Fatwa of Karachi Darul Ullom Mobile Ringtones
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Monday, 22 July 2013
Saturday, 20 July 2013
REQUIREMENT OF FASTING (AL HADITH)
Requirements of Fasting (Al Hadith)
Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضی اللہ عنہ reported: Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said, "If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink.'' [Al-Bukhari].This Hadith exhorts those observing Saum to fulfill all the requirements of fasting. One should not conduct himself in such a manner that on the one side he observes Saum and on the other he is fearless of Allah. To save himself from Allah's wrath and to get the reward of the fasts, one must abstain from all sorts of vices, such as cheating, lying, backbiting, and using obscene language. The threat held against such people in this Hadith should make them fear that their Saum will go waste and they would be deprived of its reward. It does not mean that such people should start eating and drinking during Saum but what is intended is that they should save themselves from all kinds of sins so that they may earn the reward of Saum.
THE BATTLE OF MUTAH
The Battle of Mutah
Sent by: Abdullah
Nothing
like this had ever happened in recent history. It was unheard of and
against all international laws and tradition. The ambassador of
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam to Syria, Hadhrat Harith bin
Umayr, had been murdered by the ruler of Busra, Syria. This was also a
low way of challenging the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alaihi
wasallam to a fight.
At
present the Muslims of Madinah were surrounded by a host of problems
and Syria and Rome were the superpowers of that time. To take up their
challenge would mean opening up a new and dangerous front. But the
murder of an ambassador and sahabi-e-Rasul was not something to be taken
lightly.
Rasulullah
sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was greatly grieved. He called the people
and let them know of what had happened. At the same time he announced
the formation of an army that would be headed by Hadhrat Zayd bin
Harithah, his adopted son. If he were to be martyred, the command was to
be taken by Hadhrat Ja’far bin abi Talib, his dear cousin; if he were
to be martyred, the burden would fall on the shoulders of the brave poet
sahabi Abdullah bin Rawahah radhiyallahu ta'ala anhum. And if he were
to meet his Lord, then it would be up to the Muslims to choose whomever
they thought appropriate for the position.
This
way of appointing commanders was not the usual practice of the Prophet
sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. It told a story of its own; that all three
of these respected personalities would not return to Madinah. A Jew who
was listening said to Hadhrat Zayd,
“We
have a saying among the Bani Israel that whenever a prophet stated in
such a manner that if so and so gets martyred, so and so will take his
place, then that person was doubtlessly killed. So, o Zayd! If Muhammad
is really a prophet, then you will not return to him.”
Listening
to this Hadhrat Zayd replied in cool tones, “Then hear, I give witness
that Muhammad sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam is Allah’s true and chaste
prophet.” With this answer he made it very clear where his loyalties lay
even in a dire and hopeless situation and his fearlessness concerning
death.
Rasulullah
sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam gave the flag to Hadhrat Zayd radhiyallahu
ta'ala with his own hands. An army of 3,000 men had been prepared that
marched out of Madinah seen off by their Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi
wasallam and a huge crowd of Muslims. They saw off their brave men under
the shadow of duas,
“May Allah be your companion, and drive away evil from you, and bring you victorious (back to Madinah)”
The poet who was Abdullah bin Rawahah radhiyallahu ta'ala, answered back in instant verse,
“But I ask Allah for forgiveness
And the sword’s fatal blow
That gushes blood in froth
Or a deadly blow
From a Harrani’s lance
That goes through my insides
So
When people pass by my grave
They exclaim:
Allah had guided this ghazi
And he has reached his abode”
So,
these were the sentiments and high valour with which the me of Madinah
set forth towards Syria to answer the challenge of Heracleus and avenge
the killing of their ambassador and friend Hadhrat Harith bin Umayr
radhiyallahu ta'ala anh.
The
seekers of martyrdom went on their way as far as Ma'an in Syria where
they heard that Heraclius had come down to Ma'ab in Balqa' with 100.000
Greeks joined by 100.000 men form Lakhm, Judham, al-Qayn, Bahra and
Bali. This was another unusual episode, for why would a superpower give
so much importance to a band of just three thousand fighters that it had
brought out for them 200,000 soldiers? It shows the terror Allah puts
in the hearts of the kuffar for true Muslims.
The situation demanded some consideration. So the Muslims spent two
nights at Ma'an pondering what to do. Many of the sahabah were of the
view that since the state of affairs was unforeseen, they should ask
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam for advice and assistance. Many
of the army were of the same opinion but Hadhrat Abdullah ibne Rawahah
gave an inspiring speech that boosted the morale of the people, he said,
“O
people! That which has begun to upset you, by Allah! It is the same
that you came in search of…. and that is martyrdom. Remember! Whenever
we have fought a battle it has never been on strength of numbers, or
that of weapons and horses. I was in Badr and by Allah! We had no more
than two horses; I was in Uhud, and we had only one horse. Yes, the
basis for our battles has always been our religion with which Allah has
honoured us. So come! Move forward; one of two honours will be yours:
either you will defeat your enemy, and fulfill the promise of Allah and
his Messenger that is never untrue; or you will be martyred and join
your brothers in Jannah!”
This speech filled the sahabah with zeal and fervour and they felt ready for anything that came their way. They cried,
‘By Allah ibne Rawahah is right.'
Then
people went forward until when they were on the borders of the Balqa'
the Greek and the Arab forces of Heraclius met them in a village called
Masharif. When the enemy approached, the Muslims withdrew to a village
called Mutah. There the forces met and the Muslims made their
dispositions, pitting over the right wing Qutbah ibn Qatadah of Banu
Udhrah, and over the left wing an Ansari called Ubaya ibn Malik.
When
fighting began Zayd ibne Harithah fought holding the Messenger's
standard, until he died from loss of blood among the spears of the
enemy. Then Ja’far radhiyallahu ta'ala took it in his hand. Lances and
arrows were flying in all directions. It became difficult for Hadhrat
Ja’far to sit on his horse so he jumped off with the standard in his
right hand. An enemy approached and cut off his hand. He swung the
standard in his left hand. That too was targeted and sliced off by an
enemy soldier. Not wanting the flag of the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi
wasallam to fall, he clenched it with his two stumps to his breast, but
the third strike of the sword sent him to the other world as a martyr.
Ibne
Umar radhiyallahu ta'ala reports that on the day of the battle of Mutah
he stood beside Ja’far who was dead, and he counted fifty wounds on his
body, caused by stabs or strokes, and none of those wounds was in his
back.
According
to the instructions of Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, Abdullah
bin Rawahah now took up the standard and advanced towards the enemy.
