Chapter 1

Introduction

Prophet Muhammad (SAW ) was chosen by Allah to bring His message of Islam to its perfection. The followers of Islam are called Muslims.

He is the final messenger from Allah so is called the seal of the Prophet. He was free from sin and perfect in every way. He was given the Quran, the word of Allah. He and his Ahlulbayt are the living examples of the Quran in action, showing us how to live as Allah wants us to.

From the beginning of time, Allah sent his messengers to the world so that everybody had a guide. Hadhrat Adam (AS) is the first Prophet and Hadhrat  Muhammad SAW is the last Apostle of Allah.

The religion of all the Prophet is Islam. Each nation had a Prophet who told them about the Almighty. The five great Prophet were Hadhrat Nooh AS, Hadhrat Ibraheem AS, Hadhrat M oosa AS, Hadhrat Eesa AS and Hadhrat Muhammad SAW . Allah sent His books through the Prophet: Sahifatu Nooh, Sahifatu Ibraheem, Tauraat, Injeel and finally the Holy Quran.

All the Prophet spoke about the coming of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW as the final messenger of Allah. After the death of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW , guidance continued through the teachings of the twelve Imams, who are appoint by Allah. The last of the Imams, Hadhrat Muhammad Ma hdi (AS) is alive even today but hidden from our view.

Chapter 2

His Titles

Prophet Muhammad SAW had many titles. He was called Ahmad in the Injeel. In the Quran he is called Yaseen and Taha. He is referred to as Mud daththir and Muz zammil. He is Basheer (the bringer of good news) and a warner, Nazeer. He was known even by his enemies as Sadiq (Truthful) and Ameen (Trusted).

He is called the Rahmatul lil alameen, (Mercy for all beings ) and the (seal of the Prophet), Khatamun Nabeyyeen. He was the chief of the Prophet and the Apostles- Sayyid ul an biya and Sayyid ul Mursaleen. Some other titles are Mustafa, Habeeb Allah, Safi Allah, NoorAllah and Qair e qalqillah. Prophet Muhammad is the link between Allah and the people, so he is Safeer. He is the Shaheed, the witness, as described in the Holy Quran.

Whenever we take the name of the Holy Prophet we should say SAW Swallalallahu alaihi wa Aali hi wa swallam ) It stands for salawat and salams (Allahs blessings) on Muhammad and Aal e Muhammad.

Chapter 3

His Family Tree

Prophet Muhammad SAW comes from the family of the Bani Hashim, who traced their family tree to the Prophet Hadhrat Ibrahim (AS) through his son Hadhrat Ismail (AS). Each of his ancestors was noble, pious and good. They all believed in the oneness of Allah. They were learned, noble and brave.

The Prophets grandfather Hadhrat Abdul Muttalib was the chief of Bani Hashim. During his time, a wicked king called Abraha came from Yemen to destroy the Kaabah. He brought with him an army of elephants. Hadhrat Abdul Muttal ib (AS), had faith in Allah who would Himself protect it against the enemies. He told Abraha so. Then he advised all his own people to go indoors. What happened next is written in the Holy Quran: Allah sent thousands of tiny swallows (ababeel), which flew over the elephants. They had little bits of c lay in their beaks which they rained down on the elephants with such force that the army of Abraha was completely destroyed.

The Kaaba was safe. This event became so famous that it was called the Year of the Elephant.

Chapter 4

His Holy Birth

During this very year (570 A.D.) on th Friday, the 17of Rabi-ul-avval, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW ) was born. His father was called Hadhrat Abdullah (AS), the son of Hadhrat Muttalib (AS). His mother was Hadhrat Aminah, daughter of Wahab.

Hadhrat Abdullah (AS) left for Sy ria for trade. When the caravan returned there was no sign of him. He h ad taken ill and died in Yathrib. Prophet Muhammad SAW was born an orphan. But right from the day he was born, he was special. His mother Hadhrat Aminah (AS), said that when he was born, light shone from his face and filled the whole of the world. Every mountain echoed happy tidings and trees bowed their branches in joy. At the time of the birth of Prophet Muhammad SAW , his grandfather, Hadhrat Abdul Muttalib (AS) was near the Kaaba, wh en he suddenly saw that a white cloud cover the house of Hadhrat Aminah (AS).

A voice came from heaven Truth is revealed and error is gone. The idols fell on their faces. When Hadhrat Aaminah brought the baby to him, Hadhrat Mutallib (AS) took him in h is arms and named him, Muhammad SAW . It means the praised one. Angels came to greet the Holy Prophet.

Chapter 5

His Childhood

Born an orphan, Prophet Muhammad SAW was looked after by his grandfather, Hadhrat Abdul Mutallib (AS) who loved him dearly. His mothe r Hadhrat Aaminah (AS) cared for him with love and affection.

On the seventh day of his birth, a feast was prepared to celebrate his birth and to thank Allah. This is called aqeeqa h. Many people were invited to share the food.

Hadhrat Abdul Mutallib (AS)  employed Janab e Haleema h to look after the Holy Prophet. She lived in the desert and belonged to the tribe of Bani Sad. She says that from the day she looked after the infant Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW ), her house, which had been poor, became wealthy.

When she first took him with her, she had twenty two sheep but at t he time she returned him to Mecca, she owned more than a thousand. When he was two years old, Haleemah as Sadeyyah says that he went with her sons to graze the flock. They noticed that eve ry stone and rock in the wilderness saluted him. They were amazed to see a white cloud over his head go with him wherever he went While taking the Holy Prophet back to his grandfather, Janab e Haleemah left him by the roadside briefly. When she came back, the child was not there .

