The Prophet (s.a.w.a.)
is born
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) was born in such a family on Friday,
the 17th Rabi'-ul-Awwal, 1st year of 'Amul-Fil (corresponding to 570 C.E.) to
bring the Message of God to the world. In Sunni circles, 12th Rabi'-ul-Awwal is
more famous. Thus, the prayer of Ibrahim while constructing the Ka'bah was
granted:
Lord! And raise a Messenger from among them who shall
recite to them Thine verses, and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify
them, indeed Thou art the Mighty, the Wise (Qur'an, 2:129).
And the tidings of Christ came true:-
O Children of Israel! Surely, I am the messenger of
Allah to you, verifying that which is before me of the Torah and giving the good
news of a Messenger who will come after me whose name will be Ahmed.
(Qur'an, 61:6)
'Abdullah, father of the Prophet, died a few month before
(or two months after) his birth, and his grandfather 'AbdulMuttalib took
over the care and upbringing of the child. After a few months, according to the
age-long custom of the Arabs, the child was entrusted to a bedouin woman Halimah
by name, of the tribe of Bani-Sa'd, for his upbringing.
When he was only six years old, he lost his mother as well;
so, the doubly-orphaned child was brought up by 'Abdul-Muttalib with the most
tender care. It was the will of God that the Prophet to-be should undergo all
the sufferings, pains and privations incidental to human life in order that he
might learn to bear them with becoming fortitude and raise his stature in human
perfection. Not two years had passed before 'Abdul-Muttalib also expired.
'Abdul-Muttalib died at the age of 82, leaving the care and
custody of the orphaned Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) to Abu Talib. Abu Talib and his
wife, Fatimah Bint Asad, loved Muhammad more than their own children. As the
Holy Prophet himself said, Fatima Bint Asad was his "mother" who kept her own
children waiting while she fed the Holy Prophet, kept her own children cold
while she gave him warm clothes. Abu Talib always kept the child with him day
and night.
Abu Talib had succeeded 'Abdul-Muttalib in Siqayah
and Rifadah and was an active participant in the trade caravans. When
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) was 12 years old, Abu Talib bade farewell to his family to
go to Syria. Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) clung to him and cried. Abu Talib was so moved
that he took the child with him. When the caravan reached Busra in Syria they,
as usual, stayed near the monastery of a monk, Buhayra. It is not possible to
give here the full account of that visit. Suffice it to say that the monk,
seeing some of the signs, which he knew from the old books, was convinced that
the orphan child was the last Prophet-to-be. To make sure, he started a
conversation with him, and at one point said: "I give you oath of Lat and Uzza
to tell me..." The child cried out: "Don't take the names of Lat and Uzza before
me! I hate them!" Buhayra was now convinced. He advised Abu Talib not to proceed
to Damascus "because if the Jews found out what I have seen, I am afraid they
will try to harm him. For sure, this child is to have a great eminence."
Abu Talib, acting on this advice, sold all his merchandise
for cheaper prices then and there, returning at once to Mecca.
Sacrilegious War
(Harb-ul-Fijar) and League of Virtuous (Hilful-Fudhul)
At a place known as 'Ukaz, a great annual fair used to be
held during the month of Dhul-Qa'dah during which war and bloodshed were
forbidden. At the time of the fair, 'Ukaz presented a scene of pleasure and
abandonment with its dancing girls, gaming tables, drunken orgies, poetic
contests and shows of prowess ending frequently in brawls and bloodshed. At one
of the fairs, war broke out between the Quraish and the Banu Kinanah on one side
and the Qais 'Aylan on the other. This war continued for a number of years with
a considerable loss of life and varying fortunes. The lewd scenes, drunken
affrays and the horrors of the war must have created a deep impression on
Muhammad's sensitive mind. When the Quraish were ultimately victorious, a league
was formed, on the suggestion of Zubayr, an uncle of the Prophet, to prevent
disturbances of peace, to help victims of oppression, and to protect travelers.
Muhammad took a very active interest in the functioning of this League which
came into being as a result of a settlement known as Hilf-ul-Fudhul between Banu
Hashim, Banu Taym, Banu Asad, Banu Zuhrah and Banu Muttalib. The League
continued to function for half a century following the inception of Islam.
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.)
marries Khadijah
Now, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) was old enough to go with the
trade caravans. But Abu Talib's financial position had become very weak because
of the expenses of Rifadah and Siqayah, and it was no longer
possible for him to equip Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) with the merchandise on his own.
He, therefore, advised him to act as agent for a noble lady, Khadijah bint
Khuwaylid, who was the wealthiest person in Quraish. It is written that in the
trade caravans, her merchandise usually equaled the merchandise of the whole
tribe put together.
