Notes compiled by Sir M.

Rashid Siddiqui
Chapter 2 Quran
Q 1 write an account of prophet’s first experience of
revelation in cave of Hira.
Cave of Hira

It was Arabia's custom at the time for the pious and thoughtful to devote a
period of each year to a retreat of worship, asceticism, and prayer. They would
seek an empty place far away from their people where they could concentrate
on their prayers and genuinely seek a new level of seriousness, wisdom, and
ethical goodness through meditation. This practice was called tahannuth or
tahannuf. Therein Muhammad found the best means of satisfying his will to
thinking and meditating. In its solitude he could find a measure of spiritual
detachment and peace that would enable his consciousness to screen the
whole universe for inspiration and to pursue his thought where it might lead.

When Prophet (S.A.W) was 32 or 33 years of age when he developed in himself a love for
solitude and privacy. He often saw a strange light, which led him to feel a unique joy,
although he never saw any figure nor heard any voice .Muhammad (pbuh) believed that
there was only one Allah, Creator of the sun, the moon, the earth, the sky, and of all living
things, and that all people should worship only Him. Muhammad (pbuh) would often leave
the crowded city and go to the cave in Mount Hira'.

The Mount of Hira, now known as Jabal Nur (Mountain of Light), has a cave. It is situated at
a distance of four miles from Makkah towards the north on the way to Mina. The cave has a
length of four yards and a breadth of three-quarters of a yard.

During the hours of privacy and solitude, he would ponder over the divine powers and kept
praising and glorifying his Lord. The more he was drawing near the age of forty, the more he
felt attracted to privacy. He would very often go to the Cave of Hira, taking with him
parched barley meal and water, to pray Allah in perfect peace and privacy for a week, for
fifteen days and returned only when the supplies would run short or some time Hazrat
Khadija r.a would come with food for Prophet s.a.w.

During those days he had true dreams in the night about the happenings of the next day.
About seven years passed in the same state, but during the last six months he frequently
had true dreams.

Muhammad (S.A.W) was forty years old and now rose the sun of Prophethood. When the
power of endurance and shouldering the heavy burden of Revelation had attained full
growth by constant prayers, ceaseless exercises and deep reflection in solitude, an angel
appeared before him in the Month of Ramadan on 27 th of it and said addressing him, “IQRA”
Read. The Prophet (pbuh) replied, “I am unlettered.” Upon it the angel took him within the
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
fold of his arms and embraced him so hard that he felt exhausted. The angel left him then
and said again, “Read.” The Prophet (pbuh) replied again, “I am not formally educated.” He
took him again in his arms and held him tight with a great force and then released. The
third time he asked him, “Read.” The Prophet (pbuh) gave him the same reply, then
Angel again hugged him tightly and transferred knowledge and spiritual ability to read and
write to Prophet’s heart and revealed these verses (which now form a part of a chapter in
the Qur`an):

"Read! In the Name of your Lord who has created,"Created man from a clot."Read!
and your Lord is the Most Generous,"Who has taught by the pen,"Has taught man
that which he knew not." (96:1-5)

Muhammad (pbuh) repeated these verses, just as the Archangel had said them. When the
Archangel was sure Muhammad (pbuh) knew them by heart, he disappeared. Now that he
was alone, Muhammad (pbuh) could not understand what had happened to him. Stricken
with panic, Muhammad s.a.w arose and asked himself,"What did I see?
Did possession of the devil which I feared all along come to pass?"
Muhammad s.a.w looked to his right and his left but saw nothing. For a
while he stood there trembling with fear and stricken with awe. He feared
the cave might be haunted and that he might run away still unable to
explain what he saw. He walked in the area around the mountain asking
himself who could have commanded him to read. Pursued by his own
questioning and still trembling in fear of what he had seen and heard in
the cave, Muhammad s.a.w stopped in the middle of the road when the
same voice called to him from above '0 Muhammad (pbuh) you are the Messenger
of Allah, and I am Jibrail.. Mesmerized in his place, Muhammad s.a.w lifted his
head toward heaven. He saw the angel in the form of a human giant
across the sky. For a moment he sought to escape, but wherever he
looked or ran, the angel stood right there before him

The Messenger came back home and went to Khadijah r.a and said: "Wrap me up, wrap me
up," Khadijah wrapped him up in a blanket. When he regained peace of mind after a short
while, he related to Khadijah r.a what had happened to him with the remark, "I feel my life
threatened."Khadijah r.a said in reply,"By no means, I swear to Allah that He would never
put you to shame. You join the ties of relationship, you speak the truth, you bear people's
burdens, you help the destitute, you entertain guests and you mitigate the pains and grief
suffered for the sake of truth."

Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Warqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza,
who, during the pre-Islamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with
Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to
write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Warqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?"
Allah's Apostle described whatever he had seen and experienced in cave of Hira.

Warqa then asked prophet s.a.w did anything happen to you before this incident prophet
s.a.w told him that he had true dreams in night and I would come true in the morning,
Warqa then confirmed that this is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel)
whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your
people would turn you out." Allah's Apostle asked, "Will they drive me out?" Warqa replied
in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (prophet) who came with something similar to what
you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when
you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Warqa
died.Afterwards the Prophet kept visiting the Cave of Hira. But no Revelation came to him
for some time.

(Q2) Write an account of the ways in which the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet
between the years 610 and 632. [10]

This part of the answer requires a descriptive account of the revelations, from the first
one to the last ones. Answers should indicate (and describe) that revelations came in both
Makkah and Madinah. An account of the first experience should be given; when the
prophet was meditating in Cave Hira, the Angel Gabriel came to him and commanded him
to read. They could also add references to other revelations coming at other times
without warning, that they induced bodily changes in the prophet, that they provided
answers to situations happening in his life at that time. Examples and details should be
given. Excellent answers will be able to provide a confident narrative of the modes in
which revelation came down and give a coherent account of the history of the prophet’s
experiences.

Expected Answer

Paragraph #1
Cave of Hira

➢ When Prophet (S.A.W) was 32 or 33 years of age when he developed in himself a

love for solitude and privacy. He often saw a strange light, which led him to feel a
unique joy, although he never saw any figure nor heard any voice.
➢ Muhammad (pbuh) believed that there was only one Allah, Creator of the sun, the
moon, the earth, the sky, and of all living things, and that all people should worship
only Him. Muhammad (pbuh) would often leave the crowded city and go to the cave
in Mount Hira'.
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
➢ During the hours of privacy and solitude, he would ponder over the divine powers
and kept praising and glorifying his Lord. The more he was drawing near the age of
forty, the more he felt attracted to privacy. He would very often go to the Cave of
Hira, taking with him parched barley meal and water, to pray Allah in perfect peace
and privacy for a week, for fifteen days and returned only when the supplies would
run short.
➢ The Mount of Hira, now known as Jabal Nur (Mountain of Light), has a cave. It is
situated at a distance of three miles from Makkah towards the north on the way to
Mina. The cave has a length of four yards and a breadth of three-quarters of a yard.
➢ During those days he had true dreams and had dreams in the night about the
happenings of the next day. About seven years passed in the same state, but during
the last six months he frequently had true dreams.
➢ Muhammad (S.A.W) was forty years old , When the power of endurance and
shouldering the heavy burden of Revelation had attained full growth by constant
prayers, ceaseless exercises and deep reflection in solitude, an angel appeared
before him in the Month of Ramadan on 27 th of it and said addressing him, "Read."
The Prophet answered, "I cannot read." The angel took and pressed him and then let
him go and said again, "Read." The Prophet replied for the second time, "I cannot
read." The angel again pressed him tightly and then letting him go said, "Read."
When the Prophet~ replied once again, "I cannot read." He took him and pressed
tightly a third time in the same manner. He then let the Prophet go and said:

➢ "Read! In the Name of your Lord who has created,

➢ "Created man from a clot.

➢ "Read! and your Lord is the Most Generous,

➢ "Who has taught by the pen,

➢ "Has taught man that which he knew not." (96:1-5)

Muhammad (pbuh) repeated these verses,just as the Archangel had said them.

