23 September 2012
Summary
Seerah: The Battle of Tabuk - Journey
Ali is upset about being left in Medina with the hypocrites but the Prophet* compares him to Haroon
It was a very difficult journey to Tabuk – Hence the other name of Jaysh al-Usrah (Army of Hardship)
The Muslims pass by the ruins of Thamud (Prophet Saleh)
Abu Khaythamah procrastinates but joins the Prophet* late
Abu Dharr joins the Prophet* on foot and his lonely death in the desert was prophesised by the Prophet*
Belief Pathway: Miracles
Allah sends Prophets and Messengers with Laws and Guidance; Proof of their message is through acts of miracles that set them aside from other humans
Miraculous claims of previous Prophets are all historical and can we know for sure these happened?
Islam came with a living miracle that we can test today
Miracles of the Prophets
Miracles of the Prophet*
Miracles in the Qur’an
Miracle of the Qur’an
Importance and Power of Thought
Thought is the most powerful tool known to mankind
Using the thought in Islam we can transform our situation, like the previous Muslims did
Seerah of Muhammed*
*: May the peace blessings and Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an
Battle of Tabuk (2) – The Journey
Final Preparations for War
Abdur Rahman bin ‘Awf, on his side, paid two hundred silver ounces, whereas Abu Bakr paid the whole money he had and left nothing but Allah and His Messenger as a fortune for his family. ‘Umar paid half his fortune. Al-‘Abbas gifted a lot of money. Talhah, Sa‘d bin ‘Ubadah and Muhammad bin Maslamah, gave money for the welfare of the invasion. ‘Asim bin ‘Adi, on his turn, offered ninety camel-burdens of dates. People raced to pay little and much charities alike. One of them gave the only half bushel (or the only bushel) he owned. Women shared in this competition by giving the things they owned; such as musk, armlets, anklets, ear-rings and rings. No one abstained from spending out money, or was too mean to grant money or anything except the hypocrites: “Those who defame such of the believers who give charity (in Allah’s cause) voluntarily, and those who could not find to give charity (in Allah’s cause) except what is available to them, so they mock at them (believers).” [9:79]
When all the Bedouin contingents had arrived the army was thirty thousand strong, with ten thousand horses. A camp was made outside the town, and Abu Bakr was put in charge of it until, when all was ready for the march, the Prophet* himself rode forth and took command.
The Muslim Army is leaving for Tabuk:
On Thursday, the Prophet* marched northwards to Tabuk. The army that numbered thirty thousand fighters was a great one, when compared with the previous armies of Islam. Muslims had never marched with such a great number before. Despite all the gifts of wealth and mounts the army was not perfectly equipped. The shortage of provisions and mounts was so serious that eighteen men mounted one camel alternatively. As for provisions, members of the army at times had to eat the leaves of trees till their lips got swollen. Some others had to slaughter camels — though they were so dear — so that they could drink the water of their stomach; that is why that army was called “The army of distress” (Jaysh al-Usrah)
He had left 'Ali to look after his family, but the hypocrites spread the rumour that the Prophet* found him a burden and was relieved to be rid of his presence. Hearing this, 'Ali was so distressed that he put on his armour, seized his arms and overtook the Prophet* at his first halt, intending to beg his permission to accompany him. He told him what the people were saying, and the Prophet* said: "They lie. I asked you to remain for the sake of what I had left behind me. So return and represent me in my family and in yours”. But the Prophet* made ‘Ali turn back to Madinah after saying: “Would it not suffice you to be my successor in the way that Aaron (Harun) was to Moses’?” Then he proceeded saying: “But no Prophet* succeeds me.”
The Muslims pass by the ruins of Thamud
On their way to Tabuk, the army of Islam passed by Al-Hijr — which was the native land of Thamud who cut out (huge) rocks in the valley; that is “Al-Qura Valley” of today. They watered from its well but later the Prophet* told them not to drink of that water, nor perform the ablution with it. The dough they made, he asked them to feed their camels with. He forbade them to eat anything whatsoever of it. As an alternative he told them to water from that well which Prophet Saleh’s she-camel used to water from. On the authority of Ibn ‘Umar: “Upon passing by Al-Hijr the Prophet* (peace be upon him) said: l “Do not enter the houses of those who erred themselves lest what had happened to them would afflict you, but if you had to do such a thing let it be associated with weeping.” Then he raised his head up and accelerated his strides till he passed the valley out.”