Hadhrat Mutallib AS got very worried when he was told that his grandson was lost. He prayed at the Kaaba h O my Lord, return him to me and grant me Thy favour once more. A voice announced: "Go to the valley of Tahamah. He is th ere." They found the Holy Prophet playing with the branches of a tree. The Holy Prophet, whom his grandfather had not seen since his birth, told him: "I am Muhammad ." Hadhrat Mutallib AS took him in his arms and embraced him for a long time, feeling very relieved.

When he was six years old, his mother Hadhrat Aaminah (AS) took him to visit the grave of his father, Hadhrat Abdullah (AS) in Yasrib. They stayed thre for one month. The young Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW faced another tragedy for on the way back. A t a place called Abwa, suddenly his mother Hadhrat Aaminah (AS) died, leaving him an orphan from both sides.

His grandfather Hadhrat Abdul Muttalib AS loved him even more and took extra care of him now. He always had him by his side especially when he sa t on the carpet by the Kaabah as the chief of Bani Hashim. His grandfather Hadhrat Abdul Muttalib (AS) on his death bed gave Muhammad SAW in the care of his son, Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS) and said: "Take care of this boy, nothing in our family is more precious than he."

Hadhrat Abu Talib AS brought Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW up, loved him fondly, made him sleep by his own bed -side and took him with himself wherever he went. He and his wife Hadhrat Fatimah binte Asad (AS) looked after the Prophet with more care and love than their own sons. Prophet Muhammad (SAW ) lived with his uncle and aunt, who helped him in every way all his life.

Hadhrat Fatimah binte Asad (AS) relates that there was an old date palm in her house that had been dead and dry for a long time. But when Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW touched this tree, it suddenly became green and grew fresh dates.

Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS) was a trader and took his nephew Muhammad (SAW ) with him on his journeys.

During his visit to Syria, when Holy Prophet Muhamma d SAW was twelve years old they met a monk called Baheera, who knew the Holy books. Baheera told Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS) that he could see signs in Prophet Muhammad SAW that had been described about the Prophet who will rise in Mecca. Baheera declared Inde ed you are the one who Hadhrat Ibraheem (AS) prayed for and whose coming Eesa announced! He asked Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS) to protect his nephew from his enemies.

Chapter 6

Youth and Marriage

Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS), worked as a trader, who knew that the lady Khad eejah was looking for someone to take her goods to Syria for trade. He suggested his nephew Muham mads SAW name.

She agreed and sent him with her goods and he made a good profit for her and returned to Mecca. Hadhrat Khadeejah AS employed Maysara to be wi th the Prophet during the journey.

On their return Maysara told her of the excellent manners and honesty of Prophet Muhammad SAW . He told her of the many miracles he had seen, how even little food touched by him would be enough for a lot of people, and how trees and rocks saluted him.

Hadhrat Khadeejah AS was so impressed by Muhammad (SAW ) that she wanted to marry him. She sent word through a lady called Nafeesa and the Holy Prophet agreed.

The marriage of Hadhrat Khadeejah (AS) to Prophet Muhammad SAW took place in th Mecca on the 10 of Rabi-ul -A vval. Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS) read the nika ah and gave a khutba (sermon) praising Allah and the Holy Prophet. There was a big feast of walima when all the people of Mecca were invited to celebrate the wedding. The couple were very happy.

Chapter 7

The Holy Quran

Prophet Muhammad SAW used to go up into a cave on the Mount Hiraa near Mecca. He would spend time there thinking and praying.

Sometimes he would be all on his own and sometimes he would go with Imam Ali (AS). Hadhrat Khadeejah (AS) would take up food for him. When the Prophet th was about forty years old, on the 27th Rajab as he was praying in the cave, he heard a voice calling him by name and a flood of light made everything bright. Allah had sent the arch angel Jibraeel with the first five verses of the Holy Quran, which said

Recite in the name of your Lord. He recited the verses.

This was the signal to start the spreading of Allahs message. Iqra implies that the Holy Prophet knew all the names of Allah and knew the book of Allah too. Here he was commanded to recite or read that which he already knew.

As Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW came down from the mountain, every stone and rock, tree and branch bowed and gave witness: La ilaha Illallah Muham ad RasoolAllah. He returned home and told Hadhrat Khadeejah AS , who believed in his message and said I bear witness that there is only Allah and you are the Apostle of Allah.

During these days, for nearly three years, Islam was the r eligion of only the Prophet, his wife Khadee jah AS and his cousin Ali AS. Nobody else in this world had yet accepted Islam. The Holy Qura n is the book of Allah that guides us to Islam. There is no doubt in it. The verses of the Qura n were recited by the Prophet to his followers as Allah commanded him to do over 23 years. It is the final word of Allah. It shows us our duties which we must obey to get close to Allah. The Qura an is like a treasure of wisdom and learning and the do or to this treasure are the Ahlul Bayt.

Chapter 8

Invitation to Islam

Allah sent the angel Jibraeel asking Prophet Muhammad SAW to call his near relations to Islam. This was the Da wat e Zul asheera. Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW invited all the sons of his grandfather Abdul Muttalib AS to a meal in the house of his uncle Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS). Imam Ali (AS) helped him prepare the food. About forty people came.

A s soon as the meal finished the Prophet spoke. He asked them if they had ever heard him lie. They replied We have never found you lying, O Ameen! He then declared: Indeed I offer you the best of this world and the next. Allah has commanded me to call you to Him. Whoever accepts this invitation to help me will be my heir and successor .