➢ When the Archangel was sure Muhammad (pbuh) knew them by heart, he we away. Now
that he was alone Muhammad (pbuh) could not understand what had happened to him. He
was terribly afraid and rushed out of the cave. Perhaps the cave was haunted? Perhaps the
devil had taken a hold of his mind? But he was stopped by a voice from heaven which said;'0
Muhammad (pbuh) you are the Messenger of Allah, and I am Gabriel.' He looked up at the
sky and wherever he turned he saw the Archangel Jibrail A.S.

Paragraph #2

Ways /Modes of Revelations

Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
➢ Hazrat Jibrail A.S the Archangel would usually bring him the messages of Allah. This
too was in three different ways:
➢ He would appear in his real form, i.e. of the Archangel and speak to him.
➢ He woul meet him in the form of a man such as Hazrat Diyah Al kalbi and deliver him
the message.He would inspire him in his heart with the words of the revelation.
➢ AL-Ruya Al Sadiqa (True dreams) HazratAisha, Prophet’s wife has narrated that the
commencement of the divine revelation to the Messenger of God was in the form of
true dream which came true as the dawn of the day.
➢ The second way of communication from God to Man is ' From behind a veil'. (38:51)
this also refers to the case of Musa A.S with whom Allah spoke while He remained
invisible to him.
➢ Sometimes revelations were given by Allah SWT to prophet S.A.W. directly as
happened on Night of ascension Allah S.W.A. revealed last verses of Surah Al-
Baqarah and Surah Al-Najm verse 10 “Then Allah revealed to His servant what He
revealed” The Holy Quran also states about above ways “It is not fitting for a man
that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by
the sending of a messenger to reveal, with Allah's permission, what Allah wills: for
He is Most High, Most Wise”.(42:51).

Paragraph #3

Different signs of Revelations

➢ How Revelations came? Narrated Hazrat Aisha R.A Al Harith bin hisham asked Allah's
apostle: 'O Allah's apostle. How is the divine inspiration revealed to you? Allah's
apostle replied, 'Sometimes it is "revealed" like the ringing of a bell, this form of
inspiration is the hardest of all and then this state passes off after I have grasped
what is inspired Sometimes the angel comes in the form of a man and talks to me
and I graspe whatever he says.
➢ Commenting upon this type of revelation Hazrat Aisha R.A says: "I saw the Prophet
Receiving revelation on a very cold day and noticed that the sweat was dropping
from his forehead". This condition lasted till the revelation was over.
➢ Sometime his weight increased due to burden of Revelations and his camel would sit
down or kneel down. They were not within his control and he had no idea when they
were coming.
➢ Quran supports above sings (O Prophet), do not stir your tongue hastily (to commit
the Revelation to memory). Surely it is for Us to have you commit it to memory
and to recite it. And so when We recite it,follow its recitation attentively; then it
will be for Us to explain it.(75 16-19)
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
➢ Above sings were experienced and observed by many companions of Prophet
S.A.W,his body used to become very weighty during such a revelation until the camel
on which he was riding used to sit down due to that load. Hazrat Zayd ibn Thabit R.A
reported: I was sitting to the side of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him,
one day as the revelation came to him. The Prophet was overcome with calm and his
thigh fell upon my thigh as the calm overtook him. By Allah, I have never found
anything heavier than the thigh of the Messenger of Allah, and then he was released
from it.
➢ ‘Ubaadah bin As-Saamit, may Allah be pleased with him, said, “Whenever the
Prophet (S.A W) received Divine Revelation, he felt its rigor and his complexion would
change.” [Muslim]
➢ Asma bint Amis: said "When revelation came to the Messenger of Allah (pbuh), he
would almost faint."

Paragraph #4

(Note: Slight introduction of Makki and Madni Surahs is required, details in

this question are not necessary)

Divisions in the Types of Verses

➢ Makki
➢ These are the verses revealed to the Holy Prophet during the Makkan phase of his
mission, i.e., from 610 AD to 622AD.
➢ These Ayat (verses) and Suwar (chapters) have a distinctive subject matter.
➢ They are usually recognized by the addressees which are often ‘O People’!
➢ The language is also majestic and flowery. These Surahs mostly consist of subjects
such as: Oneness of Allah, Prophethood, affirmation of the Hereafter, the panorama
of the Resurrection, words of comfort for the Holy Prophet and events relating to
the past communities.
➢ Madni
➢ These are the verses revealed to the Holy Prophet the Hijra, i.e. the years 622 to 632
➢ The style of the Madni Surahs is comparatively simple.
➢ These mostly address (besides the believers) the hypocrites and the “People of the
Book”.
➢ The chapters are long and detailed.
➢ Now that an Islamic State was being established, the verses revealed were regarding:
family and social laws, injunctions of jihad and expositions of limits and duties.

Examples to support Makki and Madni surahs with following verses

➢ Firstly, After the first revalation ceased for a certain period (called fatra) Prophet
S.A.W was again on the way to cave of hira, saw Jibrail A.S flying in the sky prophet
S.A.W started shivering and got home and asked t Hazrat kihadija R.A to cover him
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
under blanket then few verse of Sura Al Muddaththir (74:1-7)) were revealed: "O you
covered in your cloak, arise and warn. And glorify your Lord..."
➢ Secondly, During Prophet’s preaching islam publically after three years of secret
preaching, Makkans taunted Prophet S.A.W with the title of Abtar to make fun of
him due to death of his two sons Qasim and Abdullah then Allah revealed surah al
kausar “indeed, your enemies are only alienated from the original.”
➢ Thirdly, When prophet S.A.W migrated from Makkah to Madinah he then
established brotherhood among Muslims in the house of Hazrat Anas bin Malik R.A
as Quran states "the believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your
brothers."Al-Hujurat" (49:10).
➢ FOURTHLY, When Prophet S.A.W performed Hajj and delivered his final sermon in
tenth A.H in the plain of Arafat, Allah revealed last verse of Holy Quran “This day I
have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you and have
chosen for you Islam as your religion.”(Surah Al-Maida 5:3)

Chapter 3

BIOGRAPHY OF THE HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W) LIFE IN MAKKAH.

Q. (a) Write about the life of the Prophet up until the first revelation. [10]

Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was born on Monday the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 571 A.D (Year of
the Elephants) in Makkah. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abdul Mutalib, the Prophet’s father, belonged to
Banu Hashim a famous clan of Quraish tribe. Shortly before the Prophet’s (S.A.W) birth, while
returning from a trade journey, Hazrat Abdullah fell ill at Yathrib (Madinah) and passed away. His
mother Hazrat Aminah (R.A) bint Wahb belonged to the noble family of Banu Zuhra, a branch of the
Quraish tribe.
After his birth, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) stayed with his mother Hazrat Amina for a short period
of time and then, as per tradition, was handed over to his foster mother. The purpose of entrusting
children to a wet nurse was so that they could be raised in the desert – a healthier environment in
which to grow up when compared to the city – and so thaty they could learn fluent Arabic. In
accordance with this tradition, Prophet Muhammad was given to Hazrat Halima Sa’adia bint Abi
Zohaib, who belonged to Banu Sa’d, a branch of Hawazin tribe.
According to narration, Hazrat Halima (R.A) and Hazrat Harith witnessed great abundance and
blessing after taking Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was staying with his foster mother.
Imam Muslim narrates from Malik bin Anas that: “Hazrat Jibrail came to the Prophet (S.A.W) while
he was playing with other boys. He took hold of him and laid him down on the ground, then he
opened his chest and took out his heart, from which he took out a clot of blood and said: “This was
the Satan’s pan in you” Then he washed it with Zamzam in a Golden tray. Then he put it back
together and returned it to its place. The boys went running to his mother and said: “Muhammad
(S.A.W) has been killed.” They went to him and his color had changed.” {Sahi Muslim, Kitab al-Iman;
H # 261}.
When Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) reached the age of six, his mother Hazrat Amina (R.A) took him
to Yathrib (Madina) for visiting the grave of Hazrat Abdullah. She passed away when she was
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
returning to Makkah, at a place called Abwa. Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) was brought back by a
slave girl Hazrat Umm-e-Aiyman (R.A).
After the demise of his mother, his grand-father Abdul Mutalib looked after him. Hazrat Abdul
Mutalib took great care of Muhammad (S.A.W), as he was the only son of his beloved son Abdullah
who had died at an early age. He tried his utmost to ensure that his grandson did not feel the
absence of fatherly compassion and love. Just before his death, Hazrat Abdul Mutalib had handed
over his grandson aged 8 years, to Abu Talib who was the paternal Uncle of Holy Prophet (S.A.W). He
loved his nephew more than his own children, believing that the child had brought fortune to the
family, and he made great efforts to raise him well. It is known that when Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W) was about ten years old he worked as a shepherd for a period time in order to help his uncle
Abu Talib, who had a large family. He would later refer to his time during his Prophethood saying.
“There has never been a prophet who did not herd sheep.” When his Companions asked, “Did you
herd sheep O Messenger of ALLAH?” he replied, “Yes. I herded the sheep of Makkah.”