Abu Khaythamah leaves late to join the Prophet*
Meantime in Medina, about ten days after the army had marched out, one of the four believers who had stayed behind, Abu Khaythamah of Khazraj, went out into his garden amid the shade of the trees on a day of great heat. There were two huts there, and he found that his wives had sprinkled each one with water, and in each a meal was prepared for him, and water had been cooled in earthenware jars for him to drink. He stood at the threshold of one of the huts and said: "The Messenger of God is in the glare of the sun, blown on by hot winds, and Abu Khaythamah is in cool shade with food made ready for him, and two fair women, abiding at rest on his own estate!" Then he turned to his wives and said: "By God, I will not enter either of your huts until I have first overtaken the Messenger, so make ready provisions for me." They did so, and saddling his camel, he set off with all speed in the wake of the army. The Prophet* had been disappointed and saddened by the default of the four believers who had failed to march out with the army, not least as regards Abu Khaythamah, who overtook them a few days after they had reached Tabuk. When the lone rider was seen approaching, but before he was distinguishable, the Prophet* said, as it were in prayer: "Be Abu Khaythamah!" Then, when the man rode up and greeted him, he said: "Alas for thee, Abu Khaytharnah!"; but when told what had happened, he blessed him.
Shortage of water and the army’s need to it made them complain to the Prophet* about that. So he supplicated Allah, who sent a rainful cloud. It rained and so all people drank and supplied themselves with their need of water. About half-way between Medina and Jerusalem, the Prophet* said one night: When they drew near Tabuk, the Prophet* said: “If Allah will, tomorrow you will arrive at Tabuk spring. You will not get there before daytime. So whoever reaches it should not touch its water; but wait till I come.” Mu‘adh said: “When we reached the spring it used to gush forth some water. We found that two men had already preceded us to it. The Prophet* asked them: ‘Have you touched its water?’ They replied: ‘Yes’. He said what Allah inspired him to say, then he scooped up little water of that spring, thin stream which gathered together, he washed his face and hand with it and poured it back into it; consequently plenty of water spouted out of it so people watered. ‘Mu‘adh’, said the Messenger of Allah, ‘if you were doomed to live long life you will see in here fields full of vegetation.’
On the way to Tabuk, or as soon as they reached Tabuk, the Prophet* said: ‘Severe wind will blow tonight, so none of you should stand up. Whoever has a camel should tie it up.’ Later on when the strong wind blew, one of the men stood up and the wind carried him away to Tai’ Mountain. All the way long the Prophet* was intent on the performance of the combined prayer of noon and the afternoon; and so did he with sunset and evening prayers. His prayers for both were either pre-time or post-time prayers.
Abu Dharr joins the Prophet* on foot
A group of Muslims (mainly hypocrites) refrained from going to battle, justifying their position with different apologies. The Prophet* and his Companions went out anyway. The farther they went, the more exhausted and tired they became. Whenever a man stayed behind people said, "O Prophet! So-and-so stayed behind." He then said, "Let him! If he's any good, he will reach you. If he's something else, then Allah will save you his trouble." One day the people turned around. They could not find Abu Dharr. They told the Prophet* that Abu Dharr had stayed behind and his camel had slowed down. It is here that the Prophet* repeated his first statement. Abu Dharr's camel became weaker under the severe pressure of hunger, thirst, and hot weather. It stumbled due to weakness and fatigue. Abu Dharr tried by all means to force it to move forward, but the burden of the camel's exhaustion was too heavy. Finally, Abu Dharr felt that he would be left behind, losing the caravan's traces. Therefore, he dismounted from his camel, took his belongings, carried them on his back, and continued his route on foot over the burning desert sand, hurrying in order to rejoin the Prophet*.
In the early morning, while the Muslims were stopped for a while to rest, one of them saw a cloud of dust and sand behind which the shadow of a man could be seen. The one who saw that said to the Prophet*, "O Messenger of Allah, there is someone walking alone." The Prophet* said, "Be Abu Dharr." The Muslims continued their talk until the man crossed the remaining distance between them. Only then were they able to know. The respectful traveller approached little by little. Although he could only with great effort pull his feet out of the burning sand and with a lot of pain carry the heavy burden on his back, he was very delighted to have finally reached the blessed caravan without staying behind and abandoning the Prophet*. When he at last reached the caravan, someone shouted, "O Prophet, it's Abu Dharr." The Prophet* then said, "Allah will have mercy upon Abu Dharr. He walks alone, dies alone, and resurrects alone."
