EP126 – The Battle of the Trench Continues

EP125 – The Battle of Ahzab; The digging of the Trench

EP116 – The aftermath of Uhud

Episode 26: The Cave of Hira

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This session discusses the background to the momentous occasion of the beginning of revelation. It was a pivotal moment in human history: people had long been entrenched in darkness, as there had been 600 years since revelation had come to man.

In the months prior to revelation, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was nearing 40 years old. He had been reflecting on the immoral nature of society, and took time out to reflect on these issues. To do this, he would often go alone to the mountains, and frequent the cave of Hira on Mount Noor. The cave has enough room for 2 people to stand at most, and narrows at the end. There are openings at both ends, which provided good ventilation. Looking through one opening, the Ka’ba was visible in the distance. Here, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) found quiet, peace and serenity to contemplate life in isolation: this practice is known as at-Tahannuth. The first time he spent a prolonged period at Hira was during Ramadan: he would take food supplies with him so he could spend days there. There is speculation about the specifics of what the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would do i.e. what was his form of praying, what was he actually reflecting on? Allah inspired that desire for the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to go into isolation and reflect, to prepare his heart for revelation.

Similarly today, we should observe etiquettes when we make preparations to face Allah in worship, such as during salah and reciting the Quran e.g. by paying full attention to worship, purifying oneself with wudu, and facing the Kiblah.

Episode 25: Salman al-Farsi, Amr bin Murrah al-Juhani & Prophecies About the Coming of Revelation

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode continues with the story of Salman al-Farsi. Salman remained in slavery after accepting Islam- he had to miss the battles of Badr and Uhud. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised him to buy his freedom. Salman’s owner asked him to plant and grow 300 date palms, as well as for 40g of gold. Salman tried to negotiate him down to silver, but he insisted on gold. The owner knew the risks of his demands were high: transplanting trees had a high likelihood of failing. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) announced to the Sahaba to help their brother Salman. They started helping him by bringing date palms, ranging from 1-20 each in number. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said to get the land ready and not to plant the trees, but to call him when they had dug the holes. He came and planted each of the 300 date palm individually with his own blessed hands. Miraculously, not even one tree died, and all 300 flourished. However, the gold was still required. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had just recently been given a gift. Someone had found a gold mine and they chipped out a rock with gold and gifted it to him. He handed this over to Salman, who felt conscious of the debt he owed to the community. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) waived the debt, saying Allah would provide recompense. When Salman handed the block over to his owner, it was found to have exactly 40g gold. Thus, Salman obtained his freedom.

The first battle he participated in was the Battle of the Trench: he was the one to offer the novel strategy for the battle of digging the trench. During this endeavour, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) split the workers into groups of 10 based on family and tribe, so that the teams were familiar with each other and to aid cohesion. Salman did not have any alliances, but each of the Muhajiroun and Ansar argued that Salman belonged to their respective groups. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) settled the matter by saying that Salman belonged with him and his family.

Two stories are recounted about how some people are directly guided to Islam by extraordinary events by Allah’s decree. The first is the story of Amr bin Murrah al-Juhani. In the times of Jahiliyyah, he went to Makkah in the season of Hajj. Whilst sleeping, he awoke and saw a light shooting from the Ka’ba. Startled, he then heard a voice saying that the darkness was about to disappear, light was about to illuminate the earth, and that the final seal of the Prophets was about to be sent. A few nights later, he saw a similar light again, and heard a voice saying that Islam had become apparent and the idols had been broken. He told his people of this occurrence, but no one believed him. He came across a monk, and told him what had happened. The monk said that a man named Ahmed would be sent as a Prophet. Years later, when Amr came to Makkah, he heard people talking about someone who claimed to be a Prophet. He met the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and Amr accepted his call. Amr wanted to preach the message to his own people. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) advised him to be soft and gentle, and not to be harsh and arrogant. All of his people accepted Islam, except one. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) met all of them individually. Read more http://www.qalaminstitute.org/2012/09/seerah-life-of-the-prophet-salman-al-farsi-amr-bin-murrah-al-juhani-prophecies-about-the-coming-of-revelation/

Episode 24: The Approach of Revelation

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

We are at this point, a few years away from the start of revelation. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is the continuation and the completion of the guidance of Allah. It was six centuries since the last message by Isa (peace be upon him) had come to earth, which was one of the largest gaps between two Prophets. Some people of the scripture were aware of the coming of the last Prophet. So, why was it so shocking when he finally came? Why did not more people believe his message? The answer is that these people were rare, even written off as being ‘on the fringe’, and not well publicly accepted.

Salman asked some businessmen to take him towards that land. However, they betrayed him and sold him as a slave. He eventually ended up as a slave with the Jews of Banu Quraydah of Madina. Salman remained content, as he realised he was where he needed to be. One day, whilst Salman was working in the trees, someone came to his owner and remarked how they might be in trouble: all the idol worshippers were gathering at Quba, as a man had come there claiming to be a Prophet. On hearing this, Salman nearly fell out of the tree. He descended, asking eagerly for more details, but his owner dismissed him and sent him back to work.

