29 March 2015: Prophet Suleiman and Hud hud bird; Being resurrected

29 March 2015: Prophet Suleiman and Hud hud bird; Being resurrected

Lives of the Prophets: Suleiman* continued

Lessons from the Story of Suleiman* with the Ants

“And there were gathered before Suleiman his hosts of jinn and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forward). Till, when they came to the valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Suleiman and his hosts should crush you, while they perceive not." So he smiled, amused at her speech and said: "My Lord! Grant me the power and ability that I may be grateful for Your Favours which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." [TMQ Al-Naml 27: 17-19] 
 
Allah tells the story of Suleiman* when he once rode out with his army of people and with Jinns escorting him, and the birds casting a shadow on him to shield him from the heat, " and they were all kept in order and ranks", which means the front lines were halted until the back lines would catch up with them so that no creature would overstep its limits. 

Suleiman* was able to understand the speech of the ant and smiled out of joy and happiness for being solely chosen by Allah to be let in on this. Hence, all the gifts and blessings we enjoy from Allah we should be thankful for. All the achievements we amass, and all the possessions we gather – we should be thankful to Allah.

Suleiman* invokes Allah to enable him to thank Him for the Grace Allah has bestowed on him and the privilege that only he was granted. He also supplicates Him to enable him to do good deeds, and, should he die, to be resurrected together with the pious and the righteous of the servants of Allah. Hence we should always thank Allah for all the gifts and blessings from Allah.
We also learn of the responsibility the ant had to the Ummah of the ants. It was easy for the ant to run away but he chose to stay and warn the other ants because he knew this was his responsibility and that he would not survive without his Ummah. Living in this society we need to be aware of what is happening around us, and what is happening to other Muslims around the world and we should have a bond and responsibility to each other. We should know that, no matter how strong we think we are, we can never protect ourselves and deen unless we stay with the Ummah / Jamaah. Furthermore, as we mentioned last week – we should look for excuses for our fellow Muslims rather than being the first to blame / accuse them!

Suleiman*'s Story with the Hoopoe (Hud Hud) bird:
 
“He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not the hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? "I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason." But the hoopoe stayed not long, he (came up and) said: "I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Saba' (Sheba) with true news "I found a woman ruling over them", she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. "I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Shaitan has made their deeds fair-seeming to them, and has barred them from (Allah's) Way, so they have no guidance," [As Shaitan has barred them from Allah's Way] so they do not worship (prostrate themselves before) Allah, Who brings to light what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne! [Suleiman said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are (one) of the liars "Go you with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what (answer) they return." [TMQ Al-Naml 27: 20-28]

It is stated that the Hoopoe used to guide Suleiman* to places of water. Whenever he was in the desert, he would ask for him to be brought so as to locate water at great depths. The Hoopoe was able to see it just as a man is able to see the apparent objects above the surface of the earth, and it was capable of determining its depth, too. Once it specified the exact spot, Suleiman* would order the Jinns to dig up this place so that water would come gushing out.
Suleiman* was in the habit of inspecting the birds, and each day every species would delegate one of them to meet him. As a great leader he was aware of all his soldiers and subjects and cared after them. This is an important lesson for us that leaders to look after everybody.
The punishment for being absent was rather strict/severe but we should bear in mind that this is during a wartime operation as opposed to being during peacetime. Hence, the rules and regulations are often stricter because failure to obey commands in military matters can lead to severe consequences and death. This was highlighted when the archers failed to obey the command of the Prophet* during the Battle of Uhud to remain at their posts – and consequently they suffered a huge defeat.

We also mentioned the believer who was eager to accompany the Prophet* on the Battle of Tabuk but did not obey his command bring only a strong camel. When he died on the journey the Prophet* cautioned people from claiming he was a martyr. Hence the rules are quite strict. We compared this to when the Prophet* sent out one of his young servants (Anas bin Malik) to get something from the market but he got distracted and lost the money whilst playing with some other boys. When the Prophet* found him he excused his behaviour and told him to carry on playing.

The bird returned and mentioned that he had new and specific knowledge that would interest the king. He explained what he had found and that despite being a queen with an impressive kingdom she had a particularly impressive throne. The throne she used to sit on was grand, splendid and decorated with all types of gems, pearls and gold - which should not compare to the throne of Allah. Allah's magnificent Throne is the Greatest ever as it surpasses any other throne possessed by any creature.

The name of the Queen is Bilqees and she was the Queen of Saba or Sheba, a city in Yemen. The bird then made an excuse for the people and the fact that they have been misguided but remain open to proper guidance.

Controversially, we discussed the famous hadith of the Prophet where he mentioned that a nation will never succeed that appoints a woman as its leader. This is not a prediction but legal instruction that, according to Islam, it is not permitted to have a female as the ruling leader for all the Muslims (nor in a specified position of ruling within the government (outside the scope of this discussion). This should not be misinterpreted that they cannot take positions of leadership within society but that they are barred from certain positions of ruling. The justice of this legal rule can be addressed at another point in time!

 
The Main Topic: The Resurrection

The first grave to open

Prophet Muhammad*, whose grave is in Medina, will be the first one whose grave will open up. The Prophet* says, “I am the leader of mankind on the day of judgement and I am the first one whose grave will open on the day of judgement.” 

In another authentic hadith, a Muslim had a dispute with a Jew. The Jew said, “In the name of the One who revealed the Torah on Musa” so this Muslim hit him and started praising Muhammad*. So the Jew came and complained to The Prophet*. The Prophet* said, “Do not prefer me over Musa, because I will be the first one to come out of his grave, but I will find that Musa is already holding onto the throne of Allah. So I do not know whether he was included in the ones who were dead in the first blow or not.” 

