HUSSAINI ASSOCIATION OF CALGARY-CANADA

 

Prophet hood

Prophet Mohammad

(peace be upon him)

PROFILE:

Rank: Final Prophet of (Allah) the Almighty

Name: Prophet Mohammad

Nicknames: Mustafa (The Chosen One),

Rasool-Allah (The Prophet of Allah),

Al-Amin (The Trustworthy),

Nabi' Al-Islam (Prophet of Islam)

Father: Abdullah

Mother: Amina Bint-e-Wahab

Date of Birth: 570 A.D.

Place of Birth: In Mecca (Saudi Arabia)

Date of Death: 632 A.D.

Lived: 63 years

Place of Death: Medina (Saudi Arabia)

Cause of Death: Natural Cause.

Burial: The City of Medina (Saudi Arabia)

Stories:

Quraish Tribe

The Tribe of ('Quraish') was considered as one of the most respectable and honorable Tribe among the Arab Tribes of 'Hijaz' (Saudi Arabia). The great Grandfather of ('Prophet Mohammad') who's name is ('Kisa Ibne Kalab') was a Guard of the 'Holy Kaaba' in (Mecca). The tribe of 'Quraish' were divided into many different groups, and 'Bani Hashim' ('The Sons of Hashim') was the Best and Noblest Branch of the Tribe of Quraish.

 'Hashim' was a noble, wise and honorable man among the people of Mecca. He helped and assisted the residents of Mecca and started the trading business in the Summer and Winter for the benefit of his people. Therefore, the people gave him the title of 'Syed'. This is the reason why the descendents of 'Bani Hashim' and 'Prophet Mohammad' are called 'Syed' and they usually add this title before their names for e.g. 'Ayatollah Syed Imam Ruhollah Mosawi Khomeini' who was a great 'Shia Scholar' and a Perfect Example in Moral Perfection; He was not only a 'Shia Scholar' but he also revolutionized the country of 'Iran'; and became President; before causing 'Iran' to become the 'Republic of 'Shia Islam' it is now.

So ('The Sons of Hashim'/'Bani Hashim') were known as ('Mutalib') and ('Abdul Mutalib') who after the death of 'Hashim'; became guardians and custodians of the Tribe of Quraish. 'Abdul Mutalib' had a great personality, it was during his age that 'King Abraha' attacked the Holy Kaaba, but Allah the Almighty God destroyed him and his army of Elephants. This added to the greatness of Abdul Mutalib and he was blessed with a son named (Abdullah).

'Abdullah' was married to a noble girl named 'Amina' the daughter of 'Wahab' when he was twenty four years old. Two Months after the 'Holy Kaaba was attacked, 'Aminah' gave birth to a child who was named 'Mohammad'. Before the Birth of 'Prophet Mohammad' his Father 'Abdullah' died (Peace be Upon Him) and after a short period when 'Mohammad' was born his mother 'Amina' died too (Peace be Upon Her). This led to 'Abdul Mutalib' (The Prophets Grandfather) to take over as the guardian and protector of his baby nephew. 'Mohammad' was then passed on to the care of his uncle: 'Abu Talib' who is the Father of our First Imam, 'Prophet Mohammad ibn Abdullah' grew up in the care of 'Abu Talib' to be such a great and pious young man full of 'Spiritual Purity' that the people of Mecca loved him, trusted him and kept their belongings with him. This is the reason why they nicknamed him ('Al-Amin') meaning the 'Trustworthy'.

The Prophet Mohammad in his Youth

'Prophet Mohammad', with his force of faith; backed up the poor and supported them, assisted the orphans and oppressed ones, took his meals to share with them, listened to their words and solved their problems. When a Group of Young Children organized an association known as 'Commitment of Youths', the 'Prophet Mohammad' joined them and started backing them up because their aim was to support the tyrannized ones and to wage 'Holy War' (Jihad) against the tyrants and cruel people.

Joining the Caravan of 'Khadija'

'Prophet Mohammad' was advised by his uncle 'Abu Talib' to Join the Caravan of 'Khadija' (a very Noble woman), so he did as his uncle told him. Due to the character of 'Prophet Mohammad', he became the Leader of the Caravan. 'Khadija' was impressed by the virtues of 'Prophet Mohammad' and she says that she sees 'Prophet Mohammad' working outside in the sun's heat and a cloud is following him in the sky giving him shadow and protection from the sun. 'Khadija' asked for the hand of 'Prophet Mohammad' in marriage so he accepted her proposal and the richest lady in the tribe of 'Quraish' put all her wealth at the disposal and benefit of 'Prophet Mohammad'. After the marriage, 'Khadija' gave birth to 'Fatima Zahra' (The only child and Daughter of the 'Prophet Mohammad') 'Fatima Zahra' who is the wife of 'Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib' and the mother of 'Imam Hassan' and 'Imam Hussein'.

