7. It was the first battle between the Muslims and non-Muslims
The battle of Uhud
Reasons for the
battle
a) The Quraish wanted to kill the prophet (saw) and bring Islam to an end before it was
too late.
b) The Quraish wanted to revenge their humiliating defeat at Badr
c) The Quraish wanted to secure the safety of its caravan routes to Syria.
d) The Quraish wanted to re-establish its supremacy among the Arabs that got lost
during the battle of Badr.
Account of the battle
a) The Quraish after been defeated at Badr, wanted to revenge, they quickly gathered a
strong force of 3000 men.
b) On learning of the Mecccans advance, the Muslims decided to go out and meet them
and a force of 1000 men set out for the battle on Friday,11 thshawwal 3 A.H (625 AD),
after jum`a prayer
c) As the Muslim army left Medina Abdullah bi Ubay (the leader of hypocrites), pulled out
from the main force together with his followers (300 men), with the reason that he
wanted to defend Medina from within. But the actual reason was cowardice and lack
of commitment to Islam.
d) Uhud is the name of a hill, three miles outside Medina the prophet took his position
with the hill behind the Muslim army.
e) The prophet (saw) placed 50 archers on top of the hill to defend attack from behind
with orders, never to leave their position whatever the out come.
f) The Meccans were defeated but the archers on seeing the booty, decided to leave
their positions.
g) One of the meccan generals-Khalid bin Walid (he later became a Muslim)-saw the
pass, and he attacked the Muslimsfrom their rear. Suddenly the Quraish turned on the
Muslims.
h) The Muslims were surrounded on both sides. They now faced defeat after the initial
victory.
i) The situation getting desperate as rumours spread that the prophet had been killed
but he was severely wounded, he shouted at the top of his voice “I am Muhammad
ibn Abdullah. I am the messenger of Allah. I have come with the truth” On hearing
these, the companions gained courage and once again they started to fight the
enemy. At last Muslims won and the Quraish retreated. Seventy precious Muslims lost
their lives, including Hamza.
Effect of Uhud
1) Prominent Muslims lost their lives e.g. Hamza.
2) Ubay bin Khalaf one of the four people who planned to kill the prophet (saw), was
himself killed by the prophet.
3) Hindu the wife of Abu Sufyan mutilated the body of Hamza.

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4) The Quraish failed to achieve their prime objective of capturing the prophet and
rooting the Islam.
5) Though the Muslims appeared to be defeated initially, but eventually they were
victorious.
6) The Muslims collected many of war booty.
7) The Meccans regarded it as their first victory over Islam Importance of Uhud
1. It showed the importance and necessity for the Muslims to adhere strictly to the
command of the prophet (saw). Their disobedience has cost them a great loss.
2. It was a remainder to the believers to take charge of their responsibilities of
protecting the Devine mission, and taught them to bear hardships in their mission.
3. It explained the status of the prophet as the beloved Messenger of Allah, as He
protected him from conspiracy of enemies.
4. We should not prioritized materials against our Devine orders, i.e. when the archers
left their position.
5. The victory is in the hands of Allah, He can render to whom He wishes.
The battle of khandaq (the Trench)
a) It also called the battle of Al-Ahzab (tribes).
b) It took place in Shawwal 5thA.H (627 A.D).
c) The Jewish tribe at Khaybar planed together with the Meccans to fight the Muslims in
Medina.
d) They gathered an army of 24,000 against three thousand Muslim men.
e) The prophet (saw) came to know the plots and started to make plans to defend
Medina.
f) At the advice of Salman al-Farsy (RAA), a trench was dug round the open places of
Medina.
g) All Muslims including the Prophet (saw) participated in digging fifteen feet deep
trench.
h) When the army of the Quraysh came they were puzzled to see the trench.
i) The army of the Quraish failed to cross over the trench and they decided to lay siege
of Medina for 27 days. j) The enemies were hit by a cyclone and they fled away.
k) The Jewish tribe of Banu Quraidha who attempted to fight the Muslims after the treat
of Medina, they were defeated by the Muslims, and in the end they surrendered and
Saad Ibnu Muadh, was appointed as a judge by Bani Quraidha to rule in their case.
l) Saad gave a harsh punishment because of their treason during such a very dangerous
period. Their men were slain, their women were sold as captives of war and their land
and properties were divided among the Muslims.
