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Notes for o’ LeveL

Islamiyat

Class: o2
Session: 2024-2025

Compiled by:
Hafiz Muhammad Usman
Lecturer Chenab College Jhang
Mobile No: 0333-6725057
0312-0325057
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Allah’s relationship with His Messengers:

The main theme (s) of this passage:

These verses are from Surah Al-Baqarah, a Madinan surah. The theme in this
passage is the relationship of Allah with His Messengers. It focuses on the very first
messenger, Hazrat Adam and his early life. It teaches that Adam was created as
Allah’s representative on earth and he was granted knowledge from Allah that made
him superior to even angels. Here it is taught that Allah puts all humans through test,
including his messengers. Another teaching is that if a person accepts his mistake
after committing any wrong he can be forgiven. It also highlights Allah’s grace and
mercy as he taught Adam how to pray for forgiveness. These were the following
words: “Our lord, we have wronged our souls; if you forgive us not and bestow upon
us your mercy, we shall certainly be lost”.
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The importance of this theme in a Muslim’s life today:

This passage is very important in the lives of Muslims as it verifies the Muslim belief
in the Prophets which is one of the articles of faith. Its importance can be judged by
this that humans are told that they are Allah’s representatives on this earth. God
made the angels bow to Hazrat Adam, this showed humans elevated status amongst
God’s creatures. Muslims learn to resist Satan and his evils in their daily lives as he
has been trying to trap mankind since the creation of Hazrat Adam. As Allah said in
the Holy Quran: “O children of Adam! Let not devil put you to a trial, just as he got
your two ancestors removed from paradise”. Muslims understand through the
themes of this passage that it is quite possible they err but if they repent, forgiveness
awaits them from their merciful God.

The main theme (s) of this passage:

Surah Al-Anam is a late Makki surah and this is about the relationship of Allah with
His Messengers. The main theme in these verses is the refutation of shirk and
guidance towards Tauheed. These verses describe Prophet Ibrahim’s attempt to
guide people about Allah by way of some of the marvels of nature. God’s power is
shown through His ability to control the sun and the moon. These passage shows
His signs in creation, and the sign of His power is that He does not fade or die away,
whilst things in creation do. These celestial bodies are the clear proof of the
existence of Allah and His absolute authority. As Allah said in the Holy Quran:
“Among His signs are night, and the day, and the sun and the moon. Adore not the
sun and moon, but adore Allah, who created them”. So Hazrat Ibrahim rejected the
Polytheism that was the hallmark of the society around him and finally declared
Shahadah.
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The importance of this theme in a Muslim’s life today:

This passage contains a significant message that should be applied in Muslim’s live.
It shows that Hazrat Ibrahim selected a logical approach to make his people
understand the reality of Allah, who is the real creator and who alone deserved to be
worshiped. Muslims learn that it is neither the shinning of the sun nor the shimmering
of the moon that enables them to be worshipped but it is God who has made such
beautiful heavenly bodies so surely he alone deserves worship. It also encourages
them to reflect on the marvels of nature and recognize their creator. It also teaches
that all the Messengers preached the universal message of Tauheed so we should
believe in the Oneness of Allah and equally respect all Messengers.

The main theme (s) of this passage:

This is a Madinan surah whose title means “a heavenly spread”. Another important
fact about this surah is that it contains the last and concluding revelation of the
Quran in verse (This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favour
upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion). The theme in this
passage is the relationship of Allah with His Messengers. The Messengers of Allah
are blessed with special powers and protection from him. The theme elaborates on
the different miracles and protection that Prophet Isa got from Allah. They called him
a magician and slandered the pure and virtuous lady Maryam, his mother. But Allah
was with Hazrat Isa and restrained the Jews attempt to harm and crucify him as
Allah said in the Holy Quran: “But they killed him not, nor crucified him”. The word
“by my leave” are repeated with each miracle to emphasize the fact that they arose,
not out of the power or will of Hazrat Isa but by the will and power of Allah.

The importance of this theme in a Muslim’s life today:

This passage is very important for Muslims as in this passage Allah addresses
Hazrat Isa by saying “son of Maryam” which teaches that he was Allah’s Messenger
and human being but with special qualities. These teachings reaffirm for Muslims the
prophethood of Hazrat Isa and the power of God. To understand the importance of
this passage in the lives of Muslims today, we should recall a hadith of the Holy
Prophet in which he declared that the scholars of his nation were similar to the
prophets of Bani Israel in many ways. One of the similarities is the difficulties faced
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by them in Allah’s way. So Muslims should remain ready for facing the difficulties in
the way of Allah. It also shows that opposing the truth would never succeed as the
opposing people of Hazrat Isa were not succeeded in their plan.

The main theme (s) of this passage:

This surah was revealed during the early period at Makkah, when the revelation was
suspended for a time in the initial stage of prophet hood. This led to distress and
anxiety on the part of Hazrat Muhammad and for him it was a period of darkness, a
spiritual night. Surah Al-Duha, meaning daybreak or the morning light, was revealed
to dispel this gloom and bring a message of hope to the Prophet just as the morning
light dispels the dark of the night. Theme of this surah is Allah’s special care and
concern for his chosen people especially in times of crises and difficulty. Allah puts
his Messengers into a variety of tests only to bring them closer to him and thus
strengthen their faith. In case of the Holy Prophet, these difficulties began with his
blessed birth, that he was already orphaned. But Allah made special arrangements
for him. In childhood, he was given special love and care from his paternal family.
When he began to work, he was married to a rich lady who presented all her wealth
at his services and his quest for the ultimate truth was granted by awarding of
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prophet hood. So he was also asked to show kindness to the orphans and those who
ask for knowledge.

The importance of this theme in a Muslim’s life today:

The oaths in this surah reflects the importance of the surah and Allah’s love with the
Holy Prophet. The passage strengthens the faith of the Muslims in prophets and
increases love for the beloved of Allah. It also reminds the Muslims that if they follow
the footsteps of the Prophets, they can also get much help from Allah. This also
shows that He does not abandon his prophets at any stage of their life and teaches
the believers that they should never lose hope in hardships and difficulties as the
Holy Quran says: “So verily with every difficulty there is a relief”. It commands the
Holy Prophet and Muslims in general to help the poor and needy, treat the deserving
people kindly and sympathetically as helping one another will promote love and
affection in the society.

The main theme (s) of this passage:

This verse was revealed at Makkah during the early stages, when the Prophet was
enduring extremely difficult conditions. The disbelieving Quraish used to taunt him
for not having any male progeny as his sons had died in infancy: “now he is abtar
(cut off from the root means he will be cut off from his community). The revelation of
Surah Al-Kawthar at this point confirmed Allah’s support for His Messenger, and
promised eternal reward. As Kawthar means abundance of Allah’s blessings and
favours to him in this world as well as in hereafter. Kawthar is also a river in heaven,
which Allah has granted to him. Through this surah we can observe the truthfulness
of the words of Allah as we see that those who opposed and tormented the Prophet
were the ones who lost in this life and the hereafter, whereas the Prophets’ name
lives on through his message. His followers are all over the world and His lineage
continued through his daughter, Fatima and her children. It told the prophet to
remember Allah through regular prayer and to develop the spirit of sacrifice so that
he could continuously strengthen his bond with Allah and to get constant divine
support.
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The importance of this theme in a Muslim’s life today:

The passage contains a significant message that should be applied in Muslim’s lives.
It describes how Allah helped the Holy Prophet in difficult times, blessed him with
abundance and dealt with his enemies. If Muslims follow the footsteps of the
prophet, they can also get such help from Allah. The passage gives hope and
courage amidst the distress caused by the remarks passed by the disbelievers.
They come to know through this passage that if their prophet Muhammad was not
spared then how they can be spared by oppositions, so they should be ready for it.
People should not feel disheartened and remain steadfast in times of difficulty, for
example, during illness or oppression. The passage commands the Holy Prophet
and Muslims that prayers and sacrifices are the best means to get Allah’s pleasure
and help, so we should pray and give sacrifice for his name.

History and Importance of Holy Quran

Introduction of Holy Quran and Revelation from 610 AD to 632 AD

The Holy Quran is the last book of the revealed books of Allah. It was sent down to
His last messenger Muhammad by the angel Jibrael between the years 610 AD to
632 AD. The word Quran is mentioned frequently in the book itself. According to
scholars, it has fifty five other names such as, Al Furqan (Distinction between truth
and falsehood), Al Noor (The light), Al Shifa (The healing), Al Huda (The guidance).

First Revelation: On the 12th of Feb, 610 AD, 27th of Ramzan, when he was in the
cave of Hira, Hazrat Jibrael appeared before him in the figure of a man and asked
him to read. This was a sudden and unexpected, he answered him “I cannot read”.
He seized prophet and squeezed him as hard as he could bear and said read.
Prophet replied I cannot read .Second time he squeezed him and said read. Prophet
gave the same answer. Third time he squeezed and said read. Prophet asked “what
shall I read? Then Hazrat Jibrael recited the first five verses of Surah ul Alaq:
“Read! With the name of your Lord, who creates (everything), who creates man from
blood clot? Read! Your Lord is the most generous who teaches by the pen, teaches
man what he knows not”.

Methods of Revelation: The Arabic word for revelation is Wahi which means to
inform secretly. The revelation would reach the Holy Prophet in different ways on
different occasions. These are as follows.

(1) Hazrat Jibrael: The Archangel would usually bring him the message of Allah.
This too was in three different ways:
 He would appear in his real form.
 He would meet him in the form of a man and deliver him the message.
 He would inspire him in his heart with the words of the revelation.
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(2) Dreams: The Prophet’s dreams are Ruya Al Sadiqah or true dreams;
meaning whatever Allah showed him in his dreams was Divine Truth and a
message from Allah.
(3) Divine sounds: sometimes the Holy Prophet would hear the sound of bells
ringing or bees buzzing, at the end of which the words of the revelation would
be inscribed in his heart. As the Prophet said: “It comes to me sometimes as
the ringing of a bell and this is hardest on me”. Hazrat Aysheya said “I saw
revelation coming down upon him in the severest cold and when that
condition was over, perspiration ran down his forehead”.
(4) Direct conversation with Allah: The Holy Prophet was granted the honour
of speaking to Allah directly more than once.

Surah Nasr was the last surah, which was revealed completely. The last revelation
came to the Holy Prophet in the plain of Arafat, which completed the revelation the
revelation as it said “This day have I perfected your religion for you, for you
completed my favors upon you and have chosen Islam as your religion”.

Surah: The Quran is divided into 114 chapters, each of which is called surah which
means a degree or step, by which we climb up. The surahs are of different lengths,
the longest one is Surah Baqarah, while Surah Kausar is the shortest. Each surah
begins with Tasmiah with the exception of ninth, Surah Taubah.

Makki surahs: (86) The surahs which were revealed to the Prophet during the
Makkan phase of his mission, from 610 AD to 622 AD are called Makki. These
surahs are generally brief; consist of basic principles and beliefs such as oneness of
Allah etc and events relating to the past communities. The language was used very
strong.

Madni surahs: (28) The surahs which were revealed during Madinan phase, from
622 AD to 632 AD are called Madni. Madni surahs are lengthy and consist of social
duties and obligations.

Ruku: All the surahs, with the exception of the last thirty five are divided into
sections which is called Ruku, each section generally dealing with one subject.

Ayaat: The surahs are made up of ayaat which means a sign or a communication
from Allah.

Juz or Parah: For the purpose of recitation, the Quran is divided into thirty equal
parts, each of these being again sub divided into four equal parts.

Manzil: This division is made for the completion of its recital in seven days.

Significance of Holy Quran

The Holy Quran is the special gift of Allah to mankind. Its significance and purposes
are the following:
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 Its purpose is to guide the humanity to the straight path, to awake human
conscience and to enlighten the human mind.
 Its instructions are aimed at the general welfare of human being.
 It helps them to understand their God and allow them to connect to Him.
 It is the only book which guides Muslims in their every walk of life such as
social, economic, religious etc.
 It makes the mankind very close to Him by following its teachings.
 It gives the full and perfect answer of all the questions which we have in our
minds such as creator, purpose of creation etc.
 It gives us the way of perfect and successful life.
 Allah has enlightened the whole world by revealing the Holy Quran and turned
the ungodly world back to Allah.

Need of Prophets in preaching the revelation

Allah always sent revelations through the prophets due to some reasons such as;

 They could preach the revelations practically because only a human can
give the practical demonstrations, so Allah chose the prophets for this.
 Allah sent prophets to different nations in different languages because
they could speak the native language so it was easy for the people to
understand the revelation.
 All the messengers first convinced people through their character and
moral example as many people converted to Islam because Holy Prophet
never lied and never deceived any people.

The nature of prophet hood from Holy Prophet’s first experience of revelation

 This first experience showed that Allah chooses a person for prophet hood to
whom he wills without informing or giving any warning to him. That is why the
Prophet was shocked and confused on the sudden appearance of the arch
angel Jibrail.
 This experience showed that Prophet Hood is not an institution that can be
attained through penance and prayers. It is an extremely rare gift that Allah
gives to whom He wills. As Allah said: “He does send down His angels with
inspiration of His command to such of His servants as He pleases” (16:2).
 This experience showed that Allah does not depend on anything he can make
prophet at any age or time as he made Hazrat Isa his prophet at the time of
his birth and Holy Prophet at the age of forty.
 This experience showed that receiving revelation is not easy that is why
Hazrat Jibrael squeezed him and transferred the divine light to bear the
revelation.
 The Prophet’s state of shock on his first encounter with Jibrael can be
compared with the experience of the Prophet Musa when he could not sustain
a minute fraction of the reflection of divine glory. The Quran says: “When his
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Lord manifested His glory on the mount, He made it as dust, and Musa fell
down in a swoon”.

Characteristics of Holy Quran

The Holy Quran has many different distinguishing qualities, such as:

 The preservation of other scriptures was the duty of their respective followers,
but they changed them for their worldly purposes. When Allah revealed the
Holy Quran, Allah took the responsibility of preserving whatever is contained
in it. The following verse testifies to this:
“Indeed, we have sent down this Quran and we must surely are its guardians”.
 The revelation sent to each prophet was intended for the guidance of his own
nation, but the Holy Quran was sent for the whole mankind. As Allah said:
“The month of Ramzan in which was revealed the Quran, guidance for whole
mankind”.
 The other scriptures were revealed for a specific time of period, but the Holy
Quran is the guidance for the whole mankind till the Day of Judgment. Its
teachings apply to all times, conditions and requirements of mankind.
 The Holy Quran is not contained on some warnings and advices like the other
books, but also it is a complete code of life. The Quran give the guidance in
every field of life.
 It is the actual word of Allah and it is beyond human imagination to produce
anything like it. Some of the greatest enemies and masters of Arabic
language tried their best but remained failed. The Quran says: “If the whole of
mankind and Jinns were to gather to produce the like of this Quran, they could
not produce the like, even if they backed up each other with help and
support”.
 The Holy Quran is a complete and comprehensive book, clearly defining the
permitted and forbidden, the lawful and the unlawful as the Quran itself says:
“Nothing have we omitted from the book”. Similarly Allah says: “And we have
sent down to you a book explaining all things”.
 One of individualities of Holy Quran is in its wisdom there is a moving force
that provokes the mind and stirs as it is proved from the preaching of Islam.

Compilation of Holy Quran

The unchanged text of the Holy Quran through fourteen centuries is a divine miracle.
Corruption and changes have never touched the Quran because Allah said: “We
have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and we will assuredly guard it from
corruption”.

Compilation of Holy Quran during the Prophet’s life

Writing: Whenever, a revelation was received by the Holy Prophet, he would call
one of his writers and say to him: “Write this verse in the chapter where such and
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such verses occur”. He would then ask him to read what he had written. This was to
ensure perfect accuracy. These writers are called Scribes. These were always near
the prophet to ensure the revelations were written down at early point. At Madinah,
about forty companions are believed to have acted as scribes for the Holy Quran,
such as Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Uthman, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Abu
Hurairah, Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud, Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit. The Quran was written
on thin and flat tablets of stone, wood, branches of palm trees, bones of camels and
goats, skin of animals and other pieces of leather. The arrangement of the verses
and surahs was done by the Holy Prophet himself with the help of angel Gibrael. The
proof for written scriptures is as Hazrat Umar found his sister reading the Quranic
text from parchments and Holy Prophet said that reading the Quran earns a believer
twice as much reward as reciting it from memory.

Memorization:

Holy Prophet used to ask his companions to memorize the verses in order to recite
them in their daily prayers. It was the practice of the Holy Prophet to recite loudly the
text of the Quran, revealed so far every year, during the month of Ramzan and the
companions used to compare their memory of Holy Quran with the version of the
Holy Prophet. In last year of his life, a few months before his death, the Holy Prophet
read out the complete text of the Quran twice. In this way, the whole Quran was
memorized and brought in written form, but it was not in one book or copy.

Compilation of Holy Quran during the period of Hazrat Abu Bakr

During the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr some people declared themselves to be
prophets. Among them was Musailma. Hazrat Abu Bakr waged a war against him
and many companions who had committed the Holy Quran to memory were
martyred in that battle, known as the battle of Yamamah. Hazrat Umar suggested to
Hazrat Abu Bakr that the Holy Quran should be compiled so none of the revelation
would be lost. Hazrat Abu Bakr hesitated, saying “How dare I do something the Holy
Prophet did not do?”, but Hazrat Umar convinced him of the need. Hazrat Abu Bakr
then called Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit, one of the Holy Prophet’s secretaries, and said to
him to go and find all the fragments of the Holy Quran and assemble it together.
Hazrat Zaid also hesitated but Hazrat Abu Bakr convinced him of the need. Hazrat
Zaid bin Thabit applied the following criteria:

 The verse he received first of all used to check with his own memory because
he was a strong hafiz.
 Then he used to check with his writing because he had the whole of the Holy
Quran written with him.
 Then the verse was given to all the scribes who were strong huffaz for
verification.
 Then it was given to the Caliph for verification, as he was hafiz.
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 Then the presenter of the verse was asked to give two witnesses, those who
have seen him writing in the presence of the Holy Prophet and checked by
him.

Then the verse was accepted and written in a copy. This criterion was applied so
that there should not be any mistake and nothing should be added in the Holy Quran
because many hypocrites wanted their man made verses to be included in it. Theses
sheets remained with Hazrat Abu Bakr. After his death, these sheets were given to
Hazrat Umar and then were transferred to the daughter of Hazrat Umar and wife of
Holy Prophet, Hazrat Hafsah for the safety.

Compilation of Holy Quran during the period of Hazrat Uthman

As Islamic state expanded, people in various places recited the Quran in their local
accent and there arose a possibility of confusion and misunderstanding. The need
for final collection of the Quran arose when General Huzaifah bin Yaman reported
this problem to the caliph during to the observation in the battle of Armenia and
Azerbaijan and asked him to make a unified text. To avoid this problem from arising
in the future, the Caliph Uthman obtained sheets from Hazrat Hafsah and ordered for
the preparation of one standard version of the Holy Quran. He appointed Hazrat Zaid
bin Thabit along with three other knowledgeable Muslims Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair,
Saad bin Aas and Abd ul Rahman bin Haris, who assisted to make copies of the
Quran from the original text. They were told to follow the dialect of the Quraish in
case of differences over the language, as the Holy Quran had been revealed in that
dialect. Copies were prepared and these were checked with the original. These
authoritative copies were sent to different parts of the Islamic state; Kufa, Basra,
Damascus Makkah etc. Two original copies from Uthman’s time still exist today, one
at Istanbul and the second at Tashkent. Due to this great service Hazrat Uthman is
known as Jami-ul-Quran. This means that he brought the Muslims around to a
uniform reading and writing of the Quran. The Quran that it is being read and written
today, is the same as in the early period of Islam.

Need of compilation:

 The Holy Quran was revealed as a guide to whole of the mankind so it was
necessary to preserve its original text for the coming generations.
 If the Quran was not compiled then it would have been lost and the coming
generations would have been deprived of its precious teachings.
 If the Quran was not compiled then Islam would have lost its significance
because the Holy Quran is the only source of guidance in every aspect of life.
 If the Quran was not compiled then coming generations would have
differences and there would have been many disputes over the Holy Quran.
 The compilation of Holy Quran would allow Muslims to have access to Quran
at all times and places without any change.
 The compilation of Holy Quran ensures a standard copy.
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 This compiled copy lessens the likelihood of it being reproduced with

mistakes.
 The compiled copy suggests unity between Muslims, e.g. they use the same
book, they read in its original language even if that language is not their own.
 The compiled copy can be carried by individuals and referred to with ease.

Holy Quran and Hadith:

The Holy Quran is the basic source of Islamic law as it is God’s words and gives
guidance in our entire life. It is the most perfect book without any fault. It is
unchanged and unquestionable. The Hadith means the sayings, actions and silence
approved of the Holy Prophet, it is the second source of Islamic law. Both the Quran
and Hadith are collectively taken as the primary sources of Islamic Law as together.
As the Holy Prophet said in his last sermon “And I leave with you two things. If you
hold fast by them both, you will never be misguided, the Book of Allah and Sunnah of
the prophet”. The Hadith is the practical demonstration of the Quran as companion
asked Hazrat Aysha about the morals of the Holy Prophet. She said: “His moral was
the Holy Quran”. This thing shows that Holy Prophet never did anything, which was
against Quranic teachings.

Allah has ordered many times in the Holy Quran to follow the both as Allah says:
“And obey Allah and obey the messenger”. Similarly Allah said: “He, who obeys the
Apostle, obeys Allah” because the Prophet did not speak of his own desire. As in
surah Najm, Allah said: “Nor does he speak of his own desire. It is only an inspiration
that is inspired”. Actually Hadith gives full teachings of what the Quran states in brief
or where it is silent. As the verse says: “We have sent down the Quran to you O
Muhammad so that you may explain to mankind what has been revealed to them”.
Now some examples are given below.

Examples of explanation:

 The Holy Quran says: “Establish prayer” but it does not give the method,
prohibition and obligatory acts. It is Hadith which explains everything in detail
as the Holy Prophet says “Offer your prayers as you see me offering”.
 The Quran commands “Hajj is duty man owe to Allah those who can afford
the journey”. But it does not tell the whole method, obligatory acts, times,
places and manners of Hajj, now it is Hadith which explains in detail about
these.
 The Quran commands many times to give Zakat without detail whereas
Hadith explains and tells in detail that on which zakat is levied, its time when
it is given and the fixed amount that is given.

Examples of those teachings where the Holy Quran is silent:

 The Holy Quran describes that pork is unclean therefore unlawful for the
Muslims. The Quran tells only one animal as unlawful but all the other animals
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are declared unlawful by the Hadith as he said “All the animals having
attacked teeth and all the birds having attacking claws are unlawful (haram).
 The division of inheritance is clearly stated in the Quran but leaving of wealth
for the Non-Muslim relatives is not mentioned but the Holy Prophet said “A
Muslim may not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor a non-Muslim inherit from a
Muslim”.

The use of Holy Quran in legal thinking:

The Holy Quran constitutes the foundation of Islamic Law and is therefore most
reliable source. All other sources must be in conformity with the Quranic injunctions.

Allah said: “Whomsoever desired guidance from any other except the Quran, shall
go astray”.

The Quranic law is perpetual and everlasting. It does not change with the passage of
time. It is complete and final because no aspect of human life has been left without
guidance and nothing more is needed to supplement all that provided by it. The
Quran says: “Nothing have we omitted from the Book”, and said: “We have sent
down to you a book explaining all things”.

The Quranic law deals with beliefs, morality, worship, civil transactions, punishment
for intentional injury to the human body, property and honour; murder; breach of
public peace such as robbery; offences against religion such as nonpayment of
Zakat; against indecency; adultery; use of intoxication; gambling and offences
against the established government such as rebellion.

Some teachings of the Holy Quran are as below:

Religious teachings: “And be steadfast in prayer, practice charity”. Allah said:

“Pilgrimage there is a duty man owe to Allah, those who can afford the journey”.

Economic teachings: “Allah has allowed trading and forbidden usury”. “Give full
measure when you measure, and weigh with a balance that is straight”.

Moral teachings: “And swell not your cheek for pride at men nor walk with insolence
through the earth, for Allah loves not any arrogant boaster”. “Help one another in
righteousness and piety, but help not one another in sin and transgression”.

Legal teachings: “The woman and man guilty of adultery, flog each of them with a
hundred stripes”.

Political teachings: “Obey Allah, and obey the messenger, and those charged with
authority among you”.

Domestic teachings: “And they (women) have rights over them (husbands) similar
to those of their husbands to over them to what is reasonable, but men have a
degree over them”.
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Judicial teachings: “We have sent down to you the book in truth so that you may
judge between men, as guided by God”.

Ijma:

Meaning of ijma: It is third source of Islamic law. Ijma comes from jamun or jama’at
meaning collecting or gathering or unanimity. In the terminology of the religion, ijma
means a consensus of the companions of the Prophet or Muslim jurists (Mujtahid) of
a particular age on a question of law.

Use of Ijma:

 The Holy Quran is the primary source of law.

 Holy Quran’s teachings are extended by the prophet’s Sunnah.
 Ijma is the third source of law and it will be effective when the Holy Quran and
Hadith are silent on any new Islamic issue.
 Ijma must be according to laws of Quran and Hadith.
 Ijma must not be against the fundamental teachings of Islam.

The need of Ijma: There are many instances in which no clear parable is available
in the Quran or Sunnah. The Holy Quran came across countless situations and
through divine guidance was able to clarify many issues. As time passed and
mankind underwent many social and technological changes, many new questions
began to be raised. A typical example is the issue of a test tube baby or genetic
engineering, which did not exist at the time of the Holy Prophet. These posed certain
questions that needed practical solutions. So Ijma is the consensus of the scholars
dealing with such issues.