A LETTER TO KHUSROW, THE KING OF IRAN

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate

From Muhammad, God's Messenger, to Khusrow, the King of Persia. Greetings to the followers of the right path, to those obedient to God and His Prophet, to those who bear witness to God's Oneness, who worship the One God, and who bear witness to the prophecy of God's servant, Muhammad.

Truly I call upon you to obey God's command and convert to Islam. I am God's Messenger to all the people so that living hearts will be awakened and illuminated and so that infidels will have no excuses. Submit to Islam so you will be safe and immune, and if you disobey me and turn down my invitation, you will be blamed for the sins of the magi.

A LETTER TO HARQAL, THE KING OF ROME

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate

...I call upon you to submit to Islam. If you become a Muslim, you will share the Muslims gains and their losses, and if you do not want to become a Muslim yourself, then let your people freely convert to Islam or pay the poll tax, paid in lieu of conversion to Islam, and do not restrict them in choosing their faith.

The letters of the Holy Prophet of Islam were not exclusively written to Kings. Rather, he sent letters to various nations and to the followers of other faiths so all would be informed of the rising of the Sun of Islam.

THE LETTER TO THE RULER OF YAMAMAH

In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate

This is a letter from God's Messenger, Muhammad to Hawzah. Greetings to the one who follows the path of salvation and the instructions of the divine guides.

You, the ruler of Yamamah, note that my faith will advance to the farthest place where man can go, so submit to Islam to be immune.

THE SACRIFICE OF THE LAMB

Just as the Prophet (S.A.W.), and his companions landed from their rides, and laid the loads down, it was decided that they would sacrifice a lamb for dinner.

One of the companions volunteered: "I will sacrifice the lamb."

Another: "I will skin it."

Third: "I will cook it."

Fourth: " I will...."

The Prophet (S.A.W.): "I will gather the wood from the desert."

The group: "O Messenger of Allah, it is not becoming of you to discomfort yourself as such. You rest. We will be honored to do all this on our own."

The Prophet (S.A.W.): "I know that you are eager to do it all, but Allah isn't pleased with the slave who distinguishes between himself and his companions, and considers himself better than others."

Then he went to the desert, and gathered some wood, and brought it to the group.

TYING THE CAMEL

The caravan had been traveling for few hours now. Signs of fatigue were obvious on their faces. They arrived at a point and stopped. The Prophet (S.A.W.) who was also in the caravan, stopped the camel, and landed. Prior to anything, they were in search of water to prepare for prayer.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) also started searching for water. But soon, returned to his camel, without saying anything to anyone. The companions were surprised that the Prophet (S.A.W.) had ordered stopping here, and now perhaps he would like to move again? Eyes and ears were awaiting his order. But the surprise of the group increased as they saw him approach his camel, and tied its knees, and returned back in search of water.

Noises were raised from every corner: " O Prophet of Allah! Why didn't you order us to do this for you, and instead you put yourself in discomfort? We would have proudly done that service for you."

The Prophet (S.A.W.) responded: "Never seek others' help in your affairs, don't lean on others, even if it is a small piece of Miswak (the wood used for brushing teeth)."

TELLING THE TRUTH

Telling the truth is a very good habit. If you always speak the truth, you can save yourself from a lot of trouble! Here is a story of a man who did a lot of bad things, but his promise to tell the truth saved him.

Once a man came to the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and said, "Oh prophet of Allah, I have many bad habits. Which one of them should I give up first?" The prophet said, "Give up telling lies first and always speak the truth." The man promised to do so and went home.

At night the man was about to go out to steal. Before setting out, he thought for a moment about the promise he made with the prophet. "If tomorrow the prophet asks me where have I been, what shall I say? Shall I say that I went out stealing? No, I cannot say that. But nor can I lie. If I tell the truth, everyone will start hating me and call me a thief. I would be punished for stealing."

So the man decided not to steal that night, and gave up this bad habit.

