Q. (a) Describe main services of Hazrat Abu Bakr for Islam during the Prophet's life?
(b) Why is Hazrat Abu Bakr known as 'Savior of Islam'?
Ans(a) Hazrat Abu Bakr was born in 573 AD in a rich merchant family of Banu Taym, a branch of Quraysh. He became a close friend of the Prophet at a young age as he led a plous life even during the Jahiliyah/age of ignorance. He was the first free male adult convert. The Prophet acknowledged Hazrat Abu Bakr's quickness for conversion by saying, "Whenever I invited people to Allah everyone thought over it and hesitated at least for a while except Abu Bakr who accepted my call the moment I put it before him."
The Prophet changed his name from Abdul Ka'bah to Abdullah.
His titles were Abu Bakr, al-Siddiq and Ateeq. He performed meritorious services for Islam. He purchased and set slaves free in the way of Islam, e.g. Hazrat Bilal and Hazrat Zunairah, the Roman slave girl who had been blinded by torture, by the pagans. Hazrat Abu Bakr suffered persecutions arid once, when he saved the Prophet in the K'abah, he was pulled by his hair. Once both were attacked by Naufil bin Khuwaylid and were left tied up together on the ground. He influenced many prominent Makkans for conversion. They included Hazrat 'Uthman, Hazrat Talha, Hazrat Zubayr, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah and Hazrat Abd Rahman bin Awf.
When the Prophet narrated his experience of Ma'iraj to his
followeras, Hazrat Abu Bakr was the first one to have believed in it. The Prophet granted him the title al-Siddiq (witness to the truth). He had decided to migrate to Abyssinia, but chaged his plan under a deal with a Makkan chief. He agreed not to recite the Quran loudly from his house, but soon he realized it was a wrong decision. He built a kind of small mosque in the courtyard of his house, and began to recite Quran loudly from there. The Makkan chief could not stop him under the deal, though he withdrew tribal protection for Abu Bakr. (Sahih Bukhari) Shortly before the Hijra, he gave his daughter Hazrat Ayesha in marriage to the Prophet. The Prophet started his Hijra journey with him and both stayed in the Cave Dhaur for 3 days. During the stay, Hazrat Abu Bakr's children served both in the cave on a critical moment, he allowed himself to be bitten by a scorpion who was about to bite the Prophet. The Quran refers to him as, "And he (Prophet) had no more than one companion and both were in the cave, (9:40, al-Tawba)
In Madinah, Hazrat Abu Bakr became a close-advisor to the
Prophet and remained with him on all important occasions e.g. battles, kreaty of Hudaibiyah and conquest of Makkah. In the battle of Badr he shared a camel with Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Abd Rahman bin Awl. In the battle of Uhud he was part of the human shield that encircled the Prophet protecting him against the pagans In the battle of Hunain, he called the fleeing Muslims back to the battle-field. He donated all his wealth for the Tabuk expedition, and galduslims Pophet, "For my family I have left Allah and His Messenger.
When Hajj became obligatory, the Prophet appointed him Ameer-i-
Hajj to lead the Muslims. During the last days of his life, he made him Imam to lead the daily prayer. Hazrat Abu Bakr was the one who declared the demise of the Prophet and then calmed down the Muslims by saying, "Whoever among you worshipped Muhammad let him know that Muhammad is dead, but whoever worshipped Allah let him know that Allah is alive and will rever die." Then he recited 3:144 that convinced all about the demise of the Prophet.
Ans. (b)
Hazrat Abu Bakr is rightly called the "Savior of Islam". He saved
the Prophet from persecutions by himself being tortured. He also saved the poor and important Muslims like Hazrat Bilal. He protected the Prophet in the Cave Thaur. While most of the Muslims were unhappy over the terms of the treaty of Hudaibiya, Hazrat Abu Bakr strengthened their faith by saying, "He is the Apostle of Allah, and Allah will never degrade him." He guarded the fundamental belief of Islam regarding the mortality of all humans, by telling Muslims that the Holy Prophet was no more alive. He recited this Quranic verse, "And Muhammad is just a messenger; there were messengers before him that passed away; so, if he is dead or slain, will you turn back on your heels?" (3:144. Al-i-Imran) This action of Hazrat Abu Bakr had a Calming impact on the Muslims who accepted the sad fact. 2. Hazrat Umar bin al-Khattab
Q.(a) Write a note on the main activities of Hazrat Umar during the Prophet's life. Q (
(b) In what ways was he important in the early history of Islam?