Holy Quran and Ijma: We trace the roots of ijma from the Quranic commandments
of “consulting each other” which was regularly practiced by the Prophet while making
important decisions. The Holy Quran instructs the Holy Prophet: “And consult them
in affairs (of moment)”. Some other verses are as below:

“He who opposed the messenger even after guidance has become manifest to him
and follow some path other than the believers. We will turn him over to whatever he
has turned (himself). We will make him enter Hell”. (4:115)

“You are the best community ever raised up to humanity”. (3:110)

“Thus have we made you an ummah justly balanced”.

Hadith and Ijma: “If anything comes to you for decision, decide according to the
book of Allah. If anything comes to you which is not in the book of Allah, then look to
the Sunnah of the Prophet, then look to what people unanimously agree upon”.

In reply to Hazrat Ali as to how to proceed in cases when there was no definite
direction in the Holy Quran or the Sunnah, the Holy Prophet is reported to have said:
 17

“Gather together the righteous from among my community and decide the matter by
their counsel and do not decide it by any man’s opinion”.

The Holy Prophet said: “My community will never agree unanimously on an error”.

“Avoid the branching path and keep to the general community”.

“The hand of Allah is with the community”.

Importance of Ijma for Muslims:

 Ijma gives guidance at a time when primary sources are silent.

 Ijma unites the Muslims on their important issues and removes the
differences.
 Ijma makes complicated matters easy to follow.
 Ijma in not limited to any community or time but it can be done anywhere and
anytime so it will continue as the source of law till the end.
 Ijma makes the Muslims able to follow the teaching of Islam for ever because
the Muslim scholars unanimously decide the new issues in the light of Holy
Quran and Sunnah.

Kinds of Ijma: There are some kinds of Ijma:

 Ijma of the companions of Holy Prophet: This is most important form of

Ijma. The agreed upon principle is that the Ijma of any one can be reversed or
amended by one who is equal or greater than him. So the Ijma of companions
is valid for all times to come, and this is an invariable source of Islamic law.
Some examples of this Ijma are the edition of second Azan in the Friday
prayer and compilation of Holy Quran.
 Ijma of Imams: These are the elite of the scholars of the Muslim ummah like
Imam Abu Hanifah etc. The example of this Ijma is the man who is imprisoned
for a long time; his wife should not be allowed to remarry.
 Ijma of the Scholars: Due to the blessing of Allah, all the time there are
some greatest scholars which deserve to solve some difficult issues in the
light of Islamic teachings. Example of this includes the permission of contract
a marriage ceremony via telephone and prayer timings for those living in the
North and South Poles. But this form of Ijma is not binding on all the Muslims
and can be revised or changed.
 Ijma of Local Muslim Community: The member of a Muslim community may
also conduct of Ijma on the issues that pertain to them as individuals. For
example, the timings for Salat-ul-Eid may be fixed by the local community
though it must be within the time range specified by the Holy Prophet. But this
form of Ijma is not binding on all the Muslims and can be revised or changed.
 18

Examples of Ijma:

 Ijma came into practice soon after the demise of Holy Prophet as all the
Muslims unanimously agreed to elect Hazrat Abu Bakr as a caliph of the
Islamic state.
 The Holy Quran was not compiled in the book form during the life of Holy
Prophet. After his demise, on the suggestion of Hazrat Umar and by the
unanimous decision of companions, it was compiled in a book form.
 The Prophet prayed taraweeh only three or four times in congregation in his
lifetime. It was later during the reign of caliph Umar that the system of
congregation of taraweeh was added after Isha prayer with the consultation of
all the companions.
 During the time of the Prophet, there was only one Azan for Jum’a. But during
the reign of the caliph Uthman, Madinah expanded and the Azan could not be
heard. So with the ijma of companions it was decided that another call should
be given.

Qiyas (Analogy)

Meaning: Qiyas is the fourth source of Islamic law. It means to measure or to make
two things equal. In Islamic terminology it means applying the original law of the
Quran and Sunnah to a new sharaiah issue on the basis of common reasons.

All Muslim jurists exclusively agree that each shariah law has a reason or a cause for
it. Therefore they try to find out the reason for every law then they apply the same
law on a new shariah issue if it has the common reasons.

Holy Quran and Qiyas: Allah has enjoined upon us to use our brains and
reasoning. As Allah said: “Take warning O you with eyes”. (59:2)

“As for these examples we cite them for mankind but none will grasp their meaning
save the wise”.

Holy Prophet and Qiyas: When Hazrat Muaz was appointed as the governor of
Yemen, then he asked: “How are you going to decide cases?” Muaz answered: “By
what is in the Book of Allah”. The Holy Prophet asked: “And if you do not find
anything therein to guide you?” He said: “I will decide in the way the prophet has
been doing”. The Holy Prophet enquired, “But if you do not find any precedent from
me, what then?” “I will do my best by exercising my judgement”, Muaz replied. The
Holy Prophet exclaimed: “Praise to be Allah, who has so disposed in delegate of His
Prophet as to be able to satisfy him”.

Holy Prophet told to Hazrat Abu Musa Ashari: “Judge upon the Book of Allah, if you
do not find in it what you need, upon the Sunnah of the Prophet and if you do find in
that also, then use your personal opinion”.
 19

Qualities of Mujtahid:

There are certain conditions for a person to exercise Qiyas. Such as:

 That person has to be a Mujtahid or doctor of law with command over the
Quranic and Sunnah matters and
 That person must be an expert of Arabic language.
 He must have sound memory and enjoy good repute as a pious person.
 He must have good knowledge of history in contemporary matters.

The use of Qiyas:

 The Qiyas is the source of law which is subordinate and subsidiary to the
Quran, Hadith and ijma.
 The Qiyas must be according to the basic principles of Islam.
 The aim of Qiyas is not to alter any Quranic or Sunnah law or text (nass).
 Its reasoning should be easily comprehended by human intellect.
 It must be applied only when there is no solution to the matter in the Quran or
in Hadith.
 It must not be against the contents of the Quran or the principles of Islam.

Elements of Qiyas: There are main four elements of Qiyas.

 Asl, which is the Quranic law.

 Far, which is the new shariah issue?
 Illah, it is the linking cause which links the current issue with the law of Quran.
 Hukum, the rule arrived at by analogy.

Examples of Qiyas:

 Holy Quran has declared consumption of wine unlawful, the reason behind
the prohibition of wine is intoxication which is quite clear. Then they apply the
same law on the new drugs if they have the same reason. Drugs like opium,
LSD, Heroin etc are declared unlawful because they have the same reason as
they are highly intoxicant. Holy Prophet says: “Every intoxicant is Khmar, so
every intoxicant is Haram”.
 The verse says: “O believers when the cal is heard for the Friday prayer
hasten unto the remembrance of Allah and leave trading”. It prohibits all sorts
of business on Friday prayer from Azan till prayer, the reason behind is that it
hinders from offering Friday prayer; now this verse not only prohibits business
but all that hinders from Friday prayer, like games or getting married in the
time of Friday prayer.
 According to a tradition, reported by Hazrat Aisha, that if flour dries on the
nails and water has not reached any portion to that nail, Wuzu would not have
been considered to have taken place. Going by this tradition, with the
application of nail polish, Wuzu would be incomplete, as the nails remain dry.
 20

Rejection of Qiyas by some scholars: There are some scholars like Ibn Hazm
Zahiri, who have rejected Qiyas. Their arguments can be summarized as given
below:

 Qiyas is a human attempt. It is personal reasoning and therefore outcome is

not the Islamic law.
 Qiyas has no evidence for it and therefore is not a source of Islamic law.
 The Illah (reason) behind a rule can be from the mind; therefore it should not
have any authenticity.
 There are many chances of mistakes in Qiyas.
 Different scholars have different opinions and it might divide the Muslim
Ummah.

But these are their doubts and Qiyas can be proved as a source of Islamic law
easily.

Points related to passages

Points related to Allah in Himself with references

Passage no: 1 Surah Al Baqarah (2.255)

1. The Only God: “There is no God but He”.

2. Immortal: Al Hayy (the living)
3. Controller of all the things: Al Qayyoom (the all sustaining)
4. Owner of everything: “His are all the things in the heaven and on the earth”.
5. Having perfect knowledge: “He knows what is before or after or behind them”.
6. Complete authority: “His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth”.
Passage no: 2 Surah Al-Anaam (6.101-103)

1. Badee: Means he who creates without any raw materials to start with. “To Him is the
primal origin of the heavens and the earth”.
2. Alone without family: “How can He have a son when He has no consort”.
3. The only creator: “There is no god but He, the creator of all the things”.
4. Incomprehensible (not able to be understood): “No vision can grasp Him but His
grasp is over all vision”.
Passage no: 3 Surah Fussilat (41.37)

1. Manager of all the things: “Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun
and the moon”.
2. Only worthy of worship: “Adore not the sun and the moon but adore Allah who
 21

created them”.
Passage no: 4 Surah Al-Shoora (42.5-6)

Passage no: 5 Surah Al-Ikhlas (112)

1. Al-Samad:(He who doesn’t need anyone rather everyone is in need of him) “ Say He
is Allah, the one and only, Allah, the eternal, absolute”.
2. Having no offspring: “He does not beget, nor is He begotten”.
3. Unique: “And there in none like Him”.
Points related to Allah’s relationship with His created worlds with references

Passage no: 6 Surah Al-Fatiha (1)

1. Cherisher: “Praise to be Allah, the cherisher and the sustainer of the worlds”.
2. Most merciful: Al-Rahman and Al-Raheem (the most beneficent, the most merciful)
3. Just: “The master of the Day of Judgement”.
4. Guide: “Show us the straightway”.
Passage no: 7 Surah Al-Baqarah (2.21-22)

1. Provider of countless blessings: “Who had the earth your couch, and the heavens
your canopy, and sent down rain from the heavens and by it brought forth fruits for
your sustenance”.
Passage no: 8 Surah Al-Alaq (96.1-5)

1. Making insignificant very significant: “Created man out of a clot of congealed

blood”.
2. Giver of knowledge: “He who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know”.
3. Most bountiful: “Proclaim! Your Lord is so bountiful”.
Passage no: 9 Surah Al-Zilzal (99)

1. Warner: “On that day will men proceed in companied sorted out, to be shown their
deeds”.
2. Just: “Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good, see it! And anyone
who has done an atom’s weight of evil shall see it!”
Passage no: 10 Surah Al-Naas (114)

1. Protector: “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of mankind. The king of mankind. The
God of mankind”.
 22

Points related to Allah’s relationship with His Messengers with references

Passage no: 11 Surah Al-Baqarah (2.30-37)

1. Creator: “Behold, your Lord said to angels, “I will create a vicegerent on earth”.
2. Giver of knowledge: “And He taught Adam the names of all things.
3. Forgiver: “Then Adam learnt from his Lord words of inspiration, and his Lord turned
towards him, for He is often-returning, most merciful”.
4. Utmost respect for Hazrat Adam: “And behold, we said to the angels: ‘Bow down to
Adam’.
Passage no: 12 Surah Al-Anaam (6. 75-79)

1. Powerful: “So also did we show Abraham the power and the laws of the heavens and
the earth, So that he might have certainty”.
2. Guide: “Unless my God guides me, I will surely be among those who go astray”.
3. Creator: “I have set my face firmly and truly towards Him who created the heavens
and the earth”.
Passage no: 13 Surah Al-Maidah (5. 110)

1. Powerful: “Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit, so that you spoke to the
people in childhood as well as in maturity etc.
2. Guide: “Behold I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel”
3. Complete Authority: “By My leave” Hazrat Isa said with all miracles.
4. Protector: “I restrained the Children of Israel from you”.
Passage no: 14 Surah Al-Zuha (93)

1. Helper: “Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter?”
2. Guide: “And He found you wandering, so He you guidance”.
3. Pleasure for Prophets: “Your Lord has not forsaken you, nor is He displeased”.
4. Giver of glad tidings: “And truly the hereafter will be better for you than the present”.
5. Blessings towards Prophets: “But tell about the bounties of your Lord”.
Passage no: 15 Surah Al-Kawthar (108)

1. Abundance of blessings: “To you have we granted abundance”.

2. End of Prophet’s enemies: “For he hates you, he will be cut off”.
 23

Hadiths of the Holy Prophet

Muslim Belief:
The Hadith discusses that religion is hinged upon sincerity in beliefs and actions.
Sincerity to Allah is to believe in Him wholeheartedly with all his attributes as the sole
creator and master and with an earnest desire to obey all his commands and to
worship him only. As Allah said in the Holy Quran: “And we have ordered them
nothing but they worship Allah and be sincere in their religion”. Sincerity to Allah’s
book means that it should be sincerely believed as a revelation from Allah. Its
knowledge should be acquired and spread. It should be read and understood and all
its commands should be carried out faithfully. Sincerity for the messenger signifies
that his prophet hood must be affirmed with perfect sincerity of heart. The Holy
Prophet should be respected and loved. He should be obeyed and followed in all
affairs of life. For leaders and rulers, it implies that they should be respected and
obeyed and given full support and co-operation in all those affairs which they
conduct according to the teachings of Islam. Sincerity towards fellow beings means
to behave in an open and straightforward manner with them. Their life, honour and
property should be protected and every possible help and service should be
extended to them.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this hadith we must be sincere in our beliefs and actions. We
should be sincere toward Allah by cleansing our heart from all impurities like
associating anything with him. We should be sincere with the Holy Quran by applying
its teachings in practical life. The Holy Prophet must be considered as model of
excellence. We must provide full support to lawful policies of our leaders. But when
the rulers deviate from the path of righteousness, they should be advised and
admonished and efforts must be done to bring them to the right path as Hazrat Abu
Bakr said in his first speech as caliph: “Help me if I am in the right, set me right if I
am in the wrong”. We must be source of benefits for others and well-wisher of the
public as Ansar showed sincerity to emigrants at the time of migration

Main teachings:
The Hadith emphasizes fraternity and brother hood. It stresses on having same likes
and dislikes because Muslim brother hood has been established by Allah Himself. As
Allah said in the Holy Quran: “Believers are a single brother hood”. If there are
devoid of good feelings and affection for each other, it would mean that the reality of
 24

faith has not dawned upon them. The arrogance and selfish attitude is not the
characteristics of a true believer. Care for others is a sign of sincere belief and
perfect Muslim. As the Holy Prophet said: “The best among people is the one who is
a source of benefit to the people”. For attaining the true state of faith, it is essential
that man should be genuinely interested in the welfare of his brothers.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of Hadith we should have the spirit of sacrifice and be ready to
give preference to the need of others over our own as the Holy Prophet did himself.
Muslims must always respond to the needs of others as care for them is a
constituent part of faith for which we will be rewarded. As the Holy Prophet said:
“You cannot enter paradise unless you are believers and you cannot be true believer
unless there is reciprocal love among you”. We should try to emulate the example of
the Ansar of Madinah who readily shared all their belongings with their Muhajrin
brothers. We have observed similar acts of nobility and generosity very recently.
Muslims, extended monetary and physical aid to the affectees of the horrible flood of
September, 2014 in Pakistan.

Main teachings:
This Hadith highlights three important facets of our lives. First, to speak wisely,
speak the truth, and never hurt with careless remarks. It is better to be silent than to
speak out of turn and irresponsibly. As the Holy Prophet said: “A Muslim is he from
whose tongue and hand people are safe”. The second aspect is about living in a
community and caring for one’s neighbours. The Holy Prophet loved his neighbours,
helped them and even worked for them with his own hands. So great was the
emphasis laid by him on the rights of neighbours that the companions began to feel
that the neighbours would also be made rightful heirs to the property of the
deceased. The third aspect is of generosity and hospitality towards guests.
Regarding guests, we have been advised to welcome them in our house, speak to
them with a smiling face and extend every kind of hospitality to them.

How can we put these teachings into actions?

For the application of this Hadith we should behave towards others, neighbours and
guests very well. We must use our tongue effectively not to harm others or to make
someone feel bad or cause distress. We should treat the neighbours generously as
the Holy prophet says: “The one who fills his stomach and leaves his neighbours
hungry is not a complete Muslim”. This shows that we must care for our neighbours
as it is the integral part of faith. We should not disturb our neighbours by making
noise or playing loud music and should also care even for the non-Muslim
 25

neighbours. We must be hospitable, helpful, noble and considerate to anyone who

visits us. Guidance, protection and shelter must be provided to guests because
guests are the source of blessings of Allah.

Main teachings:
This Hadith very clearly outlines the basic requirements of being a good Muslim. Of
course, one may do as much as one can to gain Allah’s pleasure, but it also shows
that Allah does not burden mankind with the impossible. The importance of prayer,
fasting are highlighted here as pillars of faith. As the Holy Prophet described the
same theme on another occasion: “Observe your prayers five times, fast during the
month of Ramzan……you will enter your Lord’s paradise”. The meaning of “treat as
lawful what is lawful and as forbidden what is forbidden” is to know, respect and
follow the laws of Allah without tampering with them. So in this Hadith the Holy
Prophet has given the guaranty of Paradise to those who have guaranteed the
performance of these religious obligations. According to this hadith, avoidance from
unlawful things is necessary to all Muslims. As the Holy Prophet said: “The flesh
grown by forbidden provision shall not enter paradise”.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we must stick to our main obligations in life if we
want to get the pleasure of Allah and paradise. As the Holy Prophet said about
prayers: “Prayer is the key to paradise”. We must keep fast in the month of Ramazan
without the care of hot weather. We must be obedient to Allah throughout our life.
Besides follow the principle of Islam we must be conscious of what is allowed and
not allowed in Islam at all times. We must adopt the lawful means to earn our
livelihood as we should be fair in our trading and refrain from interest as the Holy
Quran has instructed about it: “But Allah permitted trade and forbidden usury
(interest, Riba)”.
 26

Main teachings:
In this Hadith the vast concept of charity has been discussed. According to the Holy
Prophet the charity is not only the giving money, goods to the poor and deserving,
but also the charity (Sadaqa) stands for any act of kindness towards fellow humans
even the smallest, for the sake of achieving Allah’s pleasure. This hadith highlights
the importance of good deeds, no matter how great or small. As Allah said in surah
Zilzal: “Then shall anyone who has done an atom’s weight of good see it”. The Holy
Prophet also motivated us to show gratitude to Him for his blessings in their bodies
like joints etc. This Hadith also showed the importance of helping the other people in
the eyes of Allah.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should be entirely a source of benefit and
comfort to others as it is considered as act of worship, which we have to perform in
our everyday life. As the Holy Prophet said: “The best among you is the person who
is the source of benefit for others”. We must help the weak members of society as
the poor, weak, too old, the blind and paralyzed because they really deserve our
help and support. Holy Prophet himself carried the load of an old woman to her
destination. We should go to mosque on foot for performing prayers. As the Holy
Prophet said: “There is for every step towards mosque a degree of reward for you”.
We must remove hurtful things from path for safe journey of people.

Main teachings:
For the growth and stability of a model society, Islam has made arrangements for the
eradication of wickedness and ill manners. Islam has made obligatory act for every
Muslim to see that the moral health of the community does not deteriorate and
whenever there is any sign of decadence in any quarter, it should be checked. As
the Holy Quran said: “You are the best community ever raised for humanity, you bid
the desirable, forbid the disgusting and believe in Allah”. According to the main
hadith, those who can check it with force, that is the power of the government, must
do so. As Hazrat Abu Bakr took active action against the false prophets, those who
refused to pay Zakat etc. The other people should try to sweep it out by preaching
and persuasion. As the Holy Quran says: “Call to the way of your lord with wisdom
and beautiful admonition and argue with them ways that are best”. If it is not possible
then at least have feelings of resentment for it.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should not tolerate any evil in the society as it
shakes the foundation of them. The evil can be in the shape of corruption, favoritism,
bribery and terrorism. These are the evil acts which have unfortunately shaken our
 27

Pakistani society. We have to fight a lot to sweep it out. We must assist the one who
is victim of tyranny, injustice, and wrong doing and must try to stop the one who is
committing it. As the Holy Prophet says: “Take hold of the hands of a Muslim from
doing wrong”. To reduce the crime rates in Pakistan we must introduce Islamic
punishments which will definitely reduce the level of crimes in society. Similarly the
personal example is also necessary while encouraging others to refrain from sins.

Main teachings:
This Hadith clearly describes the importance of Jihad and the importance of those
people of who strive in the way of Allah. Striving hard in Allah’s way with his person
means taking part in warfare or qital to safeguard the faith and remove oppression
and aggression against mankind. The Holy Prophet said: “Paradise is under the
shadow of swords”. Similarly the Holy Prophet said: “The warrior in the path of Allah
is equal to the man who observes fasting regularly, stands before Allah in worship
and recites the verses of Allah, not resting from tiredness through fasting and
worship”. The other category of jihad is to use one’s wealth, property in Allah’s way.
According to Holy Quran such kind of people are the true believers. Similarly, fighting
against one’s evil desire is considered in Islam as greatest jihad. The Holy Prophet
said: “The greatest jihad is to fight against the evil passion of one self”.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should be ready to sacrifice our time, money
and even life if need be in the path of Allah. We must maintain our military power and
strength against disbelievers to make their devil plans and devices ineffective and
defend their attacks. We must donate for the uplift, betterment and integrity of
Muslim nation. We should raise monetary funds for useful projects like preaching of
Islam. As the history of true believers is full of examples of it. On the occasion of
Tabuk expedition almost all of the companions of the Holy Prophet contributed
something for the sake of Allah and then participated personally in the battle against
unbelievers.
 28

Main teachings:
This Hadith clarifies the concept of martyrdom. Actually the prophet’s companions
wanted martyrdom so he explained that not only those who are killed in the way of
Allah are martyred but by Allah’s will and special grace, those Muslims who die of
these diseases like Plague, Cholera and natural death are also martyred if they are
righteous and pious Muslims. As the Holy Prophet says: “Whoever sincerely desires
the rank of martyrdom gets the rank of martyrdom even if he is not killed”. Diseases
and other hardships are in fact blessings in disguise. Muslims are tested with
difficulties and if they keep themselves on the right path, they are rewarded with
blessings. It should however be remembered that these types of deaths, no doubt,
merit the reward of a martyr, but they stand no comparison to that reward to which
one is slain on the battlefield fighting for the sake of Allah.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith Muslims should make the true intention for getting
the exalted status of martyrdom and Muslims should lead a life of purity, sincerity
and devotion to cause of Islam. We should die as true followers of Islam so we can
be counted as martyred even though we are not fighting in the way of Allah. Similarly
all the calamities, difficulties and diseases should be faced with full patience,
persistence and with the hope of reward. Once, Hazrat Anas bin Malik asked a
companion about the cause of death of certain person. She answered that he had
died of Plague. To this, Hazrat Anas said that the Messenger of Allah said that death
by Plague is a martyrdom for a Muslim.

Main teachings:
This Hadith stresses the dignity of labour. According to Islam the earning of one’s
livelihood through labour is a great duty on all the Muslims and it is a commendable
practice. As the Holy Prophet said: “To earn a clean living, is also a duty next to
obligatory duties of faith”. The Prophets of the past also earned their livelihood
through their own work. The seeking of lawful sustenance by Muslims has been
designated as a form of worship by the Holy Prophet. That is why the Prophet said:
“One who earns his livelihood by the sweat of his brow is a friend of Allah”.
Dependence of any able person on someone for a livelihood is a sin and a
disgraceful humiliation. All kinds of work and hard labour are respected in an Islamic
society. Therefore, Islam has strongly prohibited illegal means of earning such as
bribery, charging interest on loans, theft, gambling, corruption, black marketing,
smuggling etc.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should take responsibility to earn our livelihood
with our own hands. We must support ourselves and our family through our hard
work. We should not be dependent on others like the parents in young age because
 29

it does not promote self-sufficiency. We should be honest to our duties,

responsibilities and be loyal to our professions. We must shun all illegal means of
livelihood because these lead to Hell. As the Holy Prophet said: “The flesh that has
been sustained by unlawful earnings will not enter paradise, it is more suitable to
Hell”. We must avoid begging that is the negation of self-esteem

Main teachings:
This Hadith clearly explains the importance of Huquq-ul-Ibad, which are as important
as Huquq-Ullah. Efforts for care, support, and welfare of the needy people have
been regarded equivalent to Jihad. Although only the words “widow and poor” have
been mentioned, they cover the whole range of indigent, invalid, and the needy
people in a community. The Holy Prophet is reported to have said: “He who fulfills
the need of any of my people to please him, as pleased me and he who has pleased
me, pleases Allah and he who pleases Allah, will be brought by Him into Paradise”. It
made clear that worship is not restricted as to prayers and fasting only but covers
every good deed for the mankind as the Holy Prophet said: “The best among you is
the one who is a source of benefit to the people”.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should show generosity to help the poor and
needy in all possible ways so that they should be able to live happy and a peaceful
life. We should provide social and economic support to widow. We must provide her
safe life. We are to arrange education for her children. We are to arrange second
marriage if she desires. The Prophet was a staunch supporter of the weak and the
oppressed. As when the Holy Prophet found the woman who used to throw filthy
things upon him, but when she got sickness and became needy, he went to her
house and helped her in every way. We must provide basic necessities of life to
poor. We must help the poor physically and financially because it is the only source
of gaining the pleasure of Allah.