Her genealogy joins with that of the Holy Prophet at
Qusayi. She was Khadijah daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn 'Abdul-'Uzza ibn
Qusayi.
The reputation which Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) enjoyed for his
honesty and integrity, led Khadijah to willingly entrust her goods to him for
sale in Syria. He traded in such a way that the goods earned more profit than
expected, and yet he was praised for his integrity, honesty and generosity.
Khadijah was very much impressed. Only two months after his return to Mecca, he
was married to Khadijah. He was twenty-five years of age and Khadijah was forty
and a widow.
Reconstruction of the
Ka'bah
In about 605 A.D., when the Holy Prophet was 35 years old,
a flood swept Mecca and the building of the Ka'bah was badly damaged. The
Quraish decided to rebuild it. When the walls reached a certain height, a
dispute arose between various clans as to whom should the honor of placing the
Black Stone (Hajar Aswad) in its place go. This dispute threatened to assume
serious proportions but, at last, it was agreed upon that the first person to
enter the precincts of the Ka'bah the next morning should arbitrate this issue.
It so happened, that first person was none other than
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.). The Quraish were pleased with the turn of the events
because Muhammad was well recognized as the Truthful and Trust-worthy
personality.
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) put his own robe on the ground and put
the Black Stone on it. He told the disputing clans to send one representative
each to hold the corners of the robe and to raise it. When the robe was raised
to the required level, he took hold of the Stone and put it in its place. This
was a judgement, which settled the dispute to the satisfaction of all the
parties.
At this time, he had entered into several business
partnerships and always acted with great integrity in his dealings with his
partners. 'Abdullah, son of Abu Hamza, narrates that he had entered into a
transaction with Muhammad (s.a.w.a.). Its details had yet to be finalized when
he had suddenly to leave promising that he would return soon. When, after three
days, he went again to the spot, he found Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) waiting for him.
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) did not remonstrate with him. He just said that he had been
there for all those three days waiting for him. Saib and Qays, who also had
business transactions with him, testify to his exemplary dealings. People were
so impressed by his uprightness and integrity, by the purity of his life, his
unflinching fidelity, and his strict sense of duty that they called him
"al-Amin," the trusted one.
is born
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) was born in such a family on Friday,
the 17th Rabi'-ul-Awwal, 1st year of 'Amul-Fil (corresponding to 570 C.E.) to
bring the Message of God to the world. In Sunni circles, 12th Rabi'-ul-Awwal is
more famous. Thus, the prayer of Ibrahim while constructing the Ka'bah was
granted:
Lord! And raise a Messenger from among them who shall
recite to them Thine verses, and teach them the Book and the wisdom, and purify
them, indeed Thou art the Mighty, the Wise (Qur'an, 2:129).
And the tidings of Christ came true:-
O Children of Israel! Surely, I am the messenger of
Allah to you, verifying that which is before me of the Torah and giving the good
news of a Messenger who will come after me whose name will be Ahmed.
(Qur'an, 61:6)
'Abdullah, father of the Prophet, died a few month before
(or two months after) his birth, and his grandfather 'AbdulMuttalib took
over the care and upbringing of the child. After a few months, according to the
age-long custom of the Arabs, the child was entrusted to a bedouin woman Halimah
by name, of the tribe of Bani-Sa'd, for his upbringing.
When he was only six years old, he lost his mother as well;
so, the doubly-orphaned child was brought up by 'Abdul-Muttalib with the most
tender care. It was the will of God that the Prophet to-be should undergo all
the sufferings, pains and privations incidental to human life in order that he
might learn to bear them with becoming fortitude and raise his stature in human
perfection. Not two years had passed before 'Abdul-Muttalib also expired.
'Abdul-Muttalib died at the age of 82, leaving the care and
custody of the orphaned Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) to Abu Talib. Abu Talib and his
wife, Fatimah Bint Asad, loved Muhammad more than their own children. As the
Holy Prophet himself said, Fatima Bint Asad was his "mother" who kept her own
children waiting while she fed the Holy Prophet, kept her own children cold
while she gave him warm clothes. Abu Talib always kept the child with him day
and night.