The hadith asks us not to get into competitions with the non-Muslims about who has the better leader as that will only distance them from Islam and make us less inclined to the other Prophets, hence: ‘do not say that I am better than Musa’? Obviously, the Prophet* did say in many ahadith that he is the leader of mankind. We believe that The Prophet* is the greatest of all of the Prophets, but the Prophet* does not want us to say that when we are in a conversation with a non-believer because we are just putting down the ambiya just to make the non-believer upset. The Prophets (ambiya) of Allah belong to this Ummah, not to anybody else. Musa belongs to the Ummah of Islam. That’s why when The Prophet* went to Medina and saw the Jews fasting, he asked why they were fasting, and they said, “This is the day in which Allah has saved Musa from Pharaoh.” The Prophet* said, “Musa belongs to us more than he does to them, so we should fast this day.” 

We should not go to the Jew and say, “Muhammad is better than your Prophet!” We should not go the Christian and say, “Muhammad is better than your Prophet!” We are putting the Messengers of Allah down; we need to show the respect we have for all Messengers, even though we believe Muhammad* is the one Allah chose out of all of his creation.

In what condition will people will be resurrected? 

The Prophet* says, “You will be resurrected barefoot, naked and uncircumcised.” Then The Prophet* recited the ayah, where Allah says, “[...]as We began the first creation, We shall repeat it, (it is) a promise binding upon Us. Truly, We shall do it.” (21:104) When ‘Aa`isha heard this, she was concerned that men and women are going to be in the same place, naked. Allah’s Apostle said, “The people will be gathered barefooted, naked, and uncircumcised.” I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Will the men and the women look at each other?” He said, “The situation will be too hard for them to pay attention to that.” [Bukhari]

So Allah is going to return you in the exact form when you were born – naked, barefoot and uncircumcised. Allah will bring you once again in your natural state. 

Allah will restore the souls of His slaves, but they will be created anew, different from the way they were in the life of this world. One feature of this new creation will be that they will not die, no matter what trials befall them. For example, people will be able to see things that they could not see before. They will see the angels and the jinn, and other things which only Allah knows. Similarly, the people of Paradise will not spit, defecate or urinate.

Allah says: “And death will come to him from every side, yet he will not die…” (TMQ 14: 1 7) The Prophet* said “You know that you will be resurrected to (meet) Allah, then (you will go) to Paradise or to Hell, where you will settle and never leave, you will abide forever and never die, in bodies that will never die."' 

This does not mean that those who are resurrected on the Day of Judgement will be an entirely different creation than they were in this world. Ibn Taymiyah said: "The two creations are two things of the same category, they are similar in one way and different in another."

Allah will assemble all creation

Allah will assemble everyone, whether this human was lost in the depths of the ocean or this human being was in the dungeons of the earth. Allah will bring them all together. Allah says: “[...] Wheresoever you may be, Allah will bring you together (on the Day of Resurrection). Truly, Allah is Able to do all things.” (2:148) Allah says, “We bought them together, we did not leave any one of them.”

Wherever you may be – even in outer space – Allah will bring you together, because all of this universe belongs to Allah. Even the animals will be included. Allah says, “When the wild beasts are herded together.” (81:5) 

Abu Hurairah says, “On the Day of Judgment, Allah will assemble all of the creation: the beasts, the birds, even the insects - everything. And Allah will be Just on that day, because His Name is the Just (al ‘Adl). And of the justice of Allah, Allah will take revenge for the goat that did not have horns from the goat that did have horns.” 

In this world, it could’ve been that the goat with horns took advantage of the goat without horns and hurt it. Abu Hurairah said that Allah will take revenge for that goat without horns. After every dispute is settled, then Allah will tell the beasts and animals to be dirt (turaab) and they would turn into dirt.

Allah says in the Qur’an, “And the non-believer will say, ‘I wish that I am dirt.’” The non-believer will wish they never lived or existed. This non believer who was so careful to save money and live in this money and enjoy himself; he will wish he were dirt.

Divergent topic: Non-believers and their actions:

The actions of the non-believers (kuffaar) are of two types. The first type includes actions which are evil and sinful, spreading corruption on earth, etc. These are all false and evil actions from which people can never hope for anything good or to earn any reward. 

The second kind of actions are those which they think will earn them something from Allah, such as charity, freeing slaves, upholding ties of kinship, spending for good purposes. But Allah has coined likenesses of such actions in His Book.

“The parable of those who disbelieved in their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day; they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away [from the Right Path].” (TMQ 14: 18) 

Hence Allah will make their deeds like scattered floating grains of dust: “And We shall tum to whatever deeds they [disbelievers, polytheists, sinners] did, and We shall make such deeds as scattered floating particles of dust.” (TMQ 25: 23)

This group, who think that they are following something good, will have a shock on the Day of Resurrection when they discover that their deeds are worthless. This group includes the devoted worshippers among the Jews and Christians, after the time of the Prophet*.

After all, the ultimate evil (unforgivable sin) is not to even believe in Allah!

8 March 2015 - Prophet Dawud* and Final Signs of the End of the World

8 March 2015 - Prophet Dawud* and Final Signs of the End of the World

Lives of the Prophets - Prophet Dawud* (continued)

Fasting of Dawud*

The Prophet* said, "The most beloved prayer to Allah was the prayer of Prophet Dawud*, and the most beloved fasting to Allah was the fasting of Prophet Dawud*. He used to sleep the (first half) of the night and pray for one third of it and then sleep one-sixth of it, and he used to fast on alternate days and would not flee on facing the enemy."