Main teachings:
This Hadith encourages the Muslims to look after and support the orphans as it
mentions the closeness of the caretaker of orphans with the Holy Prophet in
paradise. The same theme has been given in another hadith: “The person who took
care of an orphan and shared his food and drink with him, Allah will allow him to
enter paradise”. Nice upbringing of orphan include kind treatment, imparting good
 30

education, training of manners, protection of his heritance and consideration like own
children. Hazrat Muhammad was himself an orphan whose father passed away
before his birth and his mother died when he was just six years old. Allah in his
grace protected the prophet and raised him to a status of honour and glory.
Therefore, the Holy Prophet emphasized about it many times. As the Holy Prophet
said: “The best Muslim house is that in which an orphan is well treated and the worst
Muslim house is that in which an orphan is ill-treated”.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should look after the orphans if we want to get
closeness of the Holy Prophet in paradise. We should help them because they are
less fortune who seriously need our help and support. We must treat orphans
humanely and kindly. We must provide them basic necessities of life like food,
shelter and clothing. Orphans must be considered like own children. Good education
and training must be assured by the guardians. Guardians must avoid eating up his
properties. About this, the Holy Quran says, “Those who unjustly eat up the
properties of orphans, eat up fire into their bodies”.

Main teachings:
This hadith gives a complete code of conduct for those who are entrusted with the
work of government and in a broader sense to all such people who are in a position
to guide and advise other people. These people are required to work for the good of
the people. They are instructed to be gentle to people and they are forbidden to do
anything which might cause aversion. Mildness, kindness and gentleness make
subordinates sincere and loyal to authorities. Authorities are required to put others at
ease. As the Holy Prophet said: “Your best rulers are those whom you love and they
love you”. Similarly all the religious leaders are required that the preaching, sermons,
religious discourse, and moral advice should concentrate on such things as may be
helpful to people and incline them towards gaining religious knowledge.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should deal the people in a polite way. We must
bring comforts and reliefs for the people. Hardships for the humanity must be
avoided. Equality, justice, moderation, leniency develops good news for the people.
Tyranny, harshness, injustice, strictness generates hatred. The rulers must treat
every member of the community equally without any favoritism. Holy Prophet as a
ruler of Madinah treated every member of the society equally even the non-Muslims,
it teaches that minorities in Pakistan should be fairly treated. Unfortunately Pakistani
society is suffering because they are not following social teachings of Islam. If the
rulers of Pakistan want their subjects to love them than they should control the prices
 31

of the necessities of life, so that every member should be able to live a happy and
peaceful life.

Main teachings:
This Hadith recommends special care for learner of the Holy Quran to keep it fresh
and well memorized. The Holy Quran is the foundation of our religion and the main
source of all Islamic teachings. It seeks to guide man in all spheres of life material
and spiritual. It is the most sacred treasure for a Muslim and he should, therefore,
not let it slip out of his mind. The example of ‘tethered camels’ is given in this Hadith
because if the camels are not supervised and are let loose, they stray away and get
lost. Similarly, if the Holy Quran once read and then overlooked, it slips away from
the reader’s mind. In another similar hadith of the Holy Prophet, it is said: “Keep
refreshing your knowledge of the Holy Quran, for I swear by him in whose hands my
soul is that is the more liable to escape than camels which are tethered”. Similarly for
the preservation of Holy Quran, the Prophet motivated for reciting and teaching. As
he said: “The best among you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it”.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we must recite Holy Quran regularly. We must
recite it in daily prayers. Recitation in Taraweeh prayers in month of Ramazan is the
most effective way of keeping hold of Holy Quran. We must teach Holy Quran which
is another way to keep it fresh. We can also keep hold of Quran by having group
discussions. This would increase our knowledge about the teachings of Islam and
Holy Quran. By following these measures we can keep the Holy Quran fresh and
well memorized.

Main teachings:
In this Hadith, the Holy Prophet explains the principles under which trade, i.e. buying
and selling, should be conducted. Business should be conducted under the
principles of honesty, fairness and kindness. Good dealing, reasonable profit, perfect
measurement and giving full detail of items to customer is a kind approach of seller
to consumer. As Allah described the basic principle in dealing in the Holy Quran:
“Give full measure when you measure and weigh with a balance that is straight”.
Similarly the consumer should be sympathetic while buying the things and be careful
about the profit of the shopkeeper. Both are advised to be considerate towards each
other. The Holy Prophet said: “Those business men who show the attitude of
 32

mildness and forbearance in dealings, Allah has decreed for them paradise”. The
hadith also instructs to be kind and sympathetic while getting money back from
others.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should show positive attitude and mercy when
we hold any transaction and earn lawfully as the Holy Prophet himself did in his life.
We should do business honestly, avoid deceiving, cheating and interest as the Holy
Quran says: “Woe to those who do not keep their measures straight”. Allah curses
those who cheat others in business dealings. While doing business we must not hide
defects in goods, must not take false oaths and charge the reasonable profit on
goods. We must care the borrower’s conditions while getting money back from it. If
the borrower is poor and can’t give money in time, we should reschedule the time
and if we forgive the borrower, it would be considered as a charity.

Main teachings:
The Hadith declares the most deserving of the special mercy of Allah are those kind
hearted people who have love and sympathy for his creatures. The command to
show kindness to those who are on earth includes people of all religions and
nationalities. Allah loves His creation and doesn’t allow anyone to be harsh as He
Himself is not harsh or unfair to anyone. To deserve his mercy, one must show it to
his creation. Hazrat Abu Hurairah relates that he heard the Holy Prophet say: “The
attribute of kindness is not taken away from the heart of anyone except the ill-fated”.
Similarly the Holy Prophet said: “All Allah’s creations are His family, and he is the
most beloved of Allah who does well to His family”.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we must become source of benefits and comforts
for others. We should exercise mercy by feeding poor, forgiving others and attending
the needs of the other people. Muslims should not show a selfish attitude to others
and show kindness as it is an outstanding quality of the true believer. We should act
like a single body as it is described in Hadith. We should not only show mercy to
fellow beings but even the enemies as the Holy Prophet did in the incident of Taif,
that he stopped the angel to destroy the town. We must feed the pets in our house
properly. Domestic servants in our houses must properly and kindly be treated. The
Holy Prophet set many examples of mercy as once he was beaten by unbelievers
and was wiping the blood from his face, but he was supplicating: “O Allah, forgive my
people because they know not”
 33

Main teachings:
This Hadith compares the Muslims to a human body; when one part of it is in pain,
the entire body feels uncomfortable. Muslims are like a body means they are bonded
by the strong fabric of common faith and followers of same prophet. The Holy Quran
stresses in several places the significance of fraternity among Muslims: “The
believers are but a single brotherhood”. In the last sermon of the Holy Prophet spoke
about brotherhood in the following words: “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim
and they form one brotherhood”. Holy Prophet also said: “One believer is to another
like the bricks of a building, each one is holding and supporting the other”. Islam
rejects the division of Muslim Ummah on the basis of race, colour, language and
geographical boundaries. If all Muslims treat each other like a single body then many
social problems will be solved.

How can we put these teachings into actions?

We can put these teachings into action by caring about all Muslims of the world. We
must share the pain of fellow Muslims and help them. Now a days Muslims are
suffering from floods and earthquakes so we should help these shelter less victims
as the Ansar helped their Muhajirin brothers at the time of migration to Madinah. We
must promote healthy relationship of love, brotherhood, fraternity, peace and
coordination with others without discrimination of race, colour and language. As our
Muslims are facing problems and hardships in Kashmir, Iraq and Afghanistan, we
must feel their pains and try to help them.

Main teachings:
The Hadith describes modesty as a basic instrument, which plays a vital role in the
character building of Muslims. Modesty is a force which prevents a believer from
falling prey to urges of indecency and obscenity. It protects him from all evils
prohibited by Islam. The moral teachings of Islam are meant to awaken and
encourage this feeling of modesty in human nature. Modesty is of fundamental
significance in Islam. The Holy Prophet said: “Every religion has a distinctive quality
and the distinctive quality of Islam is modesty”. The Prophet also said: “Modesty is
part of faith and faith is in Paradise and indecency is from evil and evil is in Hell”.
Faith and modesty are so closely related to each other that either both will be
present in an individual or community or none of the two would be present. As the
Holy Prophet said: “Modesty and faith are companions when one is taken away, the
other follows it”.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should surrender completely in front of Allah
and Prophet. We should practice modesty towards other member of society by
fulfilling the rights of others and by avoiding from speaking rudely, use of foul
language, backbiting, insulting or acting dishonesty. We should always speak politely
 34

and nicely even to the non-Muslims and should work for the betterment of society.
We should observe modesty by adopting simplicity. We can carry out modesty by
shunning all evils. We should save our private life and mind from evil thoughts
because Allah knows everything.

Main teachings:
The Hadith confirms the view that the believers, in whose hearts there was even the
least amount of faith, will be rewarded with Paradise and in the case of sinful
Muslims, eventually be taken out of Hell after being punished for their evil deeds. A
mustard seed is very tiny but Allah is so merciful that even this insignificant amount
of faith will be rewarded. Similarly pride is the offspring of conceit and this is the very
negation of faith. Faith inculcates in man the spirit of humility and submission to
truth; whereas, pride is the expression of vanity which is one of the greatest hurdles
in the path of truth, virtue and righteousness shown by Islam. The Holy Quran
informs us that Iblis refused to obey the command of Allah because of pride and was
thrown out of Heaven.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we must develop firm faith with full conviction. We
should refresh our faith by repeating the first Kalima time to time. Similarly we should
always adopt the attitude of humility. To treat each other humbly, leniently, and
lovingly is understood as humility. Holy Prophet set an unparallel example of
humility; he never made difference between himself and others including poor and
weak. He did every work with his own hands which shows his humble character. It
teaches us that we should adopt the utmost quality of humility if we want to enter
Paradise.

Main teachings:
This Hadith tells the difference in the attitude of a believer and unbeliever. The main
feature of prisoner’s life is that he is not free to do whatever he likes. He has to carry
out other people’s commands in whatever he does. Likewise, the believer is bound
by ethical restrictions, Islamic rules, a set of beliefs and practices and prohibited
lines. Another characteristic is that the prisoner does not feel attached to the prison
and never considers it his home. He is always eager to get out of it. Likewise, the
believer never sees this world as his home, but as a temporary dwelling full of trials
until he reaches his final home of Paradise. As the Holy Prophet said: “Live in this
world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer”. On the other hand, for the unbeliever,
this life and this world are heaven, because he does not believe in life after death.
 35

He lives in this world without any concept of accountability and hence indulges in
sins and the gratifications of his desires. That is why the world is his paradise.
How can we put these teachings into actions?
For the application of this Hadith we should not live only for worldly gains because
life in this world is for very short time and should prefer hereafter over this world,
which is eternal. We should make hereafter the main object of our life because the
comforts and luxuries of this world will come to an end one day. We should never be
indulged in any act which displeases Allah. The Hadith says: “Whosoever loves the
world damages his hereafter and whosoever loves the hereafter shall damage this
world so you prefer what is ever lasting to what is transitory”. So we should not be
too much lost in this material world that we might damage our hereafter. We must
follow the defined restrictions of Islam. We must submit all desires to the will of God
and Prophet.

Main teachings:
This Hadith tells the criteria on the basis of which, Allah judges a person. Allah does
not give us favours because of our physical form, figure or wealth but he sees our
heart, mind and actions. Rewards and punishments are also given on the basis of
motives and intentions as the Hadith says: “Actions are judged by intentions”. This
Hadith emphasizes on the intentions and sincerity behind actions. All the good deeds
are worthless if are not performed with sincere intentions. Similarly it tells us that
worldly possessions, power and wealth, or high status will never impress Allah as it
is stated in the Holy Quran: “Verily the most honoured of you in sight of Allah is he
who is the most righteous of you”.

How can we put these teachings into actions?

For the applications of this Hadith we must be sincere Muslims and be true to our
religion. We must give importance to good conduct and not the possessions. We
must be more concerned in acting with sincerity and genuine intentions. We should
not do the good deeds to show off otherwise our good deeds will become worthless
no matter how valuable they are. We must do every good deed for the pleasure of
Allah. We should not give importance to appearance, wealth etc. As the Holy
Prophet gave importance to the actions rather than appearance such as Hazrat Bilal
who was Negro and poor, but he was appointed as the caller to the prayers.
 36

History and Importance of Hadith

Difference between Hadith and Sunnah:

Hadith: Hadith literally means a story or a report, talk, conversation, represents an

account of what happened. But in Islamic terminology Hadith means the sayings, the
doings (actions) and the silent (Tacit) approval of Holy Prophet is called Hadith.
Hadith can be divided into three parts:

Hadith Quoly: The sayings of the Holy Prophet.

Hadith Fi’ely: The actions of the Holy Prophet.

HadithTaqreery: Something that happened in front of the Holy Prophet and he kept
quiet, showing his tacit approval. The Hadith is also known as Tradition.

Sunnah: The word Sunnah literally means a practice, a way, or a course, a rule, a
mode or mode of life, a precedent, or a custom. In the Islamic terminology the
Sunnah means the doings and practices of the Holy Prophet. The Sunnah also
refers to religious duties namely that which is recommended although not obligatory.
Briefly, the Sunnah is what was practised by the Holy Prophet and Hadiths are the
records of what was said and practised by the Holy Prophet.

Difference between Hadith Nabawi and Hadith Qudsi:

Hadith Nabawi: A Hadith that contains words that the Holy Prophet himself spoke is
called Hadith Nabawi.

Hadith Qudsi: A Hadith that contains words from Allah is called Hadith Qudsi. For
example: “Allah says, ‘Fasting is for Me and I shall certainly compensate it’, is called
Hadith Qudsi. This Hadith is not the part of Holy Quran, yet this is recognized as the
most important kind of Hadith because this provides guidance on the important
Islamic laws. This Hadith is known as the Divine Hadith.

The relationship between Holy Quran and Hadith:

The Holy Quran is the basic source of Islamic law as it is God’s words and gives
guidance in our entire life. It is the most perfect book without any fault. It is
unchanged and unquestionable. The Hadith literally means the sayings, actions and
silence approved of the Holy Prophet, it is the second source of Islamic law. Both the
Quran and Hadith are collectively taken as the primary sources of Islamic Law as
together. As the Holy Prophet said in his last sermon “And I leave with you two
things. If you hold fast by them both, you will never be misguided, the Book of Allah
and Sunnah of the prophet”. The Hadith is the practical demonstration of the Quran
as companion asked Hazrat Aysha about the morals of the Holy Prophet. She said:
“His moral was the Holy Quran”. This thing shows that Holy Prophet never did
anything, which was against Quranic teachings.
 37

Allah ha/s ordered many times in the Holy Quran to follow the both as Allah says:
“And obey Allah and obey the messenger”. Similarly Allah said: “He, who obeys the
Apostle, obeys Allah” because the Prophet did not speak of his own desire. As in
surah Najm, Allah said: “Nor does he speak of his own desire. It is only an inspiration
that is inspired”. Actually Hadith gives full teachings of what the Quran states in brief
or where it is silent. As the verse says: “We have sent down the Quran to you O
Muhammad so that you may explain to mankind what has been revealed to them”.
Now some examples are given below.

Examples of explanation:

 The Holy Quran says: “Establish prayer” but it does not give the method,
prohibition and obligatory acts. It is Hadith which explains everything in detail
as the Holy Prophet says “Offer your prayers as you see me offering”.
 The Quran commands “Hajj is duty man owe to Allah those who can afford
the journey”. But it does not tell the whole method, obligatory acts, times,
places and manners of Hajj, now it is Hadith which explains in detail about
these.
 The Quran commands many times to give Zakat without detail whereas
Hadith explains and tells in detail that on which zakat is levied, its time when
it is given and the fixed amount that is given.
 The Holy Quran mentioned about usury that it is forbidden but the Holy
Prophet gave the details of it: “Do not sell gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat
for wheat, dates for dates, salt for salt except if it is from hand to hand and
equal in amount”.
 The Holy Quran described the punishment of thief in short but the Holy
Prophet explained it: “If he steals cut off his hand, if he steals again cut off his
foot, it he steals again cut off his hand, and if he steals again cut off his foot”.

Examples of those teachings where the Holy Quran is silent:

 The Holy Quran describes that pork is unclean therefore unlawful for the
Muslims. The Quran tells only one animal as unlawful but all the other animals
are declared unlawful by the Hadith as he said “All the animals having
attacked teeth and all the birds having attacking claws are unlawful (haram).
 The division of inheritance is clearly stated in the Quran but leaving of wealth
for the Non-Muslim relatives is not mentioned but the Holy Prophet said “A
Muslim may not inherit from a non-Muslim, nor a non-Muslim inherit from a
Muslim”.

Parts of Hadith: For the purpose of verification and study, a Hadith is basically
divided into two parts, Sanad and the Matn, its text.

Sanad: The first part of Hadith is called Sanad. The basic meaning of Sanad is
support and it its terminology, it is the list of authorities who narrated the Hadith from
 38

the Holy Prophet. These authorities are also called Narrators, Transmitters and
Muhaddisin. The Sanad is an important part of Hadith because it provides the
testimony that the Hadith is directly narrated by the Holy Prophet and it shows the
authenticity and genuineness of any Hadith.

Matn: The second of Hadith is called the Matn. The word Matn which means the text
itself of a work. This is the actual sayings of the Holy Prophet. The Matn is all above
what Holy Prophet said, did or approved the actions of others.

Example: Yahya narrated from Malik who narrated from Nafae who narrated from
Abdullah bin Umar that the Holy Prophet said: “He who misses the Asr prayer is as if
he lost his family and property”. (Muwatta Imam Malik)

Yahya>Malik>Nafae>Abdullah bin Umar>Holy Prophet

So in this Hadith, the series of the names from Yahya to Abdullah bin Umar is called
the Sanad and the statement of Holy Prophet is called the Matn.

The authenticity of Sanad: The authenticity of Sanad can be checked in the

following ways:

 All the narrators must be of sound mind, very strong memory, must not have
the habit of forgetting.
 All the narrators must be honest, trustworthy.
 Each narrator must know the narrator before him and also the narrator after
him.
 The first narrator in the chain must be the companion of the Holy Prophet.
 There must be no gap or weakness in the chain. It means the chain must be
unbroken and continuous.
 Every narrator must be a sane Muslim who has never committed a major sin
and is known to avoid even the minor ones.
 The narrator must be true Muslim and he must never have been accused of
making false statement. As Imam Bukhari went to Persia for getting Hadith
from a Muslim and when he saw that he was prompting his horse by showing
it an empty barrel of food in order to get it inside its premises. So Imam
Bukhari returned and said when he was deceiving his horse how he can be
fair to me.
 Every narrator must be careful and must have shown responsibility in the
narration or writing of the Hadith.
 The name, nickname, title, parentage and occupation of the narrator should
be known so his entire biography can be investigated.
 If a narrator referred his Hadith to a narrator, the two should have lived in the
same period and must have met each other.
 39

The authenticity of Matn: The authenticity of any Matn can be checked in the

Following way:

 The Matn must be according to the Quranic teachings and must not go
against Quran in any way.
 It must not go against the main teaching of Islam.
 It must not go against the teachings of the reliable Hadith.
 It must be in the pure Arabic without any grammatical mistake and must be in
the Arabic style.
 The Matn must agree with common sense and what is reasonable.
 It should not give precise details of events that occurred after the Prophet’s
demise.
 It should not contain expressions uncharacteristic of the Holy Prophet and
other prophets.
 It should not praise any individual or place.
 It should not mention the dates of any specific event, and should not go
against any historical fact.
 It must not give high rewards for minor deeds and severe punishment for
minor sins or crimes.

Kinds of Hadith on the basis of Validity or Invalidity of Hadith:

There are main four kinds of Hadith.

Sahih (The Authentic Hadith): The Hadith that passes all the tests and can be
regarded without question as coming from the Prophet. There should be no
weakness both in the chain of transmitters and the Matn.

Hasan (The Strong/ Approved): The Hadith in which some doubts are raising about
their authenticity. This is similar to the Sahih Hadith except that its narrators or some
of its narrators are found defective in memory in comparison with those of the Sahih
Hadith.

Da’if (The Weak): The Hadith in which many questions raise about their authenticity.
If any of the narrator in the isnad was known to have been a liar or have a weak
memory or was known to have not met the one he was supposed to be narrating
from than the Hadith is regarded as weak.

Mau’do (The Fabricated): Sometimes the Hadiths were fabricated, sayings and
doings were attributed to the Prophet which he had not said or done and cannot be
used to prove any point of law.

Kinds of Hadith on the basis of Strength of Narrators:

Mutawatir: It is Hadith reported by a large number of people in different times whose

agreement on lie becomes in conceivable. It is very authentic Hadith and its status is
 40

equal to the verse of Holy Quran. So the rejection of this Hadith is considered as
Kufr.

Ahad (single or isolated): These are traditions whose chain of narrators are broken
or traditions that are less widely accepted. It is therefore less authentic. If its
narrators were truthful and honest, it was accepted otherwise is rejected.

Subdivisions of Ahad:

Mashhur (well known): The Hadith which is narrated by three or more than three
narrators at every stage is called Mushhur Hadith.

Aziz (strong or corroborative): The Hadith which is narrated by two narrators in all
ages, is called Aziz Hadith.

Ghreeb (rare or unfamiliar): The Hadith which is narrated by a single narrator at

any particular time, is called Ghreeb Hadith.

Advantages of different categories of Hadiths: It is very important to know the

different categories of Hadiths because the authentic Hadiths can form the basis of
Islamic teachings and Muslims can follow according to their level of authenticity. The
authentic Hadiths unite Muslims and make the Islamic teachings easy whereas the
Daif Hadiths may lead to conflicts and may give the wrong teachings. So it is
necessary to have different categories to Hadiths to be aware of which one is
authentic and which one is weak.

Compilation of Hadiths:

During the life of Holy Prophet:

The Hadiths of Holy Prophet were preserved during the life of Holy Prophet in
different ways. Such as:

Memorization: Arabs had excellent memories and they were known to learn by
heart countless verses of their poets and their tribal histories. Similarly they used to
learn the Hadiths of Holy Prophet. There are a number of traditions which show that
the companions of the Prophet were greatly encouraged by Him, for memorizing the
Hadiths. As the Holy Prophet: “May Allah give freshness to a servant who hears my
saying, keep it in memory and preserves it and communicates it”. The Holy Prophet
had also a unique method of teaching to make memorizing and understanding easy:
he would repeat important things more than once. A party of students called Ashab-
e-Suffah lived in the mosque itself and was learning the verses of Holy Quran and
the Hadiths of Holy Prophet. One of them was Hazrat Abu Hurairah. He gave his
entire life for the preservation of Hadiths and prepared a big collection of Hadiths.

Writing: In the beginning the Holy Prophet prevented the companions from writing
down the Hadiths, so that they might not mix up the Hadith with Holy Quran. But
later, he allowed them to write when he became confident that they will be able to
 41

distinguish between the Hadith and Quran. Hazrat Abu Hurairah said that one of the
companions told him of his inability to remember what he heard from him. His reply
was that he should seek help of his right hand i.e, write it down. Hazrat Abdullah bin
Amr was the great writer of Hadiths, the Holy Prophet ordered him: “Write down, for I
only speak the truth”. As Hazrat Abu Hurairah said: “None of the companions
preserved more traditions than me, but Abdullah bin Amr is an exception, for he used
to write and I did not”. The traditions were compiled from them by their students; the
following are compilations of that period:

 Sahifa Sadiqa compiled by Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Aas

 Sahifa Sahiha compiled by Humam bin Munabah from Hazrat Abu Huraira.
 Collection of Hazrat Anas Bin Malik.
 Collection of Hazrat Ali.
 Letters, laws and treaties which were dictated by the Holy Prophet himself
and preserved in this time.

The age of Companions: (11-100 AH)

During this period the companions spread far and wide and settled in almost all the
countries conquered by the Muslims. There was no book or compilation so that one
could not get the entire Hadiths in one’s possession. The only alternative was to go
to the companions and hear the traditions from them. Therefore the students of
Hadiths went to different companions for learning and collecting the traditions. It was
reported that Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah travelled from Makkah to Syria to hear a
single Hadith. At this stage, the writing of Hadiths became more common. So the
Umayyad Khalifa, Umar bin Abd-ul-Aziz who ruled towards the close of the first
century of Hijra, was the first person who wrote to the governor of Madinah Hazrat
Abu Bakr Al-Hazmi and Muhammad Ibn Shihaab Az-Zuhri to travel around the
country and collect Hadiths from every possible person and compile them because I
fear the loss of knowledge of Hadiths and disappearance of learned men. He also
instructed the local officials to extend him all possible support for doing this work.

The age of followers of the companions (Tab’eyin 101-200 AH)

This is the age of the followers of the companions of the Prophet. They took the
matter earnestly and spared no pain in collecting traditions from different centers of
learning. The important works of this period were carried out by: Hazrat Abdullah bin
Mubarak,Hazrat Abu Bakr Rabi,Imam Makhool.

During this period not only the traditions of the Prophet were collected but also the
verdicts and saying of the followers of the Holy Prophet and of the house of the
family of the Prophet was also carried out. The outstanding works of this period
were:

 Al Mutta by Imam Malik bin Anas.

 Kitab ul Aathar by Imam Abu Hanifa.
 42

 Musnad of Ahmad bin Hanbal.

The age of followers of followers (Taba Tabeyin 200-300 AH)

This was the golden age of traditions. Hadith literature flourished under the laborious
and critical research of the traditionists of that time. Principles were laid down to
differentiate a Sahih Hadith from a fabricated one as the knowledge of Asma ul Rijal
(biographies of the narrators), Jarh o Ta’deel (criticizing and praising). In this period,
not only unwritten traditions were collected but also written traditions were
rearranged in different chapters and under various topics.