He is also remembered alone by history for his brave resistance and his great asceticism. Allah will also resurrect him alone, because the multitude of his various merits will not enable anyone else to find a place near him.
Abu Dharr dies alone as prophesised:
In the lonely village, Abu Dharr had only the company of his wife and a maidservant. When the end was in sight, Abu Dharr called his wife and the maid and said, "When I am dead, you two wash me up, wrap me in a shroud and place my dead body by the road-side. When the first body of riders passes this way, tell them: `This is the dead body of Abu Dharr, the Companion of the Messenger of Allah. Help us bury him'."
A slim dark-skinned woman sitting crying beside Abu Dharr was his wife. Abu Dharr asks her, "Why do you cry and death is true?" She answers crying, "You are dying and I don't have a gown which suffices to be a winding sheet!!" He smiles like a passing evening glow and says to her "Calm down. Don't cry. I heard the Prophet* once saying while I was sitting among a number of Companions, 'One of you will die in a desert land, and a group of the faithful will witness him." All those who were sitting with me at that assembly have died, whether in a village or among a congregation. No one is left except me, and now I am dying in a desert land. Watch out, a group of the faithful will soon show up. By Allah, I didn't lie in my life."
There is a caravan which sets off on a journey across the desert. It consists of a group of the faithful with Abdullah Ibn Masood, the Prophet's Companion, at their head. They saw this lady waving at them despite the fact that the pilgrim journeys had passed. She explained to them that she will need help to bury her dying husband. They asked who he is and she replied that it was Abu Dharr. “What – the beloved Companion of the Prophet* Abu Dharr?” – “Yes”. “May we sacrifice our fathers and mothers for his sake!” they replied and went in to see him. In his last breath he gave them glad tidings from the Prophet* as they were the true believers that he* promised. And soon he passed away and was buried there in the desert. Ibn Masood narrated the interpretation of the statement "The Messenger of Allah was right," he said, "when he remarked: you are walking alone, you will die in loneliness and you will be raised alone on the Day of Judgement."
Main Topic: The Miracles of The Prophet(s)*
We said last week: Clearly, either man communicates with the Creator or that the Creator communicates with us to explain our existence. Man, however, is limited and unable to comprehend or perceive the unlimited and as such cannot communicate with the Creator. This obvious fact therefore, means that the communication had to come from the Creator. Throughout history, there have been messengers and prophets, men sent from the Creator, bringing laws or revelation on how man should conduct his life. They were given miracles which proved to mankind that they were bringing revelation. A miracle is something which goes against the laws of nature. For example prophet Musa (Moses) had a stick which parted the Red Sea. Prophet Isa (Jesus) had the ability to cure the sick by just touching them. But how do we know if these messengers existed? The miracles performed by the above prophets were only miracles for that specific period of time. But how do we know that they were not just legends or fables? They are not proof for us. So what miracle do we have right now to convince us and guide us through our lives?
Allah has sent Prophet*s and Messengers (Prophet*s with the divine law) to mankind to give guidance in all of our affairs. The Prophet*s were each given miracles which proved to mankind the authenticity of their Prophethood. As only the Messengers of God are given the Divine Law of God (Ahkam Shar'iyah) then Muhammad must definitely be the Prophet* and Messenger of God. To prove this point comprehensively we must examine critically the Qur'an. We will do this in the Study Circle over the coming weeks, InshaAllah.
However, the miracles (outlined below) are all historical and we can not know (independently) if they actually occurred but have to take it on trust that they are true stories. How does this differ from the stories or fables about other mythical persons and any superpowers they may have had, or what their followers claim from their books? The only way we can be certain – without any doubt – is if the sources are proven to be true and accurate. Hence we need to study the authenticity of the books that claim this as there were no cameras, YouTube uploads or other triangulation of information. As stated, we will discuss this soon (I/A) but it is necessary to set the context of the discussion. Below are some stated miracles from Muslim sources concerning the Prophets and our Prophet* too:
Some Miracles of Some of the Prophets
• Prophet Saleh – the she-camel from the rock
• The miracle of Ibrahim (Abraham) – the fire not burning him, the knife not cutting
• Prophet Musa (Moses) – ‘Magic’, splitting the Sea
• Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) – talking to the animals and command over the Jinn
• Prophet Isa (Jesus) – Curing the sick, dead to life
Miracles of The Prophet*
• Splitting of the Moon
• Food Multiplication
• Water Multiplication
• Supplication for Rain
• Lights to guide Companions
• Crying of the stem of the Date-palm Tree
• Glorification of Allah by the Prophet's meals
• Spider's Web
• The Prophet's Night Journey to Jerusalem and Ascent to the Heavens
• The Quran: Prophet Mohammad's Greatest Miracle
Miracles in the Qur’an
We will cover this next week (I/A) as this is the homework…
Miracle of the Qur’an
We will cover this next week (I/A) as this is the homework…
However, just to mention that Muslims consider the Quran to be the greatest miracle of prophet Mohammad, even though, the Quran is authored by Allah, not prophet Mohammad. Unlike the miracles of other prophets before him, the miracle of the Qur'an is eternal.
