بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

The Life of The Prophet Muhammad(Peace Be Upon Him)

by Irshad Mahmood - Director, Siraat-al-Mustaqeem Dawah Centre

Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) a Role Model for the whole World (Ref: Al_Quraan_033.021)

Remember the Records of all Histories; Books may be wrong, BUT not the Quraan and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) who Practiced the Quraan's sayings. The abstracts are taken from "The Life of The Prophet Muhammad(Peace Be Upon Him)", by Leila Azzam and Aisha Gouverneur, http://www.arabnews.com.

Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was Walking, Talking and Practical Quraan:

Surely We, even We, revealed the Reminder (the Quraan), and We verily are it’s Guardian, (Al_Quraan_015.009).

Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) a Role Model for the whole World, (Ref: Al_Quraan_033.021).

And We have not sent you (Muhammad {Peace Be Upon Him}) but as a MERCY (and LOVE) to the whole worlds, (Al_Quraan_021.107).

Will they not then consider the Quraan with care? If it had been from other than Allah they would have found therein much discrepancy, (Al_Quraan_004.082).

Here God challenges people to find any single error in the Quraan. If it contains errors then it cannot be from God. If, on the other hand, it had been the production of a human being it would definitely contain errors. A human writer 1400 years ago would have written on the basis of the level of knowledge of his or her day. And many of those ideas would turn out to be false later as humankind learned more, especially in the field of science. But the Quraan is remarkably free from any single error.

And We have not sent you (Muhammad {Peace Be Upon Him}) but as a MERCY (and LOVE) to the whole worlds, (Al_Quraan_021.107).

Makkah, which has the CUBICAL worshipping place: the Kabaah:

Makkah has old name Baca as in the Bible (Bible, book of PSALM-84, verse 5-11), which is a Great Historic Place on the Earth and it has a Great Historic and ONLY Cubical Worshiping House the Kabaah (Bible, book of REVELATION-21, VERSE 16), build by Prophet Ibrahim and his son Prophet Ismail.

Birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him):

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was born on Monday, the twelfth (12) day of Rabi al-Awwal in the Year of the Elephant year 570 A.D. Aminah was his mother and Abdullah was his father, who died before his birth. Bible (Bible, book of ISAIAH-29, verse 12), (Bible, book of DEUTERONOMY-18, verse 17), (Bible, book of JOHN-14, verse 15-18, 25-30), (Bible, book of JOHN-16, verse 5-14) and Vedas also mention Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who was not able to read or write. For more details please see the video lectures and debates, Similarities Between Islam and Christianity by Dr. Zakir Naik, Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam by Dr. Zakir Naik and also Qur'an And Bible In The Light Of Science by Dr. Zakir Naik. Below is the web sights for more information.

http://www.worldmuslimmedia.com/readislam/zakir

http://www.irf.net

THE COMING OF THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL:

MUHAMMAD (Peace Be Upon Him) believed that there was only one Allah, the creator of the sun, the moon, the earth, the sky, and of all living things, and that all people should worship only Him. Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)  would often leave the crowded city and go to the cave in Mount Hira. He liked to be alone there, away from all thoughts of the world and daily life.

In his fortieth year, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) left Makkah to spend Ramadan, the traditional month of retreat, in the cave. In the second half of Ramadan, Allah began to reveal His message for mankind through Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).  This first Revelation occurred as follows. The Archangel Gabriel came to Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) in the cave and commanded him to 'Read':

Read: In the Name of thy Lord who createth, Createth man from a clot. Read: And thy Lord is the Most Generous Who teacheth by the pen, Teacheth man that which he knew not,  (Al_Quraan_096_00I-005).

Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) repeated these verses, just as the Archangel had said them. When the Archangel was sure Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)  knew them by heart, he went away.

He was shivering when he returned home to his wife, Khadijah. When his wife saw him she became very worried as he shivered, as though with fever. He asked her to wrap him in blankets, which she did. After a while he recovered sufficiently to tell her what had happened at Hira. Khadijah believed all that he told her and with great respect said: 'Be happy, 0 son of my uncle and be confident. Truly I swear by Allah who has my soul in His hands, that you will  be our people's Prophet.' Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the Messenger of Allah, was eased by her faith in him, but after all that had happened he was exhausted and fell fast asleep. 

Khadijah left the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) sleeping and went to see her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, to ask him what he thought about all that had happened. Waraqah was a very wise man who had read many books and had become a Christian after studying the Bible. He told Khadijah that Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had been chosen by Allah to be His Messenger. Just as the Archangel Gabriel had come to Moses before and had ordered him to guide his people, so, too, would Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) be the Prophet of his people. But Waraqah warned that all the people would not listen to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and some would mistreat his followers. He must, however, be patient because he had a great message for all the world.

From that day on, the Archangel Gabriel came often to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and the verses he taught him, the message from Allah to man, were later written down, and are known to us as the Holy Quraan.