Six authentic books of traditions (Sahah-e-Sitta) were written. They are the most
reliable books of all the books on traditions. Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan
Abu Dawood, Sunan Nisai, Jami Tirmizi, Sunan ibn Maja.

Sahih Bukhari: It was written by Muhammad bin Abdullah Ismail (195-256). He had
a sharp retentive memory; he learned Hadiths from a very early age. He travelled
throughout the Muslim world nearly forty years for the collection of Hadiths. He went
to meet every traditionist. His Sahih is the next to Quran in authenticity and is most
reliable and original. All the other works are based on this. He selected nearly 7275
out of 600,000 traditions. He compiled them into 97 books according to the subject
matter. He did not accept any tradition unless all the narrators were reliable and until
there was a proof that one reporter met another.

Sahih Muslim: It was written by Abul Hussain Muslim bin Hajaj (202-261 AH). He
travelled to many places to learn Hadiths. His Sahih contains 9200 traditions
selected out of 300,000. It is considered next to Bukhari in accuracy and authenticity.
Any tradition accepted by both Bukhari and Muslim has been termed as Agreed
Upon and both Hadith books are called Sahihain. According to some scholar Sahih
Muslim is somewhat superior to Bukhari in details of arrangement to traditions.

Sunan Abu Dawood: Abu Dawood wrote it during 202-275 AH. He travelled to all
the important centres of traditions. He learnt and collected these traditions wherever
he found them. He wrote many books on traditions and Islamic laws. His Sunan is
the most important and is considered by most jurists and traditionists to be the next
to the Sahihain. It consists of 4800 traditions selected out of 500,000 and it took
twenty years to complete his book.

Jami Tirmizi: It is written by Abu Isa during 209-279 AH. He travelled a great deal in
search of Hadiths, visiting the great centres of Islamic learning, where he was able to
associate with eminent traditionists such as Bukhari, Muslim and others. His work
has been accepted by the jurists as the basis of Islamic law. The most important
feature of the Jami is the category, that Tirmizi terms as Hasan Hadith and Sahih
Hadith. He was the first man to determine the names, surnames, and title of the
narrators of traditions and tried to fix the degree of their reliability by inventing
peculiar names of each tradition.
 43

Sunan Nisai: It was written by Abd ur Rahman during 214-303 AH. He travelled
widely in search of Hadiths and was considered as the leading traditionist of his day.
It was also one of the six authentic books but contains many weak and doubtful
traditions.

Sunan Ibn Maja: It was written by Muhammad bin Yazid ibn Maja during 209-273
AH. He visited important centres of learning and studied under great traditionists of
his day. His Sunan contains 4000 traditions.

Types of Hadith books: The followings are the main Hadith books.

Al-Jami: A book covering all aspects of the Sunnah is called Jami. It contains
Hadiths concerning: Siyar (biography of Holy Prophet), Adab (social behaviour),
Tafseer, Ahkam etc. The Sahih Al-Bukhari is the best example of this kind of Hadith
book.

Al-Musnad: A book of Hadiths in which Hadiths are arranged under the name of the
first transmitter is called Al-Musnad. Some of them begin with the four Rightly
Guided Caliphs. Some begin with those companions who accepted Islam first. Some
of them begin on the basis of the region and some alphabetically. These books are
prepared irrespective of their themes. These books help to know the authenticity of
Hadith because they are narrated by a particular companion that is why this book is
called Musnad means supported. These books are very useful if anyone is interested
in learning the views attributed to a specific companion. These books are very useful
if any Hadith is related to any companion and we want to verify it. For example, the
Musnad of Imam Ahmad bin Hunble, Musnad of Zaid bin Ali etc..

Al-Musannaf: In these books Hadiths are arranged according to their themes

irrespective of first narrator. The main chapters (Kutub) are divided into subchapters
(Abwab) such as main chapter is Al-Salah and subchapters are Ablution, times of
prayers etc. Such collections were previously called Abwab and Al-Muasannaf but
now the new name is Al-Sunan due to their arrangements according to books of law.
Such a collection was called Al-Musannaf which means “divided up” because it
divides the Hadiths according to their themes. They are useful for understanding the
Prophet’s teachings on a particular point of belief or practice. The six books of sahih
Hadith are the best known musannaf collections, Musannad Abdul Razzaq,
Musannaf Ibn Shaiba etc.
Major teachings about individual life of a Muslim:

The aspects of an individual life which receive focus in these traditions are as
follows:

Sincerity: These Hadiths teach that a Muslim should be an embodiment of sincerity.

He should be sincere to Allah, his prophet, his book, the leaders of the Muslims and
to the common people. As Holy Prophet said: “Religion is sincerity, we said: to
whom? The Prophet said: “To Allah, His books, His messenger, the leaders of the
Muslims, and to their common people”.
 44

Fulfillment of obligations: These Hadiths tell us that the Muslim must fulfill the
pillars of Islam. The performance of these obligations is a sign of true Muslim. So
Muslims must perform these fundamental practices.

Sacrifice: A Muslim sacrifices his comforts and pleasures for Allah’s sake and if
necessary he lays down his life as well in His path. As the Holy Prophet said: “The
believer who strives hard in the way of Allah with his person and his property”.

Hard work: Hard work should be an ornament of a believer. The very act of work,
physical or mental, is worship in the sight of Allah. A man who works and earns his
livelihood by the sweat of his brow is dear to Allah. As the Holy Prophet said about
the value of hardworking: “No one eats better food than that which he eats out of the
work of his hand”.

Recitation of the Holy Quran: A believer is required to act according to the

injunctions contained in the Holy Quran. It is possible only when he recites the
Quran, understands it and ponders over it. The Holy Prophet said: “Allah does not
listen so attentively, as He listens to the recitation of Holy Quran”.

Modesty: Modesty and shame are qualities which carry great merit in the divine
court. As the Holy Prophet said: “Every religion has a distinctive quality and the
distinctive quality of Islam is modesty”. The Holy Prophet said: “A faithful Muslim is
recognized by his modesty”.

Purification of heart: Every Muslim is required to make his heart pure from pride
and arrogance. Pride is a sign of sinful person and this sin leads the Muslim to hell.
As the Holy Prophet said: “He who has in his heart as much pride as a grain of
mustard seed will not enter Paradise”.

Behaviour about Lawful things: Muslims are required to treat as lawful that which
is lawful and treat as unlawful that which is forbidden and earn livelihood in a lawful
manner. As Allah says: “O people! Eat of what is good on earth. Do not follow devil’s
footsteps. Surely he is your open enemy”.

Attitude towards this World: In these Hadiths Holy Prophet has told us that a true
Muslim remembers that his ultimate destination is the hereafter and so he will not
indulge in this world too much. Because of this belief, he or she is like a traveller who
is not truly at ease until the journey ends. Unlike a disbeliever considers this to be his
only life, and loves it to make it as comfortable as possible. The Holy Prophet said:
“This world is the cultivating ground for hereafter”.

Main teachings of the Hadiths regarding life in community:

Some of the selected Hadiths deal with the guiding principles concerning life in
community. These are as follows:
 45

Brotherhood: All the Muslims are brothers to each other in society. Deceiving,
hating and harming others go against the nature and spirit of Islam. The Holy
Prophet said: “The believers are like a single man, if his eye is affected he is affected
all over”. “One Muslim is like a building brick to the other, one part strengthens the
other”.

Manners of conversation: This brief summary of traditions teaches us to speak well

and truth. No lies should be employed to entertain others or to get in the good books
of others. The Holy Prophet said: “It is also charity to utter a good word”.

Human rights: The champion of human rights, Islam enjoins us to observe human
rights: the rights of parents, children, spouse, the poor, etc. An ideal person believes
and devotes his life to the welfare to others. Fulfillment of human rights is not just an
optional matter for a Muslim. Rather it is compulsory for him. As the Holy Prophet
said: “The best among you is the one who is a source of benefit to the people”.

Charity: Helping out others, Muslims or non-Muslims, has been stressed in this
collection of traditions. Giving a good piece of advice, teaching and talking to others
with a smile on face, all these are works of charity. So Muslims are motivated to try
to do all these kinds of charity.

Attitude towards Neighbours: The Muslims are also required in these Hadiths to
be kind and helper towards neighbours. Many Hadiths have been made a great
stress on the rights of neighbours. The Holy Prophet said: “Gibrael kept
recommending me to treat neighbours with kindness until I thought he would fix for
them a share of inheritance”. He also said: “Let him who believes in Allah and the
Last Day be generous to his neighbour.

Guidance for Rulers: These Hadiths tell us the rulers should be kind for their
people and make every effort to win their hearts. The Holy Prophet gave us the signs
of great rulers, as he said: “The best rulers are those whom you love and they love
you”.

Eradication of evil: The Holy Prophet commands the Muslims to work for the good
of humans to turn society into a beautiful paradise on earth, a believer must engage
in struggle for elimination of mischief, tyranny and violence from the face of the
earth. As the Holy Prophet said: “Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him
change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue, and if he
is not able to do so, then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith”.

Help for others: In this collection of Hadiths the Holy Prophet has inspired us to
help the poor, widow, orphans and other people. He also told the great reward for
those people. As the Holy Prophet said: “I and the man who brings up an orphan will
be in a paradise like this and he appointed with his two fingers, the index finger and
the middle one”.
 46

Preference for others: In these Hadiths, the Holy Prophet also gave a golden rule
to Muslims that they should be ready to put his brothers before his own self in
ordinary and routine matters of daily life. As he made it the sign of true believer. He
said: “None of you believes until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself”.

Mercy: Following in the footsteps of his Prophet, a Muslim deals with everyone with
a pure, soft tender and sound heart. Seeking revenge or behaving arrogantly cannot
be expected of noble believer. As the Holy Prophet said: “Treat kindly the dwellers of
earth, he who dwells in the heavens will treat you kindly”.

Four Caliphs of Islam

Caliphate period of Hazrat Abu Bakr
(11 AH to 13 AH, 632 AD to 634 AD)
Introduction:
Hazrat Abu Bakr was born in 573 AD in the clan of Banu Tamim, the branch of
Quraish. His pre-Islamic name was Abdul Ka’ba. After his conversion to Islam the
Holy Prophet named him Abdullah and later awarded him such as great titles as
Siddique (the Truthful) and Ateeq (the one freed from the Fire). His father name was
Uthman. He led a pious and pure life even before his conversion and remained away
from the corrupt practices of the pre-Islamic Makkan society. In young age, he
adopted the profession of a cloth merchant and became one of the richest men of
Makkah. He remained the friend of the Holy Prophet right from his childhood and
after the acceptance of Islam he became the closest companion as the Holy Prophet
said: “If I were able to choose a friend on earth, I would choose Abu Bakr”.
Services of Hazrat Abu Bakr during the Prophet’s life:

 He was the first adult, free male person from outside the family of the Holy
Prophet to become a Muslim without any hesitation. As the Holy Prophet said:
“I have never invited anyone to Islam that he not showed reluctance and
hesitation except Abu Bakr. He did not delay when I invited him and he was
not irresolute”.
 After accepting the New Faith, Abu Bakr devoted his life, energies and wealth
to preach Islam. Prominent companions like, Hazrat Uthman, Hazrat Talha,
Hazrat Zubair, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah, Hazrat Sa’ad bin Waqas and Hazrat Abd-
ur-Rahman bin Auf were said to have been brought to the fold of Islam by
him.
 For three years after the advent of Islam, Muslims kept their faith secret. In
613 the Prophet received a revelation to call the people to Islam openly. The
first public address of inviting people to offer allegiance to the Prophet’s
 47

message was delivered by Hazrat Abu Bakr. At this the unruly youths of the
Quraish rushed at him and beat him till he fainted.
 Hazrat Abu Bakr also bought and set free many slaves including Bilal,
Lubaina, Amir, Zunnira.
 Hazrat Abu Bakr gave his daughter Hazrat Aisha in marriage to the Holy
Prophet which further strengthened their friendship.
 In the year 620 Hazrat Abu Bakr was the first person to testify to the
Messenger’s event of Miraj. According to the traditions, he was given the title
Al-Siddique (Testifier to the truth).
 He accompanied the Holy Prophet in the social boycott where he suffered a
lot for the cause of Islam.
 Hazrat Abu Bakr accompanied the Holy Prophet during his migration to
Madinah and is referred to in the Holy Quran as “the second of the two” in the
cave of Saur.
 Abu Bakr’s daughter, Asma provided them with food while his son Abdullah
kept them aware of the movement of the enemy.
 When the Holy Prophet purchase a plot of land for the construction of a
mosque, Hazrat Abu Bakr paid its cost.
 In the battle of Badr, Hazrat Abu Bakr acted as a bodyguard of the Holy
Prophet and he was in charge of the right wing of the troops.
 In the battle of Uhad he negated the rumour of the Holy Prophet’s death and
acted as a shield for the Holy Prophet.
 When the Treaty of Hudaibiya was signed and some of the companions were
critical of the terms of the treaty, Hazrat Abu Bakr supported the Holy Prophet.
 When the Holy Prophet asked for contributions for Tabuk Expedition, Hazrat
Abu Bakr donated all that he had, saying, that for him and his family, Allah
and His Prophet were enough.
 In 631AD, the Prophet sent a delegation from Madinah of three hundred
Muslims in order to perform the pilgrimage as the leader of the delegates. Abu
Bakr had thus the honour of being the first Amir-ul-Hajj in the history of Islam.
 Hazrat Abu Bakr led the daily prayers during the last days of the Holy
Prophet’s illness on his instruction.
 Due to his services of Hazrat Abu Bakr, the Holy Prophet said: “I have repaid
the favours of all of you except Abu Bakr that I pray to Allah to repay him on
the Day of Judgement.
 At the time of demise of the Holy Prophet, he consoled the Muslims when
they were in grief with words: “Men, if anyone worships Muhammad,
Muhammad is dead: if anyone worships Allah, Allah is alive, immortal.

Appointment as the Caliph:

Holy Prophet (pbuh) did not nominate a successor. After his death the ansars
gathered in Saqifah-i-Bani Sa’ad to discuss the appointment of a caliph where they
were joined by Abu Bakr and ‘Umar and other eminent muhajireen, ‘Ali was not
 48

present at this meeting as he was busy with the preparations of the final rites of the
Prophet (pbuh). Whether the caliph was to be from the ansar, or the Quraysh was
discussed at the meeting. The ansars wanted a caliph from amongst them in view of
their sacrifices for Islam, but Abu Bakr argued that the Arabs would not agree on any
Amir other than a person from the Quraysh, at which point the ansars suggested the
option of electing two Amirs, one from the Quraysh and one from the ansars, to
which ‘Umar objected saying it would cause confusion in the umma. ‘Ubayda bin
Jarra addressed the ansars at this point and said, ‘O Ansar! You were the first to
uphold Islam do not be the first to sow the seeds of dissension in it.’ The ansars
immediately withdrew their claim. Abu Bakr suggested the name of ‘Ubayda bin
Jarrah and ‘Umar held the hand of Abu Bakr and pledged his allegiance. On seeing
this people from all sides rushed to pledge their loyalty to Abu Bakr and a general
pledge was taken the next day. Due to some unique services of Hazrat Abu Bakr, he
was elected as the caliph unanimously. The next day, his election was publicly
confirmed in the Mosque of the Prophet. He took the title “Khalifa-tul-Rasul-Allah”
(Successor of the Messenger of Allah). After the assuming this office, he gave
another memorable speech which reflected his humility. He said: “O people! I have
been elected as your trustee although I am not better than anyone of you. If I am
right, obey me. If I am misguided, set me right. The weakest among you is powerful
in my eyes until I don’t give him his due. The most powerful among you is the
weakest in my eyes until I do not make him pay due rights to others. I ask you to
obey me as long as l obey Allah and His Prophet. If I disobey Allah and His Prophet,
you are free to disobey me”.

Difficulties faced by Hazrat Abu Bakr due his caliphate:

Hazrat Abu Bakr was elected as a caliph in 11AH/632 AD and remained till13AH/634
AD. After the demise of the Holy Prophet he faced very serious challenges to the
Islamic empire but he dealt with them with an iron hand.

(1) Expedition to Syria:

The Holy Prophet himself had deputed Hazrat Usamah bin Zaid to lead a campaign
against the Syrians so that the death of his father Hazrat Zaid could be avenged.
The army was about to leave for the expedition when the news of the demise of the
Holy Prophet reached them which forced them to postpone the campaign. After the
election as a Khalifa, Hazrat Abu Bakr considered the completion of this task his first
priority. However, some companions were of the opinion that the expedition should
be postponed because troops were needed to fight against internal rebellions.
Moreover some companions argued that Usamah was inexperienced and so the
command of the army should be given to someone else. But Hazrat Abu Bakr
refused to change the decision and said he could never alter the decision taken by
the Holy Prophet. Hazrat Abu Bakr then directed the army to depart on its mission.
He bade farewell to the army and addressed them in the following terms: “Do not kill
children, women or old men. Do not cut down any trees wherein there is food for
 49

men and beasts. Do not molest the monks in the churches”. By the grace of God, the
army led by Usamah bin Zaid attacked the Syrians and after only forty days arrived
in Madinah with the news of victory. It secured the safety of the frontier with the
Byzantines and averted the threat of any attack from them.

(1) Apostasy movement (Ridda):

It was a critical situation when, after the demise of the Holy Prophet, some of the
people rose in revolt against the authorities at Madinah and renounced Islam. Hazrat
Abu Bakr faced the situation very calmly. Without any delay he launched an
expedition against this movement. After collecting the troops at Madinah he divided
them into eleven battalions. He chose eleven experience commanders and assigned
each a different campaign to crush these revolts. He sent each battalion to different
parts of Arabia. He instructed each commander to first invite each tribe to Islam. If
any refused to comply, they were to be attacked. Some of the tribes accepted Islam
but others were stubborn and were dealt with harshly. All the campaigns were
successful and Hazrat Abu Bakr was able to re-establish peace throughout the
Peninsula.

(2) Refusal to pay Zakat:

There were many tribes like Ghatfan, Murra and Asad that accepted Islam after the
conquest of Makkah and refused to pay Zakat after the demise of the Holy Prophet
as they claimed that their allegiance was with the Holy Prophet only. They were
further instigated by the false prophet Tulayha. Hazrat Abu Bakr was very strict on
this point. He argued that zakat being a fundamental injunction of Islam, had to be
paid. So when he rejected the demand of these tribes to exempt them from the
payment of Zakat they decided to forego Islam. One night in 632AD, as the tribal
force advanced to attack the Muslims, the army led by Hazrat Abu Bakr took them by
surprise. Many tribesmen died, the rest fled in confusion. After this significant victory
of Hazrat Abu Bakr, many tribes sent their delegates to Madinah, offered allegiance
and paid Zakat.

(3) False prophets:

In the last days of the Holy Prophet’s life some opportunists and misguided people
arose to claim prophet hood. They were greedy people who wanted to acquire the
respect and dignity which they had witnessed in the time of the Holy Prophet. When
Hazrat Abu Bakr was elected as the Khalifa they started their preaching openly to
achieve their worldly ends. These dummy prophets claimed themselves to be
prophets and gathered a large number of people around themselves. Among these
false prophets were Musailmah, Aswad Aansi, Tulaiha and Sajjah (a woman).

i. Al-Aswad Ansi:

He was the leader of the Ans tribe in Yemen. His real name was Abhala bin Kaab.
His dark complexion earned him the title Al-Aswad means the black man, and he
 50

was also known as the veiled prophet as he covered his face to create a mystery
about himself. In the later years of the prophet’s life, Al-Aswad claimed to have
received divine guidance and inspiration, and he used tricks to convince the people
of his miracles. After collecting a large army, he rose in open opposition to Islam and
invaded Najran and most of Yemen. An expedition was organized and led by Firuz
al-Dhalaymi, a Persian Muslim who succeeded in killing al-Aswad. However, learning
of the Prophet’s demise, al-Aswad’s followers regrouped and revolted under a man
called Qais ibn Abd Yaaghus; they were defeated by Firuz and subsequently
surrendered along with their leader.

ii. Tulayha:

He was a wealthy leader of the Bani Asad and Ghatafan tribes in north Arabia. He
was a renowned warrior who initially opposed the Muslims. In 630 AD, he converted
to Islam, but shortly afterwards he rebelled and proclaimed himself as a prophet.
Many tribes accepted his “prophet hood” and combined to raise a strong force
against Islam. Khalid bin Walid was sent to quell this revolt and at the battle of
Buzakha in 632, Tulayha was defeated. Many tribes supporting him surrendered, but
Tulayha escaped to Syria. Later, when Syria was conquered by the Muslims, he
converted to Islam once again, and subsequently fought alongside the Muslims in
the battles of Jalula, Qadissiyah, and Nihawand.

iii. Sajjah bint Haris:

She was an Arab Christian from the tribe of Taghlib and after the death of Hazrat
Muhammad, when many of her tribe accepted Islam, she declared herself as a
prophet. She collected a force of 4000 to march on Madinah, but learning of
Tulayha’s defeat by Khalid bin Walid, Sajjah dropped her plans. She then sought the
help of Musailmah, another self-proclaimed prophet, and reached an agreement with
him to face Khalid. Subsequently, Sajjah married Musailmah and accepted his
prophet hood. After a stay of three days, Sajjah returned to her people in Iraq with
which ended her adventure of prophet hood. She lived in obscurity for the rest of her
life. When Muslims conquered Iraq, she became a Muslim along with other members
of her tribe.

iv. Musailimah Kazab:

Known as Musailimah bin Habib, he belonged to the large and influential tribe, Banu
Hanifa, in the Yemen. Musailimah was wealthy and powerful and he used influence
to misguide people and declared himself a prophet during Hazrat Muhammad’s
lifetime. He even wrote to the Holy Prophet about his prophet hood. So the Holy
Prophet addressed him as an “Arch liar”. Musailimah also abolished the injunctions
of the Quran, making the forbidden permissible and the obligatory dispensable, and
succeeded in gaining a large following among his people. After the death of the Holy
Prophet Musailimah challenged Hazrart Abu Bakr’s caliphate.
 51

Battle of Yamamah:

In December 632, was the significant event that decided Musailimah’s fate. He was
in command of an army of 40,000 bedouin, some of whom did not believe in his
claims but had joined the force only to support their tribe. Hazrat Abu Bakr had first
sent Ikrimah and Shurabil and then sent a large force under the command of Khalid
Bin Walid to Yemen. The Muslims, numbering 13,000 fought a long drawn out battle
with many causalities as Musailimah’s forces put up a strong resistance. Eventually,
Musailimah was killed by Wahshi al Harb who killed Hazrat Hamza in the battle of
Uhad before his conversion to Islam. Musailimah’s army scattered and many were
killed as they fled. Many prominent Muslims and Huffaz those who had memorized
the Quran also lost their lives in this battle. So bloody was this battle that it came to
be known as the Battle of the Garden of Death.

Expansion of the Islamic Empire, main battles and conquests in caliphate

period of Hazrat Abu Bakr:

The Arabian Peninsula was surrounded by the two great Empires of that time. On its
northeastern side was the border of Persian Empire (Sassanid) while the northern
part of the Peninsula was bordered by the Byzantine Empire (the eastern Roman
Empire). These were the two superpowers of at that time. Hazrat Abu Bakr fought
many battles against them and spread Islam over there. Some of the main battles
are given below.

Conquest of Persia:

Battle of Chains (Kazima): 633AD

In 633 AD, a Muslim army of 18,000 under Khalid bin Walid met a huge Persian
force at Kazima under the command of Hormuz. Khalid bin Walid offered them the
three options, accept Islam, or pay the Jizya or be ready to fight. These conditions
had been laid down by the Holy Prophet himself. The Persians chose to fight and
they tied themselves in chains due to heavy attack that showed their do or die state
of mind. Due to heavy attack of the Muslims and they were forced to fall back.
Muslims won the battle and the Persians suffered a humiliating defeat. Thousands of
them, including Hurmuz were killed and thousands were taken captives.

Battle of Mazar: 633AD

After winning the battle of Kazima, Khalid bin Walid and his army advanced further
into Iraq. The Persian army under the command of Qarin crossed the river Tigris at
Mazar and they halted there. The remaining army of Hurmuz that had escaped from
Kazima joined them. As soon as Khalid bin Walid reached Mazar, he came to know
of the Persian concentration. Both the armies met in battle. The Persian army could
not withstand the attack of the Muslims and headed for the river. The Muslim soldiers
overtook and killed them in large numbers. Their causalities were almost thirty
thousand. Their commanders including Qarin were also killed. The Muslims won a
 52

second victory against the Persians. Subsequently, the inhabitants offered

submission and agreed to pay Jizya. Then he appointed his own Amil over there.
Hazrat Saeed bin Numan was sent to Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr with fifth part of booty
and glad tidings of victory.

Battle of Walaja: 633AD

After the defeat of the Persians at Mazar, the Persian Emperor sent two more armies
to fight the Muslims. After crossing river Euphrates, they established their camp at
Walaja. The battle began when Khalid reached Walaja. Soon the battlefield turned
into a slaughterhouse for the Persians and the bulk of the Persian army was
annihilated. This was the third consecutive victory of the Muslims over Persian which
established the superiority of the Muslims army.

Treaty of Hira: 633AD

Another series of fierce battles continued, till the final battle with the Persians which
took place at Hira. They took shelter in their forts. After a siege of many days, the
leaders of Hira surrendered. Here a peace treaty was signed between the Muslim
and the local Persians in the summer of 633 AD. Under the treaty of Hira, Persians
were to pay a Jizya of 2 lac to the Muslim state regularly in return for the protection
and security provided by the Muslims. The people of Hira were granted full religious
liberty and civic freedom. After the conquest of Hira, the whole of Central Iraq (which
was the part of Persian Empire) came under the rule of the Muslims.