The long journey and the fight had weakened his strength the effects of
which were apparent on his face. God knows when he had had the last
morsel of food in his mouth. As he went towards the enemy, a cousin of
his came to him with some pieces of meat and said, “You have strived a
lot these days, eat this to keep your back straight.” Ibne Rawahah had
just reached out his hand when he heard a battle cry from the Muslims.
He instinctively put down the food, picked up his sword and ran towards
the action, saying to himself, “Are you engaged with the world at a time
like this?” he fought the battle of a brave man and died doing his duty
towards Allah.
The
fallen flag was picked immediately by Hadhrat Thabit bin Aqram
radhiyallahu ta'ala anh. He shouted out, “Decide on a leader among you.”
The
people shouted back, “Then let it be you!” but he did not agree. Then
Hadhrat Khalid bin Walid was selected and was handed over the standard.
He fought with all his heart and was able to defeat the 200,000 of the
enemy and bring the Muslims safely back to Madinah.
Back
in Madinah, Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was not unaware of
what was happening. Once, even before any news had come from the
battlefield, he called the sahabah to him and said,
"Zayd
took the flag (as the commander of the army) and was martyred, then
Ja’far took it and was martyred, and then Ibne Rawahah took it and was
martyred." At the time, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alaihi
wasallam’s eyes were shedding tears. He added, " Then flag was taken by a
sword amongst the swords of Allah (Khalid bin Walid) and Allah made
them (the Muslims) victorious."
This
is the same battle after which Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam
gave the tidings of Hadhrat Ja’far being given two wings in place of his
hands, and this is why he is remembered as Ja’far Tayyaar (one who
flies).
Khalid
bin Walid radhiyallahu Ta’ala said, 'On the day of the battle of Mutah,
nine swords were broken in my hand, and nothing was left in my hand
except a Yemenite sword of mine.'
One
of the most important things to remember about this battle is the
speech given by Hadhrat Abdullah bin Rawahah. Read it again and remember
it for such times have never left the Muslims and never will.
AFTER 650 YEAR: THE WISDOM OF ALHAMBRA
After 650 Years: The Wisdom of Al-Hambra
Selection: Tayyib Ali
Visitors
to the Alhambra fortress-palace in Granada have for centuries fallen
into a reverie before its intricately carved medieval walls, wondering
at the meaning of the Arabic inscriptions that adorn them from
floor to ceiling. The script that winds round the filigree arches and
pillared courtyards is so stylized that it's often difficult to
disentangle words from images, and few can decipher the classical Arabic
in which they are written.Now, the carvings have been logged and translated, finally answering the question that has perplexed generations of visitors to Europe's jewel of Muslim architecture: "What are these walls telling me?"
Researchers have produced an interactive DVD that decodes, dates and identifies 3,116 of some 10,000 inscriptions carved on the building that symbolizes centuries of Muslim rule in Spain and is today the country's top tourist landmark.
"There's perhaps nowhere else in the world where gazing upon walls, columns and fountains is an exercise so similar to turning the pages of a book of poems," says Juan Castilla, from the School of Arabic Studies at Spain's Higher Scientific Research Council, whose team produced this still-incomplete guide.
Arabic artisans, supervised by poets employed in the 14th-century court of King Yusuf I, drew up the decorative plans and planned the spaces where verses - original, or copied - were to be engraved.
So, what do these words say? "There aren't as many as we thought," Dr Castilla confessed. Inscriptions of poetry and verses from the Koran that have inspired generations represent only a minimum percentage of the texts that adorn Alhambra's walls, despite the mistaken belief that they are smothered in writings of this kind, he said, presenting his study in Madrid.
Instead the motto of the Nazrid dynasty - "There is no victor but Allah" - is repeated hundreds of times on walls, arches and columns. Isolated words like "happiness" or "blessing" recur, seen as divine expressions protecting the monarch or governor honoured in each palace or courtyard. Aphorisms abound: "Rejoice in good fortune, because Allah helps you," and "Be sparse in words and you will go in peace."
Researchers built upon studies begun 500 years ago by the conquerors of the Nazrid dynasty, who ruled the kingdom of Al Andalus and created this fabulous pile. The Catholic monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella ruthlessly purged Muslims from Spain after 1492, but they were sufficiently curious about their vanquished enemy's heritage, or impressed by the Alhambra's unique beauty, to order specialist translators to study the inscriptions that cover every nook and cranny.
For centuries scholars spent half their life, and ruined their eyesight, scrutinizing the messages embedded in the geometric tiles or finely carved in the stonework. Among them are verses by the acclaimed Islamic poets Ibn al-Khatib and Ibn Zamrak, some of which describe the place where they appear, such as the Hall of the Two Sisters, which represents a garden: "Moreover we do not know of any other garden/more pleasant in its freshness, more fragrant in its surroundings,/or sweeter in the gathering of its fruits..." wrote Ibn Zamrak.
The ceiling represented heaven: "The hands of the Pleiades will spend the night invoking/God's protection in their favour and they will awaken to/the gentle blowing of the breeze./ In here is a cupola which by its height becomes lost from/sight..." the poet wrote.
Until now, however, efforts to transcribe such verses have revealed only a fraction of the material. With modern technology, including a 3D laser scanner, "we have achieved not so much a discovery as an exhaustive labour that seeks to register all the inscriptions," said Dr Castilla. At the touch of a mouse, everyone from the specialist to the idly curious can now learn the meaning of the ancient words, see exactly where they are located, and how often they are repeated on the walls.
The form of script is also described: angular kufic, whose uprights sprout into decorative foliage, or intertwine; curlicue cursive; or a mixture of forms. In a culture that banned human images, the form as well as the content of the calligraphy was designed to exalt temporal and heavenly rulers.
Kufic is used for quotations from the Koran, which tend to be high up on the walls, while the poetry is nearer the ground - further from heaven, scholars say - in elaborately cursive script.
THE SUNNAH OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
The Sunnah of Our Beloved Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم
Sent by: Abdullah
The true and sincere love for our beloved Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم can be expressed in no other way than complete compliance with the sunnah of our Holy Prophet . Allah سبحانہ وتعالیٰ
has placed the conformity and observance of the Holy Prophet’s sunnah
as a prerequisite of attaining His Love. The Holy Quran states, Say, (O Muhammad to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah, then follow me (i.e. accept Islam. Follow the Quran and the Sunnah, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Aal e Imran)
The life of the Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم is a complete and open encyclopedia for us as it enlightens us with each and every etiquette and way of performing all the acts and practices of our daily lives. It teaches us how to live in this finite world and how to secure a high place in the gardens of Jannah. A brief and concise description of some of the of chaste sunnah of the Holy Prophet is given below which if implemented will help us in strengthening our relationship with Allah and in acquiring success in the Hereafter.