Bible (Bible, book of ISAIAH-29, verse 12), (Bible, book of DEUTERONOMY-18, verse 17), (Bible, book of JOHN-14, verse 15-18, 25-30), (Bible, book of JOHN-16, verse 5-14) and Vedas also mentioned about Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who was not able to read or write. For more details please see the video lectures and debates, Similarities Between Islam and Christianity by Dr. Zakir Naik, Similarities Between Hinduism and Islam by Dr. Zakir Naik and also Qur'an And Bible In The Light Of Science by Dr. Zakir Naik. Below is the web sights for more information.

http://www.worldmuslimmedia.com/readislam/zakir

http://www.irf.net

THE FIRST MUSLIMS:

Khadijah (ra) was the first among women who accepted Islaam and believed the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Ali (ra) was the first among young teen children who accepted Islaam. This message started spreading quickly.

Abu Bakr (ra) was the first among men who accepted Islaam, without any question and delay. Later the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was reported to have said that everyone he ever invited to accept Islam showed signs of disbelief and doubt, except Abu Bakr; when he was told of it he did not hold back or hesitate.

THE TROUBLES BEGIN:

As the number of the Prophet's followers increased, the enemies of the Muslims grew more and more angry.

During the years of this terrible treatment, a wonderful thing happened. Instead of Islam becoming weaker, it grew stronger. Allah sent more and more Revelations. It was as though the Muslims were being strengthened and cleansed by the hardships they suffered and were being tested in their faith.

Each year, at the time of the pilgrimage to Makkah, people came from all over Arabia. These pilgrims saw the terrible cruelty and injustice of Quraysh towards the Muslims, and many of them were sorry for the Prophet's followers. Quraysh began to feel ashamed of their harsh treatment, especially as many of the Muslims were their cousins and close relatives.

AL-HIJRAH:

The Breaking of All Connections with One's Home, for the Sake of Allah Alone.

After his companions had left for Yathrib, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) stayed in Makkah, waiting for permission from Allah to leave the city. Abu Bakr and ‘Ali stayed with him.

And when the unbelievers plot against thee, to confine thee, or kill thee, or to drive thee out, they were plotting, But Allah was (also) plotting; and Allah is the best of plotters, (Al_Quraan_008.030).

Before the night fell, on which Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was to be killed, the Archangel Gabriel came to him and said, 'Do not sleep tonight in your own bed.' The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) understood what was going to happen. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) left the house. At that very moment, Allah took away the sight of the warriors so that they could not see the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), who took a handful of dust, sprinkled it on their heads and recited these verses:

Ya Sin By the Wise Quraan, Thou art truly among those sent On the straight path; A Revelation of the All-mighty, the All-wise, That thou may warn a people whose fathers were never warned, so they are heedless. The Word has already proved true of most of them, yet they do not believe. Lo! We have put on their necks collars of iron up to the chin, so that they are made stiff-necked. And We have put before them a barrier; and We have covered them so they do not see. (Al_Quraan_036.001-009)

The young men waited the whole night and were furious when, in the morning, they realized that their plan had failed completely.

When they were out of the city the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) looked back and said, 'Of all Allah's earth, you are the dearest place to Allah and to me and if my people had not driven me out I would never have left you.'

When Quraysh found out that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companion had gone, they set out after them, searching in every direction.Three days later they finally reached the cave where the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and Abu Bakr were hiding, but a strange and wonderful thing had happened. A spider had woven its web right across the entrance to the cave and a dove was nesting with her mate nearby. As the Makkahns stood in front of the cave, with only the spider's web separating them from the fugitives, Abu Bakr began to fear for their safety. He whispered to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), 'they are very close. If one of them turns we will be seen.’ 

But he was comforted by the Prophet's reply: 'What do you think of two people, who have with them Allah as their third?'

Grieve not, for verily Allah is with us, (Al_Quraan_009.040).

After a few moments the search party decided that no one could have entered the cave recently, or the spider's web would not have been complete and the dove would not have nested there, and so they left without searching inside. 

Three days later the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and Abu Bakr thought it safe to leave the cave. Abu Bakr's son, ‘Amir, had arranged for three camels and a guide to help them continue their journey to Yathrib. 'Amir would ride behind his father.

The leaders of Quraysh, meanwhile, returned to Makkah and offered a reward of one hundred camels to whoever captured the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). Among those who went in search of him was a famous warrior. He was, in fact, the only one to catch up with him, but whenever he came close, his horse would suddenly sink up to its knees in the sand. When this had happened three times, he understood that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was protected by a power stronger than anything he had known, and so he went back to Makkah. On arriving there he warned everyone against continuing the search, relating what had happened to him.

If you do not help him, still Allah has helped him already, When the unbelievers drove him forth, the second of two, When the two were in the Cave, when he said to his companion, "Grieve not; surely Allah is with us." Then Allah caused His peace and Reassurance to descend upon him, And helped him with hosts you cannot see, And He made the word of the unbelievers the lowest; While Allah's word is the uppermost; Allah is All-mighty, All-wise, (Al_Quraan_009.040).