When Prophet Muhammad was 12 years old and his uncle had decided to go to Syria for trade. He
wanted to accompany Abu Talib. seeing his nephew's insistence on this. Abu Talib took the Prophet
with him on his journey. The caravan stopped in Busra located in Syria. A Christian monk called
Bahira, living in a monastery, invited the caravan to join him for a meal. After his findings that
Muhammad was the awaited Prophet foretold in the Bible, Bahira said ''This is the master of all
humans, ALLAH will send him with a message which would be a mercy to all humans". The monk
advised Abu Talib to take him back to Makkah at once, if the Jews found out about Muhammad they
would try to kill him. Upon this warning, Abu Talib ended his journey and returned to Makkah.

FIJAR (SACRILEGIOUS) WARS

There were frequent wars between the Arab tribes in the Age of Ignorance, so much so that there
would even be warfare during the sacred months (Dhu al-Oa'dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram and
Rajab) during which bloodshed was prohibited. Such battles were known as Fijar (sacrilegious) wars
because of their being fought in the sacred months. The Prophet was compelled to join such a war in
his later teens. The most reliable account states that the Prophet and his uncles participated in the
great battle that broke out between the Quraysh-(Kinanah) and Qays-'Aylan (Hawazin) alliances, but
that he did not actually fight in the war. rather protecting the belongings of his uncles, deflecting
arrows with his shield and then collecting them to give to his uncles.
However, he witnessed the war and learnt war tactics and strategies.

HALF-AL-FAZUL
As a result of Fijar wars thousands of lives were lost. When the kind hearted leaders of Makkah saw
the effects of the war, they formed a league called Half-al-Fazul with the object of maintaining
peace in the region; also for suppressing any violence and injustice and for upholding the rights of
the weak, the poor and defenseless who came to Makkah for pilgrimage or trade, and to prevent the
tribal wars that broke out frequently. The main cause of this pledge was that a Yamani merchant
from Zabid had sold some goods to Aas bine Wail, a notable member of the clan of Sahm. Having
taken possession of the goods, he refused to pay the agreed price. The merchant appealed to the
Ouraysh to see that justice was done. In response a meeting was hosted by the Hashimites under the
leadership of Zubair bin Abdul Muttalib along with some other tribes assembled in the house of a
noble Quraish. Abdullah bin Judaan and pledged to stand on the side of the oppressed, whether
stranger or citizen, against the oppressor and to remove injustice from the land.
Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) was among those who attended the meeting and was so impressed by
its noble objectives that he remained loyal lo it. Later on, he said: “I was present in the house of
Abdullah bin J11dan at so excellent a pact that I would not exchange my part in it for a herd of red,
camels; and if now in Islam. I were summoned unto it, I would gladly respond” The alliance was
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
called al-Fazul because three main participants had the same name al-Fazal. It is also suggested
that this alliance was called al-Fazul because it was made for a noble cause. Faudul commonly means
"virtuous" the alliance is often translated as League of the Virtuous.
Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) worked as a Shepherd in his early life, and later he worked as a
merchant like many of the Ouraysh in Makkah. He embarked on his career in trade by helping Abu
Talib, who was. involved in trading cloth and grain . Prophet Muhammad continued this trade when
his uncle became older.

AL-SADIQ AND AL-AMIN

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) came to be known, at the age of twenty-five, Al-Sadiq (the truthful)
and Al-Amin (the trustworthy) because of his decency, bravery, compassion, fairness and his
honesty and reliability in commercial life. The Makkan trader 'Qays ibn Saib stated that he had many
commercial dealings with Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and that he had never come across a partner
in trade who was better than he. Quraysh tribe of Makkah, his worst enemies, called him by this
title, and they used to entrust him with their money and deposits before and after he declared his
Prophet-hood.

MARRIAGE WITH HAZRAT KHADIJAH (R.A)

A rich widow of Makkah, Khadija by name, hearing about Muhammad (S.A.W) honesty and
truthfulness, asked him to go lo Syria for her on a business strip. Hazrat Khadijah’s (R.A.) slave
Maysarah and one of her relatives, Khazima-ibn-Hakeem also accompanied him in the trade mission.
When Muhammad (S.A.W) came back he gave an account for every dirham. Hazrat Khadijah (R.A.)
was completely won over by his honesty and good manners.
So Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) sent a marriage proposal to Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him)
through her sincere friend Nafisa. As a mark of respect, Muhammad (S.A.W) consulted his uncle Abu
Talib, and gladly accepted the proposal. Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) was 40 years old and Prophet (S.A.W)
was 25.
Abu Talib performed the Nikah and delievered the historical Nikah Khutbah (Sermon) which was
noted for its praise of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and of the high regard in which he was held by
the elders of Makkah. The couple had two sons, Qasim and Abdullah, both of whom passed away in
childhood. They had four daughters, Hazrat Zaynab (R.A), Hazrat Umme-Kulsum (R.A), Hazrat
Ruqayya (R.A) and Hazrat Fatimah (R.A).

FIXING OF BLACK STONE

As the Ka’bah was badly damaged by floods, the different tribes of Makkah worked together to build
the Ka’bah again. The building was almost finished, only the famous black stone known as Hajr-e-
Aswad was left to be set into its place, and the tribes started quarreling, because each tribe wanted
to have the honor to replace the stone. There was great fear that fighting would take place, when a
wise old man Abu Ummayyah bin Mugheera gave them an idea. He said that the first person
to enter the Ka’bah in the morning shall suggest what was to be done. This idea was accepted by all
the tribes. It so happened that Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was the first person to enter the Ka’bah
in the morning a pleasing shout of ‘Al-Ameen!’ filled the Ka’bah as the people of Makkah had full
confidence in his piety, justice and arbitration of Prophet (S.A.W). He took a sheet and spread it one
the ground. He placed the black stone in the center of the sheet and asked the chiefs of all the tribes
to lift it up together. When the sheet reached the proper heights, he lifted the black stone and put it
in its proper place. Everyone was happy because the problem was solved and a major disaster was
averted. At the time of this incident, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was 35 years old and the year was
605 AD.
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
THE FIST REVELATION (610 AD)
The revelation of the Qur'an began in the Lailatul Qadr (night of power) of Ramadan (one of the odd
nights after the 21st till end Ramadan) after the Prophet Muhammad had passed the 40th years of his
life (610 AD), during his seclusion in the cave of Hira’ on a mountain near Makkah.
Hazrat Aisha (R.A) the mother of the faithful believers narrated, “The commencement of the Divine
revelation to ALLAH’s Messenger (S.A.W) was in the form of good dreams which came true like
bright daylight, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in
the cave of Hira where he used to worship (ALLAH alone) continuously for many days before his
desire to see hi9s family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back
to (his wife) Khadija to take his food likewise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while
he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet (S.A.W)
replied, “I do not know how to read.” The Prophet (S.A.W) added, “The angel caught me (forcefully)
and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me
to read and I replied, ‘I do not know how to read.’ Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a
second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but
again I replied, ‘I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?’ Thereupon he caught me for the
third time and pressed me, and then released me and said,

1. Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists),
2. Has created man from a clot (a piece of think coagulated blood).
3. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous,
4. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen.
5. Has taught man that which he knew not. (Surah al-‘alaq (96:1-5).