Salman slowly gathered money and eventually went to Quba to see the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He brought fruit and presented it to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) as charity: the Prophet did not eat from it. Salman again gathered money and a few weeks later, he went again and presented food as a gift: this time the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) ate from it. Finally, Salman came again after a few days, wanting to see the mark of Prophethood. Salman went and sat behind the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was wearing an upper and lower garment. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) noticed him and remarked that he knew what Salman was trying to see, thus he dropped the upper cloth and revealed the mark of Prophethood. Salman jubilantly ran up to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and hugged him from behind, kissing the mark of Prophethood. Salman’s long, arduous and difficult search had come to an end and he accepted Islam.

Read more at http://www.qalaminstitute.org/2012/09/seerah-life-of-the-prophet-the-approach-of-revelation/

Episode 23: Placing of the Black Stone and History of the Kabah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

In the renovations, the height of the Ka’ba was made taller, to move the door higher and prevent people from entering easily. There were also originally two doors, but one was removed. There were not enough resources to complete the Ka’ba, thus the Hateem area was left open. The Hateem is considered part of the Ka’ba: praying in there is as if you have prayed inside it. Interestingly, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said at the Conquest of Makkah that if the people were not new converts, he would have done a complete reconstruction of the Ka’ba, with an eastern and western door and including the Hateem area. However, he did not do this as he was sensitive to the culture and traditions of the people. Thus, we should respect sensitivities, as long as they do not compromise the religion itself.

Another fight broke out regarding who would position the Black Stone in its place. Abu Umaiyah bin Mughirah was one of the oldest men amongst the Quraysh, respected for his age and wisdom. He suggested praying to the Rabb of the House that the next man to enter will be the one to place it or the intermediary to make the decision to settle the matter. The person to enter was none other than the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Everyone was relieved to see him, commenting that ‘Al-Amin’, the ‘Trustworthy’, had come.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) asked for a large sheet to be brought to him; some say he removed his own shawl. He put it on the ground, placed the Black stone onto it, and called for all the leaders of the tribes to hold the sheet and lift the stone together to the Ka’ba. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) placed it himself into the final position. This event put him in the spotlight and highlighted the trust, honour and dignity he held amongst his people prior to the imminent revelation.

This episode elaborates on the history of the Ka’ba, discussing who first established it and how long it has existed. Allah says in the Quran:

Indeed, the first House [of worship] established for mankind was that at Makkah – blessed and a guidance for the worlds. (3:96)

In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House – for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves – then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds. (3:97)

In Bukhari, it is mentioned that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the first mosque to be established was the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, and then Masjid al-Aqsa. There were 40 years between each being established.

The origins of the coverings of the Ka’ba by Hajjaj bin Yusuf are discussed, as well as the first expansion of the mosque by Umar ibn Khattab. We learn it is acceptable to beautify and expand mosques.

Episode 22: Muhammad the Family Man & Renovation of the Kabah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

After marrying Khadija (radi Allahu anha) aged 25 years-old, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) dedicated the next 10 years of his life to establishing a home and a family. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that the best person among people is the one who is best to his family, and he said that he is the best to his family. Being a role model is more credible if you have experienced the relevant situations: thus, it necessitates that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was the ultimate family man. He offered insights as to how to interact with one’s family e.g. engaging in physical intimacy whole-heartedly; feeding one’s spouse with your own hand; not sacrificing family time for worship e.g. he would pray the fard prayers at the mosque and Sunnah prayers at home. Even in Madina, as a head of state, he was engaged in educating his children e.g. the tasbeeh after prayers is called the ‘Tasbeeh of Fatimah’.

We should learn that dedicating time to one’s family should not be seen as a waste, in terms of financial loss because of reduced time at work, or even as a sign that someone is not religiously committed, because they cannot dedicate so much time to the mosque. Family time is investing in the Akhirah as well as the community, as the community ultimately comprises groups of healthy families.

When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was 35 years-old, a major complete renovation of the Ka’ba occurred. The walls were literally falling apart, from wear-and-tear and water damage. The low door made theft possible as well. The Quraysh were very nervous about the potential consequences of changing the Ka’ba. A distant relative of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), the brother of his paternal grandmother, decided to be the first to start proceedings: he grabbed a stone from its place and it immediately moved back into its original place. He interpreted this as being a sign from Allah that the reconstruction should be approached carefully: the building should not be demolished all at once, but piece-by-piece renovations should occur, and only pure money should be used. We should also be mindful of the sources of money we give in Zakat, Sadaqah, etc. and bring only the purest of wealth. It is also reported that there was a well near the Ka’ba that had been empty and boarded-up for a long time. A huge serpent came bursting out and started circling the Ka’ba. On announcing this pact to only use pure money and approach the project piece-by-piece, the snake receded away or was collected by a large bird.

A fight ensued as to which tribe would be responsible for the reconstruction. The senior leader Walid ibn Mughirah said the project would be approached together: each tribe would have responsibility for separate parts of the Ka’ba. Then, the tribes were too scared to start the project for fear of divine repercussions: Walid ibn Mughirah started the project alone. Once everyone saw nothing happened to him, they all started the reconstruction. They reached the base and hit the foundations of Ibrahim (peace be upon him), causing a mini-earthquake: thus, they decided to leave this in place.

Episode 21: The Prophet Marries Khadijah

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Further details about the marriage between Khadija (radi Allahu anha) and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) are explored. The brother and uncle of Khadija (radi Allahu anha) oversaw the marriage process between them. Others say her father was involved. Khadija (radi Allahu anha) sent the official marriage proposal and called the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to meet the family. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) goes to his uncles and asks about the proposal. They all agree and Hamza, his uncle and milk brother, acts as his representative. They attend the house of Khadija (radi Allahu anha) and the nikkah is performed. It is said that Khadija (radi Allahu anha) was aged 40 and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) 25. However, some scholars report she was less than this, with opinions ranging from 28 to mid-30s.