Ans(a) Hazrat Umar was born in 586 AD, and belonged to the Banu 'Adi branch of the Quraysh. He was a fierce and powerful man in Makkah known for his physical strength, wealth, poetry and oratorship. He was opposed to Islam. It is reported that the Prophet had prayed to Allah for the conversion of either 'Amr bin Hisham (Abu Jahl) or Umar bin al- Khattab. Allah granted his prayer as Umar embraced Islam in a dramatic way. He embraced Islam by about 615 AD shortly after the conversion of Hazrat Hamza. According to a popular tradition, he left his home with a plan to kill the Prophet, but on his way, was told by Nua'im bin Abdullah about the conversion of his sister Fatima and her husband Hazrat Saeed by Zayd, 'Umar rushed to Fatima's home, and there he heard Khabab bin al-Aratt reciting Surah 20 (Taha). He stormed the house, and, driven by anger, beat Fatimah so much that she began to bleed.
After a short while Hazrat Umar's heart was softened and he
asked for the sheets of the Quran. He washed his hands, and read the Quranic verses written on a sheet. Having a strong poetic sense, 'Umar was impressed by the rhyming pattern of the Surah, and its spiritual charm. He decided to embrace Islam. Hazrat Khabab, who was hiding in a small room, came out and told 'Umar about the Prophet's invocation. 'Umar approached the Prophet at the house of al-Arqam, near Safa Hill. The Prophet used to teach the newly converted Muslims in this house. Therefore, it was also called Dar- ul-Islam/House of Islam. A companion saw him coming with a naked sword, and told the Prophet about him. Hazrat Hamza said, "Let him come. He is welcome if he has good intentions; otherwise, he will be beheaded with his sword." Much to the surprise of all, Hazrat 'Umar submitted to Islam. He is believed to be the last person to embrace Islam at this house. His conversion raised the morale of the Muslims as he declared his conversion to the Quraysh. Muslims, therefore, began to offer prayer openly after his conversion. The Prophet gave him the title "al-Faruq" (the one who makes a distinction between the truth and falsehood). The Prophet further acknowledged 'Umar nobility by saying, "Allah placed truth upon the tongue of 'Umar and his heart." His conversion greatly infuriated the Quraysh and their opposition to Islam became more intense.
Hazrat Umar showed his courage again when he migrated to
Madinah openly and none of the pagans dared to block his way. In Madinah, he remained a strong source of protecting the Prophet. He participated in all the battles. In the battle of Badr, he shared camel with Abu Bakr and Abd Rahman bin 'Awf. After this battle, he gave his widow daughter Hafsa, in marriage to the Prophet. In the battle of Uhud, he was part of the human shield made by the close Companions around the Prophet. He participated in the digging of the ditch in 5AH/ 627 AD before the battle of Khandak. He was unhappy over the terms of the treaty of Hudaibiya as he thought they did not favour the Muslims. He was, however, calmed down by Abu Bakr and later, by the Prophet who recited the revelation he had just received, "We indeed granted you a clear victory" (48:1, al-Fat'h) This was a glad tiding of the ultimate success of Islam, and hearing this Hazrat Umar was cheered up.
According to the commentators of the Quran, many verses of the
Quran are related to Hazrat Umar. For example, the verse about offering prayer at the "Station of Ibrahim" was revealed after Umar had asked the Prophet about the history of that sacred stone (Station of Ibrahim), "And make you the station of Ibrahim as a place of prayer." (2:125, al-Baqarah) Similarly, the verses about the observance of Hijab by the wives of Prophet were also revealed after Umar had expressed his desire for the same. He had noted Hazrat Sawdah going out of her apartment after the "Isha prayer and drawn her attention towards observance of Hijab. The verse says, "O Prophet! Tell your wives, and daughters, and the believing women that they should cast their outer garments (when going out)." (33:59, al- Ahzab)
The Prophet is reported to have admired Umar on many occasions
For example a Hadith of Jam'i Tirmidhi says, "The sun has not risen on a better man than Umar". Umar like several other Muslims, found it hard to believe in the death of Prophet but when the when Abu Bakr recited 3:144, he had to accept the reality.
Ans. (b)
Hazrat Umar was an important Companion. His Conversion
emboldened the persecuted Muslims in Makkah to offer prayer openly. His importance is evident from the fact that the Prophet had himself prayed for his conversion, His courage gave further hope to the first Islamic community when he declared his plan to migrate to Madinah by saying, "I am migrating to Madinah. If anyone wants to check me, let him him come out. I am sure that his mother would cry for his life." His courage and strength like that of Hazrat Hamza, told Muslims that Islarn would become popular among the powerful people, too. He set examples of true love for the Prophet and his prophetic mission by defending the Prophet in the battle of Uhud and by expressing his reservations about the terms of the treaty of Hudaibiyah. The Prophet, for this reason, had aptly remarked, "The most rigorous regarding Allah's affair in Umar." 3. Hazrat Uthman bin Affan (RA)
Q. (a) Write an account of major activities of Hazrat Uthman during
the Prophet's life.