There was silence except for one voice. Imam Ali (AS) stood up and said Ya Rasool Allah I believe in you and will help you.

Muhammad SAW said: Ali you will be my heir and deputy. He turned to the people and said All of you must obey Ali. The people left the house laughing, saying to Hadhrat Abu Talib You must now obey your son!

Chapter 9

Life in Mecca

In the fifth year of his mission, Allah showed Prophet Muhammad ( SAW ) the wonders of the universe through a  journey to the Most High. This is described in the Quran and is known as Meraj.

Meraj is usually dated to the 27th night of the month of Rajab in the year before Hijrat. Jibrail first took him to the Kaabah (the Masjid al Har aam) and from there he was taken to the farthest masjid in the heavens.

Soon after he and Hadhrat Khadeejah (SA ) were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Fatima Zahra (S A ). It was the happiest moment of his life. Fatima is a part of me. Whoever makes her happy makes me happy. Whoever angers her angers me he would say.

Then the Prophet invited the general public to Islam, to believe in Allah as the one and only God and accept him as Allahs Prophet. The Qureish were not ready to listen to the Prophet and were very angry. They came to Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS) and demanded that he stop Muhammad SAW . They promised him money, power and gifts if he stopped preaching his religion. When the Prophet was told this, he said, Even if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand , I will not stop. Hadhrat Abu Talib (AS) promised to stand by him and said ,I w ill not give up my support to you. Carry on your mission.

They asked for a miracle. The Holy Prophet looked up at the sky towards the moon. It split in two but even though they were amazed at the miracle, they turned aside, calling it magic.

As more a nd more people started to join Islam, the enemies made life very difficult for them. They would throw stones and rubbish at the Prophet as he walked down the street. They insulted him in public, made loud cries, hooted or sang wild songs to drown his voice while he was preaching; but they could not prevent him.

Life became so hard that some Muslims were forced to leave Mecca and travel to Abbysinia, a country in Africa. The king there asked about Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW and they said He calls us to worship one God and to speak the truth, to show mercy and to be kind to women and orphans. He shows us how to pray and fast and give alms to the poor. We believe in him and accept his teachings. For this reason these enemies torture and injure us. Therefore w e have come to your country to be away from their evil. When the king heard this, he let them stay in his country. The Muslims lived in Abyssinia till the Holy Prophet settled in Madinat h.

In Mecca the Muslims still faced trouble from the Qureish who increased the prices of things Muslims needed to buy. Then they refused to buy or sell anything to the Muslims. They annoyed the Muslims all the time. They did not allow any contact with them.

Finally the Holy Prophet, his family and the Muslims had to move to a ravine, a valley called Shab e Abu Talib. The Muslims lived in fear and extreme poverty. This lasted for about three years and life there was very tough. Prices for food were so high that Hadhrat Khadeejahs immense wealth was used up in buying it. Finally the Holy Prophet and Muslims were allowed to return to the city of Mecca.

Hadhrat Abu Talib was now about 87 th years old. He died on the 26 Rajab with the kalimah on his lips. Hadhrat Abu Talib's (AS) attitude towards the Holy Prophet as well as some of his verses prove that he believed in the Holy Prophet as the true messenger of Allah and in his religion, Islam .  Then Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW lost his dear wife Hadhrat Khadija (AS) on th the 10 Ramazan.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW called it the Year of Sorrow. His two greatest supporters were both buried in the Jannatul Moalla, the family grave yard of the Bani Hashim in Mecca.

Chapter 10

Migration-Leaving Mecca

Some people arrived in Mecca from Yathrib to visit the Kaabah. They met the Prophet SAW who told them about Islam.

They became Muslims and soon more people from Yathrib joined the faith and invited him to come there.

When the enemies of the Holy Prophet in Mecca saw that each day more people were becoming Muslims, they called a meeting. They decided together they would all surround Muhammads SAW house and kill him. Allah sent the angel to the Prophet and ordered him to leave Mecca for Yasrib that very night. Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW called Ali (AS) and said Sleep tonight in my place, Ali asked Will this save your li fe? Yes replied the Prophet.

Ali smiled and did sajda e shukr to thank Allah for giving him the chance to save the Prophet. Ali put the Prophets blanket and lay down. Allah sent an ayat of the Quran praising this act of brave ry. The Holy Prophet SAW recited verses from the sura e Yaseen as he left. None of his enemies saw him go.

Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW was on his way to the Mount Thaur, to the south of Mecca, though the direction of Ma dinah was to the north. This was to pre vent his enemies finding him. As he went, he heard footsteps and saw that Abu Bakr was following him so he took him along.

The next morning when the enemies rushed into Muhammads house to kill him, they were shocked to find that he was not there. Instead it was Ali who had slept so calmly through the night! Where is Muhammad ? they demanded. Ali replied Did you hand him over to me so that I may give him back to you? He is not here. They were very angry, but left to try and find Muhammad SAW.   The Holy Prophet SAW spent the night in the cave of Thaur. The enemies with the help of a footprint expert tracked him to the cave. But when they arrived there , they saw that the caves entrance had a spiders web across the opening. There can be no one inside, ot herwise the web would have broken they thought and went away. The Prophet stayed for three nights in the cave. His enemies failed to find him and gave up the search.