Result of the Bettle of khandaq
1. It established the Muslims as the absolute masters in Medina.
2. The power of hypocrites who depended on allying with the Jews and the Meccans was
finally broken.
3. The Arabs all over the Peninsula slowly began to admire Muslims power.
4. It confirmed the new prestige of Muhammad (saw) as the ruler of Medina.
5. The daughter of the Jewish chief (swafia) who conspired with other tribes against
Islam was eventually married to the Prophet (saw). The battle of Khaybar
a) Among the three Jewish tribe who had signed a peace treaty with the prophet (saw) in
Medina and they sided with the Quraish in the battle of Ahzab; Banu Nadhir and Banu
Quraydha.
b) They went into self exile and settle at Khybar, a town situated 320 km north of
Medina.
c) This town has a number of fortresses and was well protected all around, thus making
it difficult to gain entry.

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d) These tribes took advantage of the distance to Medina and became more active in the
final attempt to harm the Muslims and Islam.
e) The prophet (saw) therefore, set out with 1600 men from Medina to Khaybar.
f) The prophet ordered an attack and one by one the fortresses fell into the Muslim`s
hands.
g) When they reached the famous fort of Qumoos, the Muslims spent 20 days without
success. The prophet (saw) was hopeful of gaining entry.
h) The prophet handed over the flag and sword to Ali (RAA) and appointed him as the
commander of troops.
i) Eventually the fortress was captured, some 15 Muslims were killed and 93 Jews were
killed.
j) The Jews asked for peace and came begging for forgiveness. A peace treaty was
signed between the Muslims and Jews. This was in 7 AH.
The treaty of Hudybiyya
a) In the 6thAH, the prophet left for Mecca to visit the Ka`abah. He had 1400 men with
him.
b) He encamped at Hudybiyyah, (a short way from Mecca and sent a word to the
Quraish that he is not going to fight but to visit the house of Allah.
c) The Quraish were not ready to talk to the Muslims, and they arrested the emissary
(Uthman Ibn Affan) and locked him in the house for three days.
d) This almost led to the battle between the Muslims and Quraish; but the battle was
suspended, when Uthman was later released unharmed.
e) They Quraish were moved by loyalty and love of the companions to the prophet (saw)
and ultimately agreed to draw a treaty.
f) The Quraish were represented by Suhail Ibn Amir in drafting of the treaty.
Terms of the truce
1. The Muslims were not to enter Mecca that year, but to return the following year.
2. No arms apart from sword will carried by the Muslims when they returned to Mecca in
the following year.
3. No spending of more than three days during the Umrah period.
4. If any one from Quraish go to Muhammad without his guardian permission, he should
be sent back to Quraish.
5. If any of Muhammad`s followers return to Quraish, he should not be sent back.
6. Any Arab tribe wishes to join Muhammad or enter into any treaty with him, should
have the liberty to do so, and likewise whoever wishes to join Quraish or enter into
any treaty with them, he is should also be allowed to do so.
7. There will be peace between the two sides for a period of ten years and these terms
should not be changed for the next ten years.
Importance of truce
1. It allows Muslims for the first time to mix with any tribe they wish.
2. It gave Meccans an opportunity to have a closer look at Islam, as so many prominent
Quraish men become Muslims e.g. Khalid Ibn Walid, Suhail Ibn Amri etc.
3. It was a clear sign that the Quraish had recognized the Muslim community
4. The Muslims were free from Mecca attacks and could now concentrate on facing
threats from the Jews around Medina.
5. It gives Muslims opportunity to spread Islam over other areas, and within two years
the number of Muslims doubled as a result of this treaty.
6. It showed the weakness of Quraish as they asked for no hostilities for the ten years
period.
7. The prophet (saw) got an opportunity to sent teachers to teach other parts of Arabia
Islam.

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8. The atmosphere of peace gave prophet (saw) ample time to concentrate on his
Devine mission i.e. teaching believers.