Next day, he felt like drinking wine, when he was about to do so, he said to himself, "What shall I say to the prophet if he asks me what did I do during the day? I cannot tell a lie, and if I speak the truth people will hate me, because a Muslim is not allowed to drink wine." And so he gave up the idea of drinking wine.

In this way, whenever the man thought of doing something bad, he remembered his promise to tell the truth at all times. One by one, he gave up all his bad habits and became a good Muslim and a very good person.

If you always speak the truth, you can be a good person, a good Muslim whom Allah likes and favors. If Allah - our Creator - is pleased with us, He will reward us with HEAVEN, which is a place of happiness and joy.

Make a promise: I shall always speak the truth.

THE DISTRESSED YOUNG MAN

Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) recited his morning Salat (Prayer) in the mosque along with other people. By this time, it was becoming bright and the people could be clearly seen. At this moment, the Prophet (S.A.W.) saw a young man whose condition seemed to be not normal. His head could not rest properly on his body and was continuously moving this way and that way. The Prophet (S.A.W.) looked at his face that had become pale; his eyes had gone deep into his face. His body had become thin and lean. He asked him:

"In what condition are you?"

"I am in the condition of certainty, O Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)". Replied the young man.

"Every certainty has got some symptoms which indicate its truth; what is the symptom of your certainty?"

My certainty is the one, which is associated with my misery. In the nights, it has taken away my sleep; and I pass the days with thirst. I have turned my back from the comforts of this world and have turned my face towards the other side. It is like this that I am seeing the Empyrean of Allah on the Day of Judgment and similarly I also see the resurrection of the whole of the creation of Allah. It is as if I am seeing the people in Heaven in pleasure and the people in Hell in severe torment. It is as if the deadly noise of the flames of the Hell-fire is just now ringing in my ears."

Prophet (S.A.W.) turned his face towards the people and said: "He is a worshipper of Allah whose heart has been illuminated by the light of faith."

Then he (S.A.W.) turned towards the young man and said: "keep up this good state of yours for yourself." The young man said: "O Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)! Pray that Allah gives me an opportunity for Jihad (holy war) and bless me with SHAHADAH (martyrdom) in the right path."

The Prophet (S.A.W.) prayed. It did not take long when an opportunity arose for Jihad and that young man participated in that Jihad. The tenth person who got martyred in that war was none other than this young man.

THE THREE FRIENDS

Once the Prophet of God, Hazrat Muhammad (p.b.u.h) was sitting amidst his Sahaba (companions) in the mosque when all of a sudden he said "Today I shall narrate a story to you all which will reveal three riddles for all of you to solve". This hushed the crowd and they all listened to what the Prophet had to say.

Hazrat Mohammed (p.b.u.h) continued by saying that once a man got to know that the days in his life was numbered and very soon he would be confronted with death. With this knowledge he feared his loneliness in the grave and went searching for true friends who would help and accompany him.

He knocked on the door of his first friend and asked whether he would help. To this the friend said, "of course, what are we here for." But then the man went on to say that he had very few days to live after which he required help. As soon as he uttered this statement, the friend said "I am sorry but when death does us apart, there is nothing we can do for you but buy you a place in the graveyard and some cloth (Kuffun) to cover your dead body." Grieved but looking forward to his next friend, the man moved on.

On the second door, when he came face to face with his friend, and after narrating the entire story of his death and asked for help, the same answer was his fate again. The second friend said "I have been there with you all your life and can help you here. But there's nothing I can do for you after you die except take your corpse to the graveyard and bury you."

Lost in agony and despair, he headed for the third friend, very sure that he would receive the same answer but there was a tinge of hope left. When he confronted the third friend, and told him that he required help, the friend eagerly volunteered to help. But the man continued to say that I need help after I die. To which the third friend replied, "Do not worry, my dear friend! I shall accompany you to the grave, be there with you in the grave, even when the angels arrive for questioning (Munkar-o-Nakeer), then assist you on the Pul-e-Sirat (bridge) and then lead you to heaven. "To this the man heaved a sigh of relief and then passed away in peace."

The Prophet (p.b.u.h) then turned and asked his companions if anybody could identify the three friends and the man. When the prevailing silence didn't dissolve, the Prophet continued to say, "The man in the anecdote is any other human being." The first friend is "money/wealth", things that help us only in life and not after we die.

The second family/friend were the "children/sons and daughters", we strive for them all our life and all they give us is a shoulder to the grave.

And the third and most important friend is "Aamal (deeds)". Who accompany us all the way through.