The Prophet's journey from Makkah is called the hijrah, or migration. It was really the first step towards the spread of Islam throughout the entire world, and Muslims begin their calendar from the year of the hijrah.

ARRIVAL IN YATHRIB:

Finally the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) entered the city Yathrib with his friend Abu Bakr and met other fellow muslims. The people of Makkah did not stop with the muslims just leaving Makkah; they started attacking Muslims in Madina. In Makkah, muslims did not have permission from Allah to fight back, but later in Madina, Allah gave them permission to fight back if they are attacked without offending anyone and without transgressing the limit.

Remember: Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) a Role Model for the whole World, (Ref: Al_Quraan_033.021).

Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was Walking, Talking and Practicing the Quraan:

And We have not sent you (Muhammad {Peace Be Upon Him}) but as a MERCY (and LOVE) to the whole worlds, (Al_Quraan_021.107).

Then give to the near of kin his due, and to the needy and the wayfarer (Traveler, Caravan); this is best for those who desire Allah's pleasure, and these it is who are successful, (Al_Quraan_030.038).

And if they incline to peace, then incline to it and trust in Allah; surely He is the Hearing, the Knowing, (Al_Quraan_008.061).

Permission to fight is given to those (i.e. believers against those disbelievers), who are fighting them (right now in the battlefield), (and) because they (believers) have been wronged, and surely Allah is Able to give them (believers) victory, (Al_Quraan_022:039).

Also the Quraan says: "They were the first to attack you", (Al_Quraan_009:013).

Fight for the sake of God those that fight against you, but do not be aggressive, (Al_Quraan_002:190).

Allah does not forbid you respecting those who have not made war against you on account of (your) religion, and have not driven you forth from your homes, that you show them kindness and deal with them justly; surely Allah loves the doers of justice, (Al_Quraan_060.008).

Saving a Life is like Saving the Whole World, (Ref. Al_Quraan_005.032).

Let there be NO compulsion in Religion (Believe) : Truth stands out clear from error, (Al-Quraan_002:256).

Unto you your religion (Believe), and unto me my Religion (Believe), (Al_Quraan_109:006).

And not alike are the good and the evil. Repel (evil) with what is best, when lo! he between whom and you was enmity would be as if he were a warm friend. And none are made to receive it but those who are patient, and none are made to receive it but those who have a mighty good fortune. And if an interference of the Shaitan should cause you mischief, seek refuge in Allah; surely He is the Hearing, the Knowing, (Al_Quraan_041.034-036).

(All) people are a single nation; so Allah raised prophets as bearers of good news and as warners, and He revealed with them the Book with truth, that it might judge between people in that in which they differed; and none but the people of the book who were given it differed about it after clear arguments had come to them, revolting among themselves; so Allah has guided by His will those who believe to the truth about which they differed and Allah guides whom He pleases to the right path, (Al_Quraan_002.213).

THE BATTLE OF BADR, UHUD and TRENCH:

There were three main battles between the QURAYSH of Makkah and Muslims in Madina. In each of the Battles, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) used to take advice from his companions and finally did what he (Peace Be Upon Him)thought was the best. e.g. for each case he took notice of the direction of sun, so that it would not fall on the eyes of his companion; the slope should be downward so their feet does not get tired; is it better to have a trench to prevent excess casualties or better tackle them outside of Madina etc.

The first of the main battle was at the place called BADR.

The second of the main battle was at the place called UHUD, near the hill.

The Third of the main battle was the battle of the TRENCH inside Madina, in which there was zero casualties among the Muslims.

THE TREATY OF HUDAYBIYAH: Recognizing and accepting the existence of each other

And if they incline to peace, then incline to it and trust in Allah; surely He is the Hearing, the Knowing, (Al_Quraan_008.061).

QURAYSH had tried to destroy Islam but had failed. The number of Muslims grew and their armies increased from three hundred at the battle of Badr, seven hundred at the battle of ‘Uhud, to three thousand at the battle of the Trench.

After the annual fast of Ramadan, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had a dream which indicated that the Muslims should go to Makkah for the pilgrimage. One thousand and four hundred Muslims got ready to go with him on the Lesser Pilgrimage called 'the ‘Umra'. They dressed in white and went unarmed to show Quraysh that they had come to make the pilgrimage and not to fight. When Quraysh heard that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was on his way, they sent troops with Khalid ibn al- Walid to stop the Muslims from entering the city. To avoid meeting this small army the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) changed his route and led the men through rugged mountain passes. When they reached easier ground he told them, 'Say, we ask Allah 's forgiveness and we repent towards Him.' At Hudaybiyah, south of Makkah, the Prophet's camel knelt down and refused to go any further. The Muslims thought she was either stubborn or tired, but the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said: 'The same power that once stopped the elephant from entering Makkah is now stopping us!' He then ordered them to make camp, which they did, although they all hoped they would travel on to the sacred Ka’bah the following day.