The conquest of Mecca
The causes and of the conquest of Makkh
a) The Hudaibiyya treaty allowed both parties to ally themselves with any tribe. The
Banu Bakr joined the Quraish while Banu Khuzah joined the Muslims.
b) Banu Bakr violated the treaty by attacking Banu Khuzah. The Quraish helped the
Banu Bakr with arms and men.
c) The Khuzah sought justice from the prophet and he laid down three conditions for the
Quraish:
1) To pay blood money for the
victims of Khuzah. 2) To terminate
their alliance with Banu Bakr 3)
To consider the treaty of Hudybiyya
nullified.
d) On the 10th of Ramadan 8 AH the prophet (saw) gathered 10,000 well armed men and
set to Mecca. Tribes joined expedition on the way.
e) They marched and camped at a place known as Maar-a zahran a few miles from
Mecca.
f) This worried the Quraish so much that their leader Abu Sufyan decided to enter into
negotiation with the prophet ( saw) so as to make a new treaty, but the prophet
refused.
g) At night Abu Sufyan decided to go to the Muslims camp to spy. He met Abass
(prophet`s uncle) who advised him to embrace Islam and tell his people to surrender.
Abu Sufyan eventually was converted to Islam.
h) Next day the Muslims army entered Mecca and they were instructed not to shed
blood. They entered the city for the first time and hoisted a green flag on the
Ka`abah.
i) The Meccans were told they would be safe if they kept indoors, or took refuge in the
Ka`abah or went into Abu Sufyan`s house.
j) The prophet entered the Ka`abah and cleaned it of all Idols ordering his companions
to crush the idols near the Aka`abah. Bilal climbed on the roof of the Ka`abah and
recited the Adhan.
k) They performed thanks giving prayer (sijdatu-shukr) led by the prophet (saw)
l) The Meccan leaders sat in the compound of the Ka`abah watching what was going on,
not knowing what would be their fate. There were many who deserve no pity from the
prophet (saw0 and his companions (RAA).
m) After prayer prophet (saw) addressed them and said “Do you know what treatment I
am going to make out to you?” They answered “ you are a noble brother and son of a
noble brother” The prophet said “There is no reproach against you today you are all
free”
Result of conquest of Mecca
1. Abu Sufyan who was a great rival to Islam accepted Islam
2. All idols in the Kaaba were broken
3. there was no blood shed during the conquest
4. Many Quraish accepted Islam
5. Prophet (saw) was able to address the Quraish
The battle of Hunayn
a) After the conquest of Mecca, people in every corner and a part of the world left idol
worshipping and entered the fold of Islam.
b) The two tribes situated between Mecca and Taif; Hawazin and Thaqeef thought
themselves to be superior and refused to embrace Islam.
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c) The chief of Hawazin tribe (Maalik bin Auf), invited the neighbouring tribes and
gathered a huge army to harm Islam.
d) When the prophet (saw) received this news of threat, he prepared an army of 12,000
men, including 2000 Meccans and marched out of Mecca toward the valley of Hunayn.
e) The Muslims due to over confident of their large number, they never thoroughly
prepared themselves and they didn`t put their full trust to Allah
f) The people of Hawaazin were noted for their archery. As the Muslims advanced
obliviously, they were met with attacks of arrows from all sides.
g) The Muslims could not stand the fierce attacks of the enemy arrows and they fell
back. This retreat caused confusion among the Muslim soldiers.
h) The Prophet was left with a small band of soldiers; the Muslim realized their mistake
immediately and fought courageously.
i) The attackers were defeated. Muslims captured large booty and six thousand men
were taken as prisoners.
j) The defeat of the non-believers at Hunain completely crushed the Arab resistance to
Islam. Islam emerged as the strongest force in the Arabia peninsula.
Within two years, after the battle of Hunain, the Thaqeef`s tribe accepted Islam.
Achievements of the prophet (saw) in Medina
1. He built the Islamic brotherhood and united the Ansar and Muhajirin.
2. He founded an Islamic state based on firm Islamic principles of social, economic,
political and military institution.