Moral: Do not strive for materialistic values that will give you nothing and help you in no way in your eternal life. But work and pray and ask forgiveness from God for only the good deeds assist mankind where every other thing loses value in the life hereafter!

Hadith of Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h):

1. "There are three friends of Human being - Wealth, Family & His Aamal".

2. "Whoever rectifies his hereafter affairs, Allah will rectify his worldly affairs and whoever rectifies what is between him and Allah, Allah will rectify what is between him and [the] people."

THE VIRTUES OF THE FAMILY OF THE PROPHET (S.A.W.)

The family members of the Prophet were the true friends and well wishers of the people who felt strong grief when they saw people in any kind of distress or suffering. They worked hard to restore the rights of the deprived and gave all their belongings to the needy.

They were always ready to face hardships in order to save others. Sometimes, they would even give to the needy the food or clothing which they themselves urgently needed. There are many of such happenings that took place in the life of our religious leaders.

For instance, once Imam Ali's (A.S.) children were sick. Their mother, daughter of the Prophet, vowed to fast three days on the recovery of her children, in thanksgiving to Allah.

Imam Ali (A.S.) and the children all joined Lady Fatima (S.A.) in thanksgiving. All of them fasted. It was sunset and they had only a few barley loaves of bread for their breakfast. As they were about to eat their food, someone knocked at their door, saying I am a poor man. Please give me some food. The food, which the whole family had, was very little. They gave it all to the poor man.

Again on next day, when the family wanted to break their fast an orphan began knocking at the door asking for food. The same thing happened on the third day also with a stranger. Each time they gave their food to the needy and they, themselves, remained hungry continuing their fast.

Muslim commentators say, The next day, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) came to the family with these verses of the Holy Quran: "Surely the righteous shall drink of a cup the admixture of which is camphor, a fountain from which the servants of Allah shall drink; they make it to flow a (goodly) flowing forth. They fulfil vows and fear a day the evil of which shall be spreading far and wide. And they give food out of love for Allah to the poor and the orphan and the Active: We only feed you for Allah's sake. We desire from you neither reward nor thanks: Surely we fear from our Allah a stern, distressful day. Therefore, Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and cause them to meet with ease and happiness; And reward them because they were patient, with garden and silk." (Holy Qur'an, 76:5-12)

WEALTH AND POVERTY

It was a usual meeting. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was in his place and his companions gathered around him to hear the words of wisdom and guidance. Suddenly a poor man in rags appeared, saluted the assembly:

"Salamun Alaikum" (Peace be on you)

And finding a vacant place comfortably sat down.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) had taught them that all Muslims were brothers and in an assembly one should sit wherever one finds a place, regardless of any status. Now, it so happened that this poor man was seated next to a very rich man. The rich man felt very disturbed and tried to collect the edges of his dress around himself, so that the poor man didn't touch them. The Prophet (S.A.W.) observed this and addressing the rich man he (S.A.W.) said:

" Perhaps you are afraid that his poverty would affect you?"

" No, O Messenger of Allah," he said.

"Then perhaps you were apprehensive about some of your wealth flying away to him?"

" No, O Messenger of Allah."

"Or you feared that your clothes would become dirty if he touched them?"

" No, O Messenger of Allah."

" Then why did you draw yourself and your clothes away from him?"

The rich man said:

"I admit that was the most undesirable thing to do. It was an error and I confess my guilt. Now to make amends for it I will give away half of my wealth to this Muslim brother so that I may be forgiven."

Just as he said this, the poor man rose and said,

" O Prophet of Allah, I do not accept this offer."

People present were taken by surprise, they thought that the poor man was a fool, but then he explained:

" O Prophet of Allah, I refuse to accept this offer because I fear that I might then become arrogant and ill-treat my Muslim brothers the way he did to me."

The BEDOUIN AND THE PROPHET (S.A.W.)

The Bedouin entered Medina, and went directly to the Masjid, so that he may get some money or gold from the Prophet (S.A.W.). When he arrived, he saw the Prophet (S.A.W.) sitting among his companions. He asked his need. The Prophet (S.A.W.) gave his something. He was not content, and moreover he used harsh and inappropriate language against the Prophet (S.A.W.). The companions became very angry, and were ready to hurt him. But the Prophet (S.A.W.) prevented them from haste.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) took the Bedouin to his home, and gave him some more. The Bedouin saw that the residence of the Prophet (S.A.W.) wasn't like those of the heads of governments, and there is no luxury in his home.