Conquest of Byzantines: 634 AD

Byzantines began to conspire against the Muslims in co-operation with the Bedouin
tribes on the Syrian border. Hazrat Abu Bakr raised a big army and divided it into
four forces. Each force was put under the command of an experienced general. They
marched towards different direction. Abu Ubaidah marched to Hims; Amr bin Aas to
Palestine; Yazid bin Sufyan to Damascus; Sharjeel to Jorden and later Hazrat Khalid
bin Waleed was sent as supreme commander. The total number of Muslim army was
30,000. Heraclius also sent four great warriors, Tazaruq, Jarja, Raqis and Rafeeqa
with the army of almost 250,000. The first encounter of the Muslims took place at
Basra in which Muslims emerged victorious and they became ready for Jizya. Then
the famous Battle of Ajnadeen took place in which a huge Roman army was
pitched against the Muslims. Again the Romans were badly defeated. After this
success the Muslim army advanced towards Damascus and laid siege to it and after
a siege of one month it was conquered. In these battles 3000 Muslims were
martyred while on the other side almost 1 lac and 30 thousand people were killed.

Death of Hazrat Abu Bakr: 634 AD, 13 AH

After an illness of two weeks, Abu Bakr passed away. He was sixty-three at the time.
He was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet.
Before his death he said, "Do not use new cloth to cover my dead body. The sheet of
 53

cloth I have on will do for me. Wash it clean."

"But this is too old and worn, father," said his daughter Aisha.
"This old and worn sheet will do for me," he replied.
This parting wish was acted upon. The second wish of the dying Caliphs was, "Sell
my land and pay back in the public treasury all the money I got as my salary." This
was also done.

Policies and Services of Hazrat Abu Bakr as a caliph:

Democracy:

Hazrat Abu Bakr provided the foundation for a democratic welfare state. He used to
discuss all the important issues with the prominent companions of the Holy Prophet
and took all decision in the light of their consensus. It was due to this reason that he
did not let these great companions out of Madinah.

Welfare of the masses:

In the period of Hazrat Abu Bakr, the Islamic state was limited to the borders of
Arabia. He divided the state into different provinces so that the benefits of the
masses might be looked after in a more efficient way. He appointed an Amil
(Governor) in every province who performed all duties honestly.

System of accountability:

Hazrat Abu Bakr fully understood that the rulers rule according to their own will if
they have no fear of accountability. He not only offered his own self for accountability
but also remained firm in the case of his officers.

System of Islamic punishments:

He was very merciful and kind. He used to forgive those who sought forgiveness but
took hard steps against the criminals and punished them according to the way of
Shariah as he announced the punishment of 40 lashes for drinking wine.

Distribution of wealth:

In the first year of his caliphate, Hazrat Abu Bakr distributed all the savings of the
revenue among the people at the rate of 10 dirham per head. The next year the
revenue increased and Hazrat Abu Bakr distributed it at the rate of 20 dirhams per
head. When a man among the Muslims argued saying that the caliph did not see any
difference between those prominent companions of the Holy Prophet and those who
had just embraced Islam, he said, “Piety and being God-fearing is another thing. It is
not relate to wealth”.
 54

Doctrines of warfare:

Hazrat Abu Bakr used to give some important instructions to his commanders, such
as:

 Do not disturb saints and worshippers of other religion.

 Do not kill women, old men, children, and those who are not fighting with you.
 Do not cut flowering trees. Do not destroy gardens.
 Do not ruin any populated place.
 Do not kill goats, camels and cattle besides what you need to eat.
 Be honest in distribution of booty.

Correction of nonsense:

Any new custom and rite which was not Islamic but considered to be Islamic was
forbidden by Hazrat Abu Bakr. As once on the occasion of Hajj a woman from
Ahmas tribe was found performing Hajj in complete silence, he said “There is no
place in Islam for this nonsense”.

Rights of minorities:

During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet the non-Muslims enjoyed the protection of the
Islamic state. Hazrat Abu Bakr also gave the same rights to the non-Muslims of the
conquered territories during his caliphate. He addressed the people of Hirah in these
words: “Their temples and places of worship should not be destructed and their
castles in which they used to protect themselves against enemies should not be
harmed in any way”.

Struggle against seditions and intrigues:

To crush the conspiracies and seditions against the Muslim Government, Hazrat Abu
Bakr had to fight several battles during his reign. He uprooted and eradicated all the
false and dummy prophets to prevent confusion, chaos and to keep peace and
prosperity in the Islamic state.

Caliphate period of Hazrat Umar

(13 AH to 23 AH, 634 AD to 644 AD)
Introduction:
Hazrat Umar, son of Khattab, belonged to Banu Adi, was born in Makkah twelve or
thirteen years after the birth of the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet and Umar had a
common ancestor in Ka’ab. Umar was taught reading and writing by his father who
was an educated and well to do merchant of Makkah. Umar was very learned,
intelligent and studious. He was a poet and a very good orator. He was strong and
powerful and was fond of archery, horse riding and wrestling. He was also a
 55

successful trader and had visited many countries in connection with his business. He
was an idol-worshipper. When Hazrat Muhammad declared that he was the prophet
of Allah, Hazrat Umar and his father became enemies of the Holy Prophet.
Conversion to Islam:
In the 6th year of Prophethood, the Holy Prophet prayed to Allah to strengthen Islam
by giving him Umar. His prayer was in these words “O Allah help Islam with Umar bin
Khattab or Amr bin Hasham (Abu Jahl). One day Umar set out from his house with
the intention of killing the Holy Prophet. On the way, he was informed by Hazrat
Sa’ad bin Waqas that his sister, Fatimah and her husband, Hazrat Saeed bin Zaid
had embraced Islam. Infuriated, Umar changed his course and went to the house of
his sister, who was reading the Holy Quran loudly. This enraged Umar so much that
he attacked his sister and her husband. On Umar’s insistence, his sister recited
some verses from Surah Taha. The words of the Holy Quran softened his heart and
tears began to fall from his eyes. He then proceeded to the house where the Holy
Prophet was busy in religious discourse with his followers. He recited the Kalima and
became a Muslim and he was 40th Muslim in Makkah except the emigrants. The Holy
Prophet embraced Umar, who was now an entirely changed person. He earned the
title al-Farooq who distinguishes between right and wrong.
Appointment as the Caliph:

The first caliph, Abu Bakr, on his death bed, issued instructions for the appointment
of Umar as the second caliph of Islam. The entire community wholeheartedly
accepted this desire and made alliance on Umar’s hand. Hazrat Umar changed the
title of the Khalifa tur Rasul ullAllah (Successor of the Prophet) to the Amir ul
Momineen (commander of the believers). He remained caliph of Islam from 13AH to
23AH (634 to 644AD).

Services of Hazrat Umar during Prophet’s life:

 The conversion of Hazrat Umar to Islam boosted the Muslim’s morale and
gave them some protection against the Quraish. One Muslim said, “We could
not pray at Ka’abah until he became a Muslim”.
 He migrated to Yasrib openly as he hung his sword, put on his bow, took
spears with him and came out of his house waving his spear. Then he
performed Twaf, offered his prayer at Makam e Ibrahim and then made a
public announcement of his migration and called out that anyone, who wanted
his children orphaned, his wife widowed and make his parents weep, should
try to stop him from doing so. But nobody dared come in his way.
 He participated in the battle of Badr and fought bravely in the way of Allah.
 56

 He participated in the battle of Uhad and made the defensive ring around the
Prophet.
 He also took part in battle of Trench and dug the trench with full devotion.
 He was one of the participants in Treaty of Hudaibiyah and was not ready to
accept the terms of this treaty as it seemed to him a most humiliating one on
the part of Muslims. But at last he had to submit to the will of Prophet because
the Prophet decided it with Allah’s permission.
 He also participated in battle of Khyber and conquest of Makkah.
 He played an important role in the battle of Hunain and remained steadfast in
the time of early defeat.
 He placed half of his wealth at the disposal of the Prophet for the Tabuk
Expedition.
 He was constantly in attendance on the Holy Prophet and was one of his most
trusted companions and advisers.
 He was one of the closest friends as the Holy Prophet married his daughter
Hafsa.
 He was one of the Katibeen-e-Wahi (the scribes of revelation).

Policies and Services of Hazrat Umar as a caliph:

 Democracy:

Hazrat Umar promoted the importance of consultation of the prominent companions

of the Holy Prophet as he said “There is no concept of Khilafat without mutual
consultation”. He divided the department of consultancy into two important bodies.

 Majlis-e-Shoora:

This committee consisted of a chosen number of the prominent companions of the

Holy Prophet and was supposed to be consulted in all important matters.

 Majlis-e-Aam:

This committee consisted of the Muhajireen and the Ansaar and the heads of other
tribes. This committee was consulted by the Khalifa on only particular occasions.
Both the committees had the privilege of independent counseling in favour or against
any matter or any person. So the spirit of independence, freedom and liberty was
highly exercised in the light of the teaching of Islam.

 Censorship:

Hazrat Umar believed in the strict laws of censorship and accountability. He

considered this system above family status or personal importance. Whenever he
appointed an Amil (Governor) or other administrations for the provinces or towns, he
used to take an oath and appoint them under these conditions.

 They would never use a Turkish horse to ride.

 57

 They were prohibited to wear light or silken clothes.

 Have no guards on the doors. This means no use of unnecessary service.
 Always keeping their door open for the needy to ensure easy approach for the
poor and the needy.
 The treasury was counted before and after the duration of the service of every
person.
 Judiciary:

There was an effective system of equality. He was the first person in history, who
separated judiciary and executive powers and appointed learned and able, educated
judges. Disputes were decided in the light of the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Ijma and
Qiyas were utilized at the time of dire need.

 Establishment of police department:

To provide the safety of life, honour and property, Hazrat Umar established the
police department. Along with the improvement of law and order the police did much
for the establishment of a peaceful society.

 Construction of jails:

Hazrat Umar was the first one who constructed jails all over the empire even on the
district level. He purchased Safwan’s house and constructed a jail there. He founded
some punishments, physical and financial.

 Irrigation Department:

He fulfilled the need of irrigation throughout the empire by construction canals. The
canal of Musa, canal of Sa’ad are some of the examples.

 Expansion of Bait-ul-Mall:

The Bait-ul-Mall was established in Madinah by Hazrat Abu Bakr but Hazrat Umar
expanded it on provincial level. He got buildings, constructed and appointed
administrators to run the financial system of country. Hazrat Abdullah bin Arqam was
the administrator of the central Bait-ul-Mall.

 Military Department:

He established this department on the advice of Hazrat Waleed bin Hisham in 15

A.H. The employees of the military were paid salaries and their children were
awarded stipends (money). He established a volunteer force as well and they were
paid special allowances. He got cantonments constructed in Madinah, Basra, Kufa,
Egypt etc.
 58

 Administrative advancement:

He built new buildings to accommodate the government offices. He constructed

highways, bridges, mosques and inns for travelers. He also laid the foundation of the
new cities like Kufa, Basra, Fustat, Musal, etc.

 Education Department:

He generalized and promoted the spread of education throughout the empire. He got
five thousand new mosques constructed for the purpose of education. Many
companions were appointed to deliver lectures on the teaching of Holy Quran in
different areas.

 Rights of the minorities:

The system of justice by any ruler is judged by the conduct of the ruler towards the
minorities. He provided safety of life, property and honour to the minorities. Once he
saw a beggar who was a Jew; and he declared a stipend for him. When he
conquered the Bait-ul-Maqdas, he made this law that no one will be allowed to live in
their churches and the churches will not be demolished either.

 Administrative units of the empire:

The Muslim empire was divided into eight provinces. Each province was governed
by a Governor (Amil), a superintendent of vernacular office (Meer Munshi),
superintendent of army offices (Katib-e-Diwan), a collector (Sahib-ul-Kharaj), a
treasurer (Sahib-e-Bait-ul-Mall) and a chief justice and judges (Qazi-ul-Quzat and
Qazis) who ran the government of the province.

Services towards religion:

It was Hazrat Umar whose efforts caused thousands of tribes to embrace Islam. He
played an important role in the compilation of the Holy Quran. He appointed huffaz,
muazzins to implement the teachings of Islam and fixed salaries for them. He
expanded the mosque of the Prophet; he purchased next houses except the houses
of the Mothers of the faithful and made the part of the mosque. Similarly he
expanded the Masjid-ul-Haram and walled it to distinguish it from other places and
sites.

Expansion of the Islamic Empire, main battles and conquests in

caliphate period of Hazrat Umar:
Peaceful environment which was created after the removal of all the internal and
external problems by Hazrat Abu Bakr provided opportunity to Umar for expansion of
Islamic state outside Arabia.
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 The Iraq campaigns:

Battle of Bridge (Jasr): October, 634 AD, 13 AH

When the Persians were defeated at Namarraq in 634, they sent another army to
take the revenge from the Muslims. Muslim leader was Abu Ubaidullah bin Masud
Thaqfi accompanied by Muthanna Shaybani with 9000 army and Non-Muslims
commander was Rustam with the army of 4000 and later this was increased. Both
the armies encamped on the banks of Euphrates. The Muslim commander decided
to fight across the river against the will of leaders like Muthanna. When they crossed
the river through a boat bridge, they discovered that the new conditions did not suit
them. The Persian army was walled by elephants and Arab horses had never seen
elephants so they got terrified and the Muslim army disorganized. Muslim
commanders got martyred one after the other and the Muslim army lost heart and
ran towards the bridge. The Persians had broken the bridge so the Muslim leader
Muthanna held back the enemy and the army crossed the river. The Muslims had to
bear the loss of 6000 men, two thousand got martyred, two thousand got drowned
and about two thousand ran away to Madinah and other areas of Arabia.

Battle of Buwaib: November, 635 AD, Ramzan 14AH

When Hazrat Umar was informed about the disaster of the battle of Jasr, he
collected a large army and sent against them under the command of Muthanna
Shaybani. On the other side, Persians had also gathered a strong army under the
command of Mehran who was considered an expert in the Arabian way of wars. The
Muslims invited the Persians to cross the river and they accepted it. The number of
Muslim army was a little more than 20,000 while the Persians (Iranians) several
times larger in number, were estimated as two hundred thousand. A fierce battle
took place. Muslims fought desperately and after a grim fight, the Persians were
defeated. They could not find the way to cross the river Euphrates because the
bridge built by them was destroyed by the Muslims. There was a total disorder in the
Persian army. The commander of the army, Mehran was slain in this battle and
more than a hundred thousand men lost their lives in the field. As a result of
this victory the whole of western part of Persians Empire (now Iraq) fell into
Muslim hands.

Battle of Qadisiya: November, 636 AD, Safar 15 AH

When Hazrat Umar came to know that the Persians were preparing for war against
the Muslim state on a vast level with the intention of recapturing the lost territories
and destroying the Muslims completely he declared jihad all over the land. Hazrat
Sa’ad bin Waqas was chosen as a commander at this time with the army of 20000
and was instructed to encamp at a place called Qadisiya. Hazrat Sa’ad sent an
envoy to the Persian king Yazdigard inviting him to accept Islam. He turned them out
and this ill treatment at the hands of Persian king caused the situation to worsen.
The Persian army which was more than hundred thousand, at once attacked the
 60

Muslim army under the command of their great hero, Rustam. As Hazrat Sa’ad was
ill he directed the operation from his sick bed. A fierce fight continued for three days
with no gain. The Persians fought very bravely but were eventually defeated by the
Muslims. Rustam, their commander, tried to run away but was killed. Seeing their
slain Commander, the Persians started fleeing for their lives. Thousands of Persians
were slain. There were about six thousand Muslim casualties while the number of
the Persians killed was thirty thousand. The battle of Qadisiya proved to be decisive
in the history of Islam. It shattered the strength of the Persian Empire. Hazrat Umar
(R.A.) received the news with great joy. The Muslims gained immense booty which
was distributed among the troops according to the Islamic law and a fifth portion was
dispatched to the Baitul Mal.

 The Syrian campaigns:

Fall of Damascus: 635 AD, 14 AH

The well-known commander Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed organized the siege and
captured Damascus, a city known for its wealth and culture. The Syrians were
hoping for reinforcement from the Byzantine (commonly called as Roman) emperor,
Heraclius but it did not happen and the Muslims occupied the city.

Battle of Yarmuk: 15 AH, 636 AD

When the reports on fall of Damascus and defeat at Fihl were given to Heraclius, he
became very furious. He sent a strong army of 260,000 men against the Muslims
under the command of Theodorus. In the beginning, the command was in the hand
of Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (R.A.) but during the battle he received the letter of Hazrat
Umar deposing him from the post of Commander-in-Chief. Hazrat Umar (R.A.)
appointed Abu 'Ubaidah bin Jarrah (R.A.) as the Commander-in-Chief. Under the
command of Abu Ubaidah the Muslim army consisting of forty thousand men faced
the Byzantine army encamped in the valley of Yarmuk. There was negotiation
between the two armies and the Byzantine commander offered a heavy amount of
money to the Muslims to leave Syria which was at once turned down. Then the
Muslim commander offered them the usual options of Islam, Jiziya and war. The
battle stretched on for six days after which one third of the army of the Byzantines
remaining in the battlefield. However the Muslims also had to bear the loss of 3000
lives besides those who were grievously wounded. God with a heavy storm helped
the Muslims by confusing the enemy. The battle ended in a great victory for the
Muslims and the Byzantines lost Syria completely.

Siege of Jerusalem: 637 AD, 16 AH

After the victory of Yarmuk, the Muslim army under the command of Hazrat Amr bin
Aas advanced and laid siege of Jerusalem in November 636 AD. The siege
remained for six months but they remained fail to conquer it. The Muslim commander
wrote a letter to Abu Ubaidah for reinforcement. When the Christians came to know
 61

that Muslims are reinforced, they lost heart and accepted to surrender on the
condition that the Khalifa himself must come to sign the treaty. Hazrat Umar
(R.A.) appointed Hazrat Ali (R.A.) as his deputy and went to Jerusalem with his
slave. They were having one camel on which each of them rode by turn. When
Hazrat Umar (R.A.) was entering Jerusalem it happened to be the slave's turn to ride
on the camel. Though the slave offered his turn to the "Khalifah" but Hazrat
Umar refused and remarked: "The honour of Islam (i.e., being Muslim) is enough
for all of us." He entered Jerusalem holding the rope of the camel on which his slave
was riding. His clothes were dirty and there were several patches on them. Then
Hazrat Umar (R.A.) signed the treaty under which the inhabitants of Jerusalem were
granted complete security of their life and property. Their places of worship
were secured and remained intact. All the people were allowed to follow their religion
freely. The gates of the city were then opened and the Muslims entered the
Jerusalem in April 637 AD. Hazrat Umar (R.A.) visited the city. The time of
the "Salat" had reached. The Christians allowed the Muslims to perform Salat in
the big Church but Hazrat Umar declined to do so that it might not be an excuse
for the future generations to take over the Church from them. He offered the
Salat with the Muslims on the steps of the Church. Even then he gave in writing to
the Bishop that the steps would never be used for congregational prayers or for
the Adhan in future. In this way his conduct therefore sets an example of simplicity,
humility, a respect for all faiths, and freedom for all the people to practice their own
religion, protection for their places of worship and tolerance.

 The conquest of Persia:

The victories in Iraq opened the way for expeditions into the Persian mainland.

The battle of Nihawand: 642 AD, 21 AH

After the surrender of Jalula, there was peace all over Persia but after some months
the Persians united against the Muslims and arose in rebellion. The number of
Persian troops was 15o, ooo under the command of Mardan Shah while the Muslim
army consisted of only 30,000 troops under the command of Hazrat Numan bin
Muqrin. Both the armies met at Nihawand. There was a fierce battle for two days
without any gain. Third day the Persians took refuge in the forts. A clever strategy
compelled the Persians to come into the open field. There was a hand to hand fight
and the strength of the Persian force was destroyed completely. The Persian king
fled and at last was killed during the caliphate period of Hazrat Usman.

 The conquest of Egypt:

Conquest of Fustat: After the conquest of Jerusalem Hazrat Amr bin Aas got
permission to proceed to Egypt and sent Zubair bim Alawam with an army of 4000
men, he entered Egypt and conquered some towns and then laid a siege to Fustat.
After some months of siege Fustat was conquered.
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Fall of Alexandria: 641 AD, 20 AH

After the victory of Fusat, the Muslims reached under the command of Amr bin Aas
to Alexandria to crush them but found the Egyptian army fortified. They were 50000
in number while the Muslim army consisted to 12000. The Egyptians were hopeful of
help of Heraclius. But when the news of the death of Heraclius came and the
Muslims were now sure that the possibility of reinforcement was very feeble.
Therefore, they intensified the attack. At last the Muslims conquered Alexandria and
became the masters of Egypt.

Death of Hazrat Umar: 644 AD, 23 AH

Hazrat Umar was finally martyred by Firoz, a Persian slave on 3rd November 644 AD.
Firoz was a slave of Mugheerah who was unhappy with one of Umar’s verdicts
regarding the amount of taxation. Abu Lulo Firoz openly threatened to kill Umar.
Certain companions recommended that Firoz be arrested, but refused to do so.
Hazrat Umar had no bodyguards, nor a protocol. One day, while he was leading the
prayer, Firoz stabbed him with a poisoned dagger. He also killed several other
worshippers as he tried to escape. Finally caught, he slit his own throat with his own
dagger. This is characteristic of `Umar’s total impartiality and refusal to allow
concessions. He was stern about the correct observance of all regulations. Hazrat
Umar’s fearless attitude portrays his strong belief in Allah as the giver and taker of
life. This incident also reflects his simple lifestyle. He was buried near the Prophet,
which shows he was held in high honour in the first Muslim community.

Golden period of Hazrat Umar

The period of Hazrat Umar's caliphate undoubtedly is the "Golden Age" of Islam in
every respect. He was a man of extraordinary genius who not only moulded the
destiny of the nation but made history of his own. He followed the footsteps of the
Holy Prophet to the fullest extent. It was Umar under whose rule Islam became a
world power and within ten years of his glorious rule, the whole of the Persian
Empire, Syria, Palestine, Egypt and a part of Turkey came under the banner of Islam
and the nations entered the fold of Islam.

He was not only a conqueror but also an exemplary administrator who originated an
efficient system of administration, and thus he was the real founder of political
system of Islam. Hazrat Umar Initiated 41 good practices during his period, which
were based upon the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. These are
known as "Awliat-i-Umar (the Initiations of Umar). He enforced Divine Law (Shari'ah)
as the code of a newly formed International Islamic State; he safeguarded the
internal safety by introducing the police force: he gave stipends to the poor; he
constructed cantonments and forts for the safety of Islamic armies; he founded new
cities for the growth of Islamic culture and civilization; he improved agriculture and
economics of the Islamic State; he founded the educational system in an Islamic
State;
 63

Hazrat Umar (R.A.) was the pioneer of modern civilization to form a state based
upon the Islamic democratic system, the system which was incorporated in the West
as late as 19th and 20th centuries. He was the greatest democratic administrator
whose example is unparalleled not only in the history of Islam but also in the history
of modern civilization. As an administrator, a Muslim writer says, "he remained a
model for all great Muslim rulers during the whole Islamic history.
Muslims and non-Muslims were treated alike. Although the Arab peninsula was
declared to be purely an Islamic State, his attitude towards the non-Muslims was
very tolerant. He allowed the Jews and the Christians, living in the Peninsula, to stay
there if they so wished and nobody would interfere in their religious affairs. To those
who desired to migrate he ensured safe journey up to the borders. Hazrat Umar
(R.A.) also gave compensation for their properties and other facilities.

For the first time in the history of Islam, Islamic calendar was introduced in the
present form by Hazrat Umar (R.A.). Thus we see that Hazrat Umar’s period was the
Golden Age of the Islamic history when Islam was practiced in its true form. The
words of the Holy Prophet are very true about him:

“If there were to be a prophet after me, he would have been Umar bin Khattab”

Caliphate period of Hazrat Uthman

(23 to 35 AH, 644 to 656 AD)

Introduction:

Hazrat Uthman was born in Makkah in 573 A.C. His patronymic name was "Abu
Amr" and father's name was "Affan bin Abul-As". He was known by the name
"Uthman bin ‘Affan". He belonged to a noble family of Quraish in Makkah. His
ancestral pedigree joins with that of the Holy Prophet in Abd Manaf. He was from the
"Umayyah" family of Quraish, which was a well reputed and honourable family of
Makkah during the pre-Islamic days. In the famous battle of "Fujjar" the Commander-
in-Chief of the Quraish army, Harb bin Umayyah was from the same family. The
descendants of this family are known as "Banu Umayyah" or "Umawwin". Hazrat
Uthman was one of the few persons of Makkah who knew reading and writing. When
he grew up, he started business in cloth which made him very rich. He used his
money in good ways and always helped the poor. Hazrat Uthman (R.A.) was a soft
natured and kind hearted man. He did not hesitate to spend any amount of money
on seeing a man in trouble in order to remove his misery. For his noble qualities the
Makkans had great respect for him.