Then ALLAH’s Messenger (S.A.W) returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely.
Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, “Cover me!” They covered him till his fear was over
and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, “I fear that something may
happen to me.” Khadija replied, “Never! By ALLAH, ALLAH will never disgrace you. You keep good
relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and
assist the deserving calamity-affected ones.” Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa
ibn Naufal bin Asad bin Abdul Uzza, who, during the pre-Islamic Period became a Christian and used
to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as
ALLAH wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Warqa,
“Listen to the storey of your nephew, O my cousin!” Warqa asked, “O my nephew! What have you
seen?” ALLAH’s Messenger (S.A.W) described whatever he had seen. Warqa said, “This is the same
one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom ALLAH had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and
could live up to the time when your people would turn you out.” ALLAH’s Messenger (S.A.W) asked,
“Will they drive me out?” Warqa replied in the affirmative and said, “Anyone (man) who came with
something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive
till the day when you will be turned out then I would support your strongly.” [Sahih al-Bukhar, 1,
No.3].

(Q)2 Give an account of the way in which the Prophet started to preach Islam in the first few years
after he began to receive the revelation. [10]

After the first message thus received, revelation ceased for a certain period (Called fatra) and then
resumed: Narrated Jabir bin Abdullah Al-Ansari while talking about the period of pause in revelation
reporting the speech of the Prophet, ‘While I was walking, all of a sudden I heard a voice from the
heaven. I looked up and saw the same angel who had visited me at the Cave of Hira' sitting on a
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
chair between the sky and the earth. got afraid of him and came back home and said “Wrap me (in
blankets)" and then Allah revealed the following holy verses of Surah Al-Muddathir.

you (Muhammad) enveloped (in garments)!

Arise and warn!
And your Lord (Allah) magnify!
And your garments purify!'

After this Allah's messages continued to come and he quietly but firmly began to reach the Oneness
of Allah and the good ways of living to his relatives and friends. His wife Hazrat Khadijah (R.A.) was
the first to accept Islam. His very close friend Hazrat Abu Bakar bin Kuhafa (R.A.), and slave Hazrat
Zaid (R.A.). and his cousin Hazrat Ali (R.A.), and then Hazrat Uthman bin Affan (R.A), Hazrat Talha bin
Ubaidullah (R.A.), Hazrat Zubair bin Awaam (R.A.), Hazrat Sa'ad bin Abi Waqas (R.A.) and Hazrat
Abdur- Rahman bin Auf (R.A.) became Muslims.

Three years had elapsed from the time the Prophet (peace be upon him) had received the first
revelation but he had remained a silent preacher throughout such period. He was now commanded
by Allah to announce it openly:
And warn your tribe (0 Muhammad!) of near kindred.
And be kind and humble to the believers who follow you.
Then if they disobey you. say: "I am innocent of what you do."
[AI-Quran- Ash-Shu'ara' 26:214-15]
After receiving commandment of Allah, the Prophet (S.A.W) ascended the heights of mount Safa and
called his close relatives. When they assembled he said to them, ‘If I tell you that horsemen were
advancing to attack you from the other side of this hill, would you believe me.' They unanimously
replied, oh yes, we would surely believe you. But when the prophet invited them to Oneness of Allah
and his Prophethood, they turned away. His uncle Abu Lahab condemned him and said, "May you
perish! Is it for this that you have brought us here?" Allah did not like his attitude and said, "Perish
the two hands of Abu Lahab, and perish he! [AI-Quran-Surah AI-Masad, 111:1]

OPPOSITION AND PERSECUTION BY QURAYSH

(Q)3 Describe the main difficulties encountered by the Prophet himself during his time in Makka
after his call to prophethood. [10]

When Holy Prophet (S.A.W) declared his prophet hood and invited the community to Islam on
Mount Safa, the polytheists of the Quraysh tortured him and targeted insults at him, and their abuse
continued to increase.
Holy Prophet invited them to the doctrine of "Tawheed" (oneness) whereas they insisted upon
idolatry and polytheism, which they called "the religion of their fathers."

At first the Ouraysh tried hard to get the Prophet interested in wealth, status, and other material
benefits that they promised to give him if he submitted lo their ungodly will, and, after realizing that
this method was of no use in their dealing with him, they attempted to threaten and then to
torment and torture him.

Cruel, false accusations, physical torment, foul language, economic and financial pressure and
boycotts were among the inhumane methods used by the Quraish chiefs against Muhammad and his
faithful companions.
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
Here some examples of the offences and torments which the enemies of Islam inflicted
upon Muhammad (S.A.W), the Messenger of Allah are mentioned:

➢ Abu Lahb, an uncle of the Prophet. was the first person who started opposition and persecutions
against the Prophet (S.A.W) When the Prophet delivered his first sermon at Sala hill. Abu Lahab
interrupted: "Woe be on you the rest of the day! Is that what you summoned us for? Because of
his open opposition to Islam, he is condemned by name in the Quran in Surah al-Masad.
➢ He also forced his sons Utba and Utaybah to divorce the daughters of the Prophet Hazrat
Ruqayyah (R.A) and Hazrat Umm-e-Kulsoom (R.A).
➢ Abu Lahab's wife Umm e Jameel bint Harb, had also her share in this ruthless campaign. She
used to throw thorns in the way of the Prophet to injure him physically.
➢ One day while the Prophet (S.A.W) was praying near the Ka’bah, a company of the Quraish
occupied their placds in the sanctuary. Uqbah ibn Abi Mu’ayt brought the fetus of a camel from
somewhere and when the Prophet (S.A.W) prostrated in prayer, he laid it on his back and
shoulders. The Messenger of God (S.A.W) remained in prostration until his daughter Fatima (R.A)
came running and threw it off him. She called down evil upon the one who had done it and the
Prophet (S.A.W) also joined her in the condemnation. (Sahi Bukhari: Volume 1, Book 9, Number
499).
➢ An old woman used to throw garbage and thorny bushes on the way Holy Prophet (S.A.W).
➢ Once Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was engaged in prayer near Ka’bah Uqbah bin Mu’ayt took
his cloak and tried to strangle the Prophet (S.A.W). It was only when Hazrat Abu Bakr intervened
by pushing Uqbah away from the Prophet that the strangling stopped. Hazrat Abu Bakr then
exclaimed, “Do you wish to kill someone because he is asking you to worship ALLAH!” Abu Bakr
(R.A) was immediately attacked and sustained terrible injuries in this incident.
when Muhammad (S.A.W) was once passing through a lane, a woman emptied her garbage from
a window upon his head, He returned home with his head soiled. His young daughter Fatima al-
Zahra (s.a) sat beside him, consoling and washing off the dirt.
➢ The Quraish tried to lure the Prophet (S.A.W) huge amount of wealth, lordship of Makkah and a
beautiful woman to be married with. Yet the Messenger of ALLAH refused to avail these offers.
Socio – Economic boycott of Banu Hashim (617 AD – 619 AD)
When Islam began to spread the Makkans asked Abu Talib, the uncle and protector of the Prophet
(S.A.W), to hand him over to them for execution but he steadfastly refused. Abu Talib called on the
members of Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib to meet at the Ka’bah and convinced them to pledge
that they would protect their clansman, Muhammad (S.A.W), Abu Lahab, another of the Prophet’s
uncle and self-proclaimed sworn enemy, refused to take the pledge and declared he was on the side
of the Quraish. The Quraish held a meeting and decided to outcast the Banu Hashim and Banu al-
Muttalib by placing them under a total social boycott. The other clans from the Quraish would not
marry their daughters, transact business with them, keep company with them, nor would they
accept any peace proposal from these two clans until they handed over the Prophet (S.A.W).
This was done on the 1st Muharram, in the 7th year of the Prophet’s (S.A.W) mission.
The Prophet (S.A.W) alongwith Abu Talib and clan members of Banu Hashim were forced to
withdraw from makkah and live in She’eb Abi Talib, which was one of the valleys that ran down to
Makkah.
The boycott was devastating and for many months they lived in misery. It was so rigorously applied
and food was so scarce that they had to eat the leaves of trees. The women, and more specially the
children and suckling babies would cry with hunger which could be heard all over the valley. The
Quraish told the merchants not to sell any goods to them they were totally abandoned.
A group of fair-minded Quraish, led by Hisham Ibn ‘Amr, hated this unfair boycott. Hisham was
highly respected among his people. He contacted some men of the Quraish whom he knew to be
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
kind-hearted and considerate. He told them it was shameful to allow such tyranny to continue and
asked them to abandon the unjust contract.
During this time ALLAH (S.W.T) informed the Prophet (S.A.W) that termites had eatedn the
parchment inside the Ka’bah. The only thing that remained in the document was the name of ALLAH.
Abu Talib then challenged the Quraish, saying that if the Prophet’s claim turned out to be false, he
would not longer stand between them and the Prophet (S.A.W). However, if the Prophet (S.A.W) had
spoken the truth, the Quraish should end the boycott. The Quraish accepted Abu Talib’s challenge.