In addition to his melodious voice, Prophet Dawud*, was fast in reciting his Book, the Zabur (Psalms). Imam Ahmad reports that The Prophet* said: "The reciting (of the Psalms) was made easy for Prophet Dawud*. He used to order that his riding animal be saddled, and would finish reciting the Qur’an before it was saddled. And he would never eat except from the earnings of his manual work. " The word 'Qur'an' in this Hadith refers to the Psalms which Allah revealed to him. Allah the Almighty says: "And We gave to Dawud* (the gift of) the Psalms." (AI Israa': 55)

As for Allah's saying, "We strengthened his kingdom", it means that Allah granted him great power and authority and respected, sound judgement.

Allah says: "O Dawud! We did indeed make thee a vicegerent (Khalifah) on earth: so judge thou between men in truth (and justice): nor follow thou the lust (of thy heart), for it will mislead thee from the Path of Allah: for those who wander astray from the Path of Allah, is a Penalty Grievous, for that they forget the Day of Account." (Saad: 26)

Ibn Kathir maintains: This speech of Allah has been directed to Dawud*, yet it is also directed to all rulers and commanders. They are all commanded to abide by justice and follow the truth revealed by Allah, not their whims and desires. Then Allah warns them that if they deviated from Allah's path, they would suffer a grievous chastisement on the Day of Judgement.

Dawud* set the best example of justice and sincere and intense worship to Allah. He offered several extra devotional acts and made his family follow his example. Thus Allah praises them saying, "Work ye, Sons of Dawud*, in thanks! But few of My servants are grateful." (Saba': 13)

The Age of Dawud*:

There is a Hadith reported about the creation of Adam mentions that when Allah drew from Adam's back his descendants and showed him the Prophets among them, Adam saw amongst them a light shining brightly (man with a shining face), so he asked, 'O my Lord! Who is this man'?' Allah said, 'This is your son, Dawud.' He asked, 'O my Lord! How old will be he?' Allah said, '60 years.' He said, 'O my Lord! Increase his age.' Allah said, 'I will not increase it except out of your own age.' (Adam had known from Allah that his own age would be one thousand years) so he granted Dawud* 40 years of his age. When Adam's life came to an end, the angel of death came to take his soul. Then (Adam) said, 'There still remain 40 years of my age.' He forgot that he had gifted Dawud* with them.

Death of Prophet Dawud*

The Prophet* said: "(Prophet) Dawud* was a very private man. When he left his house, he used to lock it up so that none may enter it until he returned. One day he went out and locked up the house. Then while his wife was walking in the house, she found a man standing in the middle of the house. She asked those who were in the house (i.e. its inhabitants), 'How did this man enter the house though it is locked up? By Allah, Dawud* will reproach us today.' When Dawud* came back, he found the man standing in the middle of the house. He asked him, 'Who are you?' He (the man) replied, 'I am the one who does not fear nor be prevented by gatekeepers. Dawud* said, 'By Allah, you are the angel of death. Welcome to Allah's command. Dawud* remained until the angel took his soul. After he was washed and wrapped in the shroud, the sun rose over him. Solomon said to the birds, 'Give Dawud* shade.' They did so till it became dark. Then Solomon said to the birds, 'Hold one wing in. ' Abu Hurairah said that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, began to show us how the birds held a wing in and held his arm in and the falcons gave him more shade than other birds that day. "

Lessons from Life of Dawud*

Sins Make You Become Weak

Bani Israel became weak because of their sins. The Philistines took away from them the ark of the covenant. The Philistines were able to defeat them.

Even Though Bani Israel didn’t like to fight They Admitted That Jihad Was The Solution To Their Problems

They asked a king to be appointed to lead them in jihad. The Prophet* said: “Whenever a people abandon Jihad, Allah envelopes them with His punishment” [Tabarani]

Bani Israel Objected To Talut (Saul) As Their King Because Of His Poverty

When you are poor, people use it to look down on you.

Historically, Bani Israel Have A Problem With Allah's Decisions

They had a problem with Talut being appointed as the king. They rebelled and said they have more wealth than him so he can't be their king.

Humans Cannot Tell Allah Who To Bless

The people of Mecca used to ask why Allah sent the Quran down on Muhammad*. You can't tell Allah who to bless. But Allah chooses for His Mercy whom He wills. And Allah is the Owner of Great Bounty. (Al-Baqarah 2:105)

Hypocrites Sometimes Join The Caravan/Crowd for ulterior motives

Talut realised there were hypocrites in the army. This took place in the time of the Prophet* as well. They want the booty or right hand possess. Only a few passed the test of not drinking water.

Always Have Tawakkul When You Go To The Frontline

But those who knew with certainty that they were to meet their Lord, said: "How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allah's Leave?" And Allah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). (TMQ 2:249)

Always Make A Dua Before You Fight The Enemy

The Prophet* did it at Badr. King Talut did it before he fought the Philistines. And when they advanced to meet Jalut (Goliath) and his forces, they invoked: "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience, set our feet firm and make us victorious over the disbelieving people." (TMQ 2:250) Always make a dua before you take on the enemy.

Youth Are Effective On The Battlefield

A lot of the sahabas were teenagers when they went to the battlefield. Dawud* killed Goliath when he was a teenager. When Tariq bin Ziyad conquered Spain, he was only 18. When Muhammad al Fateh conquered Turkey in 1453, he was only 19.

Dawud* Didn't Allow Fame To Get To His Head

He didn't allow the fame to get to his head because of his taqwa. When fame gets to your head, you are no longer sincere.