3. He established military barrack to support and defended the Islamic state.
4. He was able to propagate Islam and spread it to other nations.
Hijjatul wadaa (the farewell pilgrimage)
a. In the tenth year after Hijrah, most of Arabia had embraced Islam through the efforts
of the Prophet (S.A.W) and his beloved companions.
b. In the month of Dhul-Qa’ada 10 A.H. The Prophet (S.A.W) accompanied by 124,000
companions left Medina for Mecca with the intention of performing Hajj and Umrah.
c. On the 5thof Dhul-Hijjah the Muslims entered Makkah and performed umrah and on
the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, the Prophet ( S.A.W) camped at Minaa where He stayed the
whole day and night.
d. The next day. He proceeded to the plain of Arafah. Here the Prophet (S.A.W) delivered
his famous last sermon (Khutbatul-Wadaa) to entire assembly of Muslims. He said: -
"O people listen to me for I do not know you will find me amongst you next year. Your
lives and property are sacred, this month is sacred for all and you shall have appeared
before your Creator. Treat your wives with kindness and love … avoid sins … all blood
feuds are abolished. Know that all Muslims are brothers unto one another. Guard
yourselves against committing injustice … relay my message to other Muslims". Looking
up towards the sky, he said: "O Lord I request you to be the witness to it"
e. Then the Prophet (S.A.W) performed all the ceremonies of the pilgrimage for Muslims
to follow. Afterwards He returned to Medina with his party.
Teachings of the farewell speech
1. Muslims should treat their slaves with kindness.
2. The blood, property and honour of a Muslim is sacred
3. There is no one who is better than the other person except in terms of piety
4. There is none to be worshiped except Allah.
5. The Muslims should strictly observe the five pillars of Islam.
6. Injustice is forbidden in Islam.
7. Husbands have got rights over their wives. 8. Wives have got rights over their
husbands.
9. Treatment of slaves was emphasized.
10. He emphasized on spread of the message to those absences.
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Death of the prophet
a. Two months after performing Hajj (Pilgrimage), the Prophet (S.A.W) became weak and
ill.
b. He remained ill for a period of twenty one days. His health grew worse in the last
fortnight as he caught a fever.
c. He continued to conduct the congregation prayers in the Mosque until three days of
his death.
d. When He could not move He requested Abu Bakr (R.A) to lead the prayers. He did this
for three days.
e. The Prophet (S.A.W) spent his last day in the house of Lady Aisha. Her house was
close to the Mosque.
f. On the last day, the Prophet (S.A.W) had slept quiet sleep. The fever had abated. He
went out to attend the dawn prayers, leaning on Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Al-Fadhl Ibn
Abbas.
g. When people saw he was better, their hearts leapt with joy because they loved him
dearly.
h. When the prayer was over, he spoke to the people. He began to feel weaker and
weaker every minute.
i. He died on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal 11 A.H (8th June 632 CE) at the age of 63 years.
j. The body was duly washed, perfumed and prepared for burial. He was buried in
lady`s Aisha house. The whole ceremony took three days.
Achievements of the prophet (s.a.w)
( a) Brotherhood and Equality of Mankind
1. About six months after the Prophets (S.A.W) arrival in Medina, He established a system
of brotherhood between immigrant Muslims from Mecca and the (Ansar) helpers who
welcomed the Prophet (S.A.W).
2. The brotherhood was so strong that they inherited one another yet they were not
related.
3. The Prophet did not discriminate the rights and treatment between a black and white
or between free and slave. He appointed Bilal as a ruler of Madinah.
4. He took care to bring freed slaves on an equal footing with the Arabs. He thus joined
Zaid his freed slave with Hamzah his uncle and Bilal was made a brother of Abu
Ruwaiha an Arab
5. Ansar who got a Muhajir as his brother gave equal share in his property and belonging
to his Muhajir brother.
6. He taught the Muslims by his example, how to deal friendly with non-Muslims i.e. to
keep the peace with them when they accepted them and to defend themselves when
attacked.
( b) Elimination of Racism
1. The Prophet (S.A.W) taught that all human beings descended from one parent hood.
2. We are equal in the sight of Allah regardless of our skin colour, race, tribe, languages,
clan, sex rich or poor.
3. In Islam our different languages and colour is not reason and cause to boast and look
down in contempt and despise one another but rather these are in order to recognize
and identify each other and also to recognize the power of Allah in creating and fear
Him and humble ourselves in our daily life.