When Mut’im bin Adi rose to retrieve the parchment, the assembly saw that it had been destroyed.
Its only remaining words were “Bismika Allahumma” (In Your Name, O ALLAH) and ALLAH’s name.
ALLAH (Glorified and Exalted is He) had given the Quraish yet another sign but once again they
refused to admit their error and accept Islam. Their only concession was to end the boycott. The
Prophet (S.A.W) and his Companions came out of the mountain pass and were allowed to live in
Makkah once again.

The year of Sorrow (619 AD)

The Prophet (S.A.W) and his followers went back to a normal way to life but the years of hardship
had made Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) very weak. She became ill and soon afterwards she died. Thus, the
Prophet (S.A.W) lost his beloved wife and friend, the first person to accept Islam and support hi. She
had been a refuge from all his troubles and, through her good heartedness, the best company in his
suffering. He had loved her very much. This happened in 619 A.D, the year which became know as
the ‘Year of Sorrow.’ Soon after this, the Prophet Muhammad’s uncle and protector, Abu Talib, also
died. Abu Talib had been one of the most respected men in Makka-one of the elders of Quraish and
Banu Hashim.
Not only was this a sad occasion for the Prophet (S.A.W) but also a dangerous one. According to
Arab custom anyone who is under the protection of another is safe so long as his protector lives.
Now, with the death of his uncle, the Prophet’s protection was gone and the leadership of the tribe
of Hashim fell to Abu Lahab whose hatred of the Prophet was well established. As could be
expected, Abu Lahab was not prepared to offer him any support and so the persecution accelerated
to a new height.

Persecutions suffered by followers of the Prophet (S.A.W).

(Q) 4 Describe the difficulties faced by the followers of the Prophet in Makka. [10]
After 3 years of secret preaching,The Quraish not only tortured the Prophet (S.A.W) but also
persecuted his followers mercilessly.
They used to beat weak Muslims and put them under chains, denying them food and water and
forcing them to lie on the burning sand and under the scorching heat of Arabia’s sun.

Hazrat Bilal Ibn Rabah was a slave who had embraced Islam. Umaya Ibn Khalaf, his master, used to
bring him out at noontime and throw him on his back into the hot sand. He ordered to place a great
rock on the chest of Bilal (R.A) and then he would say to him, “No, by God, you will lie here till you
die or deny Muhammad and worship Al-Lat and Al-Uzza.” Bilal (R.A) endured the affliction, crying,
“One, One.”

Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) once say Hazrat Bilal (R.A) being tortured by his master. Sensing the servant’s
conviction, he brought a tougher and stronger bland slave in lieu of Hazrat Bilal’s freedom. (Ibn
Hisham).
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
Hazrat Ammar Ibn Yasir and his parents had accepted Islam (R.A). Bani Makhzum used to take them
out in the full glare of the sun at the hottest part of the day and then take them to task for their
faith, If the Prophet (S.A.W) passed by them, he used to advise them: “Patience, O family of Yasir,
patience. Your destination is Paradise.” The endured all persecutions until ‘Bani Makhzum killed
Hazrat Ammar’s mother for she refused to renounce Islam. (Ibn Hisham).

When Hazrat Mus’ab Ibn Umair (R.A) came to know that the Prophet (S.A.W) preached a new
religion in the house of Hazrat Arqam (R.A). His curiosity took him there but the came back as a true
believer in Islam. He did not, however, declare his faith open and kept on meeting the Prophet
(S.A.W) secretly. ‘Uthman Ibn Talha once say him performing the prayer and disclosed his secret to
his mother and other tribesmen. The result was that he was seized and imprisoned, and remained in
shackles until he migrated to Abyssinia. (Tabaqat Ibn Sa’ad).

Scared of the hostile atmosphere then prevailing against the Muslims in Makkah, others had sought
the protection of their friends who were still polytheists. One of them as Hazrat Uthman Ibn Mazun
(R.A) who was under the protection of Walid Ibn Al-Mughira, but as he felt ashamed of being
shielded by anyone other than God, he renounced the protection of the former. Shortly thereafter,
he had a heated argument with a polytheist who slapped him so hard on his face that he lost an eye.
Walid Ibn Al-Mughira was present during the incident after which he told him. ‘Uthman, “By God, O
son of my brother, your eye was secured against this injury and you were well-protected.” “Nay, by
God,” replied ‘Uthman Ibn Maz’un (R.A), “The eye that is still unhurt longs for what happened to the
other for God’s sake. O ‘Abdu Shams, I am here in the vicinity and shelter of one who is exceedingly
superior to you in honor and glory.” (Ibn Hisham).

When Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (R.A) accepted Islam, his uncle Hakam Ibn Abi al-As Ibn Umayya tied
him securely with a rope and said, “Have you renounced the faith of your fathers for a new religion?
By God, I will not release you until you abandon this belief.” Hazrat Hthman (R.A) firmly replied, “By
God, I will never give it up.” The firmness of Hazrat Uthman (R.A) in his conviction ultimately led
Hakam to unshackle him.” (Tabaqat Ibn S’ad).
Hazrat Kahbbab Ibn Al-Aratt (R.A), a companion of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), related his own story:
“Some hooligans of the Quraish came one day and seized me. Then they kindled a fire and dragged
me into it, while a man kept me down by stomping on my chest.” Hazrat Khabbab then bared his
back which had white leprous spots. (Tabaqat Ibn S’ad).

Causes of Opposition and Persecutions

The Quraish were leading tribe in the Arabian Peninsula. They were used to idol worship that the
Holy Prophet openly condemned. They took the teachings of Islam as an insult to their religion and
the ways of their forefathers.

The location of the Ka’abah in Makkah gave them an important position as the custodians of the
House. It was a source of income for them particularly the priests, as the pilgrims to the Ka’abah
would being rich gifts for their idols. In the rise of Islam, they say the danger to their dignity and
prestige and the loss of the important position which they had held for centuries. Apart from idol
worship, adultery, drinking, gambling, murder and plunder were common among the Arabs, Islam
condemned all these. Embracing Islam meant discarding these evil practices and adopting a new
mode of life. The Quraish were not at all ready to do that.

The chiefs, particularly those belonging to the Banu Umayyah, could not bear that anybody from
among the Banu Hashim, the tribe to which the Holy Prophet belonged, should have supremacy over
them. They were also of the view that the Qur'an should have been sent down to some influential
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
person. The Qur'an says: “Also, they say: why is not this Qur'an sent down to some leading man in
either of the two (chief) cities.” (43:31).

The Quraish were proud of their chiefs, against whom they were not ready to accept the supremacy
of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) who neither had wealth nor sons nor any other sign of worldly power.
The Quraish used to say: “Is this the one whom ALLAH has sent as a messenger?” (25:41).

Migration to Abyssinia “Ethiopia” (615 AD)

(Q)5 Describe the main events relating to the first migration (hijrah) of Muslims to
Abyssinia. [10]

After much suffering at the hands of the Quraish in Makkah, the Propeht (S.A.W) commanded a
small group of Muslims to make Hijrah (migration) to a safe ploace in the country of Abyssinia.
(Ethiopia). Abyssinia at that time was ruled by a Christian King (who later embraced Islam and died in
(9 A.H), famous for his mercy and equity, whose title was Negus. They were sure to receive
protection and worship and live in peace there.

In Rajab of the 5th year of the Mission (615 CE), the first group immigrated to Abyssinia. The group
comprised about 12 men and 5 women and included Hazrat Uthman (may ALLAH be pleased with
him) and his wife Hazrat Ruqayyah (may ALLAH be pleased with her), the daughter of the Prophet
(S.A.W).