Acceptance of Islam:

Hazrat Uthman (R.A.) accepted Islam when Abu Bakr (R.A.) preached to him. He
was one of those Muslims who accepted Islam in its very early days as it is said that
he was the third male convert. Though "Banu Hashim" (the Holy Prophet's family)
was rival to "Banu Umayyah" (Hazrat Uthman's family), and the latter was in power
 64

at that time, yet Uthman (R.A.) did not hesitate to acknowledge the prophethood of
Hazrat Muhammad. This was one of the reasons why Quraishi leaders, belonging to
Banu Umayyah (like Abu Sufyan) were opposing the Holy Prophet. Thus acceptance
of Islam in such a position shows the clear-mindedness of Hazrat Uthman (R.A.).
When he accepted Islam, the Quraish who once loved Uthman became his enemies.
Even his relatives like Hakam (one of his uncles) began to rebuke him and chastised
him severely.

Services during the life of Holy Prophet:

He was a very prominent Muslim to serve Islam by all means.

 He was the one of the early converts.

 He experienced persecution for his faith by the hands of his uncle Hakam.
 Holy Prophet gave him his second daughter, Ruqqayya, in marriage to Hazrat
Uthman. After her death the Holy Prophet gave his third daughter, Umm e
Kalthoom. Thus he came to be known as Zun Nurain, the possessor of two
lights. Holy Prophet was so pleased with him that after the death of this
daughter, he would say that had he any other daughter, he would have given
her in marriage to Uthman.
 When the life in Makkah became hard for the Muslims, he went to the Holy
Prophet and sought permission to take refuge in Abyssinia along with other
Muslims. The permission was granted. Hazrat Uthman and his wife crossed
the Red Sea with other Muslims and migrated to Abyssinia. At the time of his
migration the Holy Prophet remarked: "Uthman is the first man of my Ummah
to migrate (for sake of Allah) with his family."
 He participated in almost all the battles with the non-believers in which the
Holy Prophet had also taken part, except "Badr" due to sickness of his wife
and by the order of Holy Prophet.
 At the time of the "Treaty of Hudaibiyah" he was sent to Makkah to negotiate
with the non-believers. Then the Muslims were wrongly informed about his
murder by the non-believers of Mecca. It is for this reason that the Holy
Prophet (sought a pledge by the Muslims to fight with the non-believers in
revenge of his murder. That pledge is known as "Bai'at al-Ridwan" (the
Pledge of Ridwan). For Uthman’s pledge, the Holy Prophet put his left hand
(representing Uthman's hand) on his right hand.
 When the Muhajirin (Emigrants) from Makkah came to Medinah, they had
great difficulty in getting drinking water. Hazrat Uthman (R.A.) bought a well
named "bi’r-i-Rumah” from a Jew for twenty thousand dirhams for free use of
Muslims. That was the first trust ever made in the history of Islam. The Holy
Prophet gave him the glad tidings of Paradise for this act.

 When the number of Muslims increased, the Prophet's mosque became too
small to accommodate the increasing population, it was Uthman (R.A.) who
responded to the Prophet's call and bought land for its extension.
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 When the Holy Prophet went to the expedition of Tabuk, Hazrat Uthman bore
the expenses for one third Islamic army (i.e., about 10,000 men). He also
gave one thousand camels, fifty horses and one thousand Dinars (gold coins)
to support the rest of the army. The Holy Prophet remarked on this, "Nothing
will do any harm to Uthman from this day, whatever he does."
 Hazrat Uthman (R.A.) was one of the scribes of the “Wahy" (Revelation) and
also used to write other documents (letters and messages etc.) of the Holy
Prophet
 At the time of the election of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) Hazrat Uthman (R.A.)
was present in the Assembly Hall of Medina. During the caliphate of Abu Bakr
and 'Umar (R.A.), he was a member of the "Shura" (Advisory Council). He
occupied a prominent position in the affairs of the Islamic State during that
time.

Hazrat Uthman (R.A.) elected as the third caliph:

Before his death, Hazrat ‘Umar (R.A.) appointed a panel of six men to select a
"Khalifah" from amongst themselves and then seek his approval through Bai'at
(Pledge of loyalty) by Muslim Public. He also instructed them to make the nomination
within three days. The panel included Uthman,'Ali, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, Talha,
Zubair and 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf as the members.
The panel could not arrive at any decision even after long meetings. Then, Hazrat
'Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf proposed somebody to withdraw his name in order to decide
the matter. When he got no response, he withdrew his own name. The remaining
members agreed that he could take a decision. He consulted each member
individually except Hazrat Talha (R.A.) who was not present at Madinah. It so
happened that Hazrat Uthman proposed 'Ali's name and Hazrat 'Ali proposed
Uthman's name for the post of Khalifah. But Zubair and Sa'ad (R.A.) were more in
favour of Hazrat Uthman than Hazrat ‘Ali. After more consultations with other
companions and thinking over the problems during the third night, Hazrat ‘Abdur
Rahman bin ‘Auf(R.A.) gave his decision in the morning of the fourth day in favour of
Hazrat Uthman (R.A.). First of all Hazrat ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Auf(R.A.) took Bai'at at
the hands of Hazrat Uthman and then all the Muslims present in the Mosque
followed suit and took Bai'at (pledge of loyalty) at the hands of Hazrat Uthman(R.A.).
In this way, Hazrat Uthman (R.A.) was declared to be the third Khalifah. When
Hazrat Talha (R.A.) returned to Medina, Uthman (R.A.) requested him either to
accept the post of "Khalifah" (as he was among the persons proposed by Hazrat
‘Umar for the post) or to acknowledge him as Khalifah by taking Bai'at. Hazrat Talha
declined to be the Khalifah and took pledge of loyalty at his hand, saying "How can I
object to your being the Khalifah when all the Muslims have agreed upon you."
Services as a caliph:

 Administrative changes:

He brought some administrative changes in some areas. He combined some

provinces and districts which had harmony of culture and traditions. Jordon and
Palestine were united into one province named Syria.
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 Strict accountability:

Hazrat Uthman kept strict watch over the governors and other administrators. Inspite
of his plainness and simplicity he was very strict in the affairs of state and
accountability. Hazrat Sa’ad bin Waqas drew money from the Bait ul Mall and did not
return, therefore, Hazrat Uthman deposed him.

 Approach of the masses to national wealth:

Hazrat Uthman not only increased the income of the Bait ul Mall but also spent
money generously the masses. He distributed money for the betterment of the public
and especially during the month of Ramzan. He raised the salaries of the forces and
gave 25% raise in their allowences.

Welfare of the masses and state:

He started many programmes for the welfare of the masses as well as the state. He
constructed new buildings in the provinces and the districts. He built a network of
bridges, roads, highways, mosques, police posts and inns. He dug a well for
supplying water to the city of Madinah. A dam was constructed to protect the city of
the Holy Prophet from floods.

 Religious services:
Hazrat Anas bin Malik said that Huzaifa bin Yaman came to Hazrat Uthman after
having led the Syrians along with the Iraqis in the conquest of Arminia and
Azarbaijan. Being alarmed at their differences in the reading the Holy Quran, he said
to him “commander of the faithful, set these people right before they disagree about
the book in the manner of the Jews and the Christians. Hazrat Uthman at once sent
a message to Hazrat Hafsa to send the copy of Quran and with the help of Hazrat
Zaid , Abdullah bin Zubair, Sa’ad bin Aas and Abdul ur Rahman bin Harih made
more copies and sent them all over the empir. He chose the Quraish dialect. He
ordered other copies to be burnt. It was a great work and he was called Jame-ul-
Quran.
 Establishment of naval forces:

Hazrat Muawiyah bin Abu Sufyan, the governor of Syria, with the permission of
Khalifah established naval forces and defeated the Romans who had total control
over the seas and conquered Cyprus and Rodes.

 Roman invasion of Alexandria: 25 AH

In the year 25 A.H. (645 A.C) there was a big rebellion in Alexandria, and in 26 A.H.,
the Roman army took possession of the city after a fight with the Muslims. Hearing
this Hazrat Uthman directed Amr bin al Aas to crush the rebellion and beat back the
Roman invasion. Hazrat Amr again attacked the city and drove the Romans out, and
recovered the port city of Alexandria
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 Conquest of Armenia: 25 AH

Hazrat Mu'awiyah sent an army to Armenia to face the Romans. The Islamic army
was under the command of Habib bin Muslimah. He occupied some of the forts but
Constans II sent a huge army of 80,000 men to face the Muslims. Seeing the
situation, Hazrat Mu'awiya wrote a letter to Hazrat Uthman for reinforcement. So an
army of eight thousand men under the command of Salman bin Rabi'ah was sent to
Armenia. The two armies conquered the whole region of Armenia after defeating the
Roman forces.

 Administration of Iran and conquest of Afghanistan: 27 AH

The whole of the Persian Empire was conquered during the time of Hazrat 'Umar
and the Persian Emperor, Yazdigard had ultimately fled to Balkh (a place in
Afghanistan). After the death of Hazrat Umar, the exiled Emperor tried to instigate a
rebellion in the frontier region of the Empire against the Islamic rule. To crush this
rebellion Hazrat Uthman appointed Hazrat Ubaidullah bin Ma'mar but he was not
successful and was martyred in a battle. Then Hazrat Uthman asked 'Abdullah bin
'Amir, the newly appointed governor to deal with the rebels. He crushed the rebellion
and conquered some more parts like Gazna, Herat and Kabul. He also took over
Balkh, thus the whole of Afghanistan was conquered. Then he took over Samarkand,
Tashkent, Sajekstan, and Turkmennistan (all these places are now parts of the
U.S.S.R)

 Conquest of North Africa: 26 AH, 647 AD

Conquest of Tripoli:

When Hazrat Abdullah bin Sa’ad was appointed as a full-rank governor of Egypt, he
took permission from the caliph to advance into the northern territory.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Sa’ad received permission from the caliph to penetrate deep into
North Africa. He went with an army to conquer Tripoli, the main Byzantine fort of
North Africa at that time. Hazrat Uthman also sent a reinforcement from Madinah
which included men like Hazrat Hasan, Husain, Abdullah bin Umar, Abdullah bin
Zubair, Abdullah bin 'Amr bin al-Aas, and Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakr etc. After
some fight the inhabitants of Tripoli agreed to enter into a settlement and promised
to pay "Jizya" annually.

Conquest of Subetula:

From Tripoli the Muslim forces marched to Subetula the capital of North Africa. All
told the Muslim forces numbered 30,000. The forces of Gregory were twice the
strength of the Muslim force. The two forces clashed outside Subetula. The war
dragged on for several days without leading to any tangible result. Gregory had a
daughter Sabiyya renowned for her beauty and bravery. Gregory announced that
whosoever killed Abdullah bin Sa'ad, the Commander of the Muslim forces, would be
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married to Sabiyya as his reward, and would be declared as the heir to the Crown.
This declaration caused some anxiety among the Muslims and Abdullah bin Sa'ad
fearing for his life remained confined to his camp. One day Abdullah bin Zubair saw
Abdullah bin Sa'ad in his camp, and advised him to make a counter declaration to
the effect that whosoever killed Gregory would be married to Sabiyya the daughter of
Gregory. This counter declaration became a cause of great concern in the camp of
Gregory. A few days passed, and still the stalemate continued. Then Abdullah bin
Zubair with the help of a Berber came to know of a secret way to the camp of
Gregory. He decided to take the bold step of penetrating to the camp of Gregory and
killing him. He ordered a regiment of the cavalry to follow him, and remain at striking
distance. According to plan, Abdullah bin Zubair managed to reach the camp of
Gregory, and before anyone could realize what had happened, he severed the head
of Gregory when the forces of Gregory rushed to get hold of Abdullah, the Muslims
cavalry rushed at the force of Gregory and made mincedmeat out of them. The battle
of Subetula was won by the Muslims. After the battle of Subetula the people of North
Africa sued for peace. They agreed to pay an annual tribute. Instead of annexing
North Africa, the Muslims preferred to make North Africa a vassal state. When the
stipulated amount of the tribute was paid, the Muslim forces withdrew to Barqa. True
to the declaration, Sabiyya the beautiful daughter of Gregory was awarded to
Abdullah bin Zubair. In this battle immense booty fell into the hands of the Muslims.
When the booty was distributed according to the prescribed formula, the share of
each warrior came to as much as 3,000 dinars. This battle is called Harb-ul-
Ebadalah due to many Abdullah. Similarly many other areas were conquered during
his caliphate period like Antalya, Cyprus, Hamdan, Azarbaijan, Libya, Tunisia,
Algeria, Morocco etc.

Causes of the revolts against Hazrat Uthman:

The last four years of Hazrat Uthman’s caliphate were full of intrigues, conspiracies
and revolts. The reasons for revolts are:

 Vastness of the Islamic empire

The Muslims were ruling from Afghanistan to Morocco. Hundreds of nations came
under them in which many those who had been dynastic and monarchical. They did
not accept Islam from the core of their hearts and had been waiting for a chance to
spread anarchy. So due to the vastness of Islamic empire they got a chance to take
active part against the caliph.

 The loss of the prominent companions

The models of piety and sacrifice, the companions of the Holy Prophet had either
traveled to their heavenly homes or had grown old. The next generation had not
gone through the same difficulties for their religion and could not develop those
qualities and character which their fathers had.
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 Conspiracies of Jews

The Jews who had lost their religious and social importance and had been expelled,
first from Madinah and then from Khyber for their conspiracies, were nursing
grievances against Muslims. They were waiting for an opportunity to destroy Islam.
Some of them were expelled from Basra and Kufa. It only worsened the situation.

 Jealousy of Quraish

The rivalry and jealousy among the Quraish themselves i.e., between the Hashimites
and the Umayyads weakened the power of Caliph Uthman. It became one of the
main causes of revolts.

 Conspiracy of Abdullah bin Saba

Abdullah bin Saba, a clever Yemenite Jew who had accepted Islam only for self-
interest and to destroy peace of the Islamic state, took the leading part in the
agitation against Hazrat Uthman. He was having a number of followers who had
accepted Islam only to create disharmony among the Muslims. He invented quite a
few beliefs and started to preach them. He based his beliefs upon the love of the
Holy Prophet and his family. After Madinah, he went to Basra, Kufa, Damascus and
Egypt and prepared his force against the caliph of Muslims. It was his propaganda
that Muslims began to differ in religious matters.

 Softness of Hazrat Uthman

Hazrat Umar was very strict in administration and never let any administrator or
governor make a breach in the application of the system of Islam. But Hazrat
Uthman was kind enough to overlook the minor faults of the appointed Amils,
provincial heads as well as the new converts. They took an advantage of the
situation and rebelled against him.

 Charges against Hazrat Uthman

The mischievous people got together against him and prepared a list of false
accusations against him. The intention of these people was nothing except harming
the Muslim empire and making the Muslims weak. The accusations were all fictitious
and void of any facts, were as follow:

 The first allegation was that Hazrat Uthman had deposed prominent
companions of Holy Prophet from governorship like Abu Musa Ashaari and
had appointed inefficient relatives of his own on those posts.
 Unreasonable expenditure of Bait-ul-Mall. As he decided to allocate to his
governors the wealth amassed in the campaigns, rather than divide it between
the fighting men themselves as the granting of a fifth of the war booty to an
individual, his cousin Marwan bin Hakam.
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 Some companions of Holy Prophet i.e. Hazrat Abu Zar Ghaffari, Hazrat
Abdullah bin Masud were treated with disrespect and exiled.
 All the collections of the Holy revelation except the chosen collection of Hazrat
Zaid bin Sabit were burnt.
 He provided a vast land area to his dear ones.
 Bad attitude towards the Egyptian delegation.

Hazrat Uthman gave a convincing reply to each of the charges in the presence of the
Holy Prophet’s companions. So all they became satisfied and accepted his
explanation.

Martyrdom of Hazrat Uthman:

The rebels from Egypt, Kufa and Basra marched towards Madinah demanding to
depose the Khalifa due to some false accusations against Hazrat Uthman and their
governors. Some prominent companions advised them to go back because the
Caliph Uthman had agreed to remove some of the governors. So they were pacified
and went back but they returned to Madinah after four days shouting for revenge.
According to them the reason was that they had intercepted an order of the Khalifa
to the governor of Egypt to kill the leaders of the force to death when they returned
home. Hazrat Uthman swore that he had not passed any such order. But the rebels
insisted that Hazrat Uthman should abdicate or he should be deposed. Hazrat
Uthman refused to abdicate after which the rebels besieged the Khalifa in his house.
They did not allow food and water to reach him. Hazrat Ali deputed his sons, Hassan
and Hussain, Zubair sent his son Abdullah to protect Hazrat Uthman. Some
companions who were successful in reaching Hazrat Uthman during the siege,
wanted to help him and fight the rebels or send for troops to fight them. But Hazrat
Uthman refused and said that he did not want to shed Muslim blood. The siege
lasted for forty days when some of the rebels jumped into his house. They
mercilessly killed while he was reciting the Holy Quran. The Khalifa’s wife, Naila tried
to save her husband, but was pushed away and her fingers were cut off. This tragic
event took place on Friday, the 18th Zil Hajj, 35 AH. He was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi
in Madinah.

Caliphate period of Hazrat Ali

(35 AH to 40AH, 656AD to 661AD)
Name and Parentage:

Hazrat Ali was born almost thirty years after the birth of the Holy Prophet. He
belonged the most respectable family of Quraish, the Banu Hashim. His father Abu
Talib was the real uncle of the Holy Prophet, who brought him up after the death of
the Holy Prophet's grandfather. Hazrat Ali’s mother was Fatimah bint Asad, who
belonged to Banu Hashim. Hazrat Ali’s patronymic name was "Abul Hasan". The
Holy Prophet gave him another name, "Abu Turab" which was most liked by Hazrat
 71

Ali. The Holy Prophet took Hazrat Ali in his childhood from his father, Abu Talib, and
brought up him like his own son.

Acceptance of Islam:

When the Holy Prophet started preaching of Islam, Hazrat Ali was about ten years
old. The Holy Prophet disclosed his mission before Ali and he accepted it
immediately, thus he became the first child to enter the folds of Islam. When the Holy
Prophet started to preach openly, he invited all of his family members to a feast and
announced his mission before them. Nobody listened to him, but young Ali stood up
and said. "Though my eyes are sore, my legs are thin and I am the youngest of all
those present here yet I will stand by you, 0 Messenger of Allah." Hearing this all the
leaders of Quraish laughed but Hazrat Ali proved his words to be true after
supporting the Holy Prophet in his mission from the beginning till the end.

Services of Hazrat Ali during the life of Holy Prophet:

 Acceptance of Islam

He was one of the early converts to Islam and the first child to become a Muslim.

 Night of Hijra

The night when the Holy Prophet was migrating to Medina, his house was
surrounded by the bloodthirsty tribesmen, who had plotted to assassinate him. They
were ready to kill any person who came out of the house. In such a situation, the
Holy Prophet asked Hazrat Ali (R.A.) to sleep in his bed. He followed the command
gladly and immediately jumped in the bed.

 Returning of the valuables

Although the Makkans did not accept his mission, they considered the Holy Prophet
the most trustworthy man of Mecca and continued keeping their trusts (cash and
gold etc.) with him. It was Hazrat Ali (R.A.) to whom the Holy Prophet gave the
deposits and valuables to return to the owners, when he was leaving Makkah for
Madina. Hazrat Ali migrated to Medina after returning the deposits.
 Marriage with Prophet’s daughter
Hazrat Ali was very close to the Holy Prophet, and the closeness was changed to a
permanent relationship when he married his most beloved daughter, Hazrat Fatimah
to Hazrat Ali and he became the Prophet’ son in law.
 Progeny of Holy Prophet
Hazrat Ali also had the distinguished honour that the progeny of the Holy Prophet
continued through Hazrat Ali’s sons from Fatimah namely Hazrat Hasan and Husain
(R.A.). The two children were the most beloved of the Holy Prophet.

 Paired with the Prophet

There is a great sign of his closeness to the Holy Prophet that he was paired with the
Prophet when Ansar and Muhajirin were paired.
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 Battle of Badr
In the first battle of Islam at Badr, he was holding the flag of Islamic army. When
three famous warriors of Quraish challenged the Muslims, according to Arab
tradition, Hazrat Ali along with Hazrat Hamzah and Abu Ubaidah accepted the
challenge. He killed his opponent, Walid only with one thrust of his sword and cut
him in two pieces. Then he helped Hazrat Abu Ubaidah to kill the next Quraishi
warrior.
 Battle of Uhad
In the battle of Uhud when Hazrat Mus'ab bin ‘Umair, the bearer of the Islamic
standard, was martyred, it was Hazrat Ali who held it up. Seeing this one of the non-
believers, Abu Saad challenged him. Hazrat Ali attacked him and he fell down on the
ground naked. Hazrat Ali felt pity on him and left him in that condition.
 Battle of Trench
In the battle of the Trench, all-Arabia fame warrior, Abdood challenged the Muslims
after jumping on his horse across the trench. Nobody dared to accept his challenge
except Hazrat Ali. The Holy Prophet warned Ali about Abdood but Hazrat Ali insisted
on going and fighting with him. Then the Holy Prophet gave him his famous sword
"Dhulfiqar" and put a turban on his head before he went to fight with Abdood. A few
minutes later people saw Abdood’s head was cut off from his body by Hazrat Ali.
 Treaty of Hudaibiyah
When the people of Makkah became ready for treaty, so the Holy Prophet called
Hazrat Ali to write this treaty.

 The title of Asadullah

In the battle of Khaibar against Jews, the Muslims tried to conquer the strongest
Jewish fort, Qumus, but were not successful in the beginning. Then the Holy Prophet
said, "I will give the command and the standard tomorrow to such a brave person
who loves Allah and His Prophet and whom Allah and His Prophet love. Everybody
was desiring to be that fortunate man. The next morning the Holy Prophet called Ali
who was sick and his eyes were sore. The Holy Prophet applied his finger, wet with
his saliva, over the eyes of Ali (R.A.) and they were cured immediately. Then he
gave the standard, and advised him. "First of all call them towards Islam. Even if one
man is guided towards Islam because of you, it would be better than red camels.
Following the advice of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Ali invited the Jews towards Islam.
Instead of accepting the right path they sent their commander Marhab, the great
warrior of Arabia and one of the bravest men of his time. He challenged Hazrat Ali to
fight. Hazrat Ali accepted the challenge and slew him in one attack. So due to his
bravery he was given this title means the lion of Allah.
 Tabuk Expedition
When the Holy Prophet went to the expedition of Tabuk in 9 A.H, He left Hazrat Ali in
charge of Medina. On this some hypocrites remarked that the Holy Prophet did not
like Hazrat Ali. On this the Holy Prophet remarked, "You are in the same position in
relation to me as Aaron (Haroon) was with relation to Moses”.
 Hazrat Ali the great scholar of Islam
Hazrat Ali was not only a great warrior but a great scholar as well. The Holy Prophet
said about him, I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate." He was one of the
great jurists among the Companions
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 Burial of Holy Prophet

He was the great companion of Holy Prophet who washed and buried the Prophet’s
body in the grave.

Appointed of Hazrat Ali as the fourth caliph of Islam:

After the assassination of Hazrat Uthman, the insurgents (rebels) virtually controlled
the Capital and Madinah remained without any proper government for three days.
Afterwards the insurgents approached Hazrat Ali to be the caliph. Hazrat Ali first
declined to bear the responsibility of this great office and he wanted to approach
Hazrat Talha and Hazrat Zubair to select the caliph. He wanted to take pledge of
loyalty (Bai'at) at the hands of any of these two gentlemen. But at the end, he
decided to put the matter before Muslim public in the Mosque of the Holy Prophet.
Most of the Companions in Medina considered him, to be the fittest person for
"Khilafat" He then agreed to take the responsibility and gave his consent. On 21st
Dhul-Hijjah 35 A.H. pledge of loyalty took place at the hands of Hazrat Ali (R.A). First
of all the leading insurgents took the pledge of loyalty on his hands, followed by the
general public, at Medina. Hazrat Talha and Zubair (R.A.) did not want to take a
pledge (Bai'at) until the case of Hazrat Uthman assassination was decided. However
they took the pledge of loyalty at Hazrat Ali’s hands, on the condition: "You have to
decide matters according to the Holy Qur'an and Sunnah and would punish the guilty
according to Islamic Law." Hazrat Ali agreed to their conditions. The majority of the
Muslims in Medina took pledge at the hands of Hazrat Ali.