Allah Elevated Dawud* Because He Remained Humble

Dawud* didn't let the fame get to him.

Always Listen To Both Sides Of The Story

Dawud* had to make tawba because he only listened to one side of the story when he was tested by two angels.

It Is Possible For People To Promise You Something And Then Change Their Mind

Adam* did it to Dawud*. Adam* promised to give Dawud* 40 of his years. Narrated Abu Hurairah: that the Prophet* said: He (Adam) said: 'O Lord! Add forty years from my life to his.' So at the end of Adam's life, the Angel of death of came to him, and he said: 'Do I not have forty years remaining?' He said: 'Did you not give them to your son Dawud?'" He said: "Adam denied, so his offspring denied, and Adam forgot and his offspring forgot, and Adam sinned, so his offspring sinned." [at-Tirmidhi] When the angel of death came to him, Adam* changed his mind.

Prophet Dawud* Was Skilful With Time Management.

As a believer, you need to respect time He divided his day into four parts:

·         1/4 to earn a living

·         1/4 to take rest and ibada

·         1/4 to listen to the problems of the people and to adjudicate in matters

·         1/4 to give classes to the people.

You learn from Prophet Dawud* that he did not waste his time. He used to have a night routine too:

·         sleep the (first half) of the night and

·         pray for one third of it and

·         then sleep one-sixth of it,

Also, he used to fast on alternate days and would not flee on facing the enemy.

Prophet Dawud* Was Very Patient With His Flock

The litigants jumped over the wall. A litigant is a person who takes his case to the courthouse and demand; his rights because he assumed his oppressed. The litigants jumped over the wall to see Prophet Dawud*. Prophet Dawud* quickly passed the verdict before hearing the complete story and realized they were angels. He begged Allah to forgive him.

Judging Between People Is A Spiritual Status

For someone to pass judgement, you have to be pious. Disputes are a never-ending thing until the day of judgement. “O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even though it be against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, be he rich or poor, Allah is a Better Protector to both (than you). So follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you may avoid justice, and if you distort your witness or refuse to give it, verily, Allah is Ever Well­ Acquainted with what you do.” (An-Nisa 4:135)

This verse is hung up at Harvard University. Harvard University is impressed by this verse No other verse can surpass this verse in regards to justice. 

Even Though The Litigants Had Bad Manners, He Still Had To Give Them The Correct Verdict

Prophet Dawud* was still obligated to give the right verdict even though they had bad manners.

Even Prophets Are Tested

The two men who jumped over wall to complain to Prophet Dawud*, was a test because he listened to only one side of the story. They came in the form of men but they were angels and itt was halal for them to jump over the wall because they were angels': angels have no human desires. They came to test Prophet Dawud*

To Have A Sweet Voice Is A Great Blessing From Allah

When Prophet Dawud* use to recite the psalms all the animals would gather around Allah does not like the harsh voice; harsh voice is referred to as the voice of the donkey. Abu Huraira is reported to have heard The Prophet* as saying: Allah does not listen to anything, (more approvingly) as He listens to a Prophet reciting loudly the Qur'an in a sweet voice. [Bukhari]

"And be moderate (or show no insolence) in your walking, and lower your voice. Verily, the harshest of all voices is the voice (braying) of the ass." (Luqman 31:19)

Main Topic: Final Signs of the Day of Judgement

·         The Smoke

·         Rise of the Sun from the West

·         The Beast

·         The Fire

The Smoke

There is an entire surah in the Qur’an – Surah ad-Dukhaan. Allah says: “Wait until smoke comes down from the heavens.” This smoke is punishment for the non believers. We don’t know more about the smoke. It will come down on the earth as a punishment for the non-believers.

Rise of the Sun from the West

Allah says, “When some of the signs of Allah approach, then a soul that did not believe, their belief will not do them any good.” The tafsir of this ayah is the rise of the sun from the west.

“Do they then wait for anything other than that the angels should come to them, or that your Lord should come, or that some of the Signs of your Lord should come (i.e. portents of the Hour e.g., arising of the sun from the west)! The day that some of the Signs of your Lord do come, no good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his Faith. Say: “Wait you! we (too) are waiting.”

The Prophet* says, the day of judgment will not occur until the sun rises up from the west. When that happens, everyone would believe. That is when belief would not give them any good. [Bukhari] There is a finality about this sign – such that people see this extra-ordinary sign there is no other explanation for it and it marks the ‘End of the World’ or the ‘End of Time’ as any deeds done after that will not count as the ‘book of deeds’ is already closed. People will know that death is imminent and final and there is no time for repentance. Al-Qurtubi explains this and says that when the sun rises from the west, people would know it is the end. Therefore, it is just like death. When people are dying and they see the angel of death and they cannot make tawbah (repentance)  because it is too late.

If someone becomes a Muslim in that moment, their iman will not do any good. That means, if someone who claims to be a believer but was not doing good, their good will not do them any good after the sun rises from the west. Therefore, after the sun rises from the west, your record of deeds will remain the same. If you were doing righteous deeds, the reward of those deeds would continue even if the sun rises from the west.

The Beast

Allah says: “And when the decree of Allah (or the Word of Allah) befalls them, we would send out to them a beast from the earth. It would talk to them. The people do not believe in Our signs.” The scholars say that the Beast will either talk to them or mark them. This beast would come out and talk to people: “You are a believer” “You are a non-believer” and it would stamp them on the faces.