(b) Explain the importance of Hazrat Uthman for the first Muslim community.
Ans. (a) Hazrat Uthman was born in Taif in around 576 AD. His father was 'Affan and mother Urwa. He was related to the Prophet through the 5th generation of his ancestors. His title was Abu Abdullah and Abu Umar. He belonged to the clan of Banu Umayyah (rival to Banu Hashim). He is listed among the 22 Makkans who knew how to read and write at the dawn of slam, Having inborn business skills, he emerged as a rich merchant in Makkah. He was titled as "al-Ghani" (the generous one) even before his conversion. He is reported to have returned from a trade trip to Syria in 611 AD. On his return, he learned of Hazrat Muhammad's declaration of prophethood. Hazrat Uthman discussed it with Hazrat Abu Bakr who persuaded him to embrace Islam. Hazrat Uthman immediately accepted Hazrat Abu Bakr's advice who took him to the Prophet. The Prophet addressed him as, "O Uthman! Accept the Paradise of Allah for I have been awarded prophethood for the guidance of you and all humankind." On this, Hazrat Uthman immediately declared the Shahadah. Thus he was among the earliest converts. He was the only major convert from Banu Umayyah for many years. His conversion angered his clan, and therefore, he was subjected to persecutions at the hands of his relatives. His uncle tied him with ropes and beat him.
Hazrat Uthman married the Prophet's 3rd daughter, Hazrat
Ruqayya, after her separation from Utbah bin Abu Lahab. Both Uthman and Ruqayya were among the emigrants to Abyssinia. As he already had some business contacts in Abyssinia, he continued to expand his business there, too. After four years, Hazrat Uthman with forty other Muslims came back to Makkah when it was rumoured that the entire Quraysh had become Muslim. On their arrival in Makkah, they came to know that the news was false. While other Muslims returned to Abyssinia, Hazrat Uthman and Hazrat Ruqayyah stayed back, Later, in 622 AD, they migrated to Madinah and he was paired with Hazrat Aws bin Thabit under the Mawakhat.
In Madinah too, Hazrat Uthman became a successful trader by
investing in the caravan trade. He participated in all the battles except the battle of Badr. He was asked to attend to his sick wife Ruqayya who died before the end of the battle. The Prophet gave his other daughter, Umm Kulthum, in marriage to Uthman who eamed another title, "Zun Nurain" (possessor of the two lights). The Prophet admired nobility and sincerity of Uthman by saying, "For every apostle of Allah there was a constant companion and my companion in Paradise will be Uthman".
Hazrat Uthman participated in the battles of Uhud and the Trench.
In 4 AH, the Prophet led the expedition to Dhat al-Riqa, and appointed Hazrat Uthman as his deputy in Madinah. The Prophet sent him to Makkah to negotiate with the Quraysh but he was detained in Makkah and it was rumoured that he had been killed. The Prophet conducted the Baiyat-i-Rizwan (the oath of good pleasure) in which all the Companions pledged to avenge Bahman's murder. The Prophet, after the conquest of Khaybar, heard about the Ban Ghatafan assembling at Dhat al-Riqa with suspicious aims. He dispatched 'Uthman with some troops to Dhat al-Riqa. This was successful expedition because the rebel tribesmen fled to the mountains without fighting. He was very close to the Prophet during the conquest of Makkah, and escorted the wives of the Prophet during the Farewell Pilgrimage.
When there was shortage of water in Madinah, Uthman bought a
well 'Bir Ruma' for 12,000 Dirhams from a Jew. The Jew was opposed to Islam, and wanted to create difficulties for Muslims. Therefore, he sold only half of the well. Accordingly, one day it was owned by Hazrat Uthman while the other day by the Jew. Muslims tricked the Jew by getting plenty of water on the day when it was in the custodianship of Hazrat Uthman. The water was sufficient for them for two days. Seeing this, the Jew decided to sell the whole of the well for another 8,000 Dirhams.
The Prophet gave Hazrat Uthman the glad tigings of Paradise for this generous contribution. He bore one third of the expenses of the Tabuk expedition on which the Prophet gave him another glad tiding that he won't incur any loss in his trade in future. Being a learned man, Uthman was among the scribes of the Quran. He was known for his nobility, generosity and modesty. The Prophet acknowledged his modesty in a Hadith, "The most genuinely modest is Uthman." He also donated huge sums of money for the expansion of the mosque of the Prophet.