They left the cave and continued thejourney towards Yath rib, and arrived on th 12 Rabi-ul-A vval in Quba, near Madinah. Imam Ali (AS) returned all the things that people had kept in trust with the Prophet. Three days later, he too made his way from Mecca towards Yasrib taking with him the ladies: his mother, Fatima bint e Asad, his Aunt Fatima, the daughter of Hadhrat Abdul Muttalib, his niece Fatima, the daughter of Hamza, and Hadhrat Fatima Zahra (AS) the daughter of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW ). th They arrived safely in Quba, on 15 Rabiulavval , where The Holy Prophet was  waiting for them before entering Medina. He welcomed them happily.

This event of the journey from Mecca to Medina is called Hijrat (A.H). and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

Chapter 11

In Madinah

When the Holy Prophet arrived in Yathrib, he was welcomed warmly. Peo ple, young and old, free and slaves, women and children all came to see the Prophet enter the city. Holy Prophet Muhammad.

SAW was riding his camel and everyone wanted to take him to their house.

He said I will let go the reins of the camel and wherever the camel stops, I will. All eyes were on the camel as it went. At last it stopped in the area which was owned by two orphan boys called Sahl and Sohail. Their land was bought from them and later the masjid e Nabi built on it. Yasrib now was renamed Madinatun Nabi or the city of the Prophet.

The camel sat down and the Prophet got down. Abu Ayub Ansaris house was the nearest. His mother took the Prophets things and welcomed him. Abu Ayub was very pleased that the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW was to be his guest.

The Muslims who had left Mecca to be with the Prophet were called Muhajir. They had left all their land and wealth behind. The Muslims in Medina were named Ansaar. The Prophet made each muhajir a brother of an ansar so that they could help each othe r and live in peace.

He Left Imam Ali (AS) for himself and declared him as his brother.

Two years after arriving in Ma dina, the Prophet married his daughter Fatima Zahra (AS) to his cousin Ali (AS). It was a very happy event as two of his closest people were joined in marriage. The wedding was celebrated on the 1 Zulhijjah 2 A. H.

Chapter 12

Facing Enemies

The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW had to fight many battles to protect Islam. The Meccans sent a large army with 1000 m en to Badr, twenty miles from Ma dinah. The Prophet had only 313 brave soldiers ready to give up their life to defend Islam . It was Allah alone, who gave victory through the valour of Ali and Hamza which brought the enemy to their knees. Abu Jahl, the leader of the Qureish was killed. Abu Sufyan became the new leader and vowed to fight the Muslims to take revenge. Though they were few in  numbers, the Muslims returned to Madinah successful.

The next year, Abu Sufyan came to fight again with an even larger army. They met the Muslims at the foot of M ount Uhud, just outside Madinah.

The Prophet went out to defend and put a group of 50 archers to guard a post by the mountain. As the fight began and the Muslims were winning, these archers  thought that the battle was over and left their position to com e down to collect the booty.

Khalid bin Walid from the Meccan army attacked the Muslims from behind. There was chaos. The uncle of the Prophet, Hamzah was killed. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW ) himself was hurt. Some shouted that the Prophet had been killed. Muslims ran for their lives leaving the Prophet with only Ali by his side.

Ali then took the Prophet to safety. Hinda, the wife of Abu Sufyan came to the body of Hadhrat Hamza AS and made her slave cut it open so she could eat his liver. The Prophet wept when he heard about this. Ali, fearless, strong and brave put so wonderful a fight that Jibrail praised Ali's action with the celebrated words : "la fata illa Ali" (there is no man save Al and "la sayf illa zulfiqar" (there is no sword save zulfiqar).

The scene again changed and the three thousand proud warriors of Arabia ran from the battlefield like frightened rats, with Abu Sufyan in the front. The news of a possible pursuit by Ali ibn Abu Talib broke his spirit and he at once took the road to Mecca.

Next the enemy clans united and planned to invade Medina itself. The Holy Prophet consulted the Muslims. One of his companions, Salman suggested that they dig a ditch Kandaq, a trench around the north boundary of Medina. This would prevent the enemy horses jumping through. The Prophet Muhammad SAW accepted this idea and himself helped the Muslims to dig the trench.

In 5 A.H. the opposing allies , Ahzab, with about 10,000 men approached Medina. For about a month they tried to get in but could not. They found that their food was running out because they had not expected the attack to last so long.

Amar ibn Abdawud, a famous warrior challenged anyone from the Muslims to fight him. Three times he shouted and each time it was only Imam Ali (AS) wh o was ready to face him. In the one to one combat, Imam Ali AS defeated him easily and won.

When Imam Ali AS killed Amr bin Abdawud in single combat , the whole army was shocked. The next night a severe storm brought disaster to the Meccans. The weather turned very, very cold, their tents were ripped, lamps went off and burning fire scattered in the desert. They were so scared that they ran away.

Then the Jews prepared to fight against Prophet Muhammad SAW . They tried to get other tribes to join them but co uld not. Finally they gathered in Khayber. The Prophet sent an army under the command of Umar ibn Khattab and Abu Bakr but they turned back disappointed. Finally he announced Tomorrow I will give the banner of Islam to one who loves Allah and the Prophet and who is loved by Allah and his Prophet. He is one who never turns back or flee s from the battle field and is always successful.

Everyone was keen to see who this would be. It was of course none other than Ali . The next morning Imam Ali (AS) took the banner, then broke the castle door of Kh ayber open. He killed their champion, Marhab and won a wonderful victory for Islam .

They presented the land of Fadak, as a present. He gave Fadak to his daughter Fatima Zahra (AS)

Chapter 13

On to Mecca

A year before the ba ttle of Khayber, the Prophet had announced that he was going to Mecca for Umra and anyone who wished to do so could come with him. Some were surprised as when you do Umra you cannot carry any weapons and Mecca was still full of many enemies. In spite of this, nearly 1400 Muslims decided to go with him.