Messengers were sent to Quraysh to tell them that the Muslims had come only for the pilgrimage, to worship Allah at the Holy Ka'bah, and that they wanted to enter the city peacefully. But Quraysh took no notice. Finally, the Prophet's son-in-law, 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, a wise and respected man, was chosen to go, and the Muslims settled down to wait and see what news he would bring back. After they had waited a long time, the Muslims became very worried. At last they decided that he must have been killed. A state similar to that of Revelation then came upon the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). He gathered the Muslims around him under an acacia tree and asked them to swear their allegiance to him, which they did. This pact, which is mentioned in the Quraan, became known as the Treaty of Radwan (which means Paradise). Shortly after, 'Uthman ibn 'Affan returned and the Muslims were relieved to see that no harm had come to him.

Some Makkahn warriors tried to attack the Muslim camp but were captured and brought before the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), who forgave them when they promised to stop attacking the Muslims. Soon after this, official messengers came from Quraysh and talks began for a peaceful settlement. A man called Suhayl ibn 'Amr was sent by the Makkahns to work out a treaty. When the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) asked 'Ali to write 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful', on the top of the page, Suhayl objected, saying 'Write only: bismik Allahumma (in Thy name, O Allah). I don't know him as al-Rahman (the Most Gracious), al-Rahim (the most Merciful).'

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) agreed and dictated: 'This is a treaty between Muhammad the Messenger of Allah and Suhayl ibn 'Amr.' 

‘Stop!' cried Suhayl, ‘I don't believe that you are Rasulallah (the Messenger of Allah). If I thought you were Allah's Messenger, I wouldn't be fighting against you, would I?'

Calmly, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) agreed that he should be referred to in the treaty as Muhammad', son of 'Abd Allah. The Muslims were very upset at this, and 'Umar furiously cried out, ‘Are you not Allah's Messenger, and are we not Muslims? How can we accept such treatment when we are right and they are wrong? This will make people laugh at our religion!'

But the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) knew what was best and the Treaty of Hudaybiyah was signed. The basic outline of the treaty was as follows:

"In the name of God. These are the conditions of Peace between Muhammad, son of Abdullah and Suhail Ibn 'Amr the envoy of Mecca. There will be no fighting for ten years. Anyone who wishes to join Muhammad and to enter into any agreement with him is free to do so. Anyone who wishes to join the Quraish and to enter into any agreement with them is free to do so. A young man, or one whose father is alive, if he goes to Muhammad without permission from his father or guardian, will be returned to his father or guardian. But if anyone goes to the Quraish, he will not be returned. This year Muhammad will go back without entering Mecca. But next year he and his followers can enter Mecca, spend three days, perform the circuit. During these three days the Quraish will withdraw to the surrounding hills. When Muhammad and his followers enter into Mecca, they will be unarmed except for sheathed swords which wayfarers in Arabia always have with them." (ref: Bukhari)

Suhayl's son had come with his father with the idea of joining the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) but when the treaty was signed he was, of course, forced to return to Makkah. He cried bitterly. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, '0 Abu Jandal, be patient and control yourself. Allah will provide relief and find a way out for you and others like you.’ 

The majority of the Muslims were very disappointed when they heard the terms of the agreement and thought that it should not have been accepted. They did not realize that this was in fact a great victory for the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), which Allah would later confirm in a Revelation. The agreement made sure that the following year they would enter Makkah peacefully, and in time would result in Muslims becoming stronger and more respected throughout Arabia. At the time the treaty was signed the Muslims could not have foreseen that the number of people who would travel to Medina to become Muslims in the following year would be greater than in all the years before.

Before the Muslims departed, they followed the Prophet's example of making sacrifice and either shaving or cutting their hair. Even though they were unable to visit the sacred Masjid, their pilgrimage was accepted by Allah because it had been their true intention. On the return journey to Medina, the 'Victory' chapter of the Quraan was revealed to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him). It begins:

Surely We have given thee (0 Muhammad) a clear victory, That Allah may forgive thee of thy sin That which is past and that which is to come, And may complete His blessings upon thee, And may guide thee on the right path, And that Allah may help thee with mighty help, (Al_Quraan_048.001-003).

A year after the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was able to lead two thousand pilgrims on the 'Umra. Quraysh vacated Makkah and watched the rites from the hills above the city. The agreed period of three days was observed, after which the Muslims returned to Medina.

THE INVITATION:

Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance, (Al_Quraan_016.125).

The peace which the Treaty of Hudaybiyah guaranteed for ten years, meant that people could travel from all over Arabia to visit the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and a great many came to declare their Islam. Also, during this period the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) decided that the time had come for his message to be taken to other countries, so he sent trusted companions with letters, telling of his message, to the leaders of the most powerful nations of the day. It is recorded that he said,  ‘Allah has sent me as a mercy to all men, so take the message from me that Allah has mercy on you'.