Mankind’s Greatest Weapon: Thought
What is the most powerful weapon known to man? It isn’t the spears, bow & arrows, guns, tanks, grenades or bombs that we read about – or the imaginary virtual weapons from games consoles. The most powerful weapon or tool is obviously the human mind and when mixed with the Truth from Allah we find an explosive mix. This is one of the reasons that the rich & powerful non-Muslims are afraid of the return of Islam as we would seek to rule by the Justice in Islam an do our best to eradicate tyranny, oppression and poverty.
The Situation of the Arabian Peninsula before Islam
If we consider the situation of the Arabian Peninsula before the advent of Islam, it was characterised by a widespread decline in many areas of life. Internally, the societies were plagued by tribalism, petty feuding and social injustice. For example in Medina the two major tribes, the Aws and Khazraj were constantly engaged in futile wars, such as the Harb al-Jamal - a battle lasting for years over the killing of a camel. In Mecca, the practices of burying daughters alive, cheating in the markets, prostitution and oppression of the weak by the strong were rife. Externally, the Arabs had no influence on the rest of the world. The major powers at the time, the Romans and the Persians, while fighting against each other, troubled themselves little with the Arabs, seeing them as insignificant Bedouins not worth conquering.
The Impact of Islam on the Arabian Peninsula
However, with the arrival of Islam, things changed dramatically in the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad* and the Muslims struggled to bring an entirely new way of thinking on to the scene. This is clear from the description of Ja'far ibn Abu Talib to the Negus in Abyssinia made by him during the first Hijra from Mecca, when he said, "…we were an uncivilised people worshipping idols, eating corpses, committing abominations, breaking natural ties, treating guests badly, and our strong devoured the weak. Thus, we were until God sent us an apostle whose lineage, truth, trustworthiness and clemency we know. He summoned us to acknowledge God's unity and to worship Him and to renounce the stones and images we and our forefathers formerly worshipped. He commanded us to speak the truth, be faithful to our engagements, mindful of the ties of kinship and kindly hospitality, and to refrain from crimes and bloodshed…..We confessed his truth and believed in him, and we followed him in what he had brought from God, and we worshipped God alone without associating anything with Him."
A Productive Way of Thinking
So, with this new way of thinking, the Arabs ascended from the former depths of decline and jahiliyyah (ignorance). The Prophet* and the Muslims with him established a state in Medina, whose history contrasts starkly with what had come before it. Internally, it ruled with justice and security over those who lived under it, whether they were Muslims or not, freeing them from the shackles of slavery, poverty, ignorance and the obedience to other human beings. Externally, the Islamic State expanded to unite more than half of the known world under the banner of Islam, and was the leading nation in all areas of life, whether in technology, intellect, economic ability or societal security and justice.
The Power of Thought
The important fact is that this dramatic transformation came about not after any materialistic innovation, the discovery of wealth or for any other reason than the absorption of an entirely new way of thinking. This way of thinking was one that gave the people an objective in their life, and gave them a reference point for solving all of the problems which would face them.
Allah says, "Lo! We reveal unto you the scripture with the truth, that you may judge between mankind with that which Allah has shown you." [TMQ: 4:105] and He says, "It is He who sent the Messenger with the guidance and the deen of truth, that it may prevail over all other deens." [TMQ: 9:33]
That is part of what we are trying to do in this Study Circle and talk through the importance of thinking about these things – not to take everything in blind faith but to reason things through.
As we stated in the Study Circle, ‘Thoughts’ are the most powerful weapon we have and the mind is such a great tool that we should use it. What better way to use it than to prove the existence of Allah and that the Qur’an is the Word of Allah.