Sunnah of Eating
Rasoolullah used to wash his hands and recite Bismillah prior to eating food. He would eat with his right hand and from his front rather than the middle of the dish. He would never point out if the food was unpleasing.
Ettiquettes of Drinking
He would drink, while sitting, without slurping and making undesirable sounds. He used to drink in three breaths (for one drink) and disapproved of breathing in the drinking vessel. He refrained from drinking water just after finishing meals.
ISTIKHARAH
Istikharah
Sent By: Umm Hassan
He who seeks guidance from the Creator and consults the creatures will never regret it. It has been my habit to perform Istikharah whenever some important decision has to be made. Through Istikharah, we ask Allah to guide us to what's best for us in the long run, in fact in both dunya and aakhirah.
I used to offer the two rakaats of salaat at night and read the specific duaa for Istikharah.Then I would go to sleep. Now according to the method that I had initially learnt, I expected to be guided through the dream I would see that night. Something like a garden meant I should go ahead with my plan and things like fire or blood indicated the opposite. It had always been that simple.
THE BATTLE OF UHUD
The Battle of Uhud
Sent By: Bint Arshad
When
the Muslims won the battle of Badr against all odds, the pride of the
Qurayshites was badly wounded. The whole of Makkah reverberated with the
sounds of revenge. It was the custom of the Arabs to lament loudly at
some loss and compose poetry of the sad event. The feeling for revenge
was so great that they forbade any gloomy echo to escape their lips lest
the Muslims feel that they had won a great victory over them which was
actually the case.The Makkans gathered their resources and all decided to use them against the Muslims in an all out war to restore their pride amongst the rest of Arabia. The most enthusiastic of these were Ikramak bin Abi Jahl,
Safwan bin Umayyah, Abu Sufyan bin Harab, and Abdullah bin Abi Rabi’a. They planned and plotted with every cunning, wealth, and man power they had. They sent emissaries to all the surrounding areas to call the tribes to this common cause and managed to get the support of two well-known ones, Kinana and Tihama, and some desert Bedouins the Ahabish. The profits of the caravan that escaped from the Muslims at Badr were all donated for the war. They amounted to 1000 camels and 50 thousand Dinars. It would be used for providing equipment to the army of Makkah. The Qur’an alludes to this incident as follows:
The Unbelievers spend their wealth to hinder (man) from the path of Allah, and so will they continue to spend; but in the end they will have (only) regrets and sighs; at length they will be overcome: and the Unbelievers will be gathered together to Hell;- (8:36)
They also hired poets to entice the people into fighting with the Muslims. Abul Azza, the poet, who had been caught at Badr and then released by Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam only on the condition that he would not take part in any fight against Muslims, was recruited for this work. It was also decided to take along the womenfolk so they could encourage the men to valor.
Among those who joined the new army was an Abyssinian slave called Wahshi, who was known for his accuracy with the spear. His master, Jubayr Ibn Al-Mut'im said to him, ”Go with the army and if you kill Hamzah, the uncle of Muhammad, in revenge for my uncle's death, I will set you free."
When Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan, heard about this she sent a message to Wahshi to say that she would clothe him in gold and silk if he would carry out his master's wish, for she, too, wanted Hamzah dead because the latter had killed both her father and brother.
At the beginning of the new year everything was ready and a body of three thousand armed warriors: seven hundred mailed soldiers, two hundred well-mounted cavalry, three thousand camels, and fifteen women proceeded towards Madinah. The leader was Abu Sufyan bin Harab, the cavalry was headed by Khalid bin Walid, assisted by Ikramah bin Abi Jahal. The flag was entrusted to Bani ‘Abd ad Dar.
Abbaas bin Abd al Muttalib, the uncle of Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam who had not yet declared his faith, was quietly watching all these preparations from the sidelines of Makkah. He sent a detailed message to his nephew (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) who was at Quba at the time he received the letter. He hurried back to Madinah and held a meeting with the Muhajireen (Emigrants) and Ansaar (Helpers). The whole of Madinah was put on high alert and all men were heavily armed even during prayer in anticipation of any emergency. A group of Helpers volunteered to guard the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and kept a watchful eye all night at his door, amongst the guards were Sa’ad bin Mu’az, Usayd bin Hudayr and Sa’ad bin ‘Ubadah. Armed groups of the Madinites began to police the entrances and roads leading to the city. Rasulullah sallallahu'alaihi wasallam sent out scouts to patrol the routes for any enemy raids.Serious consultation followed as to the measures to be taken.
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam had seen a dream which he repeated to his sahabah, he said, He said: “By Allah, I have dreamt of ( I implore Allâh to be a dream of bounty) cows slaughtered and that there was a groove at the pointed top of my sword, and that I had inserted my hand into an immune armour.”
The interpretation of slaughtered cows was that some of the Companions would be killed, and the groove at the pointed top of his sword was that a member of his House would be hurt. As for the armour it was Madinah.
Then he offered a suggestion that his Companions should not go out of Madinah and that they should encamp themselves within the city. He was of the opinion that the enemies should be left in the open to exhaust themselves and thus the Muslims would not risk a battle. But if they thought of attacking Madinah, Muslim men would be ready to fight them at the mouths of lanes; whereas Muslim-women would help from over the roofs of houses. Abdullah bin Ubay the head of the hypocrites; who attended the meeting as a chief of Al-Khazraj, supported the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam’s plan.
As a matter of fact his agreement was not based on the righteousness of the plan but rather on personal benefit. He did not want to fight. On the contrary he secretly aimed at being far away from the fight. However it was Allah’s Will that he should be disclosed and disgraced in public for the first time.
But the young Muslims, who had not had a chance to fight in the Battle of Badr, were eager to go out and face the Quraysh. They said, "O Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, lead us out against our enemies, or else they will think we are too cowardly and too weak to fight them.”
When the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saw that the majority were in favor of going out to meet Quraysh, he agreed.
Meanwhile, the people had repented their outspokenness, saying they thought they had persuaded the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam against his will, which they had no right to. Thus when he went out to them they admitted as much and said that if he wished to remain inside the city, they would not oppose him. But Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam pointed out,
" It is not fitting that a prophet who has put on his armor should lay it aside until he has fought."
Therefore, he marched out with a thousand of his Companions. When they reached Al-Shaout between Madinah and Uhud, Abdullah Ibn Ubay, the Munafiq (hypocrite), withdrew with a third of the men.