Khadija (radi Allahu anha) addressed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) when he came for the proposal. She explains the reasons why she would like to marry him, which are primarily based on his good character e.g. she mentions he maintained relationships, was the best of his people and honest in speech. Similarly, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) spoke about Khadija (radi Allahu anha), praising her position as an honourable lady of Quraysh and her dignified character.

The mahr (marriage gift) was 20 goats. Some say it was 20 camels. By the standards of that time, it is a respectable mahr, but not extravagant. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not come from an extremely wealthy family, but he was still the grandson of Abdul Muttalib. The mahr should be an expression of love, so it should be given in accordance with a person’s means.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was married to Khadija (radi Allahu anha) for 25 years before her passing. He did not marry any other during their marriage, even though polygamy was common practice at that time. Together, they had 6 children: 2 sons and 4 daughters.

Qasim was their first child, who died when he was a few years old. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) liked being called Abul-Qasim. Their 4 daughters were Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah: all 4 accepted Islam. The three older daughters passed away during the lifetime of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Fatimah witnessed the passing of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), and passed away 6 months afterwards. The youngest child was Abdullah, who was also known as Taiyib (pure one) and Tahir (clean one). He died within days of birth. It is profound to note that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) buried 6 of his 7 children, the 6th being Ibrahim, who was born of his wife Maaria al-Qibtiyya.

Episode 20: Muhammad The Businessman & A Marriage Proposal

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was not inclined towards materialism. In his 20s, he concerned himself with establishing his means of living, as he wanted to marry and settle down, as well as help Abu Talib financially. Some initial proposals did not work out. He pursued business locally, as Abu Talib declined his request to go to Ash-Sham, because of the incident with Bhaira the monk. As he did not have the initial capital, he decided to broker deals between wholesalers and retailers, working on commission.

He had a business partner by the name of Abu Saib, who was trustworthy and honest. They had some success and were able to launch themselves. Even after Prophethood, in the conquest of Makkah i.e. 35-40 years after the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did business with this man, he greeted Abu Saib affectionately. He praised Abu Saib as being the best business partner, even though he was not Muslim at the time. Abu Saib did eventually accept Islam.

Khadija bint Khuwaylid (radi Allahu anha) was a widow, and had been married twice before. She was extremely wealthy, and continued her business by hiring men to do business on her behalf in Ash-Sham. When she heard about the reputation of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), she wanted to hire him: they met to discuss the business proposal and she offered him twice the amount of commission she had offered anyone else. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) agreed to work for her.

It is said that Khadija (radi Allahu anha) convinced Abu Talib to allow the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to travel on business to Ash-Sham with her bodyguard Maisarah. On the trip, Maisarah notices some interesting things:

1) They stop in the same area that was inhabited by Bhaira the monk, as this was the usual rest area for the Qurayshi caravans. However, another monk was resident at that time. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) sat under a tree. The monk came to Maisarah and enquired about the man under the tree: the monk reports that no man will sit under that tree at this time except a Prophet.

2) They make more profit than normal in their transactions in both Ash-Sham and in Makkah.

3) On the return journey, Maisarah notices that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) seems very calm despite the extreme heat: looking up, Maisarah sees that he was covered by shade as he travelled, as if two angels were providing the shade.

On their return, the accounts are settled with Khadija (radi Allahu anha). She is impressed by the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) attention to details. Afterwards, Khadija (radi Allahu anha) sits with Maisarah, who recounts the interesting events and amazing character of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) engages in more business deals with Khadija (radi Allahu anha), with similar successful results.

Khadija (radi Allahu anha) was becoming interested in this young man. She speaks to Waraqah, her cousin, who encourages her to pursue the proposal. She then speaks to her friend Nafisa, who offers to discuss the situation with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). She asks him his opinion of Khadija (radi Allahu anha), and he praises her character. She asks if he would consider her for marriage, and he confirms if she is interested in marriage. Nafisa and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then go to Abu Talib to discuss the marriage proposal.

Episode 19: The Virtuous Pact of Social Justice

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Another scenario which highlighted the unjust practice of blind tribal allegiance occurred when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was about 20 years old: this resulted in the formation of the Hilf al-Fudoul: ‘the Virtuous Pact’.

A man came to do business in Makkah from the tribe of Zubaid. The Zubaidi encountered a Qurayshi man, who asked him to handover his merchandise, but he would give payment to the Zubaidi the next day. People from outside Makkah respected the Quraysh, as they were the care-takers of the sacred sanctuary, hence the Zubaidi’s unquestioning trust of the Qurayshi. However, when he went to collect the money the next day, the Qurayshi man denied any knowledge.

The Zubaidi was distraught at the situation. He went to all the leaders and complained of the Qurayshi stealing his merchandise. They dismissed him unjustly, as their loyalties lay with the tribe. The Zubaidi then goes to the Ka’ba at sunrise, which is when the leaders would gather to discuss the day’s agenda. He stood at the door and took his shirt off, as a sign of desperation. He cried out to the people his situation, addressing the people of dignity and honour, asking how theft and oppression could occur in the city Makkah, the site of the sanctuary.