Abu Hurayrah says that The Prophet* says, “Three things, when they occur, no soul would benefit from imaan/belief after that. 1) Rise of the sun from the west. 2) ad-dajjaal. 3) the beast.” During the time of ad-dajjaal, because there will be so much fitna. In the time of the beast, you will be stamped as a believer or a non-believer.

The Prophet* said, “The beast would come out carrying the seal of Suleiman [Solomon] and the stick of Musa [Moses]. It would mark the face of the believer with Musa and would stamp the face of the nonbeliever with the seal of Suleiman. People would be eating together and they would say, ‘Give me this, believer’ or ‘Hand me this non-believer.’” [at-Tarmidhi]

Everybody has it written on their face. People would call each other, “ya kaafir” or ”ya mu’min.”

The Fire

The final sign of the Day of Judgment is the fire. The Prophet* says, “And in the end, a fire would come out from Yemen, sending the people towards al-mahshar.” This is a fire that will push all of the people towards the holy land. This fire will continuously follow them until they go to Palestine/Syria. People will be running from it. Whoever is left behind, it will burn them. It follows them day and night.

The Prophet* pinpointed the area and said it will come from the basin of Adan.

The Prophet* pointed towards ash-Shaam and said, “This is where you would be assembled.” In another hadith in Abu Dawud, The Prophet* said, “There will be hijra after hijra. The best of people of the world will be in the place of the hijra of Ibrahim.”

Ash-Shaam is the area of Jerusalem, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Lebanon. The most holy of it is Jerusalem. There are many ahadith where The Prophet* praised that place. In one hadith in Musnad Imam Ahmad, Abu Dardaa reports that The Prophet* says, “I was sleeping and I saw a dream where the pillar of the Book [Qur’an] was taken away from me. And I thought it would be taken away from me. So I followed it and saw it placed in Ash-Shaam. In the time of trials and tribulations (fitan), that is where Imaan will be.”

In another hadith in Tabarani, The Prophet* says, “When I was in the trip of al Isra`, I saw a white pillar like a banner of war taken away from me and I asked the angels, ‘Where are you taking it?’ They said, ‘We are going to take it and place it in Ash-Shaam.’”

This is the end of the signs of the Day of Judgment. It is important to reiterate that altough these are going to happen in the future, probably not in our lifetime, we still have an obligation to know and to prepare for our End because our Day of Judgment begins when we die.

We talked about the hadith of the Prophet* where the man asked him about the Hour: a Bedouin came into the masjid and asked the Prophet*, “When is the Hour?” He came in and interrupted the Prophet* when he was giving a speech. RasulAllah* kept on going and didn’t give him any attention. The man insisted and asked a second and a third time. By now, the sahabah are upset and want him to calm down. They thought that RasulAllah* is not responding because he doesn’t like the question. When RasulAllah* was done with his speech, he said, “Where is the one who was asking about the Hour?” He then asked the Bedouin, “What have you prepared for it?” The man then said, “I did not prepare for it a lot of fasting and prayer, but I have prepared for it with love for Allah and His Messenger.” The Prophet* said, “You will be with the ones that you love.”

InshaAllah, we make du’a that we also have love for Allah and the Prophet* and are also with the ones we love on the Day of Judgment. Ameen

15 January 2012

Al-Hudaibiyah (part 4): Lessons and Returning Home

Seerah of Muhammed*
*: May the Peace, Blessings and Mercy of Allah be upon him
TMQ: Translation to the nearest meaning of the Qur’an

Umer is beckoned by the Prophet* after revelation of Surah al-Fath
These are the realities of the clauses of the truce treaty and as it seems they all function in favour of the nascent Islamic state. However, two points in the treaty made it distasteful to some Muslims, namely they were not given access to the Holy Sanctuary that year, and the seemingly humiliating attitude as regards reconciliation with the pagans of Quraish. Umer, unable to contain himself for the distress taking full grasp of his heart, went to the Prophet* and said: “Aren’t you the true Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet* replied calmly, “Why not?” Umer again spoke and asked: “Aren’t we on the path of righteousness and our enemies in the wrong?” Without showing any resentment, the Prophet* replied that it was so. On getting this reply he further urged: “Then we should not suffer any humiliation in the matter of Faith.” The Prophet* was unruffled and with perfect confidence said: “I am the true Messenger of Allah, I never disobey Him, He shall help me.” “Did you not tell us,” rejoined Umer, “that we shall perform pilgrimage?” “But I have never told you,” replied the Prophet*, “that we shall do so this very year.” Umer was silenced. But his mind was disturbed. He went to Abu Bakr and expressed his feelings before him. Abu Bakr who had never been in doubt as regards the Prophet*’s truthfulness and veracity confirmed what the Prophet* had told him. In due course the Chapter of Victory (48th) was revealed saying: • “Verily, We have given you [O Muhammad] a manifest victory.” [48:1]
This was revealed to the Messenger* whilst he was marching back to Medina, words of satisfaction to the believers and instilling fear within the hearts of the Kuffar and Munafiqoon, encased within Surah al-Fath. When addressing the Muslims he announced: ‘Today such a thing has been sent down to me, which is more valuable to me than the world and what it contains.” After which he recited the complete Surah. Within its verses was a reminder for them of the responsibilities of the Muslims towards the Muslims, their duty to convey the message of Islam to the world. The Messenger of Allah* summoned Umer and imported to him the happy tidings. Umer was overjoyed, and greatly regretted his former attitude. He used to spend in charity, observe fasting and prayer and free as many slaves as possible in expiation for that reckless attitude he had assumed.

The Prophet* asks the Abyssinian Muslims to return
The Prophet* had also sent word to Ja'far bin Abi Talib that it would please him if he and his community would now come to live in Medina. Ja'far forthwith set about making preparations for the journey, and the Negus gave them two boats.