The Bedouin became content with the share, and thanked the Prophet (S.A.W.). At this time, the Prophet (S.A.W.) asked him: "You said a harsh word yesterday, which caused anger in my companions. I fear that they will hurt you. Would you be willing to show your appreciation in front of them, so that their anger be resolved, and they don't hurt you?" The Bedouin said: "Sure."

The next day, the Bedouin came to the Masjid. The Prophet (S.A.W.) addressed his companions: "This man says, he is content with his share, is it true?" The Bedouin said: "That is true." Then he repeated the appreciation that he had shared with Prophet (S.A.W.). The companions smiled.

The Prophet (S.A.W.) addressed the group: "The parable of me and these types of individuals is like that of the man whose camel was running away from him. With the [thought] they could help the owner, people were running after the camel. The camel was frightened and ran faster. The owner called on the people, please leave my camel alone, I know better how to calm it. When the people stopped chasing the camel, the owner followed it calmly, with a fistful of grass. Then without the need for running, yelling, he showed the grass to it.

THE PROPHET (S.A.W.) AND EDUCATION

The mosque of Medina was not only a place of worship. The believers assembled here to learn. When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was present they heard his words of wisdom, his elucidation on the verses of the Holy Qur'an and benefited from his counsel. And when he (S.A.W.) was not present, other faithful companions taught what they had heard from the Prophet of Allah.

Once the Prophet (S.A.W.) entered the Mosque before the prayer time. He found two groups in the Mosque. One group was busy with its own act of worship, some were reading the Quran while the others were supplicating. The other group was in a corner busy learning. They learnt how to read and write and discussed the teachings of Islam and their application to their daily lives.

Looking at both, the Prophet (S.A.W.) said:

"They are both engaged in useful pursuits. But I am a teacher. I shall join the group assembled to learn."

And so he (S.A.W.) sat with the group of students.

THE GIFT

Whenever they reaped their first harvest, they brought early, fresh fruits to the Prophet (S.A.W.), peace be upon him. Then he would distribute them among those who sat around him. This morning, a poor man brought one fruit from his small farm and gave it to the Prophet (S.A.W.).

He accepted the gift, tasted it and then went on eating it alone while the companions watched. One of those present meekly said: O Prophet of Allah, you have over looked the right of those who watch while you eat?

The Prophet (S.A.W.) smiled and waited till the man who had brought the fruit had gone. He said:

I tasted the fruit and it was not yet ripe. Had I allowed you to have some of it, someone would have definitely shown his distaste, thus disappointing the poor man who had brought the gift. Rather than make him feel better, my palate accepted the bitterness.

THE PROPHET'S VISIT TO TAIF

Abu Talib and Khadija were the main supporters of the Prophet (SAW). It was so destined that they passed away within a few days of each other, leaving the Prophet (SAW) to lament the bereavement. He had lost a caring uncle and a loving wife.

The enemies were now relieved, because Abu Talib was no more to protect. A few days after Abu Talib's death, when the Prophet was once passing through a lane, a woman emptied her garbage from a window upon his head. He returned home with his head soiled. His young daughter Fatima sat beside him, consoling and washing off the dirt.

As things became intolerable in Mecca, the Prophet (SAW) decided to move to Taif where he thought he would convey the message of Allah to the tribe of Thaqeef. Taif was known for its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery.

The Prophet (SAW) knew very well that people at Taif were no different from Meccans. They also worshipped idols and were in constant contact with the people in Mecca. But he did not despair. As he entered Taif, and proclaimed his prophet hood, people jeered at him. One said: "God did not find anyone else for His message except you?" Another said: "I must be naive or a thief if I believed you to be a prophet." And so it went on.

Then in order to prevent him from preaching Islam, people of Taif set a group of children and vagabonds behind him. They pestered him and threw stones at him. Tired, forsaken and wounded, he sought refuge in a nearby garden. It belonged to Atabah and Shaibab, two wealthy chiefs of Quraish. They were both there when the Prophet entered and sat under a distant tree. He was alone. Then he raised his face towards heaven and prayed: "O Allah! I raise unto you my complaint for my weakness, my helplessness, and for the ridicule to which I have been subjected. O Merciful of all the Mercifuls! You are the Master of all oppressed people, You are my God! So to whom would You consign me? To the strangers who would ill-treat me, or to the enemies who have an upper hand over me? If whatever has befallen me is not because of Your wrath, then I fear not. No doubt, the field of Your security and care is wide enough for me. I seek refuge in Your light which illuminates darkness and straightens the affairs of this world and hereafter, that Your displeasure and wrath may not descend upon me. For the sake of Your pleasure, I remain pleased and resigned to my fate. No change in this world occurs without Your Will."