The first to stand up and sympathise with him is the Uncle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Zubair bin Abdul Muttalib, who later accepted Islam. The Qurayshi leaders gather and decide action must be taken. A man by the name of Abdullah bin Juda’an calls a meeting at home and an agreement is formed for injustice to stop: the pact is to support the rights of the oppressed, whatever the tribal backgrounds of the oppressor, even if this is against their own Quraysh.

This pact is called ‘Hilf al-Fudoul’. There are 2 opinions as to the meaning of ‘al-Fudoul’:

1)  From a historical perspective, there were three men present by the name of al-Fadal, hence the plural form ‘al-Fudoul’.

2)  From a linguistic perspective, ‘fadal’ means ‘virtuous’.

Thus, the first act under the Hilf al-Fudoul was that all the men present went to the Qurayshi who mistreated the Zubaidi. The merchandise is returned to the wronged Zubaidi.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) reports when in Medina that he witnessed the pact 30-40 years prior. He said would not trade his presence there for red she-camels i.e. the most valuable things in the world. He also said that if the pact was called in Islam, he would answer. Interestingly, the Hilf al-Fudoul was called upon even after the death of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) by his grandson Hussain ibn Ali ibn Abu Talib, when there was a disagreement over money with Al-Walid bin Utbah bin Abu Sufyan.

Episode 18: The Sacrilegious War

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Between the ages of 15-20 years old, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had some profound experiences which had a huge impact on him. One incident was that of the Harb-ul-Fijar: the ‘Sacrilegious’ war. ‘Fijar’ relates to something which is inappropriate and in violation of the ethics, morals or religion of the people at that time.

The conflict started because of a dispute between two men, one from Quraysh and another from a tribe in Ta’if. The man from Quraysh had some customers, who the man from Ta’if also approached to take their business for himself. Later, the man from Quraysh attacked and killed the man from Ta’if on account of his anger. As well as being unjust, this murder also occurred in one of the 4 sacred months, when killing was forbidden, hence the name ‘Sacrilegious War’.

The infuriated tribe from Ta’if gathers an army and heads to Makkah. The Quraysh were upset with the Qurayshi who killed the man unjustly, but due to tribal allegiances, they felt compelled to defend the tribe’s honour, instead of acting justly e.g. paying blood money. A stalemate ensues: neither tribe wishes to hold a full-scale war, because the stakes are high: neither wanted to see their areas desecrated. The conflict remained for about 5 years, with only 5 days of actual fighting.

The Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) uncles were heading out to fight. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was at an age when it was expected he would participate in defending the tribe. However, he disliked to participate because of the unjust pretext the war was being engaged under. Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) managed to avoid the first 2 days, but had to go on the third and fiercest day. The majority say his role was that of collecting the arrowheads and lining them up for the warriors to use: he never unjustly raised a sword against anyone.

At the end of the 5 years, the leaders of both tribes sat together for discussions: they could not even remember why they were fighting. Both sides agreed to forgiveness.

Episode 17: The Teenage Years

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The session concentrates on the adolescence of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Makkah, which is recognised to be a challenging time from an iman perspective in anyone’s life. However, some incidents show how Allah protects his Messengers and Prophets from falling into any reprehensible behaviour, including the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

One incident related by the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) mentions a time when he was a young boy. Together with other young boys, he was shifting rocks. To aid the task, some boys exposed themselves by removing their lower garment and used the sheet to carry the rocks. The boys encouraged the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to do the same. As soon as he did this, he felt a hard slap at the back of his head, but he did not see anyone behind him. Then he heard a voice telling him to put his clothes back on again.

The second incident reports a time when he was an older teenager, when there were renovations of the Kaba in progress. The high ranking members of the noble families were given preference to help in the task first. Thus, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had an early opportunity to help carry the materials for the reconstruction. His Uncle Abbas suggested adjusting his garments, which risked exposure of his body, so as to aid carrying the rocks. As the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) started to do this, Abbas narrates that he collapsed to the ground, with his eyes looking up towards the sky. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) then got up, asking for his clothing, and he immediately dressed appropriately again. On enquiry, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that he had been forbidden from walking around not properly clothed in public.

Abu Talib was in some financial difficulty and the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) wanted to help him. Belonging to a noble family, it was not appropriate for him to do menial labour. The men of Quraysh were merchants, which was the most prestigious job in that culture. However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was too young to do this and Abu Talib disliked that he travelled. He pursued the job of shepherding, which was regarded respectfully: it was deemed a job that imbued leadership qualities in a person e.g. patience, observation, responsibility and vigilance.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was protected from the evil practices at the time, but was not completely sheltered i.e. he was aware of the happenings, but never felt inclined to participate in lewd behaviour or idol worship. One story recounts how he was encouraged to attend a social gathering, but on two occasions, he passed out before reaching the event. He did not wake up until the following morning, by which time everyone had left.

EP115 – The conclusion of the Battle of Uhud

Episode 16: Bhaira The Monk

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Another well-konown incident is the meeting of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with Bhaira the monk. There is a difference in narrations as to the age of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) when this happened: the minority report that he was 9 years old i.e. that this happened soon after he came under the care of Abu Talib. The majority report he was 1 2 years old.

Abu Talib was a businessman and he decided to go on a business trip to Ash-Sham. At that time in history, Ash-Sham was ruled by the Romans, with a strong Christian presence. Travel was very difficult and initially, Abu Talib planned to leave the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) behind in Makkah. However, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) cried profusely and asked not to be left behind. Finally, Abu Talib agrees he can join the business caravan.