Now at the time the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) sent out his message, Abu Sufyan and some other members of Quraysh were trading in Syria, a province of the Eastern Roman Empire (later to be called Byzantium). Also, at about this time the Emperor Heraclius, ruler of this Empire, had a dream, and sadly told visitors to his court in Syria: 'I saw our Empire fall and victory go to a people who do not follow our religion.' At first he thought this must refer to the Jews, and he even had it in mind to kill all the Jews living under his rule. But then an envoy from the governor of Basra arrived with a message for the Emperor: '0 Emperor Heraclius, there are some Arabs in the city who are speaking of wonderful happenings in their country', and he then told of what he had heard about the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).

On hearing this Heraclius commanded his soldiers: 'Go and find me someone who can tell me more about this.' The soldiers, however, did not find those who had been talking about the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), but instead found Abu Sufyan and some of his companions and brought them before the Emperor. Heraclius asked, 'Is there anyone among you who is a close relative of the Prophet Muhammad (p,b.u.h.)?'

Abu Sufyan replied, 'I am.'

So the Emperor addressed all the questions to him, thinking he would know the Prophet (p,b.u.h.) best. He said, 'Tell me what is the Prophet's position in your tribe?'

Abu Sufyan said, 'He is a member of our most respected family.'

'Did anyone before him say the kinds of things he says?' the Emperor went on.

No', was the reply.

‘And was he ever accused of lying or cheating?' 'Never.'

And then the Emperor asked: ' And what about his ideas and opinions, and his powers of reasoning?'

'No one has ever had cause to doubt him or find fault with his reasoning', replied Abu Sufyan.

'Who follows him, the proud or the humble?' 'The humble.' 'Do his followers increase or decrease?' 'They increase', said Abu Sufyan, 'none of his followers leave him.'

The Emperor then turned to other matters and asked: 'If he makes a treaty, does he keep it?'  'Yes', Abu Sufyan replied. 'Did you ever fight against him?' enquired the Emperor. To which Abu Sufyan answered: 'Yes. Sometimes we won, sometimes he won, but he never broke his word in any agreement.' The Emperor then asked: 'What does he say people must do?' 'To worship one God', said Abu Sufyan. 'He forbids people to worship as their fathers worshipped, and says they must pray to Allah alone, give alms, keep their word, and fulfil their duties and responsibilities.’

Abu Sufyan had spoken the truth even though he was an enemy of the Prophet (p,b.u.h.), and did not become a Muslim until the very end of his life. But he was afraid to lie before the members of his caravan who were also there with him. The meeting ended with these words from the Emperor, 'I see from this that he is indeed a Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) You said that his followers do not leave him which proves they have true faith, for faith does not enter the heart and then go away. I knew he was coming and if what you say is true, he will surely conquer me. If I were with him now, I would wash his feet. You may leave now.’

It was not long after this that the messenger, Dihyah, arrived at the Syrian court bearing the Prophet Muhammad's letter which said, 'If you accept Islam you will be safe, and Allah will give you a double reward. If you do not, you will have to live with the results of your decision.'

Heraclius grabbed the letter. He was so upset he could hardly control himself. He said to Dihyah, 'I know your master is a true Prophet of Allah. Our books tell of his coming. If l were not afraid that the Romans would kill me, I would join Islam. You must visit Bishop Qaghatir and tell him everything. His word is more respected among the people than mine.'

So Dihyah related the message to the Bishop and when he heard it, Qaghatir said, 'Yes, your master, whom we call Ahmad, is mentioned in our scriptures.' He then changed from his black robes into white ones and went and spoke to the people gathered in the church. '0 Romans, a letter has come to us from Ahmad, in which he calls us to Allah. I bear witness that there is no divinity but Allah and that Ahmad is his slave and messenger.' (Ahmad is another name for the Prophet Muhammad.) But on hearing this the crowd grew angry and attacked Qaghatir, beating him until he was dead.

Heraclius was afraid that the same thing would happen to him, so he spoke to his generals from a balcony saying, '0 Romans! A man has written to me calling me to his religion. I believe he is truly the Prophet we have been told to expect. Let us follow him so that we can be happy in this world and the next.' The Romans cried out in anger when they heard this, so Heraclius quickly said, 'I was only pretending; I wanted to see how strong your faith was. I am pleased to see that you are true to your religion.' Heraclius then suggested that they pay a tax or give land to the Muslims in order to maintain peace, but the Romans refused. Realizing that he could do no more, and knowing that one day Islam would conquer Syria, Heraclius left the province and returned to Constantinople, the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. As he rode away he turned around to look back and said, 'Goodbye for the last time, 0 land of Syria!'

THE ENTRY INTO Makkah: A Great Historic Day of Forgiveness

What! will you not fight a people who broke their oaths and aimed at the expulsion of the Messenger, and they attacked you first; do you fear them? But Allah is most deserving that you should fear Him, if you are believers, (Al_Quraan_009.013).