Atabah and Shaibah were watching. They sent for their servant named Adaas and gave him a plate full of grapes. "Take this to that man under the tree," they ordered.

Adaas was a Christian. He brought the grapes to the Prophet (SAW) and bid him eat. As the Prophet (SAW) picked a bunch he said:

"Bismillah-ir-Rahmaan-ir-Rahiim," (In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate). Adaas had never heard this before. He was impressed by it, because the man was invoking mercy and compassion of Allah in spite of his desolate state.

"Who are you?" he asked.

"I am the Prophet of God. Where do you come from?"

The servant said: I am Adaas, a Christian. I come from Nainava."

"Nainava? You come from a place where my brother Younas b. Mati lived," the Prophet said.

Adaas was surprised to hear the name.

"What do you know of Younas? Here no one seems to know him. Even in Nainava there were hardly ten people who knew his father's name."

The Prophet said: "Yes, I know him because just like me, he was a Prophet of God."

Adaas fell on his knees before the Prophet, kissed his hand and embraced Islam.

SURAH AL-KAUTHAR AND FATIMAH ZAHRA (SA)

You should never think that you have more than someone else, because there might come a time when that person has more than you. Remember it is through the blessing of Allah that you have what you have.

Bibi Fatima Zahra (SA) was born to Bibi Khadija (SA) and the Prophet (SAW). Before her birth, the Prophet (SAW) had had two sons, Qasim and Tahir, but both boys had died when they were babies.

The Prophet (SAW) had started teaching the message of Islam and had made many enemies. As a result, some of the unbelievers began to make fun of him at the death of his sons, calling him "Abtar".

The word Abtar means an animal that has no tail - and was meant to say that the Prophet (SAW) was tail-less because he had no children to carry on his family.

Thus, when Bibi Fatima (SA) was born, the following Sura of the Holy Quran was revealed:

"In the Name of Allah, the most Kind, the most Merciful. Verily (O Muhammad), We have given you Kausar. So pray to your Lord and give sacrifice. Verily, your enemies will be Abtar." Surah al-Kausar, (108:1-3)

When the Holy Prophet (SAW) was asked what Kausar meant, he replied that it was a stream in heaven and the man who would give water from that stream to the believers was Imam Ali (AS).

He then said that Kausar also meant abundance, and the birth of Bibi Fatima (SA) signified that, through her, his descendants would be in abundance.

The promise of Allah was certainly true because today, there are countless descendants of the Prophet (SAW), (Saeyads) while there is nobody who claims to be a descendant of the Quraish. Thus the enemies of the Holy Prophet (SAW) were those who became truly "Abtar".

This Surah in the Holy Quran is thus a reference to Bibi Fatima (SA).

THE SON OF HATIM

Before the advent of Islam, there were in Arabia autonomous tribal chiefs. The people were used to the rule of their chiefs and obeyed them; and often paid them tributes and taxes. The well-known generous Hatim, of the tribe of Tai, was one of the tribal chiefs of Arabia. His son, Adi, succeeded him after his death and the Tribe submitted to his rule. He was taxing them to the extent of one-fourth of their income every year. His lordship coincided with the advent of the Prophet. The Tai tribes were idol-worshippers, but himself was a Christian, but kept his beliefs secret from his people. The people, after being acquainted with the liberal teachings of Islam, felt themselves relieved from the burden of their lords who had hitherto imposed their rule upon the people. Owing to this fact, Adi, like other lords used to look upon Islam as the greatest danger for himself; and was harboring enmity against the Prophet. But the die was cast. People were embracing Islam in increasingly large numbers; and the religion of Allah was advancing day by day. He knew that the day was near when the Muslims would come looking for him also, and that would be the end of his lordship. He therefore, instructed his special steward, a slave, to always keep strong and light-footed camels ready near his camp and to remain watchful.

One day the slave came to him and said, "Make whatever arrangements you want to make as the Muslims are very close". Adi mounted his family on the camels and took whatever valuables and luggage he could take, and escaped to Damascus where the people were of his religion. But in the confusion, he forgot to take his sister, Saffana with him; and she was left behind.