Seerah: The Battle of Tabuk - Journey
Ali is upset about being left in Medina with the hypocrites but the Prophet* compares him to Haroon
It was a very difficult journey to Tabuk – Hence the other name of Jaysh al-Usrah (Army of Hardship)
The Muslims pass by the ruins of Thamud (Prophet Saleh)
Abu Khaythamah procrastinates but joins the Prophet* late
Abu Dharr joins the Prophet* on foot and his lonely death in the desert was prophesised by the Prophet*
Belief Pathway: Miracles
Allah sends Prophets and Messengers with Laws and Guidance; Proof of their message is through acts of miracles that set them aside from other humans
Miraculous claims of previous Prophets are all historical and can we know for sure these happened?
Islam came with a living miracle that we can test today
Miracles of the Prophets
Miracles of the Prophet*
Miracles in the Qur’an
Miracle of the Qur’an
Importance and Power of Thought
Thought is the most powerful tool known to mankind
Using the thought in Islam we can transform our situation, like the previous Muslims did
Seerah of Muhammed*
*: May the peace blessings and Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an
Battle of Tabuk (2) – The Journey
Final Preparations for War
Abdur Rahman bin ‘Awf, on his side, paid two hundred silver ounces, whereas Abu Bakr paid the whole money he had and left nothing but Allah and His Messenger as a fortune for his family. ‘Umar paid half his fortune. Al-‘Abbas gifted a lot of money. Talhah, Sa‘d bin ‘Ubadah and Muhammad bin Maslamah, gave money for the welfare of the invasion. ‘Asim bin ‘Adi, on his turn, offered ninety camel-burdens of dates. People raced to pay little and much charities alike. One of them gave the only half bushel (or the only bushel) he owned. Women shared in this competition by giving the things they owned; such as musk, armlets, anklets, ear-rings and rings. No one abstained from spending out money, or was too mean to grant money or anything except the hypocrites: “Those who defame such of the believers who give charity (in Allah’s cause) voluntarily, and those who could not find to give charity (in Allah’s cause) except what is available to them, so they mock at them (believers).” [9:79]
When all the Bedouin contingents had arrived the army was thirty thousand strong, with ten thousand horses. A camp was made outside the town, and Abu Bakr was put in charge of it until, when all was ready for the march, the Prophet* himself rode forth and took command.
The Muslim Army is leaving for Tabuk:
On Thursday, the Prophet* marched northwards to Tabuk. The army that numbered thirty thousand fighters was a great one, when compared with the previous armies of Islam. Muslims had never marched with such a great number before. Despite all the gifts of wealth and mounts the army was not perfectly equipped. The shortage of provisions and mounts was so serious that eighteen men mounted one camel alternatively. As for provisions, members of the army at times had to eat the leaves of trees till their lips got swollen. Some others had to slaughter camels — though they were so dear — so that they could drink the water of their stomach; that is why that army was called “The army of distress” (Jaysh al-Usrah)
He had left 'Ali to look after his family, but the hypocrites spread the rumour that the Prophet* found him a burden and was relieved to be rid of his presence. Hearing this, 'Ali was so distressed that he put on his armour, seized his arms and overtook the Prophet* at his first halt, intending to beg his permission to accompany him. He told him what the people were saying, and the Prophet* said: "They lie. I asked you to remain for the sake of what I had left behind me. So return and represent me in my family and in yours”. But the Prophet* made ‘Ali turn back to Madinah after saying: “Would it not suffice you to be my successor in the way that Aaron (Harun) was to Moses’?” Then he proceeded saying: “But no Prophet* succeeds me.”
The Muslims pass by the ruins of Thamud
On their way to Tabuk, the army of Islam passed by Al-Hijr — which was the native land of Thamud who cut out (huge) rocks in the valley; that is “Al-Qura Valley” of today. They watered from its well but later the Prophet* told them not to drink of that water, nor perform the ablution with it. The dough they made, he asked them to feed their camels with. He forbade them to eat anything whatsoever of it. As an alternative he told them to water from that well which Prophet Saleh’s she-camel used to water from. On the authority of Ibn ‘Umar: “Upon passing by Al-Hijr the Prophet* (peace be upon him) said: l “Do not enter the houses of those who erred themselves lest what had happened to them would afflict you, but if you had to do such a thing let it be associated with weeping.” Then he raised his head up and accelerated his strides till he passed the valley out.”