About those who withdrew with Ibn Ubay, Allah, Most High, says in the Glorious Qur'an,
" What you suffered on the day the two armies met, was with the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers) and the hypocrites also. These were told: 'Come, fight in the way of Allah, or (at least) drive (the foe from your city).' They said: 'Had we know there would be a fight, we should certainly have followed you.' They were that day nearer to unbelief than to faith, saying with their lips what was not in their hearts. But Allah hath full knowledge of all they conceal. (3: 167) "
Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of Zaid Ibn Thabit radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh who said, "When the Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) set out for (the battle of) Uhud, some of those who had gone out with him, returned. The Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) were divided into two groups: One group said, 'We will fight them (i.e., the enemy),' and other group said, 'We will not fight them.' So there came the Divine Revelation:
" Why should ye be divided onto two parties about the hypocrites? Allah hath cast them off for their (evil) deeds. (An-Nisa: 88) "
Meanwhile the Makkan army continued to proceed on the usual western road. At Abwa where the mother of the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam is buried, Abu Sufyaan’s wife, Hind bin ‘Utbah, suggested they dig up the grave, but the leaders of the party refused to do so for fear of the serious consequences that could follow.
The army then followed Wadi Al-‘Aqeeq and turned right to encamp themselves at a place called Al-‘Ainayn near Uhud Mountain. That was on Friday, 6th Shawwal, 3 A.H.
The aim of hypocrite Abdullah bin Ubay in deserting the army was to produce bewilderment, confusion, and disorder amongst the Muslim army; to destroy their morale; and to reclaim the position of leadership of Madinah after (na’udhubillah), the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and many of his companions would certainly be killed, in his opinion, due to shortness of numbers. The Banu Haritha of Aws and the Banu Salamah of Khazraj were overwhelmed by the hypocrite’s behaviour and started to withdraw; but Allah ta’ala saved them from disgrace by revealing the following verse:
“When two parties from among you were about to lose their heart, but Allah was their Wali (Supporter and Protector). And in Allah should the believers put their trust. [3:122]
This brought peace once again and Banu Salamah and Banu Harithah were saved from following the hypocrites; Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam proceeded with the remainder of his 700 men. The camp of the idolaters was situated at such a place that many roads leading to Uhud were blocked by it, so Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked,
“Which man of you can lead us to where the people (i.e. the
idolaters) are, along a short track that does not pass by
them?”
Abu Khaitama said,
“I am the man you need!”
He led the army through a short track leaving the idolaters army towards the west. Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam went along till they climbed down the Uhud into the valley. There the Muslim army camped with Uhud at their backs and the enemy between them and their beloved city, Madinah.
THE ARMY:
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam had divided the army into three battalions:
1. Al-Muhajireen Battalion commanded by Mus’ab bin ‘Umayr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh.
2. Al-Asanri Aws Battalion commanded by Usayd bin Hudayr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh.
3. Al-Ansari Khazraj Battalion commanded by Hubab bin Mundhir.
The standard was in the hands of Mus’ab bin ‘Umayr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh, Zubayr bin Awwam radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh commanded the cavalry, and Hamzah bin ‘Abdul Mutthalib radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh was in charge of the infantry.
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam now arranged his army in two rows. There was a mountain pass from where the Muslims could be subjected to a surprise attack, the Messenger sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam ordered fifty other skillful archers under Abdullah bin Jubayr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh to position themselves on a mountain at the south bank of the mountain pass, later called Mount Rumat. He sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam clarified their mission in these words,
“Drive off the horses from us by means of arrows, lest they should attack us from behind. Whether we win the battle or lose it, stand steadily in your positions and mind that we are not attacked by your side.” He sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam added,
“Defend our backs! If you see us slain, do not come to assist us; and if you see us gaining ground, do not share us.”
It is also reported that he sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said,
“If you see birds fly off with our flesh, you must not move away from your place.”
On the right wing Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam appointed Mundhir bin ‘Amr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh; on the left he appointed Zubayr bin Awwam radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh with Miqdad bin Aswad radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh as his associate. Hadhrat Zubayr was to stand fast in the face of Khalid bin Walid’s horsemen. The front line was composed of a group of the bravest of men that were said to be equal to a thousand in courage, strength and dexterity.
The war plan was a genius in military strategy. Although the Madinites had reached the battleground later than the Makkans, yet they had managed to secure the better positions.
The army was now ready on the 7th of Shawwal 3 A.H.
PROMOTING THE COURAGE OF HIS ARMY
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam ordered his men not to fight until he gave the order. Then he encouraged them by first putting on a front and back armour and then urging his Companions to keep their determination and steadfastness in battle. Then he took a sharp sword in his hand and called out, “Who is ready to take this sword and pay its proper due?”
Every sahabah coveted the blade, among whom were Ali, Zubayr, and ‘Umar radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anhum. But Allah’s messenger desisted until Abu Dujana radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh asked,
“What is its price?”
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said,
“To strike at the enemy’s face until it is bent.”
Abu Dujana said,
“Ya Rasulullah! I will take it at that price!”
To the consternation of many Sahabah, he was granted the sword. As soon as he took it, he wound a red band around his head. This band was a symbol that he was ready to fight to death.
THE MAKKAN ARMY
The Makkans arranged their army in rows. The general leadership was entrusted to Abu Sufyan bin Harab in the center, Khalid bin Walid was on the right wing, while Ikramah bin abi Jahl on the left, Safwan bin Umayyah was in charge of the infantry. The standard bearers were the customary Bani Abd ad Dar.
The Quraysh women wandered among their army banging on their tambourines and inflaming the emotions of the men to encourage them to fight. This procession was headed by Hind bint Utabh, the wife of Abu Sufyan bin Harab.
THE FIRST PART OF THE COMBAT
The two armies now faced each other. The traditional single combat was started by one of the bravest men on the Makkan side, Talhah bin Abi Talhah, the standard bearer. He came on a camel to the forefront and challenged the Muslims. Zubayr bin Awwam radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh advanced with sword in hand and like lightening jumped onto the mushrik’s camel, swung him off his mount, and finished him in the space of a few seconds.
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was watching and exclaimed, “Allahu Akbar!!” all the Muslims echoed him and shouted the same words, their spirits high with this first victory.
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam praised Zubayr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh with these words,
“Every prophet has a hawari (disciple) and my hawari is Zubayr.”
Talhah’s brother ran forward and seized the standard that had fallen from his hand. Hamzah bin ‘Abd al Mutthalib radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh advanced from the Muslims’ side and dealt him a fatal blow. The flag was then raised by Abu Saeed bin Abi Talhah who was hit either by an arrow from Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqaas radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh or it is also said that by the sword of Hadhrat ‘Ali radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh.
One by one all of the men of the Bani ‘abd ad Dar, the standard bearers, were killed off. When no man of theirs remained to hold the charge entrusted to them, their slave, Sawab, took it up and carried it steadily and faithfully till his death. After that the flag lay in the dust of the valley.