The Meccans were confused. They did not know what to do. They could not refuse pilgrims who wished to visit the Ka abah. At the same time, allowing the Muslims would look like defeat. So they tried to provoke the Muslims to a fight. The Prophet did not want to fights.

When the Muslims arrived at a place called Hudaibiya, ten miles from Mecca, the Muslims were stopped by Khalid ibn Walid and his 200 soldiers. Prophet Muhammad SAW told him that he and the Muslims wanted to perform Umra peacefully, but they did not agree. They threw stones, looted the pilgrims and harmed them to start a fight. The Muslims were patient and the Prophet sent a message to the Qureish. The Muslims made a pledge to support the Prophet and stay loyal to him. At first the Qureish refused but then they agreed to a treaty with the Prophet. This was called the Treaty of Hudaibiya which was written down by Imam Ali.

Although it first appeared as if the Meccans had more benefit from the treaty, in the long run, it was good for Islam. Repeated fighting started by the Meccans stopped. The Prophet could send out messages to places around, inviting them to accept Islam. The Holy Prophet sent letters to many rulers around Arabia inviting them to Islam. We can still see these in museums today.

Muslims now could practise Islam openly. Free contact helped more people to find out about Islam and become Muslims. The next year the Prophet with 2000 people was able to perform Umra peacefully and return home.

In 8 A. H. terms of the treaty were broken by the Meccans who secretly armed people to fight the Muslims. Plans were made therefore to march secretly to Mecca, to avoid bloodshed. About 10000 Muslims left Medina and arrived on the outskirts of Mecca. They camped on the hillsides and each of them on the orders of the Prophet lighted a fire.

When the Meccans suddenly saw the fires lit, they were very frightened and shocked. The next morning when they saw so many Muslims, they gave up any idea of fighting. Abu Sufyan met the Prophet and said he accepts Islam.

The Prophet did not want to shed blood and as the Mercy for All mankind, Rahmatun lil aalameen declared that all are forgiven. The Prophet went to the Kaabah and together with Imam Ali, cleared i t of idols and washed its walls with the water of Zamzam. Mecca and Kaabah from now on were to be only for Muslims.

After the fall of Mecca, the enemies gathered at Taif to stop the Muslims. The two armies met at Hunayn and it was again due to the role of Imam Ali (AS) that the Muslims were successful. The Prophet then returned to Mecca performed the Umra and went back to Ma dinah. The next threat was from the Byzantine king Heraclius who planned to attack  Madinah. The Prophet went out to face them with a l arge army at Tabuk, a place between Mecca and Damascus. Hearing of the huge Muslim army, Heraclius withdrew and the Prophet returned to Ma dina without a fight.

On his way back, as they pass ed through a narrow gorge, some people tried to kill the Prophet by rolling a huge stone down the hill . There was a sudden flash of lightning and their faces were seen. The Prophet travelling with his close friends, Ammar and Huzaifa was able to tell them the names of the attackers.

Chapter 14

His Companions

The Holy Prophets companions were those who had the chance to see him personally and be in his company. Some of them were true followers and did their best to live their lives as good Muslims. They obeyed his teachings and loved him with their hearts. Companions like Amma r, Bilal, Salman, Abuzar, Miqdad and Suhayb known as As-haab as Suffah (the sincere and devout companions), who were true seekers of Allah's grace, nearness and pleasure.

The Holy Prophet SAW took care of and looked after his companions. Whether wealthy or poor, black or white, every companion was treated alike, and preference over each other was given according to the degree of piety. The mission of the Holy ProphetSAW was to unite the people.  Salman was so sincere that Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW always praised him. Abuzar Ghaffari, said the Holy Prophet SAW , was the most truthful of men. He used to weep through the fear of Allah. Huzaifa e Yamani was trusted by the Prophet and knew the names of those who had tried to harm the Prophet. Jabir ibn Abdullah e Ansari was told to conveying the salams of the Holy Prophet to the fifth Imam, Muhammad Baqar AS. Bilal e Habashi, an African slave was made the special muezzin, to recite the azan.

Abu Ayoob Ansari had the honour of hosting the Prophet when he first arrived in Madinah.

Miqdad was sincere and faithful and remained close to the Holy Prophet and his Ahlulbayt.

Uwaise Qarani loved the Prophet so much that when he heard that he was hurt in the battle of Uhad and his teeth were broken, Uwais broke his own teeth. Ammar e Yasir had lost both his parents Yasir and Sumayya, killed because they believed in Islam. Ammar was told by the Prophet that he too would achieve martyrdom at the hands of rebels.

However there were others who did not accept Islam with their hearts. They said they were Muslims but did not obey the Holy Prophet. They plotted against him and even tried to kill him. In battle, they left him and ran away instead of fighting the enemy.

Chapter 15

The Perfect Example

Prophet Muhammad SAW was a perfect example to us in every way. He was the best teacher for he not only taught us how to live in this world following the rules set by Allah, but also showed it to us through his actions.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW ) was kind and forgiving. He even forgave peopl e who had been unkind to him. When he told the people of Mecca to believe in Isla m, they would not listen. Every day as he walked down the lane, a woman who lived there would throw rubbish on him. One day when she didnt, he was surprised and asked the reason. She is sick he was told. The Prophet went to see her. She was so impressed by his kindness that she became a Muslim.