Main activities of Hazrat Ali during his caliphate

 Dismissal of governors
In the opinion of Hazrat Ali the governors appointed by Hazrat Uthman (R.A.) were
basically responsible for all the events. They did not pay much attention to check the
subversive activities of the insurgents. So he dismissed all the governors appointed
by Hadrat Uthman. One of them was Hazrat Muawiya.
 Battle of camel: 35 AH, 656 AD
After the assassination of Hazrat Uthman, some members of his family went to
Hazrat Aysha, who was in Mecca to perform the Hajj. They and a number of
Medinites informed her about the tragedy while she was on her way from Mecca to
Medina after the Hajj. Hearing the news of assassination of Hazrat Uthman she
returned to Mecca and appealed to the people over there to avenge the death of
Hazrat Uthman (R.A.). Hundreds of people including the governor of Mecca came
out at Hazrat Aisha's call.
In the meantime Hazrat Talha and Zubair demanded Hazrat Ali to punish the
assassins. He told them, "Please wait. I will do my duty as soon as conditions allow
me." Hazrat Talha and Zubair were not satisfied with Hazrat Ali’s reply and they
began to oppose his polices as they wanted urgent steps against insurgents and left
Madinah for Mecca to join Hazrat Aisha. When Hazrat Aisha was about to march to
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Madina, proposals came to visit Basrah first. She decided to go to Basrah and it was
occupied by Hazrat Aisha and her supporters. The capture of Basrah by Hazrat
Aisha made the situation very grave. The Islamic state was really on the verge of
serious civil war. Hazrat Ali never wanted to start war against the Muslims but the
internal situation at that time compelled him to do so. War was unavoidable. He
decided to march on to Basrah with the army of 10000. The two sides met near
Basra and attempted to settle their differences peacefully. But extremist supporters
among them provoked a fight and this grew into a battle around the camel which
carried Hazrat Aysha's litter. Hazrat Talha and Zubair were killed, after the defeat;
Hazrat Aysha was conducted back to Madinah, with the escort due to being a wife of
the Holy Prophet. The battle ended in favour of Hazrat Ali and he appointed a new
governor for Basra.
 Change of Capital

Hazrat Ali (R.A.) was very much grieved on seeing the disrespect of the "Haram"
(Forbidden Place) of Medina when the insurgents laid siege to the late Khalifah's
house and then assassinated him. He wanted to change the Capital to save Medina
from future political disturbance. After staying for a few days at Basrah, Hazrat Ali
went to Kufa. There he was given a warm welcome. He got more supporters at Kufa
and thought it to be a more suitable place as the Capital of his Khilafat. Therefore in
Rajab 36 A.H., he decided to transfer the capital from Medina to Kufa.
 Battle of Siffin: 37 AH, 657 AD
There was a clash between Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Muawiya because Hazrat
Muawiyah refused to take Baiyat to Hazrat Ali on the grounds that the murder of
Hazrat Uthman be first avenged and Qisas be announced. So they both prepared
their armies. Hazrat Ali army was 80000 and Hazrat Muawiya army was slightly
smaller and they met at Siffin in 657AD. Negotiations began and went on for many
months but failed and fierce fighting started. Fighting remained for several days with
loss of lives on both sides. Hazrat Ali’s army, being superior in strength, began to
gain ground and Hazrat Muawiya began to retreat. Hazrat Muawiya’s soldiers
brought the combat to a halt by tying pages of the Quran to their spearheads to stop
the war and decide the outcome by referring to the Quran. A section of Hazrat Ali’s
army refused to fight on and he was forced to agree on a truce. According to the
terms of the truce the disputes about the caliphate was to be referred to two
arbitrators, one from each side, which was scheduled to meet in six month time.
Hazrat Ali appointed Abu Musa Ashari and Hazrat Muawiya appointed Amr bin Aas.
An agreement was signed that both the arbitrators would decide matters in the light
of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet. Hazrat Ali left for Kufa with a
heavy heart. At this moment a sect called Kharijies means separatists or out goers,
emerged in the ranks of the Muslims.

 Battle of Nahrawan: 37 AH, 658 AD

Kharijies who were involved in the murder of Hazrat Uthman because they were the
ones who revolted against him. They were the same people who had conspired
against Islamic unity and had caused the war of camel. They were so cunning that
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they fought in the army of Hazrat Ali but in their hearts they wanted differences to
arise among the Muslims. When Hazrat Ali decided for arbitration they argued that
they wanted to fight against Hazrat Muawiya despite the agreement. When Hazrat
Ali refused to accept their demand, they separated themselves. These Kharijies
gathered at Nahrawan and had started creating problems. So Hazrat Ali marched
towards them. The Kharijies fought desperately but were outnumbered by the force
of caliph. Hazrat Ali inflicted a crushing defeat on them. Out of four thousand
Kharijies only a few dozen managed to escape, the rest were killed.

Services and policies of Hazrat Ali:

Hazrat Ali ruled the Muslim empire for about five years. The sudden emergence of
difficulties compelled him to divert his attention towards the internal problems of the
Muslim state and he proved himself a great successful ruler. Some policies are such
as:

 Continuity of Hazrat Umar’s administration:

He continued the way of administration adopted by Hazrat Umar. Once the Jews of
Najran requested to go back to Hijaz from where Hazrat Umar had exiled them, but
Hazrat Ali refused by saying, “Who can be more accurate in decision making than
Hazrat Umar”.

Watch over governors:

Hazrat Ali used to watch over the governors of different provinces strictly. While
appointing a governor, he would advise him in a strict manner. He appointed Hazrat
Kaab bin Malik to keep a watch over the governors and advised him to advance in a
group and check the behavior of the governors towards the people.

Sympathy with the masses:

The attitude of Hazrat Ali towards the masses was very kind and sympathetic. He
took great care of the poor, the needy and gave them money from Bait-ul-Mall. He
increased revenues on a large scale and helped them.

Attitude towards Minorities:

He treated the non-Muslims inhabitants very kindly and he instructed the state
officials to treat them well. During the days of the mischievous activities in Iran, he
treated them so kindly that the Iranians used to say, “By God Ali has refreshed the
era of Nowsherwan”.

Military Establishments:

He was the greatest warrior in the Islamic history and the most experienced in
warfare. He built military posts on the borders of Syria, which provided defense
against Hazrat Muawiyah when he attacked Iraq. Likewise he built castles for the
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safety of the women and children in Iran which protected them in the days of revolt in
Iran. He built a bridge on the Euphrates for war purposes.

Doctrine of warfare:

At the end of the battles of camel he announced:

 The fleeing must not be pursued.

 The wounded must not be trampled under horse feet.
 One who disarms himself will be forgiven.
 No spoils of war.

Dispensation of Justice:

He was very particular about the dispensation of justice and never distinguished
between a Muslim and a non-Muslim. He himself once appeared before the Qazi and
accepted a decision given by him against the caliph Ali himself.

Martyrdom of Hazrat Ali:

After the battle of Nahrawan, the Kharijites had become bitter enemies of Hazrat Ali
and wanted to take revenge for their friends who were killed in the battle. In 40AH,
some of the Kharijites assembled in Makkah and decided to kill Hazrat Ali, Hazrat
Muawiya and Hazrat Amr bin Aas simultaneously. Hazrat Muawiyah escaped, Hazrat
Amr was injured while Hazrat Ali who was leading the Morning Prayer in the mosque
at Kufa, Ibn Muljim attacked him with a poisoned sword. So he became serious
injured but he advised that usual revenge be taken against him. He also advised to
feed him with good food and let him sleep in a comfortable bed. He said, “If I remain
alive, I shall decide forgiveness or qisas and if I die then he should be killed only.
The wounds proved fatal and the fourth caliph of Islam died on the 21 st of Ramzan
40 AH. This event showed the strong faith of Hazrat Ali in Allah, his simple lifestyle
as he, too, like Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Uthman, was attacked unguarded and
unprotected.

First Islamic Community

Mothers of the Faithful
The wives of the Holy Prophet are called “Mothers of the Faithful or Ummahat-ul-
Muminin. They did not remarry after the death of the Prophet. As the Holy Quran has
mentioned their status: His wives are their mothers”. Their names are as below.
i. Hazrat Khadija
ii. Hazrat Sawda
iii. Hazrat Ayesha
iv. Hazrat Hafsa
v. Hazrat Zainab bint Khuzaima
vi. Hazrat Umm-e-Salma
 77

vii. Hazrat Zainab bint Jahsh

viii. Hazrat Juwairiyah
ix. Hazrat Ramlah (Umm-e-Habiba)
x. Hazrat Safiya
xi. Hazrat Maimunah
Hazrat Khadija
Her early life:
Hazrat Khadija, also known as Tahira, or the pure was the daughter of Khauwalid bin
Asad and Fatima. Her father who was a successful businessman and a chief of
family had left her a large fortune. She had been married to Abu Hala and was the
mother of two sons (Hala and Hind). As such Hazrat Khadija was also known as
Umm-e-Hind. After the death of her first husband she was married to Ateeq, who
died leaving her a widow again. She had a daughter from him who was named
Hindah. After the death of her father in the battle of Fujjar, Hazrat Khadija needed
the services of an honest person to manage her trade. So she heard about Hazrat
Muhammad as Sadiq and Ameen, and requested him to take her merchandise to
Syria accompanied by her slave Maisra. When the Holy Prophet returned with a
double profit, Maisra told all that he observed in Muhammad. She was much
impressed and made an offer of marriage to him through Nafeesa. Holy Prophet
accepted this proposal after the consultation with his uncle, Abu Talib. Abu Talib
delivered the khutbah of ceremony. Amount of Mahr (endowment) was 20 camels
(500 dirham). At that time Holy Prophet was 25 years old while Hazrat Khadija was
40 years old but the couple led a very happy and successful life. All of the children of
the Holy Prophet (except Ibraheem) were born of her means four daughters and two
sons.
Services for Islam:
Marriage with Hazrat Khadija opened a new chapter in the life of the Holy Prophet as
it brought him emotional and financial stability.
 Hazrat Khadiha gave him time to meditate and worship the lord of the
universe.
 After the first revelation when he came back home shaken from the
experience, she comforted him saying that Allah would not disgrace him as he
helped the widows and looked after the orphans and the needy.
 She took him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufil who further assured him that he
was ordained by Allah to be His messenger
 She was the first person to accept Islam without any hesitation, which helped
him in its early years.
 She also suffered for his cause and accompanied him in the social boycott.
 When the Holy Prophet was tortured, Quraish made fun of his religion, and he
lost hope but Hazrat Khadija used to console, comfort and encourage him at
all times of hardships.
 She always stood by the Prophet’s side through all the thick and thin times,
which helped to strengthen his stand against oppositions.
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 Hazrat Khadija placed all her wealth at the disposal, so that he did not have to
worry about financial matters as the Holy Quran acknowledged this in surah
Al-Dhuha: “We made you independent when you were needy”.
 In 619 AD, at the age of 65, soon after the socio-economic boycott ended,
Hazrat Khadija died. The Holy Prophet was so saddened by this loss that he
termed the year as the “Year of grief” (Aam-ul-Huzn). His words about her
were, “She believed in me when others disbelieved, and confirmed my
truthfulness when others called me a liar”
On another occasion, he said: “Aisha! Khadija’s love was given to me by
Allah; never did Allah give me a better wife than Khadija”.

Hazrat Sawdah:
Her early life:
Her name was Sawdah bint Zama’a and her mother name was Shamoos. She
belonged to a famous Quraish tribe, Amr bin Lvee. Before her marriage with the Holy
Prophet, she was married to Sakran, a distant relative of her. She and her husband
accepted Islam during the days of its inception and participated in the second
migration to Abyssinia by the Muslims. They returned to Makkah after many years
and she was left alone when her husband died in Makkah. As she was the only
Muslim in her family which had turned against her, she needed help and protection.
After the death of Hazrat Khadija, the Holy Prophet too felt greatly disturbed and
lonely. For him the upbringing of his children was an important issue. Under these
circumstances, Hazrat Khaulah suggested to the Holy Prophet to get married to
Hazrat Sawdah. She went to the father of Hazrat Sawdah with a marriage proposal
on behalf of the Holy Prophet, which he accepted. The marriage took place in the
month of Ramazan in the tenth year of prophethood. So she became the 2 nd wife of
the Holy Prophet. In marrying this lady, the Prophet had the consideration that an
early convert to Islam may be helped and honoured.
Her services for Islam:
 She did not have any children by Hazrat Muhammad, but she had a son
named Abd-ur-Rahman, by the former husband who was martyred in the
battle of Jalula.
 When the Prophet divided his time equally among all his wives according to
the command of the justice enjoined by the Holy Quran, Hazrat Sawdah gave
up her turn in favour of Hazrat Ayesha.
 She migrated to Madinah in the first year of the Hijrat.
 Her dwelling and Hazrat Ayesha were the first to be built in the mosque.
 She also had another merit to her credit, she offered Hajj in the company of
the Holy Prophet.
 There are five traditions quoted by her, one of which is also mentioned in
Sahih Bukhari.
She died in the 22nd year of the Hijrat towards the end of the khalifat of Hazrat Umar.
She was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi.
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Hazrat Ayesha
Her early life:
Her name Ayesha bint Abu Bakr, title was Siddiqah and Humairah and surname was
Umm-e-Abdullah. Her mother name was Hazrat Umm-e-Romaan. She was born in
the month of Shawwal, four years after the proclamation of the Prophethood and for
this reason she used to say that she found her parents Muslims since her birth. She
was taught by her parents and became a well-educated lady from an early age.
Shortly before migration to Madinah, the Holy Prophet married her. At the time of
marriage was ten years old. On attaining maturity, her marriage was solemnized in
Madinah. It was her first marriage.
Her services for Islam:
 Hazrat Ayesha was a very chaste wife of the Holy Prophet that her chastity
has been described in the Holy Quran.
 She also cause easiness in Islam as the verse of earth purification was
revealed at an incident to her which was the losing of her necklace.
 In the battle of Uhad, she served water to the wounded.
 She also accompanied the Holy Prophet in several battles as well as the
Farewell Hajj.
 During the last sickness, the Holy Prophet decided to remain in the apartment
of Hazrat Ayesha, so she had the honour to nurse him and comfort him in his
last moment.
 Holy Prophet breathed his last in her lap and her apartment and there he was
buried.
 She lived rest of her life in the same apartment where the Holy Prophet was
buried, this shows her love for him.
 Hazrat Ayesha was a very learned lady, who composed most of the private
life of the Holy Prophet.
 She also narrated about 2210 hadiths of the Holy Prophet.
 She had an excellent memory that she became the source of knowledge for
the companions even the senior companions used to consult her for important
issues.
 Hazrat Abu Musa said: “We never faced any difficulty on which when we
enquired from Hazrat Ayesha and did not get information relating to it”.
 She enjoyed a distinctive position as an interpreter of religious issues and a
jurist of Sunnah and Shariah as Imam Zuhri said: “If the knowledge of all men
and the wives of the Prophet were put together, the knowledge of Ayesha
would exceed it all”.
 She remained a leading figure in the community after the Prophet’s death.
 She was disagreed with Hazrat Ali she sided with Hazrat Talha and Hazrat
Zubair. After they were killed at the battle of the camel she retired and lived
quietly in Madinah.
She passed away at the age of seventy three in 58 AH and was buried in Jannat-ul-
Baqi in Madinah.
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Hazrat Hafsa:
Her early life:
Her name was Hafsa bint Umar and mother name was Zainab. She was the sister of
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar. She was born five years before the proclamation of
prophethood by Hazrat Muhammad. She was first married to Khunais. Hazrat Hafsa
became a Muslim along with her parents and her husband. Both were the earliest
converts to Islam who faced persecution and torture so they first migrated to
Abyssinia and then to Madinah. Khunais took part in the battle of Badr in which he
was martyred, leaving no issue. After the prescribed period of Iddat was over, the
Holy Prophet expressed his desire to marry Hazrat Hafsa with a view to
strengthening his ties with Hazrat Umar and his tribe. So she became the fourth wife
of the Holy Prophet.
Services for Islam:
 Her knowledge of religious matter was very sound.
 Her thirst for knowledge ranks second to Hazrat Ayesha.
 She spent much of her time in reading and writing.
 Holy Prophet had instructed her in religion and other related topics and as a
result she became a teacher, guide and an authority on complicated matters.
 She narrated at least 60 traditions which she heard from the Holy Prophet and
her father.
 She memorized the Holy Quran by heart.
 She lived with the Prophet for eight years.
 She was quick tempered like her father, and revelation came after the honey
incident where she told the prophet his mouth didn’t smell good after eating
honey.
 The first copy of the Quran, which was prepared in the caliphate of Hazrat
Abu Bakr, was kept with her for safe custody after the martyrdom of her father
and this copy became very famous with her name and known as Mushaf-e-
Hafsa. This shows her important position in the eyes of the companions.
 Later on, the Holy Quran was standardized from the copy of Hazrat Hafsa and
this shows her significant role in the standardization of the Holy Quran.
 She took great care to preserve Quran and save it from corruption.
She died in 45 AD and was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi, at the time of her death she
asked her brother Abdullah to distribute all her wealth to the poor and needy.

Hazrat Umm-e-Salama:
Her early life:
Her real name was Hind. She was the daughter of Abu Umayya of the Makhzoom
tribe. Hazrat Umm-e-Salama husband was Abdullah. She was known Umm-e-
Salama because of her son Salama. Both husband and wife were among the first
persons to accept Islam. They were persecuted and suffered a lot. They migrated to
Abyssinia. When they heard that the persecutions had stopped they returned to
Makkah. Later they decided to migrate to Madinah, but her family stopped her. Abu
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Salma left her behind and migrated, she joined him a year later. Abu Salma was
mortally wounded in the battle of Badr and died after a long illness. She was a
modest and faithful woman, and used to wonder how she could ever find a husband
better than Abu Salma. Then the Holy Prophet proposed her and married her in 626
AD.
‫اللھم اجرنی فی مصیبتی واخلف لی خیرا منھا‬
Her services for Islam:
 Holy Prophet loved her very much and the other wives often used her as their
spokesperson.
 Holy Prophet consulted her in some matters such as at the time of the Treaty
of Hudaibiyah, the Muslims were greatly disappointed. Hazrat Umm-e-Salama
suggested to the Prophet about the advisability of shaving his head and
offering sacrifices.
 She accompanied the Holy Prophet in the conquest of Khyber as well as the
final Pilgrimage.
 She was also wise and learned woman and used to instruct Muslim women in
religious matters.
 She narrated about 378 hadiths of the Holy Prophet.
 Her style of recitation was like the Holy Prophet.
 About her knowledge, the historians say: “The wives of the Holy Prophet were
treasuries of the knowledge but Hazrat Ayesha and Hazrat Umm-e-Salama
had no equal”.
She died last among all the mothers of faithful in 63 AD at the age of 84 and was
buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi in Madinah.

Hazrat Abu Talib:

His early life:
He was the uncle of the Holy Prophet and father of Hazrat Ali. After the death of
Abdul Muttalib, Abu Talib was given the charge of Rifadha or collection of an annual
poor-tax from the Quraish in order to entertain the poor pilgrims. He was a highly
respected noble of the Quraish. On the death of Abdul Muttalib, the Holy Prophet
came under the care of his loving uncle Abu Talib at about the age of 8 years.
Services for Islam:
 He loved him both as a father and mother. He gave precedence to
Muhammad over his own sons. This care and protection has been mentioned
in the Holy Quran in these words: “Did He not find you an orphan and give
you shelter and care”.
 In the beginning the Holy Prophet was entrusted with the tending of the goats
and sheep in the neighbouring hills and later he accompanied him in trade
visits to Syria and other places. These journeys helped the Holy Prophet to
observe and assimilate the experiences in trading, meeting the varied
characters and seeing the culture of different countries.
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 He was very conscious when he heard from Bahira to protect him from the
Jews. So he gave the Prophet Clan Protection and it was withdrawn after he
died.
 Abu Talib played an important role in Muhammad’s marriage with Khadija.
Holy Prophet accepted the proposal after the consultation with his uncle and
Abu Talib made all the arrangements.
 When a delegation of the most influential people of Makkah went to Abu Talib
asking him to stop his nephew from speaking ill of their religion or to hand him
over them. So he called the Prophet and explained his difficulty. Then the
Holy Prophet said: “O my uncle! If they place the sun on my right hand and
the moon on my left to renounce my work, I would not stop until Allah fulfills it
for me, or destroys me in the process”. Then Abu Talib said to his nephew:
“You may go and do whatever you like. I will never withdraw my protection
from you and will never let you down”.
 When the Makkan imposed a social boycott on the Banu Hashim it was Abu
Talib who took the whole clan to his gorge outside Makkah. This was known
as the Shi’b-e-Abi Talib and the Banu Hashim stayed there for about three
years. So he suffered a lot.
 Due to his services the year in which Abu Talib died is called by the Holy
Prophet “the year of grief” (Aam-ul-Huzn).
 After the death of Abu Talib, the Holy Prophet had no official to grant him
shelter and the Quraish dared to plan an assassination of the Prophet,
something they wouldn’t have dared in Abu Talib’s lifetime. So the Prophet
had to leave Makkah and migrate to Madinah.
Hazrat Bilal:
Introduction:
His complete name was Bilal bin Rabi. He was the slave of Umayyah bin Khalf. He
was among the earliest group of people, who attracted by the teachings of Holy
Prophet. He embraced Islam after Hazrat Abu Bakr. Once when Hazrat Abu Bakr
saw Hazrat Bilal being tortured, he purchased him from his master and set him free.
Services for Islam:
 He suffered many cruelties at the hands of pagans upon his conversion, but
displayed remarkable self-control and patience.
 His master was the greatest tormentor. He would make him lie on the
scorching sand of the desert with a huge stone on his chest so that he could
not move. He would then ask him to renounce Islam. But even under such
torment, he would say: Ahad, Ahad (Allah is one, Allah is one).
 After migration to Madinah, when the system of call to prayers by azan was
introduced, the Holy Prophet chose him to deliver the azan from Masjid-e-
Nabawi. Therefore, he was called the first muezzin of Islam and the Prophet’s
muezzin.
 He was a very courageous warrior. He took part in almost all the battles
fought during the life of the Holy Prophet.
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 In the battle of Badr, he fought bravely and killed his former master who used
t torture him mercilessly in Makkah.
 After the conquest of Makkah, he had the honour of calling out the azan from
the roof of the Kaba.
 He was entrusted with the public treasury by the Holy Prophet because of his
honesty and integrity.
 After the death of Holy Prophet he requested to Hazrat Abu Bakr to relieve
him of the duty because he could not bear the absence of his prophet and
would burst into tears.
 During the caliphate of Hazrat Umar, he accompanied Abu Ubaidah on the
campaign to Syria.
 Hazrat Umar always used to say: “Hazrat Abu Bakr is that man who set our
leader free and he always called him as my master even during the time of his
caliphate. This shows the significance of him amongst the companions of the
Holy Prophet.
During the last phase of his life, he disassociated himself from public life and passed
his days in isolation. He died in about 18 AH and is buried in Damascus, where now
a mosque marks his grave.
The Holy Prophet said: “I heard the footsteps of Bilal in Paradise”.

Two grandsons of the Holy Prophet:

Hazrat Hassan:
His early life:
He was the son of Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima and the elder of the two grandsons
of the Holy Prophet. He belonged to Banu Hashim tribe. He was born in Madinah on
the 1st of Ramazan. Soon after the birth, the Prophet named him Hassan, the
beautiful one. He is also known as “Shabbar” which in the Hebrew language means
handsome. Holy Prophet performed his rituals of Aqiqa on the 7 th day. He
slaughtered two rams and donated silver equal to the weight of his hair. He was
brought up under an ideal atmosphere of the Holy Prophet and his parents. When he
was eight years old, the Holy Prophet passed away and after six months his mother
also passed away. The remaining years of his childhood were spent under the
guidance of his father.
Services for Islam:
 Holy Prophet used to make him sit by his side and used to teach him Holy
Quran, which he memorized.
 Holy Prophet loved him very much once he said: “O Allah I love him so I
beseech you to love him”. This shows the importance of Hazrat Hassan in the
eyes of Holy Prophet.
 When Hazrat Usman was besieged and the supply of food and water was
stopped, Hazrat Hassan risked his own life and used to bring food and water
for him. In his attempt to save him, he sustained several injuries.
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 During the caliphate of his father, he stood by his side in the battles of Camel
and Siffin.
 After the death of Hazrat Ali, he saved the Muslims from another civil war by
handing over the caliphate to Hazrat Muawiyah, who belonged to Umayyah
tribe.
 He signed the peace treaties with Hazrat Muawiyah to save the Muslims from
fighting each other because Umayyad wanted to get the seat of caliphate.
 His sacrifice was also prophesied by the Holy Prophet who said: “This leader-
son of mine will bring reconciliation between two major groups of the
Muslims”.

Death:
He settled in Madinah due to constant threat from Umayyad and finally He died in
the year 670 AD, mysteriously and many believe that Umayyads had conspired his
death by enticing his wife Jadan to poison him to secure power as he was
considered the main obstacle in their way. He was buried in Madinah.

Hazrat Hussain:
His early life:
Hazrat Hussain was born to Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima on Thursday, the 3rd
Shaban in the fourth year of the Hijrat. At the time of his birth, the Holy Prophet was
out of Madinah on an expedition. Immediately after his birth, Hazrat Fatima became
ill and the baby was given to Umm-e-Fazl for nursing. According to Hazrat Anas:
“There was no one resembling the Holy Prophet more than Hussain”. He was a great
source of joy to his grandfather, who is reported to have said: “Hussain belongs to
me and I to him. May Allah love him who loves Hussain”.
Sacrifice for Islam:
In 60 AD after the death of Hazrat Muawiyah, his son Yazid succeeded him as the
next ruler. Hazrat Hussain refused to take the oath of allegiance to him, as he was
not a suitable person for this seat. So he left Madinah for Makkah as he did not want
bloodshed. The people of Kufa asked him to come there where they will take oath of
allegiance to him and make him caliph. He sent his cousin Hazrat Muslim bin Aqeel
to assess the situation, who was received with warm welcome by the people of Kufa,
and they assured him their support. He told Hazrat Hussain about their good
treatment. Therefore, he left along with his family to Kufa but the situation became
worse as his cousin was assassinated. People deserted Hazrat Hussain that he was
left with his family and only 72 his supporters against 4000 strong army. Yazid’s
forces intercepted and forced him to stay at Karbala, besieged them and cut off the
water supply. The fierce battle took place in which the followers of him were
martyred. So, on 10th of Muharram 61AH, 680 AD, Hazrat Hussain sacrificed his life
in the way of truth.
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Lessons for Muslims in his sacrifice:

 The tragedy of the death of Hazrat Hussain carries a lesson as he could have
saved himself, his friends and family by giving allegiance to Yazid, but he
stood firm to his principles and ultimately sacrificed himself.
 Hazrat Hussain had the support of only a small band of people, yet he won an
everlasting victory over the forces of evils.
 Hazrat Hussain initiated war against evil and refused to take the oath of
allegiance to that authority. It shows that Muslims should never submit to any
authority which goes against the Divine Law.
 He devoted his whole life for the cause of Islam. He did not agree with his
brother that one should adopt a life of seclusion and should not take one’s
due part in the battle between the right and the wrong.
 He was very regular in his prayers and performed optional worship
passionately. This could be assessed from the fact that he spent the last night
of his life in Karbala worshipping his Lord.
 In spite of being helplessly besieged by the enemy along with members of his
family, relatives and friends, but he did not give up his principles of truth and
did not surrender to unjust rule. Thus he lived, fought and sacrificed his life for
truth and righteousness.
Due to strong qualities of both, they were praised by the Holy Prophet.
As he said:
“O Allah I am kind to them, you also be merciful upon them”.
“Hassan and Hussain are my fragrance in this world”.
“Hassan and Hussain are leaders of the youth in Paradise”.