Abu Khaythamah leaves late to join the Prophet*
Meantime in Medina, about ten days after the army had marched out, one of the four believers who had stayed behind, Abu Khaythamah of Khazraj, went out into his garden amid the shade of the trees on a day of great heat. There were two huts there, and he found that his wives had sprinkled each one with water, and in each a meal was prepared for him, and water had been cooled in earthenware jars for him to drink. He stood at the threshold of one of the huts and said: "The Messenger of God is in the glare of the sun, blown on by hot winds, and Abu Khaythamah is in cool shade with food made ready for him, and two fair women, abiding at rest on his own estate!" Then he turned to his wives and said: "By God, I will not enter either of your huts until I have first overtaken the Messenger, so make ready provisions for me." They did so, and saddling his camel, he set off with all speed in the wake of the army. The Prophet* had been disappointed and saddened by the default of the four believers who had failed to march out with the army, not least as regards Abu Khaythamah, who overtook them a few days after they had reached Tabuk. When the lone rider was seen approaching, but before he was distinguishable, the Prophet* said, as it were in prayer: "Be Abu Khaythamah!" Then, when the man rode up and greeted him, he said: "Alas for thee, Abu Khaytharnah!"; but when told what had happened, he blessed him.
Shortage of water and the army’s need to it made them complain to the Prophet* about that. So he supplicated Allah, who sent a rainful cloud. It rained and so all people drank and supplied themselves with their need of water. About half-way between Medina and Jerusalem, the Prophet* said one night: When they drew near Tabuk, the Prophet* said: “If Allah will, tomorrow you will arrive at Tabuk spring. You will not get there before daytime. So whoever reaches it should not touch its water; but wait till I come.” Mu‘adh said: “When we reached the spring it used to gush forth some water. We found that two men had already preceded us to it. The Prophet* asked them: ‘Have you touched its water?’ They replied: ‘Yes’. He said what Allah inspired him to say, then he scooped up little water of that spring, thin stream which gathered together, he washed his face and hand with it and poured it back into it; consequently plenty of water spouted out of it so people watered. ‘Mu‘adh’, said the Messenger of Allah, ‘if you were doomed to live long life you will see in here fields full of vegetation.’
On the way to Tabuk, or as soon as they reached Tabuk, the Prophet* said: ‘Severe wind will blow tonight, so none of you should stand up. Whoever has a camel should tie it up.’ Later on when the strong wind blew, one of the men stood up and the wind carried him away to Tai’ Mountain. All the way long the Prophet* was intent on the performance of the combined prayer of noon and the afternoon; and so did he with sunset and evening prayers. His prayers for both were either pre-time or post-time prayers.
Abu Dharr joins the Prophet* on foot
A group of Muslims (mainly hypocrites) refrained from going to battle, justifying their position with different apologies. The Prophet* and his Companions went out anyway. The farther they went, the more exhausted and tired they became. Whenever a man stayed behind people said, "O Prophet! So-and-so stayed behind." He then said, "Let him! If he's any good, he will reach you. If he's something else, then Allah will save you his trouble." One day the people turned around. They could not find Abu Dharr. They told the Prophet* that Abu Dharr had stayed behind and his camel had slowed down. It is here that the Prophet* repeated his first statement. Abu Dharr's camel became weaker under the severe pressure of hunger, thirst, and hot weather. It stumbled due to weakness and fatigue. Abu Dharr tried by all means to force it to move forward, but the burden of the camel's exhaustion was too heavy. Finally, Abu Dharr felt that he would be left behind, losing the caravan's traces. Therefore, he dismounted from his camel, took his belongings, carried them on his back, and continued his route on foot over the burning desert sand, hurrying in order to rejoin the Prophet*.
In the early morning, while the Muslims were stopped for a while to rest, one of them saw a cloud of dust and sand behind which the shadow of a man could be seen. The one who saw that said to the Prophet*, "O Messenger of Allah, there is someone walking alone." The Prophet* said, "Be Abu Dharr." The Muslims continued their talk until the man crossed the remaining distance between them. Only then were they able to know. The respectful traveller approached little by little. Although he could only with great effort pull his feet out of the burning sand and with a lot of pain carry the heavy burden on his back, he was very delighted to have finally reached the blessed caravan without staying behind and abandoning the Prophet*. When he at last reached the caravan, someone shouted, "O Prophet, it's Abu Dharr." The Prophet* then said, "Allah will have mercy upon Abu Dharr. He walks alone, dies alone, and resurrects alone."
He is also remembered alone by history for his brave resistance and his great asceticism. Allah will also resurrect him alone, because the multitude of his various merits will not enable anyone else to find a place near him.