While travelling, they stop near a place called Busra, which was the usual stopping place for the Quraysh. Here, there was a temple inhabited by Bhaira ar-Rahib. The majority say he was Christian, but some accounts say he was Jewish. That temple had always been inhabited by academic scholars of the Jewish-Christian tradition. The locals would stay away from Bhaira as he did not like interacting with people. When the Quraysh arrived, he would usually have nothing to do with them.

This time, with the arrival of the Quraysh caravan, something catches the attention of Bhaira: he sees that a cloud is moving along with them. When they stop, the cloud stops. He notices a boy breaks apart from the group and the cloud follows him. Sitting under a tree, the branches seem to move to provide shade for the boy. Bhaira recognises the signs of the last Messenger of all times.

Bahira becomes very intrigued and decides to invite the Quraysh for a feast at the temple. The group is surprised by his pleasant behaviour. They leave the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to look after the precious merchandise. Bhaira does not see the boy at the feast and asks if they brought everyone. After this, they bring him to the feast too. Whilst the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is eating, Bhaira studies him intently. He shows a lot of affection towards the boy, as he wanted to show his hospitality to the boy that he believed to be the Prophet of the last times.

Bhaira speaks to Abu Talib, sharing his concerns that this special boy should not be taken further into Ash-Sham: he feels that other people may recognise what Bhaira himself recognised, but they may not be so merciful towards the boy. Thus, Abu Talib decides the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) should return to Makkah. There are three narrations as to what happens next:

1. A small minority mention that Abu Talib decides to take the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) with him to Ash-Sham, but he shortens the business trip.
2. The majority mention Abu Talib returns to Makkah from Busra and he takes the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) home himself.
3. Another account mentions that some young people were with the caravan, including Abu Bakr and Bilal the slave. Others in the business caravan do not want to lose Abu Talib’s company on the trip and suggest that the 3 young people go together to Makkah.

Episode 15: With His Loving Grandfather & Uncle

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode looks at the time the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) spent with his grandfather and uncle. It is interesting to note that Allah never deprived him of the presence of a loving, caring individual, despite him losing his father and mother. These individuals were always people of great character and ethics.

Abdul-Muttalib, his grand-father, was incredibly loving towards the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He was always looking for him and would check on him before going to sleep. There was a cushion for Abdul Muttalib to sit on under the shade of the Ka’ba, where he would meet and greet people, with his back against the Ka’ba. This seat was especially reserved for him and no-one dared to sit on it. His sons would sit immediately around him: even his own children would not dare sit on that seat out of respect for him. However, the Prophet, aged 6, would come and sit on that seat. His uncles would grab him and move him out the way: when Abdul-Muttalib would see them moving him, he would say to leave the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) alone.

When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) reached the age of 8, his grandfather passed away. Abdul-Muttalib called all his family and emphasised the importance of taking care of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He asked Abu Talib to talk care of him, whereas as Abbas was given the responsibility of the well of Zam Zam and arranging water for the visitors of the Ka’ba.

Abu Talib was the most closely related to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), as he had the same mother as Abdullah, the father of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). A simple man, Abu Talib took great care him: he would not eat food until the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had eaten, and would check upon him before going to sleep. He truly loved him more than his own children.

Episode 14: Death of the Prophets Mother

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) went back to being in the care of his mother, Amina, in Makkah. Amina decided to make a trip to Yathrib, which later became the blessed city of Medina. Some say his mother wanted him to meet the extended family members; others report it was because she wanted to visit the grave of her husband, Abdullah, who died in Medina. The two were accompanied by Umm Aiman (Barakah), one of the milk mothers of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). They spent time in Quba and Yathrib, staying for about one month. They left Yathrib and travelled to a place called Abwa: it is here that Amina passed away due to an unknown illness.

Umm Aiman buried the mother of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and embraced Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), who was 6 years old. Some reports say she returned to Yathrib with the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), where they stayed for a few days until his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, came to take him home. Other reports mention Umm Aiman returned to Makkah with Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) alone.

Once, the Sahabah were with the Prophet at a place near Abwa. The Prophet asked them to wait until he came back, requesting that no-one followed him. He returned looking ill and heavy-hearted. He then explained that he went to the grave his mother. Initially, the Prophet had forbidden the visiting of graves, to distance people from idol worship. However, when they had become secure in their faith, he then allowed them to visit graves.

Another narration shows the shear sadness of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) from these memories of his mother. Some Sahabah are reported to have accompanied the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to a grave, where he sat down and cried profusely, to the point where he choked up and lost his breath. The Sahabah also started crying. Umar comforted the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and asked why he was crying so much, to which the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) replied that the grave was that of his beloved mother. This story shows the human, emotional side of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Episode 13: Splitting of his Chest

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode recounts the story of the splitting of the Prophet Muhammad’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) chest. His brother Abdullah came running one day to his parents looking petrified, crying ‘My brother, my brother!’ He mentions that two men came wearing white clothes, lay the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) down on his back and split his chest open. It was at this point Abdullah went running for help.

A cut was made from the hollow of his neck to his navel. They removed the heart, split it open, and took a black blood clot out and threw it away. They had a dish made of gold, and they washed the heart in ZamZam with ice. The heart was then returned again to the chest.