While the centre for the fight had been the flag bearers, bitter struggle was raging all over the battleground. The motto of the Muslims for that day was “I seek death!”; their spirit flowed like raging tides making them an unreckonable force.
Abu Dujana radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh, with his red band on his head and the sword of his beloved Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam in his hand cut through the ranks of the mushrikeen, paying its price as he had promised.
Hamzah bin ‘Abd al Mutthalib radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh was fighting like a furious lion. He had torn into the enemy lines and cut the infantry and horsemen like so much grass with his sword. The Makkans had already decided to have Hadhrat Hamzah assassinated, not by the fair methods of fight but deviously, because they knew no one could stand in front of the Lion and not be struck. His assassin was Wahshi, who later accepted Islam. He used to describe, with tears running down his face, how he had killed Hadhrat Hamzah radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh,
“I was a slave working for Jubayr bin Mut’im, whose paternal uncle Tu’aimah bin ‘Adi had been killed at the Battle of Badr. When the Quraysh were about to leave for Uhud, Jubayr bin Mut’im said to me, ‘If you kill the uncle of Muhammad as compensation for of my uncle, you will be free.”’
Wahshi says, “In response to this (implausible offer) I agreed and set out with the people to Uhud. I was a black man and an expert like the blacks in spearing; my target seldom wavered. When the war started, I set out to seek Hamzah (radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh). My eyes were in search of him, and at last I recognized him in a crowd of people. Like a gray camel he was wrecking havoc among the people.
“By Allah! I was getting ready to assassinate him by taking cover behind a tree or rock hoping he would come nearer when I saw Sibaa bin Abdul ‘Uzza advance before me and confront him. He (Hamzah) challenged him with the words, ‘O the son of a circumciser! Take this!’, and he struck so hard that his (Sibaa’s) head was gone as if it had never been there.”
Wahshi further says, “At that moment I balanced my spear and when it was as evenhanded as I wished it to be, I thrust it at him. The spear pierced him below the navel and come out between the legs. He tried to come towards me but was overcome by his wound. I left him as he was until he died and then went and pulled out my spear and went back to the army. I had no interest in anyone beside him; I had killed him merely for my freedom. When I reached Makkah, I was freed.”
Although, the death of “Asadullah”, the Lion of Allah, was a severe blow to the Muslims, they still maintained control over the war by the courageousness of other sahabah-e-kiraam like Hadhrat Abu Bakr, Hadhrat Umar bin Khattab, Hadhrat Ali, Hadhrat Zubayr, Mus’ab bin Umayr, Hadhrat Talhah bin Ubaydullah, Hadhrat Abdullah bin Jahash, Saeed bin Rabea, Anas bin Nadhr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anhum and others.
Khalid bin Walid had so far attacked the archers on Mount Ruamt three, times to no avail. They had defended their front with deftness and resoluteness leaving Khalid bin Walid and his horsemen to return defeated.
The Muslims were in full command of the situation, with their spirits high and souls fearless. It seemed as if the three thousand idolaters had been fighting thirty thousand Muslims and not merely hundreds. The Makkan army had finally had enough, their will was broken, their strength spent; they fled the battle ground in such confusion that their standard was trampled on by their own men and no one had the courage to lift it up.
Abdullah bin Zubayr quotes his father as saying,
“By Allah! I saw Hind bin ‘Utbah and her accompanying women showing their calves, they were running away lifting their clothes; nothing barred us from capturing them.”
It is related in the Sahih Bukhari by Hadhrat Bar’a bin Azib that, “When we were confronted with the mushrikeen, they were in disorder, until I saw the women lifting their garments high and running swiftly away, showing their anklets. In the chaos, the Muslims would attack the mushrikeen and collect the booty while running after them.”
The Makkan army was fleeing and the Muslims once again had a resounding success over their enemies despite their small number. They were jubilant, and started collecting the war spoils that were their right. The booty would release in some measure the poverty many of them had been living in.
The archers on Mount Rumat saw the victory of their army and thought that the battle was over. They said to themselves,
‘God has defeated the enemy, and our brothers are collecting the spoils. Let us go and join them.’
Forty of the men decided to climb down and help the others, they thought that the orders of the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam were effectual till the end of the battle and did not go beyond. However, their leader Abdullah bin Jubayr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh tried to stop them saying that they should move only when Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam gave them leave to and not before; nine others stayed with him, while the rest descended.
There is a point here that most authors neglect. They claim that the archers went down in their greed for the provisions the fleeing army had left, so they would not be bereft of their share. But what should be considered is that the rule for the distribution of booty is that all will be collected by whomever it is possible, then gathered at one place to be distributed evenly by the general. So the allegation cannot be possible. This mistake, however terrible it proved to be for the rest of the Muslims, was just that, a mistake on their part of understanding their General sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam’s orders.
Khalid bin Walid, fleeing on his horse, chanced to look behind him, as he did so, he saw the inadequately defended gully and at once turned back the reins of his mount crying out for others to follow him. They reached the remaining archers and although they fought valiantly, Abdullah bin Jubayr and his men were martyred. The Makkan army saw what had happened and retraced their steps. A woman ran forward and picked up the standard of the mushrikeen from the dust of the valley and held it aloft. Swiftly the Makkan army rallied around and attacked the Muslims from all sides. Their chief aim was to find and either kill or capture the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam.
TRAPPED
The Muslim army was now between the mushrikeen from both the side of the gorge and from the front. Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was, at that time at the back of the army viewing the battle scene with nine of his sahabah. Khalid bin Walid had taken him by surprise. There were now two options left to him: either move away with his present companions to a safe place in the mountains, or to rally his army and give them support through his company and words so they could fight afresh.
This was a delicate situation but it shows the unmatched valour and courage of our Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and his preference of the lives of his sahabah over his own; he had chosen the latter option. He called out,
“O slaves of Allah!! Here…….!”
Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam knew that his voice would reach the mushrikeen before his companions because of their vicinity. And that is indeed what happened. A group of the idolaters leapt towards him.
The cavalry of the mushrikeen was herding the Muslims who had lost all sense except that of the natural instinct of fleeing to safety. Some of them ran to Madinah, some scrabbled up the mountain, others got mixed up with the Makkan army; no one seemed to know who was friend or foe. Suddenly the cry was heard,
“Muhammad (sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) has been killed!”
This resulted in total bewilderment and most of the Muslims lost heart completely. Hadhrat bin Nadhar radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh passed by one such group and asked what had happened to them. They said,
“Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam has been killed!”
He said, “So what will you live for now? Get up and give your life for that for which Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam gave his…..”
Another companion Thabit bin Wahdah radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh called to his tribe, “If Muhammad sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam has been killed, Allah is still alive! He cannot die! Fight for your Deen, Allah will give you victory!