The Holy Prophet SAW said The best of friends is he who is best in behaviour. When he was with his companions, he was always polite and spoke softly. When someone shook his hand he did not pull his hand away till the other person did.

He was the first to greet others and was always cheerful to them. While walking he did not get ahead of others. When sitting he did not allow others to stand beside him. He and his companions sat in a circle. He treated even his servants as friends and always shared meals with them.

Prophet Muhammad SAW taught his followers to be hospitable to guests.The best of you is he who gives food to people, greets them and prays at night when others are sleeping. Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW treated his guests warmly. He advised Muslims to have special occasions called walima when guests should be invited, for example on returning from Hajj and at weddings and on the birth of children.

Our Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW lived a very simple life. He used to take his meals sitting on the ground. He mended his own shoes, washed his own clothes. He did not like pomp and luxury. Even the poor could talk to him freely. He always had a smile on his lips To be clean is very important in Islam. The Quran says Allah loves those who ask for forgiveness and try h ard to keep themselves clean. Prophet Muhammad SAW said that cleanliness is a part of faith. He would rinse his m outh, throat and nose with water. He trimmed his nails and moustache. He would comb his hair and beard. He advised people to keep their clothes, houses and surroundings clean. Muslims must follow the Prophet Muhammad s example and adopt cleanliness.

What the Prophet did not like was hypocrisy, which means being double -faced. Hypocrites are people who do not mean what they say. They are really enemies but pretend to be friends. In Islam they are worse than open enemies as they want to destroy it from within. The Quran condemns the hypocrites as the munafiqoon.

Another bad quality disliked by the Prophet was pride. He said all Muslims are brothers in religion and must support one another. Greet each other with salam, wish for him what you wish for yourself, visit him when he is sick and share your food with him. A Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands other Muslims are safe."

Chapter 16

The Ahlul Bayt

The last Prophet, Muhammad al Mustafa, the seal of Prophet hood, came with the final message. As the best of cre ation, there remained no need for any further change. Therefore, no Prophet was sent after him. But a guide like him, after him, is necessary in every age to keep mankind on the right path.

The Holy Prophet said:

The first of us is Muhammad, the middle of us is Muhammad, the last of us is Muhammad, every one of us is Muhammad . These images of Muhammad are the Holy Ahlulbayt, purified by Allah, perfect in every way and free from every fault.

When he was asked who are his Ahleba it, he said They are Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Hussain. When they had gathered under the kisa, (blanket) the Prophet raised his hands and prayed,O Allah, these are the people of my household, the Ahle Bait. They are of my flesh and blood. Whoever makes them unhappy, makes me unhappy. They are from me and I am from them. The ayat e tatheer (33:33) was revealed in the Quran in praise of the Ahlulbay t. Innamaa yureedullahu liyuz-hiba ankumur rijsa Ahlal Bay ti wa yutahharikum tat-heeraa. The Prophet would recite this ayat every day at t he door of his daughter Fatima to remind us of the special status of the Ahlulbayt.

When she came to see him , he would rise and sit her in his place. Whenever he left Ma dinah, he would bid her farewell and as soon as he returned, she would be the first person that he went to see. Fatima is a part of me. Whoever keeps her happy makes me happy. Whoever makes her angry makes me angry.

Ali and I are from the same light, he would often say. I am the city of knowledge and Ali is the door. He found Ali to be his best supporter in his mission in every walk of life, in the battlefield, in the masjid, at home and in the community.

His love for his grandchildren was clear for all to see. When Hasan and Hussain came into the masjid, he would stop his sermon and take them in his arms. He would kiss them and hug them. Prophet Muhammad SAW said Hasan and Hussain are my sons. They are the leaders of the youth of Paradise. Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain.

Allah sends His blessings (salawat) on the Holy Prophet. The angels call upon Allah to send His blessings on him. The believers are also commanded to ask Allah to send His blessings on him. The Muslims asked the Holy Prophet: "How are we to seek blessings on you?" He said: "Say: 'O Allah, send blessings on Muhammad and on the Aal of Muhammad."

It is compulsory to recite salawat whenever the name of the Holy Prophet SAW is mentioned. If you want your duas answered then recite salawat before and after your prayer because it will be granted by Allah as salawat is always accepted by Allah and the entire prayer will be accepted by Him.

Chapter 17

Eid e Mubahalah

As more and more people started to accept Islam as their religion, many groups of people belonging to other faiths came to meet the Prophet in Madinah. From a place called Najran, a group of sixty Christians came to meet the Prophet Muhammad SAW .

When they arrived they tried to impress by coming in grand clothes and wearing golden rings. When they were ignored, they knew they had to change their style and approach him in simple clothes and better manners.

The Prophet explained to them that that Jesus was created by Allah like Adam was. They would not accept the reasoning and wanted to resolve the argument by having a Mubahalah, where you pray to the Almighty to d estroy the liar.

Allah sent the ayat, If anyone disputes with you after the knowledge has come to you say Let each of us bring our children, our women, our people and our selves and pray to Allah to curse upon the liars.  Everybody waited to see who the Prophet th would take with him. On the 24 Zulhijjah, 9 A.H ., all the people of Ma dinah saw that Prophet Muhammad SAW went to the house of his daughter Fatimah. He came out with Husain in his arms and held the hand of Hasan, who walked beside him. They were his sons.His daughter Fatimah, as the perfect among women , followed them. and Ali as the self (nafs) of the Holy Prophet SAW came behind her. These five are the Panjatan    When the Christians saw them, they realised that the Panjatan were indeed Holy and decided to withdraw from Mubahila. Their leader said, I see such faces that if they pray for mountains to move, it will happen. They accepted the conditions laid down by the Prophet. Muslims celebrate the event as Eid. It was a day of victory for t he truth of Islam.