Al-Hudaibiyah Treaty: Lessons and Impact

• A series of events confirmed the profound wisdom and splendid results of the peace treaty which Allah called “a manifest victory”. How could it be otherwise when Quraish had recognized the legitimate Muslims’ existence on the scene of political life in Arabia, and began to deal with the believers on equal terms. Quraish in the light of the articles of the treaty, had indirectly relinquished its claim to religious leadership, and admitted that they were no longer interested in people other than Quraish, and washed their hands of any sort of intervention in the religious future of the Arabian Peninsula. The Muslims did not have in mind to seize people’s property or kill them through bloody wars, nor did they ever think of pursuing any coercive approaches in their endeavours to propagate Islam, on the contrary, their sole target was to provide an atmosphere of freedom as regards ideology or religion: • “Then whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve.” [18:29]
• The Muslims, on the other hand, had the opportunity to spread Islam over areas not then explored. When there was armistice, war was abolished, and men met and consulted together, none talked about Islam intelligently without entering it; within the two years following the conclusion of the treaty double as many entered Islam as ever before. This is supported by the fact that the Prophet* went out to Al-Hudaibiyah with only 1,400 men, but when he set out to liberate Mecca, two years later, he had 10,000 men with him. The article of the treaty pertaining to cessation of hostilities for ten years points directly to the utter failure of political haughtiness exercised by Quraish and its allies, and functions as evidence of the collapse and impotence of the war instigator.
• The Muslims had been obliged to lose those advantages in return for one seemingly in its favour but does not actually bear any harm against the Muslims, i.e., the article that speaks of handing over believing men who seek refuge with the Muslims without their guardians’ consent to Quraish. At first glance, it was a most distressing clause and was considered objectionable in the Muslim camp. However, in the course of events, it proved to be a great blessing. The Muslims sent back to Mecca were not likely to renounce the blessings of Islam; contrariwise, those very Muslims turned out to be centres of influence for Islam. It was impossible to think that they would become apostates or renegades. The wisdom behind this truce assumed its full dimensions in some subsequent events. When the Sahabah were privy to this information they were filled with tranquillity and were more than willing to engage in the acts of statesmanship which had inspired the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. What dawned upon the Muslims and also ourselves as we look back at these events are the following important offshoots of this treaty.
• Firstly, it established within the region the legitimacy of the Islamic State which the Muslims had established in Medina. They were no longer the motley crew of rebels as the Quraish and the rest of the tribes had viewed, they were a state which possessed territory, with a head of state and were now treated as such. Although seen as minor in significance it meant that the surrounding tribes and indeed the regional players saw an equal player in the region who they could ally with and thus extend the influence of Islam.
• Secondly, The Quraishi propaganda was neutralised. The Muslims were not a bunch of bloodthirsty and ignorant mercenaries seeking economic domination; they were people who sought Justice and nothing more than to spread the message of Islam. Conversely, it was the Quraish who were antagonistic and war hungry, this something that the Muslims built on and accounted for the fast spread of the authority of Islam. The treaty created a positive public opinion for Islam and the Muslims - through their actions in attempting to go peacefully to Mecca. This public opinion victory was a great propaganda tool in favour of the Muslims and  worked against the Quraish, with the respect for the authority of the Quraish now greatly diminished due to their hypocritical actions. [We talked about this hypocrisy before.] Now, the society in Mecca and amongst the wider Arabs was more sympathetic to the Muslims with the debunking of many of the myths that were previously circulating about the Muslims. People could see Islam in action, with a single leader and unified body, and they liked what they saw!
• Thirdly, The Muslims were able to put down the Jewish plot to ally with the Quraish and thus create a war on two fronts for the Muslims to contend with. This was because the Jews of Khaibar had planned to ally with the Quraish to attack and finish off the Islamic State of Medina. The Quraish could not initiate hostilities against the Muslims, therefore could not ally with the Jews of Khaibar. The result of this was the skilful isolation of a potential enemy. This also meant that the Muslims could consolidate the rule with the region and then gave them breathing space in order to initiate delegations and then expeditions to the Roman and Persian empires and territories. This also shows how astute political manoeuvres can be used effectively to promote Islam – which is what the Prophet* did as part of the public journey and response to the treaty. This showed true statesmanship. The Prophet* managed to conceal his real aims from the enemy of his political desires as we see that after the treaty he then redoubled his efforts to rid the Muslims of the people of Khaibar and other tribes who were active in plotting against the Muslims. Hence, the Prophet commenced his Jihad against other nations and tribes to expand the message of Islam. This treaty effectively isolated the people of Khaibar.
• The Prophet* did not accept anyone's advice in signing the treaty of Hudaibiyah his ignored usage of Shura is defined clearly in the Sunnah of the Prophet* . He* sought advice in the battle of Uhud, as to whether to fight inside or outside of Madina. Likewise, he* sought Shura in the battle of Badr regarding where to camp. He* also sought advice from the Sahabah in the case of the slander against Aa'isha . These were all of the permissible forms of advice. In any matter where Allah had already decided His hukm (ruling), the Prophet* did not consider the objection of the majority of the Sahabah , responding that he was sent to obey Allah and not any other. Clearly then, there is no Shura upon a hukm of Allah, as is conveyed by the following ayah, the tafseer for which was given above: "It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decided a matter that they have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed into a plain error" [TMQ Al-Ahzab: 36]. Also, the Prophet* did not involve himself in Shura (consultation) when conducting the treaty negotiations (as he had done before) which shows that this was revelation (wahy) that he was following – and he mentioned this to the Companions on numerous occasions. Hence, this treaty should not be used to justify modern treaties where Muslims appear weak and give away their rights and land – as modern dictators and leaders of Muslim countries are in a habit of doing for the last few hundred years!
• This incident also goes to demonstrate the unshakeable Iman of the Muslims when they were asked to stick together and agree to something which they clearly didn’t like – also, not apparently achieving their objective (Umrah). Furthermore, it highlights their courage and readiness to sacrifice for the sake of Islam – when they gave the Pledge (Bayah) of Ridwan. Furthermore, the Muslims in Mecca were given glad tidings and moral support through the visits of Uthman, and they became an effective pocket of believers in the enemy stronghold in Mecca.
• Finally, the Muslims were now seen as regional players on the international scene. The treaty finally legitimised the Muslims and their Islamic State and gave confidence to other people and tribes to do formal business with the Muslims, as they has seen that the arch-enemies (Quraish) had now been forced to recognise the power and authority of the Muslims. Hence the Muslims were now not seen as rebels, renegades or outcasts but serious people with a message worth listening to. This also demonstrates that sometimes peace is more effective than war, through these negotiations. Hence, those that were exposed to Islam after this event was greatly increased. Thereupon, more people embraced Islam (see above). As this treaty provided a degree of security – no longer an existential threat from Quraish – the Muslims could consolidate. As part of this the Prophet finally called back the back-up community of Muslims in Abyssinia because of the new security situation.