4. When we look at the companions of the Prophet (S.A.W) we will find a complete
mixture of colours and all races together as one family: -
a) There was Bilal bin Raba a freed black slave from Africa
b) Suhaibu rum a Roman European from Rome
c) Salman Al-Fursy a Persian from Asia
d) Abubakar As-sidique a pure Arab from Arabia
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5. Islam is a universal religion which addresses the whole of mankind, it does not
recognize the idea of chosen people like other religion. They claimed to be descendants
of God and His chosen people.
( c) Eradication of slavery
1. Slaves who could buy their freedom were immediately freed.
2. Slaves who embraced Islam became freed immediately.
3. Prisoners of war after teaching or educating ten Muslims they were freed.
4. Muslims are also encouraged to accept ransom from the captives of war to free
themselves rather than mistreating them or turning them to slaves.
5. Slave woman who got legally married to their masters automatically became free (Q
4:25).
6. In a number of offences the sharia prescribed the freeing of slave as a means of
expiation.
a. When someone had intercourse with his wife during the daytime of Ramadhan.
b. A Muslim who fails to fulfill a sworn oath.
c. A Muslim who killed a fellow Muslim by mistake was required to free in addition to
giving blood money (Diya) to set a slave free.
d. A Muslim who makes unlawful to himself, his wife by zihar by saying to his wife "you
are like the back of my mother"
e. One of the eight portions of the Zakat property is used for helping in freeing slave.
( d) Improvement of the status of women
The rights which improved her
status included: 1 . The right to
inheritance.
2. The right of being brought up.
3. The right of marriage according to her own choice.
4. The right to be given dowry.
5. The right of maintenance – it is the duty of the husband to cater and provide to the
wife and family the basic necessities.
6. The right of equality in reward and before the law
7. The right to own property, the right to spend as she wishes
8. The right of honour and dignity – Islam demands that woman should be respected and
not be accused of unchastely without proper evidence.
9. The right to divorce. The Prophet (S.A.W) allowed women to divorce her husband if she
cannot cope with him for some reasons but within the Islamic legal acts.
( e) Religious tolerance
1. The Prophet (S.A.W) encouraged peaceful co-existence and tolerance in his Medina
society and taught his companions to do the same.
2. He gave good treatment to the Arabs of Medina who were followers of Jewish religion.
3. In the battle of khaybar, Muslims found several pages of Taurat (Torah) and when the
Jews came to ask for them Prophet (S.A.W) ordered the Muslims to give the pages to
the Jews.
4. When (the Jews) Bani Nadhir, who were the most notorious enemies of Muslims were
directed by the Prophet (S.A.W) to leave Madinah as a result of their constant
treacherous plans, they were allowed to take their sacred book.
5. for the Jews of Medina: -
a) The Prophet (S.A.W) fulfilled the requirement of the agreements with them.
b) He paid Diyah (blood money) to those who were unintentionally killed among them.
c) He forgave those who wronged Muslims and who came to him and asked for pardon.
d) The Prophet (S.A.W) attended their burials.
e) The Prophet (S.A.W) visited sick among them.
f) He borrowed money from them – yet there were Muslims who lend money to people.
57
6. Islam allows Muslims to eat the food of the people of the Book provided it is not
prepared contrary to Islamic teachings.
7. Male Muslims can marry female of the people of the Book.
8. Muslims should not force others to accept Islam.
9. Muslims can interact in business commerce with non-Muslims.
10. The Prophet (S.A.W) not only respected the teachings of the earlier Prophets but
acknowledged and believed in their scriptures and clearly said he had not brought a
new religion but came to perfect their noble character and complete the same religion
of Islam given to them.
General achievements of the prophet Muhammad
(saw) in his mission 1 . He brought about the
recognition of the rights of women.