Freedom from obligation (is proclaimed) from Allah and His messenger toward those of the idolaters with whom you made a treaty (agreement), (Al_Quraan_009.001).

So go about in the land for four months and know that you cannot weaken Allah and that Allah will bring disgrace to the unbelievers. (Al_Quraan_009.002)

And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of the greater pilgrimage that Allah and His Messenger are free from liability to the idolaters; therefore if you repent, it will be better for you, and if you turn back, then know that you will not weaken Allah; and announce painful punishment to those who disbelieve, (Al_Quraan_009.003).

And if one of the idolaters seek protection from you, grant him protection till he hears the word of Allah, then make him attain his place of safety; this is because they are a people who do not know. (Al_Quraan_009.006)

Despite the improved relations between Makkah and Medina after the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the ten-year peace was to be broken by Quraysh who, with their allies, the Bani Rakr, attacked the Khuza'ah tribe. Now Khuza'ah were allies of the Muslims and when the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) heard of the attack he immediately ordered his men to prepare for war. When they were ready he told them that their destination was Makkah and, as he did not want any fighting within the walls of the city.

When the Muslim army, which numbered ten thousand, set out for Makkah, it was the month of Ramadan in the eighth year of the Hijrah. Many of the men kept the fast, even though they were not obliged to because they were traveling. Everyone was jubilant because they were going to Makkah, especially as some of them had not seen their homes in the city for eight long years.

In the meantime, the Prophet's uncle, al-'Abbas, had decided that the time had come for him and his wife to leave Makkah and join the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) in Medina. They did not, however, have to go far as after a distance of only twenty-five kilometres they came across the Muslim camp. When the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) saw them he said, 'Uncle, your emigration is the last emigration. My prophecy is the last prophecy.' Al-'Abbas then joined the army and his wife went on to the safety of Medina.

Night fell and the Muslims made fires to light their camp. The Makkahns, looking out of the city, were amazed to see the many fires, and Abu Sufyan went all over Makkah trying to find out whose camp it was. Suddenly he saw al-'Abbas riding towards him from the direction of the fires. He was returning as a messenger of peace from the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and said to Abu Sufyan, 'The Muslims have come with a large army. They do not wish to fight, only to enter the city. It would be better to surrender and not fight. Come under my protection and meet the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).’

Abu Sufyan agreed, and got up behind al-‘Abbas, who was riding the Prophet's white mule. It was still night as they entered the Muslim camp. Each time they passed a fire, someone would call out, 'Who goes there?' None of them recognized the stranger as the leader of their enemy but all knew al-'Abbas and so let them through.

As they passed by ‘Umar, however, he immediately recognized Abu Sufyan and yelled out, ‘Abu Sufyan! The enemy of Allah!' He ran after them intending to kill his enemy but al-‘Abbas made the mule go faster. They reached the Prophet's tent just before ‘Umar, who rushed in after them quite out of breath. ‘Umar begged the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), '0 Messenger of Allah, let me end the life of Abu Sufyan, this enemy of Islam, who has led the Quraysh armies in their attacks on us!’

Al-‘Abbas interrupted, saying, 'I have sworn to protect him during his time here', whereupon the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) told his uncle to take Abu Sufyan to his tent for the night.

In the morning Abu Sufyan was taken to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) who said, ‘Abu Sufyan! Have you not yet realized that there is no divinity but Allah?'

To this Abu Sufyan replied, 'If there had been another he surely would have helped me by now.' 'Shame on you, Abu Sufyan', responded the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), 'it is time you realized that I am truly Allah's Messenger.' After a moment or two, Abu Sufyan, who remembered how ‘Umar had not been allowed to kill him, replied: 'I can see you are a generous and forgiving man but I still cannot be sure of that.'

At this, al-'Abbas, who had been standing nearby turned to him and said: 'Believe, as I do now.’

Abu Sufyan stood quietly for a moment, then in a calm, clear voice swore in front of everyone, 'There is no divinity but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.’

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) then told Abu Sufyan to go back to Makkah and tell the people that the Muslims would enter the city the next morning. Before he left, however, al-'Abbas suggested to the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) that as Abu Sufyan was a proud man, it would be good to give him an honorable position. The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) took this advice, saying to Abu Sufyan, 'Tell the people that when we enter, anyone seeking refuge in your house will be safe.' This was a great honor for Abu Sufyan. In addition, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) told him to assure the Makkahns that those who remained in their own homes or at the Ka'bah would also be protected.

Abu Sufyan returned quickly to the city. He made straight for the hill Hagar had climbed in her search for water and from which the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) later spoke, and called upon Quraysh to come to him. Abu Sufyan then spoke to the people, '0 people of Makkah, the fires we saw all around us were the camp fires of Muhammad and his men. He has come with a strong army and there are too many for us to fight. It is best, therefore, to surrender. Anyone who stays in my house, or in his own home, or at the Ka'bah will be safe.'