These men were actually angels: they were seen to come from the sky. A conversation takes place between the two angels, which reports that the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) would outweigh the whole Ummah.

Halimah and her husband were very worried by this event, and thus they immediately set out to Makkah to return the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to his mother. His mother realised something had occurred, and reassured them that Shaytaan would never be able to get a hold of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). She recounts the miraculous events during her pregnancy e.g. she did not feel any burden whatsoever during the pregnancy.

In respect of the the heart being cleansed, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) encounters a similar event at the time of Isra and Mi’raj.

Episode 12: Halimah’s Blessing

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode discusses Halimah Sadiya, another lady who breast-fed the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Arabs in Makkah preferred their children to spend their early years being raised in the desert, where it was felt they were safer from diseases and pollution rife in the city, as well as having the opportunity of learning pure, eloquent Arabic. Women from desert tribes would come to Makkah to collect the children, in return for financial incentives.

Halima was married and had three children of her own. She and her family made an arduous journey to Makkah, recounting that it was a year of drought. Her camel was not able to give milk, thus her own milk dried up. Their mule was very slow, thus they fell behind the group. They did not sleep all night due to hunger and the wailing of their hungry child. Eventually reaching Makkah, they found that all the other women in the tribe had already secured babies from good families with good financial incentives. The one chid left was the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Halima was reluctant to take him, worried that he was an orphan, but she also did not want to return empty-handed.

As soon as Halima collected the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), miracles started: her milk flowed abundantly; the mule suddenly became fit and active; the camel produced milk; their land became green and the livestock grazed to their fill, also producing abundant milk.

When a child reaches 2 years, it is usually time to return them home again. Halima did not want to return the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) because of the blessings he brought, as well as the close attachment that had developed.: she convinced his mother to allow him to return with her, thus he stayed a further time of between 6-18months.

Episode 11: The Women Who Cared for the Prophet

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode discuses the infancy of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was nursed by his own mother, Amina, as well as some other women. When a child is nursed by a women other than the mother, it establishes a relationship such that it is forbidden to marry that  person i.e. she becomes a milk-mother; he also cannot marry her daughters. The lives of two milk-mothers are explored:

a) Barakah (Umm Ayman)

Barakah was originally from from East Africa and a slave. First owned by Abdul Muttalib, she was given to Abdullah, and thus ended up in the home of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): he inherited her from his mother, and when he married Khadijah, he freed her, but she remained close to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Barakah accepted Islam and performed Hijrah. She accompanied the Muslims in some of the battles. Ayman, her son, was born from a previous marriage and was a believer. Her husband also accepted Islam, and was martyred in a battle. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) proposed that whoever would like to marry a women from the people of paradise, that man should marry Umm Ayman. Zaid ibn Haritha, the adopted son of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), chose to marry her. They had a son together called Usama ibn Zaid. Barakah died 20 days after the death of Umar Al-Khattab.

b) Thuwaybah

Thuwaybah was a slave-girl owned by Abu Lahab. When the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was born, she came running to Abu Lahab to inform him of the  good news. Abu Lahab was so overjoyed that he freed her on the spot. It is mentioned that Abbas the uncle of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), saw Abu Lahab in a dream and asked him what happened after death. Abu Lahab said he had been punished non-stop, but every Monday, he was given a break because when the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was born he freed Thuwaybah. Thuwaybah also nursed the Prophet’s uncle, Hamza, and Abu Salamah. She accepted Islam, and died in 7AH.

Episode 10: Birth of the Messenger Pt 2

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Several miraculous events are said to have happened around the time of the birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The issues with the authenticity of these reports are discussed.

It is mentioned that the palace of Kisra, in Persia, shook on the night of the birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Fourteen balconies broke and fell off the palace. A sacred fire, which was the central object of worship in the region, that had not blown out for 1000 years, became extinguished. The Tigris river levels became very low, so that water stopped flowing to some regions.

With these events, the king gathered his people and council. He was advised that that there are suggestions of something interesting going on towards Arabia. The king thus sent a man in the direction of the Arabs to find out what was happening. The leaders of Sham were also found to be asking the same question: what was happening in the direction of the Arabs? An individual who was knowledgable about prophecies reported that these events signified that the man who was to be the Prophet of the last times had been born. He details a prophecy that the reign of the Kisra would see only fourteen more emperors until its demise.

Other prophecies around the person to be the last Prophet include:
– he would be born on a Monday, given Prophethood on a Monday and die on a Monday
– a star would be present that was also seen the night previous Prophets were born
– he would be an orphan
– on his back, between his shoulder blades, was a birth mark like a cluster of moles with hairs growing (the seal of Prophethood)
– he would not live to see the age of 70 years.

Episode 9: Birth of the Messenger Pt 1

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode discusses the birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The majority of scholars say he was born during Rabbi Al-Awwal. The date has a variety of narrations, including the 2nd, 8th, 10th and 17th. The 12th is the popularly known date mentioned by Ibn Ishaaq. His birthday corresponds to the date 25th April 571 CE.

Narrations are explored of miraculous events that occurred during the pregnancy and birth. Amina reports that throughout her pregnancy, she did not feel any discomfort: even the labour was pain-free. She saw a dream where light from her uterus was illuminating the palaces of Syria and Sham.

After the birth, Abdul Muttalib took his grandson to the Kaba and made dua for him. He named him Muhammad, ‘the abundantly praised’, which at the time was a rare name. The Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) other names are also discussed.