The Muslims defeated the tribe in the battle; and some were made captives. Muslims brought Saffana to Medina along-with other captives and related the story of Adi's escapade to the Holy Prophet.

The prisoners were sheltered in a low-walled compound near the Mosque. One day, the Prophet, while going to the Mosque passed beside the enclosure. Saffana, intelligent and talkative as she was, moved from her place and said:

"My father is dead; my guardian is hiding; be generous to me, God will be generous to you".

Prophet: "Who is your guardian?"

"Adi, son of Hatim"

"The one who has run away from God and His Prophet?"

Saying these words the Prophet went away, Next day again she repeated the same words, heard the same reply. Her plea produced no result. The third day, having lost her hopes, she decided to keep silent. But a young man walking behind the Prophet made signs to her to repeat her demand. She repeated the same words. The Prophet said, "Very well, I am waiting for some reliable man from your tribe. As soon as such a man is found I shall send you with him to your tribe. Inform me if you find such a person who has come to Medina".

She asked the people who was the young man walking behind the Prophet who had encouraged her to repeat her demand. They said he was Imam Ali.

After some time, Saffana informed the Prophet that some men of her tribe had come to Medina. The Prophet gave her a new dress, some cash for meeting the expense of the journey and a camel to ride on. She went along with them to her brother in Syria.

When she saw her brother, she reproached him and said, "You brought out your wife and children forgot me the memory of your father!" Adi apologized to her. Then, as she was an intelligent woman, Adi consulted her about his plan. He asked:

"What do you advise me to do, since you have seen Mohammed from near? Should I join him or keep aloof from him?"

"I believe you should join him. If he is a Prophet of God it will be a credit to your honor and nobleness. And if he is not a prophet, and only wants to be a worldly ruler, then in a place (Medina) which is not far from Yemen (your place), nobody will dare to dishonor you, because of the honor and respect you have among the people of Yemen. Either way, your honor is guaranteed".

The idea appealed to Adi. He decided to go Medina and to observe the Prophet's manners minutely. If he was a prophet he would follow him like other Muslims. But in case he was only a man with worldly ambitions of power and pelf, then he would cooperate with him to the extent of the common benefits of both.

He entered the Mosque of Medina and saluted to the Prophet. The Prophet accorded him due respect and took him to his house.

On their way a haggard woman caught hold of the garment of the Prophet and entered into a discussion with him. A long time passed; and the Prophet answered all her questions with kindness and patience.

Adi said to himself, "This is the one sign from the character of this man that he is a prophet. People having worldly ambitions do not have such a disposition and temperament of replying to a poor old woman with so much patience and kindness."

When they entered the house Adi found his life most simple and unpretentious. There was only a quilt, which the Prophet used to sit upon, but now he spread it for Adi to sit. Adi insisted that the Prophet should sit upon the quilt; but he flatly refused. Ultimately, Adi sat upon the quilt and the Prophet sat on the ground. Adi said to himself, "This is the second sign of the character of this man, This is the character of the Prophets.

The Prophet turned to him and said, "But was not your religion Christianity?" Adi said "Yes, why?" The Prophet said, "then why, and on what grounds, were you taking one-fourth of the income of your people? Is it not inadmissible in your religion?"

Adi, who had kept his religion secret even from his closest relatives, was surprised to hear it from the Prophet. He said to himself, "this is the third sign that this man is a prophet".

Then the Prophet said: "You are looking at the present poverty and helplessness of the Muslims. You find that the Muslims today are living in distress. They are surrounded by crowds of enemies and have no security of their lives and properties. They have no power in their hands. By God, the time is not far when such a vast wealth will come to them that there will be no poor among them. By God, their enemies will be vanquished and there will exist such a perfect peace and order that a woman shall be able to travel from Iraq to Hijaz alone and nobody will trouble her. By God, the time is near when the white palaces of Babylonia will come under the hands of the Muslims".

Adi embraced Islam with perfect Faith and Sincerity and remained faithful to the end of his life. He lived upon the years after the Holy Prophet. He always remembered the talks of the Holy Prophet in his first meeting with him, and the forecasts at that time, about the future of Muslims. He used to say, "By God, in my life-time I saw Muslim conquering the white palaces of Babylonia, and there is such a peace and order that a woman can travel from Iraq to Hijaz without anybody troubling her. By God, I am sure a day will come when there will be no poor among the Muslims".