The Quraish pursued them to the part of Shuaibah by the Red Sea to capture them, but their vessels
had left the shore. When the group reached Abyssinia, they heard the rumor that the whole tribe of
the Quraish had accepted Islam. They were naturally very much pleased at the news and returned to
their country. On approaching Makkah, they learnt that the rumor was false and the persecutions
were goin on unabated. Some of them decided to return to Abyssinia and the rest entered Makkah,
seeking the protection of a few influential people.

This is know as the first migration to Abyssinia.

Later on, a bigger group of around 83 men and 18 women emigrated to Abyssinia led by Jafar bin
Abu Talib (may ALLAH be pleased with him), the cousin of the Prophet (S.A.W). This is called the
second emigration to that country and some companions took part in both the migrations. The
Quraish did not like Muslims to prosper in the foreign where they could get favour from Negus, the
king of Abyssinia. So they sent a delegation to Abyssinia led by Amr bin Aas (a non-Muslim at the
time) with handsome presents for the king, his courtiers and the clergy. The delegation frist met the
chiefs and the priests and, by offering them presents, succeeded in winning the court officials to
their side.

When the king gave audience to the Qurainsh, Amr bin AAs said that the Muslims in Abyssinia were
not refugees from persecution but were escapes from justice and law, and requested the king to
extradite them to Makkah. The king, however, wanted to hear the other side of the story also before
giving any judgment, and summoned Hazrat Jafar (may ALLAH be pleased with him) to the court to
answer the charges against the Muslims. Hazrat Jafar (may ALLAH be please with him) made a
memorable defense, addressing the Christian king he said, “O King! We were ignorant people and we
lived like wild animals. The strong among us lived by preying upon the weak. We obeyed no law and
we acknowledged no authority save that of brute force. We worshipped idols made of stone or wood,
and we knew nothing of human dignity. And then God, in His Mercy, sent to us His Messenger who
was himself one of us. We knew about his truthfulness and his integrity. His character was
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
exemplary, and he was the well-born of the Arabs. He invited us toward the worship of One God, and
he forbade us to worship idols. He exhorted us to tell the truth, and to protect the weak, the poor, the
humble, the widows and the orphans. He ordered us to show respect to women, and never to slander
them. We obeyed him and followed his teachings. Most of the people in our country are still
polytheists, and they resented our conversion to the new faith which is called Islam. They began to
persecute us and it was in order to escape from persecution by them that we sought and found
sanctuary in your kingdom.”

When Hazrat Jafar (may ALLAH be pleased with him) concluded his speech, the king asked him, “Let
us hear something of the Qur'an that your Prophet (S.A.W) has taught you. Hazrat Jafar (R.A) recited
a few verses from the beginning of Surah ‘Maryam’, which touched the hearts of the king and the
priestly class so much that tears flowed down their cheeks and wetted their beards. The king
remarked, “By ALLAH, these words and the words revealed to Musa (upon him be peace) are the
rays of one and the same light,” and he told the Quraish embassy that he would by no means hand
over the refugees to them. Then, disappointed and disgraced, they held a counsel. One of them said,
“I have hit upon a plan that is sure to draw the king’s wrath upon their heads.” Although the others
did not agree to such a drastic step he would not listen.
The next day, they excited the king by telling him that those heretics denounced Isa (upon him be
peace) [Jesus] and did not believe in his Divinity. The Muslims were again summoned to the court.
They were much more distressed this time. When the king inquired about their belief in Isa (upon
him be peace), they said: “We believe in what ALLAH has revealed about him to our Prophet (peace
and blessings of ALLAH be on him), i.e. he is a servant and Prophet of ALLAH, and is His word, which
He conveyed to the virgin and pure Maryam. “Negus said: “Isa (upon him be peace) never said
anything beyond that.”The priests then began to murmur in protest, but the king would not listen to
them. He returned to the delegation the presents they had brought for him, and said to the Muslims,
“Go and live in peace. If anybody ill-treats you, he will have to pay heavily for it.” A royal
declaration was also issued to that effect. This enhanced the prestige of the Muslims in the country,
and the Quraish delegation had to return disappointed.
The Muslims finally returned from Abyssinia in 7 A.H to Madinah.

Visit to Taif
(Q) 6 : Describe the events of the Prophet’s visit to Ta’if. [10]

Makkans’ attitude became unbearable, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) had to seek support from
outside of Makkah. In June 619 A.D, 10 years after receiving his mission from his Lord, the Prophet
(S.A.W) set out towards At-Ta’if, about 60 kilometers from Makkah, in the company of his freed
slave Zaid bin Haritha (R.A) inviting people to Islam. But contrary to his expectations, the general
atmosphere was terribly hostile. He approached the family of ‘Umair’ who were reckoned amongst
the nobility of the town. But, to his disappointment, all of them turned deaf ear to his message and
used abusive language as regards the noble cause he had been striving for.

Three brothers from the chieftains of Banu Thaqeef – ‘Abd Yaleel, Mas’ud and Habeeb met the
Prophet (S.A.W), who invited them to embrace Islam and worship ALLAH, but they rudely mocked at
him and refused his invitation.

The Messenger of ALLAH, finding that they were hopeless cases, stood up and left them. For 10 days
he stated there delivering his message to several people, one after another, but all to no purpose.
Stirred up to hasten the departure of the unwelcome visitor, the people pelted him with stones and
obliged him to fee from the city pursued by a relentless rabble. Blood flowed down both his legs;
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
and Zaid, endeavoring to shield him, was wounded in the head. The mob did not desist until they
had chased him two or three miles across the sandy plans to the foot of the surrounding hills. There,
wearied and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous orchards, and rested against the wall
of a vineyard. At a time when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, Muhammad
(S.A.W) turned to his Lord and betook himself to prayer.
Seeing him in this helpless situation, Rabia’s two sons, wealthy Makkans, were moved on grounds of
kinship and compassion, and sent to him one of their Christian servants with a tray of grapes. The
Prophet (S.A.W) accepted the fruit with pious invocation: “In the Name of the ALLAH.” Hazrat
Muhammad introduced himself as the final messenger of ALLAH. The Christian servant ‘Addas was
greatly impressed by him and he paid homage to the Prophet (S.A.W) and kissed his hands. His
masters admonished him at this act but he replied: “None on the earth is better than Muhammad
(S.A.W).

Muhammad (S.A.W) then prayed to ALLAH in which he expressed his trouble and weakness before
ALLAH the Almighty. The Heavens were moved by the prayer and Jibrail (AS) appeared before him
and said;

“ALLAH knows all that has passed between you and these people. He has deputed and angle in
charge of the mountai8ns to be at you command.”

Saying this, Jibrail (AS) led the angel before the Prophet (S.A.W). The angel greeted him and said;

“O Prophet of ALLAH! I am at your service. If you wish, I can cause the mountains overlooking this
town on both sides to collide with each other, so that all the people therein would be crushed to
death, or you may suggest any other punishment for them.”

Although the Prophet (PBUH) had suffered a great deal in the hands of these people, yet he said;

“Even if these people to not accept Islam, I do hope from ALLAH that there will be persons from
among their progeny who would worship ALLAH and serve His cause.”

Look at the conduct of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W), whom we profess to follow. We get so much
irritated over a little trouble or a mere abuse from somebody that we keep on torturing them and
taking revenge throughout our lives in every possible manner. Does it befit people who claim to
follow the noble Prophet (S.A.W).

Look, even after so much suffering at the hands of the Taif mob, he neither curses them nor does he
work for any revenge, even when he has the full opportunity to do so.

On the journey back to Makkah, the Prophet (S.A.W) and his companion rested for a while in a place
called Nakhlah where a large numbers of Jinns heard the Qur'an from the Prophet Muhammad
(S.A.W) and embraced Islam.

Miracle of Al-Isra & Al-Meraj (620 AD)

(Q: 7) Give an account of the events of the Prophet’s night journey and ascension [‘Isra
wami’raj]. [10]
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
10th year of Prophet hood was a year of grief and sorrow as the Prophet’s uncle Abu Talib and his
wife Hazrat Khadijah passed away. After that, the Prophet went to Taif in the hope of spreading
Islam but was rejected. All these events were of great disappointment to the Prophet. So Miraj was
in fact a ray of hope that ALLAH had not forsaken him and it strengthened him spiritually. In the 10 th
year of Prophet hood on 27th Rajab the Prophet was taken for Isra and Miraj.