2. He advocated for better treatment of slave.
3. He brought about equality of man where there is no rich or poor, slave or master.
4. He brought about unity and brotherhood among the Muslim ummah.
5. He was able to spread Islam to the entire Arabia, Peninsula and beyond.
6. He was recognized as both political and spiritual leader.
7. He was recognized as peacemaker i.e. signed several treaties with non-Muslims
leaders of wealth. Importance of the prophet Muhammad
1. He possessed both titles of being Rasul and Nabi.
2. He is the first person to come out of the grave during the Day of Resurrection.
3. He will be the first person to enter paradise.
4. He is the best of all sons of Adam.
5. His shariah is complete and final.
6. He will be the main interceder during Day of Judgment.
7. His major miracle is Quran which surpasses other miracles.
8. He is the seal of the prophet hood.
9. His community is the best of all the communities
Exercise
1. Discuss life of Arabs before the advent of Islam
2. Narrate the life history of the prophet birth
3. Describe the methods of persecution of Muslims in Mecca
4. Explain the importance of Hijra
5. State the significance of the farewell sermon at mount Arafa
6. Outline the Achievements of the prophets (saw).
7. List down the terms of the constitution of Medina
8. Discus the battle of Badr under the following subtopics:
a. Cause for the battle
b. How the battle was fought
c. Result of the battle
9. Describe how the battle of Uhud was fought
10. What are the results of the battle of Uhud
11. Why did the Muslims migrate to Abyssinia
12. Narrate the events that lead to the conquest of Mecca
13. Why did the Quraysh opposed the teachings of the prophet (saw)
Chapter 8 MUSLIM SCHOLARS
1 . Sheikh Al-Amin Mazrui
a) Birth and his early life
 His full name was Sheikh Al-Amin bin Ali bin Abdallah bin Nafii bin Mazrui.
 He belonged to the famous Mazrui family which migrated from Oman in eighteen
century.

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 His grandfather was among the prominent Muslim Scholars during his life time here in
East Africa in particular and in the world in general.
 Sheikh Al-Amin bin Ali Al-Mazrui was born in Mombasa in the 27 th January, 1891
CE/15th Jamadi Thaani 1380 A.H.
 When he was four years old, he lost his father. b) His Education, works and
personal life
 Sheikh Al- Amin came from a very educated family; he acquired most of his education
from his family members.
 His father was a great scholar but Sheikh Al-Amin never succeeded to study under
him because he passed away when he was still young.
 After the death of his father, he was brought up by his uncle, Sheikh Suleiman bin Ali
Al-Mazrui (who was a Kadhi in Mombasa in 1910 and then was appointed as the Chief
Kadhi of Kenya in 1932). It was from him he acquired his education in all fields of
Shariah and Islamic Studies.
 Frequently, Sheikh Al-Amin used to visit Unguja (Zanzibar-Tanzania) where he studied
under different famous scholars (Ulamaa) including Sheikh Sayyid Ahmed bin Sumeyt,
Sheikh Abdallah Badathir among others; also Sheikh Muhammad Breik (prominent
scholar in Mombasa) was among his teachers.
 He also went to Lamu and graduated from the Riyadha Mosque.
 Sheikh Al-Amin through his struggle, he never only read the books that are famous in
East Africa, but instead he also read which were not known by many people in this
region. These include the books of Ibn Taymiyya, Ibnul-Qayyum Al-Jawziyya,
Jamaaludin Al-Afghany Muhammad Abduh, Muhammad bin Abdul-wahab among
others.
 Sheikh Al-Amin was a multipurpose scholar of his kind. He was a preacher (Dai), a
writer, politician as well as an educationalist.
 On Islam and Muslim affairs Sheikh Al-Amin wrote many books in both languages i.e.
Kiswahili and Arabic. These include: Ahaadith Mukhtarah, Al-Umuru Al-Mushtabirah
(unpublished), Majma al Bahrain (unpublished) Hidayatul atfaal. He also wrote a
range of books in Kiswahili language which include: 1. Masomo ya Dini (sehemu ya
I-III)
2. Wanyama walio halali na haramu kuliwa katika uislamu
3. Mizaani ya Madh’hab ya Mizza_Ghulam Kwa Qur’an na Hadith
4. Je Ahmadiya ni Waislamu?
5. Ndoa na talaka katiaka shariah ya Ki-islamu (Madh’habu ya Shafi)
 Apart from the books he wrote he also participated in preparing weekly magazines
known as sahifa. This magazine was written in Kiswahili using Arabic letters. It was
distributed free and lasted for sixteen months.
 Then he produced another weekly magazine known as Al-Islah focused on religious as
well as political issues. The magazine was written in both languages i.e. Kiswahili and
Arabic. It lasted for twelve months only.