Hazrat Zaid bin Sabit:

His introduction:
Hazrat Zaid bin Sabit was the principal scribe of the Holy Prophet. He belonged to
the Khazraj tribe. He had accepted Islam before the Holy Prophet’s migration to
Madinah. He was eleven years old when he accepted Islam.

Services for Islam:

 Hazrat Zaid bin Sabit was one of the Ahl-e-Suffah, spending all of his time in
the company of the Prophet.
 Due to his sharp memory and extraordinary intelligence, the messenger of
Allah chose him for special tasks such as the writing down of the Holy Quran
and thus he was counted amongst the senior most of the scribes of the
revelation.
 He also had most of the Quran with him in written form.
 He memorized the Quran with such grace that even the Holy Prophet used to
ask him to recite it.
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 He also served as the secretary of the Messenger of Allah until he passed

away.
 Bestowed with gift of mastery over languages, the Messenger of Allah
instructed him to learn Hebrew, Persian and Coptic languages and he
became a scholar of the Torah and Injil.
 He wanted to participate in the battle of Badr but the Prophet did not allow
him due to his young age.
 He was an active participant in the battle of Uhad, in the battle of Trench as
well as other battles.
 He narrated 92 hadiths from the Holy Prophet.
 Hazrat Abu Bakr retained his position as a scribe and included him in his
Shoora (Advisory Council).
 He participated in the battles against the false prophets and was injured in the
battle of Yamama against Musailma the liar.
 He was appointed the head of the team that began the compilation of the Holy
Quran during the reign of Hazrat Abu Bakr.
 He also served as scribe to the second caliph who appointed him the Qazi of
Madinah and member of Shoora.
 Whenever Hazrat Umar left Madinah, Hazrat Zaid was appointed as acting
caliph.
 During the reign of Hazrat Usman it was decided that a standard manuscript
of the Holy Quran be prepared. So he was the part of that team.
 Hazrat Usman also appointed him as the head of the Bait-ul-Maal.
He died at the age of 56 in about 45 AH. He is called “Rahber-e-Umma” (Guide of
the Ummah). When Hazrat Zaid died, Hazrat Abu Hurairah said: Today, the scholar
of this Ummah has died.

Hazrat Abu Sufyan:

His early life:
 His name was Sakhr bin Harb and was born ten years before the Holy
Prophet in the Quraishite tribe of Banu Umayya and was the chief of his own
clan Abd Shams.
 Abu Sufyan, like his kinsmen, opposed the Holy Prophet, though he was not
as active in his enmity as others.
 He was basically a trader and amassed a great fortune during his journeys to
Syria and Yemen.
 It was on the return of one of these journeys in 2 AH when he feared an attack
by the Muslims at Madinah. He sent for military help to Makkah, which
resulted in the battle of Badr.
 When in the battle of Badr many of the leaders of the Quraish were killed, Abu
Sufyan was elected as their leader.
 He lost his father-in-law (Utba) and son (Hanzalah) in the battle of Badr.
 He led Makkan army in the battle of Uhad and after it he vowed to fight again
and the next time they met at the battle of Trench but failed to impress his
countrymen in any of these.
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 Due to this fact, he withdrew from open opposition against the Muslims and
this charge was given to Ikrama bin Abu Jahl and others. Hence he was not
involved in the Treaty of Hudaibiyah.
 When the Holy Prophet sent a letter to the emperor of Rome, at that time Abu
Syfyan was doing business there. Heraclius called him, he spoke very high of
the Prophet which deeply impressed the king. This shows his great
truthfulness.
 He tried to renew the Treaty of Hudaibiyah when it was breached by the allies
of Quraish.
 He privately accepted Islam before the Conquest of Makkah.
 At the time of Conquest of Makkah, the Holy Prophet made his house a place
of security for the Quraish.
Services for Islam:
 He took part in the battle of Hunain and the siege of Taif, where he fought
gallantly alongside the Holy Prophet, losing one of his eyes in the combat.
 He participated also in the battle of Yarmuk, though not in actual combat as
he was nearly 70.
 His other eye was also blinded in this war.
 His daughter Ramla (Umm-e-Habiba) is amongst the mothers of the faithful.
 He related over a hundred hadiths of the Holy Prophet.
He died at the age of 83 in 32 AH, 653 AD.

Hazrat Hamza:
His early life:
Hazrat Hamza, the son of Abdul Muttalib was the uncle of the Holy Prophet. He was
born about four years before the birth of the Holy Prophet’s birth. He was also foster
brother of the Holy Prophet, having been suckled by Thuwaybah. He was a
respected warrior in the Banu Hashim. Hazrat Hamza was very fond of wrestling and
hunting and excellent in the arts of swordsmanship and archery. Once he heard from
someone that Abu Jahl has abused his nephew, so he rushed to the Kaba where
Abu Jahl was sitting and struck him with his bow on the head and said I believe in his
religion whom you oppose, so he accepted Islam.
Services for Islam:
 His conversion, like Hazrat Umar’s, was morale boosting for the Muslims
because of his merit and respect as a warrior and strong person of Makkah.
 After accepting Islam he became a source of support for the Holy Prophet.
 After his acceptance of Islam he gave up hunting and wrestling and devoted
his time and energy to the cause of Islam.
 At the time of migration he also migrated to Madinah with other Muslims.
 In the second year of Hijrat the Holy Prophet sent thirty men to check the
caravan of the unbelievers of Makkah under the command of Hazrat Hamza
so he had the honour of being entrusted with the banner of Islam for the first
time in Islamic history.
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 During the battle of Badr he killed many unbelievers including their great
warriors including Hind’s father Utba.
 In the battle of Uhad, Hinda, the wife of Abu Sufyan deputed Wahshi bin Harb,
a slave of Hinda, to kill Hazrat Hamza in return for his freedom and a
handsome reward to take revenge of her father. After the martyrdom of Hazrat
Hamza by Wahsi, Hinda cut out the liver from his body and tried to chew it.
Then she cut off the nose and ears of the dead body and made a necklace of
them.
 The Holy Prophet led the funeral prayers for all the martyrs of Uhad including
Hazrat Hamza and gave him the title of “Chief of the Martyrs”.

Hazrat Amina bint Wahab:

She was the mother of the Holy Prophet. She was married to the Holy Prophet’s
father Abdullah a few months before the Year of Elephant. Throughout her
pregnancy she spoke of an inner light. In a vision, she was told to name her child
“Ahmad”. She loved him very much, and believed that she had been granted a
blessed child.
When the Holy Prophet was about six, she took him along to visit her family in Yasrib
for a few months, as well as her husband’s grave. These were perhaps the happiest
days of his childhood. Forty-seven years later when he migrated to Madinah, he
would recall how he used to play with other children, and how he learnt to swim in
the Banu Najjar. On the way back, she died and was buried at Abwa, perhaps the
grave of her husband had rekindled a grief that overcame her. Holy Prophet used to
visit her grave and wept there.

Hazrat Halima Sadia:

She belonged to the Banu Sa’d clan of the Hawazin tribe, hence her title was
“Sadia”. The Banu Sa’d was known for the purity of Arabic language. According to
the custom of the rich Makkan families, the Holy Prophet was entrusted to Halima,
his foster mother. This was a source of good fortune for her as the barren land
sprouted grass and the lean animals came back to them satisfied and full of milk.
She asked to keep the Prophet for longer than the initial two year period which was
accepted by his mother. Then she was shaken by the story of the two angels who
came to clean the Prophet’s heart, after which she returned the Prophet to his
mother at the age of 6 years. There, the harsh climate with open and fresh air
toughened the physique of the Holy Prophet. Moreover, he got familiar with pure and
refined Arabic language. As he would later say proudly; “Verily I am the most perfect
Arab amongst you, my descent is from the Quraish and my dialect is that of the Banu
Sa’d”. The Holy Prophet always expressed his love and respect for Halima, during
his later years by calling her as “My mother”. Even when he was married, he used to
help her financially. One day when she came, the Holy Prophet spread his cloak for
her to sit on. She passed away while he was at Madinah, but he used to pay great
respect to her daughter, Sheema, who was also his foster sister.
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Ten Blessed Companions: (Ashra Mubashara)

They were known by this name because they got the good news of heaven in their
lifetime. They were the earliest convert and the close companions of the Holy
Prophet who supported him physically and financially for his mission throughout his
life. These are;
 Hazrat Abu Bakr
 Hazrat Umar
 Hazrat Usman
 Hazrat Ali
 Hazrat Talha
 Hazrat Zubair
 Hazrat Abu Ubaida
 Hazrat Abd-ur-Rahman
 Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqas
 Hazrat Saeed bin Zaid
Hazrat Talha:
His introduction:
Hazrat Talha was a grand nephew of Hazrat Abu Bakr. He was born twenty five
years before Hijrat. He belonged to the family of Quraish. He accepted Islam at the
invitation of Hazrat Abu Bakr and was amongst the earliest converts.
Services for Islam:
 After the acceptance of Islam he suffered many persecutions by the pagans
but he bore all these patiently.
 He was very brave person and took part in all the battles, except the battle of
Badr, as he had been sent by the Holy Prophet on a mission outside Madinah.
 He saved the life of the Holy Prophet in the battle of Uhad, making his own
body a shield to protect him from the swords and spears of his attackers.
While saving the Prophet received 70 wounds and lost two of his fingers. For
his bravery, he earned the title of “Living Martyr” as the Holy Prophet said:
“Whosoever is pleased to see a martyr on the surface of the earth, let him
look at Talha bin Ubaidullah”.
 He was present at the time of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah.
 His bravery resulted in victory for the Muslims in the battle of Hunain.
 He also helped the Muslims by providing financial aid during different battles
as he got the titles Talha al-Khair (Talha the benevolent) and Talha al- Fayyaz
(the generous) by the Holy Prophet at the time of Tabuk Expedition.
 Holy Prophet himself arranged his marriage with his sister in law, Hamnah
bint Jahash. This shows his closeness with the Prophet.
 During the caliphate of both Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar, he was a
member of the Islamic Council and advised them on problems of the state.
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 Talha was one of the six companions who were chosen by Hazrat Umar to be
appointed as caliph after his death. He was not present at the time of election,
but swore allegiance to Hazrat Usman after returning to Madinah.
 He disagreed with Hazrat Ali over the delay of punishment to Hazrat Usman’s
assassins.
 Hazrat Talha was martyred in the caliphate of Hazrat Ali by the rebels.
Hazrat Zubair:
Introduction:
He belonged to the clan of Banu Asad and was the nephew of Hazrat Khadija. He
embraced Islam at the age of 14 years. According to traditions, he was the fifth
person who recognized Hazrat Muhammad as the prophet.
Services for Islam:
 When he accepted Islam his uncle became his enemy. He would wrap him in
a mattress and light a fire around him. In this condition, when he would choke
of smoke, his uncle would ask him to give up the faith. “No never”, Zubair
would reply him firmly.
 Once a rumour was spread in Makkah that the Holy Prophet had been
apprehended by the pagans and this enraged him so much that he took out
his sword and rushed to rescue the Prophet. The rumour was false and when
the Prophet came to know about this he prayed for him and for his sword.
 He migrated twice, first to Abyssinia and then to Madinah.
 He participated in all the battles and expeditions and in the battle of Badr he
was wearing a yellow turban and seeing this the Prophet said that even the
angels were descending in the form of Zubair.
 At Madinah, he spied for the Muslims and brought the news of Banu Quraiza.
 Seeing his readiness to help, the Holy Prophet said: “Every Prophet has a
helper and my helper is Zubair”.
 After the death of the Prophet, Zubair led a life of almost total seclusion but
continued his support for Islam and its armies whenever needed.
 He was included in the Electoral Committee of six companions nominated by
Hazrat Umar before his death.
 The sad event of Hazrat Zubair’s killing occurred in the battle of the Camel in
36 AH/ 656 AD.
 The Holy Prophet had given him the title of “Disciple of the Messenger of
Allah”.
Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed:
His early life:
He was the younger son of Waleed bin Mugheera, the senior chieftain of Banu
Makhzum, and arch enemy of the Holy Prophet. He was born 31 years before the
Hijrat (about 591 AD). He sided with his father and strongly opposed Islam although
his elder brother, Waleed bin Waleed was an early convert. He learned lancing,
horse riding and wrestling during his childhood and grew up to be a brave warrior.
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He was active in many wars against the Muslims, especially after his father was
killed in the battle of Badr. During the battle of Uhad he changed the tide of the battle
when he attacked the Muslim force from behind them, thus changing their victory into
almost a defeat. He embraced Islam six months before the conquest of Makkah and
he was heartily welcomed by the Holy Prophet.
Services for Islam:
 He boosted the Muslim morale due to his acceptance and his bravery,
leadership and combat skills instilled fear in the hearts of the enemies of
Islam.
 During the battle of Muta after the martyrdom of three commanders, Hazrat
Khalid bin Waleed took over and Allah gave victory to the Muslims at his
hand. He fought so bravely that nine swords were broken at his hands. So the
Holy Prophet gave him the title of “Saifullah” (sword of Allah).
 During the conquest of Makkah he was appointed as leader of one of the four
squadrons into which the Prophet divided his army.
 He served gallantly in all the battles as a commander of the cavalry with the
Prophet.
 During the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr he was able to subdue the Apostasy
movement and suppress the false prophets.
 He played a crucial role in expanding the Muslim empire to the Persian and
Byzantine lands.
 During the reign of Hazrat Umar he continued his victorious march till the
battle of Yarmuk.
 When he was removed from his post as commander, he requested to be
allowed to serve as an ordinary soldier. This shows his humility and devotion
to Islam.
 He also narrated about 150 hadiths of the Holy Prophet.
 He died at the age of sixty in 21 AH after having fought in 300 battles.
 His military strategies still today are taught in war schools around the world.
Daughters of the Holy Prophet:
Hazrat Zainab:
Introduction:
She was the eldest daughter of the Holy Prophet and his wife Hazrat Khadija and
was born in Makkah ten years before he was granted the Prophethood. She was
married to her mother’s nephew Abul Aas.
Services for Islam:
She embraced Islam, but was left in Makkah when the Holy Prophet migrated to
Madinah. Her husband was not a Muslim and fought against the Muslims in the
battle of Badr. He was brought as a captive before the Holy Prophet. For this reason,
Hazrat Zainab sent a necklace that had been given to her by her mother. The Holy
Prophet returned the necklace and released Aas on the condition that he would sent
Zainab to Madinah. Upon reaching Makkah, he prepared her to set on for her
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journey to Madinah in company of his brother. When the unbelievers of Makkah

learnt of this journey they followed and attacked the small company. An infidel
wounded her with a spear at which she fell from her camel while being pregnant and
she reached Madinah in a critical condition and at last she died in 8 AH due to this
injury. Holy Prophet performed her funeral prayer. She had two children, a son
named Ali and a daughter Umama, who in later years, became the second wife of
Hazrat Ali after the death of Hazrat Fatima.

Hazrat Ruqayya:
Introduction:
She was the second daughter of the Prophet. She was born three years after the
birth of Hazrat Zainab. She was married to Utba, son of Abu Lahab.
Services for Islam:
 When the prophet declared his mission, Abu Lahab became his enemy and
asked his son to divorce her, which he did and then she was married to
Hazrat Usman.
 Both of them migrated to Abyssinia where she gave birth to a son, Abdullah,
who died when he was six years old.
 About their migration the Prophet said: “Usman is the third one, after Hazrat
Ibrahim and Hazrat Lut, who has migrated along with his family”.
 They came back to Makkah in the tenth year of Prophethood and a few years
later, she migrated to Madinah with her husband.
 She fell ill on the eve of the battle of Badr and therefore the Prophet, directed
Hazrat Usman to remain at her service and not to join the battle. She was
suffering from Chickenpox. Hazrat Usman served her well but she died of her
illness. When Hazrat Zaid brought the news of victory in the battle, Hazrat
Usman was preparing to bury the body of Hazrat Ruqayya. The Holy Prophet
led her funeral prayers.
Hazrat Umm-e-Kulsoom:
Introduction:
She was the third daughter of the Holy Prophet who was born in the sixth year
before the Prophethood. The Holy Prophet named her Umayya but she was
popularly known as Umm-e-Kulsoom. Like her sister, she was also engaged, before
the proclamation of Prophethood, with Utaiba, the younger son of Abu Lahab.
Services for Islam:
 During their three years of imprisonment in the Shib-e-Abi Talib, when the
Quraish boycotted the Muslims. She also along with her family shared this
hard time of sufferings.
 She also participated in migration to Madinah and endured all the hardships of
migration courageously.
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 She was married to Hazrat Usman after the death of her elder sister.
Therefore Hazrat Usman was also known as Zun-Norain (the possessor of
two lights). She had no child and passed away in 9 AH.
 The Prophet was much grieved on her death, because she was the fifth child
of the Holy Prophet who had died in his life.
 Hazrat Anas said: “He was sitting near her grave and tears trickled down from
his eyes”.

Hazrat Fatima:
Introduction:
The Holy Prophet youngest daughter was Hazrat Fatima who was born five years
before Prophethood. She is known as “Zahra” or the shining one. She had the
distinction of being the only child of the Holy Prophet who remained alive till her old
age and whose linage flourished. She was married to the Prophet’s cousin, Hazrat
Ali who did not marry another woman during her lifetime. She had three sons,
Hassan, Hussain, Mohsin and two daughters, Umm-e-Kulsoom and Zainab.
Services for Islam:
 She bore great sufferings for the cause of Islam as she faced confinement in
Shib-e-Abi Talib along with her family.
 She also participated in the migration to Madinah.
 She narrated 18 hadiths from the Holy Prophet.
 Hazrat Fatima would often be near her father during his stressful moments.
 When the people of Makkah threw dirt at him, she would wash his head.
 She washed his clothes when his uncle Abu Lahab threw sheep’s entrails on
him while he was praying in the Kaba.
 In the battle of Uhad she tended to his wounds.
 During the last days of Holy Prophet’s illness, she visited the Prophet. Then
he whispered something into her ear that made her cry. He again whispered
something to her after which she smiled. Later, when someone asked her the
reason of her weeping and smiling, she said that she had wept because the
Prophet told her about his impending death, but when he told her that she
would be the first one from his family to join him in Paradise, she smiled.
 She died in 11 AH, just six months after her father’s death and according to
different writers, she never smiled after the death of her father and would say,
“So many pains came my way that if they had befallen on days, the days
would have turned into nights”.
 Holy Prophet had great love for her as he said, “Fatima is a part of me,
whoever hurts her, hurts me and whoever holds malice against her, holds
malice against me”.
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Holy Prophet Attitude towards non-Muslims and enemies:

 The teachings of the Holy Prophet are based and aimed at promoting
universal brotherhood, peace and love. He showed very kind, sympathetic,
forgiving, cooperative and humble attitude towards non-Muslims.
 Holy Prophet did not encourage any kind or degree of compulsion towards the
non-Muslim subjects living in a Muslim state. As the Quran clearly says: “Let
there be no compulsion in religion”.
 Holy Prophet took special care of the rights and protection of the non-Muslim
citizens of Madina. He said: “Whoever committed any excess against a non-
Muslim or used force against him unjustly, I will advocate against such a
Muslim on the Final Day”.
 In the treaty of Madinah, the Prophet set a great example of complete
religious and civic freedom and liberty to the non-Muslims of Madinah and
declared as the Jews and the Muslims as one unit and Ummah.
 The Holy Prophet imposed a special tax (Jizya) upon the non-Muslims living
under a Muslim ruler who was responsible for protecting the life, honour and
property of the non-Muslims. But women, children and poor people were
exempted from Jizya and there were several other incidents of exemption.
 Throughout thirteen years of Makkan life as a messenger he was abused,
taunted, mocked and tortured but he never cursed anybody on a single
occasion and instead he would always pray for the guidance of his enemies.
The exemplary demonstration of this was on his visit to Taif where a gang of
hooligans tortured him so much that his body began to bleed profusely. When
Hazrat Jibrael asked him if his enemies should be crushed by the command
of God, his reply was a humble prayer for the mischievous people of Taif. He
said: “Why should I pray for the destruction of these people? I hope that their
posterity will certainly be among the believers in one Allah”
 The prisoners of the battle of Badr were treated also serves as an example to
follow. The prisoners were all treated politely and kindly and those who could
afford to pay ransom money were released soon. The poor, the weak and the
elderly were freed while some of the educated captives were released after
each of them had taught ten Muslims at Madinah.
 Holy Prophet put a complete ban on the inhuman and heinous practice of
mutilation of the dead bodies of the enemy’s soldiers, which was prevalent
among the pre-Islamic Arabs. The Prophet even forgave Hinda who had
mutilated the body of his beloved uncle Hazrat Hamza in the battle of Uhad as
well as his assassin Wahshi bin Harb.
 One night an unbeliever was a guest of the Holy Prophet. One by one, he
drank the milk of all the goats, but the Prophet did not show any sign of anger
or dislike. Next day, impressed by the Prophet’s behavior, he embraced Islam.
 Hazrat Abu Huraira’s mother who lived with him in Madinah, was an
unbeliever. She used to abuse the Prophet, about which Abu Huraira
complained to him, but he prayed for her.
 The leader of hypocrites Abdullah bin Ubay and his followers embraced Islam
but were not true Muslims. This behavior at the time of the battle of Uhad and
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other occasions was damaging to Islam, but the Holy Prophet always treated
them with kindness.
 The Jews were very hostile towards Muslims but the Prophet was kind to
them. Once, the funeral of a Jew was passing by the Prophet and he stood up
as a mark of respect.
 The unbelievers of Makkah made his life miserable, compelling him to leave
the town and subjected him to the worst kinds of torture. But when Makkah
was conquered, he forgave every injury inflicted upon him and proclaimed a
general pardon for everyone. He announced: “Today, there is no blame on
you, there will be no retribution; go, all of you are free”.

Holy Prophet’s attitude towards Mothers:

The Holy Quran says: “Worship none but him and do well to your parents”. This
shows that after the worship of Allah the noblest deed is to serve parents.
But the Holy Prophet accorded an exalted status to mothers. He summed up all the
Islamic teachings about the status of mothers by saying:
“Paradise lies under the feet of mothers”.
This special status was given to mothers because of their sufferings and endurance
during the pregnancy period and upbringing of the children. The Holy Quran
mentions the pains suffered by a mother in this verse:
“And we have enjoined upon man to be good to his parents; his mother bears him in
weakness upon weakness”.
For the same reason the Prophet in an incident thrice insisted on serving one’s
mother and only the fourth time he told the questioner to serve his father.
The Prophet’s own kind treatment towards his foster mother Halima is wonderful
example. He used to call her “My mother”.
The Prophet had a foster sister Sheema (daughter of Halima). When she was
captured in Hunain, he released her immediately and upon hearing that she was his
sister, the entire clan of Banu Sa’d was freed by the companions of the Holy
Prophet.
Holy Prophet’s attitude towards wives:
It was the custom in Arabia that women was not given any right, people used to
marry as many women as they could afford and at their will they used to divorce
them and were treated inhumanely. But Holy Prophet gave them full rights.
Holy Prophet raised the status of women equal to the status of man in matters of
rights and said in his last sermon: “O people you have rights over your wives and
your wives have rights over you and treat them with kindness”.
The Holy Quran says: “They (women) have the rights against them (man) according
to what is equitable”.
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Holy Prophet repeatedly instructed the believers to be kind to their wives. In a Hadith
he said: “The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and the best of you are
those who are best to their wives”.
On the other side the Prophet said: “The one who treats his wife unjustly will come
on the Day of Judgement half of his body paralyzed”. It shows that we must be
careful in regard to the rights of women.
Women were also ensured a due share in the property left by their deceased
husbands and parents. Islamic law even granted the right to seek divorce by a
woman from her husband through Khula.
A Muslim husband is required to be caring, loving and considerate towards his wife
and the wife should in return reciprocate her husband’s love by taking full care of his
needs.
The way the Holy Prophet treated his wives can be assessed by the fact that he
would send gifts to the family and friends of Khadija even after she had passed
away.
Islamic teachings about the position of daughters:
According to Islamic teachings, daughters are considered the blessings in the house.
Holy Prophet said: “The one who brings up two daughters, feeds them, educate
them and gets married is sure to enter paradise”. This shows that bringing up
daughters has a great reward.
Before Islam, the daughters were considered as an insult and they were buried alive
at the time of their birth but the Prophet put a stop to the burying of the daughters
alive. As the Holy Quran says: “And when the girl-child that was buried alive will be
asked, for what sin she was killed?”.
When his daughter was born Hazrat Fatima, he said “Fatima is a peace of my heart
the one who annoys Fatima annoys me and the one who pleases her pleases me”.
This shows that daughters must be given preference as they love their parents more
than the sons.
Holy Quran has also fixed an amount for the daughters in inheritance from the
deceased parents. This shows that Islam gives financial rights to woman.