On this, a group of the Ansaar (Helpers) stood up again and started to wage war.
One of the Muhajirs (Emigrants) passed an Ansaari lying there covered in his own blood; he said in despair, “Do you know Muhammad sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam has been killed?”
The Ansaari answered, “If Muhammad sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam has been killed, he has conveyed the religion of Allah, now it is your duty to fight for its protection.”
Incidents like this steadily built up the lost morale of the Muslims and they started to get up and struggle once again against the polytheists.
Then news reached them that the reports of the death of their beloved Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam had been false, this surged their courage and they started gathering together once more for a fierce and relentless battle.
The events that followed the call of the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam to his sahabah are unmatched in history for love, devotion, courageousness, and gallantry.
The Makkans had heard the voice and rushed towards Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam in hordes. At that time only nine guards were protecting the Messenger, all ready to give their lives to defend him. One by one all were martyred until there remained only Talhah bin ‘Ubaydullah radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh and Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh. The Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was slowly being backed towards Mount Uhud with the mushrikeen advancing towards them. ‘Utbah bin Abi Waqqas threw rocks at the Messenger injuring his lower lip and knocking out the lower right incisor. Abdullah bin Shihab wounded his forehead. Abdullah bin Qami’ah came on horseback and struck Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam with immense force on his head. Hadhrat Talhah who was standing before Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam intercepted the blow and the sword glanced off the holy head, striking his cheek and falling on his shoulder. Two rings of his helmet embedded in the upper part of the cheek. Blood was running down his face and while wiping it he said, “(I wonder) how the people can thrive or be successful who cut the face of their Prophet and break his tooth, though he was calling them to worship Allah.”
Allah ta’ala did not like these words from the mouth of his most dear slave even in such harsh circumstances and He admonished him with the verse,
“Not for you (O Muhammad, but for Allah) is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to them or punishes them; verily they are the zalimun.” (3:128)
The two soldiers now guarding their Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam were doing the job of a whole battalion. They used swords and arrows so skillfully that they were able to hold off the idolaters from their beloved Rasul sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam.
Hadhrat Talhah took up the main fight after the death of the seven companions and fought more than all of them together till his hand was hurt and the fingers of one hand either cut off or paralyzed. It is said that he received nearly forty wounds in defending the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam who said in reward of his fearless defense, “Whoever wishes to see a martyr walking the earth, let him see Talhah bin ‘Ubaydullah.”
Abu Bakr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh used to say about Uhud, “That was Talhah’s day!”
Sa’ad bin abi Waqqas was an expert in archery. Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam emptied his own quiver for him and said, “Shoot! May my father and mother be sacrificed for you!”
This was the highest of honours for Rasulullah had never before nor afterwards said these words to anyone else.
All of this happened at a very fast pace. Hearing the voice of Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, his closest companions had already turned back and were heading in his direction. Hadhrat Abu Bakr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh relates, “When it was Uhud Day and at the time that the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was left behind, I was the first to go back and see him. Before him I saw a man fighting to shield him from the enemies. I said to myself: “I wish he were Talha. Let my father and mother be sacrificed for you. (O Allah) Let him be Talha! Let my parents be sacrificed for you!” On the way, I was overtaken by Abu ‘Ubaydah bin Jarrah, who was moving as swiftly as a bird. We both rushed to dress the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam’s wounds. There we found Talha suffering from serious injuries lying before the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. The Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: “See to your brother. His deed entitled him for an abode in Paradise.” I noticed that two rings of the iron-ringed helmet had penetrated his cheek.So I set out to remove them; but Abu ‘Ubaydah requested: ‘By Allah, O Abu Bakr I beseech you, let me do it.’ Fearing to hurt the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam he started pulling one of the two rings out very slowly and carefully with his mouth. Then he pulled the arrow out by his mouth, too. Consequently, his front tooth fell. Then I proceeded to draw the second out; but Abu ‘Ubaidah besought me to leave it: “O, Abu Bakr, I adjure you by Allah to let me do it.” He pulled the second ring very slowly and carefully with his mouth till it came out. The Messenger of Allah said: “See to your brother. He has proved to be worthy of being housed in Paradise.” We approached Talha to treat him and found out that he had had some ten sword-strokes on his body. (This showed how efficiently Talha had fought and struggled on that day).”
Then, swiftly, other companions reached the place cutting through the mushrikeen to form a protective ring around Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. Among them were Abu Dujana, Mus’ab bin Umayr, Ali bin abi Talib, Sahl bin Hunayf, Malik bin Sin’aan, Umme Ammarah Nusaybah bint Ka’ab, Hatib bin abi Balta’, and Abu Talhah radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anhum.
The events that followed the call of the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam to his sahabah are unmatched in history for love, devotion, courageousness, and gallantry.
The Makkans had heard the voice and rushed towards Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam in hordes. At that time only nine guards were protecting the Messenger, all ready to give their lives to defend him. One by one all were martyred until there remained only Talhah bin ‘Ubaydullah radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh and Sa’ad bin Abi Waqqas radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh. The Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was slowly being backed towards Mount Uhud with the mushrikeen advancing towards them. ‘Utbah bin Abi Waqqas threw rocks at the Messenger injuring his lower lip and knocking out the lower right incisor. Abdullah bin Shihab wounded his forehead. Abdullah bin Qami’ah came on horseback and struck Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam with immense force on his head. Hadhrat Talhah who was standing before Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam intercepted the blow and the sword glanced off the holy head, striking his cheek and falling on his shoulder. Two rings of his helmet embedded in the upper part of the cheek. Blood was running down his face and while wiping it he said, “(I wonder) how the people can thrive or be successful who cut the face of their Prophet and break his tooth, though he was calling them to worship Allah.”
Allah ta’ala did not like these words from the mouth of his most dear slave even in such harsh circumstances and He admonished him with the verse,
“Not for you (O Muhammad, but for Allah) is the decision; whether He turns in mercy to them or punishes them; verily they are the zalimun.” (3:128)
The two soldiers now guarding their Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam were doing the job of a whole battalion. They used swords and arrows so skillfully that they were able to hold off the idolaters from their beloved Rasul sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam.
Hadhrat Talhah took up the main fight after the death of the seven companions and fought more than all of them together till his hand was hurt and the fingers of one hand either cut off or paralyzed. It is said that he received nearly forty wounds in defending the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam who said in reward of his fearless defense, “Whoever wishes to see a martyr walking the earth, let him see Talhah bin ‘Ubaydullah.”
Abu Bakr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh used to say about Uhud, “That was Talhah’s day!”
Sa’ad bin abi Waqqas was an expert in archery. Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam emptied his own quiver for him and said, “Shoot! May my father and mother be sacrificed for you!”