Chapter 18

Ghadeer e Khum

In 10 Hijra, the Holy Prophet, along with one hundred thousand Muslims, went for th his last hajj. In the plain of Arafat on 9 Zulhijjah, he declared to the pilgrims, Ali is from me and I am from Ali, and none can discharge my duty as a Prophet except myself or Ali.

When he was returning from Mecca to Ma dinah, he arrived at Ghadeer e Qum, 3 miles away from Juhfa. Allah sent the ayat, O Our Messenger! Deliver what has been sent down unto you from your Lord; and if you do not, then you have not delivered His Message; and surely Allah will protect you from men."

So Prophet Muhammad SAW ordered a halt in a place which was a barren land with no shade other than that provided by a few acacia trees. He called back those w ho had gone ahead and waited for those who were lagging behind. When everyone was together he led the midday Zohr and Asr prayers, and then gave a long sermon on a pulpit made of camel litters.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said Glory be to Allah. I am a human being. I may be recalled shortly and I must comply. I leave behind, among you, the two weighty things. One of them is the book of Allah wherein there is guidance and light; hold fast t o the book. The other is my Ahlul Bayt. Allah has informed me that the two will not part from each other before they reach me at the pool." (Kauser)

Then he asked Ali to come up. He held him in both his hands, raised him high, so much that all the men and women saw him clearly. Then he said: "O men and women! Allah is my Maula (Lord-Master). I am the maula of the faithful. Man kunto maulaa fahaaza Ali yun Maula And of whomsoever I am the Master (this) Ali is his Master. O Allah! Love him who loves Ali, hate him who hates Ali.

Allah then sent the angel Jibraeel to announce: "Today I have perfected for you your faith and completed my favour upon you and chosen for you Islam (to be) the religion;" All the people who were there with the Holy Prophet that day heard the sermon from him and carried the news with them and it s pread all over the Muslim world.

Chapter 19

Illness and Death

After the Holy Prophet Muh ammad SAW returned to Madinah, he fell ill. His daughter Fatima stayed by his side, sad to see him suffer. His successor, brother and son-in-law Ali looked after him. The Prophet said,After me you will have to face much suffering. Do not lose patience. His grandsons, Hasan and Hussain hugged him. These were his Ahlulbayt. He reminded his f ollowers to always obey the Ahlulbayt and the Quran. These two are the reflection of one another, he explained.

When some of his companions were present beside his bed , he asked for pen and paper so that he could write his last will to keep them on the right path. Umar bin Khattab said: "The man wanders in delirium. The book of Allah is suf ficient for us."

The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW was shocked and dismayed to see this rude behaviour and ordered Umar to leave his presence. Voices rose high. The Holy Prophet recited an ayat from the Quran and said: "Begone, let me alone. The women (who wanted to provide pen and paper but rebuked by Umar) are much better than you."

Bibi Fatima AS was in tears, more upset to see the Prophet being openly challenged and disobeyed. There was a knock at the door. She said My father is ill, The knock came again , she repeated My father is very ill When the knock was heard yet again, she burst into tears. Prophet Muhammad SAW opened his eyes and said Fatima, let him in. He knocks on your door, seeking permission to enter, for he knows your high position. Otherwise he never knocks. This is the angel of death.

The angel entered. The Prophet put his head on Imam Alis shoulder (between his neck and chest) . He breathed his last and the Imam felt the Holy Prophets last breath on his hands. The Ahlul bayt broke down in tears and started to cry. Angels wept.

Imam Ali gave him his funeral bath and led his funeral prayer. He buried the Prophet and closed the grave, weeping bitterly. Bibi Fatima (AS) cried for her father. Imam Hasan and Husain missed him and asked her Where is our grandfather?

While the Holy Prophet lay dead, some ansar and muhajir assembled at Saqeefa Bani Saaidah to choose Sad bin Obada as their leader. Receiving the news, Abu Bakr, Abu Obayda and Umar with their supporters hurried to Saqifa, deser ting the funeral prayer. They did not even come to console his only daughter. They forgot the promise they had made to the Holy Prophet at Ghadeer. Abu Bakr was declared the Khalif.

The rights of Imam Ali were denied. The message of Ghadeer was forgotten. Imam Ali (AS) remembered the Prophets words and knew that he must be patient. If he rose up for his rights, there would be civil war. Islam, still in its infancy, would be in danger. So he retired to his house, to save Islam.

Chapter 20

Rules of Islam

The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW through his teachings and the verses of the Quran explained the rules of Islam. He divided them into two main sections: Belief in the Usool e Deen and Practice of the Furoo e Deen.

There are five Usool:

1. Touheed, believing in One All ah

2. Adl, Believing in Allahs justice

3. Nabuww at, believing in the Prophet including Muhammad the last messenger of Allah.

4. Imamat, believing that after the Holy Prophet Allah appointed the twelve Imams in his progeny.

5. Qiyamat believing in a final day of judgement when you will answer for all you did. The beliefs are like the roots of a tree. Just like a tree will not grow without roots, you cannot be a Muslim if you do not believe.

The Furoo e Deen are like the leaves which show that the tree is alive.