Abu Basir and his Guerrilla Army
After the Prophet* had reached Medina, Abu Basir, who had escaped from Quraish, came to him as a Muslim; Quraish sent two men demanding his return, so the Prophet*  handed him over to them. Abu Basir of the Bani Thaqif was a young man whose family had come from Ta'if and settled in Mecca as confederates of the Bani Zuhrah. He had entered Islam and they had imprisoned him, but he escaped and made his way to Medina on foot, arriving there shortly after the Prophet*'s return from Hudaybiyah, He was soon followed by an envoy of Quraish who demanded his return. While giving Abu Basir the same words of comfort that he had given to Abu Jandal, the Prophet* told him that he was bound by the treaty to deliver him into the hands of the envoy. The Companions, including Umer, were now more or less reconciled to the terms of the treaty, so when Abu Basir was led off by the man of Quraish and the freed slave he had brought with him for support, those Emigrants and Helpers who were present serenely echoed the words of the Prophet*: "Be of good cheer! God will surely find thee a way out."
Their hopes were realised sooner than was expected. Despite his youth, Abu Basir was a resourceful man and at the first halt he contrived to get the sword of the envoy and to kill him, whereupon the freedman, Kawthar by name, fled headlong back to Medina. He entered the Mosque unopposed and threw himself at the feet of the Prophet*, who happened to be there and who said as he approached: "This man hath seen some terrible thing." Kawthar gasped out that his fellow had been killed and that he himself was all but killed, and it was not long before Abu Basir himself appeared with the drawn sword in his hand. "O Prophet* of God," he said, "thine obligation hath been fulfilled. Thou didst return me unto them, and God hath delivered me." "Alas for his mother!"! said the Prophet*. "What a fine firebrand for war, had he but other men with him!" But if Quraish sent further envoys to demand his return he would be bound to comply, as he had done in the first case. Such an idea however was far from the mind of Abu Basir, who now suggested that the arms and the armour of the dead man together with the camels should be treated as booty, divided into five parts and distributed according to the law. "If I did that," said the Prophet*, "they would hold that I had not fulfilled the terms I swore to keep." Then he turned to the terrified survivor of the two Meccans. "The spoil plundered from thy fellow is thy concern," he said. "And take thou back this man to those who sent thee," he added, indicating Abu Basir, Kawthar turned pale: "O Muhammad," he said, "I value my life. My strength is not enough for him, nor have I the hands of two men." The Muslims had fulfilled their obligation, but the representative of Quraish had refused to take custody of the prisoner. So the Prophet* turned to Abu Basir and said: "Go whither thou wilt."
He made his way to the shores of the Red Sea, with the words "had he but other men with him" still in his ears. Nor was he the only one who had taken note of this veiled authorisation and instruction. Umer had been intent on what had passed; and he contrived to pass the Prophet*'s words on to the Muslims in Mecca, together with information about Abu Basir's whereabouts which he soon learned from friendly men of the coastal tribes who came to Medina. Now Suhail's son, Abu Jandal, was no longer closely guarded by his protectors as he had been by his father; and in any case the treaty had made for a general slackening of vigilance in Mecca as to the watch kept on the young Muslim prisoners, for Muhammad had shown that if they escaped to Medina he would keep to his word and return them. So Abu Jandal made his way to Abu Basir, and other youths did the same, including WalId, the brother of Khalid. Abu Basir made with them a camp at a strategic point on the Meccan caravan route to Syria. They recognised him as their leader and he led them in prayer and advised them on questions concerning the rites and other aspects of the religion, for many of them were recent converts, and they greatly respected him and gladly obeyed him. Quraish had been rejoicing in the re-established safety of their favourite road to the north. But no less than seventy young men joined Abu Basir's camp, and they became the terror of the caravans. Finally, after they had suffered the loss of many lives and much merchandise,
Quraish sent a letter to the Prophet* asking him to take guerrilla army into his community, and promising that they would not ask for them to be returned to Mecca. So the Prophet* wrote to Abu Basir that he could now come to Medina with his companions. But meantime the young leader had fallen seriously ill and when the letter arrived death was close upon him. He read it and died clasping it between his hands. His companions prayed over him and buried him, and made a mosque at the place of his burial; then they went to join the Prophet* in Medina.'