This was the highest of honours for Rasulullah had never before nor afterwards said these words to anyone else.
All of this happened at a very fast pace. Hearing the voice of Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, his closest companions had already turned back and were heading in his direction. Hadhrat Abu Bakr radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anh relates,
“When it was Uhud Day and at the time that the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was left behind, I was the first to go back and see him. Before him I saw a man fighting to shield him from the enemies. I said to myself: “I wish he were Talha. Let my father and mother be sacrificed for you. (O Allah) Let him be Talha! Let my parents be sacrificed for you!” On the way, I was overtaken by Abu ‘Ubaydah bin Jarrah, who was moving as swiftly as a bird. We both rushed to dress the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam’s wounds. There we found Talha suffering from serious injuries lying before the Messenger of Allah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. The Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: “See to your brother. His deed entitled him for an abode in Paradise.” I noticed that two rings of the iron-ringed helmet had penetrated his cheek. So I set out to remove them; but Abu ‘Ubaydah requested: ‘By Allah, O Abu Bakr I beseech you, let me do it.’ Fearing to hurt the Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam he started pulling one of the two rings out very slowly and carefully with his mouth. Then he pulled the arrow out by his mouth, too. Consequently, his front tooth fell. Then I proceeded to draw the second out; but Abu ‘Ubaidah besought me to leave it:
“O, Abu Bakr, I adjure you by Allah to let me do it.” He pulled the second ring very slowly and carefully with his mouth till it came out. The Messenger of Allah said: “See to your brother. He has proved to be
worthy of being housed in Paradise.” We approached Talha to treat him and found out that he had had some ten sword-strokes on his body. (This showed how efficiently Talha had fought and struggled on that day).”
Then, swiftly, other companions reached the place cutting through the mushrikeen to form a protective ring around Rasulullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. Among them were Abu Dujana, Mus’ab bin Umayr, Ali bin abi Talib, Sahl bin Hunayf, Malik bin Sin’aan, Umme Ammarah Nusaybah bint Ka’ab, Hatib bin abi Balta’, and Abu Talhah radhiyallahu ta'ala 'anhum.
THE BATTLE OF PALESTINE
The Battle for Palestine
Sent by: Abdullah
The
Khalifa Hadhrat Abu Bakr radhiyallahu anhu dispatched an army of 10,000
Mujahideen under the command of Hadhrat Amr Bin Al’As (radhiyallahu
anhu) to wage Jihad in Palestine. When this information reached
Heraculus, the Christian emperor, he summoned a Christian Arab spy to
give an account of the Muslims. The following conversation took place:Heraculus: “When did you depart from Madinah?”
Spy: “Twenty five days ago”.
Heraculus: “Who is the chief of the Muslims?”
Spy: “His name is Abu Bakr. He has dispatched an army to invade your land. I have studied those people carefully. They are diligent, strong, ever prepared and intelligent.”
Heraculus: “Have you seen Abu Bakr?”
Spy: “Yes, I have seen him. In fact, I sold him a shawl for 4 dirhams, which he wears over his shoulders. He is a simple man dressed in only two cloths.
He wanders around the market place like an undistinguished man. He protects the rights of people. He ensures that the strongfulfilthe rights of the weak. He treats all people, the weak and the strong, with equality.”
Heraculus: “Describe his appearance.”
Spy: “He is tall, of wheaten colour, light cheeks, The joints of his fingers are broad. His front teeth are extremely beautiful.”
(Heraculus laughed and said): “He is the Khalfah of Muhammad. He is described in our Scripture. The second person who will take over after him is
also described in our Scripture. Victory will be in his hands and the defeat of the enemies.”
Spy: “I have seen that person too. He is in the constant companion of Abu Bakr, never separating himself.”
Heraculus: “I had already warned the Romans some time ago. I had invited them to success and salvation, but they had ignored me, and had refused to
obey me. I am certain that now the Romans will very soon be expelled from Syria.”
Although the emperor was convinced of the truth of Islam to which the Injeel (Bible) testified, he did not embrace the Deen. He sent a powerful army of 100,000 against the Muslim army of 10,000. When Hadhrat Amr, the Muslim commander was informed of the approach of the Christian army, he addressed the Sahaabah, and said:
“We seek the aid of Allah. Might and power are only with Him. You and I are all equal in the matter of Jihad. In the stand against the enemy seek aid from Allah. Fight valiantly for the sake of your Shariah and Deen. Whoever will be killed, will be a Shaheed (Martyr). Whoever remains alive, will be Saeed (Fortunate).”
With the inferior Muslim force of 10,000 pitted against the superior Christian army of 100,000, the battle was indeed grim and ferocious. Hadhrat Abdullah Bin Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) who had participated in this Jihad, narrated the following episode:
“In the thick of the battle, I recited a dua which Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had taught me. It was the time of Zawwaal. Suddenly I looked
towards the heaven. I saw several doorways opening up. Numerous horsemen donned in white with glittering green spears in their hands emerged from the doorways. A caller from them proclaimed that victory will be with us.
The caller exclaimed: “O Ummah of Muhammad! (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Allah’s aid has arrived...” I take oath by Allah! Within a short while we were victorious. The Christians were routed and they fled in total disorder.”
Ten thousand Christian soldiers were slain in that battle, while only 130 Muslims were martyred.
“Verily, Allah had aided you in many places (of battle) ……” (Qur’an)
Friday, 19 July 2013
RECOVERY OF ZAM ZAM
Recovery of Zam-Zam
By: Muslim
"Dig sweet clarity."
"What is sweet clarity?" Abdul Mutthalib asked in wonderment.
But the image had vanished. Although he did not understand it but he felt such peace by the incidence that the next night he again slept on the same spot. The second night the vision appeared again,
“Dig beneficence." It said and disappeared again leaving the chief bewildered.
The third night a similar thing happened and the command was,
"Dig the treasure hoard!" and again there was no chance of a reply.
But the fourth night, when the directive came, "Dig Zam-zam!", Abdul Mutthalib asked, "What is Zam-zam?" and he got the answer,
"Dig her you shall not regret
For she is your inheritance
From your greatest ancestor
Dry she never will, nor fail
To water all the pilgrim throng."
The people of Makkah had forgotten about this holy water from heaven and the vision or angel was making him remember the gift of Allah. Then the speaker told him to look for a place where there was blood, dung, an ants’ nest and pecking ravens. Finally he was told to pray for clear water that would water the pilgrims throughout their pilgrimage.