Abu Talib had succeeded 'Abdul-Muttalib in Siqayah
and Rifadah and was an active participant in the trade caravans. When
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) was 12 years old, Abu Talib bade farewell to his family to
go to Syria. Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) clung to him and cried. Abu Talib was so moved
that he took the child with him. When the caravan reached Busra in Syria they,
as usual, stayed near the monastery of a monk, Buhayra. It is not possible to
give here the full account of that visit. Suffice it to say that the monk,
seeing some of the signs, which he knew from the old books, was convinced that
the orphan child was the last Prophet-to-be. To make sure, he started a
conversation with him, and at one point said: "I give you oath of Lat and Uzza
to tell me..." The child cried out: "Don't take the names of Lat and Uzza before
me! I hate them!" Buhayra was now convinced. He advised Abu Talib not to proceed
to Damascus "because if the Jews found out what I have seen, I am afraid they
will try to harm him. For sure, this child is to have a great eminence."
Abu Talib, acting on this advice, sold all his merchandise
for cheaper prices then and there, returning at once to Mecca.
Sacrilegious War
(Harb-ul-Fijar) and League of Virtuous (Hilful-Fudhul)
At a place known as 'Ukaz, a great annual fair used to be
held during the month of Dhul-Qa'dah during which war and bloodshed were
forbidden. At the time of the fair, 'Ukaz presented a scene of pleasure and
abandonment with its dancing girls, gaming tables, drunken orgies, poetic
contests and shows of prowess ending frequently in brawls and bloodshed. At one
of the fairs, war broke out between the Quraish and the Banu Kinanah on one side
and the Qais 'Aylan on the other. This war continued for a number of years with
a considerable loss of life and varying fortunes. The lewd scenes, drunken
affrays and the horrors of the war must have created a deep impression on
Muhammad's sensitive mind. When the Quraish were ultimately victorious, a league
was formed, on the suggestion of Zubayr, an uncle of the Prophet, to prevent
disturbances of peace, to help victims of oppression, and to protect travelers.
Muhammad took a very active interest in the functioning of this League which
came into being as a result of a settlement known as Hilf-ul-Fudhul between Banu
Hashim, Banu Taym, Banu Asad, Banu Zuhrah and Banu Muttalib. The League
continued to function for half a century following the inception of Islam.
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.)
marries Khadijah
Now, Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) was old enough to go with the
trade caravans. But Abu Talib's financial position had become very weak because
of the expenses of Rifadah and Siqayah, and it was no longer
possible for him to equip Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) with the merchandise on his own.
He, therefore, advised him to act as agent for a noble lady, Khadijah bint
Khuwaylid, who was the wealthiest person in Quraish. It is written that in the
trade caravans, her merchandise usually equaled the merchandise of the whole
tribe put together.
Her genealogy joins with that of the Holy Prophet at
Qusayi. She was Khadijah daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn 'Abdul-'Uzza ibn
Qusayi.
The reputation which Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) enjoyed for his
honesty and integrity, led Khadijah to willingly entrust her goods to him for
sale in Syria. He traded in such a way that the goods earned more profit than
expected, and yet he was praised for his integrity, honesty and generosity.
Khadijah was very much impressed. Only two months after his return to Mecca, he
was married to Khadijah. He was twenty-five years of age and Khadijah was forty
and a widow.
Reconstruction of the
Ka'bah
In about 605 A.D., when the Holy Prophet was 35 years old,
a flood swept Mecca and the building of the Ka'bah was badly damaged. The
Quraish decided to rebuild it. When the walls reached a certain height, a
dispute arose between various clans as to whom should the honor of placing the
Black Stone (Hajar Aswad) in its place go. This dispute threatened to assume
serious proportions but, at last, it was agreed upon that the first person to
enter the precincts of the Ka'bah the next morning should arbitrate this issue.
It so happened, that first person was none other than
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.). The Quraish were pleased with the turn of the events
because Muhammad was well recognized as the Truthful and Trust-worthy
personality.
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) put his own robe on the ground and put
the Black Stone on it. He told the disputing clans to send one representative
each to hold the corners of the robe and to raise it. When the robe was raised
to the required level, he took hold of the Stone and put it in its place. This
was a judgement, which settled the dispute to the satisfaction of all the
parties.
At this time, he had entered into several business
partnerships and always acted with great integrity in his dealings with his
partners. 'Abdullah, son of Abu Hamza, narrates that he had entered into a
transaction with Muhammad (s.a.w.a.). Its details had yet to be finalized when
he had suddenly to leave promising that he would return soon. When, after three
days, he went again to the spot, he found Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) waiting for him.
Muhammad (s.a.w.a.) did not remonstrate with him. He just said that he had been
there for all those three days waiting for him. Saib and Qays, who also had
business transactions with him, testify to his exemplary dealings. People were
so impressed by his uprightness and integrity, by the purity of his life, his
unflinching fidelity, and his strict sense of duty that they called him
"al-Amin," the trusted one.