Abu Dharr dies alone as prophesised:
In the lonely village, Abu Dharr had only the company of his wife and a maidservant. When the end was in sight, Abu Dharr called his wife and the maid and said, "When I am dead, you two wash me up, wrap me in a shroud and place my dead body by the road-side. When the first body of riders passes this way, tell them: `This is the dead body of Abu Dharr, the Companion of the Messenger of Allah. Help us bury him'."
A slim dark-skinned woman sitting crying beside Abu Dharr was his wife. Abu Dharr asks her, "Why do you cry and death is true?" She answers crying, "You are dying and I don't have a gown which suffices to be a winding sheet!!" He smiles like a passing evening glow and says to her "Calm down. Don't cry. I heard the Prophet* once saying while I was sitting among a number of Companions, 'One of you will die in a desert land, and a group of the faithful will witness him." All those who were sitting with me at that assembly have died, whether in a village or among a congregation. No one is left except me, and now I am dying in a desert land. Watch out, a group of the faithful will soon show up. By Allah, I didn't lie in my life."
There is a caravan which sets off on a journey across the desert. It consists of a group of the faithful with Abdullah Ibn Masood, the Prophet's Companion, at their head. They saw this lady waving at them despite the fact that the pilgrim journeys had passed. She explained to them that she will need help to bury her dying husband. They asked who he is and she replied that it was Abu Dharr. “What – the beloved Companion of the Prophet* Abu Dharr?” – “Yes”. “May we sacrifice our fathers and mothers for his sake!” they replied and went in to see him. In his last breath he gave them glad tidings from the Prophet* as they were the true believers that he* promised. And soon he passed away and was buried there in the desert. Ibn Masood narrated the interpretation of the statement "The Messenger of Allah was right," he said, "when he remarked: you are walking alone, you will die in loneliness and you will be raised alone on the Day of Judgement."
Main Topic: The Miracles of The Prophet(s)*
We said last week: Clearly, either man communicates with the Creator or that the Creator communicates with us to explain our existence. Man, however, is limited and unable to comprehend or perceive the unlimited and as such cannot communicate with the Creator. This obvious fact therefore, means that the communication had to come from the Creator. Throughout history, there have been messengers and prophets, men sent from the Creator, bringing laws or revelation on how man should conduct his life. They were given miracles which proved to mankind that they were bringing revelation. A miracle is something which goes against the laws of nature. For example prophet Musa (Moses) had a stick which parted the Red Sea. Prophet Isa (Jesus) had the ability to cure the sick by just touching them. But how do we know if these messengers existed? The miracles performed by the above prophets were only miracles for that specific period of time. But how do we know that they were not just legends or fables? They are not proof for us. So what miracle do we have right now to convince us and guide us through our lives?
Allah has sent Prophet*s and Messengers (Prophet*s with the divine law) to mankind to give guidance in all of our affairs. The Prophet*s were each given miracles which proved to mankind the authenticity of their Prophethood. As only the Messengers of God are given the Divine Law of God (Ahkam Shar'iyah) then Muhammad must definitely be the Prophet* and Messenger of God. To prove this point comprehensively we must examine critically the Qur'an. We will do this in the Study Circle over the coming weeks, InshaAllah.
However, the miracles (outlined below) are all historical and we can not know (independently) if they actually occurred but have to take it on trust that they are true stories. How does this differ from the stories or fables about other mythical persons and any superpowers they may have had, or what their followers claim from their books? The only way we can be certain – without any doubt – is if the sources are proven to be true and accurate. Hence we need to study the authenticity of the books that claim this as there were no cameras, YouTube uploads or other triangulation of information. As stated, we will discuss this soon (I/A) but it is necessary to set the context of the discussion. Below are some stated miracles from Muslim sources concerning the Prophets and our Prophet* too:
Some Miracles of Some of the Prophets
• Prophet Saleh – the she-camel from the rock
• The miracle of Ibrahim (Abraham) – the fire not burning him, the knife not cutting
• Prophet Musa (Moses) – ‘Magic’, splitting the Sea
• Prophet Suleiman (Solomon) – talking to the animals and command over the Jinn
• Prophet Isa (Jesus) – Curing the sick, dead to life
Miracles of The Prophet*
• Splitting of the Moon
• Food Multiplication
• Water Multiplication
• Supplication for Rain
• Lights to guide Companions
• Crying of the stem of the Date-palm Tree
• Glorification of Allah by the Prophet's meals
• Spider's Web
• The Prophet's Night Journey to Jerusalem and Ascent to the Heavens
• The Quran: Prophet Mohammad's Greatest Miracle
Miracles in the Qur’an
We will cover this next week (I/A) as this is the homework…
Miracle of the Qur’an
We will cover this next week (I/A) as this is the homework…
However, just to mention that Muslims consider the Quran to be the greatest miracle of prophet Mohammad, even though, the Quran is authored by Allah, not prophet Mohammad. Unlike the miracles of other prophets before him, the miracle of the Qur'an is eternal.