The dawn was breaking as 'Abdul al-Mutthalib rose. He performed the tawaf (seven rounds of the Ka'bah). After the last round he went to the door of the Ka'bah and prayed for what he had been ordered. As he turned after finishing his prayer, he saw ravens fly down to the spot, nearly opposite to the door of the Ka'bah, where sacrifices to the idols were made. There would be blood there, and dung from the sacrificial animals…..ravens had just alighted….he went and yes! There was also an ant's nest. So this must be the place!
He went home and brought back his only son, Harith, and a pickaxe. He started digging while his son guarded him. The guarding was necessary because although he was a most loved leader, this was also sacred ground. Maybe he did not want to tell people of what he was doing until he had solid proof. The sound of the digging soon attracted the attention of the people. They gathered round in surprise at what Abdul Mutthalib was doing. Some tried to interfere but he ignored them. At last he struck the stone covering the well. The people were even more amazed. More of them came to look as Abdul Mutthalib lifted the stone. Now the onlookers realized that here was something important going on and they wanted a share in it. Abdul Mutthalib refused on the grounds that he alone had been singled out for this honorable task. They insisted, and it was agreed to consult a diviner of Bani Sa'ad. As they left Makkah Allah Ta'ala showed some signs that confirmed that He had chosen Abdul Mutthalib for the honored job.
So he continued digging and found the buried treasure….swords, armor and two deer made of gold. The treasure was a moot point. Lots were cast as was the custom as to whom it should belong. It was to be decided whether the treasure would go to the tribe, to Abdul Mutthalib personally, or to the Sanctuary. As it were, none of it went to the tribe but was divided between the latter two. The care of Zam-zam was given to Abdul Mutthalib as he was in charge of watering the pilgrims anyway.
The Vow:
When Abdul Mutthalib had been digging the Well with unapproving people all around and only one son to protect him, he had felt the shortage of sons acutely. In those times, more sons meant more power of protection from hostile groups.
He felt much honored that Allah had chosen him out of all others as the instrument to the recovery of Zam-zam. Feeling close to Allah he prayed that if He would give him 10 sons who all grew to manhood, he would sacrifice one of them to Allah.
It seemed a far off possibility to have ten sons when he made this vow. But as the years passed Allah Ta'ala did bless him with 9 more boys. The youngest of these was Abdullah. Abdullah was the most handsome and noblest of all his sons; he was also his father's favorite.
The time came when Abdul Mutthalib could no longer delay his promise to Allah as all his sons were young men now. Because he was a man of his word, it never entered his head to break his vow. So one day he gathered all his sons and told them of his pledge. All of them agreed, their fathers vow was theirs even if it meant their life was at stake. Lots were to be cast as to which of the sons was to be sacrificed. They marked their arrows for the lots and proceeded to the Ka'bah. The lots driver cast the arrows and lo! Who should be chosen but the most adored one, Abdullah!
Abdul Mutthalib and Abdullah were ready for the sacrifice but Abdullah's mother and her tribe interfered; the sons also added their voice and it was demanded that Abdul Mutthalib renounce his vow and offer expiation instead.
After a long discussion it was decided that they go and ask for a solution from a wise woman residing in Yathrib, the land of the birth of Abdul Mutthalib. Father and son set forth and found the woman in Khayber a place near Yathrib. She told them to put 10 camels besides Abdullah and cast lots between them; adding 10 more camels each time the arrow was against Abdullah until the camels were accepted and the son acquitted.
They came back to Makkah and did as they were told. The lots were cast; 10, 20, 30 camels; still the arrow chose Abdullah. At last when the number of camels rose to a 100, then only were the animals chosen. Just to be very sure in his heart, Abdul Mutthalib did this 3 times before the camels were finally sacrificed instead of his son. After this the blood-money changed from 10 camels to 100 camels in Arabia. This tradition of a deet (blood money) of a hundred camels for a human life has been kept on by Islam. This is also why our Holy Prophet sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was called the son of the “Slaughtered Two"……once after his ancestor, Hadhrat Isma'eel alaihis salaam, and then after his father, Abdullah bin Abd al-Mutthalib.
THE DEATH OF HAZRAT ABDULLAH علیہ السلام
The Death of Hazrat Abdullah علیہ السلام
Sent By: Muslim
Hadhrat Abdullah had not been present in
Makkah at the Event of the Elephant. Some versions say that he had been
sent by his father to buy dates in Madinah. Another account states that
Abdullah went to Syria with a trade caravan. Hadhrat Aminah remained
very sad and melancholic at the absence of her husband. She was living
in her uncle’s house with Barakah (Umme Ayman), Abdullah’s maid.Two months after the departure of Abdullah, Aminah called Barakah at dawn one morning and, her face beaming with joy, she said to her: "O Barakah! I have seen a strange dream."
"Something good, my lady," Barakah said.
"I saw lights coming from my abdomen lighting up the mountains, the hills and the valleys around Makkah.” Aminah said.
"You shall give birth to a blessed child who will bring goodness," Barakah said.
Hadhrat Aminah did not even leave Makkah when Abrahah’s army was expected to attack. When Abdul Mutthalib came to tell her to leave for the mountains along with the others, she refused to go. She insisted that Abrahah could never enter Makkah and destroy the Ka’bah because it was protected by Allah, and she was too grief-stricken by the absence of her husband to go away from home.
Meanwhile, Hadhrat Abdullah had fallen ill on the way back. He stayed in Madinah, therefore, to recuperate at the house of his grandmother’s relative, An-Nabigha Al-Ju‘di. When Hadhrat Abdul Mutthalib got news of the poor health of his youngest, he sent his older son Harith to go and accompany him back to Makkah as soon as he was well enough to make the journey. But when Harith arrived at the house of his cousins in Madinah, he received the distressing news of his brother’s death. There was great grief in Makkah at the news of his demise. He had been the most beloved son of Abdul Mutthalib, the zabih who had been rescued by Divine Hand, the most handsome and chaste man of Makkah, the dear husband of his young and beautiful wife. Hadhrat Aminah was beside herself with grief. She said a heart-touching elegy in her husband's memory, for she loved him dearly and never remarried after his death as was the common custom in Arabia.
Hadhrat Barakah describes how the news reached Hadhrat Aminah. She was at Abdul-Muttalib's house when news came from Madinah that Abdullah had died. She said: "I screamed when I heard the news. I don't know what I did after that except that I ran to Aminah's house shouting, lamenting for the absent one who would never return, lamenting for the beloved one for whom we waited so long, lamenting for the most beautiful youth of Makkah, for Abdullah, the pride of the Quraysh.
"When Aminah heard the painful news, she fainted and I stayed by her bedside while she was in a state between life and death. There was no one else but me in Aminah's house. I nursed her and looked after her during the day and through the long nights until she gave birth to her child, "Muhammad", on a night in which the heavens were resplendent with the light of Allah."
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