Early next day, the Muslims entered Makkah from all sides. They had been ordered to cause no harm unless anyone tried to stop them entering. When the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) arrived, he got off his camel, bowed down on the ground and thanked Allah for this victory. When the unbelievers saw this, they knew that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had come in peace. People began leaving their homes and running towards the Ka'bah. When they arrived there, they found the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) performing the ritual encircling of the Ka 'bah, the tawaf, on his camel, surrounded by the Muslims. When he had finished, he said, 'There is no divinity except Allah and He has no partner. Men and women of Quraysh, be not proud for all are equal; we are all the sons of Adam, and Adam was made of dust. ' Then he recited this verse to them:

O mankind! Lo! We have created you male and female, and have made you nations and tribes so you may know each another. Surely the noblest of you, in the sight of Allah, is the best in conduct. Lo! Allah is All-knowing, All-aware, (Al_Quraan_049.0I3).

After this he said to them: '0 Quraysh, what do you think I am going to do to you?'

The people thought carefully before answering because they knew that according to the laws of war they could all be taken prisoner. They also knew, however, that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was generous, so they replied, 'You will treat us as a kind nephew and a generous brother would.'

To this he' replied with the words used by the Prophet Joseph when his brothers came to Egypt: 'God forgives you and He is the Most Merciful of the Merciful.' Later the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) went to the hill of Safa and there the crowd followed him and surged forward, taking his hand one by one, to declare themselves Muslim.

And We have not sent you (Muhammad {Peace Be Upon Him}) but as a MERCY (and LOVE) to the whole worlds, (Al_Quraan_021.107).

He then turned to the Ka’bah and, pointing his staff at the three hundred and sixty-five idols which were placed there, recited from the Quraan:

. . Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away. Lo! Falsehood is ever bound to vanish, (Al_Quraan_017.08I).

At this, each idol fell over onto its face. Together with his followers the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) then proceeded to purify the Ka’bah, after which he ordered Bilal to climb on top of it and perform the call to prayer. Since then the call to prayer has been heard five times a day in Makkah. The Ka’bah, the House of Allah, has served the purpose for which it was built by Abraham thousands of years ago, as a sanctuary for the worship of Allah, our Creator, and Makkah continues to be the spiritual centre of Islam.

On the day Makkah was conquered, the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) addressed the people, saying:

‘Allah made Makkah holy the day He created heaven and earth and it is the Holiest of the Holy until the Day of Resurrection. It is not lawful for anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day to shed blood therein, nor to cut down trees therein. It was not lawful for anyone before me and it will not be lawful for anyone after me. Indeed it is not lawful for me except at this time, only Allah's anger against his people makes it permissible. Makkah has now regained its former holiness. Let those here now go forth and tell others.'

After knowing that Allah, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions have forgiven all, the people of Makkah started coming in GREAT Groups to accept Islaam, which was a GREAT Historic Example of FORGIVNESS for the whole world. Forgiveness is the KEY in winning the hearts of the people.

And not alike are the good and the evil. Repel (evil) with what is best, when lo! he between whom and you was enmity would be as if he were a warm friend. And none are made to receive it but those who are patient, and none are made to receive it but those who have a mighty good fortune. And if an interference of the Shaitan should cause you mischief, seek refuge in Allah; surely He is the Hearing, the Knowing, (Al_Quraan_041.034-036).

After seeing that people started accepting Islaam, Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his companions started praising Allah.

When there comes the help of Allah and the victory, and you see men entering the religion of Allah in companies (groups), Then celebrate the praise of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness; surely He is oft-returning (to mercy), (Al_Quraan_110.001-003).

This was all about the GREAT PEACEFUL JIHAAD of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), with TRUE LOVE and MERCY to establish DEEN: a GREAT PEACEFUL EXAMPLE for the whole World.

And We have not sent you (Muhammad {Peace Be Upon Him}) but as a MERCY (and LOVE) to the whole worlds, (Al_Quraan_021.107).

Let us prepare Global Muslims for the GLOBAL FORGIVESS, that is the KEY to win the hearts of the People Globally, perhaps that is the right way to spread PEACE GLOBALLY, since that is the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) according to the Quraan.

THE PROPHET'S DEATH:

Later, on the 12th day of Rabi al-Awal, in the 11th year of Islam (June 8th 632 A.D.), the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) heard the voices of the people in prayer. With great effort he got up and looked from his door at all the Muslims who were assembled in rows behind Abu Bakr; he smiled with great satisfaction. Abu Bakr saw him and stepped back to give the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) his place. The Muslims were happy, thinking he was going to pray with them as before, but the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), who looked radiantly beautiful that day, signaled to them to continue on their own. He prayed in a sitting position at the right of Abu Bakr, after which he went back inside and lay his head on 'A'ishah's lap. He was in such pain that his daughter Fatimah cried out in pity. Then the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said, 'There is no pain for your father after this day; truly, death has appeared to me. We must all suffer it till the Day of Judgement.' As he lay there, 'A'ishah remembered that he had once said, ’Allah never takes a Prophet to Himself without giving him the choice. 'Then she heard the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) speak. His last words were, 'Nay, rather the Exalted Communion of Paradise.'  