Mankind’s Greatest Weapon: Thought
What is the most powerful weapon known to man? It isn’t the spears, bow & arrows, guns, tanks, grenades or bombs that we read about – or the imaginary virtual weapons from games consoles. The most powerful weapon or tool is obviously the human mind and when mixed with the Truth from Allah we find an explosive mix. This is one of the reasons that the rich & powerful non-Muslims are afraid of the return of Islam as we would seek to rule by the Justice in Islam an do our best to eradicate tyranny, oppression and poverty.
The Situation of the Arabian Peninsula before Islam
If we consider the situation of the Arabian Peninsula before the advent of Islam, it was characterised by a widespread decline in many areas of life. Internally, the societies were plagued by tribalism, petty feuding and social injustice. For example in Medina the two major tribes, the Aws and Khazraj were constantly engaged in futile wars, such as the Harb al-Jamal - a battle lasting for years over the killing of a camel. In Mecca, the practices of burying daughters alive, cheating in the markets, prostitution and oppression of the weak by the strong were rife. Externally, the Arabs had no influence on the rest of the world. The major powers at the time, the Romans and the Persians, while fighting against each other, troubled themselves little with the Arabs, seeing them as insignificant Bedouins not worth conquering.
The Impact of Islam on the Arabian Peninsula
However, with the arrival of Islam, things changed dramatically in the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad* and the Muslims struggled to bring an entirely new way of thinking on to the scene. This is clear from the description of Ja'far ibn Abu Talib to the Negus in Abyssinia made by him during the first Hijra from Mecca, when he said, "…we were an uncivilised people worshipping idols, eating corpses, committing abominations, breaking natural ties, treating guests badly, and our strong devoured the weak. Thus, we were until God sent us an apostle whose lineage, truth, trustworthiness and clemency we know. He summoned us to acknowledge God's unity and to worship Him and to renounce the stones and images we and our forefathers formerly worshipped. He commanded us to speak the truth, be faithful to our engagements, mindful of the ties of kinship and kindly hospitality, and to refrain from crimes and bloodshed…..We confessed his truth and believed in him, and we followed him in what he had brought from God, and we worshipped God alone without associating anything with Him."
A Productive Way of Thinking
So, with this new way of thinking, the Arabs ascended from the former depths of decline and jahiliyyah (ignorance). The Prophet* and the Muslims with him established a state in Medina, whose history contrasts starkly with what had come before it. Internally, it ruled with justice and security over those who lived under it, whether they were Muslims or not, freeing them from the shackles of slavery, poverty, ignorance and the obedience to other human beings. Externally, the Islamic State expanded to unite more than half of the known world under the banner of Islam, and was the leading nation in all areas of life, whether in technology, intellect, economic ability or societal security and justice.
The Power of Thought
The important fact is that this dramatic transformation came about not after any materialistic innovation, the discovery of wealth or for any other reason than the absorption of an entirely new way of thinking. This way of thinking was one that gave the people an objective in their life, and gave them a reference point for solving all of the problems which would face them.
Allah says, "Lo! We reveal unto you the scripture with the truth, that you may judge between mankind with that which Allah has shown you." [TMQ: 4:105] and He says, "It is He who sent the Messenger with the guidance and the deen of truth, that it may prevail over all other deens." [TMQ: 9:33]
That is part of what we are trying to do in this Study Circle and talk through the importance of thinking about these things – not to take everything in blind faith but to reason things through.
As we stated in the Study Circle, ‘Thoughts’ are the most powerful weapon we have and the mind is such a great tool that we should use it. What better way to use it than to prove the existence of Allah and that the Qur’an is the Word of Allah.
Children’s Feedback and News Topic:
None
Homework
Seerah ~
None This Week
Belief ~ What is the miracle of the Qur'an, and what are
the miracles in the Qur'an? AGAIN
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