Ther e are ten Furoo:

1. Namaz: praying five times a day: fajr, zohr, asr, maghrib, isha.

2. Roza: Fasting in the month of Ramadan

3. Hajj: going as pilgrim to Kaaba, Mecca at least once in your life if you can afford it.

4. Zakat, giving your wealth as advised for charity to those in need.

5. Khums, giving 20% of your yearly saving, (Sehme Imam and Sehme sadaat).

6. Jihad: doing your best in the way of Allah through every means: your wealth, your knowledge, your life.

7. Amr bil maroof: inviting people to the right through wisdom a nd good example.

8. Nahi anil munkir: stopping people from doing wrong.

9. Tawalla: loving the Ahlebait the family of the Prophet, shown through the way you live your life as good Muslims and supporting the wilayat of Ahlulbayt.

10. Tabarra: Keeping away from the enemies of the Prophets family , denouncing their wrongs, shown through keeping away from all that is wrong. In the case of Usool you have to try to understand them yourself. But in furoo you must follow the teachings of a mujtahid unless you are one yourself. Following the rules as explained by a mujtahid is called taqleed. We live in the time when we cannot see Imam Mahdi (AS) ourselves, so we need to follow the best mujtahid of our time.

Chapter 21

Time Line

53 years before A.H. Prophet Muhammad SAW is born an orphan, in th Mecca on Friday 17 Rabiul Avval (570A.D.)

Brought up by his grandfather Hadhrat Abdul Mutallib and his mother Hadhrat Aminah, as his father Hadhrat Abdullah had died.

Looked after by Haleemah Saadeyya in the countryside for two years till 5 years old.

Returns to his grandfather and visits Yathrib with his mother, Aminah who dies at Abwa, leaving him an orphan.

At age 7, his grandfather dies. Cared for by his loving uncle, Hadhrat Abu Talib and his wife

Helps his uncle on journeys for trade; travels to different places. Becomes well known for his honesty and trustworthiness .

At 25, marries Hadhrat Khadeeja Tahira, the richest lady of Arabia. Hadrat Abu Talib reads Nikah.

At 38, visits Mount Hiraa to pray and meditate.

At 40, (620A.D.) gets Allahs command to spread message of Islam. Imam Ali confirms his belief in him and Hadhrat Khadeeja, his wife accepts Islam.

Invites family members to hear me ssage at a special party: Dawat Zul asheerah. Imam Ali promises support

Calls the public in Mecca to accept Islam but they harass him at every stage. His uncle Abu Talib protects him.

At 45, his daughter Fatima is born. Some of the Muslims have to migrate to Ethiopia.

He and Muslims in Mecca are forced to live in great hardship in the valley of Abu Talib for 3 years.

At 50, he loses two of his best supporters, his uncle , Abu Talib and wife Khadeejah. The Year of Sorrow. ? Forced to flee to Yathrib . Enemies ready to kill him in his house. Imam Ali sleeps in his place so that he can escape safely. Hijrat (621A.D.)

1 A.H. (Hijrat) Welcomed by people in Yathrib. Imam Ali joins him. First masjid built in Quba. They then go together to Madina.

Stays at house of Abu Ayub Ansari. A masjid built in Madina. People of Madinah are named Ansaar (Helpers) for those who had come from Mecca (Muhajireen). Brotherhood between the two groups.

2A.H. Marriage of Bibi Fatima to Maula Ali .Battle of Badr. 313 Muslims defeat the 1000 enemy .

3A.H. Battle of Uhud. Hadhrat Hamza martyred in battle. Imam Hasan (AS) born. ? 4 A.H. Imam Husain (AS) born.

5 A.H. Battle of Khandaq

6A. H. Muslims want to visit Mecca but decide to return the next year after signing Treaty of Hudaybia.

7 A.H. Battle of Khaibar. Fadak given to Bibi Fatima as gift.

8 A. H. Battle of Muta. Hadhrat Jafar Tayyar killed. Fall of Mecca. Battle of Hunayn.

9 A. H. Letters sent to invite people to Islam. Envoys cme to the Prophet. Event of Mubahala.

10 A. H. Prophets last Hajj. At Ghadeer e Khum Imam Ali is declared Maula (Master). Message of Islam completed .

11 A. H., the Prophet dies in Madina, buried by Imam Ali AS . The plots in Saqeefa. Changed conditions for his daughter Fatima (AS) and Imam Ali (AS). (632A.D.)

Chapter 22

Salawat o Salam

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent the Merciful.

Salam on you, O Messenger of Allah

Salam on you, O Prophet of Allah

Salam on you,

O Muhammad, son of Abdullah. Salam on you, O Last of the Prophet,

I bear witness that you communicated the message

Established prayer and gave the poor rate

Ordered to do good an d forbid the wrong Worshipped Allah with sincerity till your last breath

May Allah send blessings on you and your Holy progeny

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Food for the mind

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - His Titles

Chapter 3 - His Family Tree

Chapter 4 - His Holy Birth

Chapter 5 - His Childhood

Chapter 6 - Youth and Marriage

Chapter 7 - The Holy Quran

Chapter 8 - Invitation to Islam

Chapter 9 - Life in Mecca

Chapter 10 - Migration-Leaving Mecca

Chapter 11 - In Madinah

Chapter 12 - Facing Enemies

Chapter 13 - On to Mecca

Chapter 14 - His Companions

Chapter 15 - The Perfect Example

Chapter 16 - The Ahlul Bayt

Chapter 17 - Eid e Mubahalah

Chapter 18 - Ghadeer e Khum

Chapter 19 - Illness and Death

Chapter 20 - Rules of Islam

Chapter 21 - Time Line

Chapter 22 - Salawat o Salam