HOLY PROPHET (SAW) - THE MODEL OF GOODNESS

The behavior and personality of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) are the best examples to follow in Life. A companion of his, who spent full ten years with him, has said:

"Throughout my stay with him I never heard an indecent word from his lips and never found him rude to anyone. He spoke very politely. He was kind to everyone."

Although Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) was the Prophet of Allah and had been appointed by Allah to guide the people, yet he was not ashamed of doing his work with his own hands. He assisted the members of his family in household work and performed the jobs of other persons with great pleasure. He mended his clothes and shoes. He also took part in the construction of Masjid al-Nabi in Medina along with his companions.

His dress was always clean, though simple. He was very mindful of cleanliness. He washed his hands and mouth before and after taking his meals.

He was so kind and generous that he never refused a reasonable request of any person. He often distributed edibles among others and went without meals himself. He always helped the needy and the poor and went to the houses of the sick to enquire after their health.

Whenever he met anyone he said, 'Salaam-un Alaikum'. He always spoke with a smiling face.

The Holy Prophet (SAW) was a model of all the virtues and qualities of a believer described in the Holy Quran. None can describe him better than Allah who has said he possessed the noblest character.

KINDNESS AND FORGIVENESS

More than 1400 years ago in Arabia the people were living very much in fear. They feared their neighbors. They feared other tribes. They even feared their idols. For this was the time before Islam. The Arabs were worshipping idols. In their ignorance they would burry their newly born daughters alive. As Islam began to spread among Arabs such cruel practices stopped. For Islam taught love and peace. It taught kindness and respect.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) himself was a very kind and loving person. He treated every one, young and old, with kindness and respect.

Because Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was spreading the word of God. And he was changing, for better, the lives of many Arabs and because some Arabs felt that by the teaching of Muhammad (SAW) their old idols were losing power they disliked Muhammad (SAW) and planned to kill him. Every time they tried to kill him, they failed. This angered the enemies of Islam even more. So they began to harass him in every way they knew.

One old woman made a habit of throwing rubbish on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) whenever he passed from her house. Muhammad (SAW) had to pass that house daily on the way to the mosque. Even when the old woman threw rubbish on him, he would pass silently without showing any anger or annoyance. This was a regular, daily event.

One day when Prophet was passing by the woman was not there to throw the rubbish. He stopped and asked the neighbor about her well-being. The neighbor informed the prophet that the woman was sick on bed. The prophet politely asked permission to visit the woman. When allowed he entered the house, the woman thought that he had come there to take his revenge when she was unable to defend herself because of sickness. But the prophet assured her that he had come to her, not to take any revenge, but to see her and to look after her needs, as it was the command of Allah that if any one is sick, a Muslim should visit him and should help him if his help is needed.

The old woman was greatly moved by this kindness and love of Prophet. By the example of greatness of Muhammad (SAW), she understood that he was truly the Prophet of God and Islam was the true religion. She accepted Islam at once.

THE HELPLESS IDOL

It was hardly three years since the people of Medina had embraced Islam and had started to worship Allah. The young boys in the city were given a job to eradicate the worship of idols. Wherever they saw an idol, they destroyed it and set fire to it.

One day, the youths came to know that Omar bin Janab, the chief of Bani Salma tribe, had still preserved his idol and worshipped it. In order to impress upon him the uselessness of worshipping an idol made of wood, they removed it from his place and threw it down a pit. The Chief, on tracing the idol to where it was lying brought it back, washed it and kept it in its original place. But the next day again it was removed and thrown into the pit.

The Chief was very much disturbed at this or the last he brought home this idol and cleaned it. He then put his sword around its neck and said to the idol: "If henceforth anybody comes to you, promptly take action and kill him with the sword."

On the next day, the idol was again missing. This time he found it tied to a dead body of a dog. There was no effect at all of the sword which he had tied around the neck of the idol. This incident made him lose faith in his man-made wooden idol. He abandoned the idol worship altogether. On becoming a Muslim, he uttered a poem as under:

"Alas O my idol! If you were my God, you would not have reached this stage and I would not have seen you in the pit along with a dead dog. I have now put my faith in the Almighty Allah, from Whom come all blessings. It is He Who has freed me from darkness of ignorance."

This is one of the examples of how the young Muslim volunteers of Medina helped the Holy Prophet (SAW) in putting an end to idol worship and spread the true message of Islam.

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FROM PROPHET ADAM (A.S)

TILL

PROPHET MOHAMMAD (P.B.U.H)