 Sheikh Al-Amin put a lot of stress to the Muslim community on the importance of
learning Arabic language. To him that was the key to successful learning of Islam and
understanding it properly.
 He supported women education, which was denied to them at that time.
 He cleared Islam from the blame and maintaining that Islam was not responsible for
the backwardness of Muslims, but it was the betrayal of Islam by Muslims that was
responsible for that situation.
 He alerted Muslims against the danger of Ahmadiyya sect. His stand was firm against
the sect in which he regarded it to be more dangerous than the Christians.
 He warned Muslims against the perils of blindly adopting Western cultural values and
European Secular education.
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 He was appointed as the Kadhi of Mombasa in 1932 and a Chief Kadhi in 1937, but
this did not distract him from writing, teaching and lecturing.
 In 1936 Sheikh Al-Amin embarked on writing commentary of the Holy Qur'an in
Kiswahili but unfortunately he did not live to complete it. His student and son-in law
Sheikh Muhammed Kassim Al-Mazrui continued in writing the commentary. 20 far by
2007 two volumes have been printed covering the first five chapters.
b) Achievements and Contributions
Among his achievements and contributions towards Islamic D’awah and Muslim affairs in
the country are the following: 1. Through his Kiswahili books he managed to reverted
many non-Muslims back to Islam.
2. He brought a lot of political awareness among the Muslim community in Kenya.
3. On education both Islamic and Secular education he managed to be the founder of
Madrasat Ghazali-Al-Islamiyya and Arab School in Mombasa.
4. He became the Kadhi of Mombasa and then the Chief Kadhi of Kenya.
5. He opened his own school and taught students from all over East Africa.
6. He supported women education.
7. He socialized for the teaching of Arabic and Religious education in the secular
schools.
Among his students
I. Sheikh Maamun bin Suleiman bin Ali-Al-Mazrui, the former Chief Kadhi of Kenya.
II. Sheikh Abdallah Saleh Al-Farsy, the former Chief Kadhi of Kenya.
III. Sheikh Athman bin Ibrahim bin Ahmed Kakni.
IV. Sheikh Muhammad Abdallah Al-Ghazali.
V. Sheikh Maalim Said bin Ahmed Al-Qumri, the former famous radio preacher.
He died on 1st April 1947 CE (1366AH) in Mombasa. He survived by two sons, Harith Al-
Amin Al-Mazrui the former Liwali of Lamu and Professor Ali Mazrui the current
chancellor of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Nairobi.
2. SHEIKH ABDALLAH SALEH AL-FARSY
a) Birth and his early life.
 His name is Sheikh Abdallah bin Saleh Al-Farsy.
 He was born in Zanzibar (Tanzania) on 12 th December 1912. He grew up and studied
at the same place. b) His education, works and personal life.
 He managed to study both systems, secular as well as Islamic education.
 Before joining government school at the age of ten he was first made to go through
the Islamic traditional education.
 He memorized the Qur'an at a tender age and showed brilliance when he was still
young.
 He finished his primary education in 1930 and later completed his teacher training
course in 1932, and become a teacher at the age of 21.
 Sheikh Al-Farsy acquired his Islamic education from different Sheikhs both inside and
outside Zanzibar. Among his Sheikhs are: -
I. Sheikh Abdul-Bari Ajawzy from Egypt who was
brought by the government of Zanzibar to teach
Islamic studies.
II. Sheikh Al-Amin Al-Mazrui former Chief Kadhi
of Kenya. III. Sheikh Abubakar Bin Abdallah
Bakathir.
IV. Sheikh Hamad bin Muhammad Mlomry
V. Sayyid Umar bin Sumayt, the former senior Kadhi of Zanzibar.
 Sheikh Al-Farsy served in the educational field in various capacities before joining the
judicial service.

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 First he was appointed as a teacher at Government Central School in Zanzibar, then
as a headmaster from 6th February 1933 to 22nd March 1947. Then he was made an
inspector of schools until 1952, then a principle at Muslim Academy 1956.
 From 22nd March 1960 he was appointed as a Kadhi in Zanzibar, a post that he held
up to 13th July, 1967.