 

Main Topic:

Surah al-Fath (48)

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful
Verily, We have given you (O Muhammad*) a manifest victory. (1)
That Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future, and complete His Favour on you, and guide you on the Straight Path; (2)
And that Allah may help you with strong help. (3)
He it is Who sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) into the hearts of the believers, that they may grow more in Faith along with their (present) Faith. And to Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise. (4)
That He may admit the believing men and the believing women to Gardens under which rivers flow (i.e. Paradise), to abide therein forever, and He may expiate from them their sins, and that is with Allah, a supreme success, (5)
And that He may punish the Munafiqun (hypocrites), men and women, and also the Mushrikun men and women, who think evil thoughts about Allah, for them is a disgraceful torment, And the Anger of Allah is upon them, and He has cursed them and prepared Hell for them — and worst indeed is that destination. (6)
And to Allah belong the hosts of the heavens and the earth. And Allah is Ever All-powerful, All-Wise. (7)
Verily, We have sent you (O Muhammad*) as a witness, as a bearer of glad tidings, and as a warner (8)
In order that you (O mankind) may believe in Allah and His Messenger*, and that you assist and honour him*, and (that you) glorify (Allah's) praises morning and afternoon. (9)
Verily, those who give Bai'ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad*) they are giving Bai'ah (pledge) to Allah. The Hand of Allah is over their hands. Then whosoever breaks his pledge, breaks it only to his own harm, and whosoever fulfils what he has covenanted with Allah, He will bestow on him a great reward. (10)
Those of the bedouins who lagged behind will say to you: "Our possessions and our families occupied us, so ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Who then has any power at all (to intervene) on your behalf with Allah, if He intends you hurt or intends you benefit? Nay, but Allah is Ever All-Aware of what you do. (11)
"Nay, but you thought that the Messenger* and the believers would never return to their families; and that was made fair-seeming in your hearts, and you did think an evil thought and you became a useless people going for destruction." (12)
And whosoever does not believe in Allah and His Messenger*, then verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers a blazing Fire. (13)
And to Allah belongs the sovereignty of the heavens and the earth, He forgives whom He wills, and punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (14)
Those who lagged behind will say, when you set forth to take the spoils, "Allow us to follow you," They want to change Allah's Words. Say: "You shall not follow us; thus Allah has said beforehand." Then they will say: "Nay, you envy us." Nay, but they understand not except a little. (15)
Say (O Muhammad SAW) to the bedouins who lagged behind: "You shall be called to fight against a people given to great warfare, then you shall fight them, or they shall surrender. Then if you obey, Allah will give you a fair reward, but if you turn away as you did turn away before, He will punish you with a painful torment." (16)
No blame or sin is there upon the blind, nor is there blame or sin upon the lame, nor is there blame or sin upon the sick (that they go not for fighting). And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad SAW), He will admit him to Gardens beneath which rivers flow (Paradise); and whosoever turns back, He will punish him with a painful torment. (17)
Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bai'ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad SAW) under the tree, He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory, (18)
And abundant spoils that they will capture. And Allah is Ever All-Mighty, All-Wise. (19)
Allah has promised you abundant spoils that you will capture, and He has hastened for you this, and He has restrained the hands of men from you, that it may be a sign for the believers, and that He may guide you to a Straight Path. (20)
And other (victories and much booty, He promises you) which are not yet within your power, indeed Allah compasses them, And Allah is Ever Able to do all things. (21)
And if those who disbelieve fight against you, they certainly would have turned their backs, then they would have found neither a Walî (protector, guardian) nor a helper. (22)
That has been the Way of Allah already with those who passed away before. And you will not find any change in the Way of Allah. (23)
And He it is Who has withheld their hands from you and your hands from them in the midst of Mecca, after He had made you victors over them. And Allah is Ever the All-Seer of what you do. (24)
They are the ones who disbelieved (in the Oneness of Allah — Islamic Monotheism), and hindered you from Al-Masjid al-Haram (at Mecca) and detained the sacrificial animals, from reaching their place of sacrifice. Had there not been believing men and believing women whom you did not know, that you may kill them, and on whose account a sin would have been committed by you without (your) knowledge, that Allah might bring into His Mercy whom He wills, if they (the believers and the disbelievers) had been apart, We verily would have punished those of them who disbelieved, with painful torment. (25)
When those who disbelieve had put in their hearts pride and haughtiness — the pride and haughtiness of the time of ignorance — then Allah sent down His Sakinah (calmness and tranquillity) upon His Messenger ( SAW) and upon the believers, and made them stick to the word of piety (i.e. none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and they were well entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allah is the All-Knower of everything (26)
Indeed Allah shall fulfil the true vision which He showed to His Messenger* [i.e. the Prophet* saw a dream that he has entered Mecca along with his companions, having their (head) hair shaved and cut short] in very truth. Certainly, you shall enter Al-Masjid al-Haram; if Allah wills, secure, (some) having your heads shaved, and (some) having your head hair cut short, having no fear. He knew what you knew not, and He granted besides that a near victory. (27)
He it is Who has sent His Messenger (Muhammad SAW) with guidance and the religion of truth (Islam), that He may make it (Islam) superior over all religions. And All-Sufficient is Allah as a Witness. (28)
Muhammad* is the Messenger of Allah, And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking Bounty from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e. of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick, and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allah has promised those among them who believe (i.e. all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad SAW till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Paradise). (29)

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