The Miracle of al-Isra’ is mentioned in the Qur'an as, “Praise be to ALLAH who enabled His slave,
Muhammad, to make the journey at night from Masjid Al-Haram in Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa in
Jerusalem, which is surrounded a blessed land.”

Before the Prophet took this night journey, the ceiling of the house in which he was staying was
opened, and Jibril descended. He cut open the chest of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and washed
that open area with Zamzam water. Then he emptied something from a container into the chest of
the Prophet to increase his wisdom as well as the strength of his belief. This was done to prepare the
Messenger of ALLAH for that which he had yet to see in the upper world from among the wonders of
the creation of ALLAH.

Al-Isra: After the Prophet performed the evening Prayer (Isha’in Masjid-e-Haraam, Makkah, Hazrat
Jibril came to him with a white animal. This animal was the Buraq, one of the animals of Paradise.
Jibril held the Buraq by his ear and told the Prophet to mount it. When the Buraq was mounted, the
Prophet se forth. Then the Buraq continued with the Messenger of ALLAH until they entered the city
of Jerusalem. There the Prophet went to Masjid Al-Aqsa. The Prophet entered the Masjid where
ALLAH assembled for him all the Prophets from Adam to Isa. Prophet Muhammad moved forward
and led them all in prayer. This is an indication the Prophet is higher in status than all the rest of the
Prophets and Messengers. Then he was brought two jugs, one containing wine and the other milk.
He chose the milk and refused the wine. At this, the Archangel Gabriel said, ‘You have been rightly
guided to the Fitrah, the true nature of man, and so will your people be, Muhammad. Wine is
forbidden to you.

After the Prophet took this night journey from Masjid Al-Haram to Masjid Al-Aqsa, he ascended to
the upper heavens. When the Prophet and Jibril arrived at the fist heaven, there, Prophet
Muhammad Ss saw Prophet Adam. To Adam’s right, the Prophet saw some bodies, and to Adam’s
left, other bodies. If Adam would look to this right he would laugh, and if he would look to his left he
would cry. Adam was seeing the souls of his descendants. Those on his right were his descendants
who would die as believer and those on his left were his descendants who would die as non
believers.

Then the Prophet ascended to the second heaven. In this second heaven was where Prophet
Muhammad (S.A.W) saw Prophets Eisa and yahya. Isa and Yahya are cousins,; their mothers were
sisters. They welcomed the Prophet and made supplication (Dua) for him for good things, The
Prophet ascended to the third heaven, where he found Prophet Yousuf. Prophet Yousuf was
extremely handsome. ALLAH bestowed half he beauty on Yousuf, Yousuf received the Prophet with a
arm welcome and made supplication (Dua) for him for good things.

Then the Prophet ascended to the fourth heaven, where he found Prophet Idris. Idris welcomed the
Prophet and made supplication (Dua) for him for good things. In the fifty heaven, the Prophet
encountered Harun, the brother of Prophet Musa. In the sixth heaven, he encountered Prophet
Musa. Each of these Prophets received Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) with a warm welcome and
made supplication (Dua) forhim for good things.
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
Then the Prophet ascended to the seventh heaven, and that is where our Messenger saw Prophet
Ibrahim. The Prophet saw Prophet Ibrahim with his back against Al-Bayt Al-Ma’mur.

Then the Prophet ascended to what is beyond the seven skies; he entered paradise. He saw
examples of the inhabitants of Paradise and how their situation would be. He saw most of the
inhabitants of Paradise are the poor people. In Paradise, the Propeht saw some of the bounties
ALLAH prepared for the inhabitants of Paradise.
He was gifted the obligation of the five Obligatory Prayers. At first, ALLAH obligated fifty prayers.

When Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) encountered Musa, Musa told him to make supplication (Dua) to
his Lord to ease the obligation of fifty (50) prayers, because his nation could not handle that. Musa
said, “I have experience with the people of Israel, and I know your nation can not bear that. “So the
Prophet asked his Lord to lessen these prayers for his people. Five prayers were eliminated. Once
again, Musa told the Prophet to ask ALLAH to lessen the number of prayers. ALLAH did. Nine times
the Prophet made supplication to ALLAH to lessen these prayers – until these prayers were lessened
to five Obligatory Prayers. So Prophet Musa as a great benefit to us. Had we been obligated to pray
fifty prayers a day, this would have been a difficult matter of us.

On Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W) journey, ALLAH enabled him to see some of His wondrous
creations. The Prophet saw angels smashing some people’s heads with rocks. These heads would
retrun to the shape they had been, and then the angels would smash their heads again – and so on.
Jibril told the Prophet, “These are the ones whose heads felt too heavy to perform prayer the ones
who used to sleep without praying.

On his journey the Prophet saw people who were competing to eat some rotten meat – ignoring
meat that was sliced and unspoiled. Jibril told the Prophet, “These are people from your nation who
leave out that which is permissible (Halal), and consume that which is forbidden (Haram). “This
reference was to the fornicators, that is, the ones who left out the permissible (marriage) and
committed sins (fornication).

The Prophet saw people scratching their faces and chests with brass finger nails. Jibril said, “These
are the examples of those who commit gossip (Ghibah).”

After all these matters took place with the Prophet, he retuned to the city of Makkah. Some scholars
said the Prophet’s journey took about one-third of the night, i.e., his journey from Makkah to
Jerusalem, then to the heavens and what is above them, and then back to Makkah. The next day the
Prophet told the people what happened to him the previous night. The blasphemers belied the
Prophet and mocked him, saying, “We need a month to get there and back, and you are claiming to
have done all this in one night?” they said to Abu Bakr, “Look at what your companion is saying. H e
says he went to Jerusalem and come back in one night.” Abu Bakr told them, “If he said that, then he
is truthful. I believe him concerning the news of the heavens – which an angel descends to him from
the heavens. How could I not believe he went to Jerusalem and came back in a short period of time –
when these are on earth?” at that, the Companion, Abu Bakr, was called “as Siddiq” – because of
how strongly he believed what the entire Prophet said.

Pledges of Aqabah [11th year of Prophethood (620 AD)]

Q :8 Give an accout of pledges Aqabah and main details in them.10
• The Prophet (S.A.W) would make contact with various Arab tribes that came into Makkah for
their festivals, trade fairs or pilgrimages and preach the truth of Islam to them. He would take
the opportunity to call them towards worshipping only ALLAH (Glorified and Exalted is He) and
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
to believing in his Prophet hood. Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab would often follow him, dissuading
people from listening to his message. To avoid them, he would come out in the darkness of night
ot contact the caravans staying at a distance of several miles from the Ka’bah.
• One night, the Prophet (S.A.W) accompanied with his faithful friends Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat
Ali passed by Aqabah where they encountered six people who had come from Yathrib (later to
be known as Madinah) to perform pilgrimage at the Kab’bah. The Prophet (S.A.W) preached
Islam to them and recited some verses of the Qur'an. They listened carefully and embraced
Islam on the spot. They were neighbors of the Jews in Yathrib and had heard them mention of
the coming of a great Prophet in the near future and about his dominance over all others. The
six new Muslims promised that they would invite their people to Islam upon returning to Yathrib
and that they would meet the Prophet (S.A.W) again during the ext pilgrimage.

First Pledge of Aqabah (12th year of Prophet hood [621 AD]

• The next year, five of the six returned to meet the Prophet (S.A.W) again at Aqabah and they
brought with them another seven converts. These twelve persons pledged their allegiance to
Islam at the hand of the Prophet (S.A.W) and this became known as the ‘First pledge of Aqabah.’
They pledged that they would not associate partners with ALLAH, commit theft, fornicate, kill
their children, defame others, nor disobey the Prophet (peace and blessings of ALLAH be on him)
when he instructed them to do good.
• The Prophet (S.A.W) deputed Hazrat Mus’ab bin Umair to go with them to teach Islam and
preach to others. He remained busy all the time in teaching the Qur'an and other Islamic
practices to the people. He stayed with Hazrat As’ad bin Zararah (may ALLAH be pleased with
him) and was knows as the teacher. During this period many people from Yathrib embraced
Islam.