 After sometime Sheikh Al-Farsy decided to migrate to Kenya and that was when he
was invited by Kenyan Government to become the Chief Kadhi of Kenya in 29 th May
1968.
 When he was in Mombasa as a chief Kadhi, he never stopped his D’awah work. He
had several lectures in different Mosques in Mombasa.
 Sheikh Al-Farsy had many students from different parts of East Africa. Among the
most famous ones are: I. Sheikh Said Musa from Moshi (Tanzania)
II. Sheikh Yusuf bin Ali Shirazy fro Rufiji (Tanzania)
III. Sheikh Omar M. Kassim from Zanzibar
IV. Sheikh Masoud Rajab Hassan from Mombasa (Kenya) V. Sheikh Juma
Abdul Wadud from Zanzibar.
He contributed enormously in his authorship, he wrote against Ahmadiyya Sect. In fact it
was through this encounter that he was motivated to write his celebrated translation of
the Holy Qur'an (Qur'an takatifu).
Published works of Sheikh Al-Farsy include
the following: 1. Tafsir ya Qur'an
Takatifu
2. Maisha ya Nabii Muhammad (S.A.W)
3. Mawaidha ya dini
4. Tarekh ya Imam Shafi
5. Sayyid Said bin Sultan
6. Baadhi ya wanachuoni wa kishafi wa mashariki ya Africa
7. Urathi
8. Ndoa na maarisho yake
9. Sala na maarisho yake
10. Saum na maarisho yake
 Sheikh Al-Farsy’s concern for Muslim education: -
1. He strongly proposed for the provision of Muslim teacher in community schools and
who should be paid by the Government to teach Islam.
2. His stand on the law of succession was firm enough calling for the exemption of
Muslims from the uniform law.
3. He worked as the Chief Kadhi of Kenya from 29 th May 1968 until he retired on 3rd
September 1981(He worked for 13 yrs) He died at the age of 70 years old in Oman in
8th November 1982.
c) Achievements and contributions
1. He wrote many books both in Kiswahili and Arabic.
2. He managed to educate many students within and outside East Africa.
3. He fought all types of innovations and superstition in East Africa and Kenya in
particular.
4. He translated the Qur'an into Kiswahili language.
5. Being the Chief Kadhi of Kenya he used all the means to defend Islam and Muslims in
the country.
6. He confronted Qadian/Ahmadiyya movement by speaking against it and also wrote
extensively refuting their doctrine.
7. He used the V.O.K (now KBC) to start programmes to spread Islam. He also
volunteered his services to Radio Zanzibar.
8. He visited many parts of East Africa to propagate Islam.
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9. He fought for the inclusion of Islamic Studies in education curriculum and the
employment of Muslim teachers by the Government.
Exercise
1. Discuss the contributions made by Sheikh Abdullah Al-Farsy to growth of Islam in East
Africa
2. Discuss the contributions made by Sheikh Al-Amin mazrui in promoting education in
Kenya
3. Give a brief life history of Sheikh Al-Amin mazrui
4. Give a brief life history of Sheikh Abdullah Al-Farsy
5. Discus the works and achievements of Sheikh Al-Amin al- Mazrui.

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Exercise
1. What is the literal meaning of the word Quran?
2. How was the Quran revealed to the prophet Muhammad (saw)?
3. State the reasons why Quran is a complete book of Guidance to mankind?
4. Mention the rules to be adhered to when reciting the Quran?
5. State the importance of the Quran in the life of a Muslim?
6. State the role of Angel Jibreel?
7. State the importance of suratul Fatiha?
8. State the significance of suratul
• Nasr
• Fil
• Asr
9. Discuss the reasons for the revelation of the Quran in portion

Exercise
1. Define the term Hadith and sunah and Sunnah.
2. Explain the factors that necessitated the collection and
compilation of Hadith 3. State factors that helped the
companions of the prophet to spread the Sunnah.
4. Discuss the subject matter of the sacred Hadith (Hadith Qudsi).
5. ( A) What is the main difference between Hadith Nabawi and Hadith Qudsi.
(B) State the differences between Quran and the Hadith
6. Discuss the evolution of Hadith
7. Explain the forms of Hadith
8. List down the importance of Hadith

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