Ans. (b)
Hazrat Uthman strengthened Islam by his quick conversion and
spending generously in Makkah and Madinah. He suffered persecutions as a sincere Muslim, and migrated twice in the way of Allah. He established close relations with the Prophet by marrying his two daughters, and earning the honoured title, "Possessor of two lights". The Prophet's trust in Uthman is evident from the fact that he was appointed to escort the wives of the Prophet. Uthman's importance can be judged from the event of the Baiyat-i- Rizwan that has been mentioned in the Quran in these words, "Allah's good pleasure was on the believers when they swore fealty to you (Muhammad) under the tree" (48:18, al-Fath) Hazrat Uthman demonstrated his generosity by giving heavy donation for the Tabuk expedition. He was also a prominent scribe of the divine revelation. 4. Hazrat Ali bin Abu Talib
Q. (3) Describe main activities of Hazrat Ali during the Prophet's
life?
(b) Why was he important in the early history of Islam?
Ans. (a) (Hazrat Ali was born on Friday 13th Rajab, 601 AD, in the Ka'bah, to Abu Talib and Fatima bint Asad, both belonging to Banu Hashim. The Prophet took Hazrat Ali as a child, to his home in order to relieve the burden of Abu Talib who was facing financial difficulties. Ali was blaimed his propose company of the When the Prophet per became his prophethood before his relatives, Hazratvery young age Wheraced Islam. He became age show Muslim merely at the age of ten or eleven. His conversion at such a Madinahane shows his bold and daring nature. When the Prochiest decided to migrate to Madinah, he asked Hazrat Ali to sleep in his bed as decoy and recher belongings to their owners, the following morning.
In Madinah, when the Prophet was pairing Muhajireen with Ansar
by Mawakhat, he declared Hazrat Ali as his brother-in-faith, by saying, "You are my brother in this world and the hereafter." Hazrat Ali set several examples in almost all the battles. In the battle of Badr he fought in single combats together with Hazrat Hamza and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah. He Rade many pagans in the general fight, too. In the battle of Uhud, he became the flag bearer after the martyrdom of the first flag bearer. After the battle, Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima washed the wound of the Prophet. In the battle of the trench, he repulsed the band of the Makkaed who had crossed the ditch, and killed some of them.
Hazrat Ali played decisive role in the conquest of Khyber. The
Prophet had first sent some companions to capture strongest of the Jewish forts, the fort of Qamus but they were not successful. Finally, the Prophet announced, "Tomorrow I will give this flag to a man through whose hands Allah will give us victory." He then gave the flag to Hazrat Ali who heroically defeated and killed Marhab, the custodian of the Qamus fort. He broke open the heavy door of the fort that, otherwise, would require many men to open. He was given the title 'Asadullah' (Lion of Allah) by the Prophet. He was the scribe of the treaty of Hudaibiyah in 6AH/628AD. He was also a major scribe of the Quran. He was one of the flag bearers of the army that conquered Makkah in BAH (630AD). He also assisted the Prophet in smashing the idols in the K'abah When the Prophet raised an army for the Tabuk expedition, Hazrat Ali was not included in it but the Prophet consoled him by saying, "You are to me just as Harun was to Musa except that there will be no prophet after me." When Hajj became obligatory in to AH, the Prophet received some verses of Surah 9 (al-Tawba) and he asked Hazrat Ali to read out the verses to the Muslims. Same year he was appointed Qazi (Judge) of Yemen by the Prophet. The Prophet acknowledged his knowledge in a number of his savings. For example, am the city of knowledge and Ali is the gate." He also said, he said, "I "The most learned in legal matters is Ali." While returning from Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet stayed at Ghadir Khum, delivered a short speech, then raised his hand in his hand and said, "Of whomsoever I am lord/friend (Mawla) this Ali is his lord/friend too Shi'a Muslims take it: by the Prophet to appoint Hazrat Ali his successor.
During the last days of the Prophet's life, he attended to him fully, and on his death, washed his body and lowered it into the grave. According to some traditions, Hazrat Ali and Hazrat Fatima developed differences with Hazrat Abu Bakr regarding the belongings left by the Prophet including the garden of Fadak. Hazrat Ali reported 540 Hadiths. The Prophet
gave him additional titles, e.g. Abu al-Hassan and Abu Turab (Father of Dust).
Ans. (b)
Hazrat Ali was the first child convert to Islam and this shows sincerity of his faith. He set examples of boldness by risking his life for Islam when he slept in the bed of the Prophet at the night of Hijra. He strengthened Islam by killing major enemies of the Prophet and remaining close to him. He continued the progeny of the Prophet by way of Hazrat Fatima. The Prophet expressed his special closeness to Hazrat Ali by saying, "You pertain to me and I pertain to you." He is among the Ahl-i-Bait according to the context of 33:33, "... and Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, O Ahl-i-Bait, to make you clean and spotless." The Prophet said on that occasion, "As for Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Husain, whoever loves them loves me and whoever is at war with them is at war with me." Hazrat Ali developed great scholarly skills and became a source of guidance.