Second Pledge of Aqabah (13th year of Prophet hood 622 AD)

• The following year Mus’ab bin Umair (may ALLAH be pleased with him) set out from Yathrib for
Makkah with a caravan of 72 men and two women which comprised of Muslims and pagans. The
Muslims wanted to meet the Prophet (S.A.W) and to invite him to come to Yathrib. They had
been dismayed at the harassment, abuse and fear that overshadowed the Prophet (S.A.W) and
the other Muslims and had resolved to offer them their loyal protection if they moved there. A
secret meeting with the Prophet (S.A.W) was arranged one late night at Aqabah during the Hajj
days.
• The Prophet (S.A.W) met them accompanied by his uncle Abbas who at that point was not a
Muslim. He talked to the group, recited the Qur'an, prayed to ALLAH and encouraged people to
embrace Islam. Then he said, “I ask for your allegiance on the basis that your protect me as you
would protect your wives and children.” They asked him to promise that he would not leave
them and return to his people. The Prophet (S.A.W) gave his promise, “I am from you and you
are from me. I will fight those you fight and will be at peace with those with whom you are at
peace.” Twelve men were then chosen to be responsible for the affairs of the community these
included Hazrat Sa’d bin Ubadah, Hazrat Abdullah bin Rawahah and Hazrat Ubadah bin Samit
(may ALLAH be pleased with them). After this they all parted company.
• However, the word got out very quickly that a meeting had taken place and the Makkans were
quite angry at these developments.
• After the second Pledge of Aqaba Muslims were instructed to leave Makkah and soon they
began to migrate to Yathrib in small groups, leaving behind their homes and belongings. They
scarified everything they had carrying a few essential belongings on the back of their camels. The
Makkans tried their best to halt the Muslims from leaving but the majority of them left without
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
incident. Muslims that were caught were imprisoned in their homes. Often their own family
members did this to prevent them from escaping.

Migration to Madinah (13th year of Prophethood 522 AD).

Q:9 Describe the events of Prophet’s Migration (Hijrah) to Yasrib/Madinah.
All the Muslims of Makkah had departed except the Prophet Ss, Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) and Hazrat Ali
(R.A). The Quraish got worried over these developments.

A big conference of the leaders of Quraish was held at Dar-un-Nadwah and many resolutions were
tabled to decide the issue. But, even the idea of banishment or exile of the Prophet (S.A.W) was not
entertained, One leader of the Quraish, Shaikh Najdi, suggested that every sign of Islam should be
wiped off from the land of Arabia.

“Remember how the Unbelievers plotted against you to restrain you or kill you, or get you out (of
your city). They plot and plan, and ALLAH too plans; but the best of planners is ALLAH.” (Surah Al-
Anfal:30)

The assassination of the Prophet (S.A.W) was the only way out for the Quraish. One youth from each
clan was chosen to set upon Rasullah (S.A.W) so that the Banu Hashim would not be able to hold any
particular Quraish clan responsible for his death. It was decided to kill the Prophet Ss that same
night.

While Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) made all secret arrangements for the Hijrat, Hazrat Jibr’eel (A.S)
forewarned the Prophet (S.A.W) of the intention of the Quraish that night and declared ALLAH’s
permission for migration to Yathrib. Hazrat Ali (R.A) slept in the Prophet (S.A.W)’s bed while Hazrat
Abu Bakr (R.A) and the Prophet (S.A.W) left Makkah unnoticed and took refuge in the Cave of Thawr
which was about 7 km from Makkah. He had also instructed Hazrat Ali (R.A) to return all the good
and property, which he had held in trust, to the rightful owners.

After a whole night’s watch on the house of the Prophet (S.A.W), the Quraish were shocked in the
morning to find only Hazrat Ali (R.A) in the bed of the Prophet (S.A.W). They began a desperate
search of the countryside around Makkah and offered huge rewards for the capture of the Prophet
(S.A.W), dead or alive.

When the Prophet (S.A.W) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) arrived at the cave on Mount Thawr, hazrat
Abu Bakr (R.A) entered first to clear away anything that might injure the Prophet (S.A.W). He found a
few holes a and stuffed them with pieces of cloth. The Prophet (S.A.W) then entered and went to
sleep on Abu Bakr’s (may ALLAH be pleased with him) lap. Suddenly, something (snake) stung Abu
Bakr’s (may ALLAH be pleased with him) foot, but he did not twitch, fearing he would wake the
Prophet (peace and blessings of ALLAH be on him) face. The Prophet (S.A.W) woke up and saw that
Abu Bakr (may ALLAH be please with him was in pain. He applied his spittle on the injury and the
pain disappeared.

Quraish finally reached the cave where the Prophet (S.A.W) and Abu Bakr were hiding. By a divine
miracle, a spider had spun a web over the mouth of the cave and a pigeon had laid eggs in the nest
close by. The cave looked undisturbed. As the Makkans stood in front of the cave, Hazrat Abu Bakr
began to fear for their safety. But he was comforted by the Prophet’s reply: “Grieve not, for verily
ALLAH is with us.” (Surah Al-Tawbah: 40).
For three consecutive nights the Prophet (S.A.W) and Abu Bakr (R.A) remained hidden in the cave.
During this period Hazrat Asma bint Abu Bakr (R.A) would provide them food. Hazrat Abdullah bin
Notes compiled by Sir M.Rashid Siddiqui
Abu Bakr (R.A) would collect information about the activities of the Quraish and kept the Prophet
(S.A.W) and his father Abu Bakr (may ALLAH be pleased with him) well informed about the enemy’s
plans.

Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (may ALLAH be pleased with him) slave, Amir bin Fuhayra (may ALLAH be please
with him), would graze Abu Bakr’s (may ALLAH be please with him) goats near the cave so that both
men could drink fresh milk. Early the next morning Amir would drive the goats back to Makkah along
the same route that Abu Bakr’s (may ALLAH be please with him) son took, to obscure his footprints.

After three days, when it was fell safe to continue the Hijrat, the Prophet (S.A.W) mounted his camel
Al-Qaswa while Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) and his assistant Hazrat Aa’mir bin Fahirah (R.A) shared
another mount. Abdullah bin Urayqit who was their guide led the way towards Madinah. They
followed a path which was their guide, led the way towards Madinah. They followed a path which
was not frequented by regular caravans.

At one stage, a Quraishi horseman spotted them. His name was Suraaqah bin Maalik and his
objective was to win the huge reward of 100 camels offered by Quraish for the capture of the
Prophet (S.A.W). But each time the charged, his horse’s feet sank into the sand, and ultimately, he
felt embarrassment and asked forgiveness of the Prophet (S.A.W). During their journey the Prophet
(S.A.W) passed the tent of Hazrat Umm-e-Ma’bad (R.A), a woman of Banu Khuzah. Her goat was
giving no milk during the drought. The Prophet (S.A.W) stroked its udder, invoked the name of
ALLAH and prayed for a blessing. Milk started flowing. He gave Hazrat Umm-e-Ma’baed (R.A) and his
Companions milk to dink until they were satisfied. Then he drank last of all. The goat was milked a
second time and her milk filled a vessel. When Abu Ma’bad returned home, his wife told him what
had happened, exclaiming, By ALLAH, it could only have been a blessed man who passed by us.
When she described the stranger. He said, By ALLAH, I think it is the man whom the Quraish are
seeking.

They continued their journey and on the sixth day of Hijrah, they reached Quba on the border of
Madinah. This was on 8th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, thirteen years after prophet hood. During this very short
stay in Quba, the Prophet (S.A.W) laid the foundation of the first mosque in Islam (Masjid-e-Quba).

On Friday 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the Prophet (S.A.W) proceeded to Madinah and when it was time
for Zuhar prayer, he led the first Jum’a prayer with a hundred worshipers in an open field in the
locality of Banu Saalim. After Salah, he mounted his camel again and proceeded further till he
entered into Madinah the same evening. Every Muslim wanted to be his host. But his mount was
under Divine Command and he vowed to stop only where his camel would stop At length, the camel
stopped near the house of Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari (R.A) who welcomed the Prophet (S.A.W) to his
house.