‘A’ishah then said to herself, 'So, by Allah, he is not choosing us!'

When the people in the Masjid heard that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was dead, they were filled with grief. ‘Umar could not, and would not, believe it, and exclaimed that it was not true. Abu Bakr then went out and spoke gently to the people, saying 'All praise belongs to Allah! O people, whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. But for him who worships Allah, Allah is living and never dies. ' He then recited this verse from the Quraan which had been revealed after the battle of Uhud:

Muhammad is but a messenger, messengers (the like of whom) have passed away before him. Will it be that, when he dies or is slain, you will turn back on your heels? He who turns back does no hurt to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful. No soul can ever die except by Allah' s permission and at a term appointed. Whoso desires the reward of the world, We bestow on him thereof; and whosoever desires the reward of the Hereafter, We bestow on him thereof We shall reward the thankful, (Al_Quraan_003.144-145).

After this the people pledged their loyalty to Abu Bakr, whom the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had chosen to lead the prayer. Abu Bakr accepted and concluded what he had to say with these words:

'Obey me so long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. But if I disobey Allah and His Messenger, you owe me no obedience. Arise for your prayer, Allah have mercy upon you!'

The people rose and asked him: 'Where will the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) be buried?' Abu Bakr remembered that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) had said, 'No Prophet dies who is not buried on the spot where he died. ' And so the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was buried in a grave dug in the floor of 'A'ishah's room, in the house next to the Masjid. The spot became known as the Haram al-Nabawi and Muslims from all over the world go there to pray and to give their blessings and greetings of peace to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

You have attained a recompense that is well deserved. You are blessed with a great moral character, (Al_Quraan_068.003-004).

This clearly shows that only defensive war is permitted in Islam. The believers are allowed to fight in self-defense. Suicide never allowed in Islaam, (Al_Quraan_004.029). Initiating hostility is not permitted for Muslims. The Quraan says: "They were the first to attack you", (Al_Quraan_009.013).

There are three consequences which need Detailed Analysis with careful consideration and open eyes. Think of around 300 Million Muslims living alone in India alone. If you count the muslims world wide, it may range from 400 Million to 500 Million Muslims all over the world living in Non-Muslim Countries. Any single mistake could cause trouble to around 500 Million Muslims living in Non-Muslims Countries.

Case 1:    When Enemy attacks Muslims in Muslim Countries (e.g. India attacked Pakistan in the past).

Here Muslims are allowed to defend only.

"Fight for the sake of God those that fight against you, but do not be aggressive", (Al_Quraan_002:190).

Case 2:    Where Muslims living in a Non-Muslim Countries (e.g. Kashmir in India).

Here Muslims need to migrate if Non-Muslims does not allow to worship.

O my bondmen who believe! Lo! My earth is spacious. Therefore serve Me only. How many are the creatures that carry not their  own sustenance, (Al_Quraan_029.052-063)?

Also Muslim Countries are NOT allowed to help those who live in Non-Muslim Countiries in the matter of Lands etc, other than providing religious education, charity and giving them immigration.

Lo! those who believed and left their homes and strove with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah, and those who took them in and helped them; these are protecting friends one of another. And those who believed BUT did NOT leave their homes, you have NO duty to protect them TILL they leave their homes; but if they seek help from you in the matter of religion (NOT for Land) then it is your duty to help (them) except against a folk between whom and you there is a treaty. Allah is Seer of what you do. And those who disbelieve are protectors one of another If you do not so, there will be confusion in the land, and great corruption, (Al_Quraan_008.072-073).

Case 3:    Where Non-Muslims had captured Muslims Land for a long time (e.g. Palastine).

Here also Muslims need to migrate if Non-Muslims do not allow Muslims to worship.

O my bondmen who believe! Lo! My earth is spacious. Therefore serve Me only. How many are the creatures that carry not their  own sustenance, (Al_Quraan_029.052-063)?

Also Muslim Countries are NOT allowed to help those who live in Non-Muslim Countiries in the matter of Lands etc, other than providing religious education, charity and giving them immigration.

Lo! those who believed and left their homes and strove with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah, and those who took them in and helped them; these are protecting friends one of another. And those who believed BUT did NOT leave their homes, you have NO duty to protect them TILL they leave their homes; but if they seek help from you in the matter of religion (NOT for Land) then it is your duty to help (them) except against a folk between whom and you there is a treaty. Allah is Seer of what you do. And those who disbelieve are protectors one of another If you do not so, there will be confusion in the land, and great corruption, (Al_Quraan_008.072-073)?

All Madarsas, Schools and other Institutions MUST be Scrutinize and Register with the Government to make sure that they are preaching in a PEACEFUL manner.