Finally there are discussions around the circumcision of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and also about celebrating the Prophet’s birthday (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Episode 8: The Prophets Parents

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode explores the immediate family of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): 1) his great-grandfather Hashim, 2) his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, 3) his mother Amina, and 4) his father Abdullah.

1) Hashim inherited the responsibility of giving water to those who visited the Kaba. He extended this hospitality to include giving food. His name was actually Amr, but the name Hashim occurred as a result of his crushing bread into the broth for the visitors. Hashim also established the economy of the area by starting travelling business caravans in both summer and winter. Whilst on a journey, Hashim married the great-grandmother of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Madina, named Salma bint Amr from the tribe of Banu Najjar. Thus, the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) lineage is split between Makkah and Madina.

2) Hashim died in Gaza, Palestine whilst on a trade journey. Salma was expecting Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). His original name was Shaybah, meaning ‘little old man’, as he had some white hair at birth. He grew up in Madina, as his mother had kept the birth secret from his paternal family in Makkah, for fear of them taking him away. Eventually, the brother of Hashim goes to Madina to retrieve Shaybah once he discovers his existence. Salma reluctantly agrees for her son to go to Makkah. On their arrival in Makkah, people assume the young boy is the slave of Muttalib, hence the name ‘Abdul Muttalib’.

3) When Abdul Muttalib discovered Zam Zam, he vowed to Allah that if he were to be blessed with 10 sons, he would sacrifice one of them for his sake. Once his prayer was realised, he drew lots to determine which son would be sacrificed: every time the name of his most beloved, Abdullah, would arise. Abdul Muttalib was determined to fulfil his oath, despite everyone’s attempt to make him change his mind. A fortune-teller offered a solution to the dilemma: she advised drawing lots between the name of Abdullah and 10 camels- the lots would be drawn until the camels were drawn, with the compensation of 10 camels being totalled up each time Abdullah’s name was picked. The final compensation was 100 camels to avert the sacrifice of Abdullah.

4) Abdullah married Amina bint Wahab. Soon after, Abdullah went on a business trip. He stopped in Madina, where he died. In Makkah, Amina was pregnant with the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode also explores the commonly asked question as to the fate of people, such as the parents of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), in the hereafter.

Episode 7: Invasion of the Elephants

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

This episode continues to review the attack on Makkah by Abraha, the leader of Yemen, with a group of intimidating elephants accompanying his 60,000-strong army.

Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), met Abraha before the attack: he asked to have his 200 camels returned, which had been taken by the army. Abraha reports that with this seemingly nonsensical request, his initial high regard for Abdul Muttalib rapidly dissipated, as he was expecting him to appeal for the attack on the Kaba to be halted. With this, Abdul Muttalib intelligently answered that he was the owner of the camels and the Kaba had an owner, Allah, who would take care of it. Abraha remained intent on destroying the Kaba. Thus, the inhabitants of Makkah evacuated to the hills in anticipation of the attack, with Abdul Muttalib appealing to Allah to protect the Kaba.

Abraha approached Makkah, riding the largest elephant, Mahmood. However, the mighty elephant sat down and refused to walk. He would walk in the opposite direction, but on being turned towards the Kaba, immediately sat down. The army proceeded, but a flock of small birds carrying 3 small stones each, one in the beak and one in each claw, threw the stones down on the army and obliterated it. A flash flood carried the bodies away from Makkah. Abraha died a slow, painful death as a result of the injuries he sustained.

EP114 – The Martyrs of Uhud

Episode 6: History of Zamzam

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Two significant incidents occurred in the life of the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Abdul-Muttalib. The digging up of the well of Zam Zam and the invasion of the army of elephants both preceded the momentous birth of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

In multiple dreams, Abdul Muttalib was told to dig up the well of Zam Zam. Drinking Zam Zam has the virtue of being an act of worship, as it is part of the Sunnah in Umrah and Hajj. Zam Zam serves whatever purpose it is drank for. The etiquettes of drinking it include: facing the Kaba, saying ‘Bismillah’ at the start, drinking it in parts by pausing to take three breaths, drinking to your fill, and ending by thanking Allah.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was born in the same year as the invasion of the army of the elephants. Abraha, a ruler of Yemen, wanted to divert people away from the Kaba at Makkah, and thus built a church in Yemen. A man from the Arab tribe of Banu Kinanah defiled the church disrespectfully. This enraged Abraha, who vowed to destroy the Kaba. He gathered 60,000 troops and marched to Makkah. Further details are explored in Episode 7.

Episode 5: Monotheism Before Islam

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Although idol worship was rampant in Pre-Islamic Arabic, there remained a few people who followed the religion of Prophet Ibrahim- the ‘Hunafa’, and these individuals are explored. The singular form ‘Haneef’ means to ‘focus constantly’. Two notable personalities include:

1. Zaid bin Amr bin Nufayl: he travelled outside Arabia in search of the true message. He strongly denied idolatry and its associated practices, as well as saving newborn girls from being buried alive. The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is narrated to have said that he will be resurrected as an Ummah by himself between the Prophet Muhammed (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and Isa bin Maryam (alaihissalam).

2. Waraqa bin Nawfal: he also travelled with Zaid bin Amr bin Nufayl to explore the truth, and converted to Christianity. A cousin of Khadija, the wife of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), Waraqa was the person consulted after the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) received the first revelation. He proclaimed his belief, but died soon after.

The lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is explored back to Prophet Adam (alaihissalam).

Episode 4: Pre-Islamic Society Pt 2

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

In this episode, the religion of Pre-Islamic Arabia is explored. In surah Yasin, it is mentioned that Prophet Muhammed (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was sent to warn the people.

‘That you may warn a people whose forefathers were not warned, so they are unaware.’ (V36:6)

Guidance had not been sent for a long time: the message of monotheism had been brought by previous prophets. Over time, the message had been diluted and corrupted. Christianity and Judaism were practiced by the fringes of society.

Notably, idol worship was introduced to the area by a leader named Amr bin Luhayy. Although Allah was accepted as the supreme God, the idols were considered to have their own levels of influence as intermediaries. In each area, mini sanctuaries similar to the Kaba in Makkah were established with idols at their centre. Ultimately, the idols became the ends and not the means of worship.

Lack of religious guidance gave rise to the practices of superstition, belief in evil omens, and the use of gambling and divination by shooting arrows, watching the directions of flight of birds, and astrology. The minor remnants of the practices of past prophets were that the Kaba in Makkah was seen as a sacred place and that the idols were accountable to the higher authority of Allah. However, innovations far from the practices of past prophets also crept in, like doing tawaaf naked, whilst clapping and whistling. Religious practice was amended to suit the people, for example, with the rearranging of sacred months during times of warfare.

Episode 3: Pre-Islamic Society Pt 1

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

To understand the Seerah, it important to appreciate the circumstances at that time in Arabia: this gives perspective as to why the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was sent to this region.

The origins of the word ‘Arab’, as well as the geographic, political and economic background of Pre-Islamic Arabia are explored. Essentially, the area was a tribal-dominated system, with deep traditions of culture and language. In some respects, it was insulated from the outside world by the natural barriers of immense bodies of surrounding water and expanses of arid desert areas. Conversely, being bordered by the Persian and Roman empires and sea routes made it a natural epicenter for trade.

Culturally, there were positives and negatives to life in Arabia. Privileges were enjoyed according to social standing: high-society controlled the political situation, and was immune from justice and accountability. Those unfortunate enough to belong to lower social classes were treated unjustly, and in some cases worse than animals. Family life was revered in some cases, with the institution of marriage respected. In contrast, immoralities like infidelity and promiscuity were also rampant. Positive characteristics of the Arab people themselves included their renowned hospitality, being true to their word, having a great respect for genealogy, and giving great weight to knowledge being passed on via oral traditions.

The lack of unifying governance, economy and religion made pre-Islamic Arabia a prime area to receive divine guidance as a fresh start.

Episode 2: Introduction Pt 2

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

Further discussion is pursued about the benefits of studying the Seerah: it aids our understanding of the Quran, as the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) makes the Quran come to life.

His (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) perfect example gives us the ultimate role model to emulate in our interactions with all demographics of society: children, youth, women, non-Muslims, students and family members to name a few. Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) juggled all this, on top of the epic responsibility of being the Messenger of God.

No human being’s life has been documented like his. Reports are so detailed as to describe physical features, like the light tan colour of his skin, his broad, welcoming face and his dark, almost black eyes, to his perfect conduct and character e.g. he was always concerned about the condition of the people, he did not talk unnecessarily, but was always the first to give salaam, and when conversing, he would turn his body fully to face people.

This section also covers resources to supplement the study of the Seerah, including Ibn Ishaq’s ‘Sirat Rasul Allah’ (The Life of Muhammad), Ibn Kathir’s ‘Al Bidayah Wa Al Nihayah’ (The Beginning and the End), Martin Lings’ ‘Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources’, ‘Fiqh Us-Seerah’ by Muhammad Al-Ghazali, and ‘The Sealed Nectar’ by Safiur Rahman Mubarukpuri.

Episode 1: Introduction Pt 1

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

So what is ‘Seerah’? The word linguistically means ‘a path’, ‘to walk in a particular direction’. More figuratively, it refers to someone’s life biography. Specifically, Seerah refers to the Prophetic biography. It includes everything from the occurrences in the life the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam), from his daily practices, attributes, physical characteristics, mannerisms, expeditions, to family life.

Why study Seerah? It goes hand-in-hand with the study of the Quran. The Quran itself states that there is not a better example than the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) himself:

There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. (Quran 33:21)

This series hopes to be different from dry, factual studies, or ‘superhero-tales’, which we may feel we cannot ever aspire to: it aims to humanise the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam)  and provide eternal practical lessons for every-day life, as well as engender love for the best of humankind. How can you possibly love someone you do not know?

EP113 – The Prophet PBUH is Injured

EP112 – The death of Hamzah RA

EP111 – Abu Dujana

EP110 – The battle of Uhud

EP109 – Ka’b ibn al-Ashraf

EP108 – Banu Qaynuqa’

EP107 – Fatima’s marriage to Ali

EP124 – A year after Uhud

EP106 – Two more Expeditions

EP105 – The Story of Zainab

EP104 – The Battle of Badr and Surah Al-Anfal

EP103 – The Scene in Makkah after Badr

EP102 – The prisoners and spoils of war from Badr

EP101 – The fall of Abu Jahl

EP100 – The defeat of Quraysh

EP99 – Badr, the Battle Begins

EP98 – Arrival at Badr

EP97 – The Wells of Badr

EP123